Julia sighed. “I would find it difficult to imagine you not being entirely desirable,” she said softly.
When he heard those words, he forgave her getting him under the hatches of trouble. Cradling the back of her head, holding her steady, he claimed her warm lips.
When she parted them, he swept his tongue into her mouth, stroking her, hearing her moan.
Her blossoming desire was evident, and he placed her hand upon his lap so she could feel his own. The rest of the ride passed with their mouths fused as one, and his only thought being when he could attempt to seduce her out of her clothing again.
Having the viscountess confirm his blonde baggage wason the game, spicing jewels from his peers, hadn’t dampened his passion after all.
Realizing they’d stopped moving and were probably conspicuously parked in front of the Countess of Worthington’s house, he drew back.
He’d hoped they would come up with a plan to get him out of tupping Lady Chandron but feared it was inevitable. And while holding Julia in his arms, he was dreading riding St. George all the more, when St. George would be the viscountess.
Would he even be able to put in a good showing, or would it be a dry bob?
“I shall get it over with,” Jasper said, half to himself, hoping Lady Chandron would be satisfied with a single ride.
Julia stared at him. Then she blinked and her gaze hardened.
He shouldn’t have mentioned it, not directly after kissing her.Where were his manners?
***
“YOU’RE THE TRUE RAKEHELL,” she bit out, reaching for the carriage’s handle. “Why don’t you go back there immediately and give her what she most wants. I’m sure you’ll manage to derive some enjoyment, about as much as any paid courtesan in London!”
When Jasper said nothing, Julia glanced up at him. His expression was stony.
“You know something, you’re perfectly correct. I should do exactly that. It is nothing to me whom I bed. I shall do it and set us both free from her threats.”
Julia bit her tongue and wished she hadn’t spoken out of jealousy. She didn’t believe for an instant he wasn’t discerning about whom he took to bed, although to learn he’d already had an affair with Lady Chandron had been a blow.
Besides, she must recall with whom she was dealing. That very night Jasper might be visiting a mistress whom she knew nothing about. Moreover, it was none of her business. Unfortunately, her heart was becoming ridiculously possessive.
How terrible!It was utter idiocy to feel that way over this man. She would have to give herself a stern talking-to later. Right then, however, she wanted to make him say he wouldn’t go through with it, or at least that he wouldn’t enjoy it.
“How do we know if you do what she wants, she’ll stop her extortion?” Julia wondered.
“More importantly, how do we know you’ll stop your infernal behavior so no one else can threaten you with a trip to the Bow Street magistrate’s court.”
Julia opened her mouth, but nothing came out. He wouldn’t understand how much good the money from pawning was doing across London. As an earl, he would value property rights above the far-reaching social good.
Still, she could try. “I put the money from their sale to good use,” she began.
“There is no excuse,” he interrupted. “And I might not be of interest to the next blackmailer,” he continued, his tone scathing. “We’re fortunate she wants me. Otherwise, she would be on her way to the authorities tomorrow.”
Julia knew he was shaming her and trying to make her feel guilty. As to the latter, it was working. He shouldn’t be involved with the problem she’d created.
“Next week, Lady Chandron might make fresh demands,” she pointed out. “And as you said, you’re not in danger of losing your reputation. You have no stake in this. You should bow out. It is all my fault.”
“True,” he agreed, pinning her with a harsh look. “Clearly, you are to blame for the predicament, but she thinks she knows something about me that is patently false. If she further spreads the rumor my fortune has dwindled or my coffers are low, the ramifications will be unpleasant. Silly as you may find it, I have my pride about such things. Plus, my mother will become distraught, and shopkeepers will demand I pay the balance on all my accounts. What’s more, the members of my club will whisper and start offering to pay for my drinks and my dinner.”
She frowned.Pay for his drinks and his dinner?In comparison to Sarah being cast out from the upper echelon of British society, Jasper’s worries seemed trite.
“How awful for you,” she said, trying to sound sincere and failing.
“You don’t understand, but that’s to be expected.”
How could he say such a belittling thing?“Because I’m a woman and too stupid to comprehend?”
