Tutoring Miss Molly by Lyn Armstrong

good looks to her. “Are you hungry?”
    She shifted uneasily under the covers. “I should go.”
    “Why?”
    Molly swallowed and shifted her hair off her face. “I don’t think we should—”
    “Are you hungry?”
    “Well, yes. But—”
    “Then have something to eat. If you want to leave afterwards, then by all means you may.” He leaned over and kissed her nose. “But I will certainly try to change your mind.”
    Sitting up she studied Devlin’s taut backside as he padded across the thick rug to retrieve the tray outside the door. She sighed. What was the use? She could not fight her heart, her desires and Devlin.
    He returned with the tray and placed it on the bed. He shifted under the covers, chose a bread roll, and waved it under her nose.
    “I love the smell of fresh bread. Don’t you?”
    She nodded.
    Breaking the warm dough in half, he placed a piece in her mouth.
    “Hmm, tastes good,” Molly spoke around the food.
    “I like to watch you eat.” Devlin’s eyes twinkled with appreciation.
    Molly swallowed the lump of dough and covered her mouth, defying the urge to appear self-conscious. “You—you make me feel beautiful.”
    “That is because you are.” He placed his arm around her shoulder and took a bite of a strawberry, then with closed eyes, wearily rested his head against the wooden bed board.
    Peering from the corner of her eyes, Molly took the chance to study his handsome profile. What harm would it do to enjoy his company? Was it so wrong for a courtesan to seek affection after lovemaking? She looked up from the cleft in his chin into his open gray eyes that reflected the glow from the bedside candles. He smiled at her and her heart flipped in response.
    Who would care if she left now or in the morning?
    He was here with her, and she was grateful to have him all to herself for the night. She was in the naked arms of one of the most attractive and sexually accomplished men in the country. Placing a kiss on his lips, her insides hungered for more than fresh bread. “Make love to me again.”
    “Are you not sore?”
    “I will be fine. But if you do not have the stamina …”
    “Sassy vixen,” he chuckled and threw the blankets off her body. He ran the back of his hand between her breasts and over her stomach. “I pledge a solemn vow to make love to you until exhaustion claims us both.”
    Throwing her arms over her head, she replied, “Let’s test your vow.”
    * * * *
    Holding Molly tightly, Devlin watched the redhead in his arms sleep peacefully. She had the appearance of a sated woman who had the world within her grasp. If only it were true. No matter how much they sake their lust, their time together was limited.
    Devlin studied her wild beauty. The fringe from her long lashes cast shadows on her high cheekbones while light-colored freckles added a wholesome appeal. When she had arrived on the first day, he could not even see her freckles from the layer of dust and dirt on her face. Inexperienced and naïve, Molly had a sense of adventure that simmered beneath her virtue. With bold courage, she took initiative and showed uninhibited sexuality as if she had been a courtesan all her life. He had trained her well. So well, other men would bid high for her. Clenching his fist, his chest stiffened at the thought of another man touching her at the mistress auction.
    If only …
    Devlin shook his head. There was no if only for him. Even if he were to escape the marriage contract, he was honor bound to marry another of his noble station.
    Molly whimpered softly in her sleep, and Devlin studied the play of emotions across her face. He gently kissed her forehead, and the wrinkle relaxed between her brows.
    He sighed in frustration, wishing he could easily vanquish the demons in her sleep as he could the lonely days he would face.
    Tomorrow, the mistress auction would take place. If Molly did not become the chosen one, Devlin would have to marry Audrey by spring.
    There was nothing he