Page 87 of The Duke of Seduction
As soon as they were outside, he removed her arm from his and stalked to the railing. The mostly dark garden lay below them. A handful of people were on the patio, and Lavinia hurried to Beck’s side, keeping her voice low. “What did you just do?”
He stared out at the garden. “I threatened Sir Martin. I won’t allow him to cast aspersions on you.”
“He can’t hurt me.”
“You are far too kind, Lavinia. He may not be able to hurt you, but he will attempt to extract what revenge he can. By besmirching your reputation.” Beck wiped his gloved fingers against his brow. “Hell, I’ve already done that.”
“We’re getting married. How does that besmirch my reputation?”
He turned his head to look at her briefly, his eyes sharp and narrow. “Because ofmyreputation.”
She thought of her conversation with Phoebe that afternoon. “I suppose. But I don’t care. What people say or think can’t hurt me. You’re not a rake any longer, and I’ve no doubt you’ll be the best of husbands.” She edged closer to him as he turned his gaze back to the garden. “Unless you decide to behave like this all the time.”
His shoulders dipped briefly, then he took her hand and pulled her down the stairs to the garden. She expected him to lead her onto the path, but instead, he took her back into the house through what appeared to be the breakfast room. Then he opened a door and tucked them both into a small closet that went completely dark as soon as he closed the door.
With her free hand, she felt for the shelving at her right to find her bearings. “What are you doing?”
“I just…” He took a deep breath and let go of her hand. “I told you earlier that I was difficult.”
“Yes. I can manage difficult.” She put her hands on his chest and felt the strong beat of his heart through his clothing. “What’s wrong with you tonight?”
“Nothing.”
Frustration simmered within her. “I don’t believe you.”
“Nothing I want to talk about right now. I want you to enjoy tonight.”
“I was. I will.” Except he was leaving. “I wish you would stay a little longer.”
“I can’t.” Suddenly his bare hand caressed her neck, and he drew her head forward as his lips closed over hers.
Her irritation melted into desire as he devoured her mouth. She curled her arms around his neck and stood on her toes to kiss him with abandon. He ripped his mouth away from hers and dropped savage kisses along her jaw and neck, leaving her breathless. His hand curled around her side and slid up to cup her breast.
She gasped softly, recalling the feel of his mouth and fingers on her earlier that day. Heat radiated in her core, and she was desperate for him to touch her again.
“Touch me,” she whispered.
“Where?”
“Everywhere.”
He kissed the flesh above her bodice, his tongue dragging over her and sending delicious sensation to every part of her. He reached down and pulled up her dress, reminding her of the day at the sand pit.
She didn’t want to be the only one being touched. She wanted—needed—to do some touching of her own. She pulled off her gloves and let them fall heedlessly. Then she gripped his nape and took his mouth in a searing kiss.
He moaned softly, stoking her desire. She slid her hands down his front and searched for the buttons of his fall. She moved clumsily at first, but soon his pantaloons fell open.
Meanwhile, he’d lifted her skirt and held it at her waist while his other hand stroked up her thigh and found her sex. He deepened the kiss, and she thrust her hand into his smallclothes, finding his shaft.
He pushed forward, his cock sliding into her hand as surely as it had moved into her earlier. Had it been just today? And here she was, desperate for him again. Maybe shewasinsatiable. She had to be since they were in a closet engaging in sexual activity during a ball. Though she realized this was usual behavior for him.
She suddenly froze. A moment later, he did the same, lifting his head from hers. “Lavinia?”
“Is this what you did with all the other women?” She detested the jealousy in her voice, but couldn’t help it just the same.
He took his hand from between her legs and cupped her face. “No.”
“Please don’t lie to me. I know you had assignations with women like this. At balls and such. That’s how we met, in case you forgot.”
