He held her head, his grip light, not pressing farther than she was comfortable, but directing her movements. He took what he wanted, and his transparent delight spurred her on to give him more. Draw on him harder. Go deeper.
He dug his fingers into her scalp. “Fuck me, yes, yessss…”
Liquid heat jetted into her mouth. She swallowed, milking out his release as long as possible.
John dropped to the bed, his chest heaving. He cupped her cheek as she pulled from his length. “That was bloody marvelous. I can’t wait until you lose again.”
She curled her legs beneath her and rested her head against his knee, trying to catch her own breath. “That won’t happen.”
He finger-combed her hair, and her eyes slid closed. With the fire crackling behind her, the soft rug cushioning her from below, and John’s masculine heat all around her, she felt as cossetted as an adored child.
“Netta?”
“Hmm?”
“After this job, what will you do?” His fingers never ceased their soothing caress, but her back tensed nonetheless.
“Why?”
“I’ve seen many a person squander a large quantity of blunt, leaving them more destitute than they were before they’d received it.” He drew his finger over the shell of her ear. “I don’t want to see that happen to you.”
“You don’t have to worry about me.” She squinted at him, trying to take his measure. “Your concern isn’t a way to go back on our deal, is it? Because I’ll expect payment for time served, even if you decide not to use me for your plot. And if you think to renege on—”
“Calm yourself.” He blew out a breath. “I intend no such thing. I do want to ensure that once our business is concluded that you will be all right. I’ve become quite fond of you, poppet.”
The muscles in her shoulders eased. “With four thousand pounds, I’ll be as fine as a fiddle. You need have no concerns about my wasting all my money. Such foolishness must surely belong only to men.” Imagine spending such an amount. It beggared belief.
But John’s brother and father had apparently done so.
And her father had surely squandered such a fortune many times over. What else could account for him attempting to sell his daughters to the highest bidder.
Her insides twisted. She wasn’t like them. She had plans for that money. She would know how each and every farthing would be spent. It was her and her sister’s ticket to freedom.
“What street do you live on?” He wound a strand of her hair around his finger. “With four thousand pounds I’m certain we can find something more suitable, and safer.”
Yes. She would find suitable and safe accommodations for her and Eleanor.
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.
She blinked. “My home suits me fine.” Pressing her hands to his thighs, she pushed to her feet, her legs wobbly from remaining in one position for so long.
John rested his hands at her waist, steadying her. “Yes, but I’m sure it could be improved. If you’d like any assistance investing your money, you will let me know. You’ll let me know if you require any assistance at all.”
For once, his angelic features matched the expression in his eyes. He was truly concerned over her, Netta Pickle, the street urchin.
Her heart twinged. Dear, lovely man. Not an ounce of prejudice in his body.
And she was lying to him.
She shook her head, knocking that irritating thought right out. She did what she had to in order to survive. No one would begrudge her that, least of all John.
She laced her fingers together behind his neck and pressed closer, forcing his legs to widen. “Do you truly wish to discuss the future when our present is much more interesting?” Bending, she fluttered feather-light kisses over the corners of his mouth. “I did…lose.” She forced the ugly word through gritted teeth, making him grin. “And I owe the winner several hours of debauchery, as I understand it.”
John tightened his grip, turned, and tossed her on the bed.
She landed on her back, bouncing with a startled gasp.
He crawled over her, dragging his nose along her skin as he went. When he reached her neck, he nipped. “Haven’t you yet learned?” He settled between her legs, his burgeoning erection pressing against her belly and sending delicious shivers through her body.
