Free Paper Doll by Janet Woods Page B

Besides, I instructed the staff to hide all the breakables that were within reach. Oh, I say . . . Where did that ghastly hat come from, Julia? Take it off at once . . . Come up and show me what you’re wearing. It was terribly brave of you to come with Charles.’
    Julia eased the leather helmet from her head and threw it into the sidecar, relieved to note that her sick feeling had receded. She shook her head to help settle her hair back into its natural waves.
    Charles blew his sister a kiss. ‘Nonsense, she was perfectly safe, and all in one piece just as I promised . . . though not for much longer. Like Cinderella, on the stroke of midnight she will be awakened by the kiss of the handsome prince.’
    ‘That was sleeping beauty, you idiot.’
    Charles propelled the blushing Julia towards the door, one hand cupped between her buttocks. His fingers applied pressure through the soft fur of her coat. Although Julia’s instinct was to give in to the pressure and open her legs a little, she automatically clenched her muscles against the personal intrusion.
    He chuckled against her ear and whispered, ‘I like a nice, tight arse.’
    She felt dubious. ‘Perhaps this isn’t such a good idea after all, Charles.’
    ‘Nonsense! It’s a brilliant idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it sooner.’ A cheer went up when they appeared. Charles gave a sweeping bow. ‘Miss Julia Howard everyone. Isn’t she a peach?’
    There was a barrage of wolf whistles. A couple of men advanced to gaze at her, and the one with dark eyes murmured, ‘I’ll say she’s a peach. Adam Oldham at your service, sweets.’
    ‘How do you do?’ Julia said.
    The other one looked her up and down from slightly hooded grey eyes. He offered Charles a faintly contemptuous smile and drawled, ‘Where did you find this exquisite creature? Introduce me at once.’
    ‘Julia, this is Viscount Gyesworth.’
    ‘My Lord.’
    Sliding his hand behind her head he pulled her close and kissed her on the mouth. His tongue began to make inroads. When she hastily pulled away she only barely resisted the urge to wipe her mouth on her sleeve. He gave her a mocking look, as if he’d read her mind, and murmured, ‘Very tasty, Charles, very tasty indeed, and she’s got a full set of teeth. Let’s not stand on ceremony, sweetheart; call me Rupert.’
    She’d rather not call him anything. ‘Excuse me, Irene’s waiting for me to go upstairs.’
    ‘Her room is up the stairs. Take the corridor to the right, and Irene’s door is the second on the right.’ Charles plucked a flute of champagne from a passing servant and placed it in her hand. ‘Here you are, Julia. Take this up with you, it will help you to relax.’
    She felt the eyes of the three men upon her as she climbed the stairs and couldn’t resist the urge to look back, just in time to see the three of them exchange a knowing look, go into a huddle and laugh together.
    They knew! Charles had told them. She was peeved by the thought that her intact state was a source of amusement.
    Irene was on the landing, looking dramatic in a startling red dress covered in shimmering black beads, and a headband with a waving black feather at the front. She dragged her into the bedroom, lushly furnished in blue and gold and warmed by a fire in the grate. The room was littered with clothing, as if Irene had tried on everything in her wardrobe.
    Outlined by kohl, Irene’s blue eyes glittered with mischief as she grabbed up Julia’s overnight bag and threw it on to the bed. Her lipstick was a scarlet pout. ‘I’m glad you’re here, at last. I’ve been waiting for you so we can go down together. Let me see what you’re wearing,’ and she gave a little scream. ‘We must do something about that hair. It’s so flat.’
    ‘Charles made me wear a helmet.’
    ‘Just as well, otherwise your ears would have suffered from frostbite in that contraption he drives. I don’t know why he doesn’t get a car.’ She jerked