Page 32 of His Forbidden Duchess
If Percy was anywhere, it would be next to the alcohol.
I could do with a tipple or two myself.
“Felix Greystone, as I live and breathe,” Percy said as Felix approached. “I had almost forgotten your existence. It has been so long since I last saw you! Do not tell me that your unsatisfied lust is keeping you indoors?”
“You have never been particularly amusing, Percy,” Felix retorted dryly. “I do not know why you are now trying to be.”
Percy let out a laugh. “Goodness, we are in a good mood, are we not?”
“Mine will improve when you pour the damn wine.”
Felix nodded to the decanter of wine on the table, red as blood and as thick as desire. Percy grinned and did as he was told. Felix watched as the sparkling liquid filled his glass, and he licked his lips in anticipation.
“I sense that this bet of yours really has you rattled.” Percy said, handing Felix the glass.
Felix tossed back his drink in a single gulp then shoved the glass back into Percy’s hand and nodded for another.
“Not at all,” Felix lied, taking the second glass and sipping more carefully this time.
He leaned against the table and scanned the ballroom, searching for Eloise.
“I always knew you were licentious old fool, Felix, but even I thought you could manage a couple of weeks. Why not cheat? I cannot imagine you have so much honor that you would not find an old maid in need to satisfy, all in the secret of your own home. Eloise would never find out.”
Felix’s eyes darkened at the mention of her name. He didn’t like the sound of it upon anyone else’s lips, and he realized just how possessive he had become as of late. He gripped the stem of his wine glass, his jaw clenched, but he didn’t bother to answer Percy.
“You know, old boy, I have heard it said once or twice?—”
“There,” Felix muttered, interrupting whatever nonsense Percy was spouting.
He narrowed his eyes at the newcomers, his heart racing and his nerves humming with anticipation.
There she was. Her gown was scarlet red, a daring color for even the most forward of ladies. It clung invitingly to her curves so that her shape was obvious to anyone who cared to look. The neckline, a touch lower than she would normally wear, was tight against her chest, her ample bosom threatening to spill over with the slightest change in gravity.
Felix licked his lips again, his grip on the wine glass ever tighter.
Come to me.
Percy followed his gaze and laughed once more. “Oh, I see,” he muttered.“Thatis the source of your frustration.”
“I do not know what you are going on about, Percy,” Felix said though his eyes did not leave Eloise.
How I would like to rip that gown from her body and inspect every inch of her.
“And King George is not as mad as a hatter. You know that no good will come of this, do you not?”
“I simply do not know what you are talking about,” Felix repeated, his words more punctuated this time.
“No, of course not. But she is Jeremy’s sister. Hisbabysister. You know that means all sorts of trouble for you.”
Felix gripped the glass even harder. Part of him hoped it would break, shatter in his hands so that he could experience a distracting rush of pain and feel something other than overwhelming lust for a woman he knew he could never have.
Percy shook his head as the two men stood, watching over Eloise as she greeted the other guests, their eyes tracking her every movement.
“I admit she is something to look at, especially this evening, but really, Felix. Do you not think this is simply a symptom of your lack of… sensual activity, shall we say? Is winning this bet worthrisking your longstanding friendship with Jeremy? I dare say there are finer women out there to lose your life over.”
Percy chuckled, not realizing that his words were not amusing Felix. If anything, they only riled him further.
I really do need to get my emotions under control.
