Page 65 of Ruined by the Wrong Earl

‘You are a countess, Nora,’ Sara said. ‘You have influence. Think of how you can use it.’

‘She’s right,’ Candace said.

Nora’s mind whirled at her sisters’ words. How could she use her influence? She wanted to help Ralston and if she could somehow use her relationship with Lady Weber to influence her husband, then why shouldn’t she?

Nora’s gaze focused on her father’s Armenian bowl in the curiosity cabinet. An image of the pretty, brown-haired Lady Weber admiring the rare piece sprang to her mind.

‘You two are right! And I have just the plan.’

It became a routine. Ralston would meet with lords outside the House, often calling at their homes, meeting at coffee houses or at White’s, or even at gambling halls. He’d speak with them about his bill over whisky, cups of coffee or tea, or even over a gambling table, whenever and however he could.

The bill had gone through the committee stage and the looming second reading approached. He knew whatever effort he was making, Lord Weber was doing the same, most likely even more. He had the political and financial backing of London’s factory owners. Politics was dirty business.

His only pleasure was when he finally returned home. No matter how exhausted and downtrodden he felt, Nora was a ray of sunshine. And their nights…ah…their nights were spent making glorious love. She was more than he had even imagined and desired. Passionate and daring and adventurous. Any red-blooded male would be envious of him.

It was during dinner one night that she looked at him with concern. ‘You seemed worried.’

‘It’s Weber. Nothing to concern ourselves with tonight.’

‘You can talk to me,’ she assured him.

‘I know. But I also enjoy our time together. Time when I don’t have to think of my bill and whether or not it will pass.’

‘I understand. I’m happy to be able to offer an escape, even if it is a temporary one as we share a meal and…afterwards.’ He watched heavy-lidded as she pushed her chair aside, and she walked to his side. She sat in his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. ‘You have needs, my lord, and so do I.’

She kissed his brow, then his cheek before brushing her lips against his. Slowly and sinuously, she rubbed her breasts against him.

He groaned with pleasure. He kissed her back, his tongue plunged hungrily inside to taste her. His need had never been greater. He stood with her in his arms and carried her upstairs to his bedchamber. A maid gawked as he passed. He didn’t care. From what he could tell, Nora didn’t either.

Reaching his room, he kicked the door shut with a booted foot. ‘You will drive me to distraction.’

‘Good. Then you will not have to think of other things.’

He set her down on her feet. Making quick work of her hooks, he freed her of her gown, stays and shift until she was naked to his heated gaze. Lust struck him in the gut, fierce and savage. She was more impatient than he was as she helped him remove his clothes. The buttons on his waistcoat tore off in their haste. Again, he didn’t care. Once he was free of his clothing, he picked her up and laid her on his bed. Green eyes flashing and lips curling in a seductive smile, she welcomed him with open arms.

He wanted to give freely to her, to show her how precious she was to him. ‘Tell me what you want.’

He watched as her breathing turned ragged.

‘Touch me. Here.’ Her fingers grazed her breast.

‘Gladly.’ He tweaked her nipple, then lowered his head to tease it between his lips.

Her green eyes darkened. ‘More.’ Her voice was husky.

He sucked the bud deep in his mouth.

‘Oh!’ She gasped and writhed beneath him. Each breathy sound, each brush of her flesh against his, escalated his own arousal. He could pleasure her forever.

He trailed hot kisses to her other breast, being sure to pay as much attention to the rosy tip. ‘Tell me.’

‘I feel it here.’ Her hand ran down her flat stomach to the triangle between her legs. ‘I ache.’

‘Ah, let me ease that ache.’ His fingers replaced hers, and her slickness made him groan. She was wet and perfect, but he wanted to give her more, give her everything. He drew out her orgasm, reveled in each soft gasp, the arch of her hips, the look of pure pleasure when her muscles tightened and her fingers dug into the corded muscles of his neck.

‘Tell me.’ His voice sounded hoarse with need.

Her eyes flamed green. ‘I want more. I want you.’