He shrugged. “Nobody knows but us. I have dismissed my servants. We will not be disturbed.”
Oh, dear… Why did he tell her that? Regardless, she needed to say what was on her mind and leave. Although telling her legs to move was a different story, entirely.
“It matters not. I would feel more comfortable if you put on a robe.”
“As you wish.” He picked up a robe lying on the foot of the bed and wrapped it loosely around himself, tying it at his waist, before coming to stand in front of her.
Using both hands, he cupped her face and stepped even closer. Automatically, she placed her palms on his chest to stop him. Her fingertips connected with the exposed skin and nearly seared her, sending a different kind of heat pumping in her body. His muscles were so hard, yet his skin so soft to the touch. She gasped and pulled her hands away as if he were made of hot coals. Touching him this way was detrimental to her health.
“What is it you want, Judith?”
Her mind fought an endless battle with her body. Yet giving in was not an option. Her heart would be hurt, and she couldn’t bear it.
Chapter Twenty-Four
“Trey, stop it.”She forced herself to take another step away from him. “I didn’t come here for this.”
“For what?”
“You really must get dressed. I cannot think with you like this. There’s no way we can communicate while you are in this state of… of…” She swished her hand through the air.
He chuckled and moved closer. He grasped her hand and lifted it to his mouth before lightly kissing her fingertips. “Oh, I think differently, my sweet. I can think of a very enjoyable way to communicate while I’m in this state.”
He placed her palm on his chest, and once again, it was like hot coals burning her flesh, except this time she couldn’t pull away. His dark eyes entranced her, and heaven help her, she anticipated his next move.
“Judith, I don’t mind if you touch me.” His voice was deep, seductive. “In fact, I encourage it.”
She licked her dry lips. “It’s not proper,” she whispered.
The corner of his mouth lifted in a lopsided grin. “Oh, but it is, my sweet. We shall say it’s part of your learning. This is a very good way to communicate. It’s intimate lesson number one; how to touch a man and make him melt.”
Melt?He was certainly accomplishing that very thing with her. Yet he was going to teach her how to achieve making himmelt. Although she should really protest, curiosity struck a chord in her, and she indeed wanted to be taught.
Staring at the exposed skin at the middle of his chest, she shook her head. Words had been lost in her head somewhere because she couldn’t think of anything to say—or any kind of refusal.
“A man enjoys a woman’s touch,” he said deeply. Desire sparked in his eyes. “A man also enjoys a woman’s curiosity. We… I don’t want you to be shy with me.”
Her heart tripped crazily. No longer was he discussing women in general. He talked right to her, telling her what he wanted. What he enjoyed. She enjoyed knowing this more than she should. What was happening to her? Self-control was within reach, yet she wanted to give it up for just a moment.
Then what?
His gaze dropped to her mouth. Kissing him would be very nice right now, but the way flames of desire licked through her body, she feared more would happen. She could not do this with a man who was not her husband—and more than likely would never be considered.
Trey made the first move, closing the space between them as he leaned forward, his mouth descending quickly. When his lips met hers, he brushed them in a gentle sweep over her mouth before moving down her cheek to her neck.
Warnings screamed in her mind, reminding her he didn’t want a wife. He wanted what all rakes were after. And then he’d leave her to suffer the scandal and embarrassment as she searched for a worthy husband who would overlook her costly mistake. She couldn’t let that happen.
“Trey, please stop.” She pushed him away and walked backward toward the door, keeping her shaky hands clasped tightly against her stomach.
She stopped in front of the door and tried to regulate her breathing. Turning, she met his heated stare. “I didn’t come here for this. I came to ask about Alex. I need to know if you have heard from your solicitor. I have given you ample time to try and locate my fiancé. If your solicitor has not found anything, then I shall look for Alex myself.”
The pleasurable expression on Trey’s face quickly disappeared as ragged breaths still shook his body. Silence stretched between them as he raked his fingers through his hair, then he took a deep breath and tightened the sash around his waist.
Folding his arms, he gave her a nod. “Very well. I suppose I can tell you what I have learned so far.”
She lifted her chin and squared her shoulders, ready to hear what he had to say. “I would appreciate it.”
“What my solicitor has discovered so far is not good at all.”
