The drawing room was silent, the only sound her heart roaring in her ears and Worth’s steps as he circled, likely examining every inch of her. Aurora wasn’t sure, because she was too embarrassed to open her eyes. If he was going to throwher out, Aurora wished he would do so. She’d gather the cloak, her pride, and never bother him again.
“You want me to ruin you.” The low purr caressed her ears.
“I do,” she said, still not opening her eyes. “Now, either do so or have Ropely toss me out.”
The barest touch of his finger traveled along the slope of her collarbone. “You are a brazen thing, Aurora Sinclair.”
“Wanton, if you listen to gossip.” Aurora opened her eyes. She was feeling rather hopeful.
The warmth of his mouth fell over her neck, breath trailing along her skin to press a kiss at her shoulder. Standing before her, Worth moved to cup one breast, pressing another kiss to the tip of that sensitive peak.
Aurora shivered.
“Are you cold? I’ll warm you. Promise.” Worth’s hand splayed wide, shifting slowly to her stomach before coming to his knees.
“I’m not cold,” she whispered.
“I didn’t mean to upset you at the Travers’ ball.” His breath drifted over the hair of her mound and skin of her thighs. “I—behaved poorly, Aurora.”
“Yes, you did. But I should not have said—I didn’t want it to be you.” A sob caught in her throat. “Because it has always been you, Worth. So here I am. I don’t want anyone else. I tried to feign interest in every gentleman presented to me since my come out and nothing works. I know you might never—” her voice caught, “return my depth of feeling. But there is something between us, and I’m tired of pretending I haven’t longed for you since my first Season. It’s only put me out of sorts.”
“I find I am also out of sorts.” The flick of his tongue traveled along the inside of her thigh. “There are so many wicked things I will do to you.” His teeth sank into the soft flesh there.
“That will leave a mark,” she bit out as the pain throbbed along her skin, pulsing at that place between her thighs. Aurora tilted her hips forward. This was a lovely distraction.
His mouth fell over the spot, licking gently. “I hope so,” he whispered. The press of his thumbs pulled her thighs wider apart. “You smell enticing, Aurora.” One hand took hold of her hip.
“Yes, but page forty-two—”
“I’m getting to that, Aurora. These things cannot be rushed.” His finger slid into her folds, gently exploring, though he’d touched her there before. Stroking at the small bit of flesh, he teased at it until a guttural sound came from her.
The pad of his tongue flicked out, tracing along the same path his fingers had blazed, drawing out yet another moan. Aurora’s fingers threaded through the thick gold of his hair, holding him close to her. “I think,” she panted, “that we have already covered this chapter.”
“Haven’t you ever reread your favorite passages of a book?” The tip of his tongue touched her flesh once more, sliding and teasing. He brought Aurora to the very brink of her pleasure, frightfully easy to do. She wasn’t even a decent challenge.
Worth came to his feet, drawing his body up the length of hers. One arm circled Aurora, bringing her close to the warmth of his chest. The other moved between her thighs.
Aurora clutched at his shirt.
He pressed his forehead to hers, eyes on hers, intent, as two of Worth’s graceful, beautiful fingers sunk deep inside her.
“Worth.”
“I want it to be me. If nothing else, I cannot watch you tossing yourself at the likes of Healey again.” His eyes closed and the tip of his nose rubbed against hers. “All of which was unnecessary. You should have allowed me to speak.” His fingers stroked while his thumb brushed that tiny bit of flesh in a teasing manner.
“That was rude of me,” she panted, heart racing with desire and love for him.
Again, he took Aurora to the very pinnacle as she waited for him to push her over the edge, but instead he only moved her to the settee. Carefully he laid her down, clever fingers moving inside Aurora the entire time. “Please, Worth.”
His fingers retracted and a small wail of disappointment came from Aurora.
“Don’t bring Ropely to the door.” Worth discarded his coat and tossed it to the floor.
“Shirt next,” she insisted. “Then the rest.”
“You’re a virgin, Aurora. You should be quivering and weeping at your fate. Though given the things I’ve already done to you, and your own nature, I suppose that isn’t possible.”
“I will weep if you don’t pleasure me, this instant.”
