Page 13 of His Wicked Secret
“Enter,” Jonathan called out.
A footman carried in a tray with dishes. “The cook had French roast beef, lamb sweetbread, and currant tarts prepared, just in case you returned for dinner.” He set the tray on the table by the dresser and then disappeared into the hall before returning with two glasses and a bottle of wine.
“Will you be needing anything else, my lord?” the young man asked.
“No, thank you, Davis. And could you tell the maids not to prepare the guest room after all.”
He heard Audrey’s sharp gasp, but he didn’t look away until the footman had left them alone again.
“I’m not staying in bed with youtonight.”
“This is about trust, remember? If not tonight, then when? Now hush and let’s eat. I’m starving. I couldn’t touch what Langley served, and I suspect you didn’t either if you were smart.”
“They offered me tea when I arrived, but I didn’t think it wise to drink it. Gilly did, though. Apparently she was none the worse for it. Seems drugging wasn’t on the menu for those brutes at least.”
Jonathan grunted. He still wasn’t sure he believed that. Those men would have certainly been the type to drug women, but maybe they had wanted Audrey and Gillian fully aware of the horrors they intended to visit upon them. He pushed such dark thoughts away and stood, seeking the food and drink Davis had brought up.
He poured the wine and offered Audrey a glass. She took it, and he nearly laughed as she took a long gulp. Then he prepared the plates from the tray and gave her one. She took in the scent, smiling widely.
“Oh Lord, I’m hungry. This smells divine!”
“I imagine it is. I kept Lord Chessley’s old cook, Mrs. Filbee. She’s a wonder in the kitchens.” He took a bite of his currant tart, the sweet taste exploding on his tongue, and took a seat in a chair by the fire. Audrey took the other empty chair, dragging it a little closer to the flames before she ate. She used her fork and knife to eat quickly, but she still managed it with elegance. It was clear she was starving. She used the last bit of her lamb sweetbread to wipe up the juices from the roast beef. Once finished, she put a hand over her stomach.
“Let me guess, your corset?” he asked.
She arched her brow. “A gentleman isn’t supposed to discuss such things.”
“I never claimed to be a gentleman.” He waited, expecting her to fight him, but only found silence. He smiled and set his plate on the floor out of the way. “Do you want me to help you get more comfortable?”
“You won’t…take advantage?”
“Trust, remember? Besides, if anyone has been taken advantage of, I believe it’s been me.”
“You?I never—”
“Last Christmas,youdragged me toyourbed and kissed me. It was not the other way around. Now, let me help you.” That was when he’d first known he was in trouble. She’d tempted him that night like no other, and he’d had to flee her bedchamber before he claimed her—or she claimed him.
He took her plate and set it aside, then clasped her hands, gently lifting her onto her feet.
“Really, Jonathan.” But she didn’t protest when he guided her to turn away from him.
Holding his breath, he began to unbutton her gown. The red silk was lovely. It was such a pity that her gown had been ruined during the fight. The gown loosened, and she caught it around her breasts. He studied the black satin bow above the tempting curve of her bottom. He pulled on the loops, unfastening them. The dress was completely open. She slowly let go of the fabric, and it pooled at her feet.
He untied the laces of her corset and began to thread his fingers through them, taking his time. He allowed his fingers to brush her skin, teasing her with his touch, making her shiver. His blood hummed with hunger, but he clung to his control.Trust, he reminded himself. When she glanced over her shoulder at him, their eyes locked and she batted her lashes, her head slightly tilted. She knew how to appeal to a man, to invite carnal desires with a single look. He cleared his throat and finished loosening the laces until she could shimmy out of the corset.
“Thank you,” she said before retreating to the cover of his changing screen. Her petticoats, stockings, and boots were next to come off, but she removed these out of sight in the corner of his bedroom.
Jonathan sat in his bed, listening to the rustle of cloth against skin, imagining her removing every piece and cursing that it was not him doing the undressing. He had the most wicked thoughts of unrolling her stockings and nibbling and kissing her thighs. His body went taut with renewed arousal. He tried to calm himself, but it was an impossible task.
“Will you douse all but one of the candles, please? I don’t want you to see me before I get into the bed.” Audrey’s voice was a little strained.
“Of course.” There was no need to fight her on that. There was no rush. In this capacity alone, it seemed, she was shy. He would teach her to be less modest as they spent more time together. They would be getting close as soon as he began her training, but not tonight.
He leaned over and blew out the candles on the nightstand. Only the firelight illuminated the room, but the two armchairs blocked most of the light reaching the bed.
“You can come out now.”
Audrey’s face peeked out from behind the changing screen. She glanced around and then tiptoed toward him. He turned his face away, letting her have some semblance of privacy. The bed dipped a little, and he felt the cover shift as she sighed.
