Page 44 of When a Lady Dares
Another moan escaped him, deep in his throat, betraying a need he couldn’t disguise.
So,he’s been caught in his own snare.
She clung to him, ridiculously pleased by the thought.
The pressure of his mouth against hers eased. He stilled. And then, his hold relaxed, slowly, reluctantly. His hands fell away, and he drew in a long breath. He rubbed his jaw as he studied her, silent for the span of several heartbeats, as he seemed to consider his words.
“Well, then, that’s more like it.” His voice was lower, huskier than before he’d kissed her. But the look in his eyes made it clear he’d endure a night in the vilest of dungeons rather than admit the effect she had on him. “A proper reward, I’d say.”
Sophie swallowed hard. She wasn’t sure which had sent her reeling—the potent hunger he’d unleashed or his callous words. She retreated a step, then another. She wanted to drop her gaze, to look away and never again take in his handsome countenance. Instead, she faced him, forcing her features into a placid mask. She’d been a fool to let down her guard. She would not allow him the satisfaction of seeing how deeply he’d impacted her suddenly vulnerable heart.
“Yes, I’d say that should do it,” she said, her voice throaty. “Fair compensation for slaying a dragon.”
His mouth curved into something not quite a smile. “Indeed.”
A quiet throat-clearing announced Avery’s presence. He ambled toward them. Tipping his hat, he offered a pleasant greeting.
“I presume your lady is in good spirits this evening,” Stanwyck replied.
“Ye might say I put a smile on her face,” Avery said with a grin. He turned to Sophie. “My apologies, miss. I’ve no business forgetting my manners with a lady present.”
“It would take far more than that to shock me. You’ve no need to censor yourself on my account.”
“Thank ye.” Avery shifted his attention back to Stanwyck. “I trust ye did not encounter any difficulties with the situation.”
“Nothing beyond the expected.”
“And the ruffians?”
Stanwyck shrugged. “I imagine they’ve slithered back to the gutter.”
“Well done, sir. Are we to proceed to your town house?”
He shook his head. “We will transport Miss Devereaux to her residence, a boardinghouse on Charing Cross. I’ll signal when we approach the building.”
“Very good, sir,” Avery replied.
Taking her hand, Gavin assisted Sophie into the carriage. To her surprise, the simple touch heated her skin.
Avery waited until Gavin entered the carriage and seated himself on the opposite bench, then closed the door behind him.
“Well, Miss Devereaux, what shall we discuss now? Any chance Esme is hovering around?” His tone sounded flippant, but there was no denying the passion flickering in the depths of his indigo eyes.
Sophie pulled in a breath. Two could play his game. If he wished to pretend he’d been unaffected by what had just happened, she could bloody well do the same.
“Esme is not a voyeur. She’s far too discreet to spy on a kiss, no matter how tame it might have been.”
“Tame?” He leaned toward her. “If you’re inclined to engage in a more adventurous endeavor, I’d embrace the challenge.”
“While your kiss was somewhat tempting, I’ve no interest in joining the ranks of your conquests.”
One brow crooked. “Somewhattempting? You do know how to wound a man.”
Sophie bit back a smile. “You’ve no idea, Professor Stanwyck.”
His eyes darkened. “You intrigue me, Sophie. You draw in a man and tempt him to his limits without even trying. Seducing you would be a rare pleasure. But one thing is certain—even in the face of surrender, you would never be a mere conquest.”
Chapter Thirteen
