So why wasn’t she running?
“Of course I can read,” she said, still captured by his amber gaze and wondering what else he thought she might do well.
He nodded. “How else would you know when to meet me?”
“I didn’t—” she began.
He swooped down and claimed her mouth before she could finish. Firm, smooth lips pressed to hers, and all her senses narrowed down to what was directly before her.
The man tasted like brandy and smelled of a heady combination of orange blossom and something smoky and sensual, reminding her of the wooded vales near her family’s country home in Derbyshire. She had never smelled the like.
More shocking, she’d never felt anything so sizzling as the sensations radiating from where his mouth and his fingers touched her. Scorching, simmering, sensual feelings.
When his kiss deepened, warming her and filling her head with his fragrance, Purity began to tremble. Her entire body seemed to be molten, especially low between her hips where she would vow she was turning to liquid.
His hands slid from her arms, where he’d undoubtedly crumpled the tops of her sleeves, to encircle her slender waist. Her belly tightened with a tingling sensation.
Then his strong fingers pressed into the small of her back, urging her against him. She tensed at this new impropriety, alarm bells clanging in her head like church chimes on a Sunday.
At her sudden stiffness, he raised his head, breaking the kiss and gazing down at her with a sultry smile.
Without thinking, she slapped him, wishing her soft satin evening glove hadn’t slipped from his face without making any sort of resoundingthwackthat would make clear her indignation.
For despite having enjoyed his kiss — because obviously, he was experienced and the kiss itself was masterful — she knew it for a licentious liberty.
His golden eyes widened, and he released her, although he didn’t step back.
“Now, now, kitten. That wasn’t very nice. If you want to be my flogging-cully, you’ll have to wait until I’ve stripped you bare. The most we can do here is enjoy a flyer, and if you can’t wait until I take you home, then I will gladly oblige.”
Looking around, he added, “Against that wall, I suppose, not against the Lansdowne’s new prize painting.”
Purity’s mouth dropped as she understood he was suggesting an act of copulation.
“It’ll have to be a flourish, my blue-eyed kitten,” the stranger continued, “as quick as two goats for the ball is nearly over.”
Ignoring the words she didn’t understand, Purity locked on to the one she did.
“Kitten!” she exclaimed. “Did you truly call me kitten? Twice!”
He nodded, a wicked grin spreading over his ridiculously handsome face, displaying dimples. Pity she wanted to punch him in the nose if it were at all the ladylike thing to do. Perhaps a knee to his gut would suit better, if her gown allowed her such movement.
Or she would give him the cut direct next time they met.That would teach him.
“I shall have you know I am Lady Purity Diamond, and I—”
Before she could continue, he broke out in raucous laughter.
She clamped her mouth closed and crossed her arms, waiting for his amusement to reach its conclusion.
When it did, he shook his head. “Is that the name you’re going by? That is a mouthful of deliciousness if ever I heard it.”
Purity tilted her chin. “You are extremely impudent. There is nothing wrong with my name.”
“Tell me, do you have a sister named Rare or Expensive?”
“That is not funny in the least. My sisters are Clarity—” She had to pause as he sniggered.
“And Brilliance—” She broke off again when he started to chuckle.
