Page 58 of Eight for Losing, One for Loving

“Thatis a most unfair method of winning an argument,” she told him severely.

“I know, love,” he told her, unrepentant.

“I suppose you will use it whenever you don’t get your own way,” she said, pursing her lips.

“I certainly will,” he agreed, nodding gravely.

“Good,” she replied, before snuggling against him.

Leo laughed, holding her tight. “Your mama will be in alt.”

“Oh, don’t,” Vi said, burying her face against his chest. “She’ll be quite unbearable now, winking and telling me how she told me so.”

“Well, she did,” Leo pointed out. “Kitty has always known I’m perfect.”

“I’m not sure perfect is a description she has ever given, Leo,” Vi said dryly.

“I’m certain she has told you I am perfect for you, though,” he retorted.

“Perhaps,” she admitted, conceding the point.

“Shall we go back to Tadlow tomorrow?” he asked, nuzzling into her hair and breathing in the scent of her.

“Must we?” she asked with a sigh.

“Must? No, I suppose not, but don’t you want to get married?” he asked, suddenly struck with a dart of anxiety.

She turned in his arms, gazing up at him. “Of course I do,” she said, reaching up to stroke his cheek. “But I’m rather enjoying being wanton and debauched. I’ve never been ruined before and—”

“I should hope not!” Leo said with a snort.

“And,” she continued, “I don’t know if I want to be all respectable and well-behaved just yet.”

“Fine by me,” Leo replied, leering at her.

“Idiot,” Vi said, pushing him away and squealing when he tried to stick his tongue in her ear.

He laughed and settled her back against his chest once more, promising to behave, for now. “We don’t have to go back just yet, I suppose, but we must have a care, love. We must not risk your reputation any more than we already have.”

“Well, if we don’t leave the room, that ought not be a problem,” she murmured, tangling her fingers in the hair on his chest, her attention diverted by the sight of his nipples.

Leo watched, his body reacting as she circled the small, pink disc with her finger and then gave the tiny nub a little squeeze. Leo jolted, surprised himself by his reaction.

“Oh,” she said, gazing up at him. “Is it the same for you?”

“Why don’t you try it and see,” he managed, his voice hoarse.

She grinned at him, ducking her head and Leo’s breath caught as she drew his nipple into her mouth and sucked.

Leo groaned and closed his eyes. “We’re staying,” he said desperately. “As long as you want, love. We’ll never leave if you don’t wish to…”

Vi laughed softly against his skin and carried on, giving him reasons not to change his mind.

“I suppose we really must go,” Vi said with a sigh, regarding the large four-poster with a wistful expression.

Leo stood behind her, his arms crossed around her waist, holding her against his chest. He nuzzled her neck and nipped at her ear.

“We really must,” he agreed, though he saw no reason to make her wish to leave.