He was too close, his expression too intense. And she was very aware of the way her body was still pressed against his. His manhood pushed into her abdomen, a telltale sign that he wanted her.
And for some insane reason, she wanted him too. She didn’t know why. Whatever was happening between them was doomed to end in disappointment. Still, she couldn’t deny that she was intrigued by the possibilities this man presented.
“That would depend on the wager, of course.”
He lowered his head, and she thought he was going to kiss her again. A thrill of anticipation went through her. She quite liked his kisses.
Instead, his mouth skimmed across her cheek, stopping when he reached her ear.
“Did your husband ever bring you such mindless pleasure you were screaming out in ecstasy as you writhed in his arms?”
He was trying to unsettle her. Such a thing wasn’t possible.
Or at least it wasn’t possible for her. Still, his words called forth an unbearable longing to experience what he’d described.
He was staring down at her again, and she didn’t know what to say. But it seemed words weren’t needed. “I didn’t think so.”
Her throat was dry, but she didn’t understand the reason. “What…” She had to lick her lips again before she could continue. She didn’t miss the way his gaze settled on that small movement. “What is your wager?”
“You said you’re not interested in marrying again.”
“One kiss and an impressive amount of confidence is unlikely to change that.”
His smile widened. “What if I can change your mind?”
Why did every man believe they were the answer to every woman’s deepest desire?
Pushing down the traitorous inner voice that told her this one just might be correct, she pressed her lips together and arched against where his erection was still pressing into her. His small hiss told her she’d surprised him.
“I can tell that you’re willing to try.”
“You’re a tempting little minx, do you know that?”
A thrill of pleasure streaked through her. He found her tempting? She had to know if he was playing with her, the same way Mansfield had tried to toy with her emotions before moving on to yet another paramour.
“I’m sure you say the same to all women. Is that enough to get them to let you have your way with them?”
“I won’t pretend to be an innocent, but neither are you. I can assure you that no other woman has ever vexed me half as much.”
“Because I’m not willing to fall into your bed with the crook of a finger?”
“Because your brother is going to kill me.”
She couldn’t hold back her laughter. It was true that Alex was being particularly overbearing when it came to the men who were sniffing around her. She’d seen him glaring at most of her dance partners last night, something for which she supposed she should be grateful. It meant no one had tried to drag her into another room during the ball to try his luck at forcing a seduction.
“What is your wager, my lord?”
He pulled back then, just enough to allow a few scant inches between their bodies. But her hands still rested on his shoulders, and his hands cupped her elbows.
“If I can bring you to release, you’ll allow me to court you.”
Her mind stuck on the second part of his statement. Shaking her head, she pulled away. To her relief, he let go of her immediately.
“I already told you I don’t wish to marry again.”
His hands hung loosely at his sides, but she could see the lines of tension in the way he held himself. A part of her expected him to yell at her now. It’s what her husband would have done when he didn’t get his way.
“I’m merely asking for the opportunity to court you. The decision about whether to accept me will lie solely with you.”
