Page 79 of How to Tempt an Earl

Her body responded to his physical appeal, but her mind reacted to the man. A large part of her admired him for not just surviving by using his fists, but more so for his grit and determination to invest his earnings and start a business. A very successful business.

Even if the enterprise was one she despised.

He could have spent every shilling he’d won in the ring on drink, women, and gaming, but he had not. He’d worked and invested.

“You need never worry about money again,” he said.

Her heart ached in her chest. “I know, and for that I am grateful.” She touched his lips with her forefinger, and he gently nipped the tip and swirled his tongue around it.

She gasped at the sensations and the undeniable spark of desire in Ian’s eyes. Then his gaze lowered to her mouth, and she recalled the pleasure of being held against his body, of his lips caressing hers. Her breath quickened, and she feared that with one encouraging word from his lips, she would sink to her knees and ask him to join her on the soft carpet.

“Grace, no one can see us through the window.”

“What?”

“We can see out, but the bright candlelight of the chandeliers prevents anyone from seeing inside this room.”

She finally understood his intent and her pulse lurched. Her treacherous body reacted strongly to his virile pull, and she knew that she wanted him again. Here. Now. Even above the sinful vices going on below that had led to the destruction of her remaining parent and her family. Perhaps she could exorcise this obsession and then think with a clear heart and a conscience.

“You swore to keep me from your bed,” he said.

“I did.”

“There wasn’t a bed in the library, and there isn’t one here, either.”

Her eyes widened, but she didn’t step back. “You’re right.” She knew exactly what he wanted. She wanted it, too. “There is no bed here.”

Primal satisfaction glinted in his gaze. His lids lowered, and she waited for him to pull her close, to hungrily cover her mouth with his.

…

Ian craved her with a fierce hunger. “I’ve wanted to take you in this room the first time I saw you,” he said hoarsely.

She looked at him in surprise. “You did?”

“Oh, yes. I never bring women upstairs, but there was something about you. You didn’t belong here. You were innocence and temptation at once, and I was drawn to you like no other.”

“I was afraid of you,” she said.

His large hand took her face and held it gently. “And now?”

Her blue eyes met his with shimmering honesty. “No longer.”

He lowered his head, and she stood on tiptoe and met his mouth. He kissed her thoroughly, and she met him with equal abandon. Soon he wanted more. He wanted everything. His lips blazed a path down her throat to the tops of her breasts.

“I need to see you. To touch you.”

“Yes.”

It was all the encouragement he needed. She turned, and he made quick work of the buttons on her gown, then her stays, until the dress was loose and the silk slipped to the floor. Wearing only her shift, she turned to face him. Desire burned in her eyes.

She was lovely. Utterly lovely.

And his.

He stared at her, his breathing labored. Then she reached for the dainty bow at the neckline of her shift. He watched, his mouth dry as she untied the pretty ribbon and the shift, too, slid to the carpet. She stood before him bare except for her white stockings and garters.

Blood pumped hot and heavy in his veins. “You are perfect.”