“Challenge accepted,” he said with dangerous softness. “I am sure I will send your sensibilities into a dead faint when I am done with you, lover. The first night will be sweet and slow. The second night, after I’ve ensured your cunny is used to the feel of my cock, I’ll spread you on your belly, arch your hips and lick your quim from behind. When you are soaking wet and ready for me, I will ride you long and hard. I promise it will be so damn good you are going to sob and scream and beg me to stop and continue at the same time.”
Felicity almost fainted at that wicked, carnal promise. Heat burst low in her belly and spread everywhere. “Oh,” she said with a provocative drawl. “I am not as naïve as you would think.Ihave seen an erotic picture book. It was most interesting.”
He dealt her an arresting stare. “I am listening.”
With a smile, she moved her mouth to his ear. “The one that…made me feel restless and even blushed was…the lady on her knees before her lord and…” Swallowing, she wedged her hands between the small space he allowed between their bodies and trailed it down to the flap of his trousers. Her heart thudded wildly against the wall of her chest. “What did you call this again? Ah, yes,cock.”
Phineas groaned. “You teasing minx.”
Felicity grinned, loving that he made her feel so sensual and desired.
“We might not make it to my bedchamber,” he said gruffly, slipping his hand down to palm her buttocks in his large hands and taking her mouth in a carnal kiss. She whimpered under the sudden sweet onslaught. He squeezed her buttocks, pulling her even further onto her toes. Felicity slid her hands around his neck and returned his ravenous kiss with a needy moan. He spun with her, sitting her atop his desk and nudging her legs wide. That provocative position brought her to her senses, and she ripped their mouths apart, gasping. “I…we must stop, Phineas.”
“You are right,” he said, breathing raggedly. “I will discreetly visit your chamber later tonight.”
“It is not that.”
He arched a brow. “What is it then?”
Now it was her time to feel mortified. She had teased him too far, and now she would have to explain a situation she would rather not. “For the next few days, we will only be able to kiss,” she muttered, blushing.
“Felicity…” he began, then his words tapered off at whatever he saw on her face.
He smiled reassuringly. “I have sisters and previous lovers. I understand what you are trying to say.”
She hoped he did, for she did not want to explain that her menses had arrived a couple days ago. He tenderly kissed her mouth and helped her off the desk. “Would you like to play chess with me?”
“I am terrible at it,” she admitted, wrinkling her nose.
“I could teach you,” he offered with an inviting smile.
Felicity stared up at him, her thoughts whirling. “You want to spend time with me,” she said slowly.
His eyes narrowed, and suddenly he no longer appeared charming or approachable. “Is that what you think of me, Felicity? That I only want to be with you in the presence of my family for the ruse or when I want to tup you? With such a low opinion of me, it is a wonder you want to be my damn lover!”
“I do not have a low opinion of you,” she said stiffly, rattled by the change in their moods.
“Then is it of yourself you have it for? That you do not understand that I am captivated by you and that every day I think about how to spend time knowing you better? Why are you smiling? When people argue, there are no smiles.”
She hugged him. Felicity could not help it. “I think about spending time with you alone as well. I was not sure you wanted to know me beyond this passion between us.”
He rested his chin atop her head. “I admit it has tossed me into an odd sort of imbalance, but I do not resent it. I am more intrigued.”
“Let’s play chess,” she murmured.
Felicity watched as he spread blankets and set up the board on the floor by the fire. He even reached for a decanter of whisky and set two glasses beside it. The earl planned to drink with her. She couldn’t explain what made her feel so warm. After everything was ready, she went down onto the floor and lay on her belly, taking a sip of the drink he handed her. She watched him as he removed his jacket, waistcoat, rolled up his sleeves and even removed his cravat.
“Your boots too,” she said.
“What, you need a barefoot partner in crime?” he asked archly.
“Yes.”
“These are difficult to remove. My valet—”
She sat up, grinning. “I’ll help!”
Phineas sat on the sofa. Still on the lush, carpeted floor, she braced her two feet on the sofa and tugged at his boot. It remained stuck. She put up one foot after the other higher so that she was almost caging his legs and pulled with all her strength.