Page 4 of Wicked with Him

“As long as he doesn’t find me with you, I’ll be satisfied that he lives forever disappointed in me. But I must warn you, George wouldn’t hesitate to call you out and shoot you dead tomorrow morning. I insist you disappear as soon as we’re done.”

Roman’s fingers, now bare of gloves, traced a pattern up and down her arm. “I admit, I’m not keen to die by his sword or pistol at dawn…or do you think me unequal to such a challenge?”

“Not at all. I should only rather you did not have to kill him and flee the country after. That would be grossly unfair after all you’ve suffered at his hands. He would certainly try to kill you, I’m sure, and not just because of me. You’re causing him no end of trouble.”

“Because of Melody.”

“I am truly sorry about her,” she whispered, laying her hands on his chest. “And I promise you won’t be sorry about me.”

It was no secret Crawford had set his cap for her now sister-in-law two years ago. Courting her with sweet poetry and constant attention. Amity had heard some. George had read aloud Roman’s beautiful love letters one night to everyone in the household to hear. But Crawford had not been the only man circling Melody, and the vain, foolish woman had played right into George’s hands and ended up married to him instead someone better.

Just because George wanted it that way, wanted her dowry, not because of a deeper bond of affection for the woman. The pair were not happily married. In public, they of course pretended to be happy with the match, but in private, at home, the chill and fury between them was unbearable.

Ever since that dreadful marriage, Crawford had subtly interfered in just about every aspect of her brother’s life. He’d lured away their chef, and her brother’s valet, too. Purchased livestock intended for their country estate but not already paid for. He’d been quite inventive really, exacting any number of small revenges. Amity had found her brother’s frustration of late quite satisfying to watch. But she’d known deep down that Crawford wasn’t done with her brother. That helped with her situation.

“How fortunate a man I am to have such a beauty eager for me ruin her.”

She placed her hands on his chest again, feeling the heat of him seep through to warm her gloved fingers. “Very eager to get it done, and quickly.”

“A proper seduction should not be rushed, but given the danger of marriage, a rush is what you’ll get.” He bent close and nuzzled her cheek with his lips. “Are you ready?”

“Indeed. I know my brother won’t allow me out of his sight for long.”

“Hopefully he’ll not come before you do.” His fingers suddenly swept across the top of her breasts, and she jumped at the contact. “I’ve always believed a woman should enjoy her deflowering.”

“I suppose that depends on your skill,” she murmured.

“I love a challenge.”

Crawford was reputed to be very experienced with women interested in short-term affairs. That was why she’d chosen him out of all others she could have picked. She believed he wouldn’t offer marriage to claim her dowry, although if he did, that would really infuriate her brother.

Crawford suddenly tilted her chin up and pressed a kiss to her lips.

Unused to such things, Amity’s first thought was to push him back. But her resistance lasted only a moment as she remembered why she was alone with Crawford in the first place. She had a job to see done.

She received his next kisses with more enthusiasm. His hands slid restlessly all over her body, attempting to excite her no doubt, but she wasn’t sure what to do with her own fingers. Crawford must have sensed her confusion, because he slid his hands down her arms, caught her wrists, and slowly raised them to drape over his shoulders, nudging them higher until she embraced him, all the while kissing her with increasing passion.

They swayed like that in the dark for several long minutes. Crawford explored her curves while she held him, overwhelmed by the new experiences.

He drew back. “You’re a lovely woman, but part your lips for me,” he demanded impatiently.

As soon as she did, he teased his tongue into her mouth—and the wonders of kissing became all too apparent. She grew hot as his hands rose again, sliding firmly up her back until he held her tightly against him at her shoulders, and intensified the kisses he delivered with such stunning passion.

Amity moaned softly. She had known some of what to expect but nothing had prepared her for the onslaught of desire Crawford stirred in her. She could barely get enough of his kisses now.

When Crawford lifted her skirt and caught hold of her bare thigh, she eased her body against his without shame or hesitation.

He drew back and nibbled on her ear, sending shivers racing down her spine, and then whispered, “Do you ache between your legs yet, sweetheart?”

“Hmm, yes, I believe so. Is that important?”

“Essential,” he whispered. “You’ll enjoy this even more.”

He urged her backward against the wall and brushed his hips against her lower body. Although the fabric of her skirts and his breeches lay between them, her ache became so much more urgent after that. For the first time in her adult life, she embraced the danger of wrinkling her own gown for the benefit of more pleasure.

It felt so good to be wicked with him.

Crawford eased her skirts to her waist. His bare fingers were rough and hot against her thighs and hips. She felt a cool draft swirl around her lower half…and then his hand was pressing firmly over her sex.