Page 12 of His Regency Goddess (Curves & Cravats)

Chapter Twelve

A note arrived for Sophie within a few days, as Sin had promised, and she pictured the words in her mind as she looked out the carriage window.

S,

My carriage will call for you at 12 o'clock on Tuesday, the 15th. Anticipation makes for an intoxicating aphrodisiac.

Yours, S

She unfurled her fan and beat it furiously in an attempt to cool her rising temperature. There was no mistaking his meaning – she was en route to meet him for a tryst! She had prepared herself very carefully today, soaking in scented bath water until she was certain the soft notes of roses and lilies had permeated her skin. All of her underthings were brand new and had accents of soft silk and delicate lace. She felt decadent and scandalous and her inner critic and inner heroine battled, alternately tipping the scales between confidence and embarrassment. Confidence was winning, as she knew Sin desired her. Her petticoat and shift accentuated her hourglass shape, her stays cinched at the waist and gave her bust a slight lift. She had forgone drawers as they were unflattering and, if she was correct in what Sin had planned, most likely a waste of time. Similarly, she steered away from anything too complicated with her hair and had piled it on her head with Grecian clips. Sophie had chosen a white day dress and a beige spencer that matched her gloves and shoes, as there was a chill in the air. She felt stylish in an understated way, at least with her outer clothing.

It appeared they were headed to The Albany in Piccadilly – notorious bachelor quarters and known for its discretion. It was unlikely she would bump into anyone she knew, but to err on the side of caution she would use her parasol and fan for concealment. The assignation was almost upon her and butterflies began a crazed waltz in the pit of her belly. She was no virgin but neither was she experienced in the ways of pleasure. Her late husband had established the monotony of her wifely duties at the outset of their marriage. She knew there was something missing but the lack of intimacy and desire on both their parts had kept it perfunctory. She knew he had a mistress, as discreet as he was, but she was never jealous, just envious that she had no passionate outlet of her own.

The carriage slowed down as she arrived at her destination, and she sat up straight and inhaled a deep breath.

Sin paced the foyer, only stopping to spy at the window to see if Sophie had arrived. He wanted to take her upstairs, strip her naked and be inside of her. He knew he had to cool his ardour; she was still a lady. But the thought of her heated his blood like no woman ever had. And he did not want her just for today. The more he had considered a future with her over the last few days, the more settled on the idea he became. He had conducted some reconnaissancein this time and learned her marriage was arranged and had never blossomed into more. The man had kept a mistress, likely resulting in many lonely nights for Sophie. Which Sin found utterly ridiculous—Sophie was a Goddess!

His head snapped around to look out the window as he heard the sound of wheels on gravel. There she was. Sunlight bounced off the vibrant ginger hair that peeked out from underneath her hat as the driver escorted her out of the carriage. Sin wanted to race outside and meet her but for propriety’s sake he restrained himself and waited till she stepped inside. Thankfully, he had thought ahead and paid the doorman to make himself scarce.

"Sophie, what a vision you are," he said as he grabbed her hand to plant a firm kiss.

"Good day, Sinclair." Her voice was honied as she beamed brightly in greeting.

"Let's get you upstairs. I have a surprise for you."

"Oh how intriguing" She took his hand without hesitation as he guided her to his rooms. Their light stream of chatter came naturally, and if it wasn't for the furious pounding of his heart he would have felt completely at ease.

"Can I offer you any refreshment?" Sin enquired.

"No, I am fine, thank you, just curious about my surprise." Her cheeks held the tinge of a blush.

"A lady with a singular focus." He was unable to help giving her a wink. “My kind of lady.

"I have acquired a piece of history that I am confident you will appreciate," he informed her as he walked over to a covered object on the table.

"It looks like vase or pot of some kind. Is it Grecian?" she asked in a breathy voice, her excitement evident.

"What instincts you have, Sophie! It is Grecian from the Attica region: a volute krater, a bowl used for mixing wine and water." He revealed the precious artefact with a flourish as he pulled off the covering.

The ancient artefact was still in wonderful condition, considering it had been dated between 490 and 460 BC. It was a unique piece because the painted artwork was confined to the top of the pot and handles, while the rest of the body was painted black except for some decoration around the bottom.

"How fascinating," she whispered as she eyed the pot closely. "The paintwork is so vivid, and the figures are even labelled. I can see Achilles and Hector battling one another while Athena and Apollo observe. This is obviously a depiction of a scene from the Trojan War."

Sin was impressed by the insight and knowledge she had gathered in a few short moments as she walked around the pot absorbing every intricate detail.

"A lover of the arts and histories," he murmured.

"You cannot love one without the other," she said with a small shrug, eyes still on the pot. "Where do you plan on keeping it?"

"I will have it moved to my townhouse and perhaps then to my country estate. You can visit it whenever you like." He was unable to resist the opening. This made her turn and lock her eyes with his.

"Keep acquiring pieces like this, and I will be unable to resist, Sin." There was a low purr in her voice as she said his name.

"That is my plan indeed, to lower your resistance," he said as he stepped towards her. They were now so close he could feel her breasts slightly heaving against his chest as he looked down into her jade eyes.

"You have no idea, Sophie, how I have longed to be so close we can share each breath and feel our bodies pulse against each other. You bewitched me from the moment I saw you, ginger-haired and buxom like you had just arisen from a shell in the ocean."

Her breath quickened as his words washed over her and her gaze lowered to his mouth. The tip of her pink tongue poked out and she moistened her lips in what he hoped was anticipation. That was all the invitation he needed to crush his lips to hers with no finesse, just a frenzied need to satiate himself with her intoxicating ambrosia.