Page 27 of Ironvine

“To be sure. But you appeared like a vision releasing me from a fog of mediocrity.” His lips were only inches from her own. “Are you afraid, my beautiful creature?”

“Should I be?”

Two fingers trailed down her bosom, delving past the filmy fabric of her dress to brush the top of her breasts. “Ah…” His voice was an ache. She was sure he wanted to get a response from her. Was he testing her?

She was in this until the end. She would not show fear or panic or allow him to take more liberties than he already had.

The tip of his tongue traced a hot, wet brand over her bare chest, and Georgina’s fingers dug into his taut arms as she pulled away from his grip. “Lord Ryvves, you mustn’t. Someone will see.”

He chuckled. “Yes, they certainly will.”

“I would not wish them to.”

He swiveled her around, pressing her back against the cold hard garden wall. Trapped. His eyes were just as cold and hard, and her body tightened. His lips touched hers. “I wish them to.”

“Why ever for?”

“Dear girl, you are the most sparkling creature I have laid eyes on, and I must have you for a wife. You seem agreeable, but I cannot take a chance that you would deny me. I will brook no denial.”

Victory.

“I heard talk that you may be promised to another.”

“I’m not engaged, sir.”

“But there is a man here tonight who has hopes and designs on you. Engagement may be imminent.”

“My lord is well informed.”

“I want you for myself, Miss Georgina. No one shall stand in my way.” His hands cupped her buttocks, firmly pressing her against his firmness, and an icy shiver raced up her spine. The devil himself was clutching her, offering her the very thing she wanted most, and yet…

His knuckles brushed the line of her jaw. “Dear Georgina….”

She gulped in a breath. His rumbly voice made her flesh prickle and hum in a way that certainly Matthew had never. She had no idea that a different man could bring a different response. She’d assumed that the feeling of desire would be the same.

But Hugh? Hugh made her feel like she was standing over a black abyss. Exciting, yet…

“What in the devil is going on here?” Charles’s sharp voice filled her ears, and her body snapped to attention. “Hugh—what in the bloody hell are you doing?”

“Only what you wanted of me, brother. What is required—securing a wife.”

ChapterTen

Charles

A hot knifeslashed at his chest at the sight of Georgina in his brother’s clutches, her face marred with red. Was it excitement? Desire?

“Is she not glorious, Charles?”

“Unhand her this instant.”

A slow smile spread across Hugh’s face as he held onto Georgie.

Fire blazed in his veins. “Let her go before someone sees. She’s an innocent.”

“Oh, not for long.” He let Georgie go, and she visibly shuddered. “That flush on her skin, that hitch in her breath, those lips…Heaven awaits me.”

“Enough!” Charles gritted out.

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