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The next moment, Richard’s mouth descended on hers, and he ravaged her like a wild, hungry beast. The world around them had disappeared and it was only them—their breath mingling together as their tongues danced against each other, their bodies melding in a sensual act.

Jo was violently pulled out of her passionate haze by the sound of loud barking. She tore her mouth away from Richard’s and he cursed.

They both breathed loudly, their lips just inches away. Richard’s hooded eyes still watched her lips with an intense desire. The barking intensified, and Richard cursed again.

He let go of Jo just as Button appeared from behind the trees. His tongue was hanging from his mouth, his ears flapping in the wind. Jo tried to put her appearance to rights as Button ran up to her and continued prancing around them as if performing a ritual dance.

“That blasted dog needs to be taught some serious manners,” Richard spat angrily.

“Easy, Button, dear,” Jo said as she tried to calm the beast. Then she raised a brow at Richard. “Why won’t you teach him then?”

“You wouldn’t like my method,” he bit out and proceeded to adjust his clothing.

She narrowed her eyes on him and opened her mouth to retort, but at that moment, Millie appeared a few feet away. “Button, come!” she cried, running toward her dog. Her father followed closely behind.

Lord Vane looked from Jo to Richard, then raised his brow. “I do hope we did not interrupt.”

Heat crawled up Jo’s neck and up to her cheeks. “Not at all, my lord. We were just…”

“Studying nature,” Richard grumbled.

“Right.” Lord Vane didn’t believe it one bit.

Millie tugged on Jo’s hand. “Come! Button wants you to play with us.”

“Of course.” Jo smiled down at the child, then threw a glance toward the viscount before following Millicent and her beast.

Chapter 10

Isabel kept seating Jo on the other side of the table from Richard. She always found someone to escort her to meals. She always took her under her wing and kept her surrounded by ladies when they had a free moment. And when she couldn’t, she resorted to sending her dog or daughter after her.

Richard knew what his sister was doing. He had been known to meddle in others’ affairs for too long not to notice when the same was done to him. But while Richard was direct in his meddling, his sister was exceptionally cunning. He was certain she thought she was doing what was best for him. But she was wrong.

Richard was tense and on edge. The house party was boring him out of his wits and with his impending betrothal not far off, he just wanted to spend some time enjoying his life. Was that too much to ask?

Apparently, his meddling sister thought that it was.

So instead of enjoying Jo’s company, he watched across the table as she flirted with other men who were visibly drooling, no doubt dreaming of having her in their arms. Well, they weren’t getting her.

She was his. Even if just for the duration of the house party.

As soon as the dinner was over, he was taking her into his bedchamber and not letting her out until the late hours of the morning. Perhaps not even then. And nobody would stand in his way.

The moment they reconvened in the parlor after dinner, Richard immediately scanned the room, looking for her.

Jo was not difficult to find. She was shining like a diamond inside a deep, dark cave at the core of the earth. And she was once again surrounded by a number of gentlemen. How did they manage it so fast?

He walked toward her with a purposeful stride. He had only one goal. Her. And damn anyone who dared to stand in his way.

“Miss Claremont,” he said in a low voice as he finally reached her. Her gaze darkened instantly, goosebumps covering her body. He smirked inwardly. She wanted him as much as he wanted her and she wasn’t able to mask it. “Would you do me the honor and accompany me for a turn about the room? Or perhaps we could get some fresh air?”

He wasn’t looking for a stroll about the room and judging by the expression on her face, she knew it. She licked her lips, her gaze lowering to his lips. Then her eyes darted toward the doors to the patio.

No, Richard thought. Not the patio.

A quick flyer would not satisfy his needs anymore. He needed a nice, long rut.

Besides, it seemed like the patio was going to be occupied soon as Jo’s fellow actor Mick was moving there with a blushing widow.