Page 20 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

“Are you up for a challenge?” he asked Lord Jennings.

The older man, plump from too much fine food and not enough exercise, grunted his answer. Devon walked to a rack on the wall. “Maces or cues?”

“Cues.”

Devon rubbed the tip of his cue with chalk and leaned over the table. The game commenced, both men quiet until Jennings leaned his cue stick on the floor and studied Devon. “You ready for a new mistress? I know it hasn’t been that long since Mrs. Forestor died, but a man has needs, you know what I mean?” He wagged his eyebrows.

Devon rubbed the chalk on his stick once again. “I do have a wife.”

“Yes. Well, we all do, but a man’s requirements are not generally satisfied in the marital bed.” He shook his head. “Bloody hell, if I depended on my wife, my cock would have shriveled up and died a long time ago.” He roared with laughter at his own joke.

“I guess you’re just not ready to replace Margaret, eh?” He leaned over and aimed his cue stick. “Most likely it will take some time.” He slammed the cue stick against the white ball and stood. “Just don’t wait too long. Don’t want you shriveling up and dying.”

Nothing further was mentioned along the line of mistresses for the rest of the game, but nevertheless, Devon spent a great deal of time pondering their conversation. How would he replace Margaret when the time spent with her once he’d married had been no more than two friends visiting? Hell, they might as well have been drinking tea and gossiping like two matrons at afternoon calls.

Feeling lost and not wanting to spend any more time discussing the benefits of a mistress, Devon hung up his cue stick, once the game ended, and left the room. He stopped to speak with his host for a while, then made his way upstairs to the level where the bedrooms were. He knocked softly on the bedroom door, not wanting to awaken Eugenia if she was napping.

When there was no answer, he eased the door open. Eugenia lay on the bed, fast asleep. She had removed her riding outfit and rested in her stays and chemise. She didn’t look very comfortable, and once again he wondered how women could stand to be so constricted all the time.

Much like Eugenia had pointed out to him about little girls and little boys.

He didn’t often see her in slumber, since he always left her once he was through with his duty so as not to disturb her rest. She lay on her side, her hands folded under her cheek. Cheeks like sweet cream and flushed from sleep. With her blond curls scattered around her shoulders she looked like an angel.

But kissed like a devil.

Chapter Six

“Deep breaths bring attention to one’s bosom.”

Secrets of the Bedchamber, p. 51

Eugenia’s eyelids fluttered open, and she drew in a sharp breath. Devon stood no less than three feet away, staring at her.

He winced. “I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”

She shifted so her body rested against the headboard. She smoothed her hair back, but since she’d taken out her pins before she’d fallen asleep, it covered her shoulders, falling almost to her waist. Devon stared at her hair and moved slowly toward her. Sitting alongside her on the bed, he reached out and took a curl in his fingers, rubbing the strands between his index finger and thumb. “I’ve never seen your hair completely down. It’s lovely.”

“I’m afraid it’s a mess from sleeping.” Remembering something from the book, she asked, “Will you be so kind as to fetch my brush from the dresser?”

Once she had the brush in her hand, she began to leisurely run the bristles through her hair, closing her eyes.

“I had the most wonderful nap.” Brush, brush.

“I even dreamed I was at the theater.” Brush, brush.

“Midsummer Night’s Dream was being performed.” Brush, brush.

Devon took the brush from her hand. Her eyes snapped open.

“Let me do that.” His hand shook as he began to repeat her actions. His breathing seemed to increase, and she found herself tingling in places that were usually quite silent. She closed her eyes and moaned softly at the feel of his strong fingers in her hair.

“Does that feel good?” His voice was smooth, deep, and did funny things to her insides.

She dropped her gaze to his crotch and nearly cheered at the evidence of his arousal. “Hmm. Yes, it feels wonderful.”

“Oh.”

The gong sounded, alerting the guests to dress for dinner. “I am afraid you will have to assist me again, my lord.”