Page 6 of Seducing Sophia (Scholars of Seduction)

She moved toward him and took his hand. Almost immediately he curled his fingers around hers, as if they formed ropes binding her to him.

Though his skin was soft, strength vibrated from within, as if the smooth skin concealed a core of steel. Warmth seeped into her hand and her skin tightened, a sensation of a flame igniting through her body.

“Mrs. Black.” His voice came out in a low growl that seemed to vibrate through his body, and he pulled her closer. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I trust you find equal pleasure in our meeting.”

The arrogance of his tone doused the flame of need that had ignited within her, and she pulled her hand free. Her pulse raced with the unwelcome sensations that she knew were the first step to ruination.

She stepped back and waved a dismissive hand at him.

“You should leave,” she said. “Now.”

“I’m disappointed, Mrs. Black,” he said. “Would you be so dishonorable as to eject me before giving me the chance to prove myself a worthy pupil?”

“There is nothing I can teach you, sir, I assure you,” she said.

“I doubt that.” The hunger returned to his expression and his nostrils flared. “You only need surrender to your desire to give me a chance. And, if I may be so bold, I would add that I might teach you a thing or two.”

Arrogant man! Did he know her thoughts? Could he read inside her soul, and understand the need that pulsed deep within her?

Or was he merely a rakehell, who assumed every woman he encountered was ready to fall at his feet and surrender her body to his pleasure?

The wicked heat that had been growing between her thighs intensified, and she drew in a sharp breath to dispel the fog of need.

“There’s nothing you could teach me that I don’t already know,” she retorted.

He cocked his head to one side. “I beg to differ, Sweet,” he said. “The pleasure of a lesson is not derived solely from the information exchanged, but from the method of execution. I’ll wager you’ve not been in the hands of a skilled enough teacher.”

He licked his lips and lowered his gaze once more to her neckline. To her chagrin, her nipples tightened against her gown. Were he to look closely, he might even see them pressing insistently against the fabric.

Once again, his tongue flicked across his lower lip, and a jolt of need tightened her skin, as if she could feel the tip of his tongue on her skin.

She reached behind her and grasped the bellpull.

Disappointment darkened his expression. Shortly afterward, Tilly opened the door.

“Ah, Tilly,” Sophia said, hoping that neither the maid nor the unwelcome man in her room could detect the hoarseness in her throat. “Would you show this—gentleman out?”

“Very good, ma’am,” Tilly said. She gestured toward the door. “This way, sir.”

He turned and looked at the young maid, and for a moment, Sophia expected him to sweep her aside with the arrogant disregard for servants displayed by the aristocracy. But instead, his expression softened, and he smiled.

“Of course,” he said. “Be so good as to lead the way, miss.”

A shred of disappointment pricked at Sophia as he exited the room. Then, on reaching the threshold, he turned and gave her a lopsided smile.

“It was a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Black,” he said. “You have already taught me much.”

“But there was no lesson!”

He let out a laugh, his voice warm and rich. “On the contrary, Sweet. You’ve taught me that in order to perfect my performance, I must acquire the tenacity and the will to practice. And rest assured, I shall devote the time until our next lesson to perfecting my skill.”

“What makes you think there’s going to be a next lesson?” she asked.

He let out a chuckle, gave a deep bow, then disappeared. She could swear she still heard his laughter after the front door had slammed shut.

* * *

Adrian drewin a sharp breath as he descended the steps and emerged onto the street.

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