Page 36 of Seducing Sophia (Scholars of Seduction)

“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to distress you. Please forgive me.”

She drew in a sharp breath, as if to control herself, then shook her head.

“There’s nothing to forgive.”

He gestured toward the decanter on the table beside his chair. “I would offer you something to drink before dinner, but I’m afraid that, other than wine at the table, I have nothing to offer you except water.”

“Then I’ll take some water.”

He poured a glass and handed it to her. She took it, her hand shaking, and drained it in a single gulp.

“I hope you like venison,” he said.

“I do,” she replied. “I cannot remember the last time I tasted it.”

“It’s my cook’s specialty. She tenderizes the meat for two days before cooking it, and she is a veritable genius with her berry sauce. It complements the meat perfectly.”

“For two days?”

He refilled her glass. “She rarely cooks it, but I told her we had a very special guest come to stay. Two very special guests. She assures me there will be sufficient left over for young Henry to enjoy for his luncheon tomorrow.”

“You’re too kind.”

“It is not kindness, Sophia,” he replied. “It is a pleasure.”

Her smile returned.

She was an enigma. Outwardly, she had the appearance of the loyal widow. But her mannerisms told a different story—a catch of breath, a look of apprehension whenever Adrian referred to her late husband.

Ordinarily, he might have thought her discomfort stemmed from guilt, as if she believed she betrayed her late husband. But too often had he caught sorrow in her eyes—sorrow born of past hurt and betrayal. And, when he’d spoken of him just now, pain had clouded her expression.

What had the man done to her?

And as for Henry…

An eager, loving little boy such as he ought to have spoken much of his father. And yet he did not. Even if the mysterious Mr. Black had died when Henry was too young to remember him, an honorable woman such as Sophia would have done her utmost to ensure that Henry knew as much as possible about his father. Yet, the boy behaved as if the man didn’t exist.

“Sophia, forgive me,” he said. “You must realize the last thing I wish to do is cause you pain.”

Before she could respond, a knock came on the door.

“Come in!” he called.

It opened to reveal a footman.

“Dinner is served, sir.”

“Excellent!” he said, brightly. “Thank you, Stephen.” He held out his arm. “Sophia, if you would allow me?”

His heart swelled as the way she curled her fingers around his arm. She looked up and gave him a smile, and the pain in her expression lessened. If only he could remove that pain altogether! What he would give to see those eyes darkening with desire, then shimmering with life as she climaxed beneath him…

Sweet Lord—a flare of passion ignited in his blood at the thought of her writhing in pleasure beneath him.

Tonight was going to be an exercise in self-control.

* * *

Sophia sether spoon down and leaned back.

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