Claiming the Courtesan

She gave an enchanting gurgle of amusement. “That wouldn’t sit well with the ducal dignity.”

“That wouldn’t sit well with the ducal rump.”

This laughter was a heady new experience. He and Soraya had shared pleasure but never joy. And his passion for Verity had been dark and driven by destruction.

What a marvelous discovery that after over a year with this woman, he still had untold new worlds to seek.

He lifted himself off her and stood up, offering his hand. Not long ago, she’d have treated the gesture with suspicion. Tonight, she took his hand willingly and rose in a billow of transparent blue silk.

“Let me have my wicked way with you,” she whisp

ered, releasing him to collect the candle and move toward the door.

He followed and swung her around to face him. The man he’d once been would have accepted this bounty without question. The man he’d become needed final confirmation of consent.

Startled silver eyes flashed up to his. The candle’s flame wavered wildly. “Your Grace?”

His hold firmed. “Kylemore. Or Justin. I prefer Justin.”

The smile she gave him was pure temptation. “Perhaps when I know you better.”

He left that argument for another day. Instead, he spoke somberly. “Are you sure, Verity?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” She raised her hand to cup the side of his face with a tender gesture, then she took his hand once more. The warmth of her touch flowed along his veins like brandy. “Come with me. I promise to chase the bad dreams away.”

Chapter 19

As she made her way along the hallway, Verity was dauntingly conscious that more than six feet of lean, strong male followed only a breath behind.

Lean, strong, aroused male. He was naked, and his interest in her was blatantly clear.

It was unnerving.

It was exciting.

A thrill shivered through her to have that leashed potency utterly focused on her. As recently as a mere two days ago, that potency had terrified her. Now she luxuriated in its power.

She was no longer the reluctant demimondaine who shared her bed in return for a livelihood. She was no longer poor lost Verity, afraid that if she surrendered to her deepest impulses, she’d forfeit her eternal soul.

But still when they reached her room, she hesitated at the edge of the bed.

This suddenly seemed such an irrevocable step.

Kylemore stepped behind her and encircled her with his arms. Immediate heat surrounded her. “What is it?” he murmured.

Was this new, the way he was in tune with her merest thought?

No. For how else had he managed to lure her along the difficult but inexorable path to surrender?

She laughed softly, nervously. “Would you believe I feel shy? You’ll think I’m ridiculous.”

“I think you’re perfect.” He released her and moved across to stretch out on the bed. His erection jutted out, giving the lie to his outward patience. “I’m all yours.”

Tonight, she knew, that was true. She’d already accepted it wouldn’t be true forever. A woman like her could never have forever.

Still, tonight was enough for now.

With one smooth movement, she tugged the filmy negligee over her head and let it float to the floor. His sex twitched, and his mouth took on a strained line.