Every Time We Kiss

gowns and a nice house. It wasn’t what she wanted but Vanessa had always been a logical woman. Getting him back into her bed would have to do.

“Quite sure Blackburn saw right through her,” Huntley continued.

Vanessa stiffened. “Oh? Why would you say that?”

“Couldn’t help but notice him go into the billiard room and Lady Jennette follow him a few moments later.” Huntley lowered his head toward her breast, but she pushed him off.

“Lady Jennette Selby?”

“Yes. The earl’s sister.”

“I know exactly who she is. What I want to know is why did she enter the billiard room when Blackburn was there?”

Huntley shrugged and then slobbered a kiss on her neck. “Don’t know. Heard a rumor she’s helping him with something. Starting to cause some talk after what he did to her betrothed and all.”

Panic flickered through her. Matthew had loved Lady Jennette whether he admitted it or not. He’d told her of his attraction to Jennette but Vanessa knew he’d loved Lady Jennette.

There was only one thing Lady Jennette could be helping Matthew with—marriage. Vanessa’s mind whirled with the possibilities. Why would Matthew let Jennette help him? Perhaps it was her idea. A way to keep him from revealing the truth about her.

But Jennette was the type of woman who could make any man fall in love with her. And Vanessa would never let Matthew fall for Jennette’s charms again. Vanessa could accept Matthew marrying, but she knew he would never return to her if he loved his wife. And he would love Jennette.

There had to be a way to stop them.

Vanessa pulled Huntley closer until his chest brushed against her taut nipples. He groaned as her hand reached for his erection.

“Huntley darling,” she whispered, drawing her fingernails up his shaft.

“What?” he growled.

“I have a favor to ask of you.” Vanessa circled her hand around the head of his penis, then stroked downward.

“Anything you want,” he panted.

“I want you to seduce a woman.”

Chapter 8

Jennette let out a sigh of pain as her feet finally touched the ground again. After spending most of the day in the coach, her limbs ached, her bottom throbbed, and her head pounded. All she wanted was a warm bath, a cup of tea, and some peace. She’d been stuck in the carriage with her mother, and Banning and Avis. The trip seemed endless.

Poor Avis couldn’t travel without being sick. But watching the newly wedded couple holding hands and whispering secrets to each other made Jennette’s stomach roil. Every time they were required to stop for Avis, Banning was there for her, comforting her.

They were so much in love.

Jennette wanted that so desperately for herself it pierced her heart with agony.

“Come along, Jennette,” her mother said in an impatient tone. “Lady Aston is expecting us.”

“Well, I require a bath before we greet her,” Jennette commented. “I am covered in dust.”

“Of course. But we can still make our initial greetings.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Jennette followed behind the group. Footsteps crunched on the gravel drive. The large wood double doors of the manor house opened wide as they approached. A butler in full livery and powdered wig stood sentry. Banning held out his card and the man nodded slightly before moving away to let them inside.

She had never been to Lady Aston’s house. In fact, she barely knew the woman. Jane was ten years older than Elizabeth and well out of the house by time Jennette came to call on her friend.

“Lord and Lady Selby, welcome to our home.”