Page 63 of Doxy for the Ton
“What for?”
“For not appreciating how badly she’d treated you.”
She turned to face him, and his breeches tightened as she parted her lips. “Does it matter?”
“Yes,” he said quietly. “It does. You’ve already done so much for me.”
A smile played on her lips. “I have?”
“Lady Walton would never have invited me to her ball had it not been for you. The woman loathes me. I’m beginning to believe that I have a strong chance of regaining my standing in Society.”
Her smile slipped. “I’m happy for you.”
He took her arm and led her back to Grosvenor Square. They passed two couples on the way, and though the first looked at Alexander with disfavor, the second couple—Earl Stiles and his wife—stopped to wish him a good day, though Stiles’s gaze settled on Mimi for an uncomfortably long time. The fellow was a magistrate—surely Mimi couldn’t have been brought before him in her former life? But she showed no sign of recognition as she curtseyed and responded to Lady Stiles’s remarks about the weather.
She played her part well—he couldn’t be prouder.
Or more aroused.
By the time they’d arrived at number sixteen, his groin ached with the need to be inside her. She was his for the taking—bought and paid for—yet when he steered her through her front door under Wheeler’s watchful gaze, he found himself unable to order her to the bedchamber.
Rutting beast he may be—and his body screamed at him that she would satisfy his lust ten times over if he demanded it—but he wanted more than mere physical release.
He wantedher.Allof her—her body and her pleasure.
She entered the parlor, and he followed, then she removed her redingote.
“Tell me what you want, Your Grace.”
She might as well have been a serving wench at an inn offering him a mug of ale.
“Will you come to the Waltons’ ball?”
“Of course,” she said. “You’re paying me to obey your every request until our business is concluded.”
He took her shoulders, and she drew in a sharp breath as he pulled her close.
“That’s not what I’m asking, Mimi.”
“Then what are you asking?”
“Will you come to the ball withme? Not because it’s your duty, but because I ask it.”
Understanding flickered across her gaze. For a moment he thought she might refuse. Then, at length, she nodded.
He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Might I be so bold as to ask to partner you for the first dance?”
She blinked, slowly, and his heart squeezed as she smiled. “You may.”
“Oh, Mimi!”
He pulled her close for a kiss, but she stiffened and turned her head to the side. Her smile disappeared.
“Will you not let me kiss you?” he asked.
She closed her eyes as her chest rose and fell. Then she opened them, and the hardness had returned.
He released her and stepped back, willing his cockstand to subside. She lowered her gaze to his groin.
