Desire burned at the thought of his hands working their magic, of his tongue leaving a scorching trail across the swell of her breasts. “Then you may escort me to the landing and no further, lest you give in to temptation.”
The journey from the study to the top of the staircase took longer than expected. The earl stopped every third step to press another kiss to her lips. He said good night on the landing, a long, lingering good night that would see them wed if Montague caught them. The distance between them seemed cavernous when he stood and watched her navigate the dimly lit corridor back to her chamber.
When passing her grandfather’s room, she heard an almighty thud followed by a sudden shriek. Panicked, she beckoned the earl.
“I heard noises coming from my grandfather’s chamber. He tends to fall out of bed after a night spent drinking copious amounts of brandy.”
Lord Denham pressed his ear to the door. The look of concentration on his face turned to one of shock and then embarrassment. He flew back as if he’d scorched his cheek.
“Let’s just say that your grandfather is not alone in his room. My mother seems to have taken her role of mistress quite seriously and is testing out the comfort of his mattress.”
“Gracious.” Lara slapped her hand over her mouth to suppress a chuckle. Once composed, she said, “The sly, old devil.”
“I would open the door and check all is well, but then you’d have to gouge out my eyes with a hot poker.” An amused grin stretched the width of his handsome face.
“Well, it has certainly been a memorable birthday, my lord.”
He captured her hand and brought it to his lips. “Deliciously memorable, Miss Bennett. You know where my room is should you have further need of my services.” With that, he gave a deep bow and retreated down the corridor.
Lara’s heart sighed.
She was more than a little in love with Lord Denham. While so physically irresistible she almost melted in his company, his wit and compassion teased her senses just as much. And those sinful hands—heavens she’d never experienced such exhilarating rapture. He was a wicked devil. A divine angel. The man drove her to the wild heights of ecstasy, cradled her gently as she came back down.
Indeed, she recalled the sheer joy of being in his arms as she floated to her room. As she swept into her chamber ready to waltz around the floor in a state of euphoria, the sight of her shredded red dress scattered about the floor stopped her dead in her tracks.
Chapter Thirteen
During the brief walk to his bedchamber, Hugo wallowed in the memory of Miss Bennett panting his name and gripping his lapels as she found her release. Every toned muscle in his body wrung tight with the need to make love to her. Restraint was something one learned when inheriting an earldom, but he’d been so close to laying her down on the desk, to thrusting deep into the only place he belonged.
Had it not been for the ridiculous promise made to his mother, he would have asked for her hand tonight. But when he too
k Miss Bennett for his wife, she would know that he had not plucked a name simply to satisfy Lady Denham’s need for an heir. She would know that she was the woman he wanted to love for the rest of his life.
When he entered his bedchamber, his mind was still floating in the clouds, which was why he failed to notice the naked woman sprawled in his poster bed until she came up onto her knees and bid him good evening.
Damn the devil to hell!
He almost tripped over his shoes in shock.
“Don’t act so surprised, Lord Denham.” Miss Harper clutched the coverlet to her breasts while exposing the curve of her bare hip. “You more or less invited me here when you asked me to think of other interesting games to play. Here I am, with a game I’m sure we will both enjoy.”
Had the lady lost her mind?
“I was referring to snapdragon.” Though he was likely to get equally burnt if caught in the middle of this scenario. “Not sport between the bed sheets.”
“Every man wants a wife who can please him in bed.” Miss Harper let the coverlet slip to reveal one pert pink nipple. “I’m sure you’ll find me more than satisfactory in that department.”
Her confidence implied she’d taken a man to her bed before. “An earl must marry a virgin, Miss Harper.” Hugo didn’t believe that for a second, but he’d say anything to get rid of this woman. “Boasting of your skill leads me to believe you’ve had intimate relations before.”
The lady gave a mocking snort. “Have no fear. You’ll find me intact. All you need do is let me pleasure you. Once satisfied—and I guarantee you will be—you will see that I’m the only lady you should choose as your bride.”
“I’m not inclined to marry any of the ladies my mother invited.”
“That’s because you’re thinking with your brain. Some men need a little encouragement. Let me tease another part of your anatomy into action.”
Miss Harper had an answer for everything. The time had passed to solve this dilemma with polite conversation.
“Miss Harper,” he began in the tone of a strict schoolmaster, “I did not invite you here, nor do I have any intention of partaking in an illicit liaison with you. Get dressed and leave this room this instant, else I shall be certain to mention your lack of morals to your brother.”