Page 36 of In a Rake's Embrace
Astonished, she shot to her feet, glancing at the clock on the mantel. “It is only noon.”
Curiosity glinted in Rebecca’s gaze. “It is most unusual, indeed. The earl has never entered these premises before ten at night.”
With a hurried farewell to Bea and Ellen, Agatha made her way to Thomas’s private quarters, warmth and another unknown emotion flickering in her chest. She knocked gently and then opened the door. As she stepped inside, their gazes met. It was impossible not to remember the overwhelming intimate details of their encounter and impossible not to blush. The low throb in her belly deepened. Her face turned scarlet. Thomas’s expression, however, remained carefully composed, revealing nothing of the savage desire she had seen last night.
“I did not expect you,” she said softly. “Is everything well?”
“I have a request,” Thomas said, his voice measured, though his eyes were unreadable. “It is unusual, and you are free to decline.”
Her pulse quickened. “What is it?”
“I have arranged to take my brother up in an air balloon this evening.”
“An air balloon?”
“Yes.” Thomas continued, his gaze softening slightly as he spoke of his brother. “Ronald has wanted to experience itfor the last three years. He has always said he would one day find the courage to soar closer to the stars, but until now, he kept putting it off. While we were in Bath, he told me he was finally ready. The balloon ride is arranged for today at seven in the evening. He has been talking about it nonstop.”
She smiled. “It sounds as if itwould be a thrilling experience.”
Thomas’s expression grew more guarded, as if bracing himself for what he was about to say. “The thing is, Ronald ... he specifically asked for you to join us.”
Agatha jolted. “Me?”
Thomas nodded, running a hand through his hair. “He made the request this morning. I tried to discourage him, but he was adamant. He insisted I ask you to come along. At first, I thought to pretend I had asked, but I have never lied to my brother, and I will not start now. If you are unable to join, I will convey your regrets.”
Her heart gave a small flutter. “Do you want me to be there?”
His expression tightened further. “It does not matter what I want. This is about my brother.”
The thought of soaring above the earth in a balloon was thrilling. But still, curiosity burned in her. “Why does he want me there? We barely spoke.”
A flicker of humor gleamed in Thomas’s eyes. “He said a handsome man and a beautiful woman should share an adventure like this. It seems my brother has taken quite a liking to you.”
Agatha smiled, warmth filling her chest. “I would be honored to join you both.”
“Thank you,” he said. “But I will warn you, Ronald is ... different. He is far more than most people give him credit for, but should you treat him in any way that hurts him, you will regret it. So, perhaps you should consider carefully if you are certain about joining.”
Though softly spoken, the wordslanded with the weight of a sharp warning. A spark of indignation flared in Agatha’s chest.
“I would never treat anyone in a way that would make them feel less,” she said, her chin jutting out defiantly. “Why would you even suggest such a thing?”
“I do not know you,” he said, his tone chilling.
“You know enough.”
“Do I?”
“Yes. Surely, you have formed an impression of my character as I have formed of yours. Certainly, I am not more discerning than you are, my lord!”
He prowled toward her, something dangerous flashing in his eyes. “Do you think because I have tasted your sweet pussy and made you gush on my fingers and tongue, I know the kind of woman you are?”
A shocking wave of arousal rushed through her at his words, but a sharp surge of anger matched it.
“Even if you do not know me, do not judge me based on those who have disappointed you! I am my own person, my lord. Like or hate me, but do so because of what I show you and nothing else.”
Her breath came in ragged gasps as she realized how close he had come. Agatha was pressed against the wall, his presence towering over her. He braced one hand beside her head and tipped her chin up with the other, forcing her to meet his gaze.Their gazes collided, and her heart stuttered. His breath was warm against her lips, and her nipples hardened in response.
A faint smile curved his mouth, though his eyes remained cold. “Are we having our first fight?”
