Page 61 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

‘Tell me about your day,’ she said.

He wiped his mouth on a linen napkin. Since entering the room, he hadn’t thought once of his difficulties, but now they came back to him. ‘It wasn’t pleasant. This evening is precisely what I needed.’

She sipped her wine. ‘Is Lord Weber garnering more support?’

His jaw hardened and he nodded. ‘I fear so. If my bill fails—’

‘Then the poor children of London will suffer, yes.’

He took a deep breath. ‘It’s not just that. A selfish part of me knows that it will also be a blow to my political career.’

She set down her glass. ‘You are not selfish. You are a good man. If by chance your bill fails, and I don’t believe it will, then you will have kept your promise to fight for the children. Just like you have kept all your promises to me.’

Their eyes locked, and a charged silence fell between them. Her words of confidence struck him, and he stilled. ‘Nora, I—’

Leaning forward, she pressed a finger against his lips. ‘You have done more for me than I could ever have thought to ask or imagine.’ She lowered her hand.

Another pause. He drank in the sight of her. She was the most alluring woman he’d ever known. Intelligent and arousing.

‘Now, I have one more surprise, a small, savory delight to share.’ She served a pastry on a plate and set it before him. He picked up a fork.

‘No, with your fingers,’ she said, ‘but like this.’ She selected her own piece and took a small bite. ‘It’s a bit messy but worth it.’

He picked up the pastry and took a bite. His eyes widened at the combination of cheese and herbs. He consumed the rest in one bite. ‘Is there more?’

Her smile tugged at his chest. ‘Yes. I’m pleased you like it. It can be served as a mezza or hors d’oeuvre but I enjoy eating it as part of a main dish.’

His voice was gruff. ‘What is there not to like?’

A sensual moment passed between them. Then she reached for him, sliding her hand across the table and curling her fingers around his own. At the brief touch, a slow burn ignited in his chest.

‘There’s another reason for my invitation tonight,’ she said.

‘Oh?’

‘As I’ve said, you’ve kept your promises to me, my lord. Now I believe it’s my turn.’

‘And what promises do you refer to?’

Her pink lips curled in an enticing smile. ‘Since you’ve not visited my chambers, I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands.’

His breath caught. She couldn’t mean…could she?

Then she did the most remarkable thing. She rose and walked to his side. Kneeling, she placed a hand on his thigh and kissed him.

At the first brush of her lips, heat surged through his veins and his heart pounded in his chest. The slight touch on his thigh made him grow instantly hard. Her beauty was like a drug and his desire for her was overpowering. He pushed back his chair and helped her to her feet. Pulling her to him, he had her back in his arms in a flash.

He looked into her eyes. ‘Only one kiss?’

Her green gaze was as captivating as her tentative smile. ‘Just to start.’

He didn’t wait for another invitation. He swept her into his arms and claimed her mouth in another searing kiss. His desire had grown with each passing day, each gift of a smile. He’d been tempted more than she’d known to open their adjoining chamber door and approach her bed. He’d sweep back the covers and remove her pretty nightgown until she was gloriously naked. He’d spread her vibrant auburn hair across the pillow and leisurely kiss every inch of her body until she cried out with need.

Now she was in his arms and kissing him. She parted her lips, and he took advantage and swept his tongue inside. When her fingers clutched his shoulders and her tongue urgently brushed against his, the fragments of his restraint snapped. The kiss changed, grew more urgent, and his arms slid down her back and lowered to cup her bottom and tug her snug against him. His arousal was immediate and insistent, pressing against her belly like a brand.

‘Nora,’ he growled, his voice was hoarse. ‘God help me, I want you.’

‘I know,’ she whispered against his mouth.