Page 11 of His Regency Goddess (Curves & Cravats)

Chapter Eleven

I cannot believe he pinched my bottom!

Sophie's face flamed at the intimate gesture, but she could not deny the tingling warmth that spread between her thighs from this touch. The first dance did not help calm her passions since it was a waltz, which meant there was a certain closeness. Inhaling subtly, she breathed in his scent and quivered. She smelt wood, fresh pine, and a hint of vanilla. A masculine smell with a touch of sensuality. Their height difference meant her head just reached his shoulder and she could hear the thump of his heart. It was beating a little fast in her opinion.

Did I have the same effect on him ?

She tilted her head upwards to watch his face and took a sharp breath when she found him already staring down at her with a slow, sexy smile showing off his perfect teeth. His skin had a golden glow that was evidence of time spent outdoors, which contrasted handsomely against his dark eyes. A lock of hair had tumbled onto his forehead and gave him an endearing look that contrasted with his raw masculinity.

"I like the way you feel in my arms, Sophie," he said in a low, seductive tone.

The lady in her should have been offended, but she reminded herself what it was she wanted. She wanted—no, needed—to feel passion. And all the blood pulsing in her body knew he could give her that. Attempting to be flirtatious, she adopted what she hoped was a coy smile rather than one that made her look like a fool.

"I admit, Sin , I am very much enjoying it as well. Your embrace is so strong and comforting. And all we are doing is waltzing."

She knew he caught her implication when his eyes darkened, black as sin, and his grip on her hand and waist tightened.

"I appreciate a woman who speaks her mind."

"Well, that is exactly what I am compared to many of the debutantes here. A woman. A widow."

"Indeed you are, which is something else I appreciate. I hope we can spend time together so we can enjoy our mutual interests, such as our passion for art and other things we will discover when we are alone."

Her worry that she was too brazen was overshadowed by the excitement she felt in playing the role of seductress. She genuinely felt safe in his presence and her impatience was brewing. There was a limit to how forward she could be, and she might need to be more creative with her hints.

"You are most welcome to call on me any time. Perhaps you have some art you can show me soon?" she suggested, keeping her tone airy.

"I am setting my own rooms up over the next few days, and you will be the first person I invite over." His tone held a darker edge now. It was sexy, commanding, and full of wicked promise. Sophie’s knees buckled slightly and she felt a growing dampness between her legs. It was like he saw straight through her as he eyed her with a smug and knowing look. The dance was about to end, and he bent closer so she could feel his hot breath in her ear.

"Look how I have aroused you with just words and soft touches. Imagine what I will do to you once I have you alone, my Goddess."

Margot thrust a drink at Sophie.

"Here, have a glass of ratafia, Soph. You looked flushed."

"Thank you, Margot. It is so warm in here." Sophie fanned herself furiously as she relived the moments of that provocative dance. The dance itself had felt so natural, each step in rhythm like their bodies knew each other intimately, even though their minds had not yet made that same connection.

"Sophie, are you listening to me?" asked Margot in exasperation.

"Yes, sorry. What did you say?" She gave Margot her rapt attention.

"You are falling for him. One dance and look at you, you are about to melt into a puddle!"

"I am not! I was just enjoying the moment. He makes me feel desired in a way I have never felt before."

"I know, darling, and for that I am thrilled, you know that. I just don't want to see you hurt."

"Can I not live in these moments wholeheartedly, knowing it will only be moments? Having no expectations?"

"You can most certainly try, Soph, but matters of the heart are tricky. And good intentions and rationale will be no match for emotions if you fall for him. Look, let me have Daniel do some reconnaissanceon Sinclair so we can ascertain what his intentions are."

Sophie shook her head at the suggestion. If she went from brazen widow to widow seeking commitment, it would dampen their flirtation and current understanding. It would be better to sin than never to have Sin at all. And she wanted him to ravish her!

"No, you do not need to do that. I want to let things play out on their own. Promise you will not say anything to Daniel."

"I promise, I promise," Margot said with a sigh. "I just hope you know what you are doing."

Daniel and Sin joined them moments later. Sin expressed his apologies, he needed to leave. Sophie could not help but feel disappointed as she had hoped for another dance but saw Margot eyeing her so she masked her expression. Sin kissed her hand in farewell—the same way he had greeted her—and she felt the hot kiss on her wrist like a brand.

"I will call on you soon, Sophie. Be ready for me." He gave her one of those slow, sexy smiles and sauntered away.

Breathe, Sophie, breathe.