Baron of Blasphemy (Lords of Scandal 12)

Chad walked in the room, shirtless but still in his pants. The sight of his bare chest stole her breath as it always did. “Are you ready for bed?”

“Mostly,” she replied, twisting her hands. “You?”

“Mostly,” he answered, coming to stand in front of her. “Would you like me to help you into bed?”

She’d expected him to touch her hair as he’d done this morning, or perhaps kiss her bare shoulders again, or maybe hook an arm about her waist. He’d been politely distant all day and it filled her with discomfort that he was now. She didn’t like it. Not one bit. “Yes. Of course.”

He leaned over her then, pulling back the covers, and she slid between them as he pulled the covers up her body again. “You’re…” she started, sitting up again. He was still leaning over her and her face came within an inch of his. “You’re not in the bed with me.”

His brows lifted. “I’m aware.”

“But,” she softly replied as her brow crinkled. “I thought that tonight we’d…” What did she say exactly?

He clasped her cheek in his hand then. “We’ve rushed everything else. We don’t have to rush this.”

Oh. Oh, that was lovely. And so thoughtful. But disappointment slid down her spine… “But I rather like sleeping in bed with you.”

His eyes opened wider as his lips parted. “I liked sleeping in bed with you too.”

She scooted over and pulled the covers back, patting the now empty space. He didn’t move. Instead, he crossed his arms over his chest.

She patted again.

“Abby,” he started, his voice a low rumble.

“Chad,” she answered, mocking his low tone.

“You said yourself that you wanted a partner for life, not a rake. Don’t you think it best we take some time to get to know one another? Figure out how to let those feelings grow?”

She scrunched up her nose. “That does sound very logical.”

He nodded. “I’m glad we agree.” And then he took a step back.

Abigail came up on her knees, the covers falling away. Several thoughts flitted through her mind at once. He’d been moving further from her all day. And her sisters, if they wanted something, they didn’t let it slip away, they pulled whatever they wanted close. Eliza would never allow her husband to go off and sleep in another bed.

But she did see the merit in his point. She’d thought the same.

“Chad,” she called, reaching out and trailing her fingers down his chest. “Don’t go. Not yet.”

“Abby,” he said, sounding half irritated and half… She cocked her head.

“We dashed out of the city for my safety. I’m not sure I want to be alone.” And then she scooted closer, as her hand explored the hard ridges of his stomach. She could actually see his man part growing thicker in his breeches. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips.

“You’re safe here,” he said, but his voice had grown hoarse.

“I’d be even safer if you were here with me.” How could she lavish affection on him if he was off in his own room?

He hooked a hand about her waist then, pulling her close. “You’re the one who didn’t want me in bed last night.”

“That’s not true. I just wanted to know that you’d care for me.” And then she let her hand slide up his arms and across his big beautiful shoulders. They were so strong. “I told you this morning, I like sleeping against you.”

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he answered as she pressed to his chest.

“I don’t want to be your death,” she whispered softly. “In fact, I’m hoping to build a life.”

That seemed to be the final straw, and with a groan, he dropped his mouth to hers. The kiss wasn’t soft or tender and for a moment she worried she’d made a mistake. That she wasn’t fostering the sort of affection she’d hoped, but just fueling a rake’s passion. But then she forgot to care as his tongue licked at her lips.

She wrapped her arms about his back as he bent her backwards, his body pressing into hers. It was scorching, and wicked, and divine.