Page 51 of Falling Into Bed with a Duke
“Your eyelashes fluttered against my chest.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “Well?”
“More so. It doesn’t seem right that women can’t experience it outside of marriage.”
“Obviously, there are women who do.”
“But if they are caught, there are repercussions.” She eased up, placed her chin on his chest, and narrowed her eyes, trying to discern his silhouette. “For someone with an aversion to virgins, you certainly handled matters well.”
“Do you hurt?”
“I’m a little sore. Nothing I can’t live with. But how did you know the best way to ease things forme?”
“I have a friend who doesn’t share my aversion. I asked him about his experiences.”
She stiffened.
“Relax. I didn’t tell him why, and he was drunk. He won’t remember the conversation.”
Edward Alcott, no doubt.
“If you’re hungry, I’ll bring some food over,” he said.
“No, I should probably be going home now. My father is an early riser.”
“Are you done with me, then? Or would you like another night?”
Disappointment laced his voice. Moving up until she was half-draped over him, she laid her palm against his jaw. It was bristled now. “I never thought I could be so comfortable being completely naked with a man.”
“You’re not completely naked.”
Lifting her foot, she gave it a little shake, letting the tinkling of gold echo around them. “I don’t know that it’s wise to see you again. There is a risk I’ll get caught. It was always only supposed to be one night.”
He latched onto her hair, drew her down for a kiss. “And if I want more?”
There was more than the risk of getting caught. There was the risk of getting with child. “You told me that you only select a lady once.”
“As I said, I make exceptions for you. Besides, you’re not a fool. You know no other man can satisfy you as I do.”
She cradled his roughened jaw. “You are so arrogant. You have spoiled me for other men. I won’t be with other men.” But she couldn’t continue in this vein either.
“We don’t have to meet here. We could meet at my residence. It’s more private. But I want to know who you are.”
She shook her head. “I can’t.”
“Send me a missive if you change your mind. You know where to find me.”
“Are you angry?”
“Disappointed; although perhaps it serves me right that you should only want me for a night. I never considered how the ladies I selected felt afterward, knowing our time was done. I rather regret being such a bastard.” Rising, he placed a quick kiss against her lips. “Don the mask, sweetheart, let’s get you home.”
Then he was gone, slipping out between the part in the draperies. She contemplated for all of three seconds following him out, leaving the mask behind. But in the end, she snatched it up and secured it.
He traveled with her in the coach this time, his arm around her as she nestled against his side. They didn’t speak. She wasn’t certain there was anything else to say.
When the coach pulled up to the Twin Dragons, he didn’t react. She decided to take advantage. Moving up slightly, waiting for the footman to open the door, she looked back over her shoulder. “You don’t seem at all surprised by our destination. You had the driver tell you the address.”
“I gave you my word I wouldn’t.”
“Then why aren’t you questioning it now?”
