Page 27 of An Earl to Remember
“Mrs. Stannis.”
She sank her fingers into the dough and closed her eyes briefly. “Yes?”
“Look at me.”
Georgianna took a second to gather her composure then, releasing the dough, slowly turned to face him, clasping her hands together at her waist. Even in clothes years outdated, the earl was dangerously handsome. His lips quirked, and there was a disconcerting hint of sensuality in that smile.
“I will not break the vows made to you. I will honor our marriage.”
That unexpected promise struck her heart so forcibly, she flinched. “I…”
What could she say? Georgianna stared at him wordlessly, never imagining such words from a gentleman who only a week ago planned to take three ladies to his bed at the same time.
He took a single step forward. “Do you understand what I am saying?”
“I confess I am not sure I do.”
“If I had a mistress before we wed, I’ll not have a mistress now.”
She swallowed tightly. “Do you remember her?”
He frowned. “I do not. However, I know enough of myself to be sure I would not dishonor my wife by giving to another woman what belongs only to her. Once I have a wife…all past liaisons must end. That is one of the duties of a husband, to honor and be faithful to his wife.”
Her heart trembled in response, and Georgianna could only stare at the earl.Who is he, truly?And what was this slow pulse of fascinated curiosity wending through her chest?
“You look at me as if I am a creature unlike any you’ve ever seen.”
A shaky laugh escaped her, and she tucked a wisp of hair behind her ears. “You were…the little I knew of you…you were a right scoundrel. It merely astonished me…what you said just now.”
He canted his head. “A right rogue, yet you still married me.”
Drat. She lifted her shoulder in an inelegant shrug. “Throes of—”
“Of passion,” he completed. “I sense perhaps we were both a bit reckless, hmm?”
“Perhaps,” she said softly, wondering about the man beneath the power, arrogance, and conceit.
“Sleep with me tonight.”
Her heart jolted and her mouth dried. “I beg your pardon?”
An arrogant brow lifted. “Why so aghast? Are you not my wife?”
“I… It is far too soon,” she stammered, blushing.Good heavens!
His lips quirked at the corners. “For what do I need to wait on to feel my wife in my arms, sleeping beside me?”
This was simply not happening. “To remember me,” she said, aware of the terrible thumping of her heart. “Surely you would prefer to recall our…meeting and time together first?”
An unfathomable emotion flashed in his gaze, and she gasped when he sauntered toward her, languid sensuality infused in every step. Her heart pounded so hard, she feared he could hear those beats. It was when the earl used a finger to lift her chin that Georgianna realized she had looked away from him.
“In this way I will know you, Mrs. Stannis,” he murmured, his eyes glinting with deviltry.
The earl looked at Georgianna as if he would gobble her up in sweet, delectable bites.
“Is that not the way of it, we use our touch and our bodies to learn and connect with each other?”
Her heart leaped with wonder and something akin to fear, because shockingly, temptation slid against her senses. Even without memory, you are still a rake!“I…”
