“Then I shan’t leave any part of you feeling neglected.” A sensual smile eased across her lips as she swept the cloth slowly up his arm and across his chest before heading lower. As she leaned over the porcelain side, her wrapper gaped open, revealing a smooth strip of her bosom. He sucked in a sharp breath when she touched his shaft and ran the cloth along the length of him and back.
He closed his eyes while she stroked him. “I—” His voice came out gravelly, and he cleared his throat. “I should warn you, the whelp assigned to assist me has a habit of entering without advance notice.”
“I turned the lock. He won’t be disturbing us.” She smoothed the cloth over Jake’s abdomen and inner thighs.
He cracked one eye open. A pink flush colored her neck and cheeks, and the robe flapped open to her waist. He traced the underside of her breast with his wet finger and followed the path of a water droplet with his gaze as it slid down. “If anyone saw you like this in the corridor, I would have to thrash him.”
“The chamber adjoining yours is vacant. No one saw me.”
“How clever.” Slipping his hands inside her wrapper, he pushed the silk off her shoulders. As she pulled her arms from the sleeves, the robe dropped from her body in a shimmering cascade but caught at her waist and hung there. “Release the belt so I may see all of you.”
She draped the cloth over the side of the tub, stood, and untied the sash. The garment slid to the floor, revealing the perfect curve of her hips and slender waist. Her pale pink nipples had hardened, and she absently brushed across one as she reached to smooth a strand of hair behind her ear.
“Beautiful,” he murmured.
Instinctively, he gripped his shaft and ran his hand over it to ease the ache. Amelia’s lips parted on a soft gasp, and her eyes grew round. He let go of himself, a wash of heat spreading up his face.
“Forgive me. I forgot myself.”
“No,” she said on a breath. Pink infused her cheeks and her lashes fluttered, but soon she met his gaze again. “I like it.”
A wide grin spread across his mouth. He loved that there were pleasures yet unknown to her, and that he would be the one to introduce her.
As he ran his fingers up and down his arousal, he couldn’t tear his gaze away from her. Her eyes became a night sky, her lips swollen and irresistible. “Touch yourself, Mia.”
She crossed her arms over her breasts and looked away.
Perhaps another day. He held out his hand. “Then come here so I may touch you.”
Her fingers overlapped his, and he curled his to create a link, urging her closer. She shuffled forward until her thighs bumped against the tub. “But there’s no room for me.”
“I’ll make room.” He pulled her into the tub so that she straddled his chest. Amelia braced her elbows on the tub’s sides as he cupped her bottom and urged her closer to his mouth. With one hand, he parted her curls and flicked his tongue across her glistening skin.
Her breath caught in a hitch. He glanced up to gauge her reaction. Her eyes drifted at half-mast as he caressed between her legs. “Is it all right if I kiss you here?”
“Yes,” she whispered. When he placed his mouth on the most intimate spot a man could kiss a woman, her fingers slid into his hair and drew circles on his scalp. He lovingly stroked his tongue over her, igniting a tremor in her legs. Each pass elicited more violent quivers, and she struggled to hold on to the edges of the tub.
When he pulled back, she whimpered. “Let’s move to the bed. Then I’ll kiss you more.”
A jagged breath tore through her before she climbed from the tub. Jake hauled himself to his feet and stepped from his bath while she retrieved a towel, but instead of handing it to him she rubbed it over his chest and abdomen. She bent over and dried each leg before pausing at his erection. Her deep blue eyes lifted and locked with his. His stomach tightened as he waited to see what she would do. Slowly, she leaned forward and placed a kiss on the tip of his shaft.
He drew in a sharp breath, whistling softly. Triumph lit her face and an enticing smile eased across her lips. Holding his gaze, she lowered to her knees and circled her fingers around him. She kissed him again then touched her tongue to his scalding flesh. Jake jerked in her hold. Emboldened by his reaction, she licked him with long strokes as she would an Italian ice. She swirled her tongue around his shaft and nibbled until he couldn’t take the exquisite torture any longer.
“Hold me in your mouth,” he pleaded.
Amelia looked up at him, her lips forming an O.
Jake released a tense chuckle, more like a strangled breath, and smoothed a hand over her head. “It’s all right, sweetheart. You don’t have to—”
“I want to kiss you here like you did for me.” Her sweet lips closed gingerly around him, so loving, simply cradling him with her tongue. She raised her eyes, seeking reassurance.
“Yes, that’s perfect, my love.” He gently clasped her head, her soft hair twining around his fingers, and guided her movements. Her heat engulfed him, and he closed his eyes, existing only in this moment and in the heavenly sensations she created within him. Every touch was reverent, the sweep of her tongue adoring. Never had he been loved or loved another so deeply.
“Mia,” he said softly, emotion making his voice shaky.
She withdrew from him and looked up, her eyes overcast and shaded by desire. Jake captured her hands, helped her stand, then led her to the bedchamber. Once Amelia reclined on the bed, he settled between her thighs to show her the same adoration she had lavished on him. Her sighs became more pronounced and came more frequently as he loved her with his mouth, his tongue circling her hardened pearl.
She tensed and pushed against his head when an especially strong tremor raced through her. Her eyes were wide and uncertain.
He placed a gentle kiss on her thigh. “Allow me to complete you.” He massaged her legs until she lay back and sank into the bedding. Her fingers curled into the covers when he touched his mouth to her again. She surrendered to his ministrations, trusting him to undo her, opening herself up to vulnerability. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and she gripped the counterpane. A barely audible cry fell from her lips as she neared her peak. Jake carried her over the edge. Louder, more heartfelt sounds broke from her as shudders wracked her body over and over. As all tension left her and she dissolved against the bed, he simply watched her, his blood pounding through his vessels. Her chest rose and fell heavily, the dips slowing as she recovered.
Unable to wait any longer, he kissed his way up her stomach and chest then entered her. His lips met hers as Amelia rocked her hips to counter his thrust, making him smile against her mouth. He brushed the hair away from her eyes and drove into her again. With each push, she moved with him, following his pace. Her hands traveled his back and brushed his buttocks. Cupping him, she pulled him closer until he couldn’t go any deeper then possessed his mouth. He kissed her back with the same fervor.
Good God, she aroused him like no other and shattered his control. Desperate, he pumped into her fast and hard until he hovered on the edge of splintering into a thousand fragments, every part of him madly in love with her. She held on tightly as he climaxed, her legs hugging his waist. Her embrace was warm and welcoming; he wanted to stay this way with her forever. His heart battered against his ribs, slowing by minuscule degrees.
Burying his face in her hair, he breathed in her scent. The strands tickled his cheeks and nose, but he still held on. He caressed her side down to her hip and back again in languid movements. Her skin was as soft as rose petals.
“I love everything about you,” he whispered in her ear.
She smiled against his cheek before she kissed him. “I love everything about you, too.”
Twenty-two
Amelia had been unable to contain herself when Jake had told her the renovation had been approved by the board. Yet, it was learning of Lady Banner’s desire to host a dinner in a show of support for the project, along with an invitation for Bibi to attend t
he affair, that nearly caused Amelia to faint.
She still had no real notion as to how Jake and Lord Norwick managed to right everything, but she chose to leave the matter unexplored after a vague mention of loo and the power of persuasion.
Bibi clutched Amelia’s hand as the landau carried them to Lady Banner’s town house. Jake had suggested she and Bibi might enjoy some time alone and planned to meet her at the dinner. Bibi and Jake had gotten on splendidly ever since he and Amelia had returned to London.
Amelia patted Bibi’s arm. “You have no cause for worry, my dear. I won’t leave your side even for a moment unless you bid me to do so.”
Bibi’s worry lines softened. “Amelia, I cannot thank you enough. That troll is more than I can stomach.”
“Lady Banner is serving troll again?”
Bibi’s peal of laughter warmed Amelia’s insides. “Oh, Amelia. She is worse than beastly, is she not? What is worse than beastly? The devil’s spawn?”
Amelia squeezed her hand. “We mustn’t attend if you would rather not. I could feign a sudden illness.”
“No,” Bibi said on a sigh. “Unfortunately, I’m fond of the devil’s kin. I promised Norwick I would attend this evening.”
“Lord Norwick is a different sort.”
Bibi extracted her hand from Amelia’s hold. “Do not judge him. He’s a kind gentleman.”
“I’m not judging him. I am acknowledging how different he is from his sister.”
When Bibi didn’t respond, Amelia frowned. “I’m surprised you have maintained an association with him when you’ve proclaimed no desire to settle with one gentleman.”
“So you judge me. How charming.” Bibi turned her face toward the window. “I’ll have you know I—” She swung around and jabbed a raised finger Amelia’s direction. “You have no faith in me, do you?”
Easing back against the squabs, Amelia offered an apologetic smile. “I have nothing but the deepest affection for you and applaud your change of heart. I never thought you would alter your position on love.”
“I haven’t!” Bibi’s hands fluttered to her hair to smooth her perfect coiffure. “Don’t be a ninny. Love is for fools…” Her voice trailed off and she looked out the window again.
Refusing to allow her friend to hide her true feelings, Amelia moved to the seat across from her, spying Bibi’s wide smile before she tried to hide it behind her fan.
“You have changed your mind,” Amelia said. “Admit it.”
Bibi laughed. “No, I haven’t. Leave me be.”
Amelia leaned across the carriage and captured Bibi’s wrists, pulling the fan away from her face. Her friend boasted a happy glow. “You are in love with Norwick, aren’t you?”
“Oh, Amelia. I don’t know.” Her luminous eyes spoke of her sentiments. “Jasper is hopelessly clumsy in polite society, and he’s not handsome like the gents I typically like. He dresses a mess and needs reminders not to overindulge at meals, but he is… kind.”
A tremor shook Bibi’s petite frame, and she squeezed her eyes closed. A beatific smile spread across her lips. “Jasper cares about pleasing me. He treats me like a precious possession.” When she opened her eyes again, they sparkled. “I think I may love him. Does that make me mad?”
Amelia moved back to the spot beside Bibi and gathered her in a hug. “You’re not mad, dearest, and I’m happy for you.”
The carriage rolled to a stop at Lord and Lady Banner’s town house.
“Are you certain you wish to go inside?” Amelia asked.
Bibi nodded. “I have no choice really.”
Amelia smiled and followed her friend.
Lady Banner’s face pinched when they entered the drawing room, and she didn’t approach to receive them. Her husband performed the honors in her stead.
“Why, Lady Kennell, what a pleasure to see you at last.” Lord Banner’s last word was slurred, his tone petulant.
Bibi’s fingers dug into Amelia’s forearm. While Lord and Lady Banner’s estrangement had been the latest on-dit months ago, it was passé now. Yet one rarely spotted them at the same engagement.
“I was beginning to believe you were taking pains to avoid me, Lady Kennell.” The baron’s soured breath assaulted Amelia’s senses.
He captured Bibi’s free hand and attempted to draw her away, but Amelia planted her heels and tightened her grip on her friend. Lord Banner shot her a venomous glare and jerked on Bibi’s arm. Amelia tried discreetly to draw her back to her side. Her gaze darted around the room. The game of tug-of-war had begun to earn curious stares, so she released Bibi. Where was Jake?
Bibi lightly touched her fingers to her throat. “M-my lord, I must beg your forgiveness, but I am a bit under the weather this evening. Perhaps you would be so kind as to retrieve a drink for Lady Audley and me?”
A shadow fell over Bibi’s face. Lord Norwick saluted them with two glasses of lemonade. “No need to trouble yourself, Banner. I have refreshments for the ladies. You may tend your other guests.”
“Norwick.” Bibi’s voice softened to a caress. “How happy I am to see you.”
Lord Banner’s complexion drained of color, and for one breathless moment, Amelia thought he might keel over on the worn drawing room rug. A light sheen appeared on his forehead. He cleared his throat. “I see you are in good hands, ladies.”
Bibi turned a brilliant smile on Norwick, genuine and full of affection. “The best hands in London, my lord.”
Amelia might have felt sympathy for Banner upon witnessing his stricken expression if he were any other man. But he wasn’t. She held no compassion for the blackguard.
Norwick returned Bibi’s smile, his rosy cheeks shining. Her attention affected him as it did most gentlemen, but there was something in Norwick’s manner that hinted at deep affection and protectiveness.
“Will you allow me to make an introduction?” he asked Bibi.
“Go on,” Amelia whispered, surrendering her to his care before retreating to a corner. Norwick escorted Bibi around the room, stopping to speak with other guests along the way and making a show of her special status in his life. Everyone greeted Amelia’s friend differently this evening with the earl by her side. Bibi was in good hands with Norwick.
A soft touch on Amelia’s elbow drew her attention. “Hiding in the corner, my lady?”
“Mr. Hillary. You have arrived at last.” She tried to train her gaze straight ahead, mindful of the gossips milling about the room, but she couldn’t resist stealing a quick look.
Jake’s hazel eyes were a dark green this evening, the color enriched by the emerald and gold embroidered waistcoat he wore under his black jacket. “I missed you, too,” he murmured.
A footman clanged a miniature gong, the tinny sound rippling through the room. “Ladies and gentleman, dinner is served.”
Jake offered his arm and pulled her closer than proper while escorting her to the dining room. Pointed stares and whispers followed them. There had been no official announcement of their intentions, so she could only imagine as to their speculations. Let the gossips think what they like. Soon enough everyone would learn of their betrothal and the whole ton could eat crow.
When she tested the soup Lady Banner served moments later, Amelia reconsidered crow’s appeal. Perhaps she had unfairly judged it. She scrunched up her nose and gingerly maneuvered the soggy chunks of lamb around her bowl.
Mr. Tucker, the American heir with a connection to the architect who had sketched the plans for the foundling house renovation, sat to her left. He leaned toward her and wrinkled his nose. “What is this meat in my soup?”
She stifled a chuckle. “It is lamb, sir. Do they not serve such delicacies in America?”
A lock of blond hair slipped down on his forehead when he shook his head. “Tragically, no.”
“What is it they serve in America?”
“Similar fare on the east coast, I imagine, but I hail from New Orleans. Dishes feature more rice and fish.” He lowered his voice. “And I
daresay they are tastier than tonight’s first course.”
Jake peered around her and joined the conversation. “My elder brother speaks highly of the cuisine. His ship sails to the Port of New Orleans.”
“He’s the master of a merchant ship,” Amelia added in a show of solidarity with her betrothed. Jake’s brother had made a scandalous choice to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.
Fortunately for Captain Hillary, there were hostesses who prided themselves on inviting the most infamous gentlemen to their soirees, finding the lure of a possible scandal titillating. Although Jake’s brother might consider it unlucky to receive so many invitations, given his tendency to sneer at society.
“New Orleans is a wonderful city,” Mr. Tucker said, “but it cannot boast the impressive architectural structures found here and on the continent.”
“Do you have an interest in architecture?” Jake asked.
When the women retired to the drawing room, he and Mr. Tucker talked animatedly about their shared passion. Amelia was happy to excuse herself from the topic of architectural design, as it had exhausted her interest half an hour earlier, and reunite with Bibi.
Amelia joined Bibi on the gaudy patterned settee. “How was dinner, Lady Kennell?”
Bibi folded her hands in her lap. “Very pleasant, thank you.”
Her restraint impressed Amelia, especially when a lively twinkle in her eyes spoke of her exhilaration.
Ladies Eleanor and Lydia approached them. “May we join you?”
Bibi blinked up at the ladies. “Oh… certainly. Please, have a seat.”
They lowered into the vacant seats across from the settee as gracefully as two swans gliding in to land on the Serpentine. Amelia braced herself for unpleasantness, but both young women regarded them with guileless, wide eyes.
“Lady Kennell, please do not think me forward,” Lady Eleanor said, “but your gown is divine.”
Lady Lydia nodded. “Yes, truly divine. Cousin Jasper boasts it’s at the height of fashion in Paris.”
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