by Monica Burns
A delicious anticipation of something unknown to her made her blood flow fast and furious. Beneath her fingers, his heart pounded at a rapid fire pace. As his tongue continued to dance with hers, his palm gently rubbed its way to the inside of her leg. Desire sped through her limbs, and she arched her hips upward in a silent plea for his touch. A brief second later, his fingers parted her slick heat. At his touch she bucked against his hand and bit back a cry of pleasure. It became a quiet moan as his thumb found a spot at the top of her sex that he rubbed gently, but firmly.
The intimate caress sent first one and then another ripple of pleasure sliding through her. The delight building inside her pulled a moan out of her, and she bucked once more against his hand as he slipped two fingers inside her. Instantly her body exploded with sensations. Clinging to him she writhed in his arms for several moments. The waves of pleasure slowly ebbed away until she grew still.
Embarrassment streaked through her as she turned her face into his chest. Dear God, what he must think of her. She’d behaved in a manner one might expect of a whore. Rhea’s stomach lurched at the thought. The skirt of her gown fell back over her legs as he adjusted her clothing. The warmth of his lips on her temple made her start, and she lifted her head to look at him. There was still a smoldering fire burning in his gaze.
Her shame intensified, and she quickly wiggled into an upright position. As she did so, she saw him wince. For the first time she felt the hardness of his erection pressing into her thigh. Not only had she behaved like a harlot, she’d failed to give him satisfaction. Rhea bit down on her lower lip as she glanced up at him then looked away.
“I… I’m sorry. I should have—”
“Don’t,” Percy said hoarsely.
He caught her chin in his fingers and held her head steady as he kissed her roughly. Just as quickly as he’d kissed her, he released her and set her back on the seat opposite him. Even in the dim light, she could see the desire holding him rigid against the seat cushions.
Shakily she adjusted her scarf around her neck. Percy’s gaze was like a branding iron as she fumbled with the blue silk. Her heart skipped a beat as she looked up at him. Color warmed her cheeks as she reached out to raise the window blind. The awkwardness of the situation made her uncomfortable as she met his gaze then looked away again. The moment she leaned back in her seat, Percy reached out and caught her hand in his.
“There’s no shame in enjoying pleasure, Rhea.”
“I felt no shame,” she replied softly. It was the truth. Nothing of what had just transpired between them had made her feel soiled or unclean. It only made her feel alive.
“Good, because I have enough guilt to bear,” he said tersely. “I gave my word and I broke it.”
“If I recall correctly, I…I kissed you.” At her words Percy shook his head as a wry grimace touched his mouth.
“It doesn’t eliminate my culpability. I ignored my promise to you.”
“I’m glad you did,” she said as she met his gaze steadily. A muscle tugged in his cheek at her response.
“I won’t let it happen again,” he growled and looked away from her to stare out the window. Heart in her mouth, Rhea swallowed hard.
“Why?” The quiet query made him jerk his head back to her. With a shake of his head he frowned.
“Because I’m beginning to realize I want something more than a stolen kiss or touch from you.”
“Oh,” she breathed as something warm cracked the layer of ice around her heart. “I see.”
“Do you? I’m not so certain of that.” His forbidding expression sent a tidal wave of disappointment rolling over her. Without hesitation, she shielded her thoughts and emotions to retreat behind a familiar wall of stone and ice she’d developed years ago. A wall that guarded her heart from pain and allowed her to survive the horrors of her existence.
“I cannot change my sordid reputation or offensive past.”
“I don’t give a damn about your past,” he snarled. “I do care what you think of me.”
“What I think of you?” Surprise made her cool composure slip.
“Yes, me,” he growled. “If I were to make love to you, a decidedly pleasurable thought, I risk the possibility of you believing I am doing so simply because of your past. I am nothing like the men who used you.”
Rhea stared at him for a moment in confusion. The man had just said he desired her, but refused to act on it because he thought she would compare him to the swine Ruckley had sold her to? Impossible. She would never believe such a thing of him. In the back of her head a voice question that belief. It was immediately trampled by the sudden realization that she had been hoping for something more tangible where Percy was concerned.
Alarm streaked through her. It was far too dangerous to expect Percy or any man to want her solely for herself in spite of her sordid past. The carriage rocked to a halt, and Percy quickly exited the vehicle then stretched out his hand to her. Rhea placed her hand in his and stepped down onto the sidewalk. The pulse of energy that glided up her arm filled her with a mixture of emotions. Feelings she didn’t want to have. His fingers squeezed hers with a gentleness that warmed her heart. Their eyes met, and she shook her head in bemusement.
“You’re nothing like the men in my past, Percy Rockwood,” she said softly. “And if I were to offer myself to you it would be because of that very reason.”
Despite all the noise on the busy street, Rhea only heard her rapid breathing as her heart pounded fiercely in her breast. Percy carried her hand to his mouth, his lips brushing her fingertips in an almost reverent manner. Part of her wanted to reach out and run her fingers through his hair, but she suppressed the inclination. He straightened upright, and retained his hold on her hand.
“Let me take you to Covent Garden this evening,” he said with a small smile. “The Drury Lane Theatre has a production of The Bride Effect that is apparently quite good.”
Rhea hesitated to accept his invitation. The desire to be in this company and in his arms was at war with the logic of staying away from him. He squeezed her fingers again, and she realized she’d known all along what her answer would be.
“Yes,” she replied softly. At her simple answer he kissed her fingers again. This time his mouth lingered. Heat spread across her skin and into her cheeks. Percy’s smile broadened. With a small tug, she pulled her hand free of his grasp and started up the steps to Sherrington House then paused to look at him.
“What time should I expect you?”
“I’ll call on you at seven o’clock. We’ll have dinner at a restaurant I know of in Covent Garden,” Percy said as he stood at the foot of the house steps. The last thing she saw as she closed the door to the house was Percy standing on the sidewalk watching her walk away.
Chapter 11
“Really Percy, must you scowl so fiercely? Surely you didn’t find the play that tedious.” Percy met his sister’s amused gaze as she tilted her head in an inquisitive manner. “I’m beginning to see what Jamie meant the other night.”
“I am not scowling,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Yes, you are.” Rhea, seated next to Constance, contradicted him. Percy disagreed with a shake of his head, which made both women laugh. Seated beside him in the carriage, the Earl of Lyndham leaned into Percy.
“I’ve learned it’s best not to argue with Constance,” Lucien murmured. “I think she is the most stubborn of the Rockwoods.”
“I heard that, my lord,” Constance said with obvious disapproval. Her husband grinned unapologetically.
“You were meant to, my darling.” At his teasing, the countess laughed.
“You are a wicked man, Lord Lyndham.” Constance laughed then smiled adoringly at her husband.
Percy glanced at Rhea who was observing the affectionate exchange with a wistful expression. The moment his gaze met hers, the pensive look vanished from her features. He studied her for a long moment attempting to discern what she was thinking.
“You mus
t forgive my brother, Miss Bennett. The entire family is baffled by this cross nature he’s developed recently,” Constance said in a pseudo-whisper.
For not the first time this evening, Percy deeply regretted telling Aunt Matilda he was taking Rhea to the theater this evening. The matriarchal figurehead of the family had immediately suggested Constance and Lucien join him and Rhea at the theater. Before he knew it, his plans had been commandeered to the point where his sister and husband had accompanied them not only to the theater but to dinner as well.
At every point possible during the evening, Constance had teased him with unmerciful, yet sisterly, affection. The fact was not lost on him that the evening would have been much more pleasant if he’d gone straight home from Sherrington House instead of stopping to see Sebastian this afternoon. His gaze met Rhea’s, and when she smiled at him it stirred an emotion that had been growing in strength every time he was near her.
He’d refused to reflect on his feelings simply because he knew Rhea would resist any emotional involvement. She had no reason to trust any man. She’d been betrayed by her father and suffered at the hands of Ruckley. It was humbling to know she trusted him enough to let him help her with her rescue efforts. But he also knew that trust was a fragile one. And he’d jeopardized that trust with his behavior earlier this afternoon.
Rhea’s reassurance that his touch had been welcomed and pleasurable had not eased his guilt. It didn’t help matters either when he remembered the way she’d responded to his kiss and the intimacy of his touch. Hell, she’d pleaded for his touch. If he’d not been cognizant of where they were, he would have satisfied his own needs by burying himself inside the slick heat of her.
The memory of her velvety smooth passage made his cock stir in his trousers. Attempting to ease the sudden craving surging through him, Percy glared at his sister as he tried to remember what Constance had just said. As his sister’s words came back to him, he frowned. She’d been scolding him for being cross. With great effort, he forced himself to smile.
“I’m as pleasant as I’ve always been.” His response made Constance release a small noise of amused disbelief.
“It’s quite possible I’m the reason your brother has been irritable of late, my lady,” Rhea interjected as she directed a smile at him. “I also have a rather stubborn nature, which I believe is a source of great exasperation to Percy. However, in spite of his frustration with me, he’s been nothing but solicitous since we met at Melton Park.”
At her words, Percy gave a start. Had she just come to his defense? His sister apparently believed so as delight and surprise crossed her face.
“I see,” the countess said with a smile.
Percy wanted to groan at the approval in his sister’s voice. When Constance glanced in his direction, he scowled at her. His silent response made her smile widen, and an inaudible sigh of frustration escaped him. There was little doubt in his mind that Constance would relay this small exchange back to his family. Clearly the female contingent of the Rockwood family was planning a full frontal assault when it came to interfering in his life.
He didn’t offer a response to Constance’s observation, which she offered up like bait to a fish. The sudden expression of complacent, sisterly affection was a familiar one. It said she was setting a trap. Born solely out of sisterly love, no doubt, but a snare nonetheless.
“Tell me Miss Bennett, has my brother mentioned anything to you about Sebastian’s birthday party next weekend?” The question made Percy’s body become rock hard in a split second. This wasn’t a trap, it was a bloody ambush.
“I’ve not had the time to speak with her about Patience’s request,” he said coldly. “Primarily because the women in my family seem hell bent on interfering in my personal affairs.”
Constance had the decency to flush with embarrassment, while Rhea appeared puzzled. Beside him Lucien chuckled, which earned him a severe glare from his wife. His brother-in-law shrugged.
“Percy’s correct, sweetheart.” Lucien smiled at his wife whose expression changed to regret. With a nod Constance tipped her head toward Rhea.
“I apologize, Miss Bennett. The Rockwood women often find themselves treading where even angels fear to go.” Constance looked at Lucien. “Darling, would you tell the driver to take us home first. That will give Percy time enough to explain his agreement with Patience.” This time Percy didn’t bother to silence his growl of disapproval.
“Blast it, Constance. Even when you try not to interfere, you still do.” The anger in his voice made his sister frown in disgust.
“I was not trying to interfere, Percy. I simply thought—”
“You, and the rest of the family, have been doing too much thinking of late,” he said tightly. Constance flinched and despite his anger, Percy released a sigh of regret. “But since you’ve raised the subject I will address it after we’ve delivered you and Lucien to your doorstep.”
Constance eyed him with remorse, and he closed his eyes for a moment. If there was one thing his sisters were good at, it was making him forgive them quickly. Especially since he knew they wanted to see him happy. Patience in particular was concerned that he was allowing Nellie’s death to prevent him from finding a wife. Perhaps she was right. Guilt was a powerful emotion, and he still experienced regret whenever Nellie entered his thoughts. But he’d never thought of his regrets as a reason why he’d not made any effort to marry. Beside him Lucien opened the small window that allowed him to communicate with the coachman. As his brother-in-law gave new orders to the driver, Percy met his sister’s gaze and shook his head. Satisfied that she was forgiven, Constance smiled happily. Rhea, in an obvious effort to change the subject to something less volatile, turned to Constance.
“Tell me, my lady. What did you think about Mr. Conway’s performance this evening?”
“I confess I’m not a huge fan of Conway,” Constance said with a wry grimace. “He tends to play all of his roles in the same wooden manner, no matter what part he’s playing.”
“I thought he was rather dry as well,” Rhea said with obvious relief. “But I hesitated to say so for fear of revealing my complete ignorance regarding Mr. Conway’s work.”
“Is this the first time you’ve seen Conway perform? He’s been quite popular for the last several years. Do you not attend the theater regularly?” The surprise in Constance’s voice made Rhea pale, and Percy immediately realized the danger of answering the question.
“Rhea rarely visits London.”
“Then that explains your lack of familiarity with Conway’s work.” Constance nodded with understanding and smiled at Rhea.
“Where do you live when you’re not in London, Miss Bennett? Percy’s not been all that forthcoming when it comes to you.”
“I live with my aunt. Beatrice Fremont.”
“Fremont?” Constance frowned in contemplation. “The name sounds terribly familiar. Lucien, do you recall the name?”
“No, perhaps it was someone grandmother mentioned,” the earl said with a shrug.
“Perhaps.” A small frown furrowed Constance’s brow until a triumphant look brightened her features. “I remember now, Lord Foxworth was making inquiries about Mrs. Fremont at the party last weekend. I overheard Mrs. Delamere and Mrs. Harrington discussing a scandal involving Lord Foxworth—”
Constance abruptly stopped speaking, and Rhea looked at his sister in puzzlement before she glanced in his direction then back to Constance.
“A scandal?” Rhea asked with curiosity. “If it affects my aunt’s happiness with regard to Lord Foxworth I would like to know the truth of it.”
“I should not have mentioned it,” Constance sighed as she shook her head and lightly touched Rhea’s arm. “There’s rarely any truth to gossip, especially where those two women are concerned.”
The troubled look didn’t disappear from Rhea’s face, but she didn’t attempt to pursue the matter. When it became apparent she wasn’t going to persist in her queries, relief lightened Const
ance’s expression.
“I’ve enjoyed our time together this evening, Miss Bennett. I hope Percy will convince you to come to dinner again one night next week. This time my son will be put on notice with regards to any unexpected revelations.” Constance bit down on her lip. “And as I said earlier this evening, I apologize for Jamie’s comments the other night.”
“I know he meant no harm.” Rhea smiled reassuringly then glanced at Percy. “Your family’s…unusual talent must make it difficult for someone of Lord Westbury’s young age to hold his tongue. And his charm makes it quite easy to forgive him of any indiscretion.”
Percy stiffened as he recalled his resentment at his nephew’s attention to Rhea. The memory of Jamie’s flirtation still had the ability to irritate him, which made him feel like a fool. To be jealous of a boy—jealous. He’d been jealous of Jamie. An emotion he’d never experienced where any woman was concerned—until now. Constance glanced in his direction and tension latched onto him as if a noose had been placed around his neck. The knowing gleam in his sister’s eyes made his jaw flex and tighten. With great effort, he schooled his features into a blank mask.
“Yes, Jamie is most definitely a Rockwood,” Constance said with a small laugh then looked at Rhea in a pleading manner. “But, please say you’ll join us for dinner again next week.”
“I’m…I’m returning to the country Saturday morning. I’m uncertain when I’ll return,” Rhea said with a shake of her head. While she tried to hide it, Percy saw the flush of pleasure that crested in her cheeks at his sister’s persistent invitation.
“Then I’ll rely on Percy’s considerable charm to convince you to return quickly. Sebastian’s birthday ball for the family’s friends here in town is a week from Saturday. Hopefully Percy will be able to convince you to at least return for that event.”