Octavia withdrew her hand from beneath his. “I thank you for the compliment, Lord Bolton.”
“In time, Octavia.” He sighed then sipped from his brandy. “Tonight, I will attend the ball and pretend to look for a bride and let it be known that you are being of assistance.”
“I can be, you know. I would be happy to assist once our affair comes to an end.”
“Affair?” he asked.
This was why she worried about telling Lord Bolton of the last rule.
“I shall not merely be a conquest. A lady you successfully seduced, then set aside and forgot.”
He placed his fork at the side of the plate and studied her. His demeanor had quickly changed from seduction to concern.
“Octavia, what is rule number nine? I am assuming this has to do with rule nine, does it not?”
Appetite gone, Octavia pushed her plate aside and took a drink of her brandy. Tonight had been pleasant but she had a feeling that her association with Lord Bolton would soon come to an end.
“There can be no other lovers. I want my lover focused on me and me alone.”
Lord Bolton frowned. “That is not so difficult.”
“Rakes think in terms of one night of pleasure, I am not.” She took another drink to fortify herself enough to explain. “I had to share my husband with several mistresses and if I am going to take a lover, I will not share him with another for the duration in which we are together. There is also the possibility of disappointment, and I will only want one night.”
He slowly smiled as his eyes darkened. “You will want more than one night with me.”
“I seek pleasure, not bedding, as I’ve experienced that enough in one lifetime.”
“We all have been bedded and sometimes it is enough.” He leaned close, took her hand in his once more. “But have you ever been worshipped?”
Worshipped? Bolton was mad, but she’d learn soon enough as she desired him and could give no attention to any other candidates. Once the deed was done, then she would know for certain what was the truth, and the reason for taking a lover in the first place.
“How long, assuming you do want more than one night.” The side of his mouth tipped up as humor lit in his brown eyes, so cocksure of himself.
Perhaps he had cause for such confidence.
“One month.”
His half smile slipped. “A month?”
“Yes. And in that time, my lover will not take any other lovers, nor will he court another either. I could not tolerate being the woman who warmed a bed at night while a gentleman made an innocent believe he is only interested in her during the day and at entertainments.”
Bolton leaned back and sipped his brandy, making a study of her.
Octavia’s stomach sank. She was asking too much.
“Why a month?”
“For one time in my life, a duration of time, not just a few fleeting nights, I want to be the only one who matters, even during those few days when I am indisposed. I do not like to share.”
Bolton set his now empty brandy glass on the table and studied her with contemplation. She knew she was asking much of a rake with his reputation. If half the gossip was to be believed, he enjoyed sometimes two or three lovers in a week. Was it possible that he would be satisfied with only one for the duration of a month?
“I do understand,” he said after a moment.
“I know I am asking much, but now you know.” She placed her napkin on her plate and stood. “Thank you for sharing the afternoon and dinner with me. I am happy to have come to know you, Lord Bolton.”
He came to his feet. “Am I being dismissed?”
“I already anticipate your response,” she offered. There was disappointment, but she truly did not expect anyone to agree to her terms. She then smiled. “I originally hoped to find a rake for the Season but knew that would be impossible.”
