Page 12 of A Reckless Wager
Panicked suddenly and afraid her legs would not hold her weight, she inhaled and exhaled to steady herself. “Why, yes. What a lovely idea.” Could she sound more nervous?
Standing, Georgiana wrapped her arm through Blackstone’s elbow as he led the way down the path, which ended in the circle of benches. They were the only ones present. Her heart sped up even more.
“Would you care to sit for a time?”
“Yes,” she murmured. Or at least she believed she did. He looked at her with uncertainty. So she repeated, “Yes.”
As he’d done yesterday, he sat close, so they touched almost everywhere. Was he trying to make her crazy? Did he have any idea what her mind and body wrestled with? How conflicted her emotions were? How the heat flaming through her body frightened and exhilarated her simultaneously?
“Relax,” he said in a comforting voice. “I’m not going to collect on the wager just yet.”
Was she supposed to feel better? Did he not want to kiss her? Oh, dear. Shame washed over her, and she stood. The blood rushed to her head, and she swayed into Blackstone’s strong arms.
“Easy now. You rose too quickly,” he whispered into her ear. His warm breath danced across her skin.
“I’m fine, thank you. I’d like to join the rest of the party.”
Before she moved a step, his arms encompassed her, his lips claimed hers, and her head began to spin again. Georgiana clutched his shoulders, pressed her breasts tight against his chest, and gave herself over to the emotions bombarding her from every conceivable direction. His kiss started gentle, then he plunged his tongue into her mouth and moaned. Or had she? Didn’t matter. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressed her body closer, if it were at all possible, and tangled her tongue with his.
She needed more, wanted more. More of the elusive feelings which plagued her earlier. Feelings she didn’t know what to do about. Blackstone did as one of his hands moved down and caressed her backside, causing her to start.
“Easy, let me relieve your tension.”
At this point, he could do anything he wanted to her. Anything to stop her body’s cravings.
“Follow me.”
He led them into the shrubbery, away from the prying eyes of anyone who came upon them. He backed her up against a large tree trunk and kissed her. Gently at first, just as before. But this time, she didn’t wait for him. She thrust her tongue into his mouth to control the kiss and savored his taste. Red wine, sweet and tangy. She wanted more. More of what?
A gasp escaped her lips as his hand sprung her breasts free from her scooped neckline. He trailed barely-there kisses down her neck and across her bare shoulder until he sucked a nipple into his hot mouth. Wetness pooled between her legs. She leaned her head back against the tree, reveling in the feelings coursing through her body.
She lost track of time as he switched his mouth from one breast to the other. His hand tugged at the hem of her skirts and shimmied up her stocking-clad leg to her pantaloons until he found the opening between her legs and cupped her. Shocked and relieved to be touched there finally, she nearly screamed out. She would have if Blackstone didn’t cover her mouth with his. She clutched his shoulders as his fingers played with her down there. Her hips were pushing into his hand, seeking…
Then his finger entered her. Her knees buckled, and he held her up against the tree with his free hand and used his other hand below. In and out. She gasped for air; her body tensed. He slowed his assault and teased her with his gentle fingers. He rubbed a very sensitive spot over and over. Silently her body rose again, seeking…hunting…until it crested. Trembled over and over as Blackstone kissed one scream after another into silence.
“Bloody hell,” he murmured into her ear. “You almost undid me.”
When she caught her breath, she said, “Lord Blackstone, I don’t understand.”
“I almost came in my breeches. Most embarrassing if I had.”
She didn’t ask what ‘came’ meant. Even with her non-existent knowledge of the sexual act, she did understand what it meant when a man came. Her papa had some fascinating books hidden in his library, which she’d found several years ago.
“I think after what just transpired, you should call me Phillip. May I call you Georgiana?”
How silly he sounded. “Yes, Phillip.”
“Let’s put you to rights. We must join the others.”
They went inside, where everyone sat around the drawing room, playing charades or just socializing. Georgiana’s eyes met Amberville’s for a brief moment, and her heart stopped. Had he witnessed their encounter in the garden?
Phillip saw the exchange between Georgiana and Amberville, and his insides cringed. The duke knew. How in the hell?
“Please excuse me, Phillip. I need to freshen up,” Georgiana said, looking pale and a bit panic-stricken.
Once she left his side, he wasn’t surprised Amberville locked eyes on him and made his way over.
In a quiet voice, he said very seriously, “You will marry her. Ask for her hand by tomorrow, or I shall call you out. Or worse, I will marry her, and you will never see her again.”
