Free Her Errant Earl by Scarlett Scott Page A

to get enough of my lovely wife.”
    She didn’t think she believed that explanation any more than
his first. But his words sent desire slipping through her wanton body just the
same. “Somehow, I suspect you’re mocking me.”
    “Not at all, my dear.” His eyes darkened. He caressed her
cheek again. “I wouldn’t jest about that.” He traced a path down her throat,
stopping at the first fastener on her high-necked riding habit. “Bloody hell,
you’re always over-buttoned.”
    Victoria laughed at his frustrated observation, partially to
dispel the troubling surge of want swirling through her. “It’s the first stare
of fashion, you know.”
    “Fashion should think a bit more about a man who wants to
debauch his wife,” he grumbled, unhooking the top button from its mooring.
“There we are. Only eight hundred more to go.”
    “Pembroke,” she protested, scandalized that he was beginning
to disrobe her in the middle of the day, in the out of doors.
    “I’m back to Pembroke, am I?” He continued opening her
bodice. “I shall have to remedy that.”
    Taking a fortifying breath, she forced herself to look over
his shoulder. His horse was starting to wander. It presented the perfect excuse
to regain her ability to resist him. “You may want to tether our horses first.
I’m certain mine won’t travel too far from her meal, but yours is another
matter entirely.”
    “Damn.” Wearing an aggrieved look, he released her and
strode after his horse.
    Victoria deemed it best to undo the damage he’d wrought upon
her smart wardrobe. Quickly, she refastened her bodice. She watched as he
secured both horses before turning back to her. The moment was alive with
sunshine and possibilities. She had to admit he cut a dashing figure in his
riding breeches. He was tall, lean and muscular. The intensity in his eyes made
her heart kick up its pace.
    He stopped a scant few inches from her, giving her a boyish
grin. “Now where were we? Devil take it, you’ve done yourself back up. That’s
against the rules.”
    She raised a brow, trying not to smile as it would only
serve to encourage him. “I wasn’t aware there were any rules involved.”
    “Only rules of my making.” He winked.
    “You aren’t a fair competitor, my lord.”
    He snagged an arm around her waist and dragged her into his
hard body. “Is this the first time you’ve become aware of that fact, dearest
wife?” He lowered his head, close enough to kiss.
    Oh he was tempting her again already, the sinful man. Best
to stave him off by any means possible. Her mind was fogging up with the ardor
he generated within her. “Perhaps you should tell me what the rules are before
I begin playing the game.”
    “I must say I’ve always preferred the element of surprise,”
he told her lowly before taking her mouth in a crushing kiss.
    Her arms wound about his neck of their own volition. She
opened for his tongue, reveling in the sensual way he dipped inside her mouth
to taste and tease. His hands slid up the small of her back, a possessive brand
she adored. Her resolve crumbled as if it were a ship being dashed against a
rocky shore. She wanted him, and he knew precisely how to make her give in to
her desires.
    Victoria pressed herself closer to him, breathing in of his
divine scent, already so dear to her. She returned his kiss with all the fervor
clamoring to life within her. Somehow, it no longer mattered that they’d begun
the morning badly. All she could feel was his powerful body, his knowing touch,
his claiming kiss.
    Dear heavens. What did he do to her?
    He broke the kiss at last, making a muted sound in his
throat. Victoria’s breathing was ragged, her stays cutting into her waist as
she struggled to regain her senses. She clung to him, not wanting the embrace
to end. He looked down at her, his eyes fierce, sparkling with naked desire.
    “I’m beginning to regret I suggested riding instead of
merely returning to your chamber.” He sighed. “Let’s