CHAPTER 6

Susan did not know what to do— or more like, how to kiss. She stood there like a statue until she felt his lips coaxing hers in the most sinful way that had her joining his symphony without even realising. Words couldn't describe what she felt. On top of the world? Electrified? Floating? She couldn't tell!

Edmund stopped only for a few seconds to allow them to get enough air that would keep them going for rounds of mind-blowing kisses.

The word, protest, suddenly rang in her head. Yes. She was supposed to protest, and that she was going to do—or would have done if those damn strong arms did not make their way around her waist and pulled her deeper into his web.

From the beginning, the kiss had been slow and soft, as if he was giving her time to get used to the new feeling, but over time, things became more passionate and heated between them. Edmund was foolish to think that a quick taste of her lips would quench his curiosity, unknowing to him that he had set himself up for an unquenchable hunger—especially when the vixen was moaning and clutching on to him like a lifeline or like a puppy tasting sugar for the first time.

Susan's eyes suddenly opened when she felt something squeeze her bottom and something poking her belly. Gathering all her senses and strength, she managed to break away from the kiss. "We need to stop." She whispered against his lips.

Edmund, who didn't want the kiss to end, leaned in again and held her lips captive, but she stopped him before things could become more heated. "This doesn't feel right."

Edmund pecked her lips before placing his forehead on hers, "Why does it not feel right to you? Are you scared of giving in to the pleasure you feel?"

"I am not scared, Edmund. Are you trying to manipulate me into living in sin with you?"

He chuckled, "Living in sin? Oh, sweet Sussy, you are one of a kind. Is my seduction working?"

"No, it's a total failure. My decision still stands. Marriage or nothing. I don't know about you."

"Me? Marriage is not an option for me. You already know that."

She untangled herself from his warm body as she masked her disappointment with a look of indifference. She wasn't going to beg him. "Duke Edmund, you still haven't told me the reason you are in my room by this hour of the night."

"Would you rather have me here in the daytime? Not that I mind."

"That would be scandalous! A young unmarried woman and an eligible bachelor—"

"It sounds pretty interesting to me."

"Unfortunately, I can't say the same for myself, Duke Edmund. You know how this society works. While you would be out there continuing your scandalous acts, I would be the one to take the downfall. Do you think any other man would want to even look my way if they learn that the woman they fancy spent the night with another man?"

"Well, seeing how beautiful you are, I am sure I wouldn't mind."

"Be serious!"

"I am serious! Alright, fine, I would try to find out if anything happened between them."

"Don't be ridiculous. Not all men think like you. You would probably not care about it if you were getting free sex."

"That was uncalled for."

"Indeed, sorry."

"Not that I mind. I Live for sex."

"I am sure you do. Why exactly are you here?"

Edmund straightened up, "Do you like Earl William?"

Susan laughed, "Let me get this straight. You left the comfort of your home to ask me this?"

"Not really. I was on my way to Eastside, then decided to stop by and check on you."

"Eastside? You still go to that place?"

"Where else would I go to?"

"Home. You have a home."

"It sure doesn't feel like it."

"That is why you need a wife to take care of you and your home ."

Edmund laughed and tweaked her nose, "You little witch. Are you trying to manipulate me?"

"Is it working?"

"No, it's a total failure." He threw her words back at her and smiled at how her mouth formed a thin line. "You haven't answered my question."

"Yes, I do."

"You do what?" Be tucked his hands into his pocket once again.

"Yes, I like him. He is funny. He makes me laugh."

"You didn't tell me you were looking for a clown."

She frowned, "I am not looking for a clown. I am just saying he has a good sense of humour."

"Okay. If you say so."

"He is a nice man—"

"I am sure he is."

"Can you stop? Or are you jealous?"

"Jealous of what? Stop being ridiculous. What is there to be jealous about? Apart from the fact your funny and nice Lord William is an arse, I think you both would make a perfect match."

Her lips curled up in excitement, "Yes, I think so too. He is quite a respectable young man. And above all, we share something great in common."

He took a few steps towards her, and while she did the same, in her case, she was moving backwards, away from him. "What is this great thing you both share in common, my lady?"

"We are both looking forward to settling down. He is ready to settle down, and so am I. Is that not great?"

"Absolutely. I am happy for you two."

"But he is not the one I want," She almost said.

"He is everything a lady needs. He is a wonderful man."

Edmund smiled at her words, "I am glad he is that man for you."

Susan's lips curled up, "If things go well..." 

"You two will start pumping out babies?" Edmund joked.

"I wasn't going to say that, but it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I would love to have five kids. Three boys and two girls. What about you?" 

Edmund's brows pinched together in distaste. "I don't want squirts."

"What do you mean you by you don't want squirts?"

Edmund began panicking. He would have loved nothing more than to dive from the nearest window, but she was blocking it, "Why are we discussing something like this?" He asked, not liking the way her eyes were pinning him down as if she was passing a message to him—a message he didn't want to understand. 

"Since you came to my room with reason, we might as well discuss anything. Besides, it is a pretty normal thing to discuss."

"No, it is not." He moved closer to her until their nose touched. "You can do more without a husband or some squirts in your life." He leaned in for a kiss but missed her lips as she turned her head away from him.

"That is your opinion, not mine." She stepped away from him, "I would love to go to bed now."

Edmund nodded and made his way out of the room through the window, but not before giving her one piercing look as he tried to engrave the image of the temptress in his memory.