Page 2 of My Lady Rake

Offering a weak apologetic smile to Abingdon and Dainsfield, Verity fell into step beside the tall earl as they quickly left the room.

St. Ervan led her down the hallway past the last of the burning lamps and into a dark room and closed the door behind them. Dropping her hand, he pulled back the drapes over the one large window, throwing moonlight into the small room, and crossed to a desk where he lit a candle. He motioned for her to sit in one of the chairs in front of the desk, before sitting in the large wooden chair behind it. “Now, remind me of this wager of ours.”

“My lord, you know there’s no wager. I didn’t know what else to do in the situation. Mr. Uppingham has turned into a puppy who won’t leave my side.” Verity smiled flirtatiously, lowering her eyes for a long moment before peering up at the earl from beneath her lashes.

“Don’t play your games with me, Mrs. Stanhope.” St. Ervan’s voice was deep, but soft, his tone somewhere between warning and seductive. It sent a frisson through her insides.

She relaxed into the chair, realizing how naturally she was falling into her seductive wiles. She had no intention of sleeping with St. Ervan. He was much too old for her tastes, easily at least five years older than her thirty-three years, if not ten. She preferred her lovers young and innocent. “I apologize for disrupting your game. I didn’t want to cause a scene in front of your guests, but Miles wouldn’t go away.”

“He’s hoping for more of the entertainment he’s shared with you the past two nights,” the earl said flatly. “I doubt any man would walk away from such an offer.”

Verity didn’t know whether to be flattered or insulted. Yes, she’d seduced Miles, but St. Ervan had a way of making her sound like a woman for hire. She enjoyed sleeping with men, just as the other female guests did. It was why one sought an invitation to a party such as this. “I wasn’t offering anything tonight. And I was clear with him the first time that we wouldn’t repeat the act.”

And they hadn’t. In a manner of speaking. She’d taught him several positions that night, and sampled a few other entertainments the next…

Even in the dim candlelight, Verity caught the slight lift of the corner of St. Ervan’s lips that told her he knew exactly what she meant. Those lips, so full, would feel exquisite pursed around a nipple—

Verity gasped at the ember that stirred low inside her at that thought. She had no desire for St. Ervan. There were several men staying at the house who tempted her, so she didn’t need to look outside her usual preferences. Why, even one of the footmen had caught her eye. A single, titled, man in need of a wife, such as the earl, was the last man she’d ever seduce.

St. Ervan waited patiently for the conversation to continue, but Verity didn’t know what he expected her to say. “Thank you for your assistance,” she said simply.

He nodded once.

Shifting her weight to rise, Verity said, “I won’t keep you any longer from your guests.”

“We aren’t finished.”

She stiffened.

“There’s still the wager to be discussed.”

Forcing a light laugh, she waved a hand. “You know there’s no wager.”

“Ah, but there is, now. You agreed to it when you took my arm.” He smiled and her heart melted.

“My lord, surely one of your younger guests would be more appealing—”

“They have their appeal, but none of them purr quite the way you do when kissed.”

She couldn’t hide the widening of her eyelids. Had she and Miles made love somewhere when the earl had been nearby? Surely not. She enjoyed spontaneity but was careful to avoid an audience.

His lips twitched at the corners before he continued. “I’ve wondered what sound you make when your breasts are kissed.”

Verity’s nipples tightened and she held her breath to make certain no sound escaped her lips.

“I long to hear my name cried out when I’m between your legs.”

“My lord—”

“My name,” he corrected her.

“Lord St. Ervan, please…”

“Oliver.”

She blinked, lost. “What are you up to?”

“I thought I was quite plain in my intent. I wish to love you.”