Page 60 of A Little Bit Dangerous
ChapterThirteen
“Wait here, Gibbs.” Christian’s tone was firm as he issued the command. “We promised Mrs Maloney we’d perform a few duties at the shop. We should be no longer than an hour.”
Isabella stood on the pavement, doing her utmost to look nonchalant when nerves had her trembling and guilt made her restless. Not that she had any reservations about giving herself to Christian.
Every illicit encounter brought them closer together. Every meaningful conversation made her value his friendship all the more. Just thinking about kissing him robbed her of rational thought. Soon, they would be lovers.Hewould take her virtue, not Mr Griffin, not the Conte di Barasian, not some other wicked fellow.
Christian glanced at her, his gaze dropping to her lips. “Maybe a little longer than an hour, Gibbs.”
Mr Gibbs considered them both but made no protest. He looked resigned to his fate and dug deep into his greatcoat pocket, found a silver flask and a small bible.
“You’ll be sure to keep watch?” Christian asked, scanning the narrow street like a hawk searching for prey.
“I’m paid to deliver you to Fortune’s Den. I’m on duty until you walk through the gaming hell door.”
Thankfully, Mr Gibbs didn’t stare at them with a knowing eye. He pulled the stopper from his flask and took a hearty swig before flicking to a page in his bible.
Isabella prayed it wasn’t a parable about sinners.
Christian retrieved a key from his pocket and let them into the musty bookshop. The overhead bell tinkled. Today, it seemed so loud Aaron Chance could probably hear it from the depths of Fortune’s Den.
Locking the door behind them, Christian moved through the shop, his steps strong and purposeful. He scanned the bookshelves, poked his head around the parlour door, and looked pleased everything was in order.
Then he turned to her, his intention clear in his slow, sensual smile. “Finally, we’re alone.”
“Yes.” Her pulse galloped faster than an Arabian thoroughbred.
His gaze devoured her. “God, Isabella. I could never tire of looking at you. You’re so beautiful you steal my breath.”
She’d heard the same flattering words countless times. This time, her heart fluttered like a caged bird. “What? Even in this dowdy dress?”
“I’d prefer you out of it, but you could wear a grain sack and still look appealing. To me, at any rate.”
Though she knew he wasn’t lying, she found compliments hard to swallow. “Why don’t you say what’s really on your mind?”
He drew his thumb over his bottom lip, his gaze roaming over her body. “Do you want to go upstairs, Isabella?” He must have sensed her slight hesitance. “You’re allowed to change your mind. We can fetch the things Mrs Maloney wanted and leave. You won’t have to suffer my mood as punishment. I know some men use it to get their own way.”
Her mother’s lovers were master manipulators. “The conte withdrew funds if my mother refused to make the weekly quota.”
“But we’re not doing this for mere gratification.”
She stepped closer, keen to know his thoughts, eager to understand his motives. “Why are we doing this?”
He closed the gap between them, captured her hand, and kissed the inside of her wrist. “Because the connection between us is too strong to ignore. Because we can’t fight it and are both desperate to know why. Because neither of us believe in love and wonder if friendship and lust make a formidable combination.”
They were standing inches apart, yet in this intimate moment, she felt like they were one. Joined in heart and mind. About to join bodies.
“I always take what I want, Isabella. I’ve never made love to a woman.” He stroked her cheek softly. “Yet I want to make love to you. Desperately so.”
The powerful beat of blood in her veins was like an incessant drum, a call to sate a physical need. “What’s the difference?”
“I’ll be damned if I know.”
She smiled. “You’re supposed to be my tutor.”
“Yet I can’t help but feel it’s the other way around.” He looked at her with such intensity it stole her breath. “I’m different when I’m with you. I’m the best version of myself.”
She was different, too. She’d imagined dying a virgin, yet craved everything this man could give. “Promise me nothing will change.”
