Chapter 15
Victoria wrenched herself out of the chair. The tome depicting numerous sexual positions thumped onto the Aubusson rug. She stepped back from both Albert and the book, needing space.
"I should probably return to my room. I shall see you at breakfast. Goodnight Albert."
He looked up at her with such longing, such need that her stomach fluttered and clenched with delicious expectation. When they had been discussing the book, her body had not been itself. A maddening thrum between her legs tortured her, a longing she'd never felt with Paul.
Strange ideas of him kissing her at the apex of her thighs, of holding his dark locks in her hands as he pleasured her would not abate.
He stood and bowed. "Goodnight, my lady." He bent down and picked up the book, always the gentleman. Not pushing her for what they both desired. And God help her, she wanted him to kiss her again. A fact that was utterly perplexing since she was determined to remain alone for the remainder of her life. Enjoy her inheritance, her widowhood, travel, and live.
But what is life without pleasure? a little voice teased.
She dipped into a quick curtsy and fled the room. Albert had said that a woman could give herself pleasure. Was he correct? Paul had never stated as much to her, but then when it came to her late husband, he often kept her in the dark.
Victoria could not make her room fast enough, and she locked the door to ensure privacy. What did he mean by that statement? She had never found much interest in herself before, not in that way at least.
She pulled the bedding back and climbed under the sheets, lying and staring up at the darkened ceiling. More research was needed on the subject before she could determine if that were true.
The following morning Victoria ordered a bath and sent her maid downstairs to press her morning gown for a second time. She locked the door and asked not to be disturbed, determined to learn her body more before she confronted Albert of his claim.
She slipped into the bath, sighing at that feel of the warm, fragrant water. Finding the cake of soap, Victoria washed, running it over her beasts. They were large, and she couldn't quite fit one in each hand. Men normally did take in her bust size, but she had always ignored the admiring glances. That was until Albert looked at her. What was it about the man that made her body question all her choices? Her plans for her future.
Her thumb and forefinger slid over her nipples. They peaked under the water, and she squeezed a little, imaging Albert's hand touching her so. Heat licked between her legs, and she lay her head back, closing her eyes.
For all his awkwardness, there had been none present last evening in the library. If she did not know him so very well, she would have imagined him a rake, seeking to seduce.
She slipped one hand over her flat stomach, soothing the need that thrummed between her legs. The thatch of curls tickled her fingers, and she touched herself there. But what was she supposed to do now?
Victoria frowned, placing her hands on the edge of the bath and tapping her fingers along its side. Annoyance ran through her that she felt as though she needed to do something, but what? All her interactions with Paul had been quick and in the dark. A lot of panting, on his behalf, a groan or two and then it was over. He certainly never fondled her with his hands or his mouth as the drawing she’d seen depicted.
Finishing her bath, she stood and dried herself, letting her maid back in to help her dress. She slid on the light muslin gown of mauve before starting downstairs, determined to find Lord Melvin and discuss this pleasure one could have without a bedpartner.
If she were to remain unmarried for the rest of her days, having satisfaction would be a boon she had to have.
Albert heard the determined strides of Victoria long before he caught sight of her. His heart stuttered at the vision she made, her mauve gown accentuating her delectable form, just made for petting and kissing. Her voluptuous bust that he wanted for himself, to suckle and feast upon.
How could she want to remain unmarried when he could make her life fulfilling and enjoyable if only she would allow herself to fall in love? Place her trust in another, but this time, a genuine gentleman such as he.
He was working in a small room at the back of the house that guests normally overlooked. It had used to be his mother's sewing room due to the large windows, but he had now taken it over as a smoking room, although he never partook in such activities. Preferring to sit and read or plot his books when the muse struck.
As it had this morning after last night with Victoria in the library. His next release would be much steamier than his last, and no doubt get the ladies' hearts fluttering and the men's cravats too tight.
"Here you are. I have been looking all over for you."
He smiled up at her, gesturing for her to sit. "Good morning, Victoria. I hope you slept well."
She closed the door, the snip of the lock loud in the room. His body tensed at the determination written across her features.
"No, I did not. I need to know what this pleasure is you speak of that a woman can find. I know this is utterly inappropriate, but nothing that I tried this morning brought me any such thing. Paul certainly did not arouse me in such a way so the idea of bringing oneself to satisfaction is questionable.
