Worth glanced down at the small leather tome. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m not leaving,” she challenged.
“I didn’t ask you to.”
He’d been outside, somewhere. There was dirt on his boots and grass stains on his trousers, which she perused while the fabric tightened along his thighs.
Goodness.He was happy to see her. “Page forty-two.”
Aurora absolutely refused to live with forty years of regret. She didn’t even want to experience the feeling for one more minute. Her expectations of Worth were low. Marriage wasn’t in her immediate future. Possibly he would only grant her a discreet dalliance. Worth might not love her, but he did hold her in affection. His desire for her was clear.
She glanced down once more at the way his coat had tented above his thighs.
The life of a mildly scandalous spinster with a rakish lover might suit her quite well.
But at the very least, Worth needed to know where Aurora stood. Her emotions would no longer be in question. What he chose to do with the information was another matter, but there would be no more questions.
Hewascapable of love. He’d nearly married Cecily Millstone for goodness’ sake, so it wasn’t an entirely foreign concept. She’d wanted to ask Aunt Lottie about Cecily, but her former chaperone was too busy making plans to wed Lord Kenebruke. Odessa and Jordan were even now on their way back to London. Drew was coming from Lincolnshire. Malcolm and Alyss were already here, of course. Emerson House would be full to bursting—not as full to bursting as Tamsin, of course; the new Marquess of Sokesby could be born at any minute—but within a day or two, Aurora would be surrounded by her family. This was the only chance to make her case.
“I thought you had learned all you wished,” he said softly, eyes glinting a deep blue as he moved toward her. “Dismissed yourself from my tutelage.”
“I was mistaken. I fear I’m quite lost without direction. You witnessed me with Healey.”
“Don’t remind me.”
Ah, there was that lovely flash of jealousy. “I am also interested in Chapter fifteen, page fifty.”
“Chapter fifteen?”
“Chapter fifteen describes how to properly put the male appendage into a woman’s mouth to bring about great pleasure. The male cock.”
“I’m aware of the term.” Worth drew closer, warming the air around her.
“There are various things I’m to do with my tongue. Suck upon it like a string of licorice.”
Worth’s eyes had gone so dark the pupils disappeared. “Licorice? More sucking the ice off a spoon.”
“You see? I require guidance.” Aurora sniffed the air. “You smell of brandy. Have you been drinking?”
“Have you?” His voice grew thick, sniffing her back. “What is on page forty-two?”
“Deflowering of a virgin.” Aurora’s hand shook slightly as she lowered the book. “Relieving me of my maidenhead.”
“I know what deflowering means, Aurora.” He came forward, a strained look on his handsome features. “Do you?”
“I am completely aware of what the outcome of this demonstration will be.” She stood, shut her eyes and tossed off the cloak. “I’ve come prepared.”
“Dear God.” Worth sucked in a breath. She heard him grab the arm of the chair next to him. “You’re naked.”
“Observant. I’m pleased to know that given your age, you do not need spectacles.”
“My age?” The ragged sound of his breathing filled the air.
“One of the reasons why you—find yourself unsuitable for me. I tend to value the experience you’ve gained.” She sucked in a breath, deciding not to finish her thought. It took a great deal of courage to stand naked before the man she loved, hoping that he wouldn’t reject her.
“You’re so beautiful, Aurora.” There was awe in his words. “I’ve always thought so. Inside as well as out. Even when nearly taking off my leg at bowls.”
“I’m not athletic. I’m not sure why you are surprised.”
