Her mouth was warm and sweet. He nibbled, then soothed. She gasped and he swept in, tasting her honey, wanting to taste her in other places, relishing the deep sigh that came from her mouth as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Ash pulled away and scattered kisses over her neck, jawline, then worked his way to her ear. He tugged on her earlobe. “I have a bed in the next room.”
Pru sucked in a breath and he thought he’d gone too far. Perhaps he had misread her and she was not ready for the next step.
He leaned back and studied her. “I’m sorry. I never should have expected—”
She raised her finger against his lips and shook her head. “I would like to see your bed.”
“Are you sure? I assume you are an innocent. Once we take that step, there is no going back.”
She smoothed the hair back from his forehead. “I’m sure. I don’t intend to marry. But that doesn’t mean I want to spend my entire life not knowing what comes next. And I have never met anyone else with whom I wished to learn.”
With a slight groan, he scooped her into his arms and brought her across the threshold from his office to the small bedroom he kept at the gallery for nights when he worked late, suffering over his painting, and didn’t want to make the trip home.
Slowly, he lowered her to the floor, her body sliding against his. Her female sweetness swamped his senses, blocking out all sound except the two of them as they renewed their kiss. As he roused her innocent passion, his own grew stronger. Never had he thought an inexperienced woman could move him to this degree of desire so quickly.
So as not to frighten her, he released her lips and slowly slid her pelisse off her shoulders, the garment dropping to their feet. His hands cupped her face and he sipped from her lips, like the nectar of the gods.
“If we are to do this right, we must remove your clothes,” he whispered.
The siren’s smile she offered him almost had him losing control. He had to remember this was her first time. Although she did not seem at all reluctant or nervous in any way, if he went too fast, too soon, he could lose her.
Ash turned her body and kissed her hairline while he unfastened her gown and loosened her stays. Both fell to the ground, leaving her in a silky chemise. He slid his arms around her and cupped her breasts, finding her nipples hard and begging for attention.
He patted her delectable bottom. “Take your hair down while I undress.”
He removed his clothes as he watched her pull the pins from her hair, her back still facing him. Then she slowly turned and shook out the thick locks until they rested over her shoulders, partially covering her magnificent breasts.
With everything gone except his breeches, his hand stilled at the waistband as her movements mesmerized him. If he didn’t get her into bed soon, he would disgrace himself, a rather poor introduction to lovemaking for her.
* * *
As she shook out her curls, Pru felt free and excited. More so than any other time in her life. She was about to engage in that mysterious activity for which most women relinquished their independence. The activity that always had her sisters smiling and giggling with each other and growing red in the face when the subject was brought up.
Ash had removed everything except his breeches as he stood staring at her. “Your turn,” she said.
“Ah, but then I will be naked, and you are not.” The huskiness in his voice set the butterflies jumping in her stomach.
She glanced down at herself, with every dip and curve outlined by the silk chemise clinging to her. Her nipples jutted out and tingled. The area between her legs had grown damp, and she had the desire to push it against something hard. She’d come this far, so there was no reason to turn maidenly shy now.
With a slow smile, she reached for the hem of her chemise and slowly pulled it up over her body, past her head and tossed it to the ground.
His eyes traveled from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, a slow smile breaking out on his lips. “My, god, you’re magnificent.” His barely uttered words had her skin breaking out in goose flesh.
“Your turn, Mr. Reeves.”
In two rapid movements, he had his breeches unfastened and shoved down his legs, with no drawers underneath. From the nest of dark blond hair, his manhood stood tall and proud.
And frightening.
She brought herself under control with a reminder that as odd as this object appeared, it was something he’d lived with all his life. It was just new to her. But she couldn’t help asking, “Does it hurt? It looks so swollen and…angry.”
He shrugged. “Not painful, but certainly ready to find some relief.” Slowly, he stepped toward her and took her face in his hands. “Do not be alarmed. It will be all right. I promise. After a very slight pinch, you will feel nothing but pleasure.”
She studied the depth of his blue eyes as he spoke, his care and concern reflected there. In a flash, her heart thumped.
I could fall in love with this man.
Although she’d allowed that thought, she firmly pushed aside the voice that shouted forever.
Before her mind could wander afield with terrifying thoughts, he brought his mouth to hers and she was lost. Gone and forgotten. She knew not where she was, what she was doing, and with whom she was offering up her innocence.
All she knew was she loved the feelings Ash’s kisses brought to her. Loved the feeling of his warm, hard body pressed against hers. She moved back and forth, the chafing of her nipples against the light hair on his chest bringing even more strange and wonderful sensations.
He continued to kiss her as he backed her up until her knees touched the edge of the bed. She tumbled down, and Ash followed her, never leaving her lips. Suddenly, his hands were everywhere, touching, caressing, feeling, tugging.
She ran her hands over his back, enjoying the movement of the muscles rippling under his skin. He pulled away and turned to her, resting his head on his propped-up hand. “We would be more comfortable in another position.”
He circled her nipple with his fingertip as he spoke, then edged back to rest his head on the pillow, taking her with him, easing her body against his. His leg covered hers, the wiry hairs on his calves tickling her skin.
Ash shifted to lean over her, bracing himself on his elbows, staring down at her. “I will do everything in my power to make this pleasurable for you.” With those words, he slid down her body and took her breast in his mouth.
She almost shot off the bed. “Oh, that is…”
“Yes,” he mumbled. “Hang on, sweetheart, it only gets better.”
She cupped his head, holding him closer, then wondered if she was smothering him. He didn’t complain, so she didn’t release him. When his fingers trailed over her belly, making their way to the throbbing area between her legs, she decided to be as bold as him and moved her hand so she held his swollen member.
The tip was soft and spongy, with a tiny bit of liquid at the opening. She threw her head back as his fingers slid over her core, circling and rubbing, bringing very strange feelings to her body.
The air seemed to grow thick; she could not get enough of it. She noticed Ash panting as well, but his moans as she moved her hand up and down his manhood assured her whatever she was doing, it was all right with him.
She soon found the area where his fingers played had tightened, and she felt the need for more. “Ash, something is missing.” Her legs moved of their own accord and she pushed against his hand.
“Shh. Don’t fret. Just relax. Trying too hard will make it more difficult.”
His words reminded her that this was a familiar activity for him. Did he feel the same strange sensations she did? Did he find her wanting in her inexperience?
She pushed all those questions away and continued to rub her hand up and down his member until he groaned. “Stop, sweeting, or I will not be able to hold off.”
Although she wasn’t sure what he meant, she ceased her movements and gripped his shoulder, tensing her leg muscl
es.
She was close, she could feel it. Precisely what she was close to, she wasn’t sure, but whatever it was focused all her concentration on where Ash’s fingers played. Gripping his head, she brought his mouth to hers. “I need more. Please, Ash. More.”
Apparently, all she needed was his lips because he no sooner placed his mouth on hers than she exploded. That was the only word that fit. Wave and wave of exquisite pleasure washed over her entire body. The sound that came from her very soul sounded strange to her ears and she was grateful that the building was empty.
She slumped, ready to fall into a deep sleep when Ash moved over her, spreading her legs to settle himself there. “Look at me, Pru.”
Slowly her eyes opened.
“I want you to know this pain won’t last long.”
Pain? All she felt now was a need to cuddle up against his warm body and nap to make up for all the sleep she’d lost the last few nights.
He edged her opening, and she felt a strange fullness there. She came more awake and pulled his head down for a kiss. He shoved his body farther and she yelped at the strange invasion. He stopped and pulled his mouth away. “Hold still, sweetheart, and the pain will subside.”
She stared up at him, then let out the breath she’d been holding and shifted a bit. No pain. “It’s gone.”
He grinned. “Then hang on, pet. I’m taking you for a ride.”
12
Two days later, Ash awoke, filled with excitement. He stretched and studied the dust motes dancing in the sunlight that streamed through the window of his bedchamber. The entire room was lit up since he’d forgotten to pull the window drapes closed the night before. He clasped his hands behind his head and smiled.
The art show was that afternoon and everything was ready.
Pru.
He glanced over at the pillow next to him, remembering her lying alongside him in the bed at the gallery after they’d finished making love, her hair spread out like a waterfall of brown and golden loveliness. He’d reached for her hand and kissed the back of her knuckles, then rested their joined hands on his chest, a feeling of completeness washing over him.
Their lovemaking had been an incredible experience.
Although he’d withdrawn as protection, there was still no guarantee he hadn’t impregnated her. Those things did happen. They’d spent time talking softly and holding each other afterwards but neither one of them mentioned the future. While not a gentleman by birth, he had always held himself to that standard, and therefore, should have at least assured her he would not abandon her should their coupling end in her conceiving.
If she would have him, considering their class differences.
After his mother’s experience as a young girl, she’d emphasized during his youth the importance of a man’s responsibility and behavior. As far as he knew, he had no offspring resulting from his affairs over the years. If he had, he would never have abandoned them as his father had done.
His thoughts were as twisted as his feelings when it came to Lady Prudence. He had the sinking feeling he had fallen in love with her. What they’d shared meant more to him than any other sexual encounter in his life. He wanted her, not just for another tumble in bed but for always.
Besides being attractive, Pru was smart, talented, and a caring person. She would make a wonderful wife and mother.
As if a cloud passed over the sun, his spirit dimmed. She was a lady. He was the bastard, unacknowledged son of an earl. A future for them was the sort of situation one found in soppy love poems. Or in Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet.
Most likely, her insistence that she had no intention of marrying had more to do with her concern that a husband—of the ton—would insist on her giving up her painting hobby and devote herself to running his household. She was probably right since the upper crust expected their wives to be not much more than a brood mare. An heir and a spare, then they each went their own way. From what he’d seen, and with the number of blatant and suggestive offers he’d received from ladies, the idea of love, fidelity, and lifelong commitment in marriage was not part of their lives.
He, on the other hand, believed in all those things, and would insist on fidelity from both himself and his wife after taking marriage vows.
And, he’d never ask her to stop painting. Years with his mother had taught him painting to an artist was like breathing. As much as he enjoyed delving into art himself, he did not have the passion he saw in his mother and in Pru. Taking that away from her would be equivalent to removing part of her soul.
Was it possible there was a chance for them? Or was he fooling himself like some lovestruck youth?
He pushed those thoughts away and threw off the counterpane, anxious to start the day.
After his usual hardy breakfast of eggs, bacon, whitefish, rolls, jam, and a full pot of tea, he left the house and headed to the gallery. He checked his timepiece as he unlocked the front door. Ten o’clock. He had three hours to once again go over everything to make sure all was ready before he left to escort Pru at one.
Ted followed him through the entrance, rubbing his hands. “I believe we are ready for this afternoon.”
“Yes. I went over everything last night. The refreshments will arrive by one o’clock, and the extra lamps for the evening viewing have arrived.”
“How about the footmen? The last I heard we only had three.”
“Four now. The agency just confirmed that yesterday, after you left.”
Ted nodded. “Excellent.” He turned and viewed the paintings on the walls and scattered throughout the room on easels. “I think this will be quite successful. Based on Lady Prudence’s invitation list, this might very well be the best art show Reeves and Goddard has ever done.” He winked. “Lots of commissions and sales for the lady. Although she most likely doesn’t need the blunt.”
Ash walked to one of the pictures on the wall and moved the left side a quarter inch. “She is not keeping the money.”
“What?”
Ash turned back. “She is going to use the money from the sales to pay for art lessons for those who show talent but have no funds to hire art teachers.”
Ted let out a whistle from between his teeth. “Very generous of her.”
“Yes.”
“The two of you seem to be getting along much better than you did at the start.” Ted studied him with much more interest than Ash would have liked.
“Yes. I believe my initial opinion of Lady Prudence has changed. I now believe she is truly a dedicated artist.”
“And?” Ted grinned.
“And what?” He did not care for the look on his partner’s face. The last thing he needed was to have Ted pushing them together.
Ted didn’t respond immediately but continued to look at him. “Nothing. I just want you to understand that things that seem impossible may very well be no problem at all. I do have a few years on you, and I have learned not to take things as initially represented.”
Ash waved his hand. “I believe all the work you’ve put into this show has muddled your brain. I have no idea what you are talking about.”
After a few moments pause, Ted slapped him on the back. “Let’s have some tea.”
* * *
“Pru, Mr. Reeves has arrived.” Mother tapped on Pru’s door and entered her bedchamber. “Don’t you look lovely.”
“Thank you.” She twisted her hands. “I’m so nervous.”
Mother walked to her and tucked an errant curl into her bonnet. “Why? You are a wonderful artist.”
“I think so. You and Papa think so. But now the entire world will look at my work. Suppose it’s not good?”
“Oh, my dear daughter. Mr. Reeves and Mr. Goddard have run their gallery for years. They are very successful which means they know good art when they see it. If they believe in you, then everyone else will agree with them.”
“I know you’re right, but I won’t settle down until the show is under way and no one has shouted disparaging remarks.�
� She tried a grin but didn’t quite make it.
Mother took her arm and walked her to the door and down the stairs. “It will be fine. Papa and I will be there right at two o’clock. Your sisters and their husbands will be there early, as well.” She patted Prudence on the cheek. “We will all marvel and rave about the paintings.”
“Please don’t tell me you are nervous, Lady Prudence.” Ash bowed as she reached the bottom step, his eyes glowing with appreciation. She sincerely hoped Mother did not notice his look or her flush.
She’d managed to push aside in her mind what they’d shared together in his bed at the gallery and was quite successful most of the day, but when she was lying in her own bed at night, all the feelings and memories came back to her, making her itchy. That was the only way she could describe it. The familiar flutters began in her stomach, and she had the horrible desire to touch herself in places she’d thought very little of before.
Places like her breasts which tingled, and the area between her legs that dampened and seemed to swell. She had managed to resist doing so by flopping over onto her stomach and thinking about her art show. And not the man who was escorting her there.
“I am afraid she is a bit anxious,” Mother said with a warm smile.
“If it makes you feel any better, all artists are nervous before a show. It’s part of the process.” He smiled and extended his arm. She switched from Mother to Ash, and they left the house.
Once they were settled in Ash’s carriage and on their way, he looked over at her and straightened. “There is a matter we must discuss. However, I think it best if we concentrate now on your show and agree to have a conversation perhaps tomorrow?”
Not being a stupid woman, she knew precisely what he wanted to talk about. Thank goodness, he mentioned tomorrow because with the art show looming in front of them and her own thoughts and feelings about him, her, and the two of them together, she didn’t think she could hold an intelligent discourse.
For the Love of the Gentleman Page 8
