Jules didn’t move away from her, but instead, casually leaned against the wall beside her, staring down.
His gaze settled on her mouth. Was he going to kiss her again? Without even realizing it, her lips had parted. It was difficult to breathe with him so near.
“I have your first lesson planned for tomorrow. And it’s something I think you’ll enjoy.”
“Lesson?”
His fingers still had hold of her braid and were slowly sliding upward. Charley released the door frame and hugged her coat with both arms now.
“It’s more of a sport, really.” His voice sounded gruff, lower than usual. Charley caught a whiff of his breath—whisky, spicy warmth, and something earthy—Jules. She crossed her legs and squeezed her thighs together. The foyer suddenly felt much warmer than it had a moment ago.
His gaze locked with hers and when she swayed, he grasped her shoulder.
“A sport?” Her own voice was barely a whisper. She cleared her throat. “What is it?”
“You will know soon enough.” He moved his fingertips from her braid to just below her lips. Her head felt heavy and she would have tipped it back, offering him her mouth if a scuffling sound from inside hadn’t reminded her that they weren’t truly alone. She clutched her coat tightly against her breasts and straightened her spine.
“Are you certain you still want to go through with all of this?” Because all of this was fake and then none of it felt fake and she had no idea what they were doing at this point. The man stole her ability to think far too easily! “You aren’t bothered that your sister will tell Lady Felicity?”
He dropped his hand and took one step back, lines furrowing his brow. His withdrawal ought to have given her relief but left her feeling empty instead.
“I’m meeting with my mother first thing in the morning. I trust Bethany won’t do anything without talking to me first.”
“Will you meet with Lady Felicity? I know you said that nothing was official between the two of you, but I hate to think that she’ll be hurt by all of this. What if she’s in love with you?”
Jules’ gaze didn’t waver from hers. “She might be a little disappointed, but Felicity is most assuredly not in love with me.”
Relief filled her chest, loosening her limbs. But…“How do you know that?”
“Trust me, I know when a lady is interested in me.” Damn that cocky grin. But then he just as quickly grew serious again. “But if it will make you feel better, I will make a point to speak with her as soon as possible.”
“You will tell her about the bet and that it is all pretend?” If he agreed with her on this then Charley could perhaps rein in the emotions threatening to change everything.
Very slowly, he shook his head. “The wager is inconsequential at this point and there’s no need for anyone to know it ever even existed. I will tell her I intend to marry you. The same as I am going to tell my mother.”
His confidence almost had her believing it.
A thumping sounded behind her, louder this time.
“Until tomorrow, then.” She expected him to bow and take his leave, but instead, he moved swiftly, catching her up against him, and capturing her mouth with his.
Her mouth opened, requiring no coaxing or asking. She stifled a moan as his tongue tangled with hers. She was indeed going to have to make a whiskey to name after this—after him.
And then the kiss ended just as abruptly.
“Until tomorrow.” He gently pushed her inside and closed the door himself.
Chaotic need stole her wits leaving her standing inside her chamber almost forgetting who she was. What was happening?
“I take it that wasn’t the countess.”
Charley cried out a little when Daisy’s voice sounded behind her, but then she turned and winced as she stared back at her maid.
“No,” she agreed. “Most definitely not the countess.”
“That Crabtree womanought to be the headmistress at some school for girls. I believe she’s missed her calling.”
“Or a warden at Newgate,” Jules suggested, glancing sideways at Mantis from where he sat atop his mount. All five of them had risen with the sun and had been riding all out for as long as the horses could safely do so. Now that they’d come to a halt, he expected to endure some ribbing for the night before.
