The Earl's Wager (10 page)

“You have no idea what you’re asking.” His arms curved around her, even though he knew he couldn’t devour her as he wanted. “How much more I want to do than kiss you.”

Her supple lips brushed over his chin, urging him to continue the forbidden intimacy. “You’re my tutor. You’re supposed to teach me.”

“I can’t do that, and you know it.”

“Then tell me,” she murmured. “Describe more about what you want to do to me.”

Although his hands circled her waist to ease her back, still she clung to him, refusing distance between them. “We can’t do this,” he said.

“We won’t do anything then, just talk to me. You said you wanted to do more than kiss me. What?” she persisted.

He groaned. “Will you let go of my coat if I tell you?”

“Yes.” She fixed her eyes on him. Her dark lashes blinked. “I promise.”

“Come,” he said and took her hand, tugging her to the damask lounge chair near the window. “You sit there.” To put a reasonable distance between them, he placed her on one end and sat on the opposite end.

Her face was flushed, her lips swollen. She’d been thoroughly ravished, and guilt assailed him. “I shouldn’t have done that. I apologize.”

“I asked you to kiss me.”

“That wasn’t a proper kiss. I kissed you too hard. I demanded too much.”

“But I liked it,” she said with confidence.

“We aren’t married. We shouldn’t be doing that.”

“But people kiss before they marry. We didn’t do anything wrong.”

He attempted to gather his thoughts. “Yes, they kiss before marriage, but something more chaste would be appropriate, not what we did. What I did. We can’t do that again.”

“I can see you’re upset,” she said, “but I want to know. When you said you wanted to do more than kiss me, what did you mean?”

Chapter Nine

Georgia resisted the urge to scoot to Will’s end of the sofa. The heat of his kiss still lingered on her lips, her breasts strained against the fabric of her frock, and she wanted more. She didn’t understand everything her body felt, but just like racing thoroughbreds across the hard-packed earth, it excited her.

She wanted to feel and experience everything he was willing to show her. But she had to play by Will’s rules. “Tell me what you mean,” she said breathlessly. Although she was pushing him past his limits, she needed to hear that someone wanted her. That she wasn’t just a ward Oliver hoped to marry off, or a female jockey unable to race, or someone with a disparaging accent, or a frustrating student like Will often intimated. She longed to hear from a man that she was worthy of being desired.

“You understand what I mean—I want to do what any man wants to do with a woman, even if they are as infuriating at you.” He gripped the edge of the damask lounge chair. “You refuse to stand down from the conventions that are set before you, always challenging me, always goading me. I should be angry with you for it, but I can’t seem to stay mad. You are completely wrong for me in every way. But I find, I—”

“What?” She should be frightened by the heated look in his eye, but she wasn’t. “Why am I wrong for you?”

“You’re beautiful, to be sure. You’ve lovely, actually, but you aren’t English.” He spoke almost as though he wasn’t talking to her, but rather to the room. He seemed far away in thought. “You’re smart and witty. You can laugh at yourself more than anyone I’ve ever known. I want you in my bed—no doubt, but—”

“You want me in your bed?” He thought she was intelligent? He liked her. A deep yearning churned deep in her core. “Is that why you kissed me so hard?”

“I didn’t mean to.” He ran a hand through his hair and looked upward. “I should have…I should have been gentler.”

“You can kiss me again.” She itched to move closer to him. He was just out of arm’s reach. She tried to process everything he’d said, but with the heat of his kiss still running its course through her body, it was hard to think rationally. “But you said I was wrong for you?”

“Yes, of course you are.” Pacing across the drawing room to the far wall covered in portraits of the Westwyck family, he continued, “I must marry to further my standing in society. I can’t be shunned again—not like before.”

“You were shunned? How so?” While Mrs. Marchant had explained some of this to her, she didn’t truly understand. How can a town make you feel like less of a person? First they were talking about kissing, now about being shunned by society—none of it made any sense.

“It doesn’t matter.” He spun around and strode toward her. Anger laced his words. “If Oliver had any idea what I’ve done…”

“You didn’t do it alone.” She stood. Everything was starting to make sense to her now, and although it stung to be rejected, she understood Will’s motivation to marry the biddable daughter of an English peer. Just like her, he wanted to be accepted. “But regardless, I’m not right for you. You’ve made that abundantly clear.”

In that moment Georgia made a decision—someone like Will would never want to marry an American misfit like her. He was too staid, too proper, too suitable. No matter how much taller she stood or more confident she acted, she’d never be what a titled English gentleman would want. But perhaps Will could provide her the tools she needed to seduce one. “Shouldn’t I have some idea of what will happen on my marriage day?”

“What do you mean? You want to be ruined?”

“I didn’t say anything of ruination, only that I don’t want to be completely naïve.” If she was to marry an old man who likely would never make her heart race like Will did, she may as well know some physical pleasures before she was committed and bound to marriage. “I want to know something of what goes on…and you can teach me.”

“Of course I can. Didn’t I just prove that? Good God. I ravished you.” Some of the anger left his voice, frustration replacing it.

A sigh of contentment involuntarily left her lips. A sense of power filled her, because she now had some small bit of knowledge about the kissing and what went on between men and women who physically wanted each other. “I’m glad to know what being ravished means.”

“You say the most inappropriate things, Miss Duvall,” he blurted out. His hands fisted, then straightened. “But dammit if there isn’t a small part of me that is envious.”

“I have a good excuse. I’m an American.” Which meant, she reminded herself, she was completely wrong for him.

She strolled toward him with purpose; she’d never felt so bold before—before he’d kissed her. And she’d know more. She’d know what if felt like to feel desire. It was doubtful she’d ever feel true passion with an elderly husband, but she would certainly feel it with Will. “I told Eloise not to disturb us, and I locked the door. We’re completely alone. I’d like to hear some of the details of what you’d do to me in your bed.”

He rounded the edge of the sofa, putting distance between them again. “I have a mind to give you exactly what you’re asking for.”

His words excited and frightened her at the same time. If she moved forward with this new plan, she’d need to gather her courage. “But I thought you said… Are you thinking of ruining me, then?”

His face reddened, and he approached her. “I wouldn’t do any such thing, because I’m a gentleman, but I’m not above teaching you a few things.”

Her heartbeat increased. This is what she wanted. Being with Will this way was more thrilling than anything she’d ever done, even crossing the finish line with Perseus. The tension between them, the longing that she couldn’t articulate, whatever it was, she wanted it. And she was certain she was close to getting it. She licked her bottom lip and stood within an inch of him. “Teach me, then.”

“I’ve a mind to…” His eyebrows pinched inward as his eyes darkened. “I’ve a mind to untie the ribbons that hold your dress up.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I’ve a mind to pull the dress down from your shoulders so I can see you free from the confines of your shift.”

Her breathing came faster.

“I’ve dreamed of it. Sliding the straps of your chemise down so I might see your breasts spill out.” His breath tickled her ear, but she didn’t move. Her skin tingled, and the air around them grew thick and hot.

“Would you like that, Miss Duvall?” He pulled back and arched one brow.

Yes
. This is what she wanted. She nodded furiously and without hesitation. She wanted to feel desire. Maybe everything she’d thought and planned about marriage was all wrong.

“Perhaps you should do the untying of the ribbons then.” His voice cracked.

Her hands shook, but she did as he asked. She pulled one ribbon, then the next, loosening the stays that kept the bodice of her dress tight. Breathing was easier without the fabric pulling against her skin. She looked up at him expectantly, wondering what he’d say next, but he was focused on the newly exposed skin at the top of her breasts.

Finally, his stare swept along her neck and up, so hot her skin sizzled because of the intimate visual caress. His eyes met hers, and he said, “Pull your bodice down, so I can see you.”

Georgia had a sudden case of nerves. She couldn’t do it. Couldn’t play this game. But she wasn’t a gently bred Englishwoman, she was an American. She wasn’t a member of the
ton,
nor had she ever aspired to be, and didn’t have to follow England’s rules. “This goes beyond kissing lessons, my lord.”

“Then we can stop immediately.” His fingers smoothed one of her errant curls away from her nape.

“I-I don’t want to stop.” With shaking hands, she reached for the lace edge of her dress.

“You don’t have to do this, Georgia,” Will murmured, his hand caressing the skin along her collarbone.

She lifted her chin. “I want to.” She pushed the fabric away from her shoulder. One breast fell free. Her gaze down, she declined to look at him. Heat scorched her face.

“The other side as well,” he urged, his voice sounding hoarse.

This was merely a lesson in what goes on between a man and woman in the privacy of their bedroom, she told herself. She was gaining knowledge and experiencing a touch of passion.

Following his direction, she pushed the fabric from her other shoulder as well. Maybe she should feel some sense of shame, but she didn’t. The cool air rushed against her nipples, causing them to stand out, and she sucked in a breath and willed her gaze to look up at him.

His green eyes appeared darker. He swallowed. “You’re beautiful.”

She lifted her chin in defiance and asked, “Now what?”

“Touch yourself.”

More heat flushed over her skin. “T-touch myself how?”

He licked his lips. “Squeeze your nipples. Roll them between your fingertips and tell me how it feels.”

“But I’d rather have you touch me,” she replied, unabashed. “I ache for a man’s touch, not my own.”

A ragged breath escaped his mouth. “I have a mind to do more than touch your breasts.”

“Then do it.” She swallowed against the knot in her throat, watching the subtle play of expressions cross his face, aware he struggled to maintain control. And how she wanted to get under his skin, goad him, provoke him until he relented, until she proved he wasn’t the stuffy English gentleman he purported to be. Prove that he wanted her, that she was worthy of his passion. “Touch me. Please.”

“Dammit,” he cursed. “I want you. I’ve dreamed of loosening your gown and watching it drop to the ground. Only you’re even more beautiful than in my dreams. I want to kiss every inch of your body.” He growled quietly. “I’m supposed to be tutoring you to dance, eat properly, play cards, make pleasant conversation, not seduce a man. For God’s sake, Georgia, you’ve driven me completely off track of what this arrangement is supposed to be, and yet, I can’t look away.”

“I know, but you won’t ruin me. I’ll still be a virgin, just a virgin with a little more knowledge. I want to understand. But more than that, I want to feel.” Her lips parted.

“I can’t seem to resist you, even though I know I should.” He stroked her jaw, then her collarbone, then moved his hand slowly, in miniscule amounts, to the swell of her breast. He cupped her. “But I’ll be gentle this time. I’ll go slow, like I should have done when I kissed you.”

A deep yearning coursed through her core, and she sucked in a breath.

He placed his hands on both her breasts and took a throbbing peak between his fingers. Darts of sensation flushed over her skin.

“How does this feel?” His voice was husky and nearly unrecognizable.

“Like I might tip over.” She grabbed a hold of his forearms. “I’m light-headed.”

Guiding her to the lounge chair, he said, “Sit down.”

With her back against the cushions, she tried to gain some focus. Her future didn’t have Will in it, but she would feel true desire for tonight. Her body felt out of sorts, completely on fire. “I want… I’m not sure, but I want you to keep touching me.”

“I’m going to kiss you now,” he said.

“Please.” She let her back lean into the sofa and closed her eyes, only he didn’t kiss her mouth, like she expected.

He kissed her breast. Shivering in anticipation, she curled her fingers around his shoulders as he sucked her nipple. His tongue teased the tip, then he sucked more.

Her back arched, her eyes fluttered open, and she moaned.

He stopped and looked into her eyes. “Do you like that?”

“Y-yes.” She flushed with embarrassment. The moaning sound that had escaped her lips came from deep inside her. She hadn’t planned it, it just happened. Was this how it happened with all couples?

“What are you thinking?” Will asked quietly. “I know you’re thinking. Tell me.”

“I was just wondering if it’s always this way for people. This wanting… I want more. Whenever I’m with you, I seem to want more.”

He chuckled softly. “I’m not sure how it is for all people. I just know you are as curious as any woman I’ve known. And I haven’t been very good at telling you no. I’ve gone along with your antics. Leaving food on your face, besting me at cards, and now with kissing, too…”

“Kiss me some more.” She pulled on his jacket as if she’d done before.

This time he complied. He kissed her full on her mouth, and his hands touched her breasts. He gently pinched her nipples, and she couldn’t think, only wanted. His mouth moved from her lips to her neck and made a trail of kisses to her breast.

Her breathing turned to panting and even though she was sitting down, she felt dizzy. All she knew was the ache low in her abdomen and an acute sense of desire such that she couldn’t hope to articulate. “Touch me more, Will.”

One of his hands moved to the hem of her skirts. He lightly ran his fingertips from her ankles, to her knees, then to her inner thighs. The desire in her belly moved to her sex. In between her legs throbbed. She knew he was going to move his hands to her woman’s private flesh, and she wanted it with desperation and with urgency. A mewling sound escaped her throat.

She physically wanted to grab his wrist and move his hand faster, to relieve the pressure there.

A boom of thunder sounded in the distance.

Will bolted upright, leaving a cold rush of air where she’d been warm.

“No,” Will said and stood. “You’ve been entrusted to my care. This is wrong.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “The dresses will be delivered tomorrow, then we’ll go to Lady Laurel’s party.”

He reached for the edges of her dress to cover her legs, then he pushed the fabric back over her shoulders. A light thrumming sounded as rain hit the windows of the drawing room. “Tie your bodice. I shouldn’t have done any of this.”

Georgia took advantage of his close proximity to grip his shoulders. “I wanted it. I want to know what to expect in my married life.” Hopefully the desperation in her voice would assuage any guilt he might be feeling. “Thank you.” She couldn’t imagine having this sense of longing and breathlessness with someone else.