To Romance a Charming Rogue (Courtship Wars)

She kept her own tone light and amused, however, when she chastised him. “Damon, behave yourself, or I will return to my own rooms.”

He gave a heavy sigh. “That's a fine way to depress a man's carnal fantasies.”

Recalling the role she was supposed to be playing, Eleanor sent him a slow, flirtatious smile. “You are allowed to have fantasies, just not act on them.”

“Very well, I shall endeavor to keep myself under control, although it will be difficult.”

Clasping his hands over his abdomen, Damon leaned back in his chair and stretched his long, bare legs out in front of him, which had the result of parting the folds of his dressing gown to reveal a length of powerful thighs. Eleanor was very certain now that he was naked except for his robe.

She inhaled a ragged breath and drank more wine.

But Damon had seen the focus of her gaze and smiled. “Surely you can't fault me for taking off my wet clothing.”

“You could have donned some dry breeches.”

“Whatever for? You are my wife now. It's permitted for us to see each other unclothed.” He paused. “Regrettably, I have yet to see you fully undressed. But I have thought about nothing else since you walked into the room. What are you wearing beneath your robe, Elle? Are you naked?”

A heated tremor eddied deep inside her. Eleanor took another sip of wine for fortitude before replying indirectly, “I know what you are doing, Damon.”

“Just what am I doing, love?”

“You are trying to draw me under your spell.”

“And you are doing your best to tease me, just as you have during our entire time here. I wonder why?

If I were to guess, I would say you have been employing your advice manual on me.”

It seemed foolish to deny the charge, so Eleanor responded with a careless shrug. “Actually I am.”

“Why? You no longer need help in capturing a husband. You have already captured me.”

She gave him a considering look, debating how honest she should be. “But I have not really captured you, Damon. Our marriage lines are little more than a legal contract.”

He seemed to give that some thought. “Then what is your objective? To drive me mad with frustrated desire so that I will be eager to do your bidding?”

“In part.”

The corner of Damon's mouth twisted. “Perhaps I should read that manual of yours to better understand your methods of seduction.”

Eleanor flashed him a genuine smile. “You most certainly don't need an instruction manual to learn about seduction. You are a renowned expert on the subject.”

“I will take that as a compliment, love. And I will point out that you don't need a fire to warm you when you have me. I could make you hotter than any fire.”

His voice had become a husky murmur, which seriously began to worry Eleanor.

“I expect you could,” she said with a shivery little laugh. “But if this is your attempt to lure me to your bed, I must warn you, you won't succeed.”

His own smile turned lazy. “You would enjoy my bed, Elle, I promise you. Our lovemaking from now on will be far more pleasurable than your first time.”

She had no doubt whatsoever that he could pleasure her. The crackling fire, the potent wine, the sensual sound of rain, had all combined to chase away her chill, but it was Damon himself who had the most profound impact on her. His eyes looked seductive and drowsy in the firelight, which sent a warm ache surging through her body.

With effort

, Eleanor tore her gaze away from him and stared into the flickering flames. Damon had awakened her sexuality, had led her to experience her first feelings of power as a woman, and he was rousing those same intense, lustful feelings now. But that was the trouble. Their lust was purely physical. She wanted more from him. Much, much more.

He leaned closer, drawing her attention back to him. “Trust me, Elle. All I care about right now is giving you pleasure.”

Eleanor felt her mouth go dry. She was the one who was supposed to do the seducing, but Damon was taking over her role completely. His smile tantalized, while his voice dropped another octave.