Page 59 of When a Lady Desires a Wicked Lord
“I will be more at ease in my own residence,” she said.
A smile flickered over Sophie’s face. “I suspect you will be searching every nook in your study tonight.”
“Is it so obvious, then?”
“Jennie could not bear any delay in her investigations. I suspect it is the same for you.”
“If I can find the map, we may be able to put this ugly matter to rest,” Alex said. “Once word gets out that we’ve found it, I predict the killer will abandon his mask.”
Alex drummed her nails against the leather-upholstered bench of Benedict’s carriage. He’d insisted on seeing her safely home, though she suspected he wanted to be alone with her. Something was on his mind—something he had no intention of sharing with Stanwyck.
Though he sat mere inches from her within the curtained coach, he’d said little that could not have been shared with his rival, or anyone else for that matter. What was on his mind?
His driver set the carriage moving at a brisk pace to her townhouse and they rattled over the cobbles. Though Benedict had insisted on seeing Alex to her home, he seemed distant. Seeming to know better than to make contact, he made no attempt to touch her. Holding himself rigid, he angled his body away from hers.
She sighed to herself. If she’d been thinking solely with her head, she would consider herself thankful. It was for the best that he held himself under tight rein. Wasn’t it?
Pity she could not convince herself to appreciate his restraint. The longing in her heart overruled rational thought, and she sought the comfort of his skin touching hers. Pulling in a breath, she inched closer and bridged the invisible chasm that separated them.
With a smile she hoped appeared subtle and alluring rather than shy and nervous, she reached for him. “A penny for your thoughts,” she said, closing her lace-gloved fingers over his hand.
For several heartbeats, he regarded her silently. He raked a hand through his hair. “If I speak the truth, I am sure you will regret the inquiry.”
“This night was far more difficult than I’d envisioned. I would appreciate your honesty.”
He leaned closer, cupping a hand against her cheek. The texture of his slightly roughened fingers against her skin set her tingling from the crown of her head to the tips of her toes. “When I saw you across the ballroom tonight, it was all I could do to keep my distance.”
“If I did not know better, I would think you were jealous.”
“Jealousy is a shallow, transient emotion. What I am experiencing is far more complicated than that.” His mouth brushed hers. “I want you, Alexandra. More than I thought possible.”
“I do not doubt that, Benedict.” She leaned against him, drinking in his warmth. “The truth of that statement was quite evident last night.”
“I won’t deny that I want you in my bed. You would see through such a bold lie in a heartbeat. Besides, I’ve no reason to pretend I’m not drawn to you. You are beautiful…every man in that ballroom would’ve given his last shilling for a chance with you.” Each word was uttered in a low, husky rasp. “But…there’s more.”
A thrill rippled through her, deep-seated and primal. For so long, she’d been content with the excitement of a successful expedition and her research. She’d been happy enough. But there’d been a void in her life she had never acknowledged. She’d never stopped wanting Benedict. Never stopped needing him. Now, touching him, feeling his gentle breath against her cheek, her thirst for him intensified. She craved his touch. His scent. His kiss. His poignant confession spurred an elemental satisfaction. Knowing how very much he wanted her, just as she yearned for him, filled her heart.
“I craveyou, Alexandra.” His arms loosely caged her against him, seductive and bold. Yet, he allowed her the choice to stay within his embrace, or free herself from his hold.
He ducked his head, capturing her mouth in a kiss. He was temptation personified. The sweet pressure of his lips against hers was far too delicious to forgo, no matter how vigorously her good sense protested.
“Stay with me tonight,” he breathed against her mouth. “Tell me you’ll be mine until the dawn.”
How she wanted to be with him. In his arms. In his bed. Not only for this one night. But until the end of her days.
One large, powerful hand skimmed the length of her bodice, tempting her fully clothed flesh with the promise of his touch. With a profound tenderness, he cupped her breast against his palm, teasing the bud of her nipple to full, aching awareness.
“I never should have let you go.” His mouth traced a sensuous path along the curve of her throat. “I was a fool. Say you’ll stay with me.”
She gave her head a desperate little shake. “I must return home. The guards will be expecting me. Matthew and Jennie will be frantic with worry.”
He pulled her onto his lap. Through the layers of skirts, the ridge of his erection pressed into her, bold and demanding. Burying her face against the curve of his shoulder, she sighed with longing she had no desire to hide. She wanted him. Why should she pretend she did not?
With the curtains drawn on the carriage windows, they enjoyed a modicum of privacy. The physical evidence of his desire pulsed against her bottom. She nestled against him, savoring every moment in his arms.
“I do want to be with you,” she whispered. “Shall we be bold and exceedingly scandalous?”
“What did you have in mind?” Carnal interest flavored his gravel-edged tones.
