Chapter Eleven
Chapter Eleven
Benedict paced back and forth at the bottom of the stairs alongside Nathaniel as they waited for Sophie to appear. “Bloody hell, how long does it take a woman to get ready? At this rate, the season will resume before we can get in the carriage to leave town.”
Nathaniel turned away to hide his grin. “I’m certain she will be down before then, sir.”
Benedict was already annoyed. He had grown accustomed to doing everything on his own time, never having to wait or consider anyone else. Now, not only was he having to adjust his lifestyle because of the recent turn of events surrounding his uncle and discovering that he was heir to an old and powerful dukedom, but he was getting little to no sleep, and the fact that he was feeling more and more desire for his bride was beginning to drive him mad.
“I am damn close to leaving her here with you.”
He turned around swiftly when he heard Nathaniel clear his throat loudly behind him. He stopped pacing to watch her gracefully descend the stairs and he had to admit, she was worth the wait. She was wearing a lovely pale blue traveling dress. Her hair was curled and pinned up. She was carrying a white bonnet with a matching blue ribbon in her hands as she came to stand before him.
“You wish to leave me?” she said in a teasing voice.
Benedict was on the verge of apologizing, hell he was about to throw himself at her feet and beg for forgiveness when Nathaniel stepped forward.
“You look very lovely, but if you are to meet the Duke and Duchess of Avanley I suggest you make haste.”
Benedict stood back and watched as Nathaniel helped her with her pelisse. She gave him a sweet smile then surprising them both, she leaned over and gave the older man a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Thank you for being so kind to me, Nathaniel. I look forward to seeing you again very soon.”
The older man blushed before bowing deeply. “It has been my pleasure.”
Kingston stepped out of her way as she swept past him making her way outside to the waiting carriage. A footman assisted her inside while he remained behind staring after her like a lovesick schoolboy.
“You should probably join her unless you are waiting on the start of the next season.”
Benedict narrowed his eyes at the butler’s impertinence. It seemed as if his wife had already won the loyalty and admiration of his uncle’s staff here in London. He wondered how successful she would be with others in the ton.
He followed her out and stepped up inside the carriage to take the bench opposite her facing the front. “We will meet up with Avanley along the road. He had his secretary make arrangements for us to stay at the same posting inn tonight.”
Sophie smiled. “That’s wonderful. I do enjoy spending time with Bella. She has been so sweet to me.”
He looked over and saw she had a book in her hand. “I see you brought something to read with you to pass the time. Did you not wish to play cards with me on this trip?”
Sophie placed the book beside her on the seat. “I thought you might prefer the peace and quiet. I don’t want you to feel as if you must entertain me.”
Inside the enclosed carriage the scent of her perfume drifted to him. It was not harsh or overpowering like some of the women who visited The Lair, it was light but intoxicating at the same time. He found himself wanting to be closer to her. Thoughts of her had plagued him through the night and while he kept telling himself that he should not make things more complicated by seducing her, he really was wicked at heart. And now faced with seeing her again, he decided there was no need to fight it. He moved across the carriage to sit beside her.
“I wonder what would make you think that.”
Sophie watched him carefully; his eyes had darkened, and he was close…too close. “I simply thought that since you spend the majority of your time working at The Lair, and with the added responsibility of the duchy, not to mention your desire to possibly open another gaming establishment in Brighton, the last thing you would want to do would be to entertain me on the long journey there.”
He tilted his head as if he were pondering her words while studying the graceful length of her neck. Then, throwing every precaution to the wind, he swept her up in his arms and onto his lap before she could blink. “I have never been completely comfortable with peace and quiet.”
Sophie was shocked by his behavior. “What are you doing?”
“For heaven’s sake, stop squirming, Sophie, and listen for a minute. I have been thinking about our little arrangement.”
Sophie’s heart began to beat a little faster. “What do you mean?”
Benedict’s smile spread a bit wider. “How many times have you been kissed, Sophie?”
Sophie wiggled in an effort to move off his lap, but he held her tightly. “I don’t see where that is relevant to our arrangement.”
“How many times?”
Sophie sighed heavily. “Why do you want to know?”
“Just answer the question, and then I will tell you why it is relevant.”
“Very well, twice.” Sophie put her hands against him as if trying to put more space between them.
Benedict arched his brows. “Only twice?”
“Yes, you yesterday at our wedding, and when I was sixteen one of Edward’s friends cornered me in the library and kissed me before I could escape.”
Benedict didn’t like that answer. He would like to know the name of the man who had done something so reprehensible to a girl so young.
Sophie rolled her eyes. “Don’t look at me that way. It was just a brief kiss. I managed to get away before anything vile could occur.”
Benedict tapped down the anger he had been feeling and focused on the task at hand. “I have been doing some thinking about our marriage.”
Sophie felt the color leave her face. “Have you changed your mind?”
“On the marriage, no. On the arrangement, yes. I would like to offer an amendment.”
Sophie felt as if she were walking into a trap. “An amendment?”
Benedict let his fingers trail a path along her arm up to her elbow. He felt her shiver as her eyes watched his movements. “Yes, an amendment.” He saw the pulse in her neck and wanted to press his lips against it. “I find you very attractive, Sophie, and I think we could find pleasure together.”
“Pleasure?”
He could tell from the way her body stiffened; that this would not be an easy sale. He leaned closer allowing his nose to nuzzle the skin behind her ear. “Just hear me out. We are married and while we have an agreement that this is a business arrangement, one that is advantageous for both of us, I don’t think there is any reason why we can’t enjoy some of the benefits of our union.” He pulled her closer.
Sophie’s eyes searched his face. “I think you have lost your senses. Put me down and be serious.”
Benedict couldn’t help the wicked grin that spread across his face. “I am very serious, but since you are new to this, we will start very slow. Just a few kisses until you are ready for more, and then I will be happy to oblige. I can show you so much more, Sophie.”
“Kisses?”
“Yes, well, for starters. As I said, there is so much more I want to show you.”
Sophie felt that this had to be some sort of jest. She laughed softly. “You are teasing me.”
“I am most serious, my dear.”
Sophie narrowed her eyes. “But you were so adamant this would be nothing like a true marriage. That adding intimacy to our arrangement would only complicate the relationship between us.”
“I’m not suggesting we make it a true marriage, but you would be na?ve if you didn’t realize that the two of us could benefit in other ways from this alliance. There is much that can occur between a kiss and the marriage bed.” Benedict could see a refusal forming in her mind. “It would not change the initial agreement. I would hold nothing over you, and you could still do as you please, but the pleasure that would come from us giving in to temptation would be most gratifying I assure you.”
Sophie was unsure of the wisdom behind his suggestion, but she had to admit that the curiosity of what happened between a man and a woman when they were married had been in her thoughts. And as they were technically married, what harm could come from a few kisses?
“I’m not certain about this, but I will agree to start with a few kisses, but nothing more.”
Benedict felt as if he had won a small victory. “Not until you wish for more.”
Sophie gave him a teasing grin. “Are you so confident in your abilities? What makes you think I would seek more than kisses from you?”
A deep chuckle escaped his lips. “Darling, let me kiss you, and then you will understand why I am so confident in my abilities. I would venture to say that given time you will definitely want more than kisses… much more.”
Sophie sucked in a deep breath. “Of all the arrogant…” Her words were silenced when his lips crashed over hers. The kiss was possessive at first as if he were staking his claim over her body, then his lips softened against hers. His teeth nipped at her bottom lip, she felt his thumb pull her chin down so her mouth opened, and his tongue swept inside to tangle with hers. Her hands clutched at his arms while he plundered her mouth. She had never been kissed like this before. Then as suddenly as his lips claimed hers, did they move away, and she felt bereft at the loss of their warmth.
“Are we in agreement? Shall we continue?”
Sophie wasn’t sure she could speak but she did manage to nod her head and squeak out a soft, yes in response.
Benedict needed no further encouragement. He leaned forward, placing a hand at the back of her neck, and this time slowly pressed his lips to hers. They were soft and the innocent way in which she moved against him made him want more from her, but he felt that a few kisses would be enough for now. When he broke the kiss, her eyes were still closed, and he took the opportunity to place a kiss on her neck just under her ear.
Sophie’s eyes flew open at the contact. “What are you doing? I thought we agreed on just a few kisses.”
Benedict chuckled as he placed another kiss behind her ear. “Darling, people kiss more than just lips.” To emphasize his point, he leaned down and kissed the exposed skin of her collarbone. “Like here.” Then he took her hand and began placing soft kisses from her wrist up to the inside of her elbow. “And here.” He spun her around so he could kiss the back of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. “There are many other places where a woman likes to be kissed. Would you like to explore those further?”
Sophie blushed, wondering if the other places he was suggesting were in more intimate places, and from the wicked gleam in his eyes, she felt that she was correct in her assumption. “I think that will be enough for now.”
Benedict sighed and placed her back on the seat beside him. “As you wish, but if you change your mind…”
“Why are you doing this? Why are you now playing the rake?”
Benedict’s lips curled up on one side as he reached up to touch her cheek. “I’m not playing a rake; I’m playing your husband. You are so remarkably beautiful, and I find that the more time I spend in your company, the more I desire you. You are an innocent. You have no idea what pleasures await you. I simply want to open your eyes to a new world.” Benedict saw her clutch the edge of her seat. “Let’s just have fun. It will all be up to you. We will play at your leisure. We can explore whatever you wish, whenever you wish it.”
Sophie didn’t know what to say. Was he truly asking her to allow him such liberties with her person, and why did the thought of being in control sound so appealing? Fortunately, she was saved from answering when their carriage came to an abrupt stop.
“We will continue this conversation later, love. Right now, we must have caught up with Avanley.” He pushed back the curtain and indeed saw carriages with the seal of the Duke of Avanley on their side stopped along the road. “Stay here and I will see if there is a problem.”
Sophie watched as he opened the door and climbed out. As soon as she was alone, she scooted over to the window to peek outside. She saw Bella leaving one of the carriages, she immediately opened the door and began walking toward her. Bella saw her and smiled as she grew nearer.
“Sophie, I’m so glad Kingston decided that you should travel with us. Unfortunately, one of the wheels on the carriage became loose and we had to stop to tighten it. We will only be a few more minutes and then we can resume our journey.”
Sophie gripped her friend’s hand. “Oh Bella, the strangest thing just happened!”
Bella immediately became concerned. “Is everything alright?”
“No, … I mean I don’t know. Benedict has made the most improper suggestion to me, and I don’t know what to do.”
Bella took her hand and pulled her out of hearing of anyone. “You had better tell me.”
Sophie recanted what had just occurred in the carriage and from the stunned look on her friend’s face, she was just as shocked as Sophie.
“I don’t know what to do. It is outrageous!”
Bella looked over to see the men talking and leaned a bit closer to Sophie so they wouldn’t be heard. “It is not outrageous.”
Bella laughed at Sophie’s confused face. “I knew Kingston would come around in time. What is outrageous is this business arrangement the two of you are pretending is normal. You are married to the man, and it is only natural that the two of you develop some sort of desire for each other. Benedict is letting you take the reins, and from the looks of him, and the stories of his reputation, I imagine he would be a most capable teacher. You will never make me believe that this marriage will never be a true one, and I feel that Kingston is using the circumstances surrounding your marriage to deny the feelings he is beginning to have for you.”
Sophie’s mouth fell open. “He isn’t suggesting this because he has developed some sort of romantic feelings for me. I think he is just bored, he said we would play at my leisure. There was no mention of love, or that he had developed feelings for me as a husband would for his wife. He emphasized that the arrangement would not change, just simply amended.”
“Oh posh, he doesn’t know what he is saying. Treating a marriage like a business is simply not going to work, and the fact that Kingston already wants to make ‘amendments’ to his absurd plan just goes to show you that he is developing something for you. I think it would be a wise decision for the two of you to expand on your relationship.”
Sophie couldn’t believe her ears. “So, you think this is a good idea?!”
“I would never try to tell you what to do, dear, but if I were you, I would take him up on the offer. You might find that you enjoy it.”
Sophie didn’t have a chance to respond before both Charles and Benedict came to stand beside them.
“The wheel is fixed, and we are ready to depart once again, ladies.”
Sophie took Bella’s hand. “If the two of you would rather ride together so you could discuss things, business, or other pertinent matters, I would be more than happy to ride with Bella and keep her company.”
Charles narrowed his eyes and frowned at Benedict before turning to address Sophie. He reached over and tugged Bella to his side. “I know Kingston can be trying at times, and I understand your reason for seeking an escape from his presence, but I’m afraid my wife and I have other plans. Plans I have been looking forward to since leaving the city.”
Bella blushed as she looked up lovingly at her husband then gave Sophie a wink. “Yes, I am afraid he is right, dear. Perhaps you should heed my advice. It would make the trip much more entertaining.”
Sophie watched as the couple walked back to their carriage, hand in hand, looking adoringly at each other.
“Seeking an escape? Are you that afraid of me, Sophie?”
Sophie pushed aside her embarrassment, straightened her shoulders, and raised her chin a notch higher. “I. Am. Not. Afraid.”
Benedict grinned and arched one eyebrow at her bold statement. “Is that why you tried to run from me?”
She crossed her arms over her chest in a small act of defiance. “I was not running from you. I just thought you would prefer Avanley’s company to mine.” She was startled by his burst of laughter.
“Darling, there is nothing about Avanley that makes me long to spend the day cooped up in a carriage with him. You, on the other hand, offer loads of possibilities.”
Sophie rolled her eyes heavenward and marched back to the waiting carriage. She allowed him to assist her but immediately picked up the book she brought with her and pretended to read.
Benedict grinned at her obstinance but didn’t press the issue. He was confident that she would come around in time.
Sophie had flipped through the pages of her book for the past two hours but couldn’t remember a single word she had read. All she could think about was the suggestion Benedict had made to her and Bella’s assurance that she should consider it. Whatever his reasons were for suggesting it, she had to admit, she was more than a little curious. Did she dare take him up on his offer? Since their previous encounter, she had scarcely dared to glance at him. She gathered her courage and took a peek at him from under her lashes. He was watching her intently wearing that one-sided grin as if he could read every one of the thoughts that had been floating through her head since he first made the ridiculous suggestion.
Sophie slammed her book closed and put it on the seat beside her. “Very well, I agree with you. I think we can benefit from a change in our present relationship, but I would like to clarify some things first.”
Benedict’s smile widened at her pluck. “Of course, please enlighten me as to your wishes.”
Sophie took a deep breath. “First off, I will be the one who requests these lessons and the one to say when enough is enough.”
Benedict tilted his head to the side. “Lessons?”
“Yes, lessons. Don’t you think that is an appropriate term for what we are doing? There is to be no romantic attachment, only pleasure. Since you are obviously the one with the experience, you will be the instructor.”
Benedict leaned closer to her. “So, these are to be lessons in wickedness and seduction? I must admit I like the sound of that.”
Sophie felt her throat getting dry and when her tongue slipped out between her lips to wet them, she saw his eyes narrow as he watched her. “Yes, as you pointed out, I am inexperienced and if one day I do find myself in a situation to…. benefit from what you teach me, I would want to be prepared.”
Benedict leaned back against the cushions and crossed his arms over his chest. Hearing the words come out of her mouth made him tense in anticipation. But was he seriously suggesting and agreeing to teach his innocent little wife everything about passion and lovemaking knowing their marriage would never be a true one? Was he willing to take the chance that she might in the future choose to use what he had taught her and take another man to her bed? Or were these lessons, as she so aptly called them, just an excuse he had conjured up to take what he wanted? The desires that were keeping him awake at night, and the reason he couldn’t sit this close to her, and not touch her in some way, were beginning to override his reason. The thought gave him pause, but only for a minute. Wicked thoughts of how he could have her were swiftly chasing away the small streak of jealousy he was feeling at the possibility that other men may seek to take her to their bed.
“Your terms seem reasonable. I have no doubt that you will be an excellent student.”
Sophie arched her eyebrows. “And let’s hope you will be an adequate teacher.”
Benedict’s fingers itched to touch her and show her that adequate was far from the word she would use to describe his prowess once he had properly seduced her. “When would you like to begin these lessons?”
Sophie surprised him by moving to sit beside him. “I suppose now is as good a time as any. Why don’t we explore kissing further?”
Benedict swiftly moved to place a hand behind her head to pull her toward him.
“No, I don’t want you to just kiss me, teach me. Teach me what I need to know to be good at it. Teach me what you like.”
Benedict paused a few inches from her lips. Her words stoked a fire inside him. “There is nothing better than practice.” He could see that was not going to be accepted. “Very well, when I coerce you to open your mouth, do so tentatively, slowly. Then use your tongue to play with mine. Truly the best way is just to practice.”
Sophie closed her eyes and leaned forward; her lips pursed.
“Don’t pucker, Sophie. It should be natural.”
Sophie’s eyes flew open, and she blew out a frustrated breath. “Perhaps it would be better if I kissed you.”
Benedict held out both arms, intrigued by her boldness. “Do as you please, love. I am at your disposal.”
Sophie leaned closer, putting both hands on either side of his face. She held his eyes for a brief moment before slowly lowering her lips to his. When her tongue lightly tasted his lips, he took his cue and slightly opened his mouth. He was more than a little surprised when Sophie slipped her tongue past his lips. He sensed her hesitance, but he had been correct about her being a good student. She began moving her tongue in unison with his. It was all very simple until her hands moved from his face to his neck and then along the inside of the lapels of his coat. He forced himself to remain still, allowing her to explore, even though she was driving him mad with her touch. She deepened the kiss, and Benedict honestly could not remember a time when he was this on fire for a woman before.
Sophie felt hot all over and empowered. She liked this. When she broke the kiss, she blinked a few times before meeting his eyes. “Well, how was that?”
Benedict felt his heart racing and struggled to catch his breath. “It was remarkably good.”
Sophie’s eyes lit up and her smile widened at his praise. “Thank you, now let’s explore the other places people kiss.”
Before Benedict could even wrap his mind around her words, her head dipped to his neck, and she began feathering kisses behind his ear and along his neck. Needless to say, his cock was beginning to harden painfully.
Sophie switched her position and kissed the skin under his chin before moving to the other side of his neck. Then without warning, she tugged on his earlobe with her teeth.
Benedict nearly jumped from his seat, and Sophie pulled back at his reaction.
“Was that all wrong?”
Benedict did not know how to react. “No….no, it was…it was very good, but I wasn’t expecting for you to know that.”
Sophie grinned and he had the strongest urge to pin her to her back and flip up her skirts.
“When I was younger, I was sneaking about my father’s garden one night when they had a house party. I saw a man do this to a woman and she seemed to enjoy it. I thought you might as well.”
Benedict found himself struggling to catch his breath. “I did enjoy it. I was just not prepared.”
Sophie sat back. “You know I think you were right. This is going to be fun. Would you like to remove your coat so we can continue?”
Somehow the beauty before him had turned the tables on him. “I think that is enough of a lesson for now.”
Sophie’s bottom lip formed the prettiest little pout. “I thought you said that the key was to practice.”
Benedict felt his cravat tightening around his neck. If he let her continue, he just might lose control, and that was very unlike him. “Darling, practice is all well and good. I do believe it is essential, but you must realize that a man can only take so much, and you, my sweet wife, are pushing me toward the ledge.”
He had meant for the words to frighten her, but they had the opposite effect. She seemed empowered and that could prove to be dangerous.
“Well then, now who is frightened?” she replied with a saucy arch of her eyebrow.
Benedict had never been one to back down from a challenge, even if it was to his detriment. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you, minx.”