Page 17 of The Lady's Guide to Well-Endowed Dukes
For some moments, she did not move, merely resting there, with her head tipped slightly to the side. “Touch softly and I shall shiver. Trail your kisses and I shall melt.”
He was very much aware of the movement of her breath.
His gaze fixed upon the pale skin of her throat. He wanted to tip back her head and bring his fingers into the thickness of her hair; to hold her thus as he pressed his lips to that sensitive place. He wanted to taste her skin and hear her gasp as he captured the lobe of her ear between his teeth.
She was guiding him lower, skimming the muslin of her bodice, brushing the outer swell of her breast, until he restedupon the crook of her waist. There, she held fast, so that his hand was captured beneath hers.
They were standing much closer.
Her head was bowed. “This night, you are the first to behold my body; your touch is the first to make me sigh. Whisper to me—that you have thought of nothing else, that you burn to taste and explore and to cherish. Tell me I am the only woman you shall ever desire from this moment. You wish only to protect, to nurture and to love. Nothing shall ever hurt me.”
Her voice was mesmerizing, speaking of all that he desired to give, and the sweet, lush femininity he wished to possess.
Exhaled from a place deep within, his response was barely a murmur. “Yes.”
When she raised her eyes, they held a look of faint surprise.
“I’m glad you approve. You see how easy it is to seduce a woman. You have only to speak tenderly and match your embraces to your words. Convince the woman in your arms that you are willing to wait an eternity, and she is sure to move along the pace quicker than you can imagine.”
He took a ragged breath. “If I ever say such things, it’s because I believe them true.”
“Of course you do. I’m sure you can be very convincing when you put your mind to it.” Her lips quirked a little. “Now, we cannot have all our lessons in one go, but I do think it would be useful to establish what we’re dealing with.” She let her gaze travel downward. “Don’t be coy. You have given me some idea of what to expect, but the time has come to show the dog the rabbit, as it were.”
Reaching forward, she ran her knuckle across the outline, so obvious, straining at the front of his trousers.
He sucked in his breath. The way she was rubbing, he’d burst the buttons if he didn’t free himself. But if he allowed this situation to progress, there was every chance he’d be unable tocontain himself. All this talk of penetration and tying up, not to mention the way she’d gotten him to touch her, and the things she’d said…
It was too much.
He’d known there was danger in coming to her cabin. If he let things proceed, he’d a good idea of what would follow. One caress of her bare hand upon his shaft or—dare he think it—her tongue licking at the purple head, and he’d be undone.
“Not bashful?” She dropped her chin, looking up at him through those thick lashes. “I promise, I shan’t be so overcome by the sight of you that I’ll fall instantly in love. Don’t you want to show me how magnificent you are?” Again, she reached for him.
“Stop that.” He caught her wrist.
This had gone too far. The part of his brain that was hardwired for sexual pleasure was racing into overdrive.
Mrs. Bongorge, meanwhile, didn’t appear the least deterred. Only when he relaxed his hold upon her did he discern a flash of disappointment.
“You mustn’t think I’m ungrateful.” He made himself take a solid step backward. “You’ve given me much to think about.”
She summoned a smile, though it did not quite reach her eyes. “There is a great deal more I would suggest, if you wish further enlightenment…” She gave a small sigh. “You know where I am, should you desire me to be of further assistance.”
He bowed in recognition of the offer. It was rather ridiculous under the circumstances, but observing the formalities allowed him to retain some belief that he’d acted within the bounds of ‘decency’.
There was nothing more to do; nevertheless, he considered throwing everything he’d just said to the winds.
If Frederick had never died, he would not be in this position with Miss Maitland. He’d be free to act as he desired, and whathe wanted right now, more than anything, was this woman in his arms.
But how could he live with any degree of dignity, knowing he’d been so weak? His decisions affected others beyond himself.
It took the last vestige of his self-control to compel his departure.
CHAPTER 7
Estela didn’t knowwhat to make of her encounter with Lord Rockley. It had not gone as planned and she was left feeling…
Foolish? Frustrated? A little wistful?
