Page 77 of The Viscount's Silent Pugilist

Nicolas, Franny, and Josie snorted. Even Horatio let out a skeptical sneeze.

Rolling her eyes, Franny shook her head. “Back to important matters. After the carriage ride, we should have a thorough stretch. Especially you, Gen. Sitting for long periods of time is hard on your body.”

Stretching sounded lovely. Genevieve nodded.

“You need to make an extra effort to stay hydrated,” Josie told her.

His expression serious, Nicolas leaned forward. “Do not let Griffendale overfeed you tonight.”

Genevieve lost track of the advice from her well-meaning companions because her mind was on Jonathan’s hip, which had brushed against hers, his warmth immensely comforting, and his touch utterly scandalous. “Blah, blah, blah,” someone added.

She really needed to focus.

She suspected no one took notice that beneath Horatio, she’d moved closer to Jonathan. Or maybe, he’d moved closer to her. Whatever the case, craving the feel of him, she gently knocked her hip into his.

From beside her, Jonathan’s breath hitched.

“Blah, blah. Blah, blah,” one of their companions said.

Jonathan stretched his arm to scratch Horatio between the ears.

“Did you hear me, Jonathan?” Josie asked.

“Yes,” he said.

Despite his self-depreciating observations about having the attention span of a puppy, Jonathan must have had better concentration than she did, because Genevieve had no idea what Josie was referencing.

Jonathan’s fingers brushed her hand as she patted Horatio. Once. Twice. Three times.

If only they were alone.

As it was, she had to be content with Jonathan’s occasional touch that sparked a fire in her belly.Booto Coach Valentine’s training rule that discouraged tupping the week before a fight.Hissto her avoiding being alone with the man she loved as she tried to resolve her family issues.

“Jonathan, do not go too hard or deep,” Josie said. “You don’t want to hurt Gen; you just want to work out any of the tension. I will demonstrate it for you so that you know how to do it correctly. Since she is your fighter, Franny and I thought you might want to do the honor.” Jabbing Josie’s lips quirked as if she were smirking.

What the devil? Genevieve’s hand froze, mid pat and her cheeks caught fire. Perhaps she should have been paying better attention because she wasn’t sure what she had gotten herself into. Hopefully not one of Griffendale’s indecent gatherings.

“I’ve been studying what the ancient Greeks and Romans did to foster such amazing athletes. It seems they incorporated muscle manipulation by rubbing herbs and oils into the skin,” Franny said. “The Greeks called itmassó, the Roman’smassa. Josie and I refer to it asmassage,the practice of kneading. Not only does it feel lovely, but it is supposed to prevent injury and assist recovery. We want to incorporate it into our prizefighter’s training programs.”

Jonathan swallowed. “Oil?”

Genevieve fought her urge to turn to the side and stare at Jonathan. Meanwhile, her core tingled as she imagined the wicked gleam in his eyes. His hair had probably morphed into haphazard corkscrews.

“I am still researching what herbs to use,” Franny said. “But until then, the muscle manipulation seems quite promising. Even Papa seems enthusiastic about it. I am seeing to Roseanna’s treatments, and Papa is seeing to Pete’s. He is the first male fighter to embrace it.”

“I say, women are quite innovative and add an interesting take to everything,” Nicolas said. “Don’t you agree, Davenport?”

“Interesting indeed.” Jonathan’s hip nudged hers.

Josie caught Genevieve’s gaze. “Would you be interested in trying it?”

Having her muscles kneaded sounded quite lovely. But were they suggestingJonathanbe the one to do the treatments, because that sounded utterly scandalous?

“Of course, I can prepare her muscles tomorrow morning,” Josie said. “That is, if either of you are uncomfortable with the idea. I need the practice.”

“Or I can do it,” Franny said. “Mayhap after I tend to Pete.”

Genevieve’s mind had pivoted to filthy things, when muscle kneading seemed to be a pre-fight prescription, much like body exercises and stretches. Lately, lascivious thoughts plagued her—probably because she desired to spend time in Jonathan’s bed, while he went very hard and deep.