Page 13 of A Wager With A Rake
Once he was inside his carriage, each moment that passed left alone with his own thoughts was a reminder of his growing obsession with a woman he couldn’t have.
Back in his bedchamber after he’d grumpily sent his valet away and undressed himself before crawling into his bed, Court tossed and turned, sleep eluding him.In moments where he thought he might sleep, Theodosia’s face haunted him, and then finally his cock decided it did, in fact, recall how to rise for the occasion.He imagined what it would be like to feel her soft skin beneath his fingertips and bite into her bottom lip as he sank inside of her, making her gasp in pleasure.
“Damn it all,” he groaned, punching his pillow.It was going to be a very long night indeed.
As dawn’s pale light crept through the curtains, Court stared at the fabric covering his four-poster bed, his mind a haze of exhaustion and longing.Sleep hadn’t come easily, but he wasn’t certain he could say the same for himself.His eyes drifted open and his stomach was covered with his spend.He hadn’t even recalled doing so, which was even more maddening.
His cock was still hard and aching for her.He’d always thought she was beautiful, but he’d never given the notion of bedding her much thought.So why was she so hard to remove from his every thought?After being married to the aged Dundas, she probably didn’t even know the first thing about what to do in the bedchamber, so why on earth was his mind stuck on her?
The thought of her with her husband was enough to rid him of his immediate desire.He supposed he should give silent thanks to have relief from his silly longing, but it had been replaced with irritation that her father would marry her to such a dastardly man.It was no wonder their fathers ran in the same circles.They were both arses.
Giving up on sleep, he reached for the bell pull, then washed his face, as well as his hand and stomach, at the washbasin, appreciating the cool water against his skin.
His valet, Jenkins, appeared.“Good morning, my lord.I brought up your correspondence with me.”
Court took the envelopes from him, Jenkins not fazed at all that he still stood there completely naked.
He rifled through the stack of letters, and an intriguing seal caught his eye.His heart raced as he broke the wax and unfolded the missive.It was her.He was no better than a girl in the schoolroom at the way his mood changed, knowing she had written to him.
He quickly read the missive silently to himself.
Court,
I request for you to meet me at Rosewood in three weeks’ time from the date of this letter.I have a proposition that I believe will be of great interest to you.See you soon.
Theodosia
The letter was dated exactly a week ago.Court’s cock throbbed.“A proposition?”he murmured, a slow smile spreading across his face.She must have been as affected as he was.He’d most certainly be there.If she wished to take him up on his offer to bring her to his bed, it would suit them both.And then he could go about his life in the same fashion he’d always done.On his own terms.
“My lord,” Jenkins mumbled, averting his gaze.“Should I return later?”
Court shook his head at himself from the realization that his cock protruded proudly in front of the man.The realization helped to quell his desire.He grabbed his banyan and wrapped it around himself.
“That won’t be necessary, Jenkins,” Court replied.Not that he couldn’t make quick work of stroking himself if given a few moments, but departing for Rosewood was far more important.“I wish to dress at once.We have a trip to plan.”
It would be the longest couple of weeks in his life until he met Theodosia and agreed to whatever this proposition of hers was.He would do whatever it took to get her into his bed.
Chapter 6
Two weeks later
Theodosia
TheodosiawatchedasRosewoodcame into view from the window of the carriage, with Jean seated across from her.It was much the same scene as the last time she had appeared with a wide smile and excitement for her new life.
This time her leg shook from where she repeatedly tapped her foot as she fought her nerves for what she’d say to Court when she saw him.She had written to him as soon as she’d concocted the plan with Lady Andover to ensure that he’d meet her at Rosewood.All she said was that she had a proposition for him, hoping that would pique his interest and ensure that he would appear as she’d asked.
He hadn’t sent a response, so she wasn’t even certain he’d be there when she arrived.A notion she hoped wouldn’t come to pass.But, if necessary, she’d take a room at the inn and visit Rosewood every day until he arrived so that she could take him up on the offer to place a wager to win back Rosewood.
The carriage rolled to a stop in front of Rosewood’s grand entrance.Theodosia drew a deep breath, smoothing her hands over her emerald-green gown.Lady Andover had helped her select it, assuring her the color would make her grey eyes appear even more intense and the cut would accentuate her figure in all the right places to capture Court’s attention and ensure he agreed to their wager.
The footman opened the carriage door, and Theodosia stepped out, her legs wobbling slightly.She steadied herself, inhaling the crisp country air tinged with the familiar rose scent of the front gardens.Gardens she couldn’t wait to spend more time in once she’d successfully won her home back.
Just as she started toward the entrance, the front door swung open, and there he stood.Court.His tall frame filled the doorway, his dark hair slightly tousled, his rakish wiles on full display.He said something to one of his servants who appeared behind him, and then the man hurried away.
“There you are,” he called to her.“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t delighted and also intrigued to hear from you.”
Theodosia’s heart raced as she approached Court, her eyes drinking in his rugged handsomeness.She forced herself to remain composed, remembering Lady Andover’s lessons in the art of seduction.With deliberate grace, she ascended the steps, allowing her hips to sway enticingly.
