Page 65 of Notorious

She smiled like an idiot.

He brought her a glass and gestured to the seating area. “Shall we sit?”

Her legs were wobbly and she was grateful for the opportunity to gather her wits. At the same time, she was anxious to get this awkward part of their lives over and done with. Still, she could hardly say such a thing.

“I think tonight went well,” he said, taking a sip of wine.

“So do I. We shall see them again tomorrow?”

“Yes, His Grace indicated he would be occupying his box, which was his way of letting us know he would pay us a visit.” He shrugged. “Of course, he did not come tonight, so who knows?” He cocked his head at her. “What is it?”

“What is what?”

“I think you want to say something, but have decided against it.”

“Am I that easy for you to read?”

He just smiled.

“I was wondering why Visel seems to dislike you so much. I couldn’t help feeling he might have apologized, but he was not really sorry.”

“I agree. He seems to be driven by something. Tonight Eva suggested perhaps he is a victim of male hysteria.”

Drusilla considered that while also considering the matter of the little boy the earl had mentioned. She decided to leave that be—at least for the moment. Instead she said, “Well, he was away a long time—a decade, I believe. But how would his war experience manifest itself into hatred of you?”

“I don’t know. It was Eva’s notion. I personally think he simply hates what I am more than who I am. But come,” he said, setting down his glass and standing. “That is enough talk of Visel.”

Drusilla stared as he came toward her, his body far more masculine and imposing in a robe than it appeared fully dressed.

He held out one hand. “Come here.”

Drusilla stood, but her legs seemed to have grown roots into the floor. Moving her feet the few steps toward Gabriel was one of the most difficult things she’d ever done. He waited, patient and expectant. His lids had lowered over his eyes, giving him the look of a sleepy predator. His chest, she was pleased to note, was rising and falling faster—although not as fast as hers.

When she stepped within reach, he grazed her jaw with the back of his hand, the gentle touch making her jump.

“Shhhh,” he whispered as he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the tips of her fingers with a lingering sensuality.

Drusilla made a noise unlike any that had ever come out of her mouth.

He chuckled softly. “What was that?”

“Uhmnph.”

His smile turned to a grin. “That is what I thought you said.” He released her hand and slid both of his beneath her jaws, his thumbs caressing her cheeks and brushing over her lips.

He looked at her through green slits. “I know it is said that there is some pain the first time, but I will see that you experience great pleasure—you trust me, don’t you?” He continued his distracting exploration of her face, her chest rising and falling faster with each gentle stroke of his thumb over her lower lip.

She nodded. She’d never stood so close to him. She’d always known he was broad chested, but he seemed to surround her with his body. And his eyes. Lord, just looking at them made her feel faint. A thousand shades of green shot through with gold, his eyelashes like soot—all except the very tips, which were a surprising reddish gold. He took the glass she still clutched in her hand and set it down before turning back to her.

“I wish to see your hair down.”

A shock went through her body as if he’d yelled, and his lips, full and shapely, flexed into a gentle smile.

“You are so nervous. Is it me?” His gaze flickered over her, and her heart clenched. Was she behaving like a lovelorn girl? Was that what he thought he saw?

“No, it is not you.”

“You’re afraid of what will happen tonight?”