by Dawn Brower
“I look forward to it.” He twirled her to the edge of the dance floor. “As much as I’d like to dance the night with you in my arms I must let you go. The dance has ended.” He bowed. “But don’t worry there are always other ways we can share a dance. Until then...”
He spun on his heels and left her staring after him. Challenge accepted... Elizabeth’s lips tilted upward. At least he was no longer avoiding her. She could work with that and maybe arrange a private meeting with him. She had a need to feel his lips on hers and he was going to comply. Luckily for her he wouldn’t protest too much. If the way he’d stared at her was any indication, it wouldn’t stop there either...
CHAPTER TEN
Jack left the ballroom whistling as he walked. His conversation with Alys had changed everything. It was a good thing he’d danced with Elizabeth. It would have been quite rude to leave her without a dance partner because he had been afraid to touch her. Thank the lord he could touch her without feelings of guilt. His desire for her could be explored, and he fully intended to do so at some point.
He had a lot of things to work through mentally. Alys had answered a lot of his questions, but he wanted to learn more. The good news was he had time to do just that and spend time with Elizabeth. It could even be an excuse to get closer to her. It was wicked of him to use his curiosity in such a manner. He didn’t make any excuses for it. At his core, he was a pirate first and a gentleman second. A pirate took what he wanted and didn’t give a damn what anyone thought of him. Jack rather liked the idea of claiming Elizabeth.
He’d achieved his main goal—claiming his dance with Elizabeth. The ball was a success as far as he was concerned. He’d have to go back after dinner and dance with Lady Bianca and Lady Hyacinth, but until then he was free to do as he pleased. Lord Clifton couldn’t fault him for bowing out afterward. One dance should be enough for society to believe he was interested. The coalition would allow him to be a part of it and his income would grow as a result. He whistled as he strolled down the hall, stopping suddenly when he noticed Clifton heading toward him.
“Whitewood,” Clifton said. “Escaping already?”
He lifted a brow. “I don’t much like balls.”
The earl laughed. “Nor do I. Don’t blame you for departing for a while. I try to find an excuse to leave whenever possible myself.” He paused a moment and then said, “I saw you chatting with Bianca. She already seems to be gathering more suitors. Perhaps she’ll find one at this blasted party after all.”
As far as Jack could tell, he didn’t stick around for any of the events. The ladies in attendance must be rather disappointed. Some of them probably agreed to come with the sole purpose of catching his eye. A lot of matches were secured at house parties such as the one Clifton was hosting. There were some gentlemen searching for a wife, but Jack, along with Clifton, were not amongst them. Marriage was an undesirable institution that was agreed upon once it became necessary. His reactions to Elizabeth changed everything. He’d have to let go of his notions about matrimony if he hoped to have her.
“I’d rather amuse myself elsewhere.” Perhaps he’d finish Pride and Prejudice until he had to return. It would give him something to discuss with Elizabeth the next day. Not that he needed an excuse, but it helped to have one on the ready. He was looking forward to further conversations with her.
“Do you have a little liaison scheduled?” Clifton lifted a brow. “Don’t let me keep you from your appointment.”
“No—it’s not...”
The earl held up his hand. “Don’t explain. The less I know the better. Deniability is everything.”
Jack’s lips formed a firm line and he shook his head. The earl had it all wrong, but perhaps it was easier to let him believe as he wanted. Clifton wouldn’t believe the truth if he told him regardless. His mind was already made up. The appointment Jack had was with a book sitting on the table in his chamber.
“Then if you’ll excuse me,” Jack said with a shrug. “I’ll retire for the evening. Have a good night.”
Clifton nodded at him. “Probably not as good as the one you’ve arranged, but I’ll be content. When you have a moment, stop by my study tomorrow. I have much to discuss with you regarding the railroad.”
That was the news Jack wanted to hear. “I can talk now if you’d like.” The book could wait. “I’ve nothing pressing right now.”
“A lady doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” The earl laughed. “The business will hold. Besides, I have a meeting of my own I need to attend to. Come see me tomorrow after the morning meal.”
“If you insist,” Jack replied. “I promise you nothing requires my attention. There is no lady waiting for me.” Although the idea of Elizabeth waiting for him in his chamber would be quite desirable... Too bad that wasn’t a real possibility. Maybe someday it could be though. She would have to get over her idea of love and marriage at some point. The things in life that were guaranteed were passion and death. Jack sure hoped he’d have a lot more passion before he found his way to his final rest.
“But I do have a meeting,” Clifton said. “And I promise you she’s no lady either.” The earl winked at him. “It’s much easier that way. Makes for less expectations. I use the word lady as a sign of respect. They are females, and they like it when we show them a little regard. Something you should keep in mind for your future transgressions.”
“You misunderstand me,” Jack said. “I wasn’t dismissing the figurative lady as inconsequential as she doesn’t actually exist.”
Jack wasn’t about to explain there was only one lady that he wanted to do anything with. For a moment, he’d thought she was untouchable because they were related. It was a relief to realize his desire could be fulfilled. She should remain out of his reach, but he found that wasn’t possible. Elizabeth was meant to be his. There was something about her that drew him toward her, and he wasn’t going to ignore it. All she needed was a little time to realize the same thing he did. He was willing to be patient and let her discover her own path to his way of thinking.
“Continue to deny it if you must,” Clifton said. “I won’t be telling tales. Have a good evening, Your Grace. I intend to.”
Clifton didn’t give Jack a chance to respond. Without another word, he turned the corner and headed in the opposite direction. Since he had no other choice, he kept to his original plan and headed up to his bedroom. He’d read until he could read no more. If he could manage it, he’d finish the novel.
Anything to keep his mind off of Elizabeth... Otherwise he might go in search of her and that wouldn’t lead anywhere good.
***
Elizabeth danced the rest of the night away. Jack had come in briefly and danced with the ladies he’d promised dances to. He’d shot Elizabeth a few heated glances but hadn’t approached. Once the dance had ended, he left as quickly as he’d come in. What did he have to do that required him to bail on the rest of the ball? It would have been better if Jack had stayed, but as he hadn’t, she remained determined to have fun. They’d made progress of a sort. He was no longer completely avoiding her. She wanted much more from him, but she could remain patient. Romance shouldn’t be rushed, and if love was to bloom it should be given time to flourish. She wasn’t entirely sure that was what she felt for Jack, but she figured she had to be close to it. No other man had ever made her heart beat quite so rapidly.
“Did you enjoy the evening?”
Elizabeth’s mood plummeted at the voice she heard from behind her. What would it take for the Earl of Redmayne to leave her alone? He was too determined, and she wasn’t attracted to him in the slightest. The earl might make another woman happy. Unfortunately, for him, she was not that woman.
“It was a lovely ball. Quite exhausting.”
She wasn’t in the least bit tired. There was too much excitement spreading throughout her. The desire to run and skip in happiness filled her to the brim. She’d have to find something to expend her anxiousness after she made it to her room. Perhaps som
e light reading would help calm her enough to sleep.
“Do you require an escort?”
Did he imply she couldn’t find her way to her chamber? What nonsense. “Not at all, my lord.” She smiled warmly. “I’m familiar with the way and can find it myself.”
“I didn’t mean to suggest you couldn’t.” He frowned. “I thought perhaps you’d like the company.”
Elizabeth was appalled. Hell no, she didn’t want him around longer than he had to be. She really needed to let him down easily and have him move on. Lady Bianca was interested in him. Why couldn’t he latch on to her and leave her be? What did she have that attracted him so adamantly?
“I’d rather go alone.” She lifted her hand and brushed it over her hair. “Perhaps Lady Bianca would appreciate your offer though. She keeps looking our way.”
Lord Redmayne glanced toward Lady Bianca and frowned. Did he not find her lovely? She was, in Elizabeth’s opinion, quite beautiful. She had ebony locks that shined in the candlelight and brilliant green eyes. The earl would be lucky to have such a beautiful woman as his wife. She was probably quite a bit more docile too. Tame was not a word that could be used to describe Elizabeth in any way. She was outspoken, stubborn, and quite set in her ways.
“If you’re certain?” Lord Redmayne glanced back at her. “I’d hate to abandon you.”
“You would be doing no such thing.” She nodded toward Lady Bianca. “Go and see if she’s receptive. I believe you will find she is.”
“I bid you good night then,” the earl said with a quick bow. “Until we meet again.”
“Good evening, my lord.”
The earl spun on his heels and headed toward Lady Bianca. Elizabeth breathed a sigh of relief. That went better than she could have hoped. Perhaps he was starting to see that Lady Bianca was a better option for him. He couldn’t do better than her.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and left the ballroom. She would go to the library first and explore her options for reading. The last time she’d been in the room she hadn’t found a book to her liking. She’d read a lot of the Earl of Clifton’s books already and hadn’t felt up to re-reading any of them. The ones that had interested her were already in the Duke of Whitewood’s possession. If she hadn’t recommended them, maybe they’d still be available. Although Jack did seem to be enjoying them... She couldn’t help but wonder if he’d finished one. Then she’d have something to occupy herself with and she could quiz him on his thoughts about it.
She was lost in thought as she walked down the hallway heading toward the library. There were other Jane Austen novels on the shelf. Perhaps she’d read about Elinor in Sense and Sensibility or even Emma. Both were good—just not as wonderful as her favorites. Then a thought occurred to her, Jane Austen must have really liked names that began with the letter E—Elizabeth, Emma, Elinor...
She was giggling to herself when she entered the library. Why had that never occurred to her before? Maybe she should look through them all and see how many followed that pattern. It would give her something to do and perhaps tire her out enough to sleep. Reading in itself didn’t sound all that appealing.
“By all means, share what you find so funny.”
Elizabeth turned and met Jack’s gaze. With that one look, her whole body filled with heat. How had she gone her entire life without feeling this before? This had to be what her mother referred to as lust. She wanted Jack, and it was becoming increasingly clearer each time they met that he desired her too. The question was what did she intend to do about it?
“I don’t believe I will.” He was so bloody gorgeous. Elizabeth wanted to trail her fingers through his golden blond hair. What would he do if she gave into the impulse? Would he pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless? She wanted to feel his lips on hers and discover what passion really was. Maybe there was a way for her to have that. He did still owe her a boon of her choosing. She wanted a kiss—a real one. She tilted her head and chewed on her bottom lip. How should she play this? “I have something much more interesting in mind.”
“By all means, do share,” Jack encouraged. “And please, I beg you, make it as titillating as possible.” His eyelids lowered seductively. He was fully engrossed in their shared barbs. If she wanted, she probably could have more than a kiss. Did she want to push them both over the edge and give in to their equal desire? Maybe. One thing at a time—after she felt his lips on hers, she’d make a decision as to the rest. The last time she’d dared to kiss him he’d run in the other direction.
“Perhaps...” She moved closer to him and glanced up into his eyes. His heat drew her in and swallowed her whole. “How delectable it is depends on how much you’re willing to give.” She lifted her hand and trailed her fingers over his waistcoat. “I’d like to claim my winning from our chess match. Are you ready to settle our bet?”
“I’d never renege on a bet,” he replied. “Name your desire and it’s yours.”
Elizabeth took a deep breath and then licked her lips slowly. This was it. All she had to do was demand he kiss her and she’d finally have what she’d been craving. Why was she hesitating? Surely he wouldn’t say no... She batted her eyelashes coquettishly and said, “Show me you’re not afraid.”
“I’m not afraid of anything,” he replied. “I’m more than willing to prove it. Do you need me to slay some imagined dragon?”
If he was referring to his penchant for denial and escape—yes, she did. He needed to destroy it and make sure it never crawled between them ever again. “I’m interested in a more personal encounter. Any battles we need to engage in can wait until another day.” She lifted her hand and caressed his cheek. “What I need from you is much simpler than that. Kiss me as if we’ll never have the opportunity again.” Elizabeth raised an eyebrow challenging him. “Or is that too much for you to handle?”
“Minx,” he replied. “Coyness doesn’t become you.”
That wasn’t a no... Please stay this time.
“And something else does?” She lifted a brow. She so did enjoy sharing barbs with him. “By all means, please enlighten me.”
Jack lifted one of his hands and trailed his fingers lightly down her cheek. His gaze never left hers as he continued to touch her. She shivered involuntarily, but kept her focus on him. His eye seemed to promise that what he had in mind she’d find exciting and quite pleasurable. Elizabeth wasn’t so sure she should allow him so many liberties, but oh did she want to.
“I’m not certain you’re ready for all I could teach you.” He lifted his other hand and wound it around her waist. “But I find I don’t care.”
He lowered his head and placed his lips on hers. The spark ignited into a flame so hot it burned through both of them. Elizabeth’s lips parted and he took full advantage. Jack pushed his tongue into her mouth and tasted the inside. She tentatively touched her tongue to his and gasped at the pleasure. So this was why kissing was frowned upon—it was too decadent when done right. Jack pulled her tighter against him and deepened the kiss. Elizabeth moaned with pleasure.
Surely there was nothing better than kissing. Especially when he brought on a pleasure so intense she was quite sure she forgot her own name...
She had to revise that thought a few moments later. Jack skimmed his hand over her waist and kept moving it until it rested on her breast. He leaned down and kissed her shoulder and pushed the top of her dress down. The room continued to get hotter as he kissed down her neck and stopped at her breasts.
“Why did you stop?” she asked.
“I’m admiring your beautiful bosom love,” he glanced up and replied ardently. “They’re a treasure that must be adored.”
He leaned down and pulled one of her nipples into his hot mouth. Elizabeth moaned as her entire body went up in a sea of flames. What was he doing to her? She thought she understood what lovemaking was—this—was so much more than she could ever have imagined.
“Jack,” she begged. “I need more...”
She had no idea what she need
ed more of, but was certain he’d understand and give it to her. How could she have gone this long and never experienced something so pleasurable?
He chuckled lightly. “Demanding wench.” He kissed her cheeks and then her lips again. “You taste so sweet. I have to find out if you’re sweet all over.”
Jack swooped her into his arms and carried her to a nearby settee. He laid her down and kneeled beside her. Before she could question him, he lifted her skirts and slid one of his hands up her thigh. He pushed a finger inside her and stroked. Oh, my—that is—wonderful. She had thought him kissing her breasts was decadent...
“Jack,” she cried out as he rubbed his finger over the sensitive nub of her sex. “This is too much.” She panted hard as he continued to caress her.
“It’s not nearly enough”
Elizabeth squirmed as something started to build up inside of her. Any second she’d explode into a pile of nothingness. One more touch and she’d be gone for good, but it would be worth it. Jack paused and glanced up at her.
“Do you think you can handle more?” he asked.
When he stopped she almost screamed for him to finish. How could he be so cruel? Breathlessly she said, “Has anyone ever told you that you talk too much?”
His lips tilted into a wicked grin. “Don’t worry love. I intend to use my mouth in a much more useful way in a moment.”
He pushed her skirts all the way up and leaned down to kiss the sensitive bud at her center. A much better use indeed... He used his tongue, lips, and teeth to bring her over the edge. She screamed when her whole body shattered into pure bliss. If she’d been in a decent frame of mind she’d have tried to muffle the sounds she made, but it hadn’t occurred to her. She hoped no one had heard her. It would be potentially disastrous if they had.