Page 11 of In a Rake's Embrace
Agatha’s breath hitched as a flood of emotions surged through her. His words showed an unexpected concern for her safety, leaving her surprised and unsettled. She had expected coldness or detachment, but this ... this was kindness, and it disarmed her. Such compassion had been rare in her life, and she wasn’t quite sure how to process it.
“Thank you, my lord,” she said softly.
“There’s no need for thanks,” he replied, his tone firm but not unkind. “Each time we meet, I will test a boundary. You’ll learn how to recognize and hold them. You will also learn how to flirt, how to read a man’s desire, and how to balance your innocence with just the right hint of carnality. Listen to how I speak and pattern my accent. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Agatha swallowed, feeling a strange fascination rising within her. The promise of control—the ability to determine her limits—gave her a sense of empowerment she hadn’t expected or thought about. That she was so naïve was a cause of mortification, but she wanted to learn. “I understand,” she said, her voice steady as she nodded.
“If at any point you are uncomfortable with something,” he added, his voice softening, “tell me. We stop the moment you feel it’s too much.”
His gaze held hers, the weight of his promise lingering between them. Agatha felt a sense of safety, however fleeting, in those words. The situation was still overwhelming, but for the first time, she felt she wasn’t entirely at the mercy of the world around her and her desperation.
“I agree,” she said, her heart pounding as the enormity of what she had just committed to settled over her like a heavy cloak.
“I will touch you,” Lord Radbourne said, his voice low and steady.
“I know.”
“You will touch me.”
“I know.”
“I will teach you to be comfortable with pleasure but understand—auctioning yourself to a gentleman does not guarantee it will be pleasurable. Let me know if you would rather not learn the difference.”
Agatha hesitated, her mind racing. “Allow me to answer that at a later time.”
He gave a single, measured nod. “Under no circumstances will I put my cock in you. You will, in that regard, remain a virgin for the night of your auction.”
She nodded, her throat tight. She almost asked what a cock was, but the words stuck in her throat, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. His gaze sharpened, and amusement flickered in his eyes for a fleeting moment before he looked away.
“I agree.”
“Good. Some men’s cocks are larger than others, and some men are rougher in their bed play than others. I can use my fingers to ensure your body is used to penetration, and you will not bear too much pain on the night you hand yourself over. Or, if you wish, I will not use them. What do you prefer?”
A most peculiar sensation unspooled low in her belly at the thought of his fingers on her.God, what is this feeling? “Would … would they know?”
“In my experience,” he said drily, his gaze gleaming. “Many men have no notion of determining if a lady is chaste. However, my touch might rid you of a virginal barrier, or it may not.”
Some of her misery and doubt loosened its knot. “I want to be as prepared as possible to feel less pain on the auction night.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in acknowledgment and his stare unexpectedly felt like a hot, delicate touch kissing over her skin.
“We’ll start tomorrow, Miss Woodville.”
Agatha lowered into a curtsy. “Thank you, Lord Radbourne.”
He made no reply, and she quickly turned, practically fleeing the room. The door clicked shut behind her, and she found herself face-to-face with Madam Rebecca, who was pacing the hallway.
“Did the earl agree?” Madam Rebecca asked, her voice eager.
“Yes,” Agatha said, still trying to steady her breathing.
The madam clapped her hands, delighted. “Miss Woodville, we will have a very successful future working together.”
Agatha met her gaze, her voice firm. “Once the auction is over, I will be leaving. I have a family waiting for me. That is the only reason I am here.”
Madam Rebecca hesitated for a moment, then gave a slow nod. “As you wish.”
Just then, a young servant girl hurried down the hallway, her steps quick and efficient.
