How to Entice an Earl by Manda Collins Page A

you were there last night. Nor do I believe your interest in Linton’s presence there last night is mere curiosity.”
    “At least you don’t think me a murderer,” he said with more honesty than he’d intended. “I can live with your suspicion on the other matters, but not that.”
    Maddie’s eyes softened as she looked up at him. “I don’t,” she said gently, reaching a hand up to touch him lightly on the cheek.
    And all at once Christian became aware that they were alone out on the Marchfords’ terrace.
    He wasn’t sure when Maddie had developed charms—the very idea would doubtless make her laugh—but ever since he’d held her in his arms last night, he’d had the devil’s own time trying to erase the memory of just how right she’d felt there. Not to mention the memory of her soft, spicy, floral scent. He’d noticed it immediately when he’d greeted her earlier this evening, as well, but he’d been able to file it away for later perusal. Apparently later was right now, he thought, as he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers.
    *   *   *
     
    “What are you doing?” she asked against his mouth, more from surprise than anything else.
    She felt him smile against her mouth. “I’m trying to kiss you,” he said. “Now stop talking and kiss me back.”
    If any other man had said such a thing to her, Maddie would have kicked him in that vulnerable place her brother had told her about. But to her surprise, she found Christian’s masterful words arousing. So, she did what he asked, and kissed him back.
    As if she were a priceless work of art, he cupped her face gently in his hands, letting his mouth make all the demands. Opening his mouth over hers, his tongue traced the outline of her lips, and Maddie, reading his silent query aright, opened her lips and invited him in. Stroke by stroke, he took possession of her mouth, until gingerly Maddie accepted his challenge and slid her tongue against his. Each time they touched, the fire between them burned hotter until Maddie was no longer able to tell which of them was in control.
    She wasn’t quite sure how it had happened, but what had begun as rather sweet and gentle turned hot and passionate. His body seemed to grow stronger, harder against hers, and his hands slipped down to wander over her back, her sides, even as her own grew impatient with the cloth that separated them from skin-on-skin contact. As she grew bolder, and allowed her hands to wander from his back to snake up the front of him, she felt Gresham groan into her mouth, the vibration reverberating through her in pleasurable pain.
    “Madeline,” he said aganst her chin, his mouth tracing a path down her neck and toward the exposed flesh of her bosom. “God, you have bewitched me.”
    Her hands stroking over his shoulders, she felt him tug gently at the sleeve of her gown, exposing her breast to the open air. The sudden coolness was a relief, but the feel of his hot mouth enclosing her nipple was utter bliss. Unable to stop herself, Maddie gasped at the sensation, feeling the pull in her belly and lower.
    At her noise, Christian stilled. Then to Maddie’s disappointment, he pulled back with one last reverent kiss for the top of her breast and began setting her gown back to rights. With a disappointed sigh she helped, though every time their hands touched she felt a jolt of sensation.
    Her wardrobe returned to normal, Maddie shook her head in disbelief. “Unbelievable.”
    “My sentiments exactly,” Christian said, his breathing slowing. “Though I mean it in a good way, of course.”
    Maddie’s lips quirked despite the gravity of the situation. “Of course. A most excellent way.”
    He caught her eye and they shared a laugh. Christian lifted a hand to stroke her cheek, which to her embarrassment brought Maddie to blush. “I suggest we return to the ballroom at once before we are missed. I think we were lucky enough to escape notice until now, but it would be foolish