Wellington. Then again, I also wasn’t supposed to be the earl.”
“She is widowed now and almost out of mourning.”
Ainsley closed his eyes and shook his head. “She would never have me.”
“I am sorry to hear that, my lord. You are a fine gentleman.”
His lips tilted upward. “Goodnight, Miss Drake.”
“Goodnight, my lord.”
She waited for a moment to let him get to his room without her trailing behind. Now she was sure that she had to leave and avoid Kingsley at all costs, even if that meant not visiting her sister as often. At least until she found a way to overcome this mad attraction to him. Once she returned to town, she wouldn’t see him much at all, and that would give her time to find another man, a better man, by which to be tempted.
Realizing Ainsley must have reached his bedchamber by now, she took a step toward the door and then stopped abruptly. “What are you doing down here?”
Leaning against the doorframe, Kingsley alluded sensuality with a knowing smile on his dark face. “Did you enjoy Ainsley’s kiss as much as mine?”
There was a tightness to his voice as if he were trying to hide his anger or jealousy. It sent a sliver of apprehension down her body, but Emma was not about to back down. “Yes, it was a lovely kiss that made my toes curl.”
“Did it now?” He tilted his head until it rested against the doorframe. “You are a terrible liar, Miss Drake.”
“Or perhaps you are not as good of a kisser as you believe.” Blast! Why had she blurted that out? She knew he couldn’t resist a dare.
He smiled fully, revealing a row of straight white teeth. He took one step into the room and closed the door behind him. “I believe there is only one way to determine who is right in this matter.”
“There is no need for that. I am tired and wish to retire.”
“By all means,” he said, still standing in front of the door.
She stiffened her spine, picked up the candle, and took five steps to the door until she stood next to him. “Please be a gentleman and remove yourself from the doorway.”
“When have I ever professed to be a gentleman?” He leaned toward the candle and blew it out, plunging the room into darkness.
“Mr. Kingsley, I insist—”
A demanding kiss cut off her words. Simon spun her around until her back touched the wood door, trapping her against his hard body. The candlestick fell to the ground with a loud clink. The darkness of the room sent her imagination soaring. She wondered why she thought she felt his hand cup her breast. He would never do such a thing, would he?
“Did he touch you like this?” Kingsley asked as his thumb rolled over the tip of her breast until it peaked under his ministration.
“No, unlike you, Ainsley is a gentleman.” How did she manage to get those words out when driving her to madness with his thumb?
“Pity that,” he said before moving his lips down her neck. His tongue skimmed against her collarbone.
She twisted slightly, rubbing against the hard bulge at her belly. Hearing his moan, she stilled her movements, not wanting to encourage his scandalous behavior. He moved back to her lips, pressing hot kisses until she couldn’t help but return them. When his tongue slashed against hers, her belly clenched, and moisture dampened her folds. She couldn’t want him. She could not.
His large hand slipped between the robe and the fine linen of her night rail. Now she could feel the warmth of his skin through the thin fabric, which caused her to tremble with need as he tweaked her breast. With the slight pulling sensation on her nipple, she arched her back, desperate for more, even knowing she shouldn’t want him.
The darkness surrounding them seemed to amplify the sensation of his hand on her breast, his lips trailing hot kisses down her neck. He split open the folds of her robe, and his tongue brushed against her taut nipple until she moaned.
“Kingsley,” she cried as he brought her linen-covered nub into the warm moist recesses of his mouth.
He groaned and pressed himself against her. In a sudden movement, he moved away from her. Cool air rushed over her heated body as he left her.
“Go to bed, Emma,” he rasped. “Now.”
Fearing the urgency she heard in his voice, she reached around for the door handle, struggling to find it. Once she had it, she raced from the room,