Bow Street Runner - Worth Any Price Part 5

Lottie held her silence during the carriage ride home. Her husband was utterly still, trying to contain his explosive outrage, and most likely struggling to comprehend the suddenness with which his life had changed. Not unlike her own mood upon leaving Stony Cross Park, she thought wryly.

The moment they arrived at the house on Betterton Street, Gentry practically leapt from the carriage, leaving Lottie to accept the footmanas help in descending from the vehicle. By the time she reached the front door, he was nowhere to be seen.

The housekeeper was in the entrance hall, her perplexed expression betraying that she had just seen Gentry storm inside the house.

aMrs. Trench,a Lottie said calmly, adid you happen to see where Mr. Gentry went?a aI believe he is in the library, miss. That isaMrs. Gentry.a Good Lord, how strange it was to be called that. And it was stranger still to contemplate the very strong possibility that before long she would be called Lady Sydney. Frowning, Lottie glanced from the staircase to the hall leading toward the library. Part of her wanted to retreat to the safety and seclusion of her room. However, the other part was irresistibly drawn to find Gentry.

After Mrs. Trench took her bonnet and gloves, Lottie found herself walking to the library. She knocked at the closed door before entering. The library was paneled in dark cherrywood, and fitted with carpets woven with gold medallions on a brown background. Multipaned windows stretched up to the top of the ceiling, which was at least eighteen feet high.

Gentryas broad-shouldered form was at one of the windows, his back tensing visibly as he heard her approach. A brandy snifter was clenched in his hand, the delicate bowl of the gla.s.s looking as if it might shatter in his long fingers.

Lottie hesitated beside one of the towering cherrywood bookshelves, noticing that the library was strangely bereft of volumes.

aYour library is nearly empty,a she commented.

Gentry stood at the window, his stare brooding and vacant. He tossed back the remainder of his brandy with a stiff-wristed motion. aBuy some books, then. Fill it from floor to ceiling if you like.a aThank you.a Encouraged by the fact that he had not yet told her to leave, Lottie ventured closer. aMr Gentryaa aDonat call me that,a he said in a burst of irritation.

aIam sorry. Nick.a She drew closer to him. aI wish to correct something that Sir Ross saida"you have no responsibility to make me Lady Sydney. As I told you before, I do not care if you are a peer or a commoner.a He was quiet for a long time, then he let out a tense sigh. Striding to the sideboard, he poured another brandy.

aIs there any way of stopping Sir Ross from carrying out his plans?a Lottie asked. aPerhaps we might seek some legal counsela"a aItas too late. I know Sir Rossa"he has thought of every possible countermove. And his influence extends everywhere; the judiciary, law enforcement, Parliament, the Crown officeathat writ of summons is going to arrive, no matter what the h.e.l.l I do to avoid it.a He uttered an unfamiliar word that sounded quite foul. aIad like to break every bone in Cannonas body, the insufferable a.s.s.a aWhat can I do?a she asked quietly.

aYou heard my sister, didnat you? Youare going to play lady of the manor and help me pretend to be a viscount.a aYou managed quite well at Stony Cross Park,a she pointed out. aYou gave a convincing appearance of n.o.bility.a aThat was only for a few days,a he said bitterly. aBut now it appears Iall have to play the role for the rest of my life.a He shook his head in furious disbelief. aG.o.d! I donat want this. Iam going to kill someone before long.a Lottie tilted her head as she regarded him speculatively. No doubt she should fear him when he was in this mood. He did indeed look as though he was ready to commit murder, his eyes gleaming with bloodl.u.s.t. But curiously she was filled with sympathy, and even more than that, a sense of partnership. They were both floundering, both facing a life they had neither planned nor asked for.

aHow did you feel at Stony Cross Park, when you introduced yourself as Lord Sydney?a she asked.

aAt first I found it amusing. The irony of masquerading as myself. But after the first day, it became a weight on my shoulders. The mere mention of the name annoys the h.e.l.l out of me.a Lottie wondered why he was so antagonized by the name he had been born with. There had to be some reason other than the ones he had given so far.

aNick, what did Sir Ross mean when he said that you were financially equipped to manage the t.i.tle?a His mouth twisted. aHe meant that I could afford the cost of maintaining a large estate and the kind of lifestyle required of a peer.a aHow could he know such a thing?a aHe doesnat know for certain.a aHe is wrong, of course.a aNo,a Nick muttered, aheas not wrong. Before I came to Bow Street, I made a few investments, and I have some holdings here and there. All in all, I have about two hundred put away.a Silently Lottie reflected that two hundred pounds in savings was not bad, but it did not offer the kind of security one could have wished for. She only hoped that his investments would not depreciate in value. aWell, that seems quite satisfactory,a she said, not wishing to hurt his feelings. aI think we shall do fairly well if we economize. But I do not think the circ.u.mstances allow for a wedding trousseau. Not at this time. Perhaps in the futurea"a aLottie,a he interrupted, awe donat need to economize.a aTwo hundred pounds is a fine sum, but it will be difficult to maintain a household witha"a aLottie.a He glanced at her with an odd expression. aI was referring to thousands. Two hundred thousand pounds.a aButabutaa Lottie was astonished. It was an immense sum, a fortune by anyoneas standards.

aAnd about five thousand a year from investments and private commissions,a he added, stunning her further. His face darkened. aAlthough it seems my days of private commissions are over.a aWhy, you must be as rich as Lord Radnor,a she said dazedly.

He made a choppy gesture with his hand, as if consideration of money was completely irrelevant, compared to his far greater problem. aProbably.a aYou could afford a dozen houses. You could have anything youa"a aI donat need a dozen houses. I can only sleep under one roof at a time. I can only eat three meals a day. And I donat give a d.a.m.n about impressing anyone.a Lottie was surprised by the realization that he was not motivated to acquire wealth. His fortune had come as a consequence of his need to outwit everyone from the underworld to Bow Street. And now that the profession of law enforcement had been taken from him, he would be in urgent need of something to do. He was a tremendously active man, not at all suited for the cultivated indolence of aristocratic life. How in heavenas name was he going to adjust to living as a peer?

His thoughts must have mirrored hers, for he gave a groan of hopeless anger and raked his hand roughly through his hair. A stray lock fell on his forehead, and Lottie was startled by her sudden urge to play with the thick chocolate-colored strands, smooth them back, slide her fingers into the warm silk.

aLottie,a he said gruffly, aIam going out for a while. I probably wonat be back until morning. You have a reprieve for tonight.a aWhat are you going to do?a aI donat know yet.a He stepped back from her with a restlessness that contained an edge of panic, as if a heavy net had dropped over him.

Lottie knew that she should not care if he went out and drank, or struck up a fight with someone, or did any of the numerous foolish things that men in search of amus.e.m.e.nt did. She should not want to soothe his barely contained fury. But she did.

Without allowing herself time to consider her actions, Lottie approached him, touching the fine broadcloth of his coat with her palm. Her hand smoothed over the fabric and eased inside. His waistcoat was the same inky black as his coat, but the material was silkier, slipping a little over the hard delineation of his chest muscles. She thought of how hot his skin must be, to impart such warmth to the thick garment.

Nick was suddenly motionless, his breath changing to a slower, deeper rhythm. Lottie did not look at his face but concentrated instead on the knot of his gray necktie as her fingers explored the snowy, fragrant folds of his shirt.

aI donat want a reprieve,a she said eventually and tugged at the knot until it slid loose.

As the necktie unraveled, it seemed that his self-control became similarly undone. He breathed more heavily, and his hands clenched at his sides. Inexpertly she unfastened the stiff collar of his shirt and spread it wide to reveal the amber sheen of his throat. She glanced up at his face and saw with a quake of sudden nervousness that his fury was transforming rapidly into pure s.e.xual need. Color crept across his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose, a burnished glow that made his eyes look like blue fire.

His head lowered very slowly, as if he were giving her every opportunity to flee. She stayed where she was, her eyes closing as she felt the barely perceptible touch of his mouth on the side of her neck. His lips brushed the sensitive skin, parted, and the silken tip of his tongue stroked her in a delicate, hot circle. With a shaky sigh, Lottie leaned forward into his body as her legs wobbled beneath her. He did not touch her with his hands, only continued to explore her neck with exquisite leisure. She held onto him, her arms locking around his lean waist.

His hands came to her shoulders, gripping softly. He seemed undecided as to whether he wanted to pull her closer or push her away. His voice was hoa.r.s.e as he asked, aWhat are you doing, Lottie?a Her heart was hammering so wildly that she could barely summon the breath to speak. aI suppose I am encouraging you to finish what you started in Lord Westcliffas library.a aBe certain,a he said roughly. aI havenat had a woman in six months. If you suddenly decide to stop, Iam not going to take it well.a aI wonat tell you to stop.a He stared at her, his gaze fever-bright, his face hard. aWhy now, when you didnat want to last night?a That was beyond her ability to explain. After the events of this afternoon, he suddenly seemed vulnerable to her. She was beginning to see the ways in which he needed her, needs that went beyond s.e.xual desire. And the challenge of taming him, matching his powerful will with her own, was too tempting to resist.

aWeare married now,a she said, seizing on the first excuse she could think of. aAnd I would prefer toato have done with this, so that I wonat have to dread it.a She saw the predatory flicker in his eyes. He wanted her. He did not waste time asking questions, only extended his hand. aCome upstairs, then.a Carefully Lottie placed her hand in his. aNick, there is just one thingaa aWhat?a aItas not dark yet.a aAnd?a aIs it appropriate to do this in the afternoon?a The question pulled an unsteady laugh from him. aI donat know. And I d.a.m.n well donat care.a Keeping her hand in his, he guided her from the library to the entrance hall, and up the grand staircase.

Chapter Nine.

Lottie went upstairs with him, her hand caught fast in his, her legs feeling like rubber when they finally reached his bedroom. The curtains were parted, admitting soft gray light through the windows. She would have much preferred darkness. The thought of being naked in the unforgiving daylight caused her to shake all over.

aEasy,a Nick murmured, standing behind her. His hands closed gently around her upper arms. His voice was lower, thicker than usual. aIall be careful. I can make it pleasant for you, ifaa aIf?a aIf youall trust me.a They were both still and silent. Lottie moistened her lips, reflecting that she hadnat trusted anyone in years. And to put her faith in Nick Gentryathe most unscrupulous man she had ever metait was not folly, it was insanity. aYes,a she said, surprising herself. aYes, I will trust you.a He made a soft sound, as if the words had caught him off guard.

Gradually his hand slid across the upper part of her chest, exerting a gentle pressure that caused her to lean back against him. She felt his mouth on the back of her neck, his lips playing through the tender wisps at her nape. He tasted the downy skin, then pressed the edge of his teeth in a sensitive spot that made her squirm against him in pleasure. Working his way to the side of her neck, he nibbled his way to the tip of her earlobe, while his hands moved over the front of her gown. The bodice parted, the sides listing to reveal the framework of the light corset beneath. His fingertips drifted to her throat, caressed the vulnerable curve, then traveled to the wing of her collarbone.

aYouare beautiful, Lottie,a he whispered. aThe way you feel and tasteayour skin, your hairaa He took the pins from her hair, sent them skittering to the carpet, and sank his fingers into the pale silken locks that fell over her shoulder. Bringing her hair to his face, he rubbed it against his cheek and chin. Heat played in her body, rising, intensifying, and she leaned back against the solid form behind her.

He eased her gown to her waist, helping her to extract her arms from the sleeves, his fingertips running lightly from her elbows to her underarms. Turning her to face him, Nick deftly unhooked the corset, releasing her from the wrapping of stays and laces. Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, which had been propped artificially high in the boned supports, were left unconfined, the tips hardening against the thin crushed muslin of her chemise. His hand lifted, and he touched her through the sheer fabric. Sliding his fingers beneath the fullness of her breast, he drew his thumb over the shape of her nipple. His touch was very light, lingering at the tip until it burned.

Gasping, Lottie grasped his shoulders for balance. He slid a solid arm behind her back as he continued to toy gently with her body, taking the peak in his fingers, stroking softly. An ache of pleasure formed deep in her stomach as he cupped her breast in his hand, containing the roundness in his palm. Suddenly she wanted him to touch her other breast. She wanted his mouth on her, everywhere, and to slide her own lips across the heat of his skin, and to feel his unclothed body against hers. Frustrated and eager, she tugged at his coat, until his choppy laugh ruffled through her hair.

aSlowly,a he whispered. aThereas no need to hurry.a He removed his coatawaistcoatastockings and shoesatrousersashirtaand finally the linens that had obscured the startling sight of his erection.

Suddenly Lottie didnat know where to look. He should have appeared vulnerable in his nakedness, but he seemed more powerful now than when head had his clothes on. His body was hewn with brutal grace, large and muscular and superbly fit. His bronze tan ended at his waistline, fading into the paler skin of his hips. A wealth of thick dark hair covered his chest, and there was another heavy patch of it at his groin, around the dark, upthrust length of his erection.

Nickas fingertip traced the side of her scarlet cheek. aDo you know what is going to happen?a Lottie nodded jerkily. aYes, I think so.a He stroked the underside of her chin, his fingertip leaving a trail of fire. aWho told you about it? Your mother?a aOh, no. She was going to explain everything to me the night before my wedding to Lord Radnor. But of course that never transpired.a Lottie closed her eyes as he caressed the side of her neck, his hand warm and a bit raspy from callouses. aI heard gossip at school, though. A few of the girls hadadone thingsaand they told the rest of us about it.a aDone what things?a aMet in private with gentlemen friends, or cousins, and allowed them liberties.a Lottie opened her eyes and met his smiling gaze, refusing to look below the level of his collarbone.

aHow far did the liberties go? As far as we went the other night?a aYes,a she forced herself to admit.

aDid you enjoy the way I touched you?a he asked softly.

Color blazed in her face, and she managed a jerking nod.

aYouall enjoy the rest of it, too,a he promised, reaching for the hem of her chemise.

Obeying his wordless urging, she lifted her arms and let him strip away the garment. She kicked off her slippers and stood before him in her long drawers and stockings, with her arms crossed over her bare b.r.e.a.s.t.s.

He stood over her, his hand trailing over her back, raising gooseflesh on every inch of her skin. aPut your arms around me, Lottie.a She obeyed awkwardly, bringing her body fully against his. Her nipples sank into the coa.r.s.e mat of curls on his chest. His body was incredibly hot, his erection burning through the muslin drawers. It prodded against her stomach, until he slid his hand beneath her b.u.t.tocks and hitched her upward. His hand slid between her b.u.t.tocks to hold her compactly against him, and she felt him press against her s.e.x. A shock of sensation went through her, followed by a surge of l.u.s.t so acute that she could hardly bear it. Gripping his neck, she pushed her face against the dense muscle of his shoulder. His fingers slid farther between her thighs. The linen beneath his fingers became damp as he stroked the soft furrow in a lazy rhythm. For a long, blissful minute he held her like that, warming her with his own body until she began to strain against the ridge of his erection.

Reaching between their bodies, he pulled at the tapes of her drawers. He let the garment drop to the floor and picked her up, carrying her to the bed with astonishing ease. As Lottie reclined on the embroidered counterpane, Nickas gaze slid over her. A smile tugged at his lips. aIave never seen anyone blush from head to toe before.a aWell, Iave never been naked in front of a man,a Lottie said, abashed. It was inconceivable that she should be conversing with someone while she wasnat wearing a st.i.tch of clothing, except for her stockings.

His hand closed gently around her ankle. aYouare adorable,a he whispered, and climbed over her.

He tugged at one of her garters with his teeth, loosening the ribbon that fastened it. She gasped as he kissed the red marks left by the tie, and soothed them with his tongue. Unrolling the stockings from her legs, he pushed her thighs wide apart. Increasingly uncomfortable, Lottie used her hand to conceal herself from his view. His head moved over her, his hot breath fanning her skin. His thumbs swept over the pulse in the fragile crease between her thigh and groin.

aDonat cover yourself,a he coaxed.

aI canat help it,a she said, wriggling to evade the tiny flicks of his tongue, which ventured in places she had never imagined a man would want to put his mouth. Somehow she managed to dislodge the bedclothes enough to dive beneath them in search of sanctuary. She shivered at the cool slickness of the linens against her naked body.

Following with a low laugh, Nick slid beneath the bedclothes, until they tented over the broad outline of his shoulders. His head disappeared, and she felt his hands on her knees, pushing them apart once more.

Lottie stared blindly at the dark canopy overhead. aNick,a she asked raggedly, ais this the usual way that people h-have relations?a His voice was m.u.f.fled. aWhat is the usual way?a She inhaled sharply as he nipped at the inner curve of her thigh. aIam not entirely certain. But I donat think this is it.a His voice thickened with amus.e.m.e.nt. aI know what Iam doing, Lottie.a aI was not implying that you didnataoh,please donat kiss me there!a Then she felt him shake with suppressed laughter. aFor someone who has never done this before, youare rather opinionated. Let me make love to you the way I want, hmmn? The first time, at least.a He grasped both her wrists and pinned them at her sides. aLie still.a aNickaa She started as his mouth descended to the nest of blond curls. aNickaa But he did not listen, completely absorbed in her salt-scented female flesh. His breath filled the moist cleft with steamy heat. A moan rose in her throat, and her wrists twisted in his grasp. His tongue searched through the springy curls until he reached the rosy lips hidden beneath. He licked one side of her s.e.x, then the other, the tip of his tongue teasing delicately.

His mouth ravished her so gently, his tongue slipping over her melting flesh to find the secret entrance to her body, filling her with silky heatawithdrawingafilling. Lottie went weak all over, her s.e.x pulsing urgently. As he nuzzled and played with her, she tried to angle her body so that he would touch the peak that throbbed so desperately. He seemed not to understand what she wanted, licking all around the sensitive spot but never quite reaching it.

aNick,a she whispered, unable to find words for what she wanted. aPlease. Please.a But he continued to deny her, until she realized that he was doing it deliberately. Frustrated beyond bearing, she reached down to his head, and she felt the puff of his brief laugh against her. Immediately his mouth slid away and traveled downward, tasting the damp creases of her knees, moving to the hollows of her ankles. By the time he made his way back to her loins, her entire body was sweltering. His head hovered over the place between her legs again. Lottie held her breath, aware of a hot trickle of moisture from her body.

His tongue brushed the peak of her s.e.x in a tentative lap. Lottie could not hold back a wild cry as she arched into his mouth.

aNo,a he murmured against her damp flesh. aNot yet, Lottie. Wait just a little longer.a aI canat, canat, oh, donat stopaa She pulled at his dark head frantically, groaning as he feathered his tongue over her once more.

Catching her wrists, Nick pulled them over her head and settled his body between her thighs, taking care not to crush her. His shaft was cradled in the hot valley between her legs. His dark blue eyes stared directly into hers as he released her hands. aLeave them there,a he said, and she obeyed with a sob.

He kissed her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, moving from one to the other. With each incendiary swirl of his tongue, she nearly rose off the sheet. His s.e.x slid against her in disciplined thrusts that teased and rubbed and tormented, while his mouth drew hungrily on her nipples. She arched upward with supplicating moans. Stunning pleasure built inside her, gaining intensityashe hovered on the brink, waiting, waitingaoh, pleaseauntil the culmination was finally upon her. She cried out in bashful amazement as rich spasms spread from the center of her body.

aYes,a he whispered against her taut throat, his hips working gently over hers. The sensation eased into long shivers as he smoothed her hair back from her damp forehead.

aNick,a she told him between deep gulps of air, as-something happenedaa aYes, I know. You climaxed.a His voice was tender and vaguely amused. aShall I do it again?a aNo,a she said instantly, making him laugh.

aThen itas my turn.a He slid an arm beneath her neck so that her head rested in the crook of his elbow. He mounted her again, the muscular weight of his thighs pushing between hers, and she felt the broad head of his shaft press against the vulnerable cove between her legs. He skimmed it through the moisture in deliberate circles, then nudged against her until Lottie felt a slight burn. Instinctively she shrank from the pressure. Holding still, Nick gazed down at her, his face suddenly taut and intent. He bent his head and touched his mouth to the delicate s.p.a.ce between her brows. aIam sorry,a he said quietly.

aWhya"a she began, and gasped as he invaded her in a single determined thrust. She recoiled from the pain, her legs closing instinctively, but she could do nothing to prevent him from sliding deeper. She was trapped beneath his body, impaled with hardness and heat.

Carefully he pushed farther. aIam sorry,a he said again. aI thought it might be easier for you if I did it quickly.a It hurt more than Lottie had expected. It was a curious sensation, having part of someone elseas body inside her own. It was so remarkable that she almost forgot the pain. She sensed the effort it took for him to hold still. He was trying to wait until she became accustomed to him, she realized. But the discomfort persisted, and she knew that no matter how much time he gave her, it was not going to improve. aNick,a she said unsteadily, awould it be possible for you to finish this part of it right away?a aG.o.d,a he muttered ruefully. aYes, I can do that.a Cautiously he tightened his hips, and Lottie realized in consternation that he was advancing even deeper. As the crown of his shaft pressed against her womb, she flinched in distress. Immediately he drew back a little, his hand stroking from her breast to her hip. aThe next time will be better,a he said, keeping his thrusts shallow. aYouare so warm, Lottie, so sweetaa He became breathless, his eyes closing tightly, his hands clenching against the mattress. Despite the pain his movements caused, Lottie experienced a curious feeling of protectivenessaof tenderness, even. Her hands slid over his back, following the deep arch of his spine. She tightened her knees on his hips as she contained his large body, hugging him to herself, listening to the way his breath hitched. Suddenly he buried his entire length inside her and held still. She felt him jerk violently as he released his pa.s.sion with a harsh groan. Stroking his back, she let her inquisitive fingers wander lower, lower, until she found the tightly muscled curves of his b.u.t.tocks, harder than she had thought human flesh could be.

Finally Nick sighed and opened his eyes, a blaze of unearthly blue in his pa.s.sion-flushed face. The way he murmured her name sent shivers down her back. After tucking the linen neatly beneath her arms, Nick rose on one elbow to look down at her. A small frown pleated the s.p.a.ce between his thick brows. aAre you all right?a aYes.a A drowsy smile curved her lips. aIt wasnat bad at all. Until the end, I thought it was even better than a shower-bath.a He made a sound of amus.e.m.e.nt. aYes, but was it as good as chocolate?a Lottie reached up to stroke the high plane of his cheekbone. She couldnat resist teasing him. aNot quite.a Another chuckle escaped him. aMy G.o.d, youare hard to please.a He turned his mouth into her hand, kissing the damp hollow of her palm. aAs for me, Iam more content than a sailor at fiddleras green.a Lottie continued to explore the bold contours of his face with her fingertips. With a flush lingering high in his cheeks, and the brackets around his mouth softened, he looked younger than usual. aWhat is fiddleras green?a she asked.

aA place in heaven for sailors. Nothing but wine, women, and song all day and night.a aWhat is your idea of heaven?a aI donat believe in heaven.a Lottieas eyes widened. aIam married to a pagan?a she asked, and he grinned.

aYou may yet be sorry you didnat marry Radnor.a aDonat joke about that,a she said, turning away from him. aItas not a subject for humor.a aIam sorry,a he interrupted, his arm sliding around her waist. He pulled her into the shelter of his body, her back fitting against his hairy chest. aI didnat mean to nettle you. Here, rest against me.a He nuzzled into the pale streamers of her hair. aWhat a fiery little wench you are.a aIam not fiery,a Lottie protested, for that quality was hardly something that befitted a ladylike graduate of Maidstoneas.

aYes, you are.a His hand curved possessively over her hip. aIave known it from the moment we met. Itas one of the reasons I wanted you.a aYou said you wanted me merely for convenience.a aWell, there is that,a he said with a grin, and reacted swiftly as she tried to elbow him. aBut in truth, convenience had nothing to do with it. I wanted you more than any woman Iave ever met.a aWhy did you insist on marriage, when I offered to be your mistress?a aBecause being a mistress wasnat good enough for you.a He paused before adding quietly, aYou deserve everything I can give you, including my name.a A sobering thought dimmed Lottieas pleasure in the compliment. aAfter everyone learns that you are Lord Sydney, you will be quite sought after,a she said. A man with his looks, a fortune, and a t.i.tle to boot was an irresistible combination. He would undoubtedly receive a great deal of attention from women who would want to tempt him into having an affair.

aI wonat stray from you,a Nick said, surprising her with his perceptiveness.

aYou canat be certain. A man with your personal historyaa aWhat do you know of my personal history?a He pressed her flat on her back and loomed over her, one long leg sliding between hers.

aIt is obvious that you are very experienced in the bedroom.a aI am,a he admitted. aBut that doesnat mean that Iave been indiscriminate. In factaa aIn fact?a Lottie prompted.

He looked away. aNothing.a aYou were going to tell me that you havenat had all that many women, I suppose.a Her tone was loaded with skepticism. aAlthough the concept is obviously subjective. What is amanya for you, I wonder? A hundred? Fifty? Ten?a aIt doesnat matter,a he said with a scowl.

aI wouldnat believe you if you claimed anything less than twenty.a aYou would be wrong, then.a aHow far off the mark would I be, then?a aIave been with only two women,a he said curtly. aIncluding you.a aYou have not,a she exclaimed with a disbelieving laugh.

aBelieve what you like,a he muttered, rolling away from her.

He was clearly annoyed, as if he regretted what he had just told her. As he left the bed and strode to the wardrobe, Lottie watched him in slack-jawed astonishment. She couldnat quite bring herself to accept his claim, and yet there was no reason for him to lie to her. aWho was the other one?a she couldnat resist asking.

His broad, well-muscled back flexed as he shrugged into a burgundy velvet robe. aA madam.a aFrench, you mean?a aNo, the kind of madam that owns a wh.o.r.ehouse,a he replied bluntly.

Lottie nearly toppled from the edge of the bed. She managed to keep her face relatively composed as he turned toward her. aWas it a longafriendship?a aThree years.a Lottie absorbed the information silently. She realized with dismay that the heaviness in her chest was caused by jealousy. aWere you in love with her?a she brought herself to ask.

aNo,a he said without hesitation. aBut I liked her. I still do.a A frown worked across her forehead. aWhy do you no longer see her?a Nick shook his head. aAfter a while, Gemma believed there was nothing more to be gained on either side by continuing the arrangement. Iave since come to realize that she was right. And I havenat slept with anyone else, until you. So you see, I donat have a problem keeping my trousers b.u.t.toned.a A tide of relief swept over her. Just why she was so pleased at the notion that she might be able to keep him all to herself was not something she wished to ponder too closely. Leaving the bed, she hurried to pick up her discarded dress from the floor, and held it over her front. aI will admit that I am surprised,a she said, trying to appear casual with her nudity. aYou are certainly not predictable in any regard.a He approached her and closed his hands over her bare shoulders. aNeither are you,a he replied. aI never expected to receive such pleasure from a rank novice.a Taking the dress from her hands, Nick dropped it to the floor and pressed her body against the velvet front of his robe. Her skin tingled at the plush softness that caressed her from b.r.e.a.s.t.s to knees. aMaybe itas because youare mine,a he mused, his hand covering her pale, round breast. aNo oneas ever belonged to me before.a Lottie smiled wryly. aYou make me sound like a horse youave just bought.a aA horse would have been cheaper,a he replied, and grinned as she attacked him in mock outrage.

She pounded at his chest, and he twisted her wrists neatly behind her back, causing her b.r.e.a.s.t.s to thrust forward. aSave your strength,a he advised, smiling against her hair. Releasing her wrists, he rubbed the small of her back with one hand. aYou must be sore. Iall draw a hot bath for you. When you finish, weall have something to eat.a A hot bath would be wonderful. However, the thought of lacing herself into a corset and dressing for dinner was distinctly unappealing.

aShall I have a supper tray sent up here?a Nick asked.

aYes,a Lottie said immediately and gave him a quizzical glance. aHow do you do that? You always seem to know what Iam thinking.a aYour face shows everything.a Removing his robe, he placed it around her, the heavy velvet warming her with the lingering heat of his body.

aIave only eaten in my bedroom once, when I was ill,a she told him as he tied the robe around her. aAnd that was years ago.a Nick bent to whisper in her ear. aMy pa.s.sionate bridealater Iall show you that the bedroom is the best possible place to dine.a He bathed her himself, kneeling by the tub with the sleeves of his robe rolled up to reveal the wet, dark hair of his forearms. Eyes half-closed, Lottie let her gaze drift from the tanned column of his throat to the dark hair that filled the open vee of his robe. He was such a robustly masculine creature, and yet he touched her with incongruous gentleness. Veils of steam rose from the water, making the air hot and iridescent. She felt drugged with heat and sensuality as his strong, soapy hands glided into the intimate places of her body.

aDoes it hurt here?a he asked, his fingers slipping over the swollen entrance of her s.e.x.

aA little.a She leaned back against his arm, her head lolling on the polished wooden rim of the huge porcelain bathtub.

Nick kneaded lightly with his fingertips, as if he could heal her with his touch. aI tried to be gentle.a aYou were,a she managed to say, her thighs floating apart.

Nickas thick lashes lowered as he stared at the shimmering blur of her body beneath the water. His handsome features were carved with such severity that his face could have been molded from bronze. The edge of his rolled-up sleeve dragged in the water, the velvet turning hot and sodden.

aI wonat ever hurt you again,a he said. aThatas a promise.a Lottie caught her breath as he parted the tender folds between her thighs and investigated the fragile plumpness they had concealed. Her hips lifted, while her hands fought for purchase on the slippery surface of the tub. He slid a supportive arm behind her back, holding her securely.

aLean back,a he murmured. aLet me pleasure you.a No, she thought skeptically, not in a bathtub, with a thick wall of porcelain between them. But she relaxed in his hold and opened for him as his free arm moved across her body. She grasped his wrist lightly, feeling the movement of tendons and muscles as he ran his thumb over each side of her v.u.l.v.a. He rubbed the silken f.l.a.n.g.es of her inner lips together, his touch tender and light. Softly he spread her, stroking his middle fingertip along the tender seam, brushing the rosy nub of her s.e.x each time. He smiled slightly as he saw bright patches of color appear on her face and chest. aThe Chinese call this the jewel terrace,a he whispered. Gently his finger slipped inside her, advancing only an inch, circling softly. aAnd here, the lute stringsaand hereaa He reached to the most secret recesses of her body. aThe flower heart. Does it hurt when I touch you this way?a aNo,a she gasped.

His lips brushed her ear. aThe next time we lie together, Iall show you a position called Stepping Tigers. Iall enter you from behind and go deep insideaand rub against the flower heart over and overaa He suckled her earlobe, catching it lightly between his teeth. A hum of pleasure climbed from Lottieas chest to her throat. She was floating, weightless, yet clasped securely by the arm at her back and the hand between her thighs.

aHow do you know such things?a she asked unsteadily.

aGemma collects books on erotic techniques. One of her favorites is a translation of a text written during the Tang dynasty. The book counsels men to increase their stamina by forestalling their own pleasure as long as possible.a His finger withdrew, and he stroked her inner thighs with the lightness of b.u.t.terfly wings. aAnd it gives prescriptions for health benefitsato strengthen the bonesaenrich the bloodaensure long life.a aTell me some of them,a Lottie said, swallowing hard as his hand cupped over her, the base of his palm nudging rhythmically into the place where she was most sensitive.

He nuzzled her cheek. aThereas the Soaring Phoenix, which is said to make a hundred illnesses disappear. And Cranes Entwining Necksa"reputedly very good for promoting healing.a aHow many have you tried?a aOnly about forty. The ancient masters would consider me a novice.a Lottie drew back to stare at him in astonishment, her movement causing a wave to slosh close to the rim of the tub. aHow many are there, for heavenas sake?a aFifteen coital movements applied to thirty-six basic positionsawhich provides about four hundred variations.a aThat s-seems rather excessive,a she managed to say.

Amus.e.m.e.nt curled through his voice. aIt would keep us busy, wouldnat it?a Lottie winced as she realized that he was trying to slide two fingers inside her. aNick, I canata"a aTake a deep breath and exhale slowly,a he whispered. aIall be gentle.a And as she obeyed, he eased his middle fingers past the tight entrance. His thumb teased her s.e.x and swirled in a steady rhythm.

Moaning, Lottie buried her face against his velvet-covered arm while her inner muscles grasped helplessly at the gentle invasion. After the initial sting faded, she began to squirm and gasp at each penetrating glide. aYou hold me so sweetly in here,a Nick said huskily. aI want to go deeper and deeperalose myself in youaa His words were drowned out by the thundering of her own heartbeat, and she was racked with shudders of bliss, her senses lit with white-hot fire.

A long time later, after the bath had cooled, Lottie dressed in a fresh white nightgown and approached the bedroom table, where Nick was standing. She felt herself color as he stared at her with a half-smile. aI like the way you look in this,a he said, brushing his fingers over the high-necked bodice of the gown. aVery innocent.a aNot any longer,a Lottie said with an abashed smile.

He lifted her against his body, his face rubbing into the cool dampness of her hair. His beguiling mouth found her neck. aOh, yes, you are,a he said. aItas going to require a great deal of time and effort to debauch you completely.a aI have every faith youall succeed,a she said, and sat before a plate loaded with ham, vegetable pudding, potatoes, and open-faced tarts.

aTo our marriage,a Nick said, pouring a gla.s.s of wine for her. aMay it continue in a better vein than it started.a They raised their gla.s.ses and clinked the crystal gently. Lottie sipped cautiously, discovering a rich, spicy flavor that balanced the saltiness of the ham.

Setting his gla.s.s aside, Nick took her hand in his and regarded her bare fingers thoughtfully. aYou have no ring. Iam going to remedy that tomorrow.a Lottie experienced a shameful spark of interest in the idea. She had never owned a piece of jewelry. However, it had been drilled into her at Maidstoneas that a lady should avoid the appearance of acquisitiveness. She managed to adopt an impa.s.sive expression that would have pleased her former teachers excessively. aIt isnat necessary,a she said. aMany married women do not wear rings.a aI want anyone who looks at you to know that youare taken.a Lottie gave him a brilliant smile. aIf you insist, I suppose I canat stop you.a He grinned at her obvious eagerness. His thumb brushed over the fine points of her knuckles. aWhat kind of stone would you like?a aA sapphire?a she suggested hopefully.

aA sapphire it is.a He kept her hand as they talked, absently toying with the tips of her fingers and the close-trimmed crescents of her nails. aI suspect youall want to see your family soon.a Lottieas attention was immediately diverted from the subject of the ring. aYes, please. I fear that Lord Radnor may have already told my parents about what Iave done. And I donat want them to worry that theyall be left dest.i.tute now that I have married someone else.a aThere is no need to look so guilty,a Nick said, tracing the thin veins inside of her wrist. aYou had no part in making the bargaina"it wasnat your fault that you didnat wish to uphold it.a aBut I benefitted from it,a Lottie pointed out reluctantly. aAll those years at Maidstoneasamy education cost a great deal. And now Lord Radnor has nothing in return.a He arched a dark brow. aIf your point is that Radnor has been ill useda"a aNo, itas not that, precisely. Itas justawell, I didnat do the honorable thing.a aYes, no doubt you should have fallen on the sword for the rest of the family,a he said sardonically. aBut your parents will be just as well served this way. I couldnat possibly be a worse son-in-law than Radnor.a aYou are certainly preferable as a husband,a she said.

He smiled at that, lifting her fingers to his mouth. aYou would preferanyone to Radnor as a husbanda"youave made that quite clear.a Lottie smiled, thinking privately that in marrying Nick, she had ended up with a far different husband than she had expected. aWhat will you do tomorrow?a she asked, remembering their earlier confrontation with Sir Ross. She was certain that Nick would not relinquish his position at Bow Street without objection.