Page 15 of Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses
His voice sounded raspy and raw as though he’d gone weeks without water. She wanted to protest, but she feared if she asked for a kiss, he’d rebuff her. They’d have years of seeing each other at family gatherings. She wanted nothing to create awkwardness between them. Taking a deep breath, she stepped over the threshold and into the foyer.
“Sleep well, Gina.”
She spun around. “You’re not staying the night?”
He shook his head.
“I suppose you’re headed back to the brothel.” She hated the thought of him going there.
“No, I’m rather worn out. I’ll be seeking the comfort of my own bed.”
It was irritating that so much relief washed through her. “Sweet dreams, then.”
He winked. “I’d rather have wicked ones.”
Leaving her there, he drew the door to a close behind him. She heard the key going into the lock, him jogging down the steps, the clatter of the carriage as it departed.
Turning on her heel she headed for the stairs with a wry grin. Considering all Venus had explained to her in the short time they were together, she was rather certain that her own slumber was going to be filled with wicked fantasies as well.
Unfortunately, she feared they might all involve him.
He’d almost kissed her.
Stretched out on the seat in his carriage, he couldn’t deny that fact. Standing there on the steps within an inch of her luscious mouth, with her scent wafting around him, he’d almost leaned in and closed the gap between them. What a mistake that would have been, because he already recognized that, with her, one kiss wouldn’t have been enough. He’d have wanted more: a hundred, a thousand.
Of further alarm was the fact that he was fairly certain he’d have not been able to stop with only a kiss. He wanted to touch her in ways he’d envisioned Venus touching her. He wanted her sighs ringing in his ears, her moans tightening his muscles. He wanted the silkiness of her skin captured within his palm.
He couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed a night so much or been so enthralled by the company of a woman. Her little triumphant smiles when she thought she’d gotten the better of him warmed him to his core.
The night he met her, he’d been involved with an actress and had gone to the theater in order to watch her performance. He’d stepped into Rex’s theater box, expecting it to be empty. Instead he’d found Rex there with two ladies: the notorious Lady Landsdowne and her far too innocent sister. He preferred women with experience, yet Gina had beguiled him.
Soon after, he’d ended things with the actress, and he hadn’t been with a woman since. He wouldn’t go to one now, not after being in Gina’s company for most of the night.
Yet in order to retain his sanity and ensure he did nothing to compromise her chances of finding a respectable match, he needed to avoid her as though she carried the plague. No more adventures, no more dares, no more nights of utter contentment and secretive smiles. No more temptation.
He would bury himself in play and strive to forget how badly he wanted her.
Chapter 6
It was shortly after noon before Gina awoke. Fortunately, she was able to blame all the wedding activities and festivities for her sluggish start to the day when the duchess asked after her with concern. Although in truth it was her adventures during the wee hours that were responsible. Not that she was going to admit that to anyone other than herself.
But she couldn’t seem to stop thinking about it as she visited in the parlor with one gentleman caller after another while the duchess kindly sat in a corner with her writing desk in her lap, scribbling away, serving as chaperone.
Her fifth caller, Lord Somerdale, was presently sipping tea with her. Flowers from half a dozen men had been delivered throughout the day. Word had either spread that she was residing in the Greystone residence until Tillie returned from her wedding trip or the servants at Landsdowne Court were directing the deliveries and gents here. She suspected it was a little bit of both. Nothing happened in London without everyone knowing. Well, except for forays to brothels in the dead of night.
“That’s a rather mysterious smile,” Somerdale said, arching a brow in curiosity. “What are you thinking?”
“My apologies, my lord. My mind drifted off to yesterday and how happy Tillie appeared to be.” Oh dear. Lies came so easily today. Was that a result of Andrew’s influence? “You were saying?”
“You deserve to be as happy.”
“You were saying that?”
He blushed. “Well, no, I was waxing on about Byron’s writings. I know you’re fond of reading.”
“And walks in the park. What say we step out for a while? To be quite honest, I’ve had about all the tea I can stand today.”
He perked up. “I’d like that very much.”
