Page 7 of The Secrets He Keeps

Chapter Three

Erik was still as hewatched the dynamic woman walk away. The regal tilt of her head and purposeful stride contrasted in a fascinating way with the deeply sensual movement of her hips.

Once she stepped out of sight, he released a slow breath and leaned back against the edge of his desk.

His body was drawn taut. From head to toe, he felt primed and ready for action. The woman had worked him over with barely any effort. Though he was relatively certain she hadn’t detected his fierce, consuming attraction, he was just as confident that if she ever did turn an eye toward him with the intention of seduction, he’d be in serious trouble.

When he’d first arrived in London, he’d learned a great deal about the woman behind the success of Pendragon’s Pleasure House. It had only been a matter of time before he’d expected her to arrive at his club.

Madam Pendragon had proven to be the most captivating female Erik had ever encountered. With the ethereal beauty of a seraph and the commanding presence of a sorceress, Pendragon would undoubtedly prove to be a force unlike any he’d ever come up against.

Anticipation rushed through him.

He couldn’t remember the last time he’d looked forward to something so intensely. His offer to seduce her had been impulsive but he had no desire to take it back, despite its many risks. One of the first things he told his clients was that they needed to be certain of their motivation and desired outcome. Seduction—as he taught it—was a serious endeavor. The effects of which had the potential to affect not only the seduced but also inevitably the seducer.

It had been a long time since he’d taken a lover. Once he’d begun to help men in realizing the full scope of pleasure and enjoyment to be found in their marriages, he’d found casual affairs unsatisfying.

But he’d never encountered a woman he wanted so intensely upon one brief meeting as he did Madam Pendragon. Everything about her attracted him. Her regal confidence, her sensual form, the shrewd gleam in her gaze, and the subtle twist of disdain in her smile.

Erik paced around his desk to stare down into the fire. He imagined stripping away her calculating aloofness and brash arrogance just as he’d remove the many layers of her fine clothing. What might be revealed beneath the black brocade and bewitching authority? Would he find a hot and fiery core within her cold ambition? Or was she made of steel throughout?

Twelve days to convince the bold woman she belonged in his bed. He’d have to be careful. His mouth curved as a thrill of anticipation coursed through his blood. He was up to the challenge.

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WHEN ERIK SENT THEinvitation to Madam Pendragon’s attention at her business address in the very early hours of the morning, he hadn’t expected a prompt response and hadn’t gotten one. The answer he eventually received just a few hours ago, however, gave him a breath of insight into the woman’s nature.

His message had requested her company for a late lunch at a location of her choice. Erik graciously offered to come for her in his carriage at an hour best suited to her full schedule.

Her reply was brief. An address. A time. And the assurance that she could manage her own way to the restaurant.

It was another challenge. He’d have to be resourceful—which he always was—and he’d have to be exceedingly quick.

The most popular oyster bar in Covent Garden was not typically open for business at such an early hour, but the owner had agreed to make an exception for a healthy fee. Despite the very late notice, the restaurant was staffed to accommodate their two guests with the manager agreeing to take care of them personally.

Erik arrived early to ensure all was in readiness, then sat at a table with a view of the door and waited.

The woman arrived promptly at the appointed hour, entering the establishment with bold confidence. The restaurant’s manager rushed forward to greet her at the door as Erik rose to his feet. Across the small restaurant, he watched as she released the fastenings of her black velvet pelisse to reveal the scarlet gown beneath. The manager draped her pelisse over his arm as he gestured toward their table. She murmured something to the man and he backed away. As she approached Erik, he noted how her stunning gown molded to her figure, accentuating the deep, luscious curves while the stiff bodice lovingly cupped and lifted her full breasts, creating a lush setting for three ropes of black pearls. She wore no hat or veil today and her fair hair was piled atop her head in loose curls. As she neared, he could see that the cold December air had brought pink to her cheeks and a glitter to her green eyes.

“Madam,” he greeted with a bow of his head, “I am enchanted.”

Red lips curved into a tempered smirk. “Of course you are.”

He smiled at the jaded tone in her voice and thought he might have seen a responding twitch in her lips.

Once they were both seated at the small wooden table, the manager appeared at their table to ask if they’d like to start their meal with champagne or some other refreshment.

Pendragon replied first, offering a half smile as she noted her choice. “I’d like a stout, please.”

“Of course, madam,” the manager said before glancing to Erik in inquiry.

“The same.”

“Right away, sir.”

Neither spoke as they waited for the drinks, choosing instead to openly assess each other.

The previous day in his club, Erik had sensed this woman’s intuitive nature. Her sparkling gaze had a way of making the observed feel vulnerable and exposed. It was no different today. Though it did not bother him at all to fall under her intent perusal, it was clear she could unsettle a man with no more than a fleeting glance if she chose.

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