She laughed nervously. “I was thinking of Bianca’s future husband and imagining a happily ever after for her.”
“What about your dreams? Your happiness?”
Eleanor hesitated. “I am far too practical to be waiting for my prince to come along.”
Sebastian barked with laughter. “I should hope not. The Regent is possibly the most decadent man in all of Britain. He would never do as a husband for you.”
Who would? You? Eleanor wished she had the nerve, and the confidence, to ask him. “We are not speaking of me. We are talking about my sister. I fear if I don’t find her someone to marry, our father will.”
His eyes searched hers. She tried to remain serene, not wanting to give too much away. The earl was her private demon.
“Don’t you have confidence in your father’s wisdom?”
“No.” The word slipped out before she could silence herself. Irritated, Eleanor ate the last spoonful of her ice. “All finished,” she announced, forcing a bright smile. She stood. Sebastian also rose.
“Would you care for another ice?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I would, however, like to stroll down by the Serpentine in the park. We can admire the swans and dissect the characters of the single gentlemen.”
She sensed he wanted to protest, to probe deeper into her comment about the earl. Thankfully, her pleading expression persuaded him to drop the matter, for he grinned suddenly, offered her his arm, and said, “Whatever my lady desires.”
Later that evening Sebastian entered his club. He was looking forward to reading the newspaper and eating a quiet supper before venturing out on his own for the night. Before leaving Eleanor this afternoon he discovered she would be attending the Wardsworths’ dinner party, an invitation he had already declined.
After a moment’s consideration, Sebastian determined it would be better if he didn’t see her again tonight. He was walking a fine line but overall felt things were progressing nicely. Eleanor was becoming more and more infatuated with him, more relaxed, more eager for his company. He knew it was crucial that he not be too obvious in his pursuit, yet he needed to remain vigilant for any opportunities to advance his position.
Her comment about the earl intrigued him, but her tight-lipped expression told him in no uncertain terms it was a subject that was not to be broached. Pity, since that might have gained him insight to his enemy.
Sebastian had just placed his drink and supper order when he spied the Duke of Hansborough ensconced in a leather wingback chair near the fireplace, a newspaper opened in his lap. Striding over, he took the empty seat next to the older man, cleared his throat loudly, and waited to be acknowledged.
“Benton.”
“Your Grace.” Sebastian inclined his head. “I have not had the opportunity to thank you for your assistance at the ball the other night. I am grateful for your intervention.”
The duke snorted and rustled his newspaper.
Sebastian cleared his throat again and continued. “The situation got quite out of control when—”
The duke held up his hand. “Please, spare me what I have no doubt is a fascinating, fictional tale. You asked for my help and I gave it, but I didn’t do it entirely for your sake, Benton. I did it for the lady as well.”
“Thank you nonetheless.”
“She deserves better,” the duke grumbled.
Sebastian grinned mockingly. “On that point we are in complete agreement.”
The duke slowly lowered his paper, then fixed Sebastian with a steady look. “Lady Eleanor’s falling in love with you and she’s not the only one. Open your eyes and button your breeches. This sort of behavior might have been tolerable when you were a green lad, but you’re a man now. ‘Tis not only bad form, but cruel to leave a string of broken hearts in your wake.”
Sebastian suddenly felt cold. A string of broken hearts? “I don’t know what you are trying to say.”
The duke tilted his head and met Sebastian’s eyes squarely. “Think about it. You’re not an imbecile, though you certainly play the part well at times.”
Sebastian frowned, wanting to ask more, yet almost afraid of what he would hear. But apparently the duke had finished lecturing him. He picked up the newspaper and snapped it crisply in front of him, effectively dismissing Sebastian. Further words were an impossibility.
“Good evening, Your Grace.”
Sebastian made his bow and left. Yet the duke’s words haunted him as he ate his supper and Sebastian feared the grains of truth buried in the statement.
Late the following morning, Eleanor accompanied Bianca to the fan maker and after that, the dressmaker. Eleanor was hardly in the best of moods. Sebastian had not appeared at the dinner party last night and she missed him more than she could say. Without him, there had been no one of interest to converse with, no one to tease, flirt with, and laugh with her. It had been an exceedingly dull evening.
There were only two other customers when Eleanor and Bianca entered the dress shop. The proprietress, Madame Claudette, excused herself the moment they entered the establishment and hurried over, a welcoming smile upon her face.
“How may I be of assistance today, ladies?” she asked eagerly.
“We would like to commission two gowns—no, three new gowns for my sister,” Bianca announced.
Eleanor dropped the length of green silk she had been admiring and turned toward her sister. “Bianca, no! The earl will have apoplexy when he receives the bill.”
Bianca stubbornly shook her head. “I insist. I’m sure Madame Claudette knows exactly how to write the invoice so Papa won’t question it. Isn’t that right, Madame?”
The modiste nodded eagerly and Eleanor felt herself weakening. She had worn the two dresses Bianca had managed to secretly order when they first arrived in Town everywhere. It would be wonderful to have something new, but the earl’s anger would be legendary if he discovered their ruse. Eleanor knew she should protest, but then her eyes returned to the emerald-green bolt of silk.
“Ahh, my lady has excellent taste.” The modiste pulled the bolt from the pile and raised a length of cloth over Eleanor’s shoulder.
“It’s perfect for you!” Bianca exclaimed. “That shade highlights the gold in your hair and makes your eyes sparkle. We must have a dress made with it.”
“I know the perfect style,” Madame proclaimed. She rifled through a stack of papers on a nearby table and produced the latest copy of La Belle Assemblée. Flipping impatiently through the pages, she cried out in triumph when she located what she sought. “This one. It will flatter the lady’s figure and showcase all of her assets.”
Bianca made a noise far too similar to a squeal for Eleanor’s liking. But she was reluctantly drawn to view the picture and then forced to agree Madame was right. The high-waisted style with its clever ruching beneath the bust and elegant long lines would give her a regal bearing.
“You’ll need to take her measurements to ensure a perfect fit,” Bianca said, nudging Eleanor toward the dressing room in the rear of the shop.
Giving in because it was easier, and because she really would like Sebastian to see her in such a glorious gown, Eleanor followed Madame’s assistant. The dressing room was simply furnished, containing a row of hooks, a cushioned chair, and a small stool for customers to stand on when having their measurements taken.
Eleanor had just started to remove her gown when a short knock came at the door. Assuming it was either Bianca or the dressmaker, Eleanor called out, “Come in.”
Sebastian leisurely strolled through the doorway. Her smile of welcome quickly turned to shock. Clutching her partially open gown to her bosom, she blinked rapidly, her eyes darting nervously behind him.
“Isn’t this a charming surprise?” he asked, curling his fingers under her chin. “I noticed you through the shop window and simply had to come by to say hello.”
Warmth stole into Eleanor’s cheeks as she struggled to calm her breathing. “Are you out of your mind?” sh
e hissed. “You cannot be in here with me! What if someone saw you?”
“Would that be a problem?” he asked casually.
“It would be a scandal,” she hissed. “As you well know.”
She tried to reach around him to open the door and push him out, but he blocked her way. “Calm down, Eleanor, I’m just having a bit of fun. There’s no one else in the store. I wouldn’t have come in here otherwise.”
“This is a popular shop, Sebastian, frequented by most of the women in society,” she replied frantically. “It won’t remain empty for long.”
“I beg to differ.” He took a step closer. “A few coins slipped into Madame’s palm has temporarily closed the store.”
Her heart thumped inside her chest. Had he really done something so outrageous just to steal a few moments alone with her? She searched his face and his calm expression suggested that he was telling her the truth. Oh my.
Sebastian took another step closer, standing near enough that she could feel the heat of his body, could smell the woodsy tang of his cologne, a stark masculine scent in such a feminine domain. Eleanor tried to keep her eyes away from him, knowing her fading resistance would crumble if she gazed into his eyes. Determined, she veiled her emotions, taking deep breaths to steady herself.
Sebastian’s hand reached out, his palm caressing her back until she felt herself begin to relax. Then his head bent down, his lips moving over her neck, sending delightful shivers through her body.
“What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Saying hello properly.”
She fought to keep her equilibrium, but his touch was too intoxicating. Sighing, Eleanor melted into him, reveling in the strength of his hard body. She didn’t have to touch him to know he was aroused; his breathing was harsh and shallow, his hands faintly trembling as they caressed her body.
She savored the feeling of knowing he desired her. Savored it and allowed her own desire to take flight. Her mouth moved over his and she kissed him. Deeply, longingly. Sebastian groaned, his tongue meeting hers, mimicking the sexual mating they had not yet shared.
A tingling sensation skittered over her skin and Eleanor wished they truly were alone, with the time and privacy to explore this aching passion. But even though he had managed to have the shop closed, the staff was still there, as was Bianca.
Squashing her rising desire, Eleanor pulled away. “We must stop. Madame Claudette will be back any second to take my measurements.”
“I’d like to assist her,” he murmured. “Shall we remove your shift?”
“Sebastian!” Eleanor slapped away the hands that reached for her underclothes as she tried to get herself back into her gown.
He moved his hands to cradle her face. “We are finally alone, Eleanor. Let’s not waste a moment of this precious time.”
“What are you suggesting?” she asked warily.
“Let’s be wicked, together, my dearest.” He leaned down and murmured in her ear, “I’m remembering how it felt when I held you in my arms and you came for me. I need more memories like that, Eleanor.”
He was holding her so tenderly, tears came to her eyes. Her mind told her this was reckless, foolish, but her heart refused to listen. Ah, foolish heart.
Sebastian drew in closer, brushing his lips against her temple, kissing her neck, moving his lips in a sensual line up to her ear. His lips tugged on the pearls of her dangling earbobs, nipping playfully. Eleanor’s eyes fluttered closed as she allowed herself to be swept away on the passionate wave of desire.
A choked sigh escaped her. The fists tightly clutching her gown relaxed and opened, allowing the garment to slide silently to the floor. Restless with need, Eleanor moved her hands beneath the edge of Sebastian’s jacket, aching to get closer, longing for the feel of his bare skin.
The silk of his waistcoat was cool beneath her fingers. Pressing harder, she could feel the rigid muscles beneath. Boldly, she ran her hands upward to the center of his chest. Sebastian hissed sharply and she felt a tremor run through him.
Knowing they could be caught at any moment added another wild, forbidden layer to their actions. “We shouldn’t,” she muttered weakly.
“I know,” he agreed. “That’s why we must.”
A ragged laugh escaped Eleanor’s lips. His kisses drugged her mind, his hands awakened her flesh, his heart touched her soul. He was the headiest of temptations. How could she possibly resist him?
Eleanor’s wayward thoughts scattered as he untied the pink silk ribbon at the top of her chemise. Pulling the garment wide open, he bent and took her nipple into his mouth. She moaned and he suckled until she was hard, then shifted and claimed her other breast.
Trembling, she gripped his neck tightly, trying to hold on to her sanity. Desire was racing through her body, overtaking all other sensations. Eleanor closed her eyes, breathing in the heat he was creating. Her skin fairly burned, her fevered senses aroused to an almost painful pitch.
Eleanor sighed, cherishing the feelings that were racing inside her. The scent of him was all around her and she wanted this bold, thrilling, spellbinding connection between them to last forever. She ached to have his hands everywhere and the moment Sebastian caressed her between her legs, Eleanor’s body started to convulse.
“Christ, you’re already wet,” he growled as he spread her legs open. “I have to taste you.”
He knelt on the carpet in front of her. She had a vague idea of what he meant, yet the first touch of his mouth brought a yelp of shock from her.
“Sebastian, I’m not sure—”
“Shh, it’s fine. Trust me, my dearest. Relax and enjoy. I know that I shall.”
He reached up and drew her down beside him. Flipping her onto her back, he put his hands under her buttocks and lifted her. His tongue glided down her abdomen, his lips scorching hot. Embarrassed, she tried pulling her hips away, but his grip was too strong.
She felt herself tense as he dipped lower, and then all thoughts of resistance fled. The pleasure of his wicked kiss was unimaginable. Feather-light and sensual, it reached inside her very soul. Her body began to open, allowing him to guide her on this extraordinary journey.
Undulating her hips forward, Eleanor shamelessly pressed herself against Sebastian’s lips and tongue. That clever, clever tongue that knew precisely where to stroke, where to circle, where to tease. She felt herself falling, slipping away from reality, losing all sense of time and place.
The pressure was intense, almost painful as her hips continued to thrash against him fiercely. Her senses reeling, breathing in quick, hard pants, Eleanor dimly realized the whimpering sounds she heard were coming from her own throat.
Suddenly, with little warning, the pleasure crested as the climax rose within her. Eleanor cried out, and wave after wave of bliss rolled through her. Sebastian held her tenderly, staying with her until the final shudder, urging her to completion. He made her feel safe, beautiful, desirable.
Panting, Eleanor collapsed, every joint, every muscle going totally limp. She felt Sebastian move up beside her and she turned, sliding her arms around his neck, burying herself in the circle of his arms. Her entire being was encased in euphoria, sated from head to toe, yet there was also a tenderness inside her, a profound feeling she had never before experienced.
She lifted her chin and gazed into his eyes.
“Did you enjoy it?” he asked with a slight smile.
Her blush was her answer. “But what about you?” she inquired, glancing down at the front of his breeches.
“‘Tis not easy, but I can give without taking,” he said between gritted teeth. “Besides, with no lock on the door we could be interrupted at any moment.”
No lock! Panic assaulted her. She scrambled to her feet, searching for her gown, praying it wasn’t a crumpled mess. Her movements were awkward as she jerked on her clothing, leaving hooks undone, ribbons untied.
Her hand went to her head, trying to smooth down the wisps of hair that were springing up everywhere.
“I’m missing an earring,” she announced in confusion.
“I think I might have swallowed it.” In spite of her panic, she laughed. “You, my lord, are simply too outrageous.”
He grinned. “I believe you have the power to make me eat anything, my good lady. And relish every drop.”
Eleanor blushed again, feeling suddenly embarrassed. “‘Twas hardly my intention to have you chomping on my jewels, sir.”
“To hell with the jewels. I shall replace them and buy you anything your heart desires.”
“As a single lady it would not be proper to accept such an extravagant gift from a gentleman.”
“As long as you accept my kisses, I am content.” He reached inside her gown and fixed the fastenings on her chemise. “Best leave the gown open, so Madame can take your measurements.”
Eleanor nodded, hoping the seamstress would not interrupt them soon. “Do you think she will know? About … this …?”
Sebastian smiled as he adjusted his own clothing. “You are adorably flushed,” he declared, setting his hat at a rakish angle. “Once she catches a glimpse of you, she will have her suspicions.”
Eleanor groaned and he continued in a soothing tone. “Fortunately, this establishment has a back entrance, which I intend to make use of in a moment. Bianca shall be none the wiser.” His eyes bored into her with a sensual heat that left Eleanor nearly breathless. “When will I see you again?”
Eleanor swallowed hard as she attempted to find her breath. “Tomorrow night, I suppose. I’ll be at the Sinclairs’ ball. Are you going?”
“I wasn’t planning on it. But if you’ll be there, then so will I.” He leaned down and gave her a lingering kiss. “‘Tis too long to wait until tomorrow evening. What about tonight?”
“We are going to a theatre party hosted by Lord Waverly.”
Sebastian frowned. “Even if I come to the performance, I will barely see you. Can’t you attend something else? The Reese-Joneses are having a musical soiree.”
Eleanor shook her head emphatically. “Bianca is becoming serious with Waverly. I am, for all intents and purposes, her chaperone, even if my occasional lapse in judgment with you makes me a bad one. If I don’t go with her, she can’t attend.”
A Little Bit Sinful Page 17
