The Gentleman Who Loved Me (Heart of Enquiry Book 6)(72)
“Shut your mouth, Fanny,” he growled, “and be on your way.”
The menace in his tone finally sunk in; his employee flounced off.
The minute he closed the door, Primrose rounded on him. “Are you sleeping with her?”
“I’ve already told you the answer to that,” he said curtly.
“Have you slept with her?”
“For Christ’s sake, no.” Striving for patience, he raked a hand through his hair. “I do not have sexual affairs with my employees. Ever.”
“What is this nursery, then?”
Seeing the suspicion in her eyes, he realized there’d be no peace until she had her answers. Stubborn chit.
“Although I encourage the use of contraceptive measures in the club, accidents still happen. The Nursery House is a new initiative of mine, a place where wenches can go to deliver their babes safely. Fanny is helping me with the project.”
“Oh.” Primrose’s lashes fanned. “So that is all you and Fanny are doing together—working?”
“Yes. Now I’ve explained the situation to you, and I expect you to let it alone.”
She drew in a breath, and he prepared for further argument.
What he didn’t do was brace himself for her to rush pell-mell into him. His torso rocked back as he absorbed the shock of her embrace. Her arms locked around his waist.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice was muffled against his waistcoat. “I don’t mean to act like a jealous fishwife. I just don’t want you wanting anyone but me.”
His arms closed around her. “I only want you, Primrose.”
She tipped her head back, and he was startled to see the moisture gleaming in her eyes. “Truly?” Her voice hitched. “Even though I’m petty and shallow and act without thinking?”
“Sweetheart, you’re not petty or shallow, but you do have to learn to trust me.”
“I do trust you.” Vulnerability shadowed her fine features. “I just don’t understand why you like me. When you’re so handsome and worldly and,”—her bottom lip caught beneath her teeth—“you could have someone far more experienced. Who knows how to please you.”
That was what she believed? Her thinking mystified him. At the same time, his heart tumbled helplessly, bruising his chest with tenderness.
“You please me, love.” He tucked a curl behind her ear. “More than anyone I’ve been with.”
“Even if I’m a… green chit in the bedchamber?” Her gaze searched his.
“I like that you’re inexperienced,” he said quietly, “that I’m the only one who has the privilege of making love to you. I get to explore your desires with you. Me—and no one else. I’ve never had that before, never felt possessive over anyone before you.” He trailed his thumbs down her neck, loving her shiver of awareness, loving everything that she gave him. “You belong to me completely, Primrose, and that is the finest gift any woman has ever given me.”
“I’m so glad.” Her eyes shimmered. “Because you have given me so much.”
He was tempted to kiss her again. But if he started, he wouldn’t want to stop—and he didn’t want to spoil what he had planned for her.
“Since that’s settled,” he murmured, “let’s get to your surprise, shall we?”
She blinked, as if she’d forgotten all about it. Then she wrinkled her nose. “You mean that delightful exchange with Fanny wasn’t it?”
“Minx. You’re going to enjoy what I have planned far more.” He took her hand, his blood quickening. “We both are.”
~~~
Rosie’s hand trembled in Andrew’s large one as they ascended a private stairway to the top of the club. Her excitement mounted with each step, her nipples puckering against the silk robe he’d provided for her. She was nude beneath the fine gold fabric embroidered with peonies, as was he beneath his black robe, a silver dragon breathing fire across his broad back. The fact that they were traipsing through a pleasure house practically naked was undoubtedly wanton—and yet there was something strangely right about it too.
She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but it had to do with having her hand in his. With seeking out adventure together. With Andrew by her side, she felt brave and strong, like an explorer ready to chart a new world.
They arrived at the top of the steps, where a closed door waited.
Andrew unlocked it. “Ladies first,” he murmured.
She stepped inside, her eyes widening at the sumptuous chamber, her slippers sinking into the thick ruby Aubusson. The walls were papered in soft gold silk, a gilt and crystal chandelier showering sparkles through the intimate dimness. A large tester bed occupied the back of the room, a wide red divan the front. Oddly positioned, the divan faced a blank wall.
Andrew came up behind her. His warm breath caressed her ear. “Like it?”
Desire tremored through her. “It’s very luxurious,” she managed.
He led her over to the divan, sitting first and pulling her onto his lap. With only the thin silk between them, the granite ridge of his cock pressed against her, making her squirm.
A smile lurked in his eyes. “One of these days, love, I’ll teach you the pleasures of waiting.”
“I have been patient. And I adore my surprise,” she said, playing with the lapel of his robe, “so can’t we please get on with things?”