Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

He took the paper from her hand and began to unfold it.

“Ye don’t have to read it now.” She took the papers and placed them on the table next to the candle. Turning back to face Christopher, she clearly saw the desire on his face. “Shall I pay ye now or later for yer services?”

“A kiss, for now, will do.”

He wanted a kiss as payment. Her heart jumped in her chest. She placed her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. His heated gaze had her eager for his kisses. Pressing her lips to his, she wound her arms behind his neck and leaned closer, increasing the pressure of the kiss. When she raked her fingers through his hair, her whole body came alive. Christopher’s hands remained at her waist. She craved his touch. For his hands to roam over her back like they had when they danced. His hands remained still, and so did his lips. She silently willed him to move, but he didn’t respond. Seeds of doubt seeped into her—perhaps the kiss had quelled his desire for her rather than stoking it. She began to pull away, but Christopher groaned and crushed her to him, urging her to open for him. Yes. This was the sin she craved from him. With his help, she climbed up to straddle him on the bed. She didn’t want the kiss to end and kept a tight hold on his hair. His engorged bulge nestled at her center. Instinctively she rocked her body closer.

Christopher pulled back. “I’ve said it before, and it still holds true. You, Emma Lennox, tempt me like no other. But if you wish to remain an innocent…”

“And if I don’t?” She placed a kiss on his cheek next to his ear. “What if I want to spend a night in yer bed?”

He captured her in a dark, hungry kiss. He released a growl. “If you stay, it shan’t be for one mere eve.” He nibbled on her collar bone.

“But I’ve got to git to work in the morn.”

Christopher scowled down at her. “Let me be clear. If you stay and share my bed with me this night, we shall marry as soon as it can be arranged.”

“Marry?” Emma narrowed her eyes. The man was serious, but so was she. “No one knows I’m here. I snuck past yer watchmen, and I can leave undetected. Ye needn’t worry me dad will be after yer head.” She reached behind and released the bow at the back of her dress, allowing her décolletage to gape loose.

Christopher ran a finger along the edge of her dress and over the tops of her breasts. “Before I ignore my better senses and agree to let you stay, tell me why you came here tonight.”

“I made an error the other night. I pushed you away when really I wanted…I wanted you to stay. I’ll not make the same mistake.” She ground on him and circled her hips.

He dipped a finger between the valley of her breasts. “You know of my need to wed, and if you…” He gripped her hips and held them still. “My terms are non-negotiable.”

“Me mum says everythin’ is negotiable. Wot if I assist ye in findin’ a wife?”

“No.”

“I seen maids bein’ taken against a wall. Wot if we..”

“No.”

“Ye’re being difficult.”

“And you are stubborn. Why do you object to marrying me?”

“I don’t honestly know ye well enough.”

“But you are willing to lie with me?”

“Aye.” She smiled and pushed him to lay flat on his back. “I don’t understand it, but I can’t stop finkin’ of ye and yer kisses. I keep hearing yer voice in me head. Thank goodness yer not a lord like yer brother, but ye will be a PORF soon enough, and then I’ll not be able to enjoy the feel of yer lips on mine.” She bent to partake in the devilish kisses.

Christopher managed to release the row of buttons at the back of her gown. Emma was thankful for the man’s dexterity. The cold air hit the top of her back and shoulders as her dress fell open. Unafraid, Emma sat up and withdrew her arms through her sleeves. Reassured by Christopher’s crooked smile, she reached behind her back for the ribbon of her stays. Her fingers grazed Christopher’s as he assisted her in removing the horrid contraption, leaving her torso bare. His impassioned stare increased her own desire. Eager but uncertain as to what was to come next, Emma brought her hands to rest upon his sides. Mirroring her actions, Christopher’s warm hands traveled down her ribs to settle at her waist. His touch had a possessive edge that made her feel coveted. He urged her to her knees, gathered the freed material, and lifted her dress over her head. The rough fabric of Christopher’s breeches rubbed against her naked thighs as she sank back down to sit upon him once more. Nervous but emboldened by her position atop of him, Emma found herself leaning forward to gaze into Christopher’s burning eyes. Placing her hands on either side of his head, she lowered herself until their mouths were entangled. Her nipples pebbled as they grazed against his chest. He released a groan, halting her movements.

Christopher nuzzled her neck. “Now that I have you naked and in my arms, I certainly don’t wish for you to leave, but unless you agree to be my wife, there’ll be no more kisses. You enchant me, Emma.”

She didn’t want to leave. Simply being within a foot of the man, her entire body and mind entered a more relaxed, secure state. He made life exciting again. Her pulse began to race at the heat, radiating off of him. She needed to be closer. If she agreed, she would lose her shop, her freedom. She couldn’t be seriously considering marrying the man. Or was she?

His warm skin was like a magnet pulling her body close. “I fink I’ve changed me mind.” Christopher stiffened, but she rushed