With sagging shoulders, she took a deep breath and prepared herself, for she could not see the harm in telling him the truth. "Since we are friends now, I thought we could enjoy each other once more."
The fire in his eyes burned unmistakably. "What made you change your mind?"
"I overheard you telling Josephine you were tired, and I have no wish to deprive you of your sleep."
"So you are giving up?" he prodded.
"I'm simply honoring your request."
"You don't have to explain yourself." He shrugged. "I'm only surprised. I never imagined you would surrender so easily when presented with a small challenge."
Her hands involuntarily balled into fists. She knew he was goading her, but she could not prevent her reaction. Fighting against herself, she kept still until his smug smile pushed her over the edge. He was wrong. She was not a quitter. She prided herself on her determination.
Allowing her anger to propel her, she bolted the door and then marched over to him and took his face between her hands. Their lips met and immediately a battle for control ensued. When Richard forced her down to straddle him, she lost her will to fight, content to allow him to lead her to pleasure.
As his warm hands slid around her, her body quivered in anticipation. He grasped her bottom, pressing her more firmly against him. She gasped, overwhelmed by the sensation. Everything was moving too fast, yet not fast enough for her aching body. Time no longer existed and nothing mattered more than joining with Richard, and soon.
Her hands dove into his hair as she frantically kissed him, hoping to communicate her desperation. As he reached under her nightgown and closed his palm upon her breast, she drew her head back, hoping to give him better access. He took advantage of her new position and began to trail kisses along her jawbone and neck.
"Richard," she pleaded. "Please." The friction from their moving bodies intensified her need, and she could no longer wait.
He abruptly edged back. "I'm sorry, but we can't go any further tonight."
"Why not?" she demanded, failing to conceal her desperation.
"I'm afraid I'm much too tired."
Although his voice held the correct amount of regret, his eyes challenged her. Purpose and need fueling her, she climbed off of his lap. A flash of anger crossed his face, and she wanted to smile in triumph. He would learn she was nothing if not determined.
"That is quite all right. I'll make this as easy as possible for you. You will not have to do anything except feel."
Watching his reaction closely, she was pleased to see his eyes darken in passion as she slowly slid her drawers down her legs. The nightdress didn't provide much cover with the candlelight behind her, but she refused to remove it. After his challenge, she would not allow him a full view of her body.
Bending forward, she slowly ran her hands up his thighs, purposefully avoiding touching the bulge in his trousers. As she continued up to his chest, he sucked in his breath, and she reveled in the satisfaction the sound brought. The perfectly contoured muscles were hard beneath her hands and made her feel safe.
Richard's hands clenched the arms of the chair with such strength she wondered if he would damage the soft fabric. Brushing the thought aside, she turned her attention back to his bare chest. His smooth form made her body shiver. Leaning forward, she gently trailed kisses from his left nipple to his right, dragging her lips across his warm flesh between each kiss.
He thrust his head back, clearly lost in the sensation. Seeing his enjoyment only doubled hers. Not wanting to wait any longer, she continued her exploration back down to his trousers. She clumsily tugged at his buttons until his member sprang forth.
Awed at the strength of him, she could not resist the urge to touch the part of him straining toward her. Her fingers glided along his silky length, and she marveled at the smooth texture. A tortured moan escaped his mouth, encouraging her further. She grasped her hand around him and mimicked the motion that would soon be created with their bodies. Suddenly Richard grabbed her hand, sweeping it away from him.
"Enough," he commanded in a pained voice.
Brianna wanted to argue, but her body burned, making it difficult to breathe.
Smiling seductively, she climbed back on top of him. Despite her assurance that his participation was unnecessary, he gripped her hips and entered her in one smooth motion. She gasped, overcome with the feeling of fulfillment. The weeks of deprivation she had endured now seemed worth the suffering to prepare her for this perfect moment.
Richards's claims of being tired were seemingly forgotten as he gripped her bottom, thrusting himself further inside her again and again. As pleasure promised to overtake her, she moved wildly, desperate for the sweet release. Richard appeared to be in a similar state, bruising her with his frantic fingers.
Searing pleasure ran through her veins, and Brianna bit her lip to contain the screams threatening to escape. Her enjoyment continued as Richard sought his own release. Moving faster, she watched his face, and reveled in the sense of power she gained from seeing him achieve his pleasure.
Once the urgency drained from her, Richard reached up to place his hands on either side of her face, drawing her down to capture her lips. His fiery kiss, as well as the fact that they were still joined, caused her body to lose the languid feeling and prepare for another match. Groaning, she drew back and reluctantly lifted herself off him.
"I probably should return to my bedchamber. You can rest now." Brianna gave him a seductive smile. "Thank you for allowing me to keep you up. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself."
"You can't be thinking of leaving so soon," Richard challenged as he stood up. "The night is still young."
He reached out and took her hand. She could not find it within her to resist when he led her toward the bed. If all she had was this one last night with him, she was going to enjoy every minute of it.
Chapter 10
The wet, grey skies and miserable weather suited Richard's mood perfectly. He had requested Jonathan's presence almost an hour ago and was becoming increasingly agitated from waiting. Although his friend was known for his lack of punctuality, Richard did not have the patience for it today.
The week following his return from Ransley had been frustrating. One positive note was, with help from his sister, he had managed to be present at almost every event attended by Brianna. Unfortunately, Brianna was using it as an opportunity to throw every eligible lady in his path.
Miss Luthor appeared to be Brianna's first choice for him. Although she was a sweet girl and would make someone a good wife, he found he much preferred the idea of taking unmolded clay and sculpting and bending it to his will. Besides, Miss Luthor could not come up with two words to speak to him unless they were related to the foliage. He needed someone with more depth. He needed Brianna.
The knock at the door was a welcome reprieve from his thoughts, and he was pleased Jonathan finally arrived to help him. Settling back into his chair, he called for his butler, Hopkins, to enter.
"My lord, Alan Parks, Earl of Kirkwood, is requesting an audience."
Richard worked to keep his face emotionless. "Send him in."
It had been close to a month since the rejection of Kirkwood's membership to Ravenhurst, and Richard was surprised the man had not retaliated before now. However, he could not be certain the unexpected visit had any connection to the club. Richard and his friends had taken precautions to ensure it was not common knowledge they were the owners of Ravenhurst. Members of high society didn't dirty their hands with business, so the men had no desire to be openly associated with it.
As the butler ushered Kirkwood in, Richard took the time to study the man most likely anxious to cause trouble for him. He had increased in girth since Richard had seen him last, and the majority of his hair had fallen out. Although his face was permanently twisted by cruelty, his small stature and rotund form could appear nonthreatening to those who didn't know better.
"Stonemede, I appreciate you seeing me today," Kirkwood said as he took his seat.
"Think nothing of it. Can I offer you a glass of brandy?" Although pleased Kirkwood was making an effort at civility, Richard harbored no illusion that it would last.
"Please."
Richard crossed the room and removed the brandy from the cabinet. After filling a glass two fingers high, he replaced the decanter, knowing if he brought the brandy within reach, Kirkwood would be unable to refrain from partaking more than acceptable. He handed Kirkwood the glass, which he eyed critically before swirling the liquid around and taking a sip. Richard took his seat and centered his attention on the man across from him.