Page 6 of His Regency Goddess (Curves & Cravats)

Chapter Six

Sin had spied Sophie walking off with Cecily and muttered, "Wonder where they are off to."

Daniel readily answered, “Sophie must have asked to see the Botticelli that James is keeping quiet for the time being.”

A Botticelli ? James must have paid a dear price to have this painting on loan for the season. Sin himself was an admirer of Botticelli’s captured beauty and grace that was both playful and sensual. He also did not want Sophie out of his sight. He was still seething at the lascivious looks slyly made in her direction. It occurred to him something was different about her in comparison to the other women. And then it hit him—her dress! It did not hang from her bust but instead gathered at her waist, accentuating her luscious curves.

"Which piece?" he asked curiously. "I must see it."

"Well James has a plan for its showing, but it appears that you, like Sophie, cannot be made to wait. I believe he has The Birth of Venus in his library, if you remember your way around here. And I will let him know. He will be irked by your impetuousness but unsurprised," Daniel said with a laugh and a shake of his head.

"I owe you one," Sin said and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Another one, you mean?" Daniel called out after him.

If only Daniel's wife was as eager as Daniel to help him get close to Sophie. If there is one thing I am good at, it is bringing a woman around to my way of thinking, he thought, though he doubted that would work on Margot . Interesting. I have never gone out of my way to befriend a woman. It makes sense that Daniel would marry a spirited one that would be at complete odds with me . She was well matched to Daniel's even-tempered disposition.

Sin took the twists and turns to the library and avoided bumping into any guests. The door was open, so he stepped into the room without making a noise and stood for a few moments watching Sophie. He could only see her from the back but he could tell she was engrossed in her exploration of the famed painting. Her body language was tense in concentration, and he could see her hands hovering over the art, as if she wanted to touch it but knew she shouldn't. The self-restraint she demonstrated was more then he would be able to muster if those hands were his and she was the painting.

“Beauty. Such a work of beauty," she murmured, her tone filled with awe, and the genuine emotion he heard warmed him. It was not lost on him that his Goddess now stood in front of Venus, the Roman goddess of love, in all her splendid glory. Their gingered hair was a perfect match, and he imagined the same smooth alabaster curves underneath her dress as he felt himself grow hard. This Goddess was wreaking havoc on all his senses, and he needed to regain some control.

When Sin spoke, he was gratified by her startled jump as he watched a myriad of expressions cross her flushed face.

Annoyed? Because he interrupted her musings? He liked her spirit.

Embarrassed? At being caught almost nose to canvas? Her blush was endearing.

Flustered? At realising they were now alone and unchaperoned here in the library? He felt flustered himself.

"I beg your pardon. I thought I was alone," she said. Her eyes were downcast demurely, but he could hear the challenge in her tone.

"It seems that I was also too impatient to await the great unveiling. I had to see this masterpiece for myself."

She stepped aside to allow him a clearer view and he took the invitation to walk towards her. They stood side by side and the light floral scent of honeysuckle and cinnamon teased his senses. It was a heady, delicious aroma.

"Well, what do you think, Sinclair?" she asked him eagerly.

He bit back a smile at her use of his first name and thought about his response. It was clear she also enjoyed the arts, so he paused his attempts at flirtation. "Many artists have tried to capture the famed scene, but I truly believe Botticelli does it best. Anyone can paint a shell and a body but it is her expression, the way he has captured the juxtaposition of modesty and haughtiness, that takes a true talent.”

To his surprise, his genuine and thought-out answer had more of an impact then he imagined his flirting would have had, as he watched her doe eyes widen with pleasure.

"You know your art, Sin. You can interpret it beyond the surface. How unexpected," Sophie told him in her husky voice.

It made him feel almost shy, to elicit this reaction by being simply himself and not falling back on the charm that had become so second nature.

"Well, yes. I have just returned from travelling abroad where I saw many famed works, sights, and museums. There is a world beyond our dreary, rainy London."

"How lucky you are! My longest travel from London was to Bath. And yes, we do have historical sites here at home but travelling abroad away must be like travelling to a different realm indeed," she said wistfully.

Suddenly, Sin wanted to know her more deeply. Not just to dance this dance till they found themselves in a pleasurable tryst. No. There was something about her. Something inside Sophie was searching for the zest in life, but he did not think she knew what it was. He held her gaze intently, and she blushed a little but did not look away.

"While ordinarily I would agree with you, standing here between this famed piece of art and you, a beautiful Goddess personified, is the first time I have seen something so appealing in London."

His head slowly descended and her fluttering eyelashes were all the signal he needed to press his lips to hers. Just as he felt their breath mingle, the moment was broken by a loud snort.

"How unoriginal!" said a glaring Margot from the doorway, hands on her hips. An apologetic Daniel shrugged behind her.

Sin sighed and gave a contrite bow in Margot's direction.

"I can assure you I meant every word, but I would agree this is most improper. Please accept my apologies, both of you," he said, gesturing to Margot and Sophie.

"All is forgiven, Sinclair," Sophie said with sincerity. He turned, again noting the use of his first name, and her pale jade eyes now twinkled with mischief. It was evident his kiss would not have been a source of discontent for Sophie. Oh Sophie, Goddess and saucy temptress. You will be mine.