Ten Ways to Ruin

“Maybe this is where I want to be.”

They stared at each other for a long moment before he muttered a curse and crushed her lips with a hard kiss. The moment his lips touched hers, she was lost to the sensations threatening to overwhelm her. Desire and lust were heady feelings when brought about by a wounded man. She wanted to save him just as much as he thought she needed saving.

Her body reacted to his kisses, his caresses, instinctively causing her to writhe and moan under him. As he suckled her breasts, her fingers played with his silky black hair loving the feeling of it.

He muttered a curse before moving over her again. This time when he entered, there was a slight soreness but not the pain of before. Knowing what to do, she lifted her hips and wrapped her legs around him. A small gasp escaped as he reached the hilt.

“Are you all right?” he mumbled against her breast.

“Very much so. I forgot just how big a certain part of you is.”

“That’s because I was trying to be a gentleman last time.”

He pushed up on his hands and thrust into her with a force that took her breath away. She never thought making love could be so...so demanding. Physically and mentally. As she met each thrust, her mind thought about what this man so deep inside her meant to her. And the only thought that came to mind was that she loved him.

She loved Simon Kingsley.

She couldn’t be in love with him. It must be the excitement of the past month. Working on her list with his interference had been a rather enjoyable time in her life.

His strokes were sending her passion soaring. Moving over her, he pushed her to reach her climax. He clasped her hand and moved it to her mound. She understood and rubbed herself as he lunged. Her stomach clenched as her climax slammed over her with force unlike any she’d felt before now.

With one last groan, she felt him shudder, the release himself deep inside her. Her muscles twitched against his cock until she thought she might come again. But she wouldn’t. Tomorrow they would return to London where she would have to face the scandal of her folly here.

And she didn’t care.

THE RETURN TO LONDON had been a quiet one. Both lost in their thoughts. Simon knew what he had to do. He’d known it before he walked up the stairs of the inn yesterday. Peace seemed to settle over him with the idea that she would be his wife.

He would have to sell Hell, but he’d come to terms with that too. As soon as he had everything settled with this Richard Park bastard, he would speak with Stanton. He and Ainsley would do an excellent job at running Hell, but Simon would insist Riley be a partner too. Riley knew more about the running of Hell than anyone except him. And he felt he owed Riley for the loyalty over the years.

But what would he do without Hell? The gaming hell had been his salvation over the past ten years. He had the estate in Kent and the house in town. But still, what did a man with money do all day? He might have to consult his brother. Granted, his brother had three estates and the House of Lords to contend with, but what else did he do with his time? Make love to his wife, most likely. Simon supposed he could run for MP at some point. That might be quite enjoyable to give him and his brother something to quarrel over.

Then there was also the possibility of children, which might already be happening after making love to Emma twice in one night. But children? While he’d envied Harry, he couldn’t help but worry if he’d be a good father. He had no example to follow there. Albert had been abusive, and the duke not a part of his life. And yet, the idea of a daughter with blond hair like her mother warmed his heart.

Driving as many back roads as possible to avoid detection took longer, but they finally arrived at her mother’s home. Noting a few looks of surprise as they drove through Mayfair, he assumed either the other men who had raced had not returned yet, or for once were keeping their mouths shut.

He jumped down and walked around the horses. Emma had already hopped off the curricle and was racing toward the door. “Wait for me, Emma,” he commanded.

“There is no need, Mr. Kingsley. Thank you for the ride.”

He smiled. This time she would pay the piper. Catching up with her before the front door opened, he said, “I do need a moment with your mother.”

“There is no need for that,” she hissed.

The door opened, and the butler gasped. “Oh thank heavens, Miss Drake. Your mother is worried sick over you. The duke and Mr. Raynerson have been out searching for you.”

“I found her, Davis.”

The man stared at Simon for a long moment. “Thank you, Mr. Kingsley.”

“Where is my mother, Davis?”

“Is the salon with your sisters.”

“Excellent.” Emma turned toward Simon. “Thank you, Mr. Kingsley, but as you can see, I am safely home now. Davis, please see Mr. Kingsley out.”

“Not quite yet, Miss Drake. I believe I should speak to your mother.”

Before she could say another word, Louisa shouted from the upstairs hall. “She is back, Mamma!”