Angel in Scarlet (Bound and Determined #4)(46)

“Trust me.” He held out his arm. “Let us walk back to the house. I am sure we have already been observed together and it will do no harm. Which wing are you in? The second door could be one of two.”

“I suppose that is correct. To the left of the stairs. Is that the north wing?”

“Yes, and unfortunately not one I believe I can access through the window. I shall have to consider further.”

“No, the drop is very steep. And with my mother next door, I do not think we would have much fun. I sometimes think she hears if I roll over in my sleep.”

“A lot can be done without making a sound. Sometimes that can add to the fun. Still and quiet. I quite like the image.” He grinned down at her, those crinkles highlighting his smile.

“I am not sure I like that idea.”

“I am sure you will enjoy it. I shall have to demonstrate sometime.”

That made it sound as if he was considering their…their—blast, she had to think of a proper word—dalliance as continuing beyond this week. “What do you call what is between us?”

“I shall ask you to clarify what you mean exactly.”

“What are we doing, having? A dalliance? A relationship? Friendship is not quite right. A…I don’t know enough words.”

“I was actually wondering the same earlier. I suppose we are planning an affair, although we have not reached that status yet—and it remains to be seen whether we shall.” He stopped suddenly and turned to her. “And that makes me realize that there is one important point that we have not yet discussed: Have you changed your views on how far you wish this to proceed?”

—

Colton could see that Angela did not fully understand his question; confusion furrowed her brow. “I don’t—it is my turn to ask for clarification,” she said.

“You have said you were unsure about losing your virginity. How would you feel if I wanted to f*ck you up against that tree?” He paused, adding a wicked note to his tone, deliberately tried to be shocking. He had to make her understand the importance of the question he asked.

“Well, if we did it here and now, I am afraid that would lead to marriage, and there would be very little that either of us could do about it.”

That was true, and he enjoyed the hint of humor he saw lurking in her glance. “Assuming that I could sneak into your room tonight, are you saying that you would spread yourself naked upon your bed and give up your so-precious maidenhead?”

“I…”

“Or do you wish us to stop at some point before that? What are the lines you wish to draw in the sand? Have your views changed?”

“Do you always need to be so deliberately distasteful when you want to me to realize how serious something is?” She placed a hand on each hip. “I admit I am still not sure, although my curiosity grows each day. Can we agree I will do anything but that?”

His cock, which had been twitching and eager for most of their walk, drew to full attention. He found he liked it when she showed spirit—particularly when he knew exactly how he’d like to rein her in. “Anything?” She did not understand what she offered.

“Men.” She threw her hands up in the air and stomped away from him toward the house.

Maybe she understood more than he thought. He’d have to ask just what Ruby had been telling her.

He started to hurry to catch up and then paused, enjoying the sway of her round ass beneath her skirts. There would be plenty of time to talk to her tonight. Lady Perse had quite graciously invited him to dinner. Well, perhaps it had not been exactly graciously.

Still, tonight would be his.

—

“I am so happy to see you.” The voice that spoke from behind was not the one Angela had wished to hear.

She fixed the proper social expression on her face and turned. “Lord Thorton, I had heard you would be here. It is a delight as always.” It was hard to keep calm when she so vividly remembered the last time she had seen him—at Madame Rouge’s. There was no way that he could have recognized her—the hood had been most concealing—but, still, worry and doubt sped her heart.

“No, the delight is all mine, I can assure you. I would admit that I was undecided on whether to attend, until Lady Perse mentioned that you would be gracing us with your charming presence.”

“You flatter as always.”

“Is truth flattery?”

She could not resist the chuckle. “I do not remember you being so charming, Lord Thorton.”

“Let us simply say I have decided it is time I decided to pursue life again.”

Does he mean pursue a wife? Something in his gaze gave her just that impression as it swept up her body, lingering for only the briefest of seconds at the neckline of her gown. For a moment she regretted her choice and longed for something of a more modest cut. She had dressed for Colton and not considered what others would think.

Thorton’s eyes lifted to hers. “And you have always seemed full of life to me, Miss Ripon.”

Not only did he mean to pursue a wife, he meant to pursue her. “I am sure I am no different from any other lady of my age.”

“I am sure that is not true. I have spent the last months observing you and the others in your circle, and I can assure you that you are quite unique. I admit that I was a trifle worried you might be spending too much time with those who might cast a bad influence upon you, but that seems to have changed more recently.”