Page 40 of The Rogue’s Offer

“Very well. Lunch at Rules.” Her acquiescence made him smile with satisfaction.

“I’ll call for you at eleven-thirty.”

Mathias carried her hand up to his mouth to kiss her fingertips. A quiver streaked through her at the caress. She started to turn away then stopped.

“Mathias…I want to thank you.”

“Thank me?” A look of astonishment sent his eyebrows upward. She touched his cheek. Beneath her fingers, his early morning stubble was rough against them.

“Yes. Last night was wonderful. I can never repay you for what you did.” Her expression of gratitude made him narrow his gaze at her.

“Explain.”

“Until last night, I didn’t understand what it was like to feel pleasure. You made me see I wasn’t the woman I believed myself to be. I have you to thank for that.”

At her quiet reply, Mathias pulled her into his arms. His mouth moved gently over hers. It was a kiss of tenderness, and although she didn’t understand why, she suddenly felt like weeping. When he lifted his head, she met his gaze steadily determined not to reveal the feelings he’d stirred in her with the gentle kiss. A strange emotion flashed in his eyes, but it was impossible to determine what he was thinking. He kissed her brow, and turned his head toward the servant who had been standing a discreet distance away.

“See her ladyship to the carriage, Shipton, and make sure Thomas understands he’s to escort her to the back door of her house and see her safely inside.”

“Yes, Mr. Gilchrist.” The man turned and began to walk toward the back of the house. Mathias kissed her with an urgency that surprised her, and he took a quick step back when he released her.

“Go, while I’m still able to let you do so. If I escort you out of the house, there is a high probability I’ll simply keep you from leaving.”

The expression on his face made her think he was contemplating doing just that at the moment. Without giving him the opportunity to act on impulse, she quickly turned and hurried after Shipton. As she walked quickly down the hall, her back burned as she sensed Mathias’s gaze following her. What would he have done if he’d known she had no intention of ever returning? It was a question she didn’t want answered.