Page 31 of In a Rake's Embrace
“Is she in pain?”
“Pleasure can be so overwhelming it borders on agony,” he drawled, sipping his whisky, his eyes darkening as they settled on her.
His gaze sent a ripple of heat over her skin, and she blushed at the rising desire she couldn’t quite control.
The earl inclined his chin, signaling their return to the fourth floor. Agatha followed, her thoughts a whirlwind of curiosity and questions. Once they reached his private quarters, she settled on the sofa, tucking her legs beneath her. The earl poured another glass of champagne and handed it to her, her fingers curling around the delicate stem.
He sat in the armchair opposite, arching a brow as he observed her. “What are your thoughts about this one? A gentleman with this desire might bid for you, and he might win.”
“Are there many men here with this … need?”
“The gentleman I mentioned seems to enjoy this weekly.”
Agatha suspected he was referring to Mr. Armstrong. “If he wants Bea so much ... why would he bid on me?”
“He does not only visit Bea. Every Wednesday, he picks Lady Ellen.”
Goodness. “I see.”
“And he is not the only man with such desires. Many like to see their women come undone.”
Are you one of those men?Agatha’s breath hitched at the errant thought. “Perhaps I could set a boundary where the gentleman must comply when I say stop?”
“You could,” Thomas said.
“But you do not think it is wise.”
“Yes.”
Her fingers tightened on the glass. “Why?”
“It is practical,” he replied, “but you will lose half the men who might bid for you. Setting boundaries is important, but saying ‘stop when I ask’ is too broad. That leaves too much to interpretation. They could pay hundreds of pounds for you, and, at the slightest provocation, you call the night to a halt. Your boundariesmustbe specific—tell them clearly what is off-limits. Say, ‘I do not wish my arse to be spanked,’ or ‘I do not want to be taken from behind.’ If you dislike feeling pleasure without consent, make that known. But it must be clear.”
“I understand,” she whispered, heat pooling low in her belly. “I need to discover if ... I like any of those things to set boundaries without being too vague. I will lose some men, but not nearly as many.”
A wicked gleam flashed in his eyes, his lips curling into a slow, sensual smile. “Exactly.”
“Thomas?”
“Hmm?”
He tilted his head, the gleam in his gaze growing darker, more charged. He seemed to know already what she wanted to say.
“Come now,” he drawled, his voice dripping with temptation. “Do not go shy on me.”
Agatha emptied her glass of champagne in one swift motion and met his gaze. “I invite you to devastate me with pleasure.”
His lips quirked, and he stood, exuding control and sensual promise. “Accepted. I will not stop even if you scream and beg. I will only stop when I feel I have given you enough.”
A helpless surge of heat blossomed through her body. “I understand.”
His gaze never wavered from hers as he issued his command. “Remove all your clothes ... leave only the stockings. Then sit on the sofa, place your feet flat onto the cushion, open your knees and let me see your pretty pussy.”
CHAPTER 13
Agatha’s heart raced so fast she felt faint. Gathering her composure, she stood and quietly removed her gown and undergarments, leaving herself bare except for the silken stockings delivered that morning. Delicate lace held them in place at her thighs, emphasizing the softness of her skin. She moved to the edge of the sofa and slowly sat, her movements deliberate as she shuffled back, pressing her spine against the cushions. Taking a deep breath, she drew her legs upward, placing the flat of her heels on the cushion, the subtle tension in the air crackling as she positioned herself before him.
God, she was so exposedthatshe felt the air on the folds of her sex.
