When the earl started to lead her across the floor, all she could think of was Argyle. She allowed her mind to imagine the two of them together in one of those torrid embraces she’d witnessed in his parlor. He would slowly remove her gown and kiss his way down her body. Although she was an innocent, she had read enough to know what happened between a man and a woman, but even then, she hadn’t been prepared for the sight of those sweaty, writhing bodies. She grew warm just imagining being with Argyle in such an intimate fashion.
And when she pictured his mouth upon her breast, his strutting cock impaling her, it caused her to miss one of the steps in the dance and trod upon her partner’s foot. “Pardon me,” she muttered, embarrassed at being so clumsy.
Luckily, the earl was a strong partner, and he made it appear as though nothing untoward had happened. His smile was also kind and genuine. “Think nothing of it. I would be distracted if I was being pierced with daggers from Argyle.” He paused and considered something over her shoulder. “Come to think of it, I might actually be the recipient.”
This caught Genevieve’s attention. “Are you quite sure?”
“Indeed. In fact, he’s coming this way.”
The blood drained from her face. “What?”
“Don’t worry about it.” The earl shrugged. “I’ve never known Argyle to care about any woman longer than one night. The fact you’ve got him this distraught says a lot in your favor.”
“I’m not so sure about that.”
“It is if you truly want to marry him.”
Her eyes widened. “What makes you say that?”
His smile was gentle but knowing at the same time. “I’ve noticed your infatuation with Argyle, even if he’s been blind to it until now. If you want to know the key to winning his heart, all you have to do is exactly what you’ve been doing. He can be quite persuasive when he’s after something, but don’t give in too quickly. If you do, the race will be over.”
Cortland didn’t know what Uxbridge had said to Genevieve to put that ashen expression on her face, but he didn’t much care for it. “Mind if I cut in?” he said firmly, giving the earl a decided glare.
“By all means.” The earl graciously conceded her to him, but not before a speaking glance passed between them.
When she offered a slight nod, and the earl walked away, Cortland took her into his arms and resumed the waltz. “Dare I ask what that was all about?”
She blinked. “I don’t know what you mean. The earl was being very considerate.” She rolled her eyes. “Which is more than I can say for you. Is it a habit of yours to ensure you make a scene at every possible opportunity?”
“Not at all,” he returned smoothly. “My sole purpose in life, at least at the moment, is to merely bedevil you.”
“For what purpose?” she said. “I haven’t done anything to you.”
“Haven’t you?” He pulled her a bit closer than was proper. “If that were true, why do I wake every night with an aching cock and your name on my lips when I find my release?”
She swallowed. “Honestly, Your Grace, must you be so vulgar?”
“I’m only speaking the truth.” His gaze eclipsed her from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. “What must I do to convince you to be mine? I promise that the pleasure alone would be worth it.”
She tilted her head to the side and offered a tolerant smile. “I’m not sure I’m convinced about that, Your Grace. I’ve heard of your many exploits through the years in all the gossip sheets, but I find them quite farfetched. Perhaps even… fabricated?”
“The devil you say!” His exclamation turned the heads of a few passing dancers, so he lowered his voice. “If you wish to have a demonstration of my sexual fortitude, I would be more than happy to comply.”
She dared to feign a yawn. “I find your continual boasting to be quite bothersome. If you wanted to prove yourself to me, how about doing so with patience and humility?”
His mouth went slack. “Are you serious?”
“Indeed.” As the waltz drew to a close, they came to a halt, and he reluctantly released her. In truth, he’d enjoyed holding her in his arms. It was as if she was made just for him. “Let’s put that theory to the test, shall we? If you truly wish to court me properly, then I propose you do so with all the necessary accoutrements that a gentleman needs to woo a lady. Flowers, chocolates, perhaps even promises that you don’t intend to honor. After a brief period of time, if I feel you are succeeding, then I shall grant you a single kiss, but nothing more. Anything else will have to be earned.”
This time, it was Cortland who blinked. “Are you serious?”
She lifted her pert little chin. “You’ve heard my terms, Your Grace. Accept them or don’t. It’s up to you, but if you wish to play by my rules, then I shall expect you at the Darlington musicale tomorrow evening.”
She offered a brief curtsy and spun on her heel, her appealing backside taunting him as she sauntered away.
He muttered a curse under his breath. God save him from distracting females. He didn’t know at what point he’d lost all control of Lady Genevieve, but it was time she learned he wouldn’t be brought down so easily.
Pulling down the sleeves of his jacket, he strode off in the opposite direction.
