Vexing the Viscount

He leaned away from her, trying not to smile. Her face was flushed and her breathing erratic. “Was that suitable?”

“Yes,” she whispered, her eyes as large as a doe’s.

“Let me know your decision by dinner.”

“I already have my answer.”

This time he did smile. “Excellent. I shall have Mrs. Abbott pack your things.”

She tilted her head down and looked up at him shyly. “My answer is yes.”

Bloody hell, no! “Tia, think about what you are saying. This is serious business, not to be thought about in the throes of passion.”

“What better time to choose a lover?”

“But I won’t just be a lover, I’ll be your master. As my mistress, you will have to make sure my every desire is satisfied. Day or night. Anywhere I decide.” Could she not be as innocent as he’d thought?

“I understand. And again, my answer is yes.” She took a step closer and whispered, “Shall we start now?”

He took a step back. Dear God, her mother would kill him. And right now, he wasn’t sure he even cared. “Yes.”

Chapter 10

Now? Did he really say now? Tia’s heart pounded in her chest and not just from that amazing kiss. She had sensed he was trying to scare her with passion, but she’d been positive he would retreat from his position if she advanced. What was she to do? She couldn’t really fall into bed with him. That wasn’t the plan.

“I—I.” Oh God, he was coming closer to her. The passion of his kisses had shown her how weak she was around him. If she wasn’t careful, she might let him do whatever he wanted to her. And quite happily.

“Yes?”

“Perhaps we should wait until later, after . . .” After what? She had to think of something quickly. “After we return from gaming.” And then if they’d found Jonathon or enough information about his whereabouts, she might be able push Middleton off another night. “I don’t wish for either of us to be tired while gaming. It’s a recipe for loss.”

His molded lips twitched as if he found some aspect of this situation amusing. She certainly did not. Her innocence was on the line here. There had to be a way of dissuading him.

“I see. I suppose I can grant you that one boon. For one in return.”

“One in return?” she whispered.

“Oh, yes, I will tell you later, when we are naked.”

Tia swallowed hard. “Naked?”

Middleton smiled, fully revealing a row of white teeth that looked like he wanted to gobble her up. “That is how this is done . . . at least most of the time.” His brows rose at her seductively.

“Most of the time?”

“You are repeating everything I say like a parrot.”

Stop looking at that handsome face and concentrate, she scolded herself. She blinked and then moved away. “If we are to go out tonight, I should get ready.”

“Yes, do that. I have an errand to run, so I will return in a while.”

She nodded and raced out the room. Once she reached the sanctuary of her bedchamber, she flopped on the bed. “What have I done now?” she said into the pillow.

None of this was supposed to have happened. But now she felt as if she were getting closer to finding Jonathon. And once he was found, she could get him back to the doctor her mother had recommended. Briefly, she wondered that if she told Middleton what she knew, perhaps he could help her with Jonathon.

No. Middleton was too caught up in his business to worry about his brother. He probably assumed Jonathon was just off in town having the time of his life. Instead, he might be jeopardizing his life.

She sat up, determined to formulate a plan for both the gaming hell and trying to keep Middleton from his lascivious plan for her after the gaming. She touched her fingers to her lips, gently caressing them like his kisses. Did she want him? A part of her certainly seemed to like his touch and wondered what it would feel like to have him deep inside her. A quick shiver raced down her back. The idea of Middleton inside her, knowing her body, excited and frightened her.