Claire’s heart pounded as she leapt from the hackney. She bounded up to Ravi’s front door, knocking loudly in time with her rapid pulse. Would he even be home in the middle of the afternoon? He’d left Josephine’s estate even earlier than her with Officer Wedsley to chase up a lead given by Sutton over dinner. She could only assume that he’d come to his lodgings afterwards. For a long moment, there was no answer, and her toes tapped in her shoes. Blast. Maybe her assumptions were wrong. She brushed her clammy palms on her dress, anticipation and nerves overcoming her usual care for her expensive fabrics. She started to turn to leave, head lowered, when the door creaked open. She twisted towards the door, a little sigh escaping as she saw Ravi, immaculately dressed, his hair messy as if he’d been running his hands through it. Her fingers tingled with the desire to do the same, to feel his black locks like silk against her skin.
‘Claire, how did you find me?’ Ravi’s voice washed away her worries, and she waved her arm.
‘Higgins knew your directions.’ She half turned to her footman. ‘You can leave us now. I will be safe here.’
‘Are you sure?’ said Ravi.
‘Yes, I’ve always been safe with you.’ She reached for his hand as he peered over her shoulder at Higgins. He closed his hands gently around hers, sending warmth gliding up her arms. Yes, this was the right decision.
‘What on earth happened to Higgins?’ he asked.
‘It’s a long story. How about you let me in, and we can discuss it in comfort,’ she said.
‘Higgins must come in too. At least let me offer him a cup of tea while we talk.’
‘I plan to be here for rather a long … talk.’ Heat prickled her cheeks, unbidden, as she blurted the innuendo.
‘In that case.’ He looked over her shoulder, and called to Higgins, ‘Thank you for your services, Higgins. I will send for you when Dr Carlingford is ready.’ After a pause, Ravi pulled her hands, tugging her gently inside. He kicked the door shut behind her, and she stepped into his arms.
‘Claire,’ he whispered, ‘what are you doing here?’
‘This.’ She stretched up and kissed him. Time slowed as sensation took hold. Every word he’d whispered at Josephine’s house became a promise that seeped into her skin, her heart, and wrapped her up safe. Her hesitant question turned urgent, and she pressed her body to his. Home. Trust. Every fibre sighed against his hard chest, her pulse clambering with need. She pulled her hands from his, stroked them up his arms, his jacket fabric rough under her gloveless palms.
‘Claire.’ He lifted his head, his dark skin glowing, and his eyes almost black with desire for her.
‘Yes.’ She deliberately lifted one eyebrow. If she was going to be bold, she may as well go the full distance. ‘You know why I’m here. I trust you, and I—’ And I need you. She inhaled sharply, unable to say the full truth aloud.
‘What aren’t you telling me?’ Damn him for being so perceptive. For a half-second, she considered saying ‘nothing’ and kissing him again. Her lips tingled at the thought, but his gaze held hers and she knew he couldn’t be fobbed off. She puffed out an annoyed sigh, and stepped back, dropping her hands to her sides.
‘Perhaps we should have that cup of tea after all.’ She sucked in a deep breath, twisting her fingers in her skirt. ‘Or we could skip tea until later.’ She muttered a curse as her words sounded far too hopeful.
‘As much as I’d love to take your offer, I want to know what happened to Higgins, and why you’ve marched in here with this demand.’
‘You know what they say about curiosity,’ she said, still winding her ribbons around her hand.
‘Is this one of those pot and kettle moments?’ He chuckled.
She grinned. ‘Yes. Yes, you should take advantage of my curiosity. God knows, you’ve pushed me for long enough. Why not say yes now that I’m willing?’
‘I’m concerned. You arrive here with a footman sporting a black eye. Then, after stating endless times that you aren’t interested in more than kisses, you kiss me and demand more. I’m worried about you.’ His gaze had softened, a small crease between his eyebrows. Her breath caught in her throat, a straw-like lump formed. How long had it been since someone worried about her? She cracked her neck. It wasn’t as though she didn’t have friends who cared, a loving brother, and a father who championed her achievements. Betrayal at the way Father had kept vital information from her tightened her chest, and she let out a ragged breath. Everyone expected, demanded, that she stay strong, no matter what happened. When had her strength become a burden? No wonder she yearned for Ravi. He worried about her, he saw all of her, and with a connection that ran deep between them. She blinked away the misty, blurry view of him. He reached up and brushed his finger under her eye. She flicked her skirts, the lump in her throat threatening to spill out in an ugly, raw cry.
‘Just kiss me, damn it.’ She threw herself at him, mouth connecting with his, rough and hard. Frustration, hurt, anger, and desire exploded into a flame of sensation. The heat of his body clashed with hers as she pressed her whole self against him. Her breath was fast, and her blood whizzed in her veins.
‘Claire. Claire, don’t push me.’ His voice sounded as ragged as she felt, stripped bare, all her reasons for holding back gone, and she wanted to feel this need, this desire in its entirety.
‘I have to. For once in my life. I have to do something for me. I’ve been holding myself back for too long.’ She grabbed his jacket, undid the buttons with trembling fingers, rushing and fumbling at them, until she could push the jacket aside and tug on his shirt. She was hardly aware of his hands, resting gently on her shoulders.
‘For completely valid reasons. What has changed?’ His eyes glinted. In warning? She ignored the new wave of dizziness, the weight in her stomach telling her she should listen to him.
‘I have changed. I can’t be alone forever. My heart is big enough to cope with any grief we might be unlucky enough to suffer. I want a partner who understands me. One I can take on the world with. You. For better or worse, in sickness and health, and all of that.’ She shoved her hands inside his shirt, spreading them over his taut stomach muscles. She almost pulled them away again as his hot skin scalded her palms, his muscles trembling under her touch. She slid her hands up his sides, taking her time to explore each muscle and rib. He hissed, a sharp noise between his teeth, as she reached his chest muscles. Confidence surged inside her, pushing away the uncertain weight in her belly, and replacing it with a warmth that traversed her whole body down into that secret place between her legs. Emboldened by his reactions, she spread her fingers over his chest muscles, exploring the contours.
‘You are in excellent shape,’ she murmured against his cheek. His scent, that heady hop flower and malt blend, made her knees weaken.
‘This isn’t wise,’ he said.
She smiled, his stubble rough against her lips.
‘I’m tired of always being wise.’ Her own nipples ached, tight buds pressed against her corset, so she brushed her thumbs over his nipples. He let out a noise, one that rumbled from deep in his chest.
‘You’ll be the death of me, Claire.’
‘Stop resisting, Ravi. Take me to your bed.’ She rolled her hips closer against him, instinct moving her body, and pinched his nipples. Her own tingled as though she’d touched herself too. His nostrils flared and his eyes flashed dark and knowing.
‘Claire.’
‘Say yes. It’s one simple word, Ravi. You can manage it.’
‘Yes,’ he growled, deep and guttural. He swept her into his arms, and carried her down the hallway. Her hands clenched at his shirt, grabbed on tight. His breath whispered over her hair and her heart raced as he moved. He leaned against a door, pushing it open with his back, then gathering her tighter against him to move them together through and into a new room. She peered over his shoulder. A large, lush bed stood in the centre of the room, brightly coloured fabrics with rich patterns adorned the bed. A tapestry hung on one wall, a bold female with four hands seated on a pink flower.
‘That image is incredible,’ she said. Ravi lay her on the bed. Her hands slipped out from under his shirt, and she used her elbows to prop herself up.
‘She is Lakshmi, one of our gods. Normally she lives in the drawing room, but my brother moved her in here earlier this year.’
‘Why?’ Claire bit her lip. ‘Your brother seems like the type of person who does everything for a reason.’
‘She represents prosperity—’ Ravi paused, a muscle in his jaw twitching.
‘Later.’ She wanted to know the whole story, but not yet. Not now, when she was desperate for him to take her away from her own dramas. She’d spent years attempting to throw off the strict society rules her stepmother had imposed, imprisoning her own desires to fight for herself. With Ravi she could free herself from those restrictions. He shrugged off his bedraggled jacket, flung it on a nearby chair, and took a deliberate step forward. Her legs dangled off the edge of the bed, and now his knees pressed against hers. She paused, her breath hitching, then relaxed as he gently eased one knee between hers. He bent over her, arms either side of her body, and kissed her. A languid kiss that eased her head back onto the bed. She reached for him, parting her lips for him. A shiver sped across her skin, as he swept his tongue inside. Their tastes blended, a wild richness that threatened to undo her, and she moaned. He pressed his other leg between hers, then slowly lowered himself until his body rested on her. Hot and heavy. She arched her back to get closer to him. He nibbled at her lower lip, each little bite sending fresh tremors of delight skittering on her skin, as he slowly, torturously kissed down her jawline, her throat, drawing out small moans from her as her breath quickened. He used one arm to lift himself enough that he could unbutton her, and it gave her enough room to tug at his shirt. She gathered it up towards her. He half stood, grabbed the shirt and pulled it over his head. Her gaze devoured him, all those taut, heavy muscles, dark skin, and black hairs that covered his chest and traced a line down his stomach to his waistline. She reached for him, her fingers following that line. He laid his hand over hers, and growled, ‘Not yet.’ He lifted her hand to his mouth, sliding her index finger over his lips. He sucked her finger into his mouth, sending a shock of energy jolting up her arm.
‘Ravi.’ His name burst out of her, and he smiled around her finger. He lay her hand gently at her side, and started to unbutton her gown.
‘These buttons, all the way to your throat, make me want to rip them off, to discover what is underneath.’
‘Do it.’ She raised her eyebrows as a frown flashed over her brow. ‘I can buy another gown, but I’ll never get this moment again.’
‘And you want added drama?’
‘I want you to touch me. Now.’ She tried to help him undo her buttons, but her fingers tripped over themselves.
‘Allow me,’ he said, brushing his fingers lightly over hers. A fresh shiver raced down her back. He deftly undid each button, from her throat down to her waist, and spread her bodice wide. Cool air washed over her collarbones and throat. He traced his fingers along the edge of her corset and her breath stopped. She needed his skin against hers, so she wriggled, trying to get out of her bodice.
‘Roll over.’ She glanced at him, a faint annoyance at the command, but the depth of lust in his gaze melted her resistance. She half sat, and pulled her bodice off, one sleeve at a time, before rolling over. His fingers traced the top edge of her corset, his breath hot on the back of her neck. There was too much fabric between them. She wanted to help him, to make him rush, to get past this slow undressing that made heat pool in her stomach, and her secret place wet. She moved her arms up to her hair and started to pull out the pins that held her coiffure in place. His hands ran down her sides, held her waist for a moment, then she felt the small tugs as he undid her laces. As the restricting corset loosened, she expected the usual rush of freed breath, but his touch kept her lungs tight. He spread the corset wide, and pushed her chemise up, exposing her lower back. Her blood rushed in her ears as he waited with his hands gently holding her waist, bright hot spots against her skin.
‘Did you know you have a small freckle just here?’ His voice was so low it rumbled in the air. She started to answer, when his lips kissed that spot and the only noise she made was a long hum. He slid his hands down to her hips, kissing her lower back, as he pushed her skirts down until he had exposed her backside to the air. He traced her backside, his thumbs circling close to her exposed curls. Sensation flared, she shifted towards him in response to his touch, wanting more, wanting him to touch her there, as she often touched herself. He nuzzled against her backside, then rolled her over again, leaving her curls facing him. She should have been embarrassed at having his face so close to her most private parts, but she only felt desire rampaging through her. He shifted his head, pressing his lips to her stomach. She moaned, and reached for his head, her fingers gliding through his hair.
‘Do you want me to continue?’ he asked. Claire tried to speak, but only a croak emerged. She coughed, then answered breathily, ‘Yes. Yes, please.’
‘As you command.’ Oh! Those words sent a rush of power burning through her body, as if she wasn’t at his mercy, but had control over his actions. She tilted her hips towards him. He kissed her belly button, tracing the edge with his tongue in a languid circle, slowly inching down towards her curls. Her head dropped back against the silky bedcovers and her eyes drifted closed as sensation ruled. His teeth scraped over her skin at the edge of her thighs. Her eyes burst open when he pressed his lips against her wet folds, sensation ruling her body. As he explored, pressure built inside her until his tongue flicked out against her clit. A burst of heat exploded and she gasped. He did it again, over and over, until she writhed on the bed. He clamped his hands on her hips, holding her still, as he licked and sucked at her slippery folds. Tension built and built until her whole body trembled with it. And just when she thought she couldn’t take any more, when molten pleasure beckoned, just out of reach, his tongue slid inside her. The world burst into a swarm of lightning, all consuming pleasure, that had her grabbing at his head, twisting his hair around her fingers, her body bucking with intensity. She shuddered as it ended, fragments of joy still emitting warmth like hot coals on a dying fire. Ravi licked at her, sipping, tasting her, as she lay limp, wrung out by him and his clever tongue.
‘Ravi,’ she breathed. He pressed a light kiss to that tight pearl, sending new notes of pleasure through her relaxed body. He rose up, hands and mouth along her body, teasing her again. Her eyes flashed open when he reached her breasts. One hand covered one, his mouth on the other. He flicked her nipple with his tongue, shards of heat making her gasp.
‘I need—’ I need you, all of you. But she couldn’t make her voice work as he played with her, toying with her body, teasing her.
‘I need that too, my precious Claire. More than you can imagine.’ He paused, not just his words, but everything. His hot breath came quickly against her skin, mixing with the cool air. She breathed in, deep, their combined scents swirled around her, salt and hops and her and them. The pause stretched, as his weight settled on her. The fabric of his trousers rubbed against the sensitised skin of her inner thighs.
‘But?’
‘But I need you to say yes. Not just any yes.’ He lifted his head to stare at her with open eyes. ‘I need a yes that you won’t regret. I know it’s not the best timing, but I have to be certain that you truly want this.’ He lifted his hands and cradled her face. She stared at him, knowing that he could see the uncertainty flash in her eyes. She’d railed against this step for so long, with anyone, that she knew he was right. Her body wanted this, needed to take this to its inevitable conclusion, but did she really, truly want this? It would be so easy to close her eyes, say yes and enjoy herself.
‘Damn you,’ she cursed quietly.
He chuckled. ‘I want your absolute consent. I can still leave.’ He shut his eyes on a long blink, then stared at her again with those dark, overly perceptive eyes. ‘It’d be almost impossible, but I could leave if you want me to.’
She bit her lip. ‘I don’t want you to leave. I understand what you are asking, and I want this. I don’t want to spend the rest of my days wondering if I’d been a coward.’
‘Claire, jaaneman—’ he stroked her face, ‘—I’ve never met anyone less like a coward than you.’
‘You don’t think that I’ve been using the risks as an excuse?’
‘Maybe. But I’m glad you have, because I get to be your first. The first to show you pleasure.’
She coughed out a surprised laugh. ‘Technically, you are the second.’
‘What?’ The shock on his face delighted her because she knew the answer.
‘I was the first.’ She grinned as he shook his head. ‘Really, Ravi, I’m medically trained. Naturally, I’ve explored my own body. I’m curious. I wanted to know how it works, all of it.’
‘Which explains why you responded so vibrantly to my words the other day.’
‘That’s when I knew you were the only one that I wanted to do this with.’ She moved her hips against him and stroked her hands down his bare back, over his still clothed backside, a mirror to his earlier action. He groaned against her cheek.
‘I have some French Letters in the drawer. Wait here.’ He stood up in a rush, exposing her skin to the air, gooseflesh racing over her. He reached down to pull off his boots, then fumbled with his trousers, removing them in a rush. For her. He walked, naked, to a drawer. She pulled her legs up onto the bed, kicking her skirts off. She rolled onto her side, and watched him. His long legs, broad shoulders, and the long muscles in his back, all part of his impressive physique.