Luck Is No Lady(55)

Instead, he forced himself to pull back and meet her desirous gaze. His pulse was rapid and unsteady.

“Do you know where this is going?” he asked roughly.

She licked her lips before answering, and it was all he could do not to chase after her tongue.

“I think so.”

“I need you to know for sure,” he insisted. “Once I take you, there will be no going back. I do not accept anything in half measure. Do you understand?”

He waited while her gaze slowly sharpened, signifying her return from the edge. Her fingers sifted back through his hair to curl gently at his nape as she straightened her posture. The change in her body, her manner, was a clear answer. The lust rolling through him like an avalanche brought a sharp ache of protest through his muscles as he released her and stepped back.

She dropped her arms to her sides and took a long, steadying breath before she lifted her fingers to the buttons of her dress. Seeing the delicate movement of her hands as she slowly covered the flesh he had tasted just moments ago was too much for him. He stepped to the side, removing her from his direct line of vision. Bracing his hands on the surface of the table, he allowed his head to hang heavily between his shoulders and he closed his eyes.

He trained all of his focus on the heavy path of his breath in and out of his lungs, and still it was barely enough to block the subtle sounds of her righting herself beside him. Was he a bastard for wanting to drag her back into his arms, toss her skirts, and bury himself deep? Was he insane to believe such an act wouldn’t be entirely irresponsible and selfish? He had promised her protection. Not this.

He cursed himself as he heard her hesitate before she moved quietly toward the door. He could not lift his head to watch her slip away. Once he heard the click of the door closing behind her, he released the growl of frustration that had been building since he stepped back from the warmth of her body.

It had not been his intention to attempt a seduction when he had requested her presence today. He had been out of sorts, too tired to sleep, and all he had been able to think about was her. He had wanted to hear her voice and study the intricacies of her expression.

The game had been a spontaneous idea intended to test her limits, shake her out of her constant restraint. To see what she may reveal about herself in the process.

After what had nearly happened, there was no denying his interest went far deeper than mere curiosity.

He had become enchanted by the woman who touched her tongue to the center of her upper lip after every sip of claret, unwilling to waste even a drop, and the intent little lift of her left eyebrow when she examined the cards in her hand. He had been drawn in by the odd beauty in her unwavering concentration and her barely concealed enjoyment in the game. Her skills at the table surprised him, her strategy caught him off guard, and the obvious pleasure she tried to suppress every time she won made him want to give her more of the same.

Roderick pushed against the table to stand straight, rolling his shoulders in an attempt to dispel the tension there. Today had been a mistake, but there was no going back.

He walked across the sitting room to the bellpull.

It was time he knew more about her.

Time to see what Bishop had discovered.



Emma entered the town house as quietly as she could, hoping she would be lucky enough to avoid encountering either of her sisters. She nearly made it to her bedroom, but just as she reached for the doorknob, Lily stepped into the hall from the room next to hers.

“Emma,” she said in surprise. Then her gaze narrowed curiously. “You are home a bit early. Is everything all right?”

Emma resisted the urge to press her hand to her racing heart, feeling like a naughty child getting caught with her hands full of sweets. “Everything is fine. I just developed a headache and came home early.”

Lily’s expression turned to one of concern, and Emma was grateful for this sister’s trusting nature. Portia would not have been so easily convinced.

“You do look a little flushed. I hope you are not falling ill, with the hours you have been keeping. You should really try to get more rest.”

Emma pushed her bedroom door open. She looked to Lily apologetically, feeling a sharp spear of guilt for reneging on her duties. “That is exactly what I hope to do. Would you mind if I forego visiting hours today? I do not feel quite up to it.”

“Of course,” Lily replied. “We have the Lovells’ party tonight. Should I send our regrets?”

Emma shook her head. “No, I will be fine by tonight. I just need a little rest.”

“All right. I will make sure you are not disturbed.”

“Thank you, Lily. You are a treasure,” Emma said, meaning every word.