Page 31 of Tempting Her Viscount

Chapter Twelve

Kit glared at the woman in front of him. If she thought he was going to walk away and let her carry on with every man in the ton, she was mistaken.

Except, what could he do? Tell her brother? That option would not only make him lose Celia but possibly his life as well if their vow against dueling was reconsidered.

She stepped closer and looked up at him through those long, dark lashes and his body responded despite having heard her plan to take other lovers. Not to mention the way she’d rejected his proposal yet again, without even a moment’s consideration. Would his heart survive this woman?

“Would you be interested in being my lover?” she asked, her voice came out steady but the way her gaze flickered away from his spoke of her insecurity. He’d given her an education on making love, and she’d wrapped the power of that knowledge around her like a cloak, yet she still wasn’t sure.

His eyes went wide. “You want me to be your lover?” Once his mind managed to focus on her actual words, he was both flattered and frustrated.

She nodded and leaned up on her tiptoes to kiss his chin. With his height and his unpreparedness, that was all she could reach.

She pulled away and looked at him, her brows pulled down. “I see. I’m only good enough to be a wife or a fake French woman at a party, you don’t truly want me.”

He swallowed and shook his head. “That’s not it at all. I’m just having a hard time following. I’ve compromised you and offered marriage, but you turned that down and instead suggested I treat you as a mistress. Is that correct?”

Her eyes narrowed in a glare. “There’s no need to mock me, Kit. Do I want something so different than what men search the city for each night?”

He put his hand up in surrender. He was making a complete hash of the situation. Partly because he expected he’d wake up at any moment and realize it was all a dream.

She only wanted him as a lover. Not a husband. And damn it if he wouldn’t take what he could get because he wanted her however he could have her, and even more, wanted to make sure she didn’t go out and find a legion of men to take to her bed.

“Yes.” There, he’d finally said it. Except it was the incorrect response for what she’d just asked. He winced and tried again. “I mean, no, it’s not different. Though I’ll remind you I don’t find someone new every night. Not that it’s relevant to the topic, but yes, I want to be your—for Christ’s sake.”

He gave up on talking and bent down to take her lips with his. His attack was a bit aggressive but Celia responded in kind, crushing her mouth to his and opening so he could sweep his tongue in and tangle with hers.

The taste of her paired with chocolate and bacon drew a groan from his chest. He was kissing Celia. He was kissing Selene. The two combined were nearly too much to bear.

Of course, he now knew he’d already kissed and done more with Celia at the masquerade, but this was different. It was Celia. He pulled away to look at her. A large smile pulling up his lips that were wet from her mouth.

“I know I haven’t done well with words recently, but I just need to say how happy I am that you picked me.”

“It wasn’t as if there is a long line of other men for me to choose from.”

“I’m going to kiss you again and pretend I wasn’t your only option.”

He stole the laugh from her lips when their mouths crushed together again. He was still grappling with the possibility he’d wake up soon when he felt her hands move to his coat and push it over his shoulders.

She’d wanted a lover. Apparently, they were starting immediately. He caught up quickly, helping her with his waistcoat and shirt. Then he spun her around so he could unbutton her gown while she laughed.

“I was beginning to worry you were too shocked you’d be useless for my needs.” She pulled the pins from her hair, letting it fall over her skin like dark silk.

“I’m still surprised, but not so much so that I’m willing to miss a minute of this.” He kissed her neck as he pushed her gown down to her hips. Another shove and it dropped to her feet. Her chemise had slipped off one shoulder and he trailed his kisses along the bared flesh while his arms wrapped around her from behind, fondling her breasts through the thin fabric.

“I should have worn something more alluring, but how was I to know I’d be doing this? With you? Right after breakfast?” she said.

“I surely didn’t.”

She turned to face him and he stared as she slid the chemise over the other shoulder and let it slide to the floor.

“God, Celia. You’re so beautiful. Seeing you in the light of day… You don’t need to wear anything to be more perfect than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

Her cheeks turned an enticing shade of pink and her shoulders straightened slightly. She seemed to be settling into her confidence and was all the more beautiful for it. But then she glanced at the windows where the morning sun was streaming in through the gauzy curtains.

“It is very bright,” she said, her earlier confidence receding.

“It certainly helps me to see you more clearly. I feel as though I was cheated the other night in the dim room. I missed out on seeing the dusting of freckles on your shoulders. And the lovely color of your nipples that only sunshine could reveal so perfectly.” He bent to take said nipple into his mouth and moaned in pleasure. “You are divine.”