Page 13 of Hot and Bothered in July
“I suspect not,” he murmured. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed, his green eyes vividly clearer than normal as he regarded her. “I would assume that you have also not heard of the little death?”
Sariah frowned. “No. I do not think so. It does not sound very pleasant.”
He cleared his throat. “Trust me, that is not what every woman who has experienced it claims. It is also known as an orgasm, release, climax, peak?—"
Sariah held up a hand, her face flaming. “I believe I get your point. My question is how do I obtain this… peak if not to rely on your assistance?”
His gaze softened, turned hooded. “Have you never pleasured yourself before?”
She blinked, not sure she understood. “I have treated myself to an ice at Gunther’s many times and?—”
He was already shaking his head. He leaned closer, and Sariah had the urge to lean toward him as well. “That is not the sort of pleasure I am referring to.” His voice was husky,entirelysinful. “It is the kind that makes you feel as though you have left this earth to soar among the heavens and stars.”
Sariah was hanging on to his every word. “That sounds… lovely.”
“It can be very satisfying.” His focus fell to her mouth.
“And this is not something you might… assist me with?” Why was she so breathless? And for some reason, that persistent throbbing had returned.
“I would love nothing more, Miss Kent, but I am not sure that is a wise idea since this is just a fake betrothal for society’s sake.” He leaned back slightly, and she wanted to drag him back to her.
But then she had a thought. “Is there a possibility that I could become with child if I achieved this… little death?”
“Not unless things got out of hand.”
“Could they?” she whispered.
He nodded slightly. “When emotions run high and your body is fueled by desire, it is extremely easy to get lost in the moment.”
“I see,” Sariah murmured. She licked her lips, and Mr. Carrington froze. She could feel the tension radiating inside of him. And was she imagining things, or were they drifting closer to one another again? “Since you do not seem willing to teach me, is it possible that I might learn from another?—”
A growl sounded from deep within his throat. “I will kill any man who attempts it.”
She thrilled at the possessive tone in his voice. “Is it that… dangerous?”
“It can easily ruin a reputation if one is not concerned with propriety.”
“Indeed? I daresay that sounds rather…” Sariah exhaled a light sigh. “Delicious.”
Their lips were nearly touching, and she could feel every nerve ending in her body come alive with awareness.
A door slammed somewhere in the house and effectively broke the alluring haze that had surrounded them. Mr. Carrington blinked and then drew away, scrubbing a hand down his face and muttering something under his breath before he got to his feet. “I need to go.”
She was deflated. She knew she had been so close to knowing what it was like to kiss him—to kiss anyone. “So soon?”
“Yes.” He exhaled a heavy breath, and she wondered if it was due to frustration—or something else. “I will call again tomorrow. To keep up appearances.”
She gritted her teeth at the reminder that their courtship was nothing more than a ruse for society’s sake. But perhaps it was for the best. She didn’t need to get too close to her Adonis and threaten her heart by becoming engaged. “You are not attending the soiree this evening? Surely my father told you about it?”
He hesitated. “No. I was not aware of the event, but it is probably best that I do not join society too often. I would not want to wear out my welcome.” His smile was tight. “And there is only so much politics and polite conversation I can withstand. I do it now only to secure a name on my contracts.”
She tilted her head to the side, her focus narrowing. “And to salvage my reputation, correct?”
He lifted a brow. “Of course. That was the top priority in this venture.”
Any enthusiasm she had been feeling toward Reed before that was effectively wiped clear. She did not like feeling as though she was nothing more than a means to an end for him—an unwilling pawn in his investments. She thought they had begun to have a common ground, but perhaps that was only one sided.
“Indeed, Mr. Carrington,” she said primly, rising to her feet. “I am glad we had this discussion. It has been quite enlightening.” She swept out of the room, her dignity keeping her head held high.
