Grabe was already leaving, closing the door. “Take as long as you need. You won’t be disturbed.”
Leo strode across the carpet, his long legs eating up the space. “You don’t know what you are about.”
“I have a duty to fulfill, and I am doing so!” Prudence stood her ground. She would not be bullied by men who could use their height to intimidate.
“At the expense of the reputation? You think to help the Society, but yet you sully it? By sullying yourself?”
She stomped her foot. “Sully myself! How dare you! I went to the opera, as did you!”
“And all of London saw you with that seducer. You think his reputation is secret?” Leo stood inches from her now. His outrage obvious not just by the volume of his voice, but by the color in his high, perfect cheekbones.
“I know his reputation. In fact, he came highly recommended.” Prudence watched with satisfaction as Leo’sface went from patronizing outrage to shocked and scandalized. Prudence didn’t want to mention their chance encounter on his doorstep. And that if it was anyone’s fault they ended up at the opera together, it was his. It gave Leo too much credit. And right now, she’d much rather shock him.
“You knew?” he spat.
“Of course. Your mother expressly—”
“—My mother?”
“Your mother,” she confirmed, putting her hands on her hips like a petulant child. “Warned me the day after what to expect from a man like him. Not to mention the other widows from her gardening society. After all, widows know what other widows want.”
He pushed her up against the bookcase, his arms caging her in. “And what do widows want?” he growled.
She blinked, still determined to not be cowed. Men thought they could use physical force to bend her to their will? That she was some innocent, unknowing of the world? Unknowing of men? She tipped her head up to meet his gaze. “I cannot speak for any other widow. But this one wants pleasure.”
As she said the words, she could see that he was trembling. That his mouth was so very close to hers. His eyes were expressive, and desire was clear in his gaze. “And you are not satisfied with what you have found?”
It was that growl that sent chills across her flesh. His low tone that echoed in her belly and between her legs. She dared not lie to him here. “I am. More than I ever expected.”
His breath hitched. His eyes slid to her lips. Shifting his weight, his hand came to her face, hovering over her as if he would cup her face, then perhaps stroke her lips. She swallowed hard, anticipating his quicksilver touch.
There was absolute fire between them. Prudence felt drunk at his nearness, ready to fall into whatever spell he would weave.She straightened, closing the distance of their lips. She breathed him in, pulling him towards her, wanting.
“Then expect me tonight. I promise you’ll forget any other man,” he growled. Then he was gone.
The abruptness of his departure left her panting. Cold air covered her as the library flung open and slammed shut behind him, leaving Prudence stunned and alone.
Her hand fluttered to her chest. Grabe appeared in the doorway.
“Are you all right?”
Her whole body trembled with unquenched desire, need pulsing strong and hot. “Fine.”
“Did he threaten you?” Grabe entered the room, seeming genuine.
“No, of course not.” Prudence collected herself. “I’m sorry, I should really go. Mr. Moon reiterated the rules of society of which I was ignorant.”
Grabe grimaced. “Ah, yes. My reputation.”
Prudence smiled at him, genuinely sorry. “Yes. Well earned, so I’ve heard.”
Grabe barked out a laugh. “Who told you that?”
“The Ladies’ Garden Society. You came very well recommended.” Prudence might as well be honest. Compliments should always be freely given. “I’d heard of you from them prior to bumping into you in front of the Moon residence.”
“Ah. Hence your reticence.” He had the decency to look sheepish. “A lad had to learn somewhere.”
“Rest assured, you are considered an excellent student. And now, an excellent teacher.” Prudence shoved her notebook and pencil back in her valise.
