Page 22 of A Duchess Bound
Her eyes were wide, and she took a step back. Gerard grinned and stepped forward. They moved together, like they were in some strange dance. For every step that Lady Dorothy took backwards, he took one forward.
“But you have sought out my sister,” Lady Dorothy said frantically. “You have expressed interest in Bridget. You asked to dance with her, and in the park, you wished to introduce her to your friend, the Duke of St. Claire.”
“I did,” Gerard said. “Because I wanted a convenient excuse to be nearyou. Haven’t you realized that? I did not send Lady Bridget letters, much less invitations to my townhouse.”
“I—I just assumed…” Lady Dorothy’s back struck the wall, and she started, as if surprised to see where she had ended up. “But why would you—I would never succumb to your charms!”
He tilted his head, considering her. “Is that so? I seem to recall a kiss in the gardens.”
“You caught me unaware.”
“And now,” Gerard continued slowly, “you have come to my townhouse, seemingly without any companion. You have allowed yourself to be in a room unchaperoned with me. I think youaresuccumbing to my charms.”
He took another step and stood a hair’s breadth away from Lady Dorothy. “Stop!” she exclaimed.
She pressed her hands against his chest, and he halted. Lady Dorothy’s palms were so small and warm. She touched him lightly, gently even. If she had wanted, she might have pushed him away—or tried to—but she did not.
They were so near that she had to crane her neck to meet his eyes. Gerard let his own gaze drift lower, to the bodice of her gown. Lady Dorothy’s chest rose and fell quickly. He dug his nails into the palms of his hands. It was so tempting to take her breasts between his hands, to tease them from the confines of her stays, and coax her nipples into small, hard peaks. But he would refrain.
Seduction was an art, and it could not be rushed. Fortunately, experience had made Gerard a patient man.
“You are confusing my sister,” Lady Dorothy said.
“Is that still the defense you wish to cling to?” Gerard asked softly. “My dearest lady, I do not believe I can make myself any clearer.”
“But she—if she desires you?—”
“Denial!” Gerard exclaimed, smiling in amusement. “I am quite certain that you have already turned your sister against me. Besides, she has so many other suitors from whom she may choose. Do you truly believe that a couple of conversations will change her mind?”
Lady Dorothy’s breath came in quick pants of air. “It might.”
Gerard shook his head. “I do not even affect your sister. Shall I tell you how I know?”
He gently clasped his hands around Lady Dorothy’s wrists. She did not fight him.
“How?” she asked.
“Because there are signs when a woman is impassioned by a man. Her skin is flushed as red as a rose.”
And Lady Dorothy’s was.
“Her breathing is quick and warm.”
As was hers. The lady’s lips parted slightly, and she inhaled audibly.
“She gazes at him as though she wants him to be her entire world,” Gerard continued, pitching his voice lower. “She behaves recklessly and does foolish things, like coming to him alone in the middle of the day.”
“That is different,” she whispered.
Gerard shook his head. “Do not deny it, my lady. You know what this is. You did not come here to defend your sister’s honor. You came here forme.”
“You are wrong!”
He took her wrists and pinned them over her head. Lady Dorothy gasped, and he pressed himself hard against her. She was so slight beneath him, and he ached to tear away all the skirts and petticoats so that he might touch the bare skin beneath.
“Do not lie to me. You came here because youwantme to treat you like one of my conquests,” he said. “Admit it, my lady. You have been thinking of me day and night. Have you thought of mewhen you are in bed at night? Have you touched yourself while thinking about me?”
“I would never!” she gasped.
