He tore his gaze away from the swell of her breasts above the tight bodice to look in her eyes. “Oh?”
“Ellie will soon make her debut. She needs gowns and jewels.”
He grinned. He knew her better, but he decided to play along. Her smooth skin glistened beneath the candlelight of the chandeliers. He longed to touch her, to kiss the satiny curve of her neck.
“Jewels and gowns. I shall stop by Rundell and Bridge to pick up a few baubles, and you shall visit the new French dressmaker on Bond Street,” he said.
Her blue eyes lit with fire. “Devil! You know me better than that. The orphanage requires attention. The children need new dresses and shoes.”
He pulled her to him and kissed her. “It’s not just the orphans that needs attention. My wife has many demands.”
She met his kiss and her fingers rose to grasp his shoulders. Her urgent response fueled his desire, and he moaned in encouragement.
Footsteps sounded on the wood floor. “Ian!”
Ian groaned as he pulled away a second before Ellie and Oliva appeared in the drawing room doorway.
“Grace said you’d take us on a tour of the Raven Club,” Ellie said.
Ian stiffened.
Grace touched his arm. “They have a right and have been patient for weeks. Until you satisfy their curiosity, they will not cease.”
Ian rubbed his chin. “Fine. You may both see the casino floor through my office window.”
Both of his sisters squealed in delight and came forward to hug him. Ellie whispered something in Grace’s ear, but Ian couldn’t make it out.
But he did recognize the mischievous gleam in his sisters’ eyes before they departed. “What did Ellie say?”
“She has a fondness for watching pugilists. You should let her see a boxing match,” Grace said.
Ian ran a hand through his hair. “I cannot stop it, can I?”
“I’m afraid Ellie’s curiosity must be satisfied. Your sister is quite adventurous. Unless you keep her under lock and key, which I know you would never do, then it’s best if we allow her to attend.”
“What am I to do?”
“We. We will help her, of course.”
“Yes, we.” It was a novelty. A first in his life and one that he now cherished. With Grace by his side, he would survive his sister’s curiosity.
She came close to stroke his cheek, then brushed her lips against his. Ian pulled her into arms. “Your dress is driving me to distraction. I can’t wait until tonight to remove it.”
She pulled back to give him a saucy look and slid a slender hand down his chest. “Why wait?”
The invitation was irresistible. His heart thudded in his chest as his mouth swooped down to capture hers. She melted against him and they kissed hungrily, giving and taking in return. He couldn’t imagine his life without her. He’d foolishly believed the Raven Club had filled a void in his soul. He didn’t regret the past. Without it, he never would have met Grace and learned the value of true love.
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