Part 9 (2/2)
As for their rendezvous spot, a helpful groundskeeper had told her about the pond and the great oak where she and Lord Leopold were to meet. The gray-haired servant described the area in enthusiastic detail, expounding on the beauty of the foliage and the secluded nature of the freshwater pond.
She'd thought it sounded like the perfect location. And it was, she realized as she rode the last few yards toward the spot. The giant tree stood fifty feet tall, exactly as described, its branches now bared for the autumn. The pond lay close by, glimpses of its blue waters visible through a thick surround of smaller trees and evergreen shrubs.
Nearby, a horse stood tethered to a low-hanging branch.
Lord Leopold was waiting.
He walked forward as she drew her mare to a halt; sere leaves of gold and red crunched quietly under his boots. He smiled and reached up to lift her down from her horse. She didn't resist this time, but let him wrap his strong hands around her waist to ease her from the saddle.
Just as he'd done the day previous, he took his time, letting her body slide against his own for long, long moments before finally allowing her feet to touch the ground.
Quivers gathered low in her belly, her breathing not entirely steady in her lungs. She ignored both reactions and stepped away before he had a chance to lower his head and kiss her.
”Come back,” he said in a silky voice as he reached out to bring her near again. ”I haven't said good day to you properly yet.”
”You haven't said good day to me at all,” she admonished gently. ”But here is not the place for pleasantries, at least not of the sort you have in mind. Let us move closer to the pond where we will be unseen. We can talk there.”
He nodded, then reached for the reins of her horse to lead the animal forward.
While he secured her mare not far from his own steed, Thalia made her way toward the pond. The surrounding foliage did indeed create an atmosphere of privacy, the greenery a lush barrier that protected those enjoying the pond from the prying eyes of casual pa.s.sersby.
Just as it had been yesterday, the weather was unseasonably warm, more suited to a summer day than one in the autumn. She hadn't even needed to wear a cloak, the lightweight, short-sleeved tan pelisse she'd chosen earlier more than adequate for the task. It went well with her forest green day dress. She supposed she ought to have changed into her riding habit again, but there hadn't been time; the loose-fitting gown suited her purposes better anyway.
She was studying the water, her mind full to the brim with thoughts, when a pair of long male arms caught her around the waist. Lord Leopold spun her around before she could gather her senses, his mouth taking hers without so much as a word. His touch was every bit as delicious as she remembered, pa.s.sionate and inviting in ways that surprised her still. She gave in to the pleasure for a short while, then forced herself to pull away.
Because however tempting his kisses might be, she couldn't forget her purpose. Not now. And certainly not for a fleeting taste of pa.s.sion with some arrogant rakeh.e.l.l who would forget her two minutes after he got her into his bed.
For as charming and persuasive as Leopold Byron might be, she had no illusions about the fact that he considered her a prize to be won. Not much different really from the fox they had chased the day before. She had no intention of being anyone's prey-not ever again.
He thought he knew her, but all he knew was the rumors, not the real woman inside. He didn't want the true Thalia Lennox, who strove to maintain her pride and integrity as a lady in spite of her public shame. Instead he wanted the fantasy-the lascivious seductress and unprincipled divorcee who supposedly devoured men like sweetmeats. What he longed for was a woman who did not exist. But shortly he was going to find out that he wasn't going to get either Thalia-the real one or the fake.
Wearing a false smile, she laid a hand on his shoulder. ”Now, now, let's not rush things. We only just arrived.”
”Yes, but our time is limited before we have to return.” He leaned down to steal another kiss. ”Let's not squander it.”
She turned her head away so that his kiss landed on her jaw instead of her mouth. ”We won't be squandering anything. I chose this location for a reason, you know. I thought we could have a little fun first.”
”I believe that's what we're already doing.” His arms tightened around her again.
Slowly, she shook her head. ”I mean a different sort of fun.” Lifting up on her toes, she kissed him just below his ear. ”The naked sort,” she whispered.
She felt his body tense with obvious desire.
”Exactly the kind I like best.” His eyes gleamed. ”What did you have in mind?”
She stroked her fingertips along his smoothly shaven cheek and watched his eyelids turn heavy. ”Hmm, with the weather so clement, I thought a dip in the pond would be nice.”
”A dip in the pond would be very nice.” He smiled, his hands moving toward the fastenings on her dress.
Quickly, she stepped out of his hold and danced back so that she was out of his reach. She waggled a finger. ”Not yet, Lord Leopold. You first.”
”Me?” He arched a fine golden brow.
”It's all part of the excitement. I don't care for surprises, so I want to see exactly what I'm getting. Undress yourself.”
His eyes widened briefly; then he grinned. ”As you like.” His fingers went to the b.u.t.tons on his waistcoat.
As a healthy male in his prime, he exuded supreme confidence. It rolled off him like a tide, natural and without restriction. He didn't look away, but instead held her gaze as he began to strip-boots first, then the rest. He preened, corded muscles flexing without the slightest inhibition as he removed one piece of clothing after the other. They landed in a pile in the gra.s.s until he stood bare from head to toe.
Another part of him stood proudly unashamed as well, his erect shaft jutting out from his body with a length and girth that would have been impressive by anyone's standards. She had always considered her former husband an attractive man-on the outside at least-but he'd never looked like this.
Lord Leopold was quite simply mouthwatering.
Her pulse beat up into her throat; she was tempted in spite of herself. But indulging her unexpected case of prurient interest wasn't part of the plan. Steadying her resolve, she gave herself a firm mental shake.
”Turn around,” she said, twirling a pair of her fingers in the air for encouragement.
His grin widened. ”But of course, my lady.”
He held his arms out from his body and turned. The view from that angle was even better, his taut b.u.t.tocks and long muscled legs practically begging to be caressed.
He turned to face her again. ”Well, do I meet with your approval?”
”Most a.s.suredly,” she murmured with complete truth.
”Your turn,” he said, setting his fists on his hips. ”I can't wait to see what's under those skirts of yours. Do you require a.s.sistance disrobing? I've been told I perform admirably as a lady's maid.”
She had no doubt that he knew his way around the intricacies of feminine attire, considering all the women he must have bedded.
”I am sure you do,” she said, ”but I would rather do it myself. Why don't you go ahead into the water. I'll join you there in a minute.”
He crossed his arms over his chest. ”But I'd rather watch.”
”You can watch next time. I am a lady, after all. I don't want to reveal all my charms at once.”
For a moment, he didn't look convinced. Then he shrugged. ”Very well. But don't take too long.”
”Oh, I shan't.”
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