Page 24 of A Virgin for the Ruthless Duke

Perhaps it was a combination of all the things that made her Selina, all those qualities in close proximity—in the close, intimate space of the library—that had eventually led to him kissing her when she came to his chambers, devouring her mouth like his life depended on it. The offense was probably worsened by the fact that he had been most likely to ravish her right there in the library with no care for her reputation or who might see them.

Instead of feeling remorse, standing alone in the library after she left, he found himself feeling a twinge of regret that they had not been caught. The thought was strange but one that he agreed with at a deep level. Somehow, he had developed feelings for her that went beyond sexual attraction. It appeared he was not averse to the idea of marrying her.

But whatever honorable thoughts he might have had after the deed did not negate the fact that he had committed the sin of seducing an innocent with such uncontrolled hunger.

He was surprised she had not run from him when they broke apart. While he understood that what he had done was wrong, he admitted that—in the deepest part of his soul—he could not summon an iota of regret. In fact, if the opportunity presented itself, he just might do it again because now that he had tasted her lips, he was developing an addiction to them.

His addiction was confirmed when the next morning brought them to a picnic in the gardens. It was a different event from what most members of the ton lived for, but it was a welcome adventure for both young and old noblemen who had grown weary of the typical Society balls and luncheons.

Most of them had ditched their formal suits for more casual attire to fit the open air and sunshine that the picnic spot afforded them. The men ditched their dress shoes for boots and their jackets for simple waistcoats, while the ladies wore bright-colored dresses that brightened the area, chasing away the usually serious and tiresome air that was associated with the events of polite society. That brightness was made more blinding by the appearance of Selina.

She was dressed in a yellow day dress. It was simple and sweet at first appearance, but to him, it might as well have been as scandalous as a transparent dress. The bodice—just like every one of her new dresses—was cut low, revealing a good portion of the creamy white skin of her breasts. They gleamed in the sunlight, inviting his touch and reminding him of what it felt like having them pressed against his chest when he had devoured her mouth the previous night.

Despite how stunning she looked, it seemed that she was not yet quite used to being the center of attention.

She stood at the corner of the picnic, fidgeting with the skirt of her dress while biting her lip nervously. It was a habit he had noticed she slipped into whenever she was nervous or unsure. Unfortunately, the action drew his eye to her lips and the way they gleamed pink, plump and healthy in the bright daylight.

Of course, the sight of her white teeth biting her lip did things to his composure—flooding him with memories of how it felt to have her lips beneath his, how sweet she had tasted, and how much he wanted to kiss her again.

The way his mind was going, he was well on his way to full-blown arousal here in public, under the scrutinizing, judging eyes of the ton. He tore his eyes away from her face and her tempting lips, only to glance at her hands while they toyed with her dress. Looking closely, he realized that the gloves she wore were inside out. He guessed, in her nervousness, that she had not looked closely when putting them on.

He rose from the blanket and strode towards where she stood at the edge of the gathering. She did not seem to have noticed him, her eyes scanning the group before her—in search of a familiar face, perhaps.

“Good afternoon, My Lady,” he murmured in her ear, causing her to jump with surprise.

“Your Grace,” she greeted him, her eyes flashing with something that closely resembled relief rather than excitement.

Richard couldn’t be sure because the expression disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, shuttered by her usual mask of indifference. His chest ached with disappointment. He yearned for the passionate Selina who had melted with desire in his arms.

“I had not expected to see you here,” she said coolly “You made it quite clear that you wished I stayed away from you. I assure you, Your Grace, I have learned my lesson well.”

Richard undertook most things in his life so thoroughly and carefully that they usually led to excellence. It was this predilection for excellence that had made him one of the leading voices in the House of Lords. He had never seen the need to resent that tendency until this moment, when it seemed he had done the work of pushing Selina away almost too well.

Gone was the shining warmth in her eyes. In its place was the cool indifference that hid her hurt and embarrassment following the events of the previous day. He was lucky she was still speaking to him, especially after the way he had dismissed her last night.

“I mean no offense, My Lady,” he said, keeping his voice as mellow and cajoling as he could manage. “I had just noticed a little wardrobe mishap on your person and only wished to call your attention to it.”

His announcement caused the indifferent mask to fall, replaced rapidly with panic, before she glanced at her dress from several angles in the hope of finding the offending part.

“Do not fret,” he said, suppressed laughter evident in his voice. “I assure you there is nothing wrong with your dress. The problem lies somewhere else.” He took her fingers, causing her to look down at her delicate hands in his larger one. “Your hands. You seem to be wearing the gloves inside out.”

When she pulled back her hands in her attempt to correct the mistake, he held fast, unwilling to release her.

“Let me,” he whispered, waiting till her hands fell limp before starting the task of pulling off the lacy gloves.

He took his time, making sure his fingers dragged over the smooth skin of her hands, enjoying the feel of the shiver that she seemed to be doing her best to suppress. The hitch in her breath fanned the fires of his ego till he was convinced that he stood taller than his considerable height.

Once her gloves were completely removed, he took advantage, making sure to hold onto her hand, the feel of her bare skin on his sending sparks down his spine.

It was ridiculous that just holding hands with this confounding woman could inspire the depth of desire that even the experienced courtesans he had known in his youth could not. It was unbelievable. He was just holding hands with her, forgoodness’ sake. But what he had with Selina defied logic, and he had already given up on trying to understand.

Sliding the gloves back on after turning them the correct way was another lesson in torture, but in no time, it was done. Immediately, Selina withdrew her hands with such alacrity that one might think they were about to get burnt.

While he understood the reason for her reaction, it still did not sit well with him. Swallowing the offense to his pride, he plastered a welcoming smile on his face and offered her his arm.

“Perhaps you might allow me to lead you into the party, My Lady?” he said in his best charming voice.

For the next few seconds, Selina stared at his arm warily, before reluctantly accepting his hand. He led her into the event—attracting the attention of many gentlemen as they moved—before pulling her down to a sitting position when they got to his blanket.

---