To Teach A Gentleman Read online

  “Come in, Jubal. Please take a seat. What is it I can do for you?”

  “I have to say, I’m very against this whole thing, but I have a footman requesting an audience with you, and I have come to . . . supply an introduction.”

  Considering the young man refused to sit, Christopher stood. “Your footman wants to see me? Why? This is highly unusual.”

  Jubal shifted his feet. “As I mentioned, I’m against it, but my dear sister insisted, and I’m weak when it comes to her requests.”

  “Ah, I see. That being the case, I would be happy to oblige. Send him in.”

  With clenched teeth, Jubal nodded then left, returning with a young boy hiding behind him. Clearly the lad didn’t like the situation any more than Jubal himself. He whispered something Christopher couldn’t make out.

  “Absolutely not. I’ll wait here,” Jubal responded, then after a pause, he turned to Christopher. “It seems I have a few errands to attend to. I shall return soon, so I expect you to act as a perfect gentleman in my absence.”

  Christopher drew his brows together. Had he somehow received a reputation for harming staff members? “I wouldn’t dream of being anything else.”

  “I’ll hold you to that.” After hesitating, the man turned and left, all the while grumbling under his breath about not liking this.

  It was to the point where Christopher was about to call him back to take the lad with him and end this charade when the so-called footman looked up at him. It was Genny. Those familiar, striking, blue eyes met his as she raised her hand up to remove her cap.

  Unruly, brown locks cascaded down her shoulders, and he had to grip the edge of the desk to keep from mauling her. Genny was glorious with her hair free. As his gaze traveled downward, his trousers grew uncomfortably tight. The accessibility of men’s clothing struck him to his core. Although her breasts were obscured by the oversize shirt, her breeches clung to every part of her perfect legs. He wanted to tell her to turn around so he could get the full effect, but he bit his tongue instead. Surely the sight would kill him.

  “What are you doing here?” he forced past his dry throat.

  “I’ve run out of time, and I had to see you.”

  “Out of time for what?” He pried his eyes off her body and up to her face as he tried not to think of that hair splayed across his pillow.

  She took a deep breath and met his gaze. “Have you offered for Miss Auclair already?”

  “No. Why would you believe I had?”

  A smile transformed her worried face. “That’s wonderful.”

  Hope that he didn’t want to feel filled him. Could Genny be pleased that he was still available? Did she hope he would offer for her? He couldn’t believe this strange turn of events would lead them down the path he was recently contemplating.

  “If you intended for the purpose of your visit to ask me this question, there are easier methods to get a response.”

  “That’s not the entire reason why I’m here. I’ve come to give myself to you.”

  He coughed, his brain unable to comprehend the words coming out of her mouth. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m offering myself to you, Christopher. But, you need to hurry. My brother will return, and he’ll kill you if he catches us.”

  Chapter 11

  Genevieve stood there, her chest moving so rapidly her head felt as though it would explode, yet Christopher remained immobile. Had he not heard her? Or, perhaps, not understood? She knew she wasn’t doing this right, but in truth, there likely was no correct way to offer oneself to a gentleman.

  Trying to remain calm, she waited. This was her only option. She knew she was ruined, and couldn’t marry, so she would use this opportunity to experience everything she could with Christopher before he was betrothed and unavailable, for she wouldn’t dream of asking a man who belonged to another.

  Then, the truth hit her. Her face burned as she realized her mistake. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t considered it before now. He had no response because he didn’t desire her in that way. After their last encounter, she’d thought he’d felt similarly to her. Apparently, she’d been wrong. Now, she had put him in the uncomfortable position of having to tell her no. A sob stuck in her throat.

  She spun around so he wouldn’t see her pain. “Forget I said anything. It was foolish for me to come here.”

  She moved toward the door, but his hand on her shoulder stopped her. This was much worse than she imagined. She didn’t want his pity or his explanations. However, she was stuck here for an hour until Frank returned.

  “Why, Genevieve? Why would you want to do something like this?”

  His voice was soft, but the fact he used her full name wasn’t lost on her. Clearly, he was angry. Likely, he would tell her father. She would laugh if she hadn’t been hurting so much. Instead of a punishment, she would probably be rewarded for her efforts from her father.

  “It doesn’t matter, I—”

  “Tell me.” He spun her around and held both of her shoulders. “You can’t dress like a boy to sneak out of your home and find a way here in order to offer yourself to me without having to explain yourself.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek and she realized it didn’t matter if she told him the truth or not. “I’m sorry to put you through this. I never should have come, but you’re right. You deserve to know. I recently overheard rumors that make marriage no longer an option for me. And, before I resign myself to such a lonely fate, I wanted the opportunity to understand all those feelings inside me. I came to you because I only feel it when you kiss me.”

  He closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, she nearly gasped at the molten chocolate burning in his gaze. “I’ve heard no rumors. This is rather drastic if all you overheard was talk.”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore. I won’t bother you any longer.” She tried to back away, but he didn’t release his grip. “Let me go.”

  “I don’t think so. You gave yourself to me, have you forgotten so quickly? You may leave when I decide.”

  She couldn’t look at him any longer, so she bowed her head. “But, you don’t want me.”

  After a brief silence, he laughed, full-bodied laughter. “Oh, Genny. A man doesn’t kiss a woman the way I’ve kissed you if he doesn’t want her. But, you came here today because you desire me.”

  She swallowed, embarrassed to hear it so plainly spoken. “Yes.”

  “Then, tell me what happens from here. How does one fill that desire?”

  Shock slammed through her, and she gasped. How could he not know? She expected him to be experienced and take the necessary steps. Failure weighed on her shoulders. This had been the worst idea she’d ever had to date.

  “I’m sorry, but I don’t know. I thought you did. I should have known this wouldn’t work.”

  “Oh, I know all right. And, it definitely works.” He traced his finger over her lips. “Will you stop regretting already? I just want to know you truly understand what you are asking.”

  As the gentle movement of his finger continued, she struggled to focus her thoughts. “I trust you.”

  His finger dipped under her chin, and he lifted her face to look at him. “Then, we should talk first. I want you to fully understand the consequences of your decision before another move is made.”

  Having already considered the possibilities, she shook her head. “There is no need. I have already spent a good deal of time considering them, and I understand.”

  “I don’t believe that is the case. At least not with all of them. We need—”

  “Is your only objection a concern over my dealing with what happens afterward?”

  “That is a very large concern, but yes. However, if you are going to accept every consequence, regardless of what it is, then I’d be willing to teach you a f
ew things about those feelings you have.”

  “A few? But, I want—”

  He put his finger back on her lips, this time stopping her words. “Let’s just see what happens as we move along. As long as I have your agreement, I’m willing to go that far.”

  Nodding, she let out a sigh, and he dropped his hand. “If that’s what you are offering, I’ll take it. So, what do we do now?”

  “You can start by kissing me.” He grinned. “I’ve thought about little else for over a week now.”

  Unable to come up with a proper remark, she threw her arms around his neck, intending to comply, but as soon as her body came in contact with his, she gasped, losing her mind. Never had they had so few layers of clothing between the two of them. She felt every hard plain of his body. And, one very noticeable part was pressing against her.

  “You feel different,” she commented through her unsteady breathing.

  “That is exactly why women shouldn’t wear men’s clothing. Otherwise, we’d go mad with desire.” His voice was tight with strain.

  She reveled in the sound, loving that she’d caused it. With a smile, she pressed her lips against his, but she had no time to act as he immediately took over the kiss, delving his tongue into her mouth. She moaned as he splayed his hands over her back, bringing her up further against him. Every sensation was intensified due to the lack of clothing, and her breasts ached as desire pooled between her legs. The intensity of her reaction frightened her, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it.

  She whimpered and shifted her body, but that only served to ignite her further. Clinging to Christopher for dear life, she met his every movement, wishing she could do more. Her body’s demand confused her. Certainly, this wasn’t right.

  He slowed his kiss, but didn’t remove his hands. “Easy. We’ll get there, I promise. Be patient or it will be over before it’s begun.”

  “This isn’t going to work.” She hated the desperation she heard in her own voice. “You said yourself you are only going to show me some things. I won’t survive it. I already need more.”

  Instead of understanding, he chuckled. “My greedy girl. What is it you want?” He slid his hand around her and cupped her breast.

  She groaned. Sensation poured through her body and her aching eased up a fraction. A sob of relief caught in her throat. This was a good start to the more she craved. She knew she should be scandalized, but she couldn’t bring herself to say anything that would put a stop to the amazing feelings moving through her.

  “Is that what you want?” he whispered as he nuzzled her neck, then ran his tongue along her sensitive skin. “So responsive.”

  Her knees grew weak, and she clutched onto him for support. It was too much, yet not enough and she was dying. When his mouth returned to hers, she kissed him fiercely, wanting as much contact as possible.

  When he pulled away from her, she felt the loss deeply. She wouldn’t be able to handle it if he denied her now. She needed him to see this through to the end. Now, more than ever.

  He bent down and swept her off her feet and into his arms. The sensation of being cradled against his chest made her feel cherished. Nuzzling her face against his neck, she kissed and licked exactly like he had done to her. He let out a growl as he set her on the edge of his desk.

  “If you don’t remove your shirt now, I’ll be forced to rip it off of you.”

  The threat sent a wave of longing through her. And, although she knew she should be reluctant to comply, she didn’t care. Her breasts ached and if removing her shirt would bring the relief she desired, she wouldn’t hesitate.

  As she gripped the bottom of her shirt and pulled the ends from her breeches, the reality of what she was about to do sunk in. She wanted Christopher to touch her as her body ached, but him looking at her was a different matter altogether.

  Fire smoldered in his eyes as he focused on her hands. “Don’t stop, Genny. I want to gaze upon you. To see all of your hidden secrets.”

  He put his hands on her knees and slid them up her thighs. She froze as his slow ascent sent prickles of awareness across her skin. His touch was maddening and addictive at the same time. When his hands reached hers, he helped her slide upward, inching her shirt off.

  The material rubbing across her already sensitive nipples was too much, and she couldn’t contain her moan. The noise sent Christopher into action, and he pulled her shirt from her grasp and over her head before tossing it aside. Her hair cascaded around her shoulders, grazing the tops of her breasts.

  “Magnificent,” he breathed as he reached out to stroke her.

  Embarrassment was farthest from her mind as his thumb ran across her nipple. Overcome, she cried out and thrust her chest forward, desperate for more contact. The strangled sound that escaped his throat further enflamed her as he furiously took her lips and continued to massage her.

  Needing more air, she pulled back, but it didn’t deter him. His greedy mouth moved down her skin until his lips closed over her other nipple. The sensation pierced through her and she would have melted right there on the desk, but his hand behind her back held her firmly.

  She writhed on the desk as his attention sent spirals of desire shooting right to her core. She wanted him to touch her there. The scandalous thought surprised her, but she couldn’t deny the all-consuming need.

  Tears welled up in her eyes as the desperation swamped her. “Christopher, please.”

  At her plea, he drew back, then pulled her to the edge of the desk and stepped between her legs. Excitement bubbled within her to know he would answer her demands. Instead, he drew her against him again and took her lips. The touch of his fully clothed body against her naked chest was strange, and she wished she had been more conscious of his clothing before.

  When he claimed her lips and pressed his hardness against her core, all thoughts fled her body. Pleasure spiked through her at the contact, and she dug her fingers in his back. He ground against her again, and she broke the kiss, gasping for breath. The feeling was so wonderful, she wanted more. She wrapped her legs around him and pressed back against him.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Bloody hell, Genny,” Christopher bit out. “You’re going to kill me.”

  Immediately, she dropped her legs as her face turned red. “I’m sorry.”

  He cursed under his breath for he hadn’t meant to discourage her. Never would he have imagined this shy lady would be so passionate or so responsive. Had they been in bed, this whole experience would have been different, but he would take whatever he could get. And, right now, he was barely holding himself together.

  “Don’t do that. Don’t ever apologize. Besides, I didn’t mean it as a bad thing.”

  “Oh.” She looked up at him with heavy lidded eyes, then wrapped her legs back around him. The marvel of her body tight against him was wonderful, but the fact she’d been the one to initiate the contact nearly did him in. He couldn’t handle this much longer. He knew he had to end this soon before he did something he would regret.

  This wasn’t the way he would prefer it, but he would take any part of her he could manage and still live with himself. To that end, he moved his hands between them and fumbled with the fastening of her breeches. This would have been so much simpler had she been in a skirt, but he wouldn’t trade the image of her backside in the damn thing for the world.

  After he managed to open her breeches, he moved back, allowing her legs to fall to his side once again. Before she could protest his movements, he kissed her again and boldly slid his hand down to reach her center.

  As if shocked, she jerked her head back, but he merely moved his lips to her neck, as his finger slipped inside her. His body ached, demanding he replace his hand with something else, but he fought back against the compulsion. Using every skill he knew, he worked her, determined to have her writhing un
der his touch.

  She clung onto him as delicious noises spilled from her mouth. He knew she was close, so he increased his pace, pushing her harder as he pulled her head back. He wanted to see her face.

  The moment her pleasure hit her, she moaned as wonderment washed over her features. He’d never seen a more beautiful sight. He never wanted the moment to end, but as all good things did, the pleasure faded leaving her with a somewhat embarrassed smile.

  With hands almost shaking with need, he managed to refashion her clothing, and he helped her off his desk. Looking at her standing there, topless with those breeches molding her body, he began to question his decision to keep her innocence intact. His body burned, and he knew taking her would be such a simple matter.

  She bent over and collected her shirt, and he let out a groan. As she pulled the top on, she bit her lip and didn’t meet his eyes. In that instant, he knew he’d made the right decision. Clearly, she already regretted what they’d done. That didn’t sit well with him.

  “Is there something you want to say?” he asked, hoping they could get this over with now instead of dragging out the uncomfortable avoidance of each other. That, he would not stand for.

  After tucking in her shirt, she cleared her throat. “I’m just a little confused.”

  “About what?” he pressed when she didn’t continue.

  She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth, not looking at him. “Why do men do it? I mean, my mother always warned me that if I was alone with a gentleman, he would take my innocence. I just don’t understand why he’d want to.”

  Clenching his teeth, he tried to keep his anger in check. He’d seen her face awash in pleasure. He could hardly believe she was standing there telling him such a feeling wasn’t worth it. He’d never had such a harsh blow to his pride before. Not once had he ever received a complaint, however the majority of those women had been compensated for their services.