Page 20 of Her Rogue of a Duke
She seemed distracted by the book as she easily answered, “You are said to be a good-for-nothing rake and gambler. Not exactly a paragon of romance.”
Joshua watched as Francesca seemed to realize what she had just said aloud. Her eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
Spinning to face him fully, her words tumbled out in a fluster. “I… I apologize, Your Grace. That… that was terribly rude and improper of me. I should not have spoken so freely…”
He waved his hand dismissively and shook his head. “Ah, do not fret so much. I am more than well aware of my less-than-stellar reputation.However, I do take exception to the ‘good fornothing’ part. There are plenty of things from my scandalous past that can prove useful to you.”
Francesca’s expression shifted from one of relief to confusion. “I can’t say I really see how it could help with that.”
Joshua raised a finger, leaning forward slightly from the table he had just sat atop, with an air of confidential intrigue. “Well, for one, I can teach you how to capture and maintain a gentleman’s interests.”
Setting the book back on its shelf, she faced him and crossed her arms in curiosity. “And how do you propose to do that?”
Gaining his feet, he approached her with slow and deliberate strides, a devilish smirk playing on his lips. She appeared caught off guard by his advance and retreated until her back met the bookshelf behind her.
With a throaty chuckle, he reached up and traced a finger along her jawline. She shivered and he gave her what he knew was an arrogant smile.
“I can teach you the art of flirtation,” he whispered. “Teach you to enchant and seduce with just a glance and a touch. With my guidance, you could have the gentlemen of the Ton at your feet vying for your attention.”
Her cheeks turned a deep, delicious red. Joshua gritted his jaw and shifted his feet, imagining the feel of them on his teeth.
What was it about her that stirred such uncontrollable lust in him?
She exhaled softly, her voice, too, barely above a whisper, “You could teach me all of that?”
He nodded. “Of course.”
She hesitated, before finally responding, “All right. Show me, then.”
The corner of his lips curled into a grin and he felt a primal sense of satisfaction.
“It is all about creating anticipation,” he said in a low, husky voice. “About igniting desire and longing in someone else, with the temptation of more to come.”
“How do you do that?” she whispered.
Joshua’s fingers lightly traced down her arm, drawing a sharp intake of breath from her lips.
“It is all in the subtlety,” he instructed. “A gentle brush against a gentleman’s shoulder or arm as you pass. You make your presence felt…” Smoothly, he withdrew his hand, only an inch from her skin, “butfleeting. Compel them to pursue you. To fantasize what they are missing out on.”
As he spoke, his hand tickled her arm again, before wandering effortlessly to her waist. Her breathing grew heavier with each pass of his touch. He studied her visage carefully, soaking in her reactions. The way her gaze grew darker and her lids heavier. The slight parting of her lips, and the smooth flick of her tongue to wet them. Each small, unconscious gestures, but together, a telltale sign of her heating arousal.
Joshua felt he could grow addicted to watching her body respond to his touch.
“What else should I know?” she whispered, her breath hitching slightly.
He liked how curious she was. Liked that she seemed so eager and willing to explore this with him. To let him show her this.
He leaned in closer to her, until his lips barely hovered over hers.
“You must project an equal measure of desirability… and unattainability,” he growled. “Men relish the hunt, so you position yourself as the most enticing bait. Yet, none of them shall ever fully capture you. The privilege of truly attaining you should be reserved exclusively for the man of your choosing…”
Francesca’s agreement came with a delicate nod, her breath hitching as Joshua's hand ascended her torso, grazing lightly the side of her breasts. The thin layer of the blanket offered little barrier, allowing him to feel just how soft and supple she really was. His length was stirring, hardening, and he knew if hedid not stop at that moment, he would not stop until she was beneath him, undressed, naked and moaning.
“I think that is enough for our first lesson,” he finally said, his voice strained. “We shouldn’t overwhelm you.”
Taking a reluctant step back, he turned to walk away from her, but to his astonishment, she grabbed hold of his arm and halted him. Joshua spun and looked back at her, surprised.
She gazed up at him heavily, from underneath the veil of her lashes.