Matthew was momentarily stunned by her reply. He scoured his mind in a bid to offer an opinion. The simple answer was no. Women called out his name during the moment of release, they writhed and panted, confessed to feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. Yet never had he felt a genuine connection. Never had he trusted the response he received. Well, not until he’d met Priscilla.
“No. It is not like that with everyone.” His blunt reply masked the sudden feeling of trepidation that rocked him to his core.
“I see,” she said with a sigh. “No doubt my inexperience ruined the moment. It appears I am easily excited. As I said, I have never had a good sense of rhythm.”
To say her candour astounded him was an understatement. “Priscilla, you misunderstand me. Your inexperience did not ruin the moment. It made the moment more pleasurable.”
“Oh, but I thought—” She blinked rapidly. “Never mind.”
A need to ease her fears took hold.
“And there is certainly nothing wrong with your sense of co-ordination. You dance beautifully.”
Wrinkles appeared on the bridge of her nose. “Beautifully is how debutantes dance. I am in a room full of sinners. I want to know how to dance in such a way as to stimulate and excite my partner.”
“Your partner?” An odd growl escaped from his lips. “You’ll dance with no other man here but me.”
A smile touched the corners of her mouth. “Then show me how to excite you.”
Devil take him. All this woman had to do was speak to arouse him to the point of no return.
“Priscilla, I’ll not—”
“We agreed that everyone would think we were in love. Why are you holding me as if I were an elderly relative who smells of pottage? Hold me like you never want to let me go.”
The lady was intent on rousing a response from him. What harm could it do? If everyone could see he loved his wife then perhaps it would make life easier. Lucinda Pear
ce would graze in pastures new, and it would serve as a warning to those gentlemen who thought to try their luck with the mysterious lady in red.
“If you want excitement, Priscilla, I am more than happy to give it you.”
She sucked in a breath. “But I want you to enjoy the experience too.”
“Trust me,” he snorted. She had no idea what she was doing to him. “I will.”
Without further comment, he pulled her tight to his body until her breasts pressed against his chest. The hand resting on her waist dipped lower, his fingers gliding down to draw her close. Their thighs brushed as he led her around the floor. The rapid turns and twirls caused their breath to come quickly. Their gazes locked.
“Is this exciting enough?” The depth of his arousal was evident in his voice.
“Can we not spin around a little quicker?”
“You prefer fast to slow?” He clenched his jaw as he imagined covering her body and pounding into her again and again.
“I do. I want to feel the blood rush through my veins.”
Holy hell!
“Then I suggest you hold on tight.” Offering a wicked grin, he swung her around and around. They were completely out of time with the music. No doubt they were attracting attention though he couldn’t drag his eyes from hers.
They twirled until they were dizzy. She was so close her breath breezed across his cheek. The smell of roses swamped him. Sweet. Fresh. Stimulating. When she giggled, the sound sent a bolt of desire shooting through his body. His hard cock threatened to tear through the material of his breeches. Had they been alone, he’d have taken her where they stood.
As the last few notes of the waltz played out, they slowed and caught their breath. Her cheeks flushed, her full lips parted. Damn. It would be another two hours before the guests departed. The anticipation of claiming his wife’s body would kill him.
“My blood is pumping so fast I can hear it rushing in my ears.” Her eyes sparkled with desire. “I feel exhilarated. You really are a remarkable dancer.”
“A gentleman is only as good as his partner allows.”
“Then together we are both remarkable.”