Page 76 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“I’m talking of seduction.”

Adeline’s lips parted. Seduction. Just associating the word with Warwick caused butterfly wings to flutter in her chest.

“It’s not a good idea,” Adeline managed to squeak.

“Why not? I’m not talking outright seduction, mind you, simply encouragement. A few stolen kisses when no one is looking is sufficient to inspire a man to act. Nothing more.”

Their shared kiss was far from simple, and had left her burning with need, yearning for more. The idea of seducing…encouraging…Warwick went against their arrangement and all good sense. So why did her heart skip a beat at the thought?

Warwick’s words—It shouldn’t happen again—were never far from her mind.

It was a quandary because she wanted it to happen again.

Longed for it.

The sound of the front door opening and closing followed by an all-too-familiar, deep male voice reached them.

“Oh dear. I forgot that His Grace is expected for luncheon,” her ladyship said.

“Here? Now?” Adeline’s eyes widened.

She shrugged. “He’s on time for once.”

Suspicions arose. Lady Heywood was sharp as a tack. She was not forgetful. What was her game?

“Do not think mothers, or in this case godmothers, cannot have a hand in hurrying things along, my dear.”

Hurrying things along!

“Pardon me for a moment.” The lady walked out, not bothering to shut the bedchamber door behind her.

Adeline stood in the black corset, chemise, and silk stockings waiting for the countess to return to help her slip into the sapphire gown while absorbing everything she’d told her.

Booted footsteps sounded on the marble vestibule floor, then became muffled on the carpet runner on the stairs. Adeline hurried to shut the bedchamber door just as Warwick strode inside.

“What in the world is so important that—”

It was like colliding with a solid wall of masculine perfection. Adeline tilted her face upward to meet his shocked gaze. “Warwick.”

“Adeline.”

He held her by her upper arms, and she was grateful for his support. His sizzling green gaze lowered to her chest, where her breasts swelled above the corset. Her chest expanded, and she found it hard to breathe.

“Good God. What’s going on?” His voice was rough.

“I’m getting dressed.” Her voice sounded weak to her own ears.

“I can see that. Why call me here?”

“I didn’t.”

“Lady Heywood’s servant said I was needed to…” He shook his head as if clearing his thoughts or his vision or both. “Never mind. I’ll leave.”

“Wait! We have a dilemma. I’m guessing her ladyship is responsible. She told me to seduce you.”

His nostrils flared. “Seduce me? I should walk right out this door.” He made no move to leave, and his thumbs traced circles on her upper arms. Her skin prickled pleasurably.

“I would agree, however, I fear she would doubt everything if you depart now.”