by Maya Banks
She swallowed for the hundredth time, certain that if she did so once more her tongue would be forfeit. Deciding that she really didn’t want to burst in unannounced on someone who could very well be unclothed, she opted to knock.
His voice filtered through the solid oak door in one uttered word. “Come.”
On wobbling legs, she opened the door and eased inside. She nearly wilted in relief when she saw he was dressed. Not that being dressed detracted from his indomitable presence. No, he lounged in the window seat across the room with cat-like grace, but his lazy air did nothing to disguise the fact that he looked ready to pounce. On her.
She gulped and put an unsteady hand to her chest. When he rose and moved toward her, she stepped hastily back, bumping against the door she didn’t remember closing. A wide grin flashed, and his eyes glinted in satisfaction as he closed the distance between them.
Too quickly, she found herself trapped against the door as his hand came to rest on the wood behind her.
“You came.”
“How observant of you,” she said, more sharply than she intended.
He chuckled. “So, my lady. Where would you begin? Would you like to undress me? Or would you prefer I undress you?”
She raised a hand to his chest as if to ward him off, but it remained against the solid wall of muscle, and she could feel the heat radiating from him. Nervously, she sucked in her lower lip, and his eyes narrowed in reaction. “Yes, well...there’s no need to rush things, is there?”
Laughter glinted in his eyes, and he lowered his lips just above hers. His hot breath scorched her, and she sucked in air, feeling lightheaded.
“Indeed not. We have all night.”
His mouth was so close she could almost feel his lips on hers. And just as quickly, he moved away, startling her with the abruptness of his action.
“Come, Jenna. Have a drink with me. It will help you to relax, and we can discover more about one another before we...discover more about one another,” he finished with a wicked grin.
Unable to control herself, she burst into laughter, all the nervous tension escaping her in one fell swoop.
“That’s better,” he said handing her a glass. “Are you frightened?”
She stared at him for a long moment. Certainly there was little point in lying to the man she intended to be intimate with. “Very.” She brought the glass to her lips and took a swallow of the liquid, surprised at the ease in which it slid down her throat.
“There is no need to be frightened,” he said softly. He brought his hand up to cup her cheek, and her entire body jumped in reaction.
In a desperate attempt to put some distance between them, she pulled slightly away and took another draught from the glass. “What is this?”
He smiled at her, obviously not fooled by her stalling. “I think you’ve had enough.” He took the glass from her and set it on the sideboard. “Come here.” He held out his hand to her, and after a long pause she slipped her fingers into his, relishing the warm thrill of his touch.
He pulled her across the room and closer to the object of her trepidation—the bed. To her relief, or perhaps disappointment, he passed it and maneuvered her to the corner where two armchairs sat facing one another. They were separated by a small end table. Two lighted candles rested atop it, lending the area a decidedly intimate glow.
“Sit down,” he urged. He took the seat across from her, and she in turn eased into the plush armchair. He had obviously sat here numerous times, because his scent surrounded her, enfolding her entire body. “Now, my lady, I propose we play a little game to aid us in our endeavor.”
Surely it was a sin for a man to have a voice that would coax the clothes from a nun. His silky tone penetrated every layer of material she wore, making her achingly aware of her desire for him.
She fixed her eyes on him, determined to act with some measure of calm. That was until he uttered his next words.
“I propose we take turns asking questions of one another. Once we answer each question, we must remove an item of clothing.”
Her mouth flew open, and to her embarrassment, her nipples hardened and thrust outward. Scorching heat suffused her cheeks and vivid images of him...naked...burst through her thoughts like fireworks at Vauxhall Gardens. And what demon possessed her to nod her acceptance she would never know.
Chapter Four
Satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. “I, of course, will do the gentlemanly thing and allow you to go first. You may ask me a question at your leisure.”
She stared at him dumbly, not at all sure what to ask him. The ability to process simple thought patterns fled whenever she was around him.
His voice broke through the thick silence. “Perhaps you’d like me to ask you a question first?”
She nodded, certain that she could at least think of an answer even if she couldn’t manage to form coherent thoughts.
He studied her a moment then cocked his head. “I’ll begin with an easy one.” He rested his forearm on the table between them and drummed his fingertips. “Tell me, Lady Jenna, are you having second thoughts about our arrangement?”
What to say? Other than she was sorely tempted to rip the clothing right off his broad chest. But thanks to her timidity she would now be first to forfeit an article of clothing. “No. I think I am rather looking forward to our agreement.”
Was that surprise that flickered in his gray depths? But it was gone as quickly as it had flashed, and now his pupils widened, making his eyes more black than smoky. Though she had never viewed blatant desire in a man, she thought it was now reflected in every facet of his chiseled face.
“What piece of clothing shall you remove first?”
She looked down, stretched her legs out and shook off her shoes. It was about now she regretted not dressing with more care for this evening. In her haste to leave, and since she knew she would eventually be divested of her clothing, she had foregone such essentials as pantaloons and a corset, opting instead for stockings, a chemise, and a very modest day dress.
Tucking her stocking clad feet under the hem of her dress, she peeked back up at Gray. “Now for my question, sir.”
He lifted an eyebrow expectantly.
Doing her best to look him head on, she said, “Why did you agree to become my lover?”
A slow smile spread across his face, displaying perfectly straight teeth. “What man wouldn’t dream of being asked to pleasure a lady such as yourself?”
She frowned. “That was hardly an answer.”
He ignored her and reached for his cravat, loosening it and discarding it on the floor. “It is my turn again, I believe.”
She swallowed nervously, already wondering which piece she should take off next.
“Why are you willing to risk your reputation, your standing in society, for what you could freely explore after you marry with only a little discretion?”
She gnawed her bottom lip, not at all sure she could sum up all she had been tormenting herself over for the last several days. Yes, the risk she was taking was enormous in magnitude. The repercussions could be life long and devastating not only to her, but to her family as well. God, what was she doing here? The urge to flee had never been as strong as it was now.
The idea of ruin had not in itself been enough of a deterrent, but the fact that her actions could jeopardize her entire family was sobering. Her circumstances and arranged marriage were not unique, nor was she unduly wronged. The very fact that so many women of her acquaintance took lovers after their marriage signaled that more than one woman went into a marriage unhappy.
But that was just it. She longed for something different. She was different. Always she had longed for things a lady daren’t think of, much less act on. If only she would be the soul victim of any negative outcome were she to be discovered, she could conduct this affair free of guilt. But she wasn’t and she had her family—a family she loved immensely—to think of as well.
&n
bsp; When she realized he was still staring expectantly at her, she cleared her throat. “Actually, I am beginning to wonder just why myself.”
“Having regrets?” he asked softly.
Surely she could have one night with him. No one would be the wiser. She was already here, after all. There would be plenty of time for recriminations later, and she would limit their agreement to this one night. Yes, that was it. One night and no one could possibly find out.
She drew herself up, firm in her resolve. “No, let’s carry on with the questioning.”
“I believe you owe me a piece of your clothing,” he said with an amused expression.
“Ahh yes, right you are,” she mumbled. She rose, trying to disguise the trembling in her hands as she bent over and reached underneath her skirts for her garter. Slowly, she slid her stockings down one leg and then the other until they were free in her hand. Rising up, she sat back in her chair and laid the silk stockings on the table next to his hand.
His pupils flared once more in the flickering candlelight, and he let out his breath in a long sigh.
“My turn,” she said smiling at his reaction. “Are you very good at this sort of thing?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “What sort of thing are you referring to?”
“Being a lover, of course.”
Laughter rumbled from his chest. “Wouldn’t it have been better to ascertain that before we came to an agreement?”
“I demand you answer me and quit replying to my questions with a question,” she huffed.
“I think that is something you will learn soon enough.” He stood and slowly began pulling his shirt from his breeches then began to work it upward, baring inch by inch his muscled chest as he pulled it over his head.
She sucked in her breath, and the room swirled around her. Her cheeks felt ready to explode, and a hot wave rushed from her feet upward, leaving her lightheaded and precariously close to swooning. Dear heavens! She’d never even seen her brothers’ naked chests.
If she didn’t get air, and soon, she was going to burst into flames. “Can you open a window?” she squeaked.
“I find it comfortable in here myself,” he purred.
She swallowed hard, her eyes still glued to the ridges of his taut abdomen and the smattering of fine hair that worked up from his navel and spread out at his chest. Her breasts swelled against her dress, and the aching began in earnest in areas of her body she’d been taught never to mention.
Yanking her gaze from more skin than she’d ever been witness to, she focused on the stockings that lay carelessly across the table in front of her. She heard him sit once more, and she waited for what he would ask her next.
“Look at me, Jenna.”
Slowly her eyes came up and rested on his broad shoulders—naked shoulders.
His voice washed over her, barely a whisper, yet she heard every word. “Have you ever lain awake at night, longing for a man’s touch...yearning for something that makes you complete?”
Wordlessly she nodded, too entranced to break the mood by speaking. Then she looked down, realizing that her dress must come next.
“Would you like me to help?” he asked, his husky voice catching just a bit on the last word.
Trembling, she rose and turned around, inviting him by her action to unfasten the buttons down her back. She flinched and closed her eyes when his fingers made contact with the back of her neck. A tiny gasp escaped her lips and chill bumps dotted every inch of her body.
As he pulled the dress down her back with agonizing slowness, his fingers sent tiny shocks whenever they brushed against the thin material of her shift. Finally the gown fell to the floor in a heap around her feet, and he moved away from her.
She glanced down, mortified to see the dark imprint of her straining nipples through the transparent silk. She couldn’t turn around and face him.
“Jenna...”
The one-word command sent shivers over her neck, and she didn’t give thought to disobeying. Slowly, she inched around, making sure her arms were crossed over her bosom. When she met his eyes, the raw need she saw made her take a step back.
“Sit,” he said quietly. “It’s your turn to ask a question.”
She slid gratefully into the chair, hugging herself tightly. “If I ask a question, will you be completely honest with me?”
“Yes, of course.” He bent over and began kicking off his boots.
“Wait! I haven’t asked my question yet.”
He sat back up with a sly smile. “Oh, but you did. You asked if I would be honest in my answer, and I said yes. So, now, I must forfeit clothing, and your turn is over.”
She growled in exasperation. “That wasn’t my question, and you know it.”
He cast her an innocent look. “The rules were simple, my lady. A question and an answer. Now I believe it is my turn once more.”
She sat back with a harrumph.
“Have you ever kissed a man? Besides myself, of course.”
Her cheeks flamed and she nodded. He quirked an eyebrow in open curiosity, but she ignored him, too entranced in the dilemma of what she must do next. It was either her drawers or her shift. The horror of exposing such delicate unmentionables as drawers in a gentleman’s presence was too awful to contemplate, yet taking her shift off would expose her breasts and a good deal more flesh than was proper.
Deciding taking the drawers off would buy her more time before she was completely exposed before him, she stood up and reached behind her to pull up her chemise. The silk slid luxuriously up her back, and she grasped the waistband of her drawers and began working them down her backside.
Gray’s eyes never left her and moved down her body with the progress of the drawers. As soon as she was free of them, she hastily kicked them under the table so they didn’t come into his view. She stood before him, every curve of her body visible beneath the shimmering material, and yet she didn’t sit down, nor did she try to shield her body from view.
“Do you find me beautiful?” she whispered.
His gaze still fixed on her, he stood and moved around the table to stop right in front of her. His bare chest was a scant breath away from her, and she longed to reach out and touch him. Instead, he extended his hand and took down the few pins that held her hair in place.
It tumbled down her back in a wave, and he cupped her cheek tenderly. His voice reached out and caressed her. “Indeed, my lady. I don’t believe I’ve ever met a woman more beautiful.”
She stared silently at him, wanting him to touch her again and again...
He took back his hand, and she nearly protested. He reached down and began loosening his pants with slow, methodical movements. She stared in fascination, never having seen any part of the male anatomy beyond the hands and face. When he shoved his trousers downward, his manhood sprang free and stood shamelessly erect. She gasped aloud and stepped back.
Words could not accurately express her dismay... excitement... wonder... amazement... fear. Sweet Jesu, were all men equipped thus? Surely not. Why on earth would women seek out the attentions of a lover if they had to contend with such...such...she couldn’t even bring herself to think it.
Suddenly remembering that no matter her outrageous actions, she was a well bred young lady. She squeezed her eyes shut and turned rapidly away. Her breath was coming in torturous spurts, and she feared she would soon faint dead away if she didn’t regain control over her raging senses.
“Jenna, I have one more question to ask.”
She peeked back at him and quickly shut her eyes once again. Warm hands framed her face, and her eyes flew open. He gently caressed her cheeks and brushed back the tendrils of hair that fell over her ears. “Do you want me, Jenna? Do you want me as badly as I want you?”
Chapter Five
Oh God, yes, she wanted him. She was consumed with want. She wasn’t even sure what she wanted, but she knew he was the only man who could give it to her. Knowing her a
nswer would relieve her of the last remaining barrier between them, she waited a moment, trying to muster the nerve to take the last step.
His hands trailed down her face and into the hollow of her neck. He gathered the material of her chemise between his fingertips and drew it taut over her budding nipples. She held her breath as his head lowered, then she felt his warm, moist mouth close over her cloth-covered nipple.
Her back arched spasmodically, and she cried out in shock. He tugged impatiently at her breast, his teeth grazing the sensitive bud. Her body exploded in sharp bursts of the most exquisite pleasure she’d ever experienced.
Then his mouth was gone, and she moaned in protest. “Do you want me?” he asked again, his voice coming in rasps.
“Yes,” she said, throwing the last vestiges of caution to the wind.
He stepped away from her, and she knew he wanted to watch as she removed her shift. “You do it,” she murmured, knowing she didn’t have the courage to shed it herself.
Desire flared in his eyes, and he slowly pulled one strap over her shoulder. His lips lowered, and he kissed the area of flesh he’d bared. She shuddered as he burned a trail lower down her arm, following the downward motion of the shift with his lips.
With his other hand, he pulled the other strap down, and the material hung precariously on the tips of her breasts. And then with one nudge it fell to the floor leaving her completely naked before him. “God, you are beautiful,” he said, taking in a deep breath. “I can’t believe you had to ask.”
He brushed her hair over her shoulders and cupped her face in his hands. Pulling her close to him, he covered her mouth with his in an earth-shattering kiss. The tenderness in which he held her, kissed her, made her want to cry. No wonder so many women whispered about him behind their fans.
Suddenly she found herself swept up in his arms. He carried her over to the bed she had dreaded so much earlier, but now looked to with budding anticipation.
