Page 10 of His Regency Goddess (Curves & Cravats)

Chapter Ten

Sin silently willed the horse-drawn carriage to go faster. The sound of their hoofbeats hitting the ground seemed to compound every second. It was Wednesday, and he wanted to make it home in time to attend Almack's. He was certain Sophie would be in attendance; the first Almack's affair of the season always drew in the crème de la crème. Daniel and Margot would have been invited, and Sophie would surely accompany them. Fidgeting, he tapped the joint of his index finger against the glass window and let out a sigh.

"Son, you have been on edge ever since we got in the carriage. What concerns you?" his father asked in a tone that was as amused as it was annoyed.

"I'm fine, just eager to get back to London. I want to attend Almack's at a reasonable hour, is all."

"Since when do you care for proper appearances?" His father’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.

Sin could not help the little smile that spread across his face at his father’s bemused reaction. He had been seeing those lifted brows quite a bit during their time spent together. His father clearly had not expected Sin to remember as much as he did about the management of their holdings. Sin took pride in his father's praise at the natural way of he engaged with everyone they encountered. Not stuffy but approachable. Sin explained that his years travelling as a common man among common men had taught him about living more simply and humbly. A lesson he would not have gained by continuing to live a pampered life that catered to his every whim.

"I want to make a good impression, father. Tonight’s affair is always a highlight of the season. You know that."

“Ah, I see. It is that mysterious woman," he said in a knowing voice.

"Indeed, it is, and I have been without the sight of her for so long. I hope I will be able to control myself.”

"At least assure me that whatever you are up to will not result in scandalous gossip, will you?"

"I promise there will be no gossip, but I cannot promise I may not behave in a way that is improper."

“Just remember what I said. Do not let irrational thoughts cloud your judgement.”

Sin arrived at Almack's as an early guest, showing the ticket and voucher that had been waiting for him at home. He was glad he had arrived early, as he wanted an unobstructed view of the entrance so he could see Sophie when she arrived. He felt a right fop as he tugged nervously at his pristine white cravat. He would never admit to anyone how utterly nervous and excited he felt as he anticipated the moment.

This must be how these daft chits feel every day on the marriage mart , he thought as he eyed the young women steadily arriving. They flocked together like geese as they eyed him hopefully and giggled behind their fans. Unbeknownst to them, they would be sorely disappointed come evening’s end when he had not asked to sign anyone's dance cards. The mothers and chaperones of these women, however, were another story. He watched them eye him brazenly, their gazes calculating and scheming. Must avoid eye contact , he reminded himself repeatedly. He took a sip of the claret he was holding and tasted the hint of blackberry and thyme as he swirled the liquid around in his mouth. An oakish aftertaste came through, but it finished on a fruity note. It wasn't one of the most expensive vintages he had drunk, but it was better than ratafia and the other sickly-sweet refreshments.

A jolt ran through his body and instantly he knew Sophie was here. He looked up and saw her enter with Daniel and Margot, but they faded away as his vision narrowed down to only her. Her bewitching ginger strands were piled atop her head, little ringlets springing forth. Her gown, he noticed again, was different from the other women’s. The waist sat lower and cinched her hourglass frame. His blood heated. He fought for calm as he studied the curvature of her body, lest he get an obvious erection in such polite company. Like last time, he saw an appreciative gleam in the eyes of the men she passed but he suppressed any jealousy. He heard Daniel call his name and turned to the sound of his voice. Daniel spoke to Margot and Sophie and gestured that they should join Sin. He saw Sophie's smile of pleasure and Margot's frown of displeasure and gave them both his most charming smile.

"Sin, you are back! How was the sojourn to the countryside?" Daniel welcomed him with a warm smile and handshake.

"It was enlightening, to say the least! I am glad to be back amongst friends," Sin replied to him. He smiled at Margot and lifted her hand for a kiss. Too eager to wait for a response, he turned to Sophie and grabbed one of her hands with both of his as he pulled it to his mouth. Using his hands to obscure his actions, he turned her hand over and kissed the beating pulse at her wrist.

"How have you fared since I last had the pleasure of seeing you, Sophie?" he asked, still holding onto her hands. Her beautiful eyes had widened, and her pink pout had formed an O shape, shocked at his brazen kiss. She blinked a few times and shook her head, composing herself as she snatched her hand away.

"I have been very well; very, very well."

The blood in Sin's veins thrummed at the knowledge that he was having this impact on her senses. Her tone was forced, breathless, and harried. The repetition spoke to her nerves, and, in turn, her nervous energy excited him. It did not matter who else looked at her in want, Sophie reciprocated his desire.

Within seconds, others had joined their circle and there was chatter from every angle, which made it hard to snare a moment of Sophie’s direct attention. He eyed her side profile, the delicate sweep of her nose with a sprinkle of freckles and the soft arch in her eyebrow, a few shades darker than her hair. Still ginger but a darker colour, almost brown if she was at a distance. He loved her ginger hair and it conjured Venus in his mind again. If he was the artist depicting the birth of Venus, he would paint Sophie. She would be in all her nude glory, draped over an ornate chaise. Her full breasts would peek between her ginger hair, which would be brushed long over the front of her shoulders. Attendants would serve her every need, feeding her grapes and champagne. Sin himself had the distinct image of dripping something sweet like honey over the contours of those delicious curves, licking the sweet nectar from her soft skin with his tongue.

"—Sin, Sin?" Daniel was trying to draw his attention.

"What is it?" he said, trying to gain control over his senses.

"The first dance is about to start. I am going to escort Margot," Daniel said with a pointed glance towards Sophie.

"Oh, right. Yes!" Sin said, turning to Sophie, "May I have your hand in a dance?".

"I would be delighted," Sophie said, her voice a little throaty, which matched the pleasure in her smile as she stepped in front of the sweep of his hand. Interpreting this as a positive sign, he took the opportunity and snuck a cheeky squeeze of her buttocks as she brushed by. Risky, but there were so many people about that no one would see. The flesh he grabbed was soft, plump, firm—a perfect peach. A peach he desperately wanted to sink his teeth into.