Page 78 of When the Viscount Seduces
Opening the door, he gestured for her to move inside. She did so, releasing his hand and removing her hat as she looked around his bedchamber.
Lazarus nearly groaned at the image of her in his most private space. He’d imagined her here, in his bed, but he’d never actually thought it might come to pass.
Latching the door, he moved toward her. He took her hat and sailed it somewhere to his left. He cupped her face and brushed his thumb over an errant lock of hair that had dislodged when she’d taken off the hat.
“Jo provided these clothes?” he asked, surveying her simply knotted cravat and mundane waistcoat. Everything was brown, save the white shirt and cravat.
“Not Jo, exactly, but I am lucky to have use of them. I was desperate to see you as soon as possible.”
“I’m so glad you did. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Miss Worsley. I was ashamed of my behavior. Though I was certain I couldn’t have done what she claimed, the fact that I couldn’t know with complete certainty is abominable. I’ve sworn off drinking alcohol like that. Never again will I lose my ability to see and think clearly. And remember what I’ve done.”
She put her hands on his shoulders. “You mustn’t chastise yourself too severely.”
“I’m afraid it’s too late for that. I had already planned to ask you to marry me—it’s why I went to the park the other day. But before I could find you, Miss Worsley spilled her accusations. If not for my terrible behavior, we would have been betrothed before now. Before Eberforce was able to spread his ridiculous nonsense.”
“Except no one will think it’s nonsense once our betrothal is announced.” She grimaced faintly. “I suppose they will likely think you were beholden to marry me. Not that it matters what people think.”
Lazarus resolved to ensure the entire world knew precisely why he was marrying Gwen—because he was utterly and completely mad for her, and that his love knew no bounds.
Gwen’s lips as they curved into a smile. “You’d planned to propose at the park?”
He nodded. “Would you have said yes?”
“Probably not. It seems I needed a scandal or two to persuade me.” She laughed softly. “Of course I would have said yes. Now, help me with these garments, since you are far more versed with them than I.”
There was something almost sinfully erotic about disrobing her from gentleman’s clothes. Lazarus’s cock, already hard, twitched as he thought of peeling the breeches from her hips.
“Let us start with our boots.” He swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed where he set her on the edge.
He sat down beside her and pulled off his own boots, letting them fall to the floor. “Shall I help you?”
She tugged one off. “They are large, so they come off easily.” The second one followed. “Stockings next?”
“Yes, but I find I’d like to remove yours, if you don’t mind.” Again, the act of removing the clothing from her was playing merry hell with his anticipation. He hurriedly removed his stockings then slid from the bed to stand before her.
“I don’t mind,” she said, sounding a bit breathless.
Lazarus slipped his fingers up beneath the hem of her breeches and found the top of the stocking. Then he pulled the garment slowly down her calf, exposing her flesh to his hungry gaze. Her feet were small and elegant.
She wiggled her toes. “Hard to believe this appendage can cause so much havoc on the dance floor, isn’t it?”
A laugh burst forth from him, and Lazarus’s love for her somehow grew. “It’s not that bad.” He moved to her right leg and performed the same task.
“You’re correct. My right foot is far more egregious.”
“Stop,” he said, laughing again. “I don’t like it when you denigrate yourself.”
“Your laughter says otherwise. Anyway, it doesn’t bother me that I’m clumsy, at least not with you. Because you’ve never cared.”
He met her gaze as he moved to stand between her legs. “And I never will.” He kissed her, his mouth opening over hers as she met his tongue with her own.
She clutched at his neck and shoulders as he thrust his fingers into her hair, dislodging her hairpins. Breaking the kiss, she reached up and plucked them free. “I’ll need these later.” She handed them to him, and he placed them carefully on the small table beside the bed. “You’ve a book there,” she noted.
He nodded. “I read before bed now, even if it’s just one page. Though, I’ve been somewhat distracted these past few days. I was actually looking for a book in my study when you arrived. I’d planned to make my own reading exercise.”
Gwen grabbed his lapels and pulled him back to her. “Have you any idea how arousing that is?” She kissed him fiercely and pressed her palms against his chest.
Awkwardly, Lazarus kept kissing her as he worked to remove his coat, letting it fall behind him. Then he pushed hers from her shoulders and drew it away, throwing it behind him.
