Susan Johnson - Seduction in Mind

For a restless moment she hesitated, and his pulse leaped. Then she turned in a swirl of skirts and ran from the room.

Alex ran upstairs as though she were being pursued by demons. Dashing into an empty bedroom, she leaned back against the closed door and trembled. No previous measure existed for the violence of her feelings, for the insatiable need he inspired, and she wondered whether she was capable of dealing with such powerful desire. Although, if the past few minutes were any indication, the answer was no.

She understood why Sam had come. He wanted sex, not conversation or friendship, not even casual affection. And unless she was completely witless, she wouldn't forget that pertinent fact. Not that she wasn't similarly inclined; this wasn't a relationship of unrequited lust. It was passion pure and simple-or maybe not so simple after all, she decided with a small smile. She recalled his ability to bring her to consecutive orgasms. Sam's sexual repertoire was extraordinary.

Inspired by that delectable memory, she faced the dilemma before her with less equivocation. She went to the washstand, where she splashed water on her flushed face and arranged her hair into a semblance of order. She smoothed the wrinkles from her gown, then gazed at herself in the mirror, carefully surveying her image for any evidence of Sam's passionate embrace. Since there were sure to be questions from her family, her mother in particular, Alex would rather not give any clues that their meeting had been anything but decorous.

As if she had to explain herself to any of her family, she reflected disgruntledly, straightening the sleeves on her gown. She was financially independent, of age, and in charge of her own life. Their approval or disapproval should be irrelevant.

But unfortunately, she couldn't so cavalierly disregard their opinions. They were her family, after all, and more important, she detested conflict. With that thought in mind, she cautioned herself to prudence. Don't argue, she admonished herself silently as she exited her room. Be polite. She smiled as she moved down the hall. And escape as soon as courtesy allows.

"That rogue has nerve!" Euterpe cried the moment Alex entered Tina's bedchamber, where the family was assembled. "Has the man no sense of decency?"

Knowing her mother wasn't interested in a substantive answer, nor one that disputed her opinion, Alex held out the package instead. "Ranelagh brought the baby a gift."

"Am I supposed to be impressed?" her mother snapped. "He can afford it with his millions."

"Mama Ionides, come," Tina implored, casting Alex an understanding glance. "It was very considerate of Ranelagh to bring a present."

Alex carried the package to Tina, who looked remarkably fresh considering she'd only just given birth. Attired in a fresh white linen nightgown, her hair tied with a pink silk ribbon, she lay back against a pile of lace-trimmed pillows.

"I hope he's gone." Euterpe scowled at Alex. "And I'd appreciate a little support, Pandias," she added, directing a scathing glance at her husband seated near the windows.

"Has Ranelagh left?" her father asked, his tone neutral.

"Yes, Father." Alex handed the present to Tina.

"He's gone, darling." Pandias offered his wife a smile. "The problem is solved."

"He's a rake and a rogue, Alex," her brother said. "Don't deceive yourself on that score."

"Alecco! Leave Alex alone," his wife chided, frowning at her husband. "Didn't the viscount drive all this way just to see your sister?"

The eldest Ionides son turned an affectionate gaze on his wife. He adored her today more than ever with their long-awaited daughter sleeping in the cradle near the bed. "I won't say another word, darling."

"Maybe she loves him as we love each other."

"Tina… you're much too romantic," Alex interposed. "I like Ranelagh and he likes me, but we're hardly in love."

"Well, it might come to that."

"And it might just as well not. Open his gift. I want to see what he brought. He said the clerk at Aspreys was surprised he was selecting a present for the baby."

"No doubt." Her mother snorted. "I imagine he's there more often buying some trinket for his ladyloves."

"Then I should ask for diamonds next time I see him."

"You needn't get smart with me, missy. Tell her, Pandias. Tell her the man is fickle as the breeze."

"I don't know him, my dear. I'd not wish to make pronouncements on his character."

"Well, all of London does. Why not you?"

"Because I don't know him. And until I do, I'll reserve judgment."

She sniffed. "Don't you care that people will talk about our daughter?"

"If people talk, I don't pay attention. If I did, I could take offense every day. You know we're not accepted at most of the better clubs, and any number of society engagements are closed to us. Bigotry exists, but I for one refuse to conduct myself in a similar fashion."

"Thank you, Papa," Alex said. "And, Mama, don't worry. Ranelagh's really very nice."

"Very nice, indeed. I'm not taking issue with his niceness, which is well known. It's the democratic expanse of his niceness that concerns me."

"I can take care of myself, Mother. Could we please not discuss this?"

Pandias shot a stern look at his wife, and with pursed lips, she fell silent.

"Look!" Tina exclaimed. "A silver rattle… a very old silver rattle. What do you think, Alex, is it Elizabethan or Jacobean?"

The baby chose that moment to wake with a howl, curtailing any discussion of stylistic differences in silver and instantly becoming the center of attention. She was fussed over, held by everyone, admired, and praised until no longer amused by her relatives, she screwed up her little face and set up a fresh wailing.

"She's hungry," Tina observed, "so if you'll excuse me…"

In short order, the room emptied of all save Alex, who remained at Tina's request.

Lounging in a chair near the bed, Alex gazed at the enchanting picture of mother and child. She felt left out, alone, as though she were outside looking in on an idyllic world beyond her reach.

"Do you ever wish for children?" Tina asked, taking note of Alex's pensive expression.

"I do right now. I envy you completely."

"Perhaps Ranelagh will be the one." Tina's voice held a teasing note.

"Not likely. He's the man least willing to have children, I suspect. Nor do I envision anything so outre."

Her mouth quirked in a rueful smile. "You know I go through this passing melancholy every time you have a baby."

"I have a feeling you just might consider Ranelagh as a possible father for your children," Tina speculated playfully. "In your current mood, I mean."

"He's soured on matrimony. I think we can scratch Ranelagh as a candidate." Alex's brows flickered. "Even if I were so inclined…"

"You never know," Tina observed.

"I wouldn't bet my fortune on his walking down the aisle again, and really, Tina," Alex said in a lighter tone of voice, "I adore my freedom. I don't wish to marry again."

"Someday you may fall deeply in love," her sister-in-law noted. "Not like the companionship of your marriages. But desperately in love. Then you may change your mind."

Alex smiled at her friend. "You're an incurable romantic, darling. But remember, I've never been as starry-eyed as you."

"Ranelagh's different though, isn't he, and don't tell me I'm wrong-and don't tell me it's been only a few days." She winked at Alex. "You're mad for him."

The two women had been confidantes since childhood, the London Greek community small and extremely close, their families neighbors. They'd shared girlhood wishes for knights in shining armor, blissful true love, and any number of other romantic ideals.

"I might be just a little mad for him," Alex admitted, grinning. "He's incredible in bed."

Tina giggled, the baby whimpered, and after calming her daughter, Tina returned her gaze to Alex. "I knew it the minute you walked in today. I could tell you were different. He's brought a new glow to your eyes."

"And my body too." Alex couldn't help but smile.

"Better yet. I hope he didn't really leave."

Alex shook her head. "He's waiting down the road." She sighed. "I feel like a schoolgirl waiting to sneak out of the house."

"You needn't wait. Go to him."

"I thought I'd stay with you until you fell asleep."

"Don't even consider it. There's absolutely no need for you to stay. I'm feeling fine, and the baby is a perfect darling, as you can see," she added, the pride in her voice unmistakable.

"Don't rub it in."

"Forgive me. I didn't mean to gloat. Go to Ranelagh now and have a baby of your own."

"Don't put any dangerous notions into my head." Alex grinned. "Especially when I'm feeling so deprived."

"That's why I said it." Tina wasn't above a little matchmaking for her friend, who, in her estimation, had married both times for all the wrong reasons. "I'm just saying think about a baby. You seem enraptured by the man-your excitement fairly glows. So go now, go to your Ranelagh. I'll make some excuse to your mother, I'll tell her I've sent you to the City on an errand for me. Don't I need that lace peignoir you and I saw in Westbourne Grove last week?"

"The lavender one? And Ranelagh's not mine, not in the remotest way."

"Yes, the lavender one, and he's yours right now, waiting for you because he wants to see you enough to drive all the way from London, knowing the entire family is in residence. You have to give him credit for courage," Tina said with a twinkle in her eye.

"Or foolhardiness."

"Not an altogether displeasing trait in this instance. I'd say he wants you badly. Now, go," Tina commanded. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"You're corrupting my nobler impulses."

"Good. It's about time. You have far too many noble causes and charities for a young woman. You spend half your time taking care of others, not to mention the years you tended your husbands. You're allowed to think of yourself, darling, and have a little fun. Now, if you aren't gone in two minutes, I'll call your mother back and make you both play bridge with me after the baby goes to sleep."

"Horrors!" Alex jumped to her feet. "I'd sooner walk over hot coals than play bridge with my mother."

"There," Tina replied brightly. "The very best incentive to go and see darling Ranelagh. Once I'm recuperated, promise to bring him out for tea so I can see the stunning legend for myself."

"Don't say that. I particularly dislike his legendary status."

"But you've brought him to his knees, haven't you, darling? Or at least a long, long way from London. That has to mean something."

"It means he likes sex."

Tina shook her head. "Sex with you, my sweet," she amended. "I doubt there's a dearth of women in town who would be willing. Now, bring the lovely man for tea someday soon."

"He doesn't drink tea."

"What man does? We'll ply him with ouzo."

"I'll extend your invitation. And thank you," Alex said softly, "for all your sensible advice. I really do like him."

"Think about that baby." Tina smiled at her friend.

"You're not exactly helping me to be virtuous."

"You could talk to him about it."

Alex laughed. "And watch him run."

Tina lifted her brows. "Maybe… maybe not."

But Alex didn't have the opportunity to say more than yes to Sam's query about sleeping at the Adelphi before he kissed her hard and long and deeply.

Some minutes later, as they sat side by side, gently rocking to the rhythm of the carriage, their hands entwined, their smiles indication of their good spirits, she did mention Tina's facetious proposal.

Rather than shrink from her improbable comments, Ranelagh replied casually, "A baby-really. I haven't thought about it-for say-my entire life."

She punched him then because he was obviously mocking her. Once they were finished tussling, and once they'd stopped kissing again, he smiled at her in a particularly sensual way. "You know, maybe it's not such a bad idea after all."

Her gaze half narrowed. "You know it's ridiculous, and I'll sleep with you anyway, so you needn't be polite. I wouldn't have even mentioned it, except babies are on my mind." She smiled at him. "Tina's little girl is so soft and cuddly and adorable. I held her for the longest time, and she looked up at me with her big blue eyes and I think she even smiled once. I instantly melted in a puddle of love. So you see, I'm not exactly rational at the moment. You needn't take it personally."