The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Heart of Enquiry Book 6)(54)

“I understand,” he said.

“You do?” Her brow pleated. “You’re not… disappointed with me?”

“You’ve never lied about your priorities, sunshine. I respect that.” He cupped her cheek, running his thumb along her lower lip. “And I’m willing to accommodate your needs—as long as you’re willing to accommodate mine.”

“What are your, um, needs?” The dimness didn’t hide her blush.

“I plan to have you, Primrose,” he said huskily, “as often and in as many creative ways as possible. We’re going to explore this passion between us, and when we’re together, I expect you to hold nothing back. You’ll give yourself to me, and, in return, I’ll show you pleasure you’ve never even dreamt of. All of this, I’ll do with discretion.”

A breath puffed from her lips, her pupils dilating. Hell, he could see how his words aroused her. His cockstand butted against his smalls.

“You’d do that for me?” she said.

“Upon my honor. And I should think I’ve earned your trust.” He waggled his brows. “You’ll recall I took pains to protect you from unwanted consequences tonight.”

She looked confused. “By taking me home, you mean?”

Christ, it was easy to forget just how na?ve she was. How much she hid behind that willful, worldly fa?ade of hers. How, underneath her self-proclaimed wickedness, lay an astonishingly innocent heart.

“That’s not what I meant, but I’ll explain later,” he murmured. “In the meantime, you have my promise that I’ll safeguard your well-being and your reputation.”

“Thank you.” Her voice was soft. “So we have an understanding? That it’s, um, just sex between us?”

“I didn’t say it’s just sex for me,” he said evenly. “I will have no expectations, however, when it comes to marriage.”

“Oh.” Emotions flashed across her exquisite features: fear and longing, a welter of others.

He leaned over to kiss her before her thinking confused matters unnecessarily.

Her palms pushed against his shoulders. “There’s one more thing.”

Give the chit an inch… He arched a brow.

“Given all my demands, I know I don’t have a right to ask this too… but I’m going to anyway.” She drew a breath. “During the course of our affair, I’d very much appreciate it if you didn’t have any lovers. Other than me, that is.”

Her request took him by surprise. Not the fact that she was possessive—he’d gleaned that early on and, indeed, relished it—but the fact that she thought an arrangement other than monogamy was possible between them. That she believed she would warrant anything less than his full commitment.

“I don’t share what’s mine,” he said unequivocally. “I wouldn’t expect you to either.”

“I’m so glad.” Relief shone in her eyes. “I feel very strongly about the issue.”

“Primrose, the fact that circumstances rule out marriage doesn’t lessen what is between us,” he said, studying her intently. “When I say I intend for us to explore the desire between us, I’m not referring to a meaningless tumble. I expect you to share not just your body with me but your mind and spirit as well.”

She hesitated. “And you’ll give me the same in return?”

“I’m going to give you more than I’ve given any woman,” he said huskily.

“Oh, that sounds lovely,” she breathed.

His lips twitched. He chucked her beneath the chin. “Greedy chit.”

“You don’t mind.” She dimpled at him. “When will I see you again?”

“I’ll make the arrangements. You’ll not risk your neck like you did tonight,” he said sternly.

“No one saw—”

“It’s more than that. My trade can be a dangerous one, and at present I’m at odds with a cutthroat. I don’t want you caught in the crossfire. You’ll wait until I can arrange a safe time and place for us to meet again.”

“A cutthroat?” Her eyes rounded. “Never mind my safety, what about yours?”

“Fret not,” he murmured, “I’ve survived worse than the likes of Malcolm Todd. But I’ll rest easier knowing that you’re not taking unnecessary risks.”

She chewed on her lip. “I have a suggestion.”

“While you’ve many talents, sweetheart, I doubt managing cutthroats is one of them.”

“Not about that, silly. About where we could meet.” Her gaze dropped to her hands, which were smoothing out her skirts. “In addition to the money, Daltry left me some properties, including a small house on Curzon Street. I was thinking of moving in—at least temporarily, until I figure out my future. I’ve been a burden on Polly and Revelstoke, and returning to my parents’ house doesn’t feel right either.”

“You should do what is best for you,” he said. “I’ll arrange our rendezvous regardless—that you can count on.”

“I think I’d prefer to be independent. I’m ready for the privacy of my own household.”

“Then you should have it.”

“I hope Mama and Papa agree with you. They still treat me as if I’m a little girl, incapable of making my own decisions. They’ll think this is just another of my harebrained schemes.”