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Richard chuckled. “I didn’t peg you as the type of woman to apologize.”

She smiled sweetly. “And I usually do not. But I also do not vent my frustrations to a lord during a house party. My job is to entertain.”

Job? He was just a job, was he? Richard pursed his lips. He liked the fire behind those dark, coffee eyes staring at him, and he didn’t want her to apologize for sharing her thoughts and frustrations. He found it quite refreshing. He reached out and took her hand in his, running a thumb over her knuckles. “What if I offered you a reprieve from your job?”

She looked at him as if trying to solve a puzzle. “How so?”

“As a brother of the hostess, I give you leave to not feel the pressure to entertain whenever you’re around me. You are free to drop your facade and be yourself.”

She let out a chuckle. “You might not like me without my facade.”

He shook his head and brought her hand to his lips. “I very much doubt it.”

Her breath hitched, and her eyes darkened as he kissed her knuckles. Suddenly, their conversation forgotten, his sole intent became to keep her in this aroused state. He watched her as he kissed her wrist, then up her arm. Her breathing accelerated, her lips parted, and she seemed dazed.

“I have to tell you that I do not get involved with gentlemen,” she said breathlessly.

He smiled wolfishly. “Oh, I promise you. I shan’t act like a gentleman with you.”

Chapter 4

How had their passionate discussion about women’s roles in society turned so… heated? Shivers ran up and down Jo’s spine, her breathing was labored, and there was a particular tingle between her legs, the kind of tingle that could only be assuaged by a sordid tryst.

All that from a single glance, a suggestive whisper, and a kiss on her hand. What if he’d actually kissed her lips?

She shivered again, her lips parting on a sigh. Just the fantasy had her opening to him. Craving his closeness.

But she didn’t get involved with gentlemen. Not anymore.

Except she couldn’t seem to peel her eyes away from the viscount before her. Neither was she willing to pry her arm away from his firm fingers.

He touched her softly, tenderly, making her hairs stand on end and arousing the kind of desire she hadn’t felt in a long time.

I don’t get involved with the gentlemen. She tried to remind herself of her resolutions as he kissed his way to the naked part of her arm between the glove and her sleeve.

I shan’t act like a gentleman with you.

He nipped on her shoulder, and Jo melted into his embrace. He kissed the juncture between her shoulder and her neck, licked his way up to her jaw, and then bit her lip. Jo sighed her surrender, and the viscount took full advantage.

He covered her mouth with his and plunged his tongue inside, claiming her, devouring her. He tasted of wine and something sweet. Perhaps, it was just him.

He smelled of a light summer breeze and his own masculine scent. Jo couldn’t get enough of it.

He collected her against his chest, then he was raising her, seating her on his lap. Jo didn’t protest. The firm arms around her promised comfort. Soft lips against her mouth promised pleasure.

What’s wrong with a little pleasure?

Jo ran a hand against his clean-shaven jaw, cradling his face, angling it for better access. His tongue swept inside her mouth, drawing circles, teasing, playing. She sucked on his tongue and he groaned, tightening his arms around her, pressing her closer to him. His aroused length poked at her bottom, making Jo move against him, hoping for more contact.

She whimpered in frustration and tugged on her skirts, raising them, as she moved to straddle his hips.

He looked at her with his dark unfathomable eyes, then pushed her hair back so he could study her face. “You’re incredible,” he whispered hoarsely.

She didn’t want to talk anymore. She didn’t want to think. Because if she did, she would have to end this exquisite sensation. And she didn’t want to do that either.

So she moved her pelvis against his hardened cock, making him groan. His hand settled on the nape of her neck, and he squeezed as he lowered his mouth to hers again.

He plundered her mouth as his other hand caressed its way up her thigh, and his hips moved in rhythm with her pelvis. They were lost in the sensual dance, controlled solely by their passion. Their tongues tangled, their bodies moving in tandem.