Naughty Flings: Twelve Naughty Little Romps

by Alexa Silver

  “Winslow,” he growled.

  His voice was deep, cold, and directly behind her, his mouth at a level just above her left ear. Though he didn’t touch her with his hands, she felt as though he caressed her entire body. Perhaps she was destined for Bedlam because this feeling must be madness.

  Jamie nodded at the Duke. “Kendrick. Didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

  “Introduce me to your friend.”

  Jamie stiffened at the command, his jaw clenching. He retained his temper offering a reluctant nod. “Kendrick, may I present Baron Easton to you. My Lord, allow me to introduce you to the Duke of Kendrick.”

  The two men eyed each other, almost like two dogs with a hunk of meat both wanted. It wasn’t a pleasant image and Lexa was not amused. How dare they treat her with such arrogance? Kendrick turned to her, offering a lazy smile.

  “And this lovely shepherdess is your sister?”

  “She is.”

  Lexa reluctantly met his gaze. At close range, he was far more devastating than he’d been across the room. Lethal in fact. Staring into his eyes was like glimpsing a candle in the dark. Ghostly afterimages burned into her vision. Kendrick carried her hand slowly to his mouth, brushing her knuckles with his full lips while he held her eyes captive. Even through her evening gloves, she could feel the heat. It surged like lightning through her body, setting every fiber of her being alight.

  “Your Grace. A pleasure to see you again.”

  “And you, Lady Alexandra.”

  His deep voice lingered over her name, as if caressing her with it. He continued to hold her hand in his. She tugged gently, attempting to retrieve her hand to no avail. All she succeeded in doing was to make him aware he made her nervous. His smile deepened, his eyes twinkling with humor. Lexa expected him to ease away since he’d made his point, but he didn’t. No, he was arrogant enough, and certain enough of his appeal, to push further.

  “I believe a waltz is in the offing. Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?”

  “I…” Lexa wanted to spit. She couldn’t very well say no, but she didn’t want to say yes. Even worse the wretch knew it, using it to his advantage.

  “We are renewing our acquaintance. So unfortunately for you Kendrick, the lady is engaged to dance with me.”

  Lexa breathed a sigh of relief. The Duke’s fierce black gaze possessed her. Challenged her to dance with any man but him. In this mood he was dangerous.

  “Is there an understanding between the two of you, Easton?”

  “No… I…” Daniel sputtered. “I was fourteen the last time I saw her.”

  “Excellent. Then you won’t mind me intervening. It’s so rare to meet a lady one wants to know better.”

  Kendrick tucked her hand, which he still held, into the crook of his elbow then led her to the dance floor before pulling her into his arms. As his hand settled just below the small of her back, she shivered. Lexa was not an impulsive woman, but she almost wished his hand would slide yet lower. Almost as if he heard her wish, his hand slipped down to the rise of her bottom. Warmth radiated from his large palm to every portion of her body, sending tingles along her spine.

  “Sir, I believe your hand has drifted a touch south.” She sharpened her voice to hide her pleasure at his arrogant assumption of ownership of her person. Allowing him any liberties was inadvisable, but Lexa wanted to take a risk.

  “Has it? It feels like exactly the right spot to me.” He flexed his fingers, drawing her closer. She tried to pull away, but he was too strong. Struggling with him would be completely undignified. It would also attract the type of attention she preferred to avoid.

  “Your Grace, perhaps you are more accustomed to other sorts of women than I. But I assure you, I have no desire to dance with a rake.”

  “I think a rake is exactly what you want, my lady, and I’m only too happy to oblige.”

  The laughter in his voice told her he knew she wanted his attentions. She should make her excuses and leave before she scandalized the ton. Her anger at her situation and her own out of control emotions peaked as she glared up into his amused eyes. Just then the music began. Her options abruptly disappeared. Lexa’s focus narrowed to getting through this dance with her reputation intact.

  Chapter 2

  Valentine Fauklner, Duke of Kendrick found himself enjoying the season for the first time in a three very long months. As she continued her attempts to edge away from him, Lady Alexandra’s eyes snapped with blue flame and Val didn’t bother to hide his enjoyment of her wriggling. What a luscious armful she was.

  Her temper matched the fire of her flame red hair, but he thought she was angrier at herself than at him. At least tonight. He never used to enjoy the company of a feisty female, but this lady was different. He wasn’t quite sure why she was different, but she was. Her personality may be as prickly as a hedgehog, but her form was as voluptuous as a goddess.

  Her creamy shoulders and the curve of her full breasts shimmered in the light of the ballroom and he longed to run his tongue over those magnificent globes. Never had a shepherdess looked so positively edible. When she first walked into the room, he’d made a total cake of himself by tripping over a chair and landing against a pillar on the other side of the room. His shoulder still hurt, but the pain was worth it and her presence in his arms was made all the more delicious by the scowl on her former beau’s face. Easton was livid, and Val relished it. He turned his gaze to Lady Alexandra; she scowled up at him. Damn, he’d been silent too long.

  “Are you enjoying the masquerade, my Lady?” Val restrained a wince at his uninspired conversational gambit. Could he be any more boring? Good God, he’d put himself to sleep if he kept this up, let alone the lady in his arms.

  “Your Grace, would you please release me?”

  “In the middle of the dance? I could never be so ungentlemanly, Lady Alexandra. You are safe and secure in my arms.”

  “Secure? Perhaps. Safe? Never.”

  “As if you wish to be safe.” Val whirled her sharply, enjoying her gasp of surprise as she clutched his arm, pressing closer to him.

  “You’re creating a scene,” Lady Alexandra hissed, her body tensing away from him.

  “No, I’m not. I’m merely waltzing with a lovely lady of quality…”

  She might be tense, but Val knew the look of an aroused woman, and Lady Alexandra shone with it. Whenever he saw her, she tempted him. But tonight…seeing another man look at her with lust in his eyes…he’d be damned if he let her escape him. Not without a fight. Not again.

  “Have you been so scandalous as to waltz without the permission of the dragons of Almacks?” He whirled her out of the path of a plodding, red-faced squire.

  “I received permission some ten years ago, Kendrick, but the speed of your spins are likely to cause multi-dancer collisions. Not everyone is so deft at the dance as you.”

  “Thank you for your delightful compliment,” Val suddenly knew exactly what to say to entertain her…and himself.

  “It wasn’t intended as such.” Lady Alexandra stared at his shoulder, her lips pursed, her brows drawn down.

  “Nevertheless, I’ll accept it,” he purred. “A man likes to be told by the woman in his arms he is skilled in his movements. It inspires him to greater effort. A woman’s words of encouragement certainly inspire me.”

  She blinked, her cheeks blooming a becoming rose color as her blue eyes flew to his. He smiled wickedly. Oh yes, she understood his suggestive comment, even if she didn’t want to admit it.

  “You… You…”

  He raised his brows inquiringly, unable to keep the smugness from his expression. “Yes, Lady Alexandra?”

  “Oh. You’re impossible!” She tried unsuccessfully to hide a shiver. But Val could see by her taut nipples his words excited her.

  “Perhaps you prefer slower movements?” He matched the tempo to his words. Val smiled as he led her through the dance with stately strides. “Slow and leisurely pleases most women, though as the
dance reaches its inevitable climax, speed must increase for both the man and the woman. Don’t you agree?” He increased their speed, smiling as she followed his lead without hesitation.

  “My Lord, this is most inappropriate conversation.” Her breathing quickened as she stared into his eyes, a flush rising in her cheeks.

  Val’s cock stirred and he knew she felt it straining toward her as her eyes widened. “My Lady. We are discussing the proper steps of the waltz. There is nothing unsuitable in our speech.”

  “Nothing unsuitable?” She choked. “Are you mad?”

  “Not in the least,” he assured her, increasing their speed as the waltz reached its end.

  When the music ceased they came to a quick stop—Lady Alexandra panting in his arms. Now this was how he wanted a woman to look after strenuous exertion. Excited and disturbed.

  He leaned close to her ear. “Was it pleasing for you my lady, or do you need another round for your completion? I’d be only too happy to continue until you are perfectly satisfied.”

  She stiffened, attempting to withdraw from him. “I am eminently satisfied. Thank you.”

  “You aren’t seeking to spare my feelings, are you? Some women claim satisfaction with but one dance, when in reality they could have continued dancing far longer and it would have pleased them more. I am definitely a man who prefers honesty from his dance partner on this matter.”

  Her jaw dropped as she tried to formulate an answer, her eyes blinking rapidly. He gave her a teasing smile. “Ah, you would like to continue dancing, wouldn’t you Lady Alexandra? A woman after my own heart. I enjoy a lady who can dance all night. It’s so refreshing. Do you know how many women claim a megrim in order to avoid dancing? It’s simply scandalous!”

  She stared at him. Val didn’t know if she would slap him or run away, but he was looking forward to discovering the answer.

  *****

  Lexa stared up into his eyes, utterly dumbfounded. A megrim? How could he…? Part of her was angry at his presumption, yet how many men who had danced with her over the years were intelligent enough to indulge in suggestive banter on such a seemingly proper topic? A scarce handful, if that. Suddenly, she burst into delighted laughter.

  “Oh, Your Grace. You are quite astonishing.”

  “Am I?”

  “You are. I don’t know if I should be highly insulted or utterly complimented.”

  “Please be complimented.” He held out his arm. “Shall we go for a walk in the garden to cool ourselves?”

  “That might not be wise.”

  “Then a promenade about the ballroom. Surely there can be no danger amongst our peers.”

  Lexa nodded, taking his arm. “Very well, Your Grace.”

  “You know, Lady Alexandra, I took much pleasure in our dance and I hope we might dance again…very soon.” He leaned close to her, pressing his mouth near her ear. His breath sent shivers of excitement coursing through her. “In fact, the more often we dance, the more skilled we shall become until we can anticipate each other’s every move. You would be amazed how much enjoyment can be derived by regular and intense practice.”

  Even now, he found additional ways to flirt with her. Lexa tilted her head, leaning closer to him. “Tell me, Duke, how often do you think dancers must practice before they become capable of anticipating each other’s movements?”

  He grinned like a mischievous schoolboy who’d found another student willing to torment the head master. “Oh, nightly at the least, my Lady. But to become truly adept, practice should occur several times each and every night, without fail. It isn’t as though it is a terrible trial after all—practice is highly pleasurable.”

  “Is it? I would think such overindulgence might be painful.”

  “Well, at first it is. But the more one exercises one’s skills, the more the body accepts the unaccustomed…strain. In fact, I would hazard a guess the body used to dancing fairly cries out if a single night is missed.”

  “Do you truly believe that, sir?”

  “Oh, I know it. It has been far too long since I danced with such a gifted partner as yourself.”

  Lexa didn’t believe it for a moment. He was too good looking not to have had many lovers in his life and rumors about him had been rife in the last few weeks. “Perhaps you’ve not danced with a lady, it’s true. But I understand actresses are fond of the waltz, as well.”

  “I think most women, regardless of class, enjoy dancing, but I’ve not waltzed with an actress in almost two years, regardless what rumors say to the contrary.” He began to maneuver them toward the doors to the balcony. Should she let him? “Of course, my lady, finding just the right dance partner almost never happens for those of our class. Often gentlemen and ladies lack the motivation to perfect their dancing. Or worse, if one or the other is filled with overweening conceit, they believe they are a superb dancer, when in truth their skills are, at best, indifferent.”

  “I can believe that of gentlemen, indeed. But surely, since the lady follows, all she must do is present herself at the appropriate time to make her dance partner happy.” Lexa couldn’t believe she was having this conversation with a man as they strolled through a ballroom. She must be losing her mind, yet it was a pleasurable madness.

  He nodded sagely, winking at her, obviously enjoying the game. “I know ladies believe this, but it is a great myth. Gentlemen prefer to dance with a motivated and interested partner. After all, what man wants to drag a corpse about the ballroom? It is uncomfortable and mindlessly dull.”

  Lexa laughed at his sally, unsure where her banter was coming from, as if she stood outside herself to watch. She knew that if just one of the matrons stationed like dragons around the room heard them she’d be ruined, yet she enjoyed their play too much to stop. Not only was she diverted, but their daring was addictive. It was like riding a horse with the wind flying through her hair unsure if she’d fly off the horse’s back at the next fence.

  “But Your Grace, I thought all men preferred only their own enjoyment of dancing, caring little for whether their partners enjoyed the experience.”

  “This is true of some, but not all. Take myself. I want the lady who waltzes with me to feel transported by my skill on the dance floor. It is a point of pride.”

  “A point of pride?”

  “Indeed. It requires careful attention to detail on my part, but I’m willing to push myself, focusing on her pleasure rather than my own so my dance partner smiles when we have finished. In fact, I prefer her to be panting and ready to faint from the exertion.”

  “Oh my.” Lexa breathed her voice barely audible.

  Heavens, that was exactly how she’d felt at the end of their waltz. She peeped up at him. The Duke eased her out onto a dark balcony overlooking the garden, looming over her. Lexa leaned back against the wall, as the heat of his body warmed her. She shouldn’t be here. With him. Yet she didn’t want to be anywhere else.

  “Were you panting and ready to faint at the end of our waltz, my lady?” His dark eyes blazed. The rough growl in his voice caused her nipples to peak, making her yearn for his touch.

  “I believe I was, Your Grace.” Lexa lifted her head, meeting his gaze bravely. She wasn’t a frightened innocent, but this edge of danger had been missing from her life of late. Tonight she wanted the Duke of Kendrick’s kiss. In fact, she wanted far more than his kiss, no matter how hazardous it might be.

  “Val,” he murmured.

  “Val?”

  “Call me Val, Alexandra.” His lips skimmed over her neck as his hand slipped around her waist, before dipping low over her bottom. There wasn’t an inch of her body which didn’t throb with awareness.

  “Lexa. My name is Lexa,” she whispered as her arms circled his neck, pulling his head to hers.

  Val pressed his mouth to her lips then lifted his head slightly. “Relax your mouth, Lexa. The more relaxed the dancer, the more enjoyable the dance.”

  When she chuckled he captured her mouth, pulling her tightly against hi
s hard body. His tongue traced a path over her lips, drawing a breathless sigh from her. Lexa didn’t understand her own reckless behavior. No, she was lying to herself. Propriety was overrated and had nearly ruined her life but tonight’s rashness would save her.

  Val pulled her close, sliding his firm thigh between her limbs. He lifted her onto him, encouraging her to grind her hips. Lexa whimpered as the vulnerable and sensitive flesh swelled and pulsed with need. He teased her mouth open, flicking his tongue inside, soft and light as a butterfly. She followed his lead, her tongue twining with his.

  One of his hands held her firmly against his leg, while he slid the fingertips of his other hand over her ribs before cupping her breast. His thumb slowly danced around the tight point protruding invitingly. He nipped at her lips.

  “You follow your partner’s lead well, Lexa. In fact, I daresay you were born a dancer of great talent. Your lover was most fortunate to have you as a dance partner.”

  “Lover? He must have thought I preferred dancing a pavane to a waltz.” Lexa couldn’t prevent the bitter laugh which escaped as Val nuzzled her neck, his hands sliding up her arms.

  “There is much to be said for moving slowly.” He pressed his thigh forward, eliciting a gasp from Lexa.

  “Not when you are a poor dancer.”

  He paused to look into her eyes. “You’ve never been a poor dancer.”

  “Haven’t I? Why else would I find him in another’s arms?”

  “Because he was a fool beyond repair,” he told her softly.

  Kendrick kissed her lips with a reverence which brought tears to her eyes. She wouldn’t allow herself to be drawn down that bitter path. The past was gone. Tonight began a new life. A new start. A new lover.

  When he pinched her nipple and squeezed gently, Lexa’s hips jerked against his and she moaned, her eyes fluttering open. A flush rose in his face, and his eyes were lambent with desire. That was not the face of a man in control of his passions, and Lexa was glad. His seduction didn’t appear to be calculated, but she must be cautious.