Page 31 of A Lady's Lesson in Scandal
An ache pulsed between her legs as something warm and liquid melted in her core. ‘I don’t think people are supposed to gorge on… sexual relations.’
Drake smiled. In the flickering firelight, he was breathtaking. ‘Obviously, your experiences did not adequately educate you on the addictive quality of sex. I’d wager you had a sub-par teacher. Trust me, that is not the case now.’
‘But you don’t even like me.’ Millie was sure of it. She had trapped the man into marriage. He couldn’t possibly hold any affection for her.
‘Sometimes hating someone makes the whole thing that much more incendiary.’
Uhhfff. He hates me.
That hurt more than it should.
She didn’t care about Major General Drake, Millie reminded herself. It didn’t matter if he hated her or not. In fact, it was better this way.
Maybe she hated him. What about that? He was the one being obstinate and stubborn. This whole mess could be cleared up if he would just break the damn engagement instead of trying to seduce his hated fiancée. The nerve!
Millie narrowed her gaze, letting her anger lend her courage. ‘You hate me for trapping you in this marriage. But you could still break the engagement, Drake.’
‘Beaufort.’
Millie took a breath. ‘Pardon?’
‘My name is Beaufort. Beau, if you prefer.’
‘Oh, I. Well. Yes. Of course.’ She blinked, trying to gather her thoughts. Major General Drake’s first name was Beau? It seemed far too friendly a name for the hardened soldier standing in the middle of her room, holding a pot of salve and talking about gorging himself on her to rid his cravings.
Madness!
‘That doesn’t alter my point, Major… err, Beau.’
His lips softened, and he took another step closer. ‘I am not going to break this engagement, Millicent. Cease asking me. You set this into motion the moment you coerced me into joining you on the veranda. And I don’t hate you. You must know someone well to hate them. I hardly know you at all. But don’t be distressed. I’m sure as we become closer acquainted, our hate will grow, naturally.’ His sarcasm was not funny. Millie pressed her lips together to keep them from twitching. ‘Now, turn around so I can unbutton your gown.’
Millie sidestepped the fireplace and moved back, increasing the distance between them. ‘Absolutely not. If you already sent Penny to bed, surely there is another maid who can help me. Or I shall call for Lady Philippa. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.’
Drake raised a brow. ‘You would call the Duchess of Dorsett to your room to assist you in undressing? You are a courageous woman, Millicent. But we have no need to resort to such drastictactics. I am here.’ With each word, he drew closer. Millie found herself backed against a large wardrobe. ‘Turn around. I won’t hurt you. I promise.’
He was lying, even if he didn’t know it. There was no chance his kindness wouldn’t hurt her in the end. A cruel, cold, heartless man she could resist. But this honourable, kind, caring version of Major General Drake was impossible to keep at a distance.
But keep him at a distance, I must.
Millie’s options were limited. Philippa had taught her some hand-to-hand combat, but she doubted she would be very successful against a trained soldier like Major General Drake. While she was taller than most men and strong enough to hold her own when sparring with Philippa, Drake towered over her, his movements lithe and graceful. The damnable man almost made her feel delicate: a novel experience.
What I need are my knives.
But she had carefully removed them and tucked the deadly leather package under her mattress. Penny might keep her secrets, but there was no need to alarm her maid with Millie’s more lethal talents. Even if they were still strapped to her wrists and thighs, she could hardly launch a knife at her betrothed in the middle of her bedroom. Questions would be asked if her fiancé was found dead in her room with multiple blades protruding from his delicious body.
She had only one option available. Follow his orders. For now.
But you will not weasel your way into my heart, Beaufort Drake, no matter how hard you try. I will not sacrifice my freedom on the altar of desire.
He might not hate her yet, but she was quickly growing to despise the damned earl.
Drake despised the effect Millicent had on him. But still, he desired to increase the burning need sparking in his spine and spinning over the rest of his body. His ever-optimistic cock hardened in anticipation.
He shouldn’t be doing this for several reasons.
One: he was seriously questioning his self-control around Millicent.
Two: he’d promised not to consummate the marriage until after they spoke their vows.
