Page 22 of The Gentleman's Seduction
“You think? You are not sure?” He caught a glimpse of her white teeth as she bit her bottom lip.
“I’ve never done this before. I’m not entirely certain I know whatwantingsomeone is like.”
Her innocent confession made him groan softly. He covered the hand that lay on his chest, stroking the back of her hand down to her delicate wrist.
“How does it feel when I touch you?” he asked, stroking her skin.
“It makes me shiver.”
“Shiver good, or shiver bad?” Martin watched her eyes as he trailed his fingers down her arm to her elbow. Her lashes fluttered.
“Good,” she answered. “Very good.”
“And this?” He leaned in, tilting her face away so he could press his lips to the sensitive spot just behind her right ear. She clutched his shoulders, suddenly gasping as he flipped the tip of his tongue along her skin. If there was one thing he knew aside from how to build a fortune, it was where to kiss a woman to make her body hum to life.
“Good,” she panted. “Verygood.” She didn’t push him away, and when he made as though to step back, she clung to him harder.
“Livvy, whatever happens between us… I don’t want you to do it because you have to. You understand?” Martin had no idea why he suddenly wanted to play the hero. They both knew he owned her due to her father’s debt, but she was still free to tell him no…or preferably yes.
Her eyes were clouded with confusion. “But you brought me here for…”
“I know I did, but I’m not a monster. My bringing you here was because of your father and the pain he caused me. You are not him, and I don’t wish to hurt you. While I insist upon your company, I will make no demands upon your body, now or ever. But…if you want me, want to share my bed, all you need do is tell me.”
Their bodies pressed together, heat building between them as she considered his words and her own feelings. He could see her desire to be with him at war with her need to prove that she did indeed have that power. Her eyes raised to his, and he saw a bold look in them that gave him hope.
“I wish to be here…with you.” A heavy blush stained her cheeks, and he felt almost giddy with a rush of joy at her words.
She started to speak again, but a footman knocked and entered with a tray of lemon-flavored ices. Martin took the tray and thanked the servant before he closed the door.
“Please, I insist.” He handed her a small bowl and a dainty dessert spoon. She accepted them and leaned back against his bedpost again, tasting the ice.
“You may sit on the bed. It won’t invite me to ravish you,” he teased. But it did give him terribly wicked ideas about he how he would ravish her if given the opportunity.
Livvy perched on the edge of the bed, and he joined her. They ate in silence, and when she was finished, he took her bowl and set it on the night table beside the bed.
“I want to thank you for today,” Livvy said. “For the clothes, the jewels, the horse.” She reached up to touch the pearls as she spoke.
“You don’t need to thank me,” he assured her. “I was merely holding up my end of the terms we agreed upon.” He didn’t like to think about buying her affections. It had never bothered him before, but his previous mistresses had come to him of their own free will. With Livvy it was different. “I fear I started this thing between us badly,” he admitted.
“Some would say irreparably,” she replied, but her tone was colored with a light amusement. “I should hate you, but well, I think you aren’t so terrible now.” She was speaking more clearly now, less afraid of him and their situation than before.
“Not so terrible?” he echoed, his pride a little bruised.
She met his gaze, her bravery clear in her eyes. “I need more time.”
“More time?” Then all was not lost. She hadn’t said she wished to be left alone completely. Livvy was beginning to trust him and to trust that he wouldn’t hurt her or take away her power of choice.
“Yes. But…” Her face flushed. “You may kiss me good night.” Her lips curved in a hesitant smile. He could see she was acting very courageous.
“One kiss, then,” he said, and leaned over to cup her face in his palm. Her eyes shimmered with the candlelight, and he felt his entire body focus on her lips. He fought to control the dizzying currents racing through him.
One kiss… I must make it count.
Their lips met in a press of velvet heat, making desire sing in his veins. He explored her mouth, taking his time, tracing her lips with his tongue. It felt like they were sharing intimate whispers as they both breathed in unison. How could kissing Livvy feel like such ecstasy? How could he become drunk on her taste? His tired soul seemed to shiver back to life the longer he kissed her.
Livvy quivered as he let his lips turn rougher. He wanted her to taste his hunger, to feel his need pulsing between them. He wanted to break his promise of one kiss and show her that her hunger matched his own. His senses reeled as he finally broke their mouths apart. She was clutching him again, her need for more shining her eyes.
“One kiss good night. Well delivered, I trust.” He nuzzled her cheek before she slid off the bed and backed away.
