The Accidental Courtesan by Cheryl Ann Smith

Author:Cheryl Ann Smith
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Penguin Group USA, Inc.
Published: 2011-08-16T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

If Noelle thought a Ton crush was spectacular in its garishness, the courtesan ball brought revelry to a new level. Displays of flesh, gowns in every bright color imaginable, beading, sequins, gauzes, and silks, with deeply cut necklines meant to shock. The rotunda was packed with bodies, and rogues of all ages and sizes thought nothing of publicly placing hands in places on their lovers where hands shouldn’t be. It was quite possible—no, it was certain—she’d never again see the like.

Thank goodness.

Noelle had been to Vauxhall once or twice during the day and had enjoyed the labyrinth of arbors, the endless walkways, and the sheer beauty of the place. To see tawdry displays in what she’d once considered Eden was a blow to her senses.

She paused, bringing Gavin to a stop. “Is there something wrong, My Lady courtesan?” he asked. There was a knowing in his eyes as he looked at the company, then back to her. She shook her head. He seemed to understand her hesitation and gave her a moment to collect herself.

“The last time I visited these grounds, there was much less exposed flesh,” she jested. She waited until the last few strains of the orchestra faded before continuing. “The gardens look much different filled with courtesans. I fear I am not as worldly as I profess. This goes far beyond what I imagined.”

Gavin squeezed her hand. “We can leave at any time you wish. Now, if you prefer.”

“Absolutely not,” she said. Her eyes twinkled with amusement. Sheer bodices and rouged nipples aside, she wasn’t about to forgo the adventure of the evening. “I wouldn’t miss the sights of this outrageous ball for anything in the world.”

Her companion’s handsome mouth twitched. “You surprise me, My Lady,” he said. “I was certain one look at nipple displays and you’d beg me to return you home.”

The graphic speech warmed her cheeks. “If I cannot look at dozens of pairs of nipples without blushing, what sort of courtesan would I be?”

Gavin tipped up his head and laughed wholeheartedly. His blue eyes danced when he peered down at her. “I think you’ve spent too much time with the courtesans. You are starting to speak like one.”

“Then perhaps I will make an acceptable courtesan after all,” she teased. A bit of fondness edged his eyes when he examined her face. Clearly, he liked her and enjoyed her company. She enjoyed his as well. What wasn’t there to like when accompanied by a fine-looking man?

He chuckled. “Remember this is a game, My Lady. If you run off tonight with a dandy and his fat purse, I will be sorely disappointed. I need your help catching the thieves.”

Noelle leaned to press her breasts against his arm. “I only have eyes for you, my darling,” she purred. For a moment their gazes locked. The intense sensuality in his face left her breathless. Her skin tingled in hopeful anticipation of his touch. He didn’t disappoint. Gavin turned her until they were face-to-face and slid his hands slowly up her bare arms to her cap sleeves.

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