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She would always surprise him—that much was abundantly clear. “What are your terms?” If she eventually ever wanted a babe, the bargain was over and he’d have to find another way to keep Sunderland.
“I require a month of instruction in...” She swallowed, her throat working nervously. She raised her head and stared him straight in the eye. “...in the art of... sexual congress.”
Nick’s jaw dropped. She hadn’t said what he thought she’d said, had she? “Er... we will have to consummate the marriage at least once, to be sure.”
“Not once, Lord Hatherly. On multiple occasions. I wish to learn the finer principles of physical gratification, and I hear you are the gentleman for the job. Though I may not be buxom or brunette enough for your preferences.”
He couldn’t help giving a surprised snort of laughter.
She drew her shoulders back, which pressed her bosom against his chest in a most distracting manner. “Do you think that’s funny, Lord Hatherly? Why should it be? Men are never laughed at for seeking experience.”
“I was merely startled by your forthrightness. I think it’s an admirable goal. Extremely admirable.”
“I thought you might approve.”
“I approve, Dimples. I approve.”
His kiss must have awakened her latent sensuality more thoroughly than he’d at first assumed. Why should he be surprised? The lady was eager for love lessons and he would be more than happy to oblige.
He touched his lips to her cheek, his body tensing with desire. If they weren’t on the front steps of Osborne Court, in full view of passersby and servants, he would definitely be giving her a lesson right here and now.
Drawing a thick, glossy curl back from her cheek, he murmured in her ear, loving the way she shivered and pressed closer. “And slender ladies with light brown hair might be my new preference.”
“I chose you for your wicked reputation,” she stated primly. “And I expect you to deliver thorough instruction in the methods of pleasure.”
“Have no fear, I’ll rise to the challenge.”
“I expect you to hold nothing back.”
“I’ll be more than happy to teach you everything I know.” He couldn’t resist sliding his hands lower and squeezing her bum. “And I’ll hold everything.”
“Lord Hatherly,” she squeaked, twisting and dislodging his hands. “We are not married yet.”
“I forgot.”
“Please do be forewarned that while our persons may be engaged in... fleshly pursuits, we must both be careful to refrain from falling in love with one another, as that would be a serious breach of our business agreement.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Nick said, wondering how he could maneuver his hands back to her luscious bum. It had been surprisingly full. He liked a generous arse.
Hold a moment. What had she just said? Shouldn’t he be the one warning her not to fall in love with him? What did she think him, some panting schoolboy who would fall in love with her if she let him between her long legs?
This conversation had somehow veered into completely uncharted territory.
Innocent young misses demanding sexual education. Setting conditions for physical relationships with no emotional entanglements.
“Haven’t you ever thought of finding a love match like your friends Osborne and Harland?” she asked with a curious tilt of her chin.
“Never,” he scoffed. “I’ll never let one lady rule my affections. Where’s the fun in that? How do you think I got my shocking reputation? You want the best instructor... Dimples, I’m the best.”
“Your arrogance knows no bounds. Precisely why I chose you for this assignment.”
Now it was an assignment?
“You’re the unrepentant rake who doesn’t believe in the existence of love.”
“Not true, Dimples.” He smiled lazily. “Sometimes I fall in love six times before breakfast. I worship every woman I bed and I adore them until the moment they leave.”
“Well, that’s certainly honest.”
