Free Taming The Bride (Brides of Mayfair 2) by Michelle McMaster Page B

said, chuckling. “ Patience , Prudence.”
    “Oh, I see. Of course.” And she laughed at herself, too.
    All this kissing must be addling her brain , she thought.
    Perhaps that was why some people campaigned against it. But it was no matter. The only thing that mattered to her right now was the wicked, wicked pleasure that this devilish lord was tempting her with.
    “You’ve never done this before, have you?” he asked, bending his head to kiss the hollow of her neck.
    “No,” she breathed, closing her eyes.
    “Then one could say, you are learning something new.”
    “I most certainly am.”
    Oh why was he talking and not kissing ?
    He looked into her eyes again, his mouth curved into a sensuous smile. “Then, you are enjoying the lesson?”
    She looked away, feeling her face flush.
    But he tipped it back to look at him. “It is a simple question, Prudence. And an honest one. Doesn’t every teacher want to know if the pupil is enjoying the lesson?”
    He kissed her shoulder again, and her collarbone, and nibbled her ear. “I just want to know,” he murmured, “if you are enjoying it?”
    She swallowed and looked into eyes that seemed to gaze right through to her very soul. “Yes, my lord…I am.”
    “Don’t you think it’s about time you called me by my Christian name?” he asked. “I confess, I have a desire to hear it on your lips.” To further his point, he kissed them.
    “Alfred,” she said, finally.
    “Hmm,” he purred, kissing her nose. “You are an apt pupil. And you have made your teacher very proud. I think you deserve a reward— more kissing .”
    Prudence gripped his shoulders as he kissed her more deeply. She pulled him closer, revelling in the sensation of his strong, solid body against the softness of hers.
    His kiss grew more fervent, more demanding, yet she felt light as air. A flood of warmth seemed to take over her whole body. She was growing uncomfortable, restless. She wanted something—but what?
    For all her book-knowledge, Prudence knew terribly little about the affairs between men and women. Though she knew the basic facts of physiognomy, she knew nothing of what would really happen during any intimacies with a man.
    This kissing, for instance. She had known what it was. Had even done it herself a few times. But never like this.
    No one had ever told her the physical reactions it would ignite within her trembling body. No one had ever told her that her limbs, and her willpower, would turn to mush. No one had ever told her how she would feel feverish, weak and dizzy. And certainly, no one had ever told her how wonderful it would feel to be held in a man’s arms and kissed absolutely senseless.
    Alfred lowered his mouth and began kissing a trail between her breasts. Prudence felt her heart race alarmingly, but not with fear.
    With something far more frightening.
    Just then, the carriage jolted to a halt.
    Alfred paused, then raised his head and looked around. His hair was slightly tousled, and his eyes blazed with heat as he sat back, running his hands through his hair.
    Prudence was confused. Why had they stopped? And more importantly, why had he stopped?
    Alfred adjusted his jacket and cuffs, saying, “We have arrived, Miss Atwater.”
    “What?” Her mind was muddled. “Where?”
    “At the Atwater School. I promised to see you home, and you are now home,” he said, and his voice seemed to be tinged with frustration.
    He seemed so cool sitting there across from her. Where was the heated angel who had made her melt in his arms only moments ago?
    “I encourage you to arrange yourself,” he said. “The coachman has hopped down, and will soon open the door.”
    Something made her obey him, though it wasn’t conscious thought. She was still too muddled from all the kissing for that. Quickly, she pulled the cloak around her bare shoulders, and covered her head with the hood.
    The door swung open.
    Alfred hopped out onto the street, and then reached in to help her