Pursued By The Viscount by Carole Mortimer Page A

usual, as if nothing had happened.”
    “Nothing has happened. With his disappearance, I am left even more in the dark, not knowing what to do for the best.”
    “In those circumstances, the best thing is to do nothing.” He replaced the cup on the tray before crossing the room to stand beside her as he took both her hands in his. “You must believe that I will put an end to this situation for you. Sooner rather than later,” he added grimly.
    “I feel as if I have the sword of Damocles hanging over my head, not knowing what Stanforth will do next.”
    “I will not allow him to harm you or your reputation.”
    Rachel believed him. How could she not? He was the arrogant Lucien Brooke, the aristocratic Viscount Brooketon.
    “Now could we get back to the subject as to why I have been in torment since we parted last night?” He eyed her wistfully.
    Some of her tension left her as she gave a throaty chuckle. “You are incorrigible.”
    “I am in dire need of release, which is not the same thing at all.” He lowered one of her hands and placed it against the front of his pantaloons.
    Rachel loved the feeling of power Lucien’s arousal gave her. Oh, not power over him, never that. It was only that, after her marriage to James and now the ridiculous muddle she had got herself into with Stanforth, it was exhilarating to know she had the ability to arouse a man such as Brooketon. That a gentleman who could have any woman he wished with only a snap of his elegant fingers so obviously wanted her.
    “All banter aside, Rachel,” he said huskily, “I apologize for last night. I had meant to amuse you, to tease and play, but I took it too far. Will you forgive me?”
    She raised one eyebrow. “I do not see you on your knees, my lord?”
    His eyes warmed as a slow smile curved his lips. “Perhaps you would be more comfortable sitting down while I make my apology?”
    Rachel grimaced. “Sitting down is not at all comfortable for me today.”
    He frowned his concern. “Did I hurt you?”
    “Nothing I am sure a suitable apology will not…cure.”
    “Then I will ensure it is very suitable, indeed.”
    A delicious shiver ran the length of her spine at the sensual promise she could see in Lucien’s darkened gaze. “Perhaps I might be more comfortable lying on my bed?” She had already broken so many rules of Society with this man, accompanying him alone to a ball and then the theatre, what did it matter if she added one more to the ever-growing list?
    “I think that to be an excellent idea,” he accepted.
    Rachel was less certain of her suggestion once the two of them were in her bedchamber. She and James had stayed together at Shaw House whenever they were in Town. Her bedchamber, despite having been redecorated and the furniture changed since James’s death, still reminded her of those nights he had come to her bedchamber and—
    “We will replace them with happy memories.” Lucien grasped her arms as he gazed deeply into her eyes. “Do you trust me, Rachel?”
    “With my life,” she answered without hesitation.
    Blue eyes glittered his approval. “Then trust me in this too.”
    “Yes…” If anyone could rid her of those horrible memories of James, then it would be Lucien.
    She offered no resistance as he sat her on the side of her bed to remove her slippers and then assisted her in sitting back against the pile of pillows at the top of the bed. She eyed him warily as he then moved to the bottom of the bed, his movements predatory as he crawled toward her on hands and knees. His gaze held hers captive the whole time.
    “I apologize most sincerely for causing you even a moment’s discomfort.” He knelt at her feet.
    Rachel’s breath caught in her throat as she watched him lower his head and kiss the hem of her gown, then inside first one ankle followed by the other. He then proceeded to push her gown up as he kissed his way up to her calves, her knees, her thighs, her—
    “No drawers,” Lucien noted with