Captured by a Gentleman (Regency Unlaced 6) by Carole Mortimer Read Free Book Online Page B

pleasure such as she had never imagined. Ranulf had been kissing her and touching her in an intimate manner that had caused her body to convulse and pulse. The dampness between her thighs became a flood which had felt sticky when Darcy woke with a start and touched curious fingertips down there. Her nether lips had been swollen and moist. And hidden away in the damp curls above, she had discovered a small, pulsing nubbin. One that caused her to groan in pleasure and curl up into a ball of longing the moment she touched it.
    She had told the truth when she claimed she had no wish to harm Ranulf. She would much rather be kissed by him.
    Her lashes fluttered closed, lips parting as she tilted her head in expectation of that kiss.
    The feel of Ranulf’s lips against her own was heavenly, so much more pleasurable than her dreams. As was the sleek glide of his tongue across her parted lips, before it slid moistly into the heat of her mouth. Darcy had no idea what she was supposed to do with that tongue, but instinct told her to—
    Oh yes, if that melting sensation was the result, then entangling and stroking her own tongue along Ranulf’s was exactly what she needed to do.
    His arms were about her waist as he kissed her more fiercely, holding her close, crushing her breasts against the hardness of his chest as their bodies were molded together, from her shoulders to her thighs.
    Breasts and thighs that ached.
    Ranulf broke the kiss, releasing Darcy so suddenly, her lids flew open as she stumbled back and saw the expression of loathing on his face. “Ranulf…?” She was totally at a loss to understand the reason for his sudden rejection.
    It was at times like these when Darcy wished her mother were still alive for her to talk to and to advise her. Or that she had a close female friend in whom she might confide. A friend who was more sophisticated than she, and who might help her know what to do or say next in order to have Ranulf kiss her again.
    Ranulf looked coldly down the length of his nose. “I will be recommencing my journey to Scotland shortly—”
    “Without me?”
    Ranulf could not help but be aware those brown eyes were now wide with distress, and Darcy’s cheeks were pale. From her fear of being left here and found by Sugdon? Or fear that she had been caught out and challenged for possibly being responsible for the damage to his carriage.
    Was this a classic example of “keeping your friends close, and your enemies even closer”?
    Ranulf was still unsure whether Darcy was either or both of those things…
    But perhaps, now that he’d kissed her, the journey need not be an altogether unpleasant or boring one.
    Darcy’s lips felt as soft as they looked. Her response had been immediate and less than innocent in the hardening of her nipples against his chest and the spicy and pervading musk of her rising desire. She had yielded to him completely within seconds, an indication she did not find his advances or the idea of lovemaking repellent or unacceptable. Did it really matter whether she was friend or foe, as long as she surrendered? If it allowed him to claim Darcy in whatever way he wished.
    Apparently, he did not have to trust her to desire her.
    “As I am now short a driver as well as a valet, I have decided to accept your offer of carrying out the duties of my valet—” His quelling glower was enough to halt her spontaneous move toward him, her obvious intention being to hug him. “As I was saying, I will accept your offer to be my valet, but only until such time as I have decided whether or not you are genuinely here for the reason you have stated. And,” he continued as she would have spoken, “I do not have to listen to a great deal of female prattling about the beautiful weather and magnificent views.”
    “I never prattle.”
    “No?”
    “No.” Darcy could have continued to argue her innocence of any wrongdoing—as well as prattling conversation—but feared if she did so, Ranulf might