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“Come now, don’t act so surprised! You know all about my debauched and libertine ways. Do not tell me you thought I was a true Christian.”
Evie huffed delicately. “I didn’t think about it.”
“What about you?” he asked after a brief pause.
She let out a small, self-deprecating laugh. “I am a believer. A Christian. Like my parents and grandparents.” She shook her head a little as if dispelling some thought. “My grandfather used to tell me stories about Angels. Do you know that Gabriel is the name of one of the archangels?” She smiled as she turned to him.
Gabriel nodded, mesmerized by the sight of her. Her eyes were glinting with mischief, her cheeks flushed, her mouth curved in a sensual smile.
“How come you are named after an archangel, your title isSaintClare, yet ironically you are far from divine?”
Gabriel looked away from her and stared into the darkness beyond the balcony. “Maybe I am fallen.”
“Then maybe a more appropriate name for you would be Lucifer.” She smiled and followed the direction of his gaze. They were standing side by side now, leaning over the banister.
“Well, if it makes you feel any better at all, I shall one day become the Earl of Winchester,” he said, without looking at her. “So, a little less saintly. And a little more worthy of you, my little duchess,” he said after a short pause.
She gave a wistful sigh. Her brows drew in a frown as her thoughts drifted to some unpleasant subject. He decided to dispel the atmosphere.
“Have you ever been kissed?” It was the first question that came to his mind, but he mentally kicked himself.
It had done the trick, however; she immediately turned to him.
“Kissed?”
“Yes.” He turned to her also. “On the lips, by a man.”
She snorted. “Of course.”
“Did you like it?” He raised a brow.
“Why…” She looked confused and embarrassed, and heat was slowly creeping up her neck. “Why would that matter?”
“So… no?”
“I can’t think how that’s any of your business.” She raised her chin defiantly.
“I am willing to wager my entire cut of your dowry that you will enjoy my kiss.”
She laughed nervously. “Ladies don’t wager. Besides, why would I want you to kiss me?” She started biting nervously on her lower lip, and her eyes lowered to his mouth.
He smiled. “To pass the time.” He shrugged. “To see what you’d be missing with your bargain of never sleeping with me.”
“What does that…?” She looked up at him then, worry creasing her eyebrows. She was so adorably innocent. He just wanted to gobble her up.
“I’ll show you,” he said in a seductive half-whisper and lowered his head
