“This is not going to go over well.” A slight tingle of fear crawled up her back. “Yet I find that I care not.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Luc teased. “So tell me, Lady Liliah—”
“I thought we had moved past my courtesy title,” Liliah interrupted archly.
“Ah, but to protect your reputation—”
Liliah arched a brow bravely.
“Your reputation isn’t always a reflection of the truth, Liliah. And while circumstances may have changed, your reputation need not,” Luc whispered softly.
“I see. Then you are quite the champion this evening,” Liliah remarked with a smile.
“I have my moments. Do not expect them often,” Luc flirted.
“As you wish.”
His hand grasped her in a firmer hold, his fingers slowly flexing against her waist as a wicked gleam illuminated his blue eyes. His thumb drew a lazy circle in her wrist as he held her, and Liliah’s heart pounded an excited rhythm. She pulled her lips into her teeth, silencing a slight mew of pleasure.
“Dear Lord, Liliah, I won’t be held responsible for my actions should you continue that exceedingly pleased expression. And indeed, your reputation won’t survive such an event.”
Liliah released her lips and nodded, but grasped his hand tightly, and with the slightest of movements, twisted her hip just enough for him to discern the movement.
“Minx.”
“Are you surprised?” Liliah asked softly, losing herself in his gaze.
“No, not at all,” he murmured as his gaze seared down her jawline and dipped lower, as if undressing her with his eyes.
Liliah’s skin flushed with heat, her body pulsing with something she couldn’t name but had certainly experienced before.
“When are you shopping next?” Luc asked covertly, his gaze lazily traveling upward to her eyes.
“Not nearly soon enough,” Liliah answered honestly.
“Then am I to understand that your experience was satisfactory?” He grinned a seductive and secretive smile.
Liliah tilted her chin, regarding him coyly. “I’m not certainoncehas given me enough experience to give an educated reply.”
Luc chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. His crystal-blue eyes danced with merriment and seduction, making her wish they were in a more private venue—my, how rapidly she had become a wicked wanton!
“Then I must find a way to remedy that, for educational purposes, you understand.”
“It pleases me that you’re concerned with enriching my mind.”
“I’ve been told I’m an excellent teacher.”
It was Liliah’s turn to giggle. “I’ve been told I’m a horrid student.”
Luc’s grip on her waist tightened as he murmured low, his gaze fixed upon hers. “I’m a persistent educator—thorough in every way.” His expression was pure seduction, and Liliah’s knees weakened, but she squared her shoulders.
“Then I look forward to my education,” she replied bravely, then glanced away from the heat of his gaze, lest she do something utterly impulsive and kiss him on the dance floor. She’d never recover, and it would destroy Luc as well, for he wouldn’t be brought up to scratch, which would only tarnish his honor.
It was a dangerous line she flirted with, yet she couldn’t muster up enough will to consider any other option.
It was simple.
She wanted him, desperately.
