Where to Woo a Bawdy Baron (Romancing the Rake 3)

“Thank you.” She closed her eyes, her long dark lashes brushing his cheeks. “Today with you has been so wonderful. I shall never forget you or what you’ve given me.” Then she straightened. “When you return to London will you remember me too?” He drew in a breath, about to answer when she covered his mouth with her fingertips. “Don’t answer that, I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want to know.”

He kissed her gloved fingers. “I wish I could strip those things off.” He frowned against the fabric. “I want to taste your skin.”

She gasped in a breath as he gently moved her fingers from his lips. “Oh.” Her body responded to the words, imagining the feel of his lips on her hand. But her heart also twinged that he’d so quickly changed topics. Clearly he didn’t want to answer either.

Which is why his next words stole her breath. “Bianca Moorish, I will remember you forever,” he said, then captured her mouth again, giving her a long, leisurely kiss as the carriage once again began to move.

Was it always like this? She forgot all about her father, her worries, William, and even the future. Who cared if she married? Right now she was being deliciously…she searched for the right word. Ravaged? Not quite. Seduced? Not exactly. Educated. It had merit.

And when his hand came back to her breast, his very large hand, that covered every inch of the rounded flesh, she pressed into the touch, desperate for more. He kissed his way down her neck, peppering her chest with kisses until he reached the low cut of her neckline. With a small pull at the fabric, his tongue darted out and under, catching her nipple.

They both groaned and Bianca tightened her grip on his neck as tendrils of pleasure raced through her body. “Oh dear lord,” she gasped as he repeated the movement. “That feels so…”

“Wonderful,” he added in, tugging a bit at her sleeve to gain more access. “You taste like sun-kissed strawberries with a dollop of cream.”

He pushed her entire breast up out of her chemise and then sucked her nipple into his mouth. He stroked his other hand down her back, cupping her behind. Her head fell back and she arched into his mouth. She knew this wasn’t all there was to lovemaking but what she’d never understood was how good it would all feel. “What will you taste like?”

He pulled off her breast, his lips making a decided pop as the seal he’d created with suction let go. “I’ve no idea.”

“You smell like sandalwood,” she murmured, leaning back down to kiss his chin. His skin was rougher, marked with just a touch of stubble. “Warm and masculine with just a touch of sweetness.” Her lips caressed along his jaw. “You do look like a Greek statue with those shoulders and your narrow waist but you feel like—” She stopped, frightened by the single word that had come to mind.

“What?” he asked, turning his face so that her lips could kiss down his neck.

She’d been about to say home. She squeezed her eyes shut, wincing a bit as she started to sit up. Perhaps this lesson had gone too far. “Never mind,” she said as she started to push off his lap.

He held her hips, keeping her in place. “What do I feel like, beautiful? It’s all right. You can tell me.”

“Strong,” she whispered, swallowing down a lump. “But safe.” It was best she could do to describe her feelings without actually using the word that would very well frighten him away.

“Kiss me again, Bianca.” He leaned back against the seat, looking casual but an intensity glowed in his eyes.

She wanted to. Losing herself in his embrace was so tempting. “I should get home before anyone notices that I’ve…” Her words trailed off.

Her breast was still pushed out of the top of her dress and he palmed the flesh again, making her nipple stiffen against his palm. “In a minute.”

“Chris.” She attempted to concentrate as he massaged the sensitive flesh. “I’m trying to protect you. I know you don’t want to mar—”

“Beautiful Bianca,” he whispered as he drew her nipple in

to his mouth again. “I appreciate that so very much, but there is no need.”

Her brows drew together. No need? He’d spent the morning telling her he wouldn’t, under any circumstances, marry. And she most definitely did want to wed. What if this ruined her chances? They’d gone from what seemed like a bit of help and a lot of learning to a situation where she could easily be ruined. She pulled away again. “I’m not sure I’ve been clear.”

He raised a brow but he let her pull back this time. He frowned as she adjusted the neck of her dress. “I disagree. I think you have.”

“Well then,” She slowly pushed off his chest, backing up into her own seat. “I completely understand that you don’t wish to marry. I respect it and I am so happy that you’re helping me. But I do wish to marry. Very much. I want a family with lots of children and a nice home, I even want the cat.”

He pushed straighter, his frown turning very dark as his brows sunk lower over his eyes. “All right.”

She drew in a deep breath. “Being here with you like this…it risks my future.” Her hands came out in front of her. “I can’t do that, Chris. The whole point of stopping William’s gaggle of friends was for me to be able to find a husband.”

His hand flexed open and shut. “I see.”

“Your touch makes me feel so good but—” Her hands spread wider. “I have to remember what I want more than anything else.”

“Stop the carriage,” Chris called, rather louder than was necessary.

Her face paled. “Are you tossing me out?”