Page 15 of A Wager With A Rake
Besides, he had other estates and the benefit of being a man with a fortune of his own.He hadn’t the same need for the property as her, and there was no way it meant as much to him other than a matter of his male pride.
And, of course, he still had a chance of winning.It wasn’t as if she was stealing it from him.He entered the arrangement willingly and agreed to the terms.
She drew a deep breath, deciding she had nothing to feel guilty over.Theodosia stood from his lap and glanced at the ridge in his breeches before smirking at him.It had been just as simple as Lady Andover said it would be.“You have a deal.”
Chapter 7
Court
Courtwantedher.Thatwas certain.He was already imagining how many times he could make her come if he kept her occupied in his chamber for a week.
He had expected, or hoped rather, that the proposition would be one that had him burying himself inside of her before the evening was out.But he should have known that she wouldn’t have given up on Rosewood so easily.Unfortunately for her, neither would he.
She could have her fun, and then he’d win.He almost felt bad for her that he would squelch all of her hope, but the property mattered to him, too.And then once the whole matter of the wager was behind them, then he’d have a week with her.He’d never force her, of course.If she wished to back out after her loss, he’d let her.It wasn’t his style to coerce a woman into his bed.But he had a feeling she wanted him just as much.
Even while she attempted to hide it, he knew he affected her.He fully believed with the right whispers in her ear, she’d melt right into him and he’d have her where he wanted her, a puddle of desire in his bed.But he’d play her game and then hope she’d come to him without requiring such effort.And that pun was entirely intended.
He hoped that this time spent with her would finally enable him to put the desire for her behind him and regain control of his thoughts.The past couple of weeks waiting for the day he would see her again had gone by far too slow, especially through all the nights of fitful sleep.
A few days after her letter arrived, he’d grown restless and returned to Rosewood with a full staff.He wasn’t sure what their reunion might hold and wanted to ensure they’d be well tended, and he also wanted to be ready and waiting when she arrived.
It had all come together perfectly, given that the woman was now under that same roof as him again, and now card games stood between him and what they both wanted.He was quite confident he’d only need the two games.
After Theodosia removed herself from his lap, he immediately hated the loss of having her body against his.“I suppose I should seek a room at the inn.”
“Nonsense,” he called out, rising from his chair.“You’ll stay here.”
“I’m not certain that is the best idea.”
He clasped his hands behind his back and puffed out his chest.“Because you find being alone with me far too tempting?Surely you are stronger willed than that, Tess.”He must push her just hard enough that she would stay.He needed her to stay.If only to keep a watchful eye on her and ensure one of the brawny men at the tavern didn’t get any ideas about her.He couldn’t allow her to seek one of them out to satisfy her needs, given her already aroused state.
“You think far too highly of yourself.”
Court laughed and rocked on his feet.“Yet you touched that sweet cunt of yours immediately after sharing a kiss with me.I wager that means you think highly of me as well.If you should require a bit of inspiration while you are here to make your solo bed sport more pleasurable, just let me know.”
Her cheeks pinked and she bit into her bottom lip before squaring her shoulders.“And notice that I sought pleasure from my own hand instead of from you,” she returned, crossing her arms in front of her, glaring at him.
The heat in her gaze didn’t exactly indicate that she was as unaffected as she pretended to be, but he supposed he should tone down the teasing if he were to convince her to stay with him.
“And it sounded as if you were quite skilled in such matters,” he said, grinning at her.“But I assure you, I shan’t do anything you don’t wish for.You can reside here comfortably, and I have ensured the kitchen was stocked for your arrival.You have everything here you shall need.”Including him.
She drew a deep breath and then released it in a large puff.“Very well.I’ll stay here.It shall make things far more convenient.I’ll stay in the same chamber as last time.It’s the largest of the guest chambers.”
He fought the urge to remind her she could just stay with him and enjoy the largest chamber in the house and instead smiled at her.Willing his cock not to get any ideas about her being under the same roof.All in good time, big fellow.
Great.Now he had mental conversations with his cock.He was only a few steps away from Bedlam if he didn’t get himself under control.
“I shall have my things brought in and refresh myself before supper,” she announced.
“I have already done so.You should find your maid there waiting for you.”
She cast him an annoyed glance.“You were so sure that you’d convince me to stay?You didn’t even know what I wished to speak with you about.”
“As you will recall, I stated clearly that I am not one to lose a wager.”Besides, he could tell that she only feigned annoyance that he had her things unpacked.
Theodosia spun on her heel and didn’t even look back at him as she spoke.“I think I’ll take a tray in my room tonight.”
The sway of her hips as she walked captured his focus until she was out of his sight.His entire body was aflame from having her close, and yet he must bide his time and wait until he knew she was ready to give in to what she wanted.What he’d dreamed about for weeks.Then his thoughts might be his own again and they’d both continue on with their lives.
