Lady Sophia's Lover (Bow Street Runners #2)(71)

Drawing back, Sophia tried to look as though she didn’t already know the answer. “Who is it?” she asked unsteadily.

“Nick Gentry.”

Her heart began to pound with uncomfortable force. “Why would he do that?”

“This afternoon I paid a visit to Gentry, to ask him that question. Apparently he had taken an interest in you, and wishes to become your protector in the event that our relationship ends.”

“Oh.” Unable to meet his gaze any longer, Sophia pressed herself against him, hiding her face against his shoulder. Her voice was muffled by his coat. “Did you tell him that would never happen?”

His arm slid around her. “Gentry won’t bother you again, Sophia. I’ll make certain of it.”

If only that were true, she thought miserably, caught in a violent welter of feelings. She was furious at her brother for putting her in this terrible position, yet she still loved him and believed there was goodness in him. She was certain that he was not completely beyond redemption. On the other hand, there was not much to recommend about a man who was willing to blackmail his own sister.

The temptation to confide in Ross was overwhelming, and she bit her lip to contain the words that battled frantically inside her. Only the chilling fear of losing him kept her silent. Trembling from distress and frustration, she leaned harder against his supportive body.

Feeling her shake against him, Ross made a soothing sound. His warm breath feathered the delicate crevices of her ear as he nuzzled her. “You’re not afraid, are you?” His arms surrounded her. “Sweetheart, there’s no reason to be upset. You’re safe.”

“I know,” she said, her teeth chattering. “It’s just that the past few days have been a bit of a strain.”

“You’re tired,” he murmured. “You need a hot brandy, and a relaxing bath, and a night of sleep—”

“I need you.” Sophia grasped his collar and tugged his head down, straining hungrily to reach his lips.

At first Ross was reluctant, returning her kiss with restraint. “Easy,” he whispered when their mouths parted. “You don’t want this right now—”

She crushed her lips against his, pushed her tongue into the dark sweetness of his mouth, until his resistance crumbled and he began to breathe harshly.

“This is what I want,” she whispered, pulling his hand to her breast. “Please. Don’t deny me, Ross.”

With objections still poised on his lips, he cradled the weight of her breast and bent his head to kiss her throat. Rapidly his concern was replaced by desire. A groan of pure lust escaped him, and he reached down to clamp her bottom in his hands. He lifted her onto the top of the file drawers, his mouth continuing to devour hers. Sophia sat and parted her stocking-clad legs with shameful eagerness, allowing him to stand between them.

“We can’t do this here,” Ross muttered, his hand searching inside the rustling mass of her skirts. “If a clerk should walk in and see—”

“I don’t care.” She pulled his head to hers again.

Their mouths meshed and clung until they were both robbed of breath. Sophia moaned as his fingers slid past the slit of her drawers, gently fondling her moistening flesh. “I want you,” she gasped, her hand descending to press on his.

“Sophia…” Ross ground out the word against the side of her neck. “Let’s go to my room…”

“Now,” she insisted. Greedily she fumbled with the front of his trousers to free his straining erection.

Abandoning all attempts to dissuade her, Ross helped her with a muffled laugh. “Insatiable minx,” he accused, sliding her h*ps to the edge of the cabinet. He entered her in a smooth, deep plunge that made her gasp. “There… will this satisfy you?”

“Yes. Yes…” She leaned back helplessly against his arm.

Supporting her back and bu**ocks, Ross lifted her completely off the cabinet, keeping her fully impaled. He brought her to the door and pinned her against it, allowing her legs to dangle helplessly on either side of his hips. Sophia moaned as he thrust at exactly the right angle, stroking inside her, rubbing against the most sensitive part of her sex.

“Sophia,” he growled, his rhythm unceasing, “I want an answer now.”

Panting, she stared at him in bewilderment. “An answer?”

“I want you to say you’ll marry me.”

“Oh, Ross… not now. I want to think some more.”

“Now,” he insisted, suddenly holding still inside her. “Do you want me? A simple yes or no will suffice.”

She clutched at his shoulders while her body throbbed with longing. “Don’t stop. Don’t.”

His brilliant gray eyes stared into hers as he resumed his thrusting at a torturously slow pace… the deep, prolonged drives that he knew would drive her mad. “Yes or no?”

“I won’t answer that question now,” she said, writhing uncontrollably. “You will have to wait.”

“Then so will you.” His mouth caught hers in a hard, wet kiss. “We’ll wait just like this,” he whispered. “And I vow, Sophia, that your toes are not going to touch the floor until I have my answer.” He rocked against her gently, his sex penetrating even deeper than before.

A sob rose in her throat. She was so close, her body primed for release, her emotions strained beyond bearing. Nothing mattered but him. In one reckless, greedy, soul-anguished moment, she chose what she wanted most. Her mouth moved against his, pressing a silent word to his lips.