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Remembering how he had touched her, she trailed her fingers up and down the sides of his sweat-slick torso. Then, making small circles
, she skimmed his chest, avoiding his nipples. Finally, meeting his eyes once again, she tweaked his nipples between her thumb and third finger.
The next moment she felt him grasp her tightly by the waist and surge into her. With a little laugh she met him stoke for stroke until they both shuddered in unison.
Luc left the manor decidedly more physically comfortable than he had felt in a long time. Though having Ria twice had only taken the edge off his hunger. He still wanted her. He wanted more. Much more.
But why?
She was far less experienced than his previous lovers. He frowned then shook his head. That, surprisingly, just added to her attraction. The past few weeks, he’d enjoyed taking her on a voyage of discovery, teaching her about her own body and his.
Today he’d remained as still as possible during her investigation of his body, fascinated by her actions and the look on her face. He would swear she had never seen a man’s torso before.
It was possible she hadn’t, given the age of her husband. They probably did it once a month, if that, clothed in nightgowns, in the dark.
Luc groaned as the recollection of her intent exploration of his chest caused a swift reaction in his body.
Trying to ignore it, he gave thanks for ancient husbands. She’d been married but in a lot of ways was still innocent. He felt a surge of satisfaction that she was experiencing things with him for the first time, that she’d felt free to indulge in her curiosity and explore his body.
He rubbed the back of his neck. What the hell? This was supposed to be a simple seduction, a casual affaire. He’d planned on seducing the widow and moving on. Why was he so possessive? Why did he want even more?
The strength of his feelings alarmed him. Never had he felt like this with a woman.
So what should he do about it?
15
The following Tuesday, Ria visited her solicitors in Little Bridgeton to sign the trust papers. Just as she was about to leave, she heard raised voices from an adjacent office. The door burst open, slammed against the wall, and Geoffrey stormed out. He stopped dead when he saw her.
She sucked in her breath. Never had she seen someone look at anyone with such hatred. He stalked past her out onto the street, jostling her elbow as he passed.
The little man who had followed Geoffrey out of the office looked at her with dismay tinged with embarrassment. “Mrs. St. James, I apologize. I am sorry you witnessed such a scene.”
Truth to tell, she was somewhat shaken, though more by Geoffrey’s look than his shouting, but she hastened to reassure the solicitor. “I am fine, Mr. Perwick. Thank you for your concern.”
The solicitor smiled. “I am also sorry I was not free to see you. I trust Mr. Brownley was able to see to your needs satisfactorily, and the papers were all in order?”
“Yes, thank you. I have signed the papers.”
After taking her leave of the solicitor, she went out onto the street, followed by her maid.
In the doorway of the solicitor’s office, she looked up and down the street. The last thing she wanted was another encounter with Geoffrey.
Little Bridgeton was particularly busy due to the races held earlier on the outskirts of town. The race traffic was squeezed onto narrow cobbled streets barely wide enough to cope with the normal traffic generated by day-to-day business.
Her gaze skipped over laden vegetable carts, carriages, and men on horseback. Finally she saw Geoffrey in the distance, riding along the street, talking to another gentleman. He appeared to be all smiles and charm, with no hint of the fury he had displayed only moments before. How could someone change so quickly from sheer unadulterated rage to a picture of amiability?
Well, at least she didn’t need to be concerned for her safety here in town with so many people around. All the same, she decided to return home and complete her errands another day. “I think we are finished for today, Mary. We can go home now.”
As they began to walk back along High Street toward the inn stables, they had to be careful to avoid the traffic. Skirting around a cart laden with cabbages, she saw Luc walking toward her.
She hadn’t seen him for two days. Not since their last shooting lesson. Ria blushed as she remembered what had happened afterward.
When they parted, no mention had been made of any further lessons. She hadn’t expected to see him on Sunday but had thought perhaps he might visit yesterday.
As he strolled toward her, she took a few deep breaths to calm herself. What should she say to him? How should she act?
Wishing she were as self-assured as the women at the masquerade, she had to content herself with giving him a small, shy smile when he drew near. He paused, but not for long. He merely nodded in acknowledgement, apologized for being unable to stop, and continued on his way.
