Page 56 of Wicked Rivals
“I prefer white,” she cut in.
“And so do I.”
Gritting her teeth she glowered at him. “Of course you do. Very well. You make the first move.”
Ashton casually flipped a pawn forward. Rosalind immediately moved her pawn to counter in the square directly opposite it. When they looked up at each other, his lips curved and he hid the rest of his smile behind his wine glass. Then he moved his knight and she moved one of hers. The next two moves brought their bishops face to face. Each move was mirrored as Rosalind waited for Ashton to leave an opening. Ashton nudged a pawn forward, and Rosalind seized her chance, using her bishop to claim it.
“I believe that means you must remove a piece of clothing.” She was smiling despite herself as she tipped her wine glass back. The subtle flavors were sweet upon her tongue. He had excellent taste in wine. Not too bitter, but a soft, velvety, full-bodied red.
“Correct. Well, Rosalind. You choose what I shall remove.” He rose from his chair and came toward her.
She stood as well, needing to feel a little taller as she faced him. Her eyes ran over his clothes. He’d removed his coat before they’d even started their game, and she didn’t want to remove his breeches. He’d been right about her being distracted by the state of his dishabille. His waistcoat, though, would be fine. She ran a fingertip down the front of the embroidered gold silk.
“This will do.”
“Then by all means.” He waved his hands at the row of pearly buttons.
He wanted her to undress him? With unsteady fingers, she plucked the row of buttons from their slits and then slid her hands underneath the silk to peel it off his body. He was warm and his enticing scent teased her as she tugged the cloth off his shoulders and let it drop to the floor. He cleared his throat and they both stepped back, but the tension between them was thick enough that already it muddled her thinking.
He took his seat and moved a pawn, and then she moved a bishop away from his. Another white pawn moved, and Rosalind claimed it with her own black pawn.
“Lucky me,” Ashton muttered and stood again. “Name your price, Rosalind. And the cravat counts as part of my shirt, I’m afraid.” He’d cut her off before she’d had the chance to think of something that clever.
“What about shoes and stockings?” she asked.
“Shoes and stockings together as a pair.”
“Then remove those.” She pointed at his shoes. He slipped out of his leather shoes and stockings before standing there in his bare feet. After a moment of silence, they sat and resumed the game.
He switched his rook with his queen. Then Rosalind advanced one of her knights. In the next turn they both moved their bishops, and then their pawns. With a satisfied smile, Ashton used his pawn to claim hers.
“Thank heavens for that. Now…” He crooked a finger at her.
Rosalind stood and approached him, heart pounding as he studied her.
“The dress, I think. Turn around.” The soft but firm command in his tone made her shiver, but not with dread. She turned away from him and closed her eyes as she listened to the creak of the chair as he rose up behind her. His hands settled on her shoulders, making her tense.
“Relax, my dear,” he murmured. “It isonlyyour dress.”
Chapter Fifteen
Her dress…
Rosalind suppressed a shiver as Ashton stood behind her, his warm breath fanning across her neck. Once she removed her dress, they would both be completely indecent.
Exposed.
Ashton’s hands moved to the laces of her gown, and he began to pull the threads out. His touch made her jump.
“What about my slippers?”
His lips twitched and a devilish gleam settled in his eyes. “I don’t want your slippers.”
“This is entirely unfair.”
“Steady on, darling.” His chuckle was bedroom soft and deliciously dark.
“Just take it off,” she muttered, her temper sparking.
