Page 47 of Would I Lie to the Duke
“Damnation,” she said. “I like picturing that. You, pleasuring yourself.”
Her words put him on the verge of coming in hisbreeches like a lad. “Then think of that tonight, as you’re lying in your own bed. Think of me with my hand around my cock, wishing it was your hand. Your mouth, your pussy.”
“Demon,” she admonished, her voice halfway between remonstrance and arousal. “I thought for certain that I couldn’t possibly need another orgasm after the half dozen you just gave me. But you are determined, once again, to prove me wrong.”
She presented too much temptation. He had to get her back amongst company, or else he was in serious danger of having her right here in Trask’s conservatory, which, thinking on it, didn’t seem like a bad idea.
She deserves better than a quick fuck on a stone bench.The plan had merit, but he craved her naked.
He fought a groan as he got to his feet. It hadn’t felt painful being on his knees for so long, but his body now protested. At least the pain helped dull the edge of his arousal. He could walk back into the parlor without brandishing an enormous erection.
“My gracious lady.” He offered her his hand.
She slid her palm against his as she rose to her feet, and just like that, the excitement he’d congratulated himself for dousing came flooding back.
“I like the way you say that,” she murmured. “My gracious lady.As if you were a knight and I was a farmer’s daughter.”
“Don’t you mean a princess?”
“I’m no princess,” she said firmly. “Not if she’s stuck in a tower, waiting for rescue. No,” she went on, “I’m the lusty farmer’s daughter who finds the wearyknight in the barn and compels him to sate her desires. And he has to obey.”
“Because he’s sworn an oath to serve her in any way.” Shuddering, he clamped his eyes closed. “I’m a hairsbreadth away from tupping you right here and to hell with anyone who might come in and see.”
Her chest rose and fell. “I—”
“Lady Whitfield?” It was Lady Farris, and her footsteps neared.
Jess shoved Noel behind a large potted palm. It didn’t fully conceal him, but hopefully the shadows would do the rest of the job.
“Here,” Jess said brightly.
Lady Farris appeared. “Ah, good. You’re on the verge of being missed.” She eyed Jess, then looked at the potted palm. “You might want to wait here a few moments after we leave, Your Grace, before you return.”
Fuck.Noel emerged from behind the palm. Still, few things couldn’t be repaired with a dash of aristocratic sangfroid. “Lady Farris.” He bowed.
Jess said, “We were talking. Nothing more.”
Lady Farris held up a hand. “Don’t fret. I can’t pass along any scandal because I know nothing.”
“Why would you keep silent?” In Noel’s experience, information was a loaded weapon, ready to be fired. Everyone wanted to be armed.
“Because I’ve been where she is now,” Lady Farris said, nodding at Jess. “Some men wagered on who would be the first to bed me after I came out of mourning. A friend came to my aid, fortunately, but”—hervoice grew tight—“I never want another woman’s body to be the target of speculation and gossip.”
Jess took Lady Farris’s hand. “Thank you.”
“You’ve also my gratitude.” Humbled by the countess, Noel bowed again. “If there’s anything I can do for you—”
Lady Farris held up a finger in warning. “Donotboast of this to your friends.”
“Never,” he said firmly. God, the very idea was disgusting. And to speak of what he and Jess had done to anyone would profane it. He would keep it close and sacred—filthy, but sacred.
“And that’s why I like you, Your Grace.” The countess smiled before turning to Jess. “Shall we return?”
“I won’t forget this,” Jess said earnestly.
“I hope not,” Lady Farris said, her smile widening, “forhissake.”
Jess took her arm, and she and Lady Farris drifted toward the door. They hadn’t gone a few steps before Jess murmured to the countess, “I’ll join up with you in a moment.”
