Page 62 of My Kind of Scoundel
Their lips met as if pulled by a magnetic force. The kiss was soft and slow and achingly sensual, and when their mouths parted, they were panting.
“Gibbs left to visit Daventry and to fetch provisions. Apparently, he eats enough for three men. He won’t be back for two hours. I thought you might take advantage of his absence to wash and change your clothes. I can heat the water if you want to bathe.”
She smiled. They were alone, without interruption. It was time to reward him for his efforts. “So you’re done playing the brigadier and now wish to be my footman.”
His gaze dipped to her chin, then a little lower. “I’d rather be your maid than your footman. I’ve wanted to strip you out of your clothes for as long as I can remember.”
The air between them crackled with unsated desire. The need for physical contact was as compelling as the need to breathe.
“Perhaps I would make a good valet,” she said, sliding her hands up his chest to open the top button on his waistcoat.
Theo clasped her hands to stall her. “Have a care. You know where this will lead. Do you want me inside you? Do you want to lose something precious? I suggest you consider those points carefully before you unfasten another button.”
She took a moment to do as he asked. She didn’t hear her father’s stern voice berating her decisions, insisting he knew best. For once, she was a master of her own destiny. And Theodore Chance was the only thing she wanted.
“I’m not about to lose anything,” she said, prompting him to release her hands. “I’m about to make a trade.”
“A trade?” he said, intrigued.
“My virginity for a memory that will last a lifetime.” Shegripped his waistcoat and tore it open. The expensive buttons went skittering across the floor. “I want you, Theo, and I mean to have you.”
He wasn’t angry or shocked but glanced at his torn waistcoat and grinned. “I always said you were my kind of scoundrel.” His voice had a husky quality, each word laced with raw intensity. “Now you must finish what you started.”
Nerves assailed her, but she’d not stop now.
Gathering every ounce of courage she possessed, she pushed his coat off his shoulders. It hit the floor, quickly followed by his waistcoat and cravat.
“We agreed to be truthful,” he said, watching her tug his shirt from his trousers. “I must tell you, I have never been so aroused.”
To prove his point, he took her hand and smoothed it over the solid ridge in his trousers. It was long and thick, a veritable weapon. She should have been terrified, but knowing she affected him this deeply was more of an aphrodisiac than plum pie.
“You still owe me a forfeit,” she said, loving the way he felt beneath her fingers. Touching him was addictive. “Remove all your clothes.”
“I’m sure I paid that forfeit, but I’ll not quibble.” He dragged his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. “Not when it plays to my advantage.”
Eleanor stared in awe. His shoulders were broad, his chest muscular with a dusting of golden hair. His skin was smooth and stretched tight over his bulging biceps. Her heart sank as she looked upon the scar just below his shoulder, a haunting reminder of the bullet that had nearly taken his life.
“Does it still pain you?” she said, guilt tightening her throat.
“Sometimes.” He unbuttoned his trousers and palmed his erection as soon as it sprang free. “Though the ache to be inside you is more than I can bear.”
She gulped. Never had she been so out of her depth. And yet, the softness of his gaze put her fears to rest.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he teased. “You’re wondering how you’ll take me. Be assured, in the throes of passion we’ll fit together perfectly.”
“Actually, I was wondering when you might remove your shoes. Time is of the essence, and Mr Gibbs is likely to storm upstairs if he hears odd sounds.”
Theo laughed. “Then I suggest you undress, too. Gibbs may fire before he asks questions.” His eyes trailed a path along her curves, a hungry anticipation lurking in his gaze. “I’m panting at the prospect of seeing you naked.”
Despite her shaky hands, she undid the buttons and was out of her dress before he’d finished removing his socks and shoes.
A low hum vibrated in his throat when he noticed her undergarments. “Allow me to help you.” He closed the gap between them, stalking her like a panther hunting prey. He tugged the front ties on her corset, pulling her into his hard body. “Perhaps I might savour this moment and take my time.”
She gripped his muscular arms to steady her balance, the feel of his bare skin beneath her fingers sending her pulse soaring. Her whole body ached for something she could not define.
His mouth was on hers, moving in slow, hypnotic strokes, kissing her the way he had at the theatre. It was beautiful and gentle, each delicate caress of their lips tugging at her heart.
He broke contact and stared into her eyes. “If we’d been alone at the theatre, this is how our kiss would have progressed.”
