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Eden tugged on the gown, trying to cover her displayed bosom. She stared at herself in the mirror, unsure if she had the nerve to attend the party. The gown hugged her every curve, leaving nothing to a man’s imagination. The neckline of the gown sat decadently low. One wrong move and she would spill out of the gown. Her nipples rested underneath the decorative trim. The skirt held slits along each side so her legs were on full display with each step she took. Her arms were bare, except for the assortment of bracelets adorning them. A necklace hung from her neck, holding a ruby pendant that dipped in and out of the valley of her breasts at her every movement.
She had brushed her hair into an assortment of waves, with curls dangling down her back. The softness of her hair caressed her bare shoulders when she swished her head back and forth. She had refused to wear the dress when she saw how the gown displayed her attributes. However, she had to admit how fascinating the creation was after she stared at the creature in the mirror.
“Lord Falcone will find himself unable to resist you this evening. I predict he will not stop with a single kiss this time,” Gemma declared.
Jacqueline’s eyes widened. “This time? Has Lord Falcone and Eden shared a kiss before?”
Eden frowned at her friends. When Graham and Ralston made her promise to stay silent about the masquerade party, it had only pertained to the ladies in her family. The gentlemen knew she would require help in dressing for the part, so Ralston and Kincaid had enlisted their wives. Kincaid had men planted at the party to protect her. Also, her friends helped to provide an excuse for her absence without her mother questioning her motives.
Eden lifted the container holding the lip paint and twisted off the lid. “You have talked with Noel.”
Gemma’s eyes twinkled. “And Maggie.”
Eden groaned. Gemma’s answer supplied proof of Maggie’s defection since she indulged in gossip. Eden painted her lips instead of defending herself. She pulled her lips into a pout, making sure she didn’t miss a spot.
“I think Falcone would approve, especially if you keep your lips just so,” Gemma continued.
Jacqueline cleared her throat. “Do you care to clue me in?”
“Maggie noticed Eden and Lord Falcone disappear during their dance and then later saw them return from the terrace. Falcone was wearing a trace of red lip color,” Gemma gushed.
“The same red lip color our friend is wearing now?” Jacqueline inquired.
Gemma nodded.
Jacqueline smiled. “Eden, do you have anything to refute this gossip?”
Eden added the lip color to her reticule. “I never trouble myself with gossip because that is all it is. Wishful wonderings of nosy busybodies.”
Jacqueline chortled at her friend’s denial. “And here I thought you disliked the marquess. However, now I see the attraction for what it is.” She turned to Gemma. “It is like that novel we read where the characters hold a troubled relationship with one another until they succumb to their attraction.”
Gemma sighed. “Yes, and then they fall in love with one another. I loved that story.”
Eden scoffed. “You two are as delusional as my sisters. Now, if you do not mind, I must complete my mission.”
Eden started for the door. She refused to touch on this subject even with her closest of friends. However, Gemma and Jacqueline wouldn’t let her leave until they made a few adjustments to her appearance. Gemma tugged her bodice back down to display her wares, while Jaqueline pulled her hair back over her shoulders except for a single lock that she draped across her breasts. With shrewd perusals, they nodded in acceptance. Then they stepped to the side for her to pass.
Once she reached the door, Jacqueline dropped a taunt that would linger with Eden for the entire evening. “’Tis not selfish to steal a memory of passion for yourself.”
~~~~~
FALCONE MINGLED WITH the guests, nursing a drink in his hand. The act of depravity began earlier than usual. Usually, the guests waited until they hid their identities behind their masks. Most were peers of the realm and believed they were clever with their disguises where no one recognized them. But everyone knew who walked amongst them and kept their secrets, until they needed the leverage for their own benefit.
Like most gentlemen, he wore a thin mask covering only his eyes. The ladies wore the more elaborate masks decorated with sequins and feathers. They teased a man to discover who they were. His gaze searched the creative masks for his partner for the evening, but none of them were her. He relaxed. Worth must have regained his senses and kept Eden away from this hellish temptation of sin.
He lifted the glass to his mouth. Falcone felt the need to indulge. Why fight against what he must present? If he were to act the reprobate returning to partake in sin this evening, then why shouldn’t he enjoy himself while doing so? He drained the glass and signaled the servant for another one.
A girl wearing a fairy costume made of silk and tulle that barely covered her flesh brought him another glass filled with whiskey. He threw the drink back in one gulp as the feathers covering her nipples drew his attention. Maybe if he got drunk enough, the persistent notion of his unfaithfulness to Eden would disappear.
He flicked the feather away to see her nipple tightening. His host this evening had a very clever bride to dress his servants so wickedly. “What might your pleasure be this evening?”
“That is my question for you.” She pressed her breast into his hand.
“For starters, I require another refill.” His thumb flicked back and forth across her nipple, a sense of his arousal awakening. He held up his other hand with the glass, signaling for her to follow his order.
She took the glass and swished her hips as she sauntered away, glancing over her shoulder to make sure he watched. How could he not? Her buttocks teased him by peeking out from under the sheer gown with each step she took. Mmm. Yes. He would indulge this evening, and the fairy would be his first course. He lost her in the crowd, but he didn’t worry because she would return. Her gaze had flashed with her interest when he teased her flesh.
A prickling sense of awareness traveled along his back, and when he shifted his gaze, he saw the very thorn pricking his integrity. No mask could disguise her from him. His body recognized her before his eyes came upon her. The fiery vixen who haunted his every thought pierced him with her gaze. It wasn’t a gaze of pleasure, but one filled with fury. And if he wasn’t mistaken, a dash of shock mixed with disappointment and hurt. All stirred together, scorching him on the spot.
Eden watched Lord Falcone toy with the servant delivering his drink. She didn’t understand why a wave of longing coursed through her body when he held the girl’s breast. When his head dipped to whisper in the girl’s ear, her curiosity cried out in disappointment at not hearing what he said. Eden wasn’t naïve not to realize he propositioned the girl when the servant scampered away to do his bidding. The fairy nymph swayed her body, keeping Falcone’s interest firmly attached to her.
She fought against the ache piercing her heart, attempting to deny how his behavior bothered her. Why should she care if he whet his appetite with another? She held no affection for him and only required him to fulfill the same desires the other girl wished for with her provocative clothing and attention. It was then Eden remembered her gown was just as provocative and she was a guest at a party meant for sin. Falcone wasn’t the only gentleman who could fulfill her requirements in indulging in the pleasures of the flesh.
Eden dropped the hold of her gaze fastened on Falcone and let it drift across the room. There were many gentlemen who might spark her interest. Who cared if Falcone was the only one who filled out a suit splendidly? She wasn’t blind not to see the attention she drew from other gentlemen. Perhaps if she found a different gentleman to ease the ache consuming her, she would forget the emotions Falcone ignited in her.
Her gaze landed on a group of gentlemen who made it obvious they focused their attention on her. Perhaps one of them would do. She grabbed a flute of champagne from a tray and took a gulp to calm her nerves. While she wanted to make her own choice, she must wait. This party did not differ from the balls she attended. The thrill of pursuing a lady excited a man because of the victory he claimed when he won her. So she played the game and smiled coyly at them before wandering into the crowd. Eden made her move. Now she only needed to wait for one of them to make theirs. If she was correct, they would make a contest out of it to win her affection.
Drawing his hands into fists at his side, Falcone scowled at the coy smile Eden flashed the bastards standing in the corner. What game did she play? Did she not understand the smile she flashed them would send them after her in pursuit? He stalked after her, the fairy servant forgotten. Eden had overtaken his interest and wiped any thoughts of another from his mind. His flirtation earlier was but a vague memory of boredom he would never remember.
He followed her as she flittered in between the guests. Curious whispers wondered about her identity, followed by the crude comments about how they would seek their pleasures between her thighs. Falcone wanted to thrash every single one of them, but he couldn’t afford to lose sight of Eden. If she disappeared, he would be powerless to save her against the lust-induced scoundrels who tarnished her with their very presence alone.
However, he was no better. He stared at the sway of her hips and imagined his hands digging into them as he plowed in and out of her. When her long legs flashed at him, he growled at the picture of them wrapped around his shoulders as he tasted her sweet cunny. She was a magnificent sight in the sinful dress she wore. What in the hell was Worth thinking to allow his unwed sister to flaunt herself among the reprobates of society?
Falcone reached her before she slipped away from him and drew her behind the columns. When she turned, ready to set down whoever grasped her, he groaned at the display of her breasts swelling out of her gown. Her nipples pressed above the trim, and his cock swelled at the delicious temptation. He licked his lips, eager to savor the sweet berries. His lecture on her earlier behavior was forgotten as her breasts heaved with what he could only guess was irritation over his rough handling.
Eden wasn’t a fool to miss that Falcone had followed her. The mirrors she passed showed his reflection within inches of her. Eden had prepared herself for the confrontation when he grasped her and hid them behind the columns. However, she was unprepared for how he would react to her dress. His eyes clouded with passion, and he licked his lips as if he wanted to devour her. Her gaze lowered, and she noticed how his desire pressed against his trousers, on full display for her to see. However, from what she had witnessed earlier, it took little to draw Lord Falcone’s interest. He was like every other gentleman here. Filled with lust and would lie between any willing lady’s thighs to slake his desires. Well, he would never find pleasure between hers. He had spoiled her interest in him when he touched another. His betrayal pierced her heart in a way she didn’t understand and refused to question.
“Should you have left your spot? However will the fairy find you?” Eden laced her comment with sarcasm.
Falcone heard the jealous tone in Eden’s voice and realized he had made a grave error with his actions. He pressed her against the column, not saying a word but making her aware of how much she had captured his attention with her beauty. His fingers trailed along her neck, following the path of the necklace. They dipped between her breasts and found the pendant hiding. He drew the jewel out and brushed it across her nipples. His cock throbbed, begging for attention as her buds hardened, pressing against her gown. His fingers twitched to pinch them, but he resisted his desire.
The sound of Eden’s soft whimpers showed she held the same desire as him.
“The only spot I wish to occupy is next to you.” He bent his head to whisper in her ear. “And a vixen wearing a sinful creation overshadows a mere fairy.”
Eden’s knees almost gave out at his whispered declaration until she remembered his interest in the wood nymph. She stepped out of his grasp and tried to walk away. But Falcone refused to allow her to escape. He wrapped his arms around her waist and dragged her against his body. Her eyes drifted closed, fighting the passion binding her to him. He pressed against her, sending waves of lust coursing throughout her body. His cock nudged her buttocks, showing her how much he wanted her. But did he desire her or would any willing body do?
His warmth surrounded her, wrapping her in its safe embrace. How she considered the treacherous man safe, Eden held no clue. Her body betrayed her whenever he was near, and for that reason alone, she must resist him. Her plans to seduce him was a colossal mistake on her part. Indulging in sinful pleasures with Falcone would only lead to her heart falling for the devil himself.
Eden shoved at Falcone. “I believe your interest changes to whichever skirt is passing you by. Do not flatter me with your glossy words.”
He trailed a finger along her cheek, noticing how her body trembled against him. “I disagree. Your body reveals a different story.”
Before Eden uttered a protest, Falcone covered her mouth with his in a forceful kiss to quiet her. He maneuvered his body to hide her from any curious eyes. It was dark enough that no one saw who captured his attention. As much as she protested against her attraction to him, her lips were quick to soften under his.
Hell! He wanted to lose himself in her kisses. They were the opposite of what poured out of her snarling mouth. Soft. Gentle. Full of curiosity. What he wouldn’t give to explore their desire, but unfortunately he must wait. He must stay on guard at how he manipulated them at this party and not expose their vulnerabilities. Too many people observed their behavior and waited to strike if they slipped out of character.
“Who are you looking for?”
“The blond beauty who flashed us a come-hither smile. Who else?”
Voices reached Eden through the dizziness of Falcone’s kisses. They weren’t discussing her, were they? Her eyes flashed open, and she thrashed her head to the side to halt their kiss. Falcone grabbed her chin back to him and gave a slight shake of his head to stay silent. She nodded.
The gentleman had a slimy voice. “Maybe I’ve already claimed her for my conquest this evening.”
“I do not see her on your arm. So she is fair game,” the man with the squeaky voice declared.
“As long as Falcone doesn’t get near her. Ever since the bastard returned, every female falls at his feet,” Slimy said.
“The fairy snared his attention.”
Slimy laughed. “That piece will keep him occupied for the evening.”
Squeaky joined in, laughing. “A proper punishment for the marquess. As for the blond beauty, perhaps you would be open to sharing her this evening.”
Eden’s eyes widened. She opened her mouth to protest when Falcone’s finger pressed against it.
“Stay silent,” he whispered.
“A promising suggestion. Perhaps we should resume our search so we can properly enjoy this party,” Slimy agreed.
A shudder racked Eden at the possibility of these men finding her. She didn’t have the skills to avoid their propositions. Perhaps Falcone stood correct on not having her attend this party. She had never imagined such depravity took place.
Falcone wrapped her in his embrace, offering her comfort. Or at least she fooled herself to believe that was what he offered. “I will never allow another man to touch you,” Falcone swore in her ear.
She closed her eyes, leaning into him. She knew he only meant to reassure her of their present situation, but a small part of her wished his statement was true.
“Let me check behind these columns, then we can move on,” Slimy said.
Once again, Falcone kissed Eden, and she returned the kiss with desperation. Only she didn’t know if it was from fear of the gentlemen finding her or her desperate need to have Falcone’s lips tempting her toward a passion out of control. Either way, she clung to him and met him kiss for kiss. Her hands dove into his hair, pulling his head closer.
Falcone’s control at maintaining their secrecy slipped away at Eden’s response. She responded with a passion that made him forget why he must keep her identity a secret. He heard a noise from behind them and shielded Eden from the danger lurking after her.
“Did you find her?” Squeaky asked.
“No. But I saw Falcone with another piece of fluff. Lucky for us, it wasn’t the blond beauty. We must find her before he charms her.”
Their voices drifted away, but Eden never ended the kiss. Soon her fear subsided with each gentle pull of Falcone’s lips against hers. And still she continued kissing him. So lost in the spell surrounding them, she forgot what had prompted Falcone to kiss her. She only wished for Falcone to touch her beyond holding her in his embrace.
However, Falcone had other ideas. He pulled away from the kiss, grabbed her arm, and led her in the opposite direction of where the gentlemen searched. They immersed themselves deeper in the crowd before Falcone swept Eden into a dance. A dance never shared in the ballroom floors of London. But one where their bodies molded together in an endless dance of seduction.
The dance made Eden aware of her desire for Falcone. It went above and beyond anything she had felt before. Each twist and turn sent her spiraling further out of control with a desperation only Falcone could appease. She didn’t wonder if Falcone felt the same. Not with the way his hands roamed over her body as he guided her along in the steps. Each caress held a deeper intimacy. His hardness pressed against her stomach, giving Eden proof of his need for her.
“I want to spread you out on my bed and worship every inch of your luscious body with soft kisses and gentle caresses before I take you with a need so powerful I cannot control myself. Where you will claw at my back with your own desperation. Where your screams will rock the walls. Where your heels will dig into my back as you meet me thrust for thrust. Where I will forge an ache in your soul that no other man can appease.” Falcone’s voice deepened with each request.
His statement left Eden a quivering mess. The rational side of her demanded for her to run far away, while the side of her that craved danger begged Eden to follow Falcone wherever he led her.
Falcone swung her out from him in a twirl before bringing her back against him. “Just so that we are clear. My declaration was not a request but a promise, so you are not mistaken about my intentions.”
He sealed it off with a searing kiss, leaving Eden in no doubt about how their evening would end.