Chapter Nine

Caleb struggled to keep his expression blank as her words sent a shock of desire blazing through him once again.

He never would have guessed that such a missish woman would have the courage or even want to blurt out such a thing. And it was all the more tempting because of that.

He was a base enough creature to admit that the idea of taking someone so pure, so clearly innocent and seducing her was irresistibly enticing.

“Are you indeed?” he managed to speak coolly enough.

Well used to widows and bored ton wives wanting to dance a little with the devil, Caleb wasn’t entirely certain that the nervous creature in front of him meant to follow through on her claims.

There was no doubt that she thought she wanted it. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be here. But he knew enough about the fairer sex, and particularly ladies of Quality who spent their lives hidden away from men until they were thrust into their paths, simpering and virginal, to know that when it came down to it, the idea of a sexual adventure was more often than not more palatable than actually having one.

And for reasons he didn’t fully comprehend, Caleb knew he’d be disappointed if she were to change her mind and walk away from him.

So, he needed to be sure. More importantly, she needed to be sure.

Caleb enjoyed women who enjoyed his bed. Who were equal partners, if not in experience then at least in passion.

He was fairly confident there was a creature of great passion hiding beneath the tightly wound surface of the woman before him. A creature he was dying to release.

“I am,” she answered boldly, her silver eyes flashing with something he didn’t recognise. Not fear. But not quite the desire he’d like. Determination was closer to what he saw in their molten depths.

“What’s your name?” he asked suddenly.

“I – I’d rather not say,” she sniffed, and he couldn’t contain a grin at her piety.

She’d give him her virginity but not her name? Singular. But all the more intriguing for it.

“Then you have me at a disadvantage,” he drawled. “For you know who I am.”

She snorted in the most unladylike way.

“Everyone knows who you are, my lord. It hardly signifies,” she scoffed.

Again, amusement bubbled up inside him, and Caleb realised with a start that he was enjoying himself. Immensely, and while fully clothed. A novelty to be sure.

“My reputation precedes me then,” he answered, watching her face.

To his delight, she met his gaze head on, her cheeks only slightly flushed.

“I wouldn’t be here if it didn’t,” she answered boldly, her words causing every part of him to jump to immediate attention.

Christ! If this kept up, he wouldn’t last more than a few minutes with the lady.

“So, you’re in the market for some corruption then? No husband at home to tend to your – ah – needs?”

He watched the blush bloom further across her cheeks, long thick lashes blinking rapidly over her silver eyes.

“No, no husband at home, nor will there ever be.”

She spoke in such a brusque manner that Caleb had the distinct impression he was in trouble. Strange that he should find the idea oddly stirring, but then everything about this was strange.

“But I have realised that shouldn’t mean that I should miss out on certain – experiences. ”

Pausing for a moment, she shrugged.

“At least, I assume it’s one I don’t want to miss out on. Frankly, I doubt very much that it’s worth the problems it causes but, well, I thought I might as well see what the fuss is about. Assuming, of course, that when you mentioned living a little, you actually meant – well – “

“Making love to you [JS12] ?” Caleb offered helpfully when she looked to be floundering.

Her eyes widened even more, the silver startling against the blackness of her hair.

“Um, yes?” she still didn’t sound sure enough for Caleb to be fully satisfied, but then she took a deep breath, looked him dead in the eye, and spoke decisively enough to convince him. “Yes. That.”

He couldn’t contain his grin as he finally allowed himself to think of all the ways he was about to help her live.

“Damn right, that’s what I meant,” he rasped before reaching out and pulling her to him.

Her neck tilted back naturally, given the disparity in their heights, and Caleb took one, brief moment of delight when the desire he’d wanted flared to life in her eyes before he dipped his head to begin all that delicious living.