Page 60 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

To think mere days ago, she’d given him a list of his reprehensible qualities.

“I’m so sorry your sketchpad is ruined,” she said.

So was he, mostly because it contained pictures of her, not to mention theirspecialsketch. He reluctantly dropped his arms and stepped back.

“I will be back in one moment.”

“Wh-where aa-re you g-going?” she asked, her teeth chattering.

He hated to leave her there for even a second, but it would not do to have someone catch them entering the establishment together. Not that people of their class would be frequenting this place. But one never knew, and they did not need one more thing that Greyson could hold over their heads.

“I am going to get us a room so that you can dry off.” They could also be alone and talk and maybe, just maybe… Hell’s bells, he was a lecherous chap. “I will also borrow aparapluieso that you can get to the entrance without having to endure more of this.” He grimaced at the water cascading in front of them.

Her giggle tickled his heart.

“I do not think a rainshade is necessary at this point.” She swept her hand down her body, indicating the damp skirt molding to her shapely legs.

He should not gawk since it was an inconvenient time for a cockstand. “I do not want anyone to see us entering together,” he said.

“I understand.” She nodded. “Please hurry back.”

If he gave into his instincts and kissed her here and now, he’d never let go of her. Thereupon, when the rain stopped, the entirety of Brighton would see them in an untoward embrace.

“I will be quick. I promise.” Without chancing a glance at her, he dashed through the waterfall and headed toward the inn’s entrance.

Evan dropped a dry towel and his ruined sketchpad onto a chair and then shone the lamp into every corner. How fortunate that the room was more charming than he’d anticipated. Simple and clean with a large bed and nightstand along one wall. Baskets and dried flowers hung from pegs on the opposite wall. And the best part? Katrina was with him.

Holding the candle close to the mirror above the nightstand, she turned her head from side to side, studying her reflection. Thereupon, she placed the candle beside a washbasin and removed her pearl hairpins. Long, wet strands unraveled, cascading down her back. Gathering her honey-colored waves, she draped them over one shoulder. She toed off her slippers, then gracefully swung around to face Evan.

Raindrops dripped down her forehead, and her dress clung to her body. Her gaze met his, and she beamed. The smile was short-lived because thunder crackled, startling them both. Seconds later, she shivered uncontrollably.

He should get her out of her wet clothing. For health reasons of course. And if seduction came with the undressing, all the better.

But Harrington will kill you.

To the devil with Harrington. With a full body shake, he rid his mate from his thoughts. Now, he was only aware ofher.The beautiful woman standing before him, her gaze raking over him as if he were a sweetmeat. Her perusal halted, and her eyes widened.

He peered down to see what held her attention. The outline of his engorged cock was evident beneath his drenched trousers.

Her tantalizing tongue darted out of her mouth, and she licked her top lip before clenching her bottom lip between her teeth. A rush of red traveled up her neck and shoulders until her cheeks bloomed scarlet. At least they appeared to be flame-colored in the poor lighting. And Lord above, his entire body burned.

He hung the lantern on one of the pegs and then draped the linen over his shoulders. Holding her gaze, he sauntered to her.

“We should get you out of your wet frock and dry you off,” he said.

Nodding, she turned her back to him. It took him a moment to realize she wanted him to unbutton her dress. Damn, he was a besotted imbecile in her presence.

He took his time, luxuriating in each inch of creamy skin exposed as his fingers deftly worked the pearl fasteners. He pushed the fabric past her shoulders, and over her hips, until it tumbled to the floor to pool around her ankles. Her shift followed.

He pressed his front against her back, deliberately taking forever to untie and rid her of stays. He looped his fingers in her undergarments and slid them down her legs before stepping back to take in her perfection.

The line of feminine curves started at her shoulder. His gaze followed it down, past her shoulder blades, lingering on the delicate dip at her waist. Traveling lower, he took in the swell of her hips. Lower still, were two crescent-shaped arse cheeks. Then those long legs. Christ, she had lovely legs.

He swallowed his moan. There was no way he would paw at her as if he was a wild animal. The plan was to see to her every pleasure while he made love to her.

He gently guided her so that she faced him before falling to his knees in front of her.

Seeming unaware of her sensuality, the naked goddess stood before him, digging her toe into the carpet. Lips parted, breaths shallow, and eyelashes fluttering, she peered down at him. He leaned forward and kissed the smooth flesh on each thigh. His face level with the curls protecting her mound, he inhaled her scent. Memories of feasting on her as he drank her desire bombarded him. Come to think of it, he had not had any sustenance in hours. He’d taste her again soon, but for now, he must be patient.