Free Rendezvous by Amanda Quick

raised both arms to twine around his neck. Her cloak fell back over her shoulders, exposing the upper curves of her breasts. Harry was intensely, blindingly aware of the scent of her and of the perfume she was wearing. His whole body suddenly clenched in anticipation.
    He caught hold of one tiny sleeve of Augusta’s gown and eased it down over her shoulder. Her left breast, small but beautifully shaped, spilled out of the almost nonexistent bodice. Harry cupped the firm fruit in his palm. He had been right about her nipples. The one he was touching with his fingertip was as inviting as a red, ripe berry.
    “Oh, my goodness.
Harry
. I mean, my lord.”
    “Harry will do nicely.” He let his thumb glide over the budding nipple again and felt Augusta’s instant tremor of response.
    The glow from the hearth danced on the red stones in the glittering necklace. Harry looked down at the beautiful sight of Augusta shimmering in firelight and blood-red gems. He saw the awakening sensuality in her gaze and his brain conjured up haunting images of legendary queens of antiquity. “My own Cleopatra,” he muttered thickly.
    Augusta stiffened and started to draw away. Harrytouched her nipple again, lightly, coaxingly. He kissed the curve of her throat.
    “
Harry
.” Augusta gasped, then shivered and sagged heavily against him. Her arms tightened violently around his neck. “Oh, Harry. I have been wondering what it would be like….” She kissed his throat and clung to him.
    The sudden flare of passion in her confirmed all his masculine instincts. Harry realized that something in him had known all along that she would respond to him like this. What he had not considered or expected was the reaction that response would have on him. The reality of her flowering desire swamped his senses.
    Keeping her breast cradled in one palm, Harry eased Augusta down to the carpet. She clutched at his shoulders, gazing up at him through her lashes. Her beautiful topaz eyes were filled with longing and wonder and something that might have been fear.
    Harry groaned as he stretched out beside her and reached for the hem of her gown.
    “My lord—” The words were a bare whisper on her lips.
    “Harry,” he corrected again, kissing the rosy nipple he had been caressing with his thumb. Slowly he drew the rose silk up the length of her legs to her knees, revealing her delicately striped stockings.
    “Harry, please, I must tell you something. Something important. I would not have you wed me and then feel yourself deceived.”
    He went very still as an icy fire seized his gut. “What is it you would have me know, Augusta? Have you lain with some other man?”
    She blinked, uncomprehending for an instant. And then her cheeks were suffused with a warm blush. “Good heavens, no, my lord. That is not what I wanted to talk about at all.”
    “Excellent.” Harry smiled faintly as relief and exultation shot through him. Of course she had not been with anyone else. All his instincts had told him that weeks ago. Still, itwas good to have it confirmed. One less problem to concern him, he thought, not without some satisfaction. There was no lover from the past with which to contend. Augusta would belong to him completely.
    “The thing is, Harry,” Augusta continued very earnestly, “I fear I will make you a very bad wife. I tried to explain to you the other night when you found me in Enfield’s library that I do not consider myself bound by the normal strictures of Society. You must remember I am a Northumberland Ballinger. I am not at all angelic in the manner of my cousin. I care not for the proprieties and you have made it quite clear that you want a very proper sort of wife.”
    Harry inched the hem of her gown up a little higher on her legs. His fingers found the incredible softness of her inner thighs. “I think that with a little instruction you will make me a very proper sort of wife.”
    “I am not at all certain of that, sir,” she said,