Page 5 of The Rogue’s Offer

“I did not consider the details of any arrangement we might make.”

“Then I suggest we come to an agreement on terms that are agreeable to both of us.”

His voice echoed with a hint of satisfaction that set off an alarm in Ophelia’s mind. The man was clever, and she would need to be equally so if she was to emerge from this bargain with Marymont in her possession.

“Name your terms,” she said quietly as she met his gaze with a steadiness that made him narrow his eyes at her.

“In exchange for your home, you will give me one month,” he said as he folded his arms over his chest. “At the end of our month together, your home will be returned to you.”

“And how do I know you’ll return Marymont to me after I surrender myself to your instruction?” At her question, he grew rigid.

“Are you suggesting I won’t honor our agreement, my lady?”

The sharp note in his voice indicated she’d angered him by implying he might fail to respect the bargain they were negotiating. Whether she did or didn’t believe he’d honor any agreement they committed too, it was of no consequence. If she wanted Marymont returned to her, she had little choice but to trust he would uphold his end of the bargain. With a sharp nod, she agreed to his terms.

“One month.” The moment she replied, the earl’s mouth curled in a wicked smile.

“Then let us begin,” the earl said smoothly.

“Here? Now?” she gasped as the distance between them became almost non-existent.

“I think you will find the threat of discovery heightens the senses and the pleasure.”

“You cannot possibly be serious.” With a vehement shake of her head, Ophelia took a quick step backward to open up the space between them. He closed it just as quickly.

“Pleasure always involves the senses, my lady, but there are many forms of pleasure,” he laughed softly. It was a warm whisper across her mouth as he leaned into her. “Anticipation itself can be quite pleasurable.”

“I don’t understand,” she choked out as his head dipped toward her. Her heart skipped a beat as his mouth bypassed her lips to brush across her cheek.

“Tonight, when you’re alone in your bedroom, Ophelia, you’re to undress slowly,” he murmured as his teeth lightly nipped at her ear lobe. “I want you to imagine I’m there watching you. When you’re wearing only your chemise, I want you touch your nipples.”

“Oh dear lord,” she choked out as her gaze locked with his. In a lazy stroke, his finger traced a path along the edge of her bodice. The light touch made Ophelia tremble, and a small smile curved his mouth.

“When you touch your nipples, I want you to imagine I’m there sucking on them. My tongue swirling on your stiff, rigid peaks.” Barely able to breathe, it was impossible to look away from him. His smile became even more wicked.

“Please…this is…”

“You’re experiencing pleasure right now, aren’t you, Ophelia.” The laughter in his voice was mixed with something sinful and tantalizing, and she flicked her tongue out to lick her dry lips.

“Yes,” she barely breathed the word.

“Yes, Mathias.”

“Yes…Mathias.”

“Good,” he said softly as his mouth lightly touched hers, lingering for brief second. “I want you to experience the ache, the need, the desire for my touch. I want you to imagine my mouth on your skin, licking and sucking on you until you shatter in my arms.”

“Oh, God.” It was little more than a breath of sound as fire spread its way through her body. She swayed slightly, and his hands gripped her waist to steady her.

“I think you are more than capable of passion, Ophelia,” he murmured in a slightly thick voice.

There was a fire burning in his eyes that warmed her from the inside out as he stepped back from her. A shiver of excitement streaked down her back as his gaze remained locked with hers. She should have been appalled she’d even suggested their bargain to him. But it was the fact he excited her that alarmed her the most.