Page 30 of On the Ropes of Scandal (With Love in Their Corner #3)

“A bit, for you are so handsome tonight, I would have like to know what it felt like to be partnered with such a striking figure.” Why was she such a ninny?

“I might also have your undivided attention during the set.” After that last coupling between them, something had changed within her.

Truth to tell, she was quite certain that she’d fallen in love with him, but he hadn’t said the words to her again to her since that time in Surrey.

As himself, and she desperately wanted to hear them.

“What makes you think you don’t already have my undivided attention?” The intensity in his brown eyes and the way the natural wave in his hair caused it to run riot over his head without care to a popular style all worked at sending tingles to the base of her spine.

“Oh?” Why did she persist in doubting him? Was it because of how their relationship had begun, with her lies? Had he only bedded her because he had urges and they were married anyway as a way to retaliate?

He led her out of the drawing room and then scooted her away from the open doorway and out of the view of the guests. There was no one else in the corridor with them. “Shall I show you how it’s taxing my control not to throw you over my shoulder and spirit you upstairs to an empty room right now?”

Another round of heat went through her cheeks. “Uh, I—”

Her husband didn’t allow her the time to finish the sentence, for he trapped her between the wall and the hard obstacle of his chest, cupped her cheek, and then lowered his mouth to hers.

It wasn’t a usual gentle kiss, oh no. This embrace had far too much steam behind it, and as he moved over her lips, explored every millimeter of them, teased them with his tongue, Phoebe slowly lost her grip on reality.

When he probed the seam, she gladly opened for him, and all too soon, their tongues were dueling, battling, and silk slid against satin as the embrace progressed.

As the strength of her knees turned to that of cooked porridge, she curled her fingers into the lapels of his tailcoat merely to stay upright. It should be a crime for a man to be that handsome and have such skill in kissing.

When he finally let her up for air, he remained pressed against her with his arms wrapped around her and keeping her upright, grinning down into her eyes. “Did that remove any doubts from your mind?”

“It made strong inroads into building my confidence,” she responded with a whisper with a thought that she might melt into a puddle at his feet.

“You seem a bit heated.” He gave her a cheeky wink as he eased away. “Perhaps I should fetch you a glass of champagne, hmm?”

Oh, goodness, that was a treat she’d never had before. “I would enjoy that. There isn’t much need for such a drink in Cranleigh.”

“All the more reason for you to experience that luxury now.” He took her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed the back. “I shall return shortly. Perhaps you should return to the drawing room before someone comes searching for you.”

She could only nod like a silly goose, for her mind refused to form words, and when Phoebe went back into the drawing room just as the waltz came to an end, she could have sworn that her feet didn’t even touch the floor.

When Cecilia waved to her, she waved back, and seconds later, the countess joined her.

“You seem as if you are enjoying yourself tonight, Phoebe,” the other woman said, with a ready smile. She was quite resplendent in a gown of marigold satin.

“I am, and what’s more, I didn’t expect to since this is the first time I’ve been in society.

” With a glance around, she located Lydia, who was talking to her husband and hanging onto him in a somewhat scandalous manner that warmed her heart.

When her gaze caught that of the dowager’s, she smiled, and was pleased when her mother-in-law did the same.

“It is quite a different world in the beau monde .”

“I understand that all too well, but you have only been married for a week. Give things time, and I’ll wager you’ll find that you have more in common with everyone here than not.

” Then she winked. “And I suspect your husband won’t let you fall into embarrassment.

It helps that he’s entirely too handsome for his own good. ”

Phoebe nodded. “One thing is certain. The Stapleton brothers are certainly easy on the eyes.” Did she just say that aloud? A giggle followed, for it wasn’t as ridiculous as it sounded.

“I agree.” Cecilia came closer and dropped her voice to a whisper. “They are quite possessive and intense when it comes to carnal endeavors.”

“This is so true,” she said with a nod and as a wave of heat swept over her.

“What is true?” Duncan asked as he joined them and put a flute of champagne into her hand. “Good evening, Cecilia.”

The countess smiled with a confidence Phoebe envied. “We were merely discussing the fact that this rout is proving to be a success.” Then she waved. “Lewis is trying to catch my attention, so I will talk with you later.”

Once she left them alone near the wall, Duncan softly clinked his flute to hers. “Why do I have a feeling neither one of you are being truthful?”

She grinned. “Would you rather have heard that we were discussing the virility of the Stapleton brothers?”

A dark flush came up his neck over his cravat and collar points. “Where did I rank?”

“Do hush, Duncan,” she said with a mock smack to his chest. Then she took a sip of the champagne and giggled. “Oh, that tickles my nose, but it is lovely.”

He winked. “Welcome to the ton , Phoebe. I have a feeling you’ll make your mark soon.” Then he took a deep sip of his own sparkling wine.

“That remains to be seen.” She tasted the wine again, and decided she enjoyed it. “I have worries regarding your bout. When, tonight, will it be?”

“In a couple of hours. I think around midnight. Even the promoters won’t flaunt society’s rules and hold it on Sunday morning, proper.” He watched her as he sipped his champagne. “Don’t worry. I can hold my own.”

Except the last time, he suffered temporary amnesia. “Who is your opponent?”

“I don’t know. Since I have been distracted from that world by you, I have no idea who is on the roster.” Briefly, he put his lips to her ear. “And lest you think that is a bad thing, it is not.”

Heat was in her cheeks again. “Are you certain you are strong enough, in the right mindset for another bout so soon after your last injury?”

“Yes.” He drained the remainder of his drink. “I’m well enough and feel good. Don’t you have faith in me?” The cheeky man dared to kiss her temple.

“Oh, you.” The bubbly wine tickled her nose and made her head feel far too fuzzy. “Do you truly believe you can win the match?”

He sobered. “I’ll do my darndest. We need that coin.”

“Why?” She couldn’t help her frown.

When he shrugged, it highlighted the breadth of his shoulders. “As you hinted at last night, you want a babe in your belly, and I’m rather inclined to think that is a jolly good idea.”

“Oh?” Phoebe stared at him as shock filtered through her. “You wish to be a father?”

“I’m ready, I think. I wanted that life in Surrey, was crushed when it was all a lie, so now that we’re rubbing along well again, why shouldn’t we move our lives forward? I want to experience everything that I can while I’m able, for my father died far too young.”

“I know that sentiment well.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I would like that very much.”

“Good.” Then he looked at her with so much desire in his eyes, that she wondered if anyone else could see it.

“And as for the bout…”

“Yes?” His expression was guarded as if he expected her to demand he not go.

She laid a hand on his chest. “I’m not letting you go alone.

I will be there cheering you on tonight, for no longer are we at odds.

” At the last second, she bit off what she truly wanted to say.

Later, she could tell him of her feelings.

“You’d better remain in one piece with your full faculties, because I’m not nearly done with you. ”

A hoot of laughter escaped him, and his eyes sparkled with amusement. “Why, Lady Frampton, does that mean you have plans for me after the bout?”

“What do you think?” She winked, and felt far too uninhibited. “After all, I do enjoy seeing you half-clothed…”

“Ah, Phoebe, I want you so much, but that will need to wait until at least tomorrow.”

“I know, but you are worth waiting for.” The feeling of falling returned.

His mother drifted over with a smile. Alexander accompanied her. “The two of you seem quite cozy together. Are you enjoying the rout?”

“Very much so.” She took another sip of champagne then frowned. “However, it is unfortunate that Duncan must leave early.”

“What?” The dowager appeared shocked. “Why? Is he ill?” She focused on him. “Are you well?”

He shrugged. “Everything is fine. I have a bout later tonight; you shouldn’t be surprised, for both Lewis and Alexander left society events early for the same reason early in their relationships. And you know even boxing organizers don’t run them on Sundays.”

Phoebe frowned. “Did you not tell your mother?”

“Oh, dear, he tells me absolutely nothing,” the dowager said then she sighed. “I suppose I can’t blame him, for I have been fairly critical of all my boys.”

Duncan snorted. “Yes, slightly,” he responded with heavy sarcasm in his voice.

Alexander laughed. “Well, this time, Lewis and I are going with you.”

“As am I,” Phoebe asserted with a nod. “At least I’ll be able to watch him in action.”

A long-suffering sigh came from the dowager. “Perhaps we should all go, since last time ended in disaster.”

“Indeed.” Alexander winked. “Shall I tell Lewis we should leave and to have the traveling coach ordered?”

“Yes, please, and I’ll go with you,” the dowager said.

Then Duncan blew out a breath. “Was it such a disaster the last time? After all, it did lead me to marrying you.”

“Perhaps, but I will still worry over you until the bout is over.”

“All will be well. I promise.” And he took her flute from her fingers then laid both pieces of stemware onto the silver tray of a passing footman. “There is much living to do afterward.”

Still, she would send up a prayer for him while they were en route.