Chapter 13
Chapter thirteen
Now that Eric had experienced Juliet in his arms—soft and feminine and eagerly rising onto her toes while pressing her lips against his—spending the rest of his life abstaining from this particular member of the fairer sex would be impossible.
Eric concluded that he no longer wanted to be celibate.
He'd given up intimacy in search of some noble cause for far too long.
Perhaps denying himself had been an overreaction because he was nothing like the depraved men who abused women.
He had always desired to protect the innocent, not hurt them.
He suspected Juliet’s inadvertent touches were healing his scarred soul because, for the first time in forever, he wanted to welcome light and love into his heart.
So much about his life had not made sense, but this woman provided clarity.
She was a shroud of sweet innocence, distracting him from his tragic past, so no wonder he was drawn to her.
Craved her so much that he could no longer think straight.
Needed to kiss her until they both saw stars.
He might not be a virgin, but he certainly wasn’t practiced in lovemaking. Oddly, he wasn’t worried because what he lacked in experience, he would make up for with passion. So help him God, he would do his damnedest to ensure she enjoyed every second with him.
His racing heart thudded against his chest as he captured her honeyed sigh in his mouth.
Experimenting with pressure, he brushed his lips over hers.
Although pleasant, his feather-light lips on hers only made him want more.
Cradling her jaw, he firmly pressed his mouth to hers.
In his non-expert opinion, this was also rather nice.
He pulled her to him, and his kisses turned demanding.
Now, this was beyond wonderful. He could do this forever.
She imitated him with fervor. Hopefully, this was a sign that she liked what he was doing, because he adored every little thing she did, especially her little mewls of pleasure.
He broke from their kiss to rest his lips against her ear. He needed to say her name to remind himself that this was indeed real.
“Juliet,” he whispered.
“Eric,” she whispered back.
Oh, how he liked the way she almost purred and her voice turned sultry when she said his given name. So much so that his skin heated, then tingled.
He again tilted his head and slanted his lips over hers. Juliet was all sensual sounds and soft lips.
He caught her bottom lip between his teeth and nibbled.
She melted against him.
Using the tip of his tongue, he parted her lips, swept into her mouth, and explored.
She answered by threading her fingers through his hair and touching her tongue to his.
Soon their tongues engaged in a sensual dance, tapping and tangling.
Every time she tugged on his hair, he became increasingly lightheaded.
Her breathing grew ever more labored, and her little sighs of pleasure came more often.
He peppered kisses down her neck to her collarbone, halting to bury his face in the crook of her neck.
There, he lost himself in her intoxicating lilac scent.
This is where he wanted to stay forever.
Well, most of him. His aching cock had a mind of its own, poking her belly and rudely demanding to be embedded deep inside her.
Hell’s thunder. He needed to get hold of himself. Someone might walk in on them at any moment.
Eric pulled from their kiss to rest his forehead against hers. His lips lingered near her mouth. Sharing the same air, they both fought to catch their breath.
“We should go find the others,” Eric said, in between his panting. If not, he would do something daring, like dip his fingers into her bodice to search for her nipples.
“Mm-hmm.”
She may have murmured her agreement, but her eyes were glazed over as if she were intoxicated. If Eric let go of her, he doubted her legs would hold her up. This posed a dangerous problem because if he didn’t move her along, he’d be fondling her within moments.
“Juliet,” he said, attempting to bring her back from her kiss-induced stupor.
She blinked, and then her pupils focused.
“I suspect our hosts are wondering where we are,” he said. “I believe they are still in the drawing room.”
She nodded.
Gathering her shoes, he placed them in front of her. She stared at them for so long, he thought he might have to bend down and slide them onto her feet. Not that he minded in the least.
At last, frowning, she shoved her feet into them. The slippers were most likely Emily’s since they appeared to be too small.
“Did you choose a book for tonight?” he asked. Hopefully, not the scandalous one that had fallen from the sky and bonked his forehead.
“Yes.” She pointed at the desk.
Since she still seemed to be in a daze, he retrieved her book and handed it to her. She hugged it to her chest with a forearm.
He entwined his roughened digits with her delicate fingers and guided her to the exit. Reluctantly, he dropped her hand to open the door and peer into the hallway. Relief coursed through him. The corridor was empty, so no one would see her leave.
“You go on ahead of me.” He moved aside and extended his palm.
Nibbling on her lip, she peered up at him. Then, to his surprise, she popped onto her toes and kissed him on the lips. One firm, glorious peck. Before he had time to react, she stepped back and slipped into the hallway.
For the second evening in a row, Eric sat at the long dining table in awe of the extravagance surrounding him.
The crystal goblets sparkled like diamonds beneath the flickering chandelier.
The silver platters held duck, fish, and every imaginable vegetable.
Even the ruby-colored serviettes were elegant and soft.
Seeming to enjoy the lively discourse, the marquess chuckled a lot. At one point, Emily filled their patriarch in on the details of their afternoon constitutional. Despite wanting to focus on the conversation, Eric struggled because the beautiful woman across from him consumed his thoughts.
Juliet barely ate. Occasionally, a subtle smile played across her lips. Every time she caught Eric watching her, she colored up and quickly looked away. Perhaps she was recalling their intimate moments with fondness. Lord knows, he certainly was.
Hopefully, nobody noticed her kiss-swollen lips or gave the waves escaping from her coiffure a second thought. Next time, he’d take care not to muss her hair before dinner. After dinner, all bets were off.
Next time. What sweet words. He’d count the minutes until then because he was addicted to Juliet and her soothing touch. The way she’d clung to him when she’d landed in his arms. The feel of her lips on his. Her fingers interlocked with his when they’d held hands.
Not only was she taken with Knight Roamer, but she also seemed to be attracted to the real him.
When she found out the two men who had kissed her were one and the same, would she feel betrayed?
She had every right to feel that way. Even if this was the unfortunate consequence, he still owed her honesty.
However, this was not the time for complete disclosure.
First, he would protect her from Riley. She also needed to repair her relationship with her parents.
Once she felt safe, and if she were still interested in knowing him, he would share his past and perhaps his secret identity.
Even then, he must take care not to dim her sunshine with his thunder clouds.
“Mr. Stone, Juliet,” Emily said. “Shall we relocate to the drawing room for brandy and books?”
Eric considered taking one last bite and balked.
He was quite full. If he continued to shove food into his mouth at this rate, he’d end up lumbering around the ring like an overfed bull.
If only there was some way to keep in fighting shape while surrounded by the prodigious amounts of fine food served at Chesterhill Manor.
Bed sport might work.
“That would be delightful,” Juliet said.
He knew damn well Juliet was referring to books and brandy, and yet, for a second, he allowed himself to pretend she’d meant that bed sport would be delightful. He stifled his moan and shifted in his seat.
“I believe Juliet left the book in the drawing room,” Emily said.
Juliet nodded.
“Then let us be on our way,” Lord Chesterhill said.
Footmen pulled out their chairs as they all stood. No matter how much money Eric was gifted, he’d never make someone pull out his chair. Or help him into his small clothes. However, he might love to have a cook as fine as either Mrs. Paulson or the Chesterhill’s chef.
Their arms linked, Juliet and Emily walked ahead of the men.
Alexander clapped Eric on the back. “It does my heart good to see my wife so happy. She misses Juliet and Maria, their younger sister, so much.”
Eric simply nodded. Acknowledging that the ladies’ loving relationship also warmed his heart might betray his intense feelings for Juliet. Since he wanted to know about everything that was important to Juliet, he also made a mental note to ask her about Maria.
Once they reached the drawing room, Alexander poured brandy, and they arranged themselves in front of the hearth. Eric relaxed in the wingback he’d occupied the previous evening.
Frowning down at her feet, Juliet discarded her shoes. She sat on the settee beside her sister. Curling her long legs beneath her, she worried her lip. “I hope you all enjoy the book I chose.”
“Of course, we will,” Emily said. “I love Fanny Burney.”
“How wonderful,” Juliet said. “I was worried because…Well…”
“I know you well enough to know what you are thinking.” Emily clasped her hand. “Would you stop fretting that your choice is not intellectual enough for Alexander and me, because that is absolute balderdash?”
“Well, you are the smart daughter.” There was no judgment in Juliet’s tone, only sadness.
How could a woman as wonderful as Juliet ever feel less than? The very notion made Eric want to scream.
“But you are the beautiful daughter, and that is even better.” Emily sighed.
“Forgive me for saying so, but sometimes your parents are bloody beastly,” Alexander said. “Especially your mother. You are both beautiful and intelligent.”
Emily smiled at her husband.
“And Burney is insightful and quite humorous,” he added. “I enjoyed reading her body of work.”
Juliet’s shoulders relaxed, and then she beamed.
How could any parent ever make either of these remarkable women feel ashamed of who they were? Eric wasn’t sure he favored Baron and Baroness Coldpepper.
“Is everyone ready?” Alexander asked.
“Yes,” the ladies called out enthusiastically.
Alexander opened the book. He cleared his throat, then read, “Peace to the spirits of my honored parents, respected be their remains, and immortalized their virtues…”
Eric had never before had someone read a novel to him, and surprisingly, he was quickly absorbed in the heroine’s story. He placed his drink on a side table. Leaning his head against the back of the chair, he closed his eyes and pricked up his ears.
Eventually, Alexander’s voice became strained. Emily stepped in and took over the narration. All the while, Eric attentively listened until a prickle traveled up his spine. His fighting instincts kicked in. Someone was watching him.
He opened his eyes and perused the room. Lord Chesterhill’s head lolled to the side. He appeared to be sound asleep. Emily was focused on the book, and Alexander was focused on his wife. And Juliet Coldpepper? She was staring at him. She didn’t even try to hide it.
Her scorching gaze slid to his lips. Was that desire he saw in her hazel eyes? Perhaps it was, since she licked her top lip.
Even from where he sat, he could see her breath hitch and her chest expand.
She lifted her gaze to look into his eyes, piercing him with an invisible arrow formed from need.
There was no doubt in his mind that Juliet was aroused.
Her palpable desire ensconced him, sending a bolt to his heart that journeyed downward.
Hell’s thunder. His cock snapped to attention. Sitting in the drawing room with his new family while a cockstand throbbed in his trousers would not do. He crossed one leg over his lap, hoping to hide his randy state.
Juliet sighed. Loudly.
Yawning, Emily closed the book. “I am quite tired.”
Alexander stretched his arms to the ceiling. “As am I.” He strolled to their father and patted his shoulder. “Father.”
Chesterhill awoke with a snort.
“You fell asleep,” Alexander said.
“Horsefeathers,” Chesterhill said. “To the devil with aging.”
“’Tis better than not having a chance to grow old,” Emily said.
Eric wholeheartedly agreed. He’d do anything to have his mother in his life. Her gray hair, wrinkles, and any untimely cat naps would all be welcomed and cherished.
“True,” Chesterhill said.
“Come, Juliet.” Emily tugged Juliet’s hand. “I will walk you to your chamber.”
Juliet remained seated, and for a second, Eric thought she might stay right where she was.
If only the two of them could remain in the drawing room, alone.
Sadly, Juliet stood and picked up her slippers.
Linking arms, the sisters headed toward the door.
Before Juliet disappeared into the hallway, she peered over her shoulder and smiled at Eric.
He did the most ridiculous thing ever. He sent her a finger wave.
From behind him, Chesterhill chuckled, and Eric suspected he whispered, “Young love,” under his breath.