“No. But it’s important that you know I would never force you to do anything. Also…” One brow lifted. “You are a difficult woman to pin down.”
“You haven’t pinned me yet, my lord.” Images of him lying over her and thrusting into her body filled her imagination.
She’d never enjoyed the act with her husband, but he’d never given any consideration to her pleasure. Holbrook, on the other hand, had been nothing but patient with her. He’d shown her that her body was capable of enjoying intimacy with a man and had demanded nothing in return.
Well, nothing except marriage. The thought of finding herself in another unhappy marriage had always sent a wave of cold panic through her. That she’d even considered changing her mind earlier today was testament to just how much she wanted this man.
But now she didn’t have to worry about taking that chance. He could show her the pleasure he’d promised, and she was almost desperate with longing.
She leaned into the strength of his broad chest. “What happens now?” Her gaze shifted to his very large bed. Mansfield had always joined her in her bedroom, usually when she was already in bed. This affair was completely different, and she didn’t know how to proceed. Her pulse was beginning to race. “Should I lie down on the bed?”
Chapter 15
His brows drew together. “Do you think I’m going to throw you on the bed, lift your skirts, and rut inside you like a beast?”
The picture he painted was so close to what used to happen with Mansfield that she should have been horrified. But thinking of Holbrook hovering over her, touching her first to ensure she was ready for him, seeing to her pleasure, sent a rush of wetness between her legs.
She couldn’t help but remember the taunt her husband had always thrown at her. That not only was she barren but she was also dry as a desert.
She hadn’t understood his accusation, but now she knew there wasn’t anything wrong with her. She hadn’t felt physical desire for her husband, and he hadn’t concerned himself with her needs. But she did feel desire for Holbrook, and every part of her yearned for him to touch her however he wanted.
“If that is what you wish, my lord.”
He released her and took two steps back. It was so sudden she almost stumbled.
“What I wish is to watch you undress.”
His words, the heat in his eyes, his sensual demand… Yes. She would give this man everything if he continued to look at her as though she were the most desirable woman in the world.
She turned so her back was to him and looked at him over her shoulder. “I need help with the buttons. If I’d known you’d be ravishing me today, I would have worn something that was easier to remove.”
His only reply was a deep, guttural groan that filled her with longing.
His hands made quick work of the small row of buttons at the back of her dress. When he parted the fabric, she didn’t have to ask him to help her with her half corset. He undid the laces and then stepped away again to watch.
She stood with her back to him, her dress now gaping, but she was still watching him. She enjoyed the way his eyes were riveted on his handiwork. “You’re quite good at that, my lord.”
He met her gaze. “I have two rules before we continue. One, there will be no talk of other women when I’m here with you. There are no other women.”
She shivered at his words. “And the second rule?”
“I have a name.”
That he did. Mansfield had enjoyed her referring to him as her lord. She suspected it had to do with the fact she was the daughter of a duke and he a baron. It made him feel important.
But if there was to be no other women in this bedchamber, there would be no other men as well. From this point forward, she wouldn’t think about what had transpired between her and her deceased husband.
“Yes, Holbrook.”
He reached for her and spun her around so she faced him. She’d been holding her dress up, but the quick movement caused her to release her grip on the fabric. As though her garments were throwing themselves onto the floor before him, her dress and corset fell.
She was now standing before him in her chemise.
“Lucas. I only became Holbrook a few years ago.”
She frowned. “Lucas and Lucy?”
Holbrook chuckled. “Yes, apparently we’re a matched set. But no one other than my mother and brothers call me by my given name.”
