What a Devilish Duke Desires (20 page)

“Give me back my bonnet.”

He gazed into her eyes. “Later,” he said.

The wicked tone in his voice alerted her. “Harry?”

“Close the drape, Lucy.”

She was breathing a bit faster. “Why?” she said.

“Because I want you,” he said, his voice low and a little rough.

She reached for the drape and slowly closed it.

“Good girl,” he said, closing the drape on his side.

He pulled her onto his lap. “Wrap your arms around my neck.”

When she complied, he kissed her with a fierce hunger. He touched his tongue to her mouth, and when her lips parted, he kissed her deeply.

“I should resist you, but I can’t,” she said.

He was undone by her words. When he kissed her again, she clung to him. He loved the way she felt in his arms, all soft curves and sweet surrender. His blood ran hot, and the temptation to touch her gripped him hard, but he mustn’t drive her away by moving too quickly. He wanted the perfect place and time to savor every moment. When the time was right, he meant to introduce her to erotic pleasure. He would be gentle as he touched and kissed every inch of her body.

His groin tightened as he kissed a path along her jaw and returned to her lips. This time she opened for him immediately, and when he tangled his tongue with hers, she made a little feminine sound in the back of her throat.

He lifted his mouth. Something inside his chest expanded. All he knew was that she’d somehow become essential to him. He looked into her eyes and knew that one day soon, he would make her his bride.

She tried to right the world that he had so easily turned upside down. Her heart thumped crazily. She was elated and terrified at the same time. Deep down, she knew she was taking risks, but she told herself she would never let matters go too far.

He took her hand and pressed it against his chest. She could feel his heart beating.

A slow smile spread across his face, and she could not resist him. He pulled her onto his lap. Then he kissed her openmouthed, and she parted her lips for him. This time she dared to touch her tongue to his. He cupped her face, and the scent of him was like a wicked potion, one that threatened to undermine every decent principle her mother and grandmother had taught her.

She broke the kiss and the sound of their combined breathing portended trouble if she ever lost her head with him. “We must stop.”

When she tried to slip off his lap, he locked his arms around her. “Not yet, sweet Lucy. Please, not yet.”

She could not deny him, because she loved the feel of his arms around her. All this time, she’d been the one to say it was impossible, but now she wished with all of her heart that it would somehow work out for them. For now, she would let the exuberant feelings carry the moment. She remembered Evelyn’s advice to enjoy a romantic interlude with him. Somehow that sounded selfish as if she were using him, but she could never treat him so cavalierly.

He was witty, charming, and determined when he wanted something. There had likely been many women who had fallen under his spell, but she pushed away the idea of others who must have come before her.

Harry kissed her again and this time it was as if he were starving. When he tore his mouth away, she felt something hard beneath the thin layers of her skirt and chemise. She knew so little of men that it took her a moment to comprehend he was aroused. She ought to move, but then he would realize she knew his predicament.

He held her tightly. “I’ve shocked you.”

Her face got hot. “A little.” She recalled that erotic book of engravings. Obviously he was a man of lusty appetites.

“I will never press you for more than you’re willing to give.”

Lucy dared not allow more than his lascivious kisses. Already, she was alarmed by the heady combination of desire and tender feelings that had sprouted, despite her resistance. She’d tried to put up a wall, but he’d scaled it so easily. Now she felt confused one minute and euphoric the next.

“You know I’ll never hurt you,” he said.

Not intentionally.

All too soon, the carriage rolled to a halt. “We cannot stay long,” she said. “I must report to the Albany.”

“Let us tell your grandmother about the party on Saturday. We’ll talk afterward in the carriage.”

After they were seated at the table, Harry told Mrs. Longmore about his mother’s invitation while Lucy made tea. When Lucy handed him a cup, he looked into her eyes. How did he manage to make her feel breathless with his I’m-a-rogue look?

Mrs. Longmore sipped her tea. “Granfield, I appreciate the invitation, but crowds are difficult for me, especially when I have not made the acquaintance of others previously.”

“I understand,” he said.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Please, call me Harry.”

“I will settle for Granfield,” Mrs. Longmore said. “I don’t want my granddaughter subjected to those who might mock her because she is an outsider.”

“No one would dare in my presence. Believe me, there are plenty of people who are welcomed to ton functions who are not aristocrats. Not everyone is a blueblood. Lucy has made an impact already with her dancing instruction.”

Mrs. Longmore leaned forward, felt the table with her hand, and set her cup aside. “What of your mother?” she said.

“My mother suggested that I invite Lucy,” he said.

“Lucy, are you certain you wish to attend?” Mrs. Longmore said.

“Yes, I am. It is an opportunity to gain more clients for my dance lessons.”

“You’ve done very well without attending a party,” Grandmama said. “I’m a bit concerned you will be out of your depths with the ton.” She paused and said, “Your Grace, I mean no disrespect to you.”

“I completely understand,” he said, “but Lucy has already met my cousins and several friends of my family. My cousins are impressed with Lucy’s dancing skills.”

“Grandmama, I admit that I was a little reluctant at first,” Lucy said, “but Madame Delanger offered to alter a gown that another girl refused. The fabric is white crepe with a beautiful blue ribbon.”

Grandmama frowned. “Madame Delanger sacked you. Why would she do such a thing?”

“It is an opportunity for her as well. If I wear the gown to the party, others may inquire about her shop.”

“Humph. Madame Delanger is an opportunist,” Grandmama said. “I wouldn’t go out of my way to help her if I were you, but enough of her. I worry that the party will be awkward for you. The haut ton is a closed society, and I worry you will be isolated.”

“I will not let that happen,” Harry said. “Lucy has met my cousins, and I wish to introduce her to my closest friends.” He smiled boyishly. “Actually, I want to show her off.”

“Granfield, you remind me of my late husband,” Grandmama said. “He was a charmer just like you. He always managed to coax me into doing his bidding.” She paused. “However, that does not mean you are permitted to do so yourself.”

He laughed. “I promise to be on my best behavior.”

“Grandmama, you will notice he did not specify what constitutes his best behavior,” Lucy said. “I would not be surprised if his best behavior does not meet your high standards.”

Harry grinned. “Miss Longmore, you have found me out. I will have to invent new tricks.”

“Grandmama, I wish you could see his smile,” Lucy said. “I believe he could light up all the lanterns at Vauxhall with it.”

Grandmama sighed. “Lucy, I know I’m overly protective of you. At twenty-five, you are a grown woman, and I must allow you to make your own decisions. So you will forgive me when I cling too much.”

“Grandmama, if you disapprove, I won’t attend.”

“Of course you will attend.” Grandmama smiled. “Every girl should have a chance to wear a pretty gown to a party.

Lucy hugged her and whispered, “I love you.”

As the carriage rolled along, Harry noticed that Lucy kept looking out the window. “Do not worry. I’ll have you at the Albany in plenty of time.”

“I try to arrive early. It keeps me in Mrs. Finkle’s good book.”

He’d noticed that she was fretful where her jobs were concerned. Little wonder after she’d had to pawn her mother’s pearls to pay the rent.

He put his arm around her shoulders and nuzzled her neck. She angled her head, giving him better access. He kissed his way to her jaw, and then he tenderly turned her face toward him. He licked the seam of her lips and she opened for him. God, he loved that she was so responsive to him.

Of course, he wanted more than kisses, but he must progress slowly. He’d imagined it more than once: unhooking her gown and slowly slipping the bodice down her slim waist. Then he would strip away the stays and chemise, revealing her plump breasts. He’d fantasized suckling her nipples while he caressed her slick, intimate folds. His groin tightened, thinking of the pleasures they could share.

When the carriage turned onto Piccadilly, she said, “You must let me out a block away from the Albany.”

“Lucy, I’ll let you out at the entrance to Vigo Street.”

“No, you mustn’t. If Mrs. Finkle saw me with you, I would lose my job.”

“I doubt Mrs. Finkle is patrolling the yard.”

“Harry, please do it for my sake. I can’t risk being seen here with you.”

He thought it ridiculous, but he knew she would feel more secure if he followed her wishes.

“Very well,” he said. “My carriage will be here when you are done.”

Later that afternoon

Harry waited a half block from Vigo Street. The minute she walked by, he would climb out and escort her to his carriage. She was taking this business a bit too far. Why not allow him to take her up in his carriage without all this fuss and bother?

She probably did not want to get accustomed to letting others help her. He understood she’d had to provide everything for herself and her grandmother after her parents died, but he felt it was foolish of her to refuse him.

He couldn’t help worrying about her. She was extremely vulnerable, whether she admitted it or not. The idea of her walking at night in her poor neighborhood made him wild with fear. Her trusty blade would be of no use if someone surprised her. Hell, he’d met her because she’d encountered a thief.

The carriage door opened, startling him. Lucy stood there with her basket. “I knew you would insist upon playing the part of Sir Galahad again. If you were not a duke, I would recommend you take up treading the boards at Drury Lane, not that I’ve ever attended.”

He smiled as he assisted her inside the carriage and knocked on the roof. When the carriage rolled away, he said, “Will you let me take you to the theater?”

“Certainly not. Your friends would assume I am your mistress.”

When he gazed into her eyes, she drew in her breath. “Do not look at me that way.”

He covered his eyes. “Tell me when it’s safe.”

She laughed and grabbed his hands. “You enjoy being ridiculous.”

“Actually, I enjoy kissing you.”

“We must be careful that we aren’t seen together,” she said.

“You worry too much.”

“Harry, it is imperative that we take every precaution. No one we know will bat an eye if you are seen in a public place with me, but I would be ruined if that were to happen, because others would assume I am your mistress. I can’t take risks.”

“I promise we will be careful.” He gave her a wet, lush kiss.

When the kiss ended, her breathing was ragged. “How am I to resist you?”

“Don’t,” he said. “You must know by now how much I care for you.”

“I’m afraid,” she said.

“Of me?” he said in an astounded voice.

“No, I’m afraid of myself.”

“I don’t understand,” he said.

“You have the power to beguile me, and I fear I will succumb to desire.” He made her yearn for more of his touch, more of his kisses, and she feared that in a weak moment she might allow matters to go too far.

“Lucy, I know you’re a respectable woman, and I know what is forbidden. My desire for you is like a fire inside me I can’t extinguish. But it is not just desire. I want to hold your hand, I want to hear you laugh, and I want to waltz with you.” He cupped her face. “I want you.”

“We cannot be careless. Even the slightest hint could ruin everything I’ve worked to attain.”

“Give me sufficient credit, Lucy. I know what is at stake for you.”

“And for you and your family as well,” she said. “No one must ever suspect.”

“Your friends know about us.”

“Yes, but that’s different. They don’t know anyone in the ton.”

“I dislike the subterfuge. I don’t want to hide what is between us. I mean to court you properly as you deserve. This is just the beginning as far as I’m concerned. I’m not saying it will be easy, but I have influential friends. They will champion you.”

She smiled at him. How could she not adore him when he’d vowed never to give up on the two of them? Their time together would draw to a close sooner than she wished. She’d tried to end it once and failed, because he’d become so very dear to her. Lucy swore her time with him would last for a little while longer, and then she would make a clean cut, because she loved him too much to hurt him. There was no doubt in her mind that if their affaire de coeur was ever discovered, it would create problems for Harry and his family.

“We’re almost to your lodgings.” He quickly kissed her on the lips. “I find myself reluctant to take you home.”

She sniffed. “Well, at least you are being a gentleman.”

He leaned over. “Would you like me to be a little less gentlemanly?”

“Absolutely not,” she said, staring straight ahead.

He reached over and tickled her waist.

When she shrieked, he kissed her. At first, she resisted, but she wanted him, wanted his kisses, wanted to be his, and wanted to keep him in her heart as long as she could.

“Oh yes,” he said, and kissed her again.

She parted her lips for him.

Their tongues tangled, and he slid his hands up beneath her breasts. Then his thumbs circled her nipples through the fabric of her bodice. The sensations excited her and made her want more. She was breathing faster and his touch made her want forbidden things.