“Hector wasn’t all bad,” Carenza said somewhat tartly.
“So you mentioned.” Olivia winked at her.
“I wonder if I might speak to you in private for a moment, Lady Carenza?” Julian asked.
“Why?”
Julian fought a smile. “It is a family matter.”
“You don’t like your family,” Mrs. Sheraton, who was not above eavesdropping, commented.
“Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they don’t require my attention,” Julian countered. “And this is a very particular matter concerning my brother.”
Carenza ignored her friend and addressed her guests. “If you will please excuse me for a moment?”
She left the room, and Julian followed her through to a small, private sitting room beside her bedroom suite. He shut the door behind them and leaned against it. She turned to look at him, and he simply looked back.
“Isthere something you want?” Carenza asked. “Or do you merely wish to stare at me with that rather annoying smile on your face?”
“I was thinking about you last night.” He loved the way the color instantly rose in her cheeks. “I was imagining undressing you.”
He advanced toward her, and she held her ground, looking up into his face as he cupped her chin.
“I took a very long time exposing every inch of your delicious skin with my mouth, my hands, and used all my senses to arouse you.” He slid his fingers down her neck and ran them along the lace bodice of her dress, enjoying the way her breath hitched.
“Julian, I have guests …”
“Mmm …”
“I have to get back.” She sighed as his fingertip grazed her nipple. “This is most unfair.”
“Did you think of me at all?” he inquired. “Did you imagine commanding me to undress for your pleasure?”
“I might have.”
Her admission made him want to throw caution to the winds, pin her to the wall, and have his way with her, but he reminded himself of their agreement.
“And what would you have done to me in your dreams?”
She met his gaze quite fearlessly. “Anything I wanted to.”
“Such as?”
She smiled at him. “Oh, I don’t have time to explain everything. We’d be here for hours, and Allegra would come and find me.”
“What about a more practical demonstration?” he suggested. “I am yours to command.”
She considered him carefully. “I’ve always wanted a man to …” She paused. “I feel foolish even suggesting such a thing.”
“Don’t be,” Julian said. “What is your desire?”
She took a deep breath. “When you asked to speak to me alone, I thought you might bring me in here, and …”
“Ravish you?” Julian offered.
“Not quite all the way. That would take too long. I was thinking it would be more of a signal of intent.” She looked up at him. “If that makes sense.”
“Ah. You’d like a man to make you look forward to what he’s going to do to you later.”
