Page 46 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

Chapter Fourteen

Everett had toldhimself he wouldn’t kiss Addie again. Even promised her he wouldn’t do so.

And yet here he was, his lips next to hers, where they had wanted to be ever since the last time he had kissed her.

Rationally, he knew Addie wasn’t duchess material. She wasn’t calm and unapproachable and dignified. While his mind recognized this, his body—and heart—only wanted her. Her warmth. Her fire. Her delectable body in his bed.

His hands grasped her shoulders, afraid she might flee, as he nibbled on her plump, lower lip. She shuddered, her hands going to his waistcoat, clutching it.

She wasn’t going anywhere, after all.

Everett ran his tongue along her lips and then the seam of her mouth, teasing it open. She tasted like a lemon cake that she must have eaten at tea. His tongue swept along hers, stroking it lovingly. His hands glided up and down her arms slowly, entranced by her vanilla scent. Need rose within him and he devoured her mouth greedily, hearing the little noises she made, soft whimpers.

He needed her closer and maneuvered her into his lap, the full swell of her breasts tantalizing him. He broke the kiss and trailed his tongue down her throat until he reached one and swept his tongue along the curve where it peeked from her gown. A long sigh escaped from her. Her hands pushed into his hair, her fingers kneading his scalp as she held him close. Everett’s fingers brushed along her neck, moving lower, until they slipped inside her bodice and freed one of her breasts. He slid his tongue across the pink bud, hearing her gasp.

His hands kneaded her breasts as he laved and sucked at her nipple. Addie squirmed and sighed and wriggled her bottom, causing him to grow hard.

He couldn’t keep this up. They had been left alone accidentally and someone might enter at any moment. A servant. One of her parents. Her cousin returning.

Still, he wanted more time. More of her.

More . . .

Raking his teeth across her nipple, she gripped his hair, pushing against him. He wanted to touch her core. Bring her a bit of pleasure. But he couldn’t. He wouldn’t.

He eased her breast back into place and kissed his way up to her beautiful mouth, pausing for one last kiss. Then he broke it and slid her back onto the settee as he stood.

Looking at her brought a myriad of emotions, none of which he wanted to analyze in this moment.

“I broke my promise to you. By kissing you.”

She still looked dazed but asked, “Then why did you?”

“I don’t know,” he lied.

He did know. He’d kissed her because he’d wanted to. No woman had ever affected him the way Addie did.

“I think you do,” she said, standing and smoothing her gown. “I suppose it’s a good thing you did.”

“How so?” he asked suspiciously.

“Tessa has advised both Louisa and me to kiss a few men before we decide on a husband. I suppose it is to give us something to compare to. I have been kissed a few times—but never like this.” Her face reddened as she obviously reflected upon what had just occurred between them. “I know now that kissing will be an integral part of marriage. And that I better like the kisses of the man I wed.”

She moved away from him. “Thank you, Ev, for helping me to experience what a true kiss should be. And that,” she swallowed, “a kiss isn’t always on the lips.”

“Addie, I—”

“No. I refuse to hear another apology from you. I don’t blame you for anything. If anything, I thank you for enlightening me.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “As of now, I would suggest that you get to know Lady Minceton and Miss Peterson a little better. Do not bother calling on Lady Bertha or Lady Agatha again. They are too immature for you. Call upon the first two again. Be sure you send flowers this time. Make certain you dance the supper dance with both of them at a ball in the near future. That way, you can spend more time in their company.”

She moved toward the door and he followed, feeling bereft.

“Addie, I am sorry for kissing you. I know that . . . complicates matters between us.”

Her gaze met his. “Do you intend to make me your duchess?” she boldly asked.

“No,” he said reluctantly, knowing they were all wrong for one another.

For a moment, Everett saw the hurt in her eyes. It was gone in a blink.

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