She twisted toward him. “You said I was in control.”
“Trust me, Flick. You’re not ready. If I removed my clothing, then removed yours, you’d be fine?”
She straightened and tucked her hands in her lap. “I see.”
“But I can leave you with some instructions for the rest of the night. When you go to bed and blow out your candle, I want you to think about me and touch yourself.”
She covered her face with her hands. “You don’t mean that. Please tell me you’re teasing.”
“I am serious. You must find pleasure on your own.”
“I wouldn’t know how.”
Tristan shifted to adjust his trousers. Talking about this was getting him hard all over again.
“You’re going to use your hand to caress yourself. You’ll know what you like and don’t like based on how it feels. When you’re touching the right place, the bundle of nerves at the top of your sex, the sensation will make your body beg for more. Between your thighs you’ll grow hot and slick. That wetness is your body’s natural fluid, and its purpose is to bring you pleasure by allowing my cock to thrust into you without pain. We both would enjoy it, I promise you, not that we’ll get the chance.”
She dropped her hands. “What?”
Tristan swallowed. The words tasted bitter on his tongue. “Your husband will be the next man to take you to bed. It can’t be me.”
Bloody hell, she looked disappointed. So was he. It felt wrong to think of her in another man’s arms. That would be the end of them, of this.
“I don’t want to think about that right now.”
“Nor do I. When you slip those curious fingers between your thighs, I want you to imagine it’s my hand. I want you to think of me in this bed with you, kissing you, stroking you, hearing you cry out my name as stars flash behind your eyes and the sweetest rapture you will ever know claims your body.”
Her breathing had quickened as she held his gaze. “Rapture?”
“The climax when the body reaches the pinnacle of pleasure. You’ll see.”
“I don’t think I will. I don’t know what I’m doing.”
“You do. It’s instinct. And if not, next time I will help you, if you’re ready for me to touch you. Until then, this is your solo mission for the evening.” He stood, straightening his rumpled jacket. He winked at her. “I expect a full report in the morning.”
She rolled her eyes, but she smiled, and Tristan considered it a win.
“Goodnight, Flick.”
“Goodnight.”
Chapter Nine
Midmorning was Felicity’sfavorite time in the club. All was quiet, except for the chatter of the servants working. Felicity made her way to Lucia’s room to check on her ear. She knocked softly on the door and after a moment Lucia opened it a crack, rubbing her eyes.
“What time is it?” Lucia asked.
“Just after eleven,” Felicity said. “I wanted to check on your ear, if that is all right?”
Lucia yawned and opened the door. “Come in.”
“You didn’t work last night?”
“No. I can’t make my hair do anything with this shorn side. My ear makes me look like a leper.”
“I assure you it doesn’t. What will you do with your hair?”
“Trina said I should cut it all off, but I can’t bear the thought. I might take to wearing a bonnet from now on.”
