Seduced at Midnight by Jacquie D'Alessandro

Author:Jacquie D'Alessandro [D'Alessandro, Jacquie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Fiction, General, Fiction - Romance, American Light Romantic Fiction, Man-woman relationships, Love stories, Romance: Historical, Romance - Historical, Historical, Regency fiction, American Historical Fiction, London (England), Ghost stories, Bodyguards, Desire, Literature - Societies; etc, Women - Societies and clubs, Arranged marriage - England - London
ISBN: 9780425225493
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Published: 2009-01-06T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

"If I'm to learn the melody, you'll need to at least hum it," Julianne said, resting her fingers on the smooth ivory keys.

She looked up at Gideon from her seat on the piano bench. There was no doubt in her mind that the only reason he'd agreed to teach her a bawdy song was to distract her thoughts from the murders. For which she was grateful. Except that his consideration only made her admire him more. Which only made her want him more.

As had his story about the woman he'd planned to marry. The woman who'd been lucky enough to be loved by Gideon. And whom he'd so tragically lost. Whose death he'd heroically avenged. He'd shared a piece of himself she was certain he normally didn't allow people to see. Which did nothing to calm the maelstrom of emotions he evoked in her.

Which unfortunately was not good.

At the moment, however, she found herself suppressing a grin. Goodness, he did not look happy. He stood beside her, one large hand resting on the polished wood, scowling at the keys so fiercely she was surprised they didn't yell eek! and hop off the instrument and run away.

"Bow Street Runners don't hum," he informed her.

"I'm certain they do if they don't know the words."

"I know the words."

"Very well, if they're too afraid to sing the words."

His scowl deepened, and she had to bite the insides of her cheeks to refrain from laughing. "I'm not afraid. I'm being considerate. Of your ears."

"My ears are made of very stern stuff, I assure you." She lifted an eyebrow. "Are you reneging on our agreement?"

"No."

"Excellent. Besides, I don't see what you're so worried about. It's just a song. Indeed, I wonder if you've told me a Banbury tale. I don't see how a tune entitled 'Apple Dumplin' Shop' can be considered bawdy."

A glint she could only describe as devilish entered his eyes, and she caught her breath. Dear God, how was she going to refrain from begging this man to kiss her again? To touch her. To put his hands and his mouth on her. To make her feel as he had last night. She didn't want to tempt him—or beg him—to compromise his honor.

Did she?

God help her, she didn't know. She'd known he was honorable the first time she'd met him, and she deeply admired him for it. But she desperately wanted more of the intimacies they'd shared. Being this close to him and not touching him was torture. But if she forced him into a situation that impinged on his honor, he might leave. And that would be an even worse torture. He was here. She'd enjoy his company—especially the company of this entertaining, teasing man she found utterly captivating. And that would have to be enough.

"Clearly you don't know what an apple dumplin' shop is, Princess."

She looked toward the ceiling. "It's a place where apple dumplings are sold, of course."

"Maybe in your upper-crust world. But in the less fashionable sections of London,

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