Page 9 of Sinfully Wanton
“You rarely do, Hildie.” Worth’s gaze didn’t move from the hedge. “But that isn’t necessary,” he replied in his usual, charming way pushing aside Lady Bryant’s questing hand. “I fear,” he looked up at the afternoon sun, “that the party will be ending soon. You should go back, my lady.” He pulled a pair of gloves and one slipper from inside his coat, thrusting them into Lady Bryant’s hands.
“But—”
Worth bestowed a brilliant smile on her, one guaranteed to make any woman’s heart pause mid-beat, just as it did Aurora’s. “Plead a headache and I’ll see you home in my carriage.” His eyes returned to the hedge. “It’s a long drive back to town, isn’t it? Some entertainment would be welcome. I’m going to stay a moment and have a cheroot.”
Aurora silently and frantically attempted to work her skirts free of one sharp branch, but the blasted bush refused to release her. She had to get free before Worth decided to investigate.
“Very well.” Lady Bryant did not appear pleased by the turn of events. “Give me a half an hour. Bryant will stay and play bowls the remainder of the afternoon. He might possibly decide to spend the night which would suit me well.” Her skirts swirled about her ankles in a flurry of silk. “I’ll expect you soon, darling.”
The crunch of Lady Bryant’s steps on the gravel of the path faded after a few moments.
Aurora waited patiently for Worth to follow his paramour—she rubbed her chest at the sting—and stayed perfectly quiet. She focused on her breathing, composing herself, and ignored the alarming way her nipples had tightened into painful peaks earlier. All from the mere thought of what Worth had meant to do to her—
Not me. Lady Bryant.
The pulse between her thighs refused to abate though Aurora had seen nothing but a half-naked Lady Bryant. But the mere suggestion had…stimulatedher. Somewhat.
The bluest eyes Aurora had ever seen pierced through the greenery around her. “Toss yourself out, Aurora.”
She swallowed and stayed silent. Perhaps Worth would assume Aurora was just a bit of silk ribbon if she didn’t move.
“You realize that I canseeyou. And hear your breathing. You’re the only lady at this party with a dress that shade of blue. Fortunately, Lady Bryant is nearsighted and refuses to wear spectacles due to her vanity. Lucky for you.” He leaned a bit closer and sniffed. “And you smell of rum punch.”
Biting her lip, she refused to move.
“Aurora.” Worth took another step. “Don’t make me pull you out. You’re staring right at me.”
“Well, this is somewhat embarrassing,” she finally whispered.
“Out. Now.”
“I’m not a child, Worth. No need to speak to me as one. I’m sure you assume I was following you about but I was merely trying to get out of the maze. The game of bowls grew tiresome and I wanted to explore. My coming upon you was purely accidental.” She cleared her throat. “Frankly, I am horrified at your sordid behavior.”
“Is that why your cheeks are flushed?”
“I’m overly warm.”
“I’m sure you are.” There was a bit of mockery in his tone.
“There is a ribbon caught about my ankle.” She jerked her foot. “Red, if you must know.”
“I don’t care.” Worth made a disgruntled sound but reached inside the hedge to take her arms. “Are your skirts free?”
Sensation burst over her limbs at feel of those beautiful fingers pressing into her arms.Finally.Worth was touching her. A sound erupted from her throat. Bliss, possibly. The same noise came from her when she bit into a custard tart.
“You really are foxed. I’m going to have a word with Miss Maplehurst.”
He tugged on her arms, bracing one foot inside the hedge, working her efficiently out of the branches. Aurora stared at him, those handsome features taut with concentration, leaves batting against his aristocratic nose and chiseled jaw as he struggled to get her free.
She wanted to kiss him.
“What is it?” He paused, giving her an odd look.
“Nothing,” Aurora assured him. “Only that I don’t wish you to be so angry.”
“Had I not seen you, would you have stayed silent and watched?” he said quietly.
“I—” Her cheeks heated again. Mortification filled her.
