She burrowed beneath the sheets, irritated by herself more than anything. During dinner tonight, Rothwell had acted as if that kiss never happened. He’d been charming and kind, always smiling and ready to converse. He’d had no problem upholding his side of the conversation at all. Arabella had barely managed to finish her meal. How could he not feel anything after such a kiss?

She was thankful he’d been taken away by Holland to speak of something so vitally important that Rothwell had not reappeared at all. Arabella rolled over and tossed the covers from her body. Her nightgown was twisted completely around and she lacked the will to collect herself. The advice she had received months ago on how to seduce a man played through her mind again. The ring on her finger was gone, just the faintest trace of the depression remained. She had restyled her hair and worn more revealing gowns than normal.

Even close proximity to a rogue had made no discernable increase in her attractiveness.

Perhaps she was doomed to die a virgin.

She sat up quickly. No. Absolutely not. She would not allow life to pass her by. If not for Rothwell’s being home, she might have fallen prey to Farnsworth’s evil intentions and been coerced into marrying Lord Parker.

How long could a man like Rothwell resist a woman if she were to climb into his bed? He had said he was interested but had assumed she was put off by men entirely. She wasn’t, but if Rothwell was waiting for some sign from her to proceed to intimate relations between them, she had no idea what that sign might be.

She bit her lip. Rosemary had promised that her body would appeal to any man. She wanted to test that theory with Rothwell before he found himself a wife. Nervous but committed to her decision, she climbed from bed. She just had to allow Rothwell an opportunity while he was still here. He’d been amenable to a kiss that had scorched her senses. She would go to him tonight before she changed her mind.

Arabella drew in a deep breath to steady her nerves and stepped out into the dark hall. It took a few moments before her eyes adjusted to the gloom and without the aid of any other light she padded toward the room her butler had assigned to Rothwell on his arrival. Steady rain beat against the windows she passed and disguised the sound of her passage. Light flickered beneath his door and she raised her hand to the wood. Her knock sounded loud to her own ears, so instead of waiting outside where a servant might see her, she quickly entered.

But the room was empty. The bed was made as if Rothwell had not been in it at all. Crushed, she turned on the spot and retraced her steps quickly. So much for having dishonorable intentions about a man. She would have to try again later or give up her wish as a fool’s errand.

“Arabella?”

She jerked her head up and stared into the shadows lingering beside her bedchamber door. Rothwell stepped from them.

“Oh, there you are.”

He came closer. He was still dressed as he’d been at dinner, but his coat was missing. He looked rather dashing in his shirtsleeves and embroidered waistcoat. “Were you looking for me?”

As during dinner, his deep voice did funny things to her nerves. A ball of uncertainty settled in her stomach. She took a deep breath and took a pace toward him. “I was. I have another request to make of you.”

“Are you thinking of Farnsworth again?”

“No. I was thinking of you.”

“Me.” His fingers brushed the sleeve of her nightgown. “In what way?”

This was the moment. “I’d like you to kiss me again and not stop.”

He studied her for a long, uncomfortable moment, eyes skimming her body as if he were touching her. Warmth pooled between her thighs and she clutched her robe tightly to stop her hands from shaking. When he blinked, his expression grew shuttered. “This is an unexpected request.”

Arabella brushed her suddenly sweaty palms over her robe. There was only one thing left to do. She’d have to be honest and as bold as Cecily could be. “I wanted you to seduce me,” she blurted.

Rothwell drew back a pace as if she’d struck him. For the first time ever, he seemed at a loss for words. He shook his head. “I’m sorry. My mind wandered for a moment. Could you please repeat that?”

His words bolstered her courage considerably. The tables had turned. Now he was the one flustered.

Yet Arabella hesitated. She hadn’t actually thought she’d need to ask to be seduced. She’d assumed Lord Rothwell would understand what she wanted without being told and act accordingly. How else did one invite seduction if there were no right words to request it? “I want you.”

She stared at him, hoping a blunt invitation would be acceptable. Time slowed. The clock ticked loudly nearby and then Rothwell finally seemed to catch on. But still he did not sweep in to ravish her. Perhaps additional conversation was a requirement in a seduction. She smiled. “Are you not pleased?”

“Don’t mistake my silence as displeasure. I am honored.” He swallowed and dug a finger beneath his cravat to loosen it. “However, before I consider how to proceed I want to know why me and now.”

Because there was much about Rothwell to be impressed by—tall; dark haired; broad, muscled shoulders. He commanded attention wherever he went and to be alone with such a man in her own surroundings did terrible things to her senses. She might actually swoon.

That he was so out of countenance pleased her. From the moment he had kissed her, she had hesitated to name the force that plagued her. It might be described as lust, but she’d never experienced that. Yet the heat of his gaze now seared through her body and did terrible things to her composure. She wanted to twine her body around his and never let go.

Even now, with her interest in the open and the heat in Rothwell’s gaze evident, he still refused to act. Perhaps he looked at all women as potential candidates to grace his bed but he didn’t necessarily follow through in bedding every one.

The thought was disheartening. She liked him best of all the gentlemen she knew. Disappointed, she pulled her robe closer about her body. “Forgive me for taking up your valuable time. I’m sure you have other, more interesting activities planned for your evening.”

He caught her arm to prevent her flight. “Wait. Our discussion hasn’t ended.”

“But my courage has.” She turned for the door and an end to her embarrassment, slipping from his soft hold easily. “Good evening, my lord.”

He caught her before she made her door, his hands firm on her upper arms, his body behind her. “I’m willing. I’m just surprised. Why would you need courage for me? Has Farnsworth given you another fear to conquer? I promise you few men are cruel like that.”

She drew in a shaky breath. “I hope not.”

They were alone. His seduction could begin. He drew her against his body and when her spine landed against his chest, she shuddered. Warmth penetrated her robe where they touched and took her breath away. His hands slid up her arms firmly and she tried not to start from the unfamiliar sensations he stirred. Yet her whole body thrummed with anticipation at the sensation of his attention.

His soft sigh against her hair made her jump. Rothwell stilled, breath caught as he inhaled, and after a time, he released her. “Are you sure about this? I will not seek to detain you should you change your mind.” Rothwell’s voice was a soft murmur, full of patience and perhaps even a touch of understanding.

She faced him. “This is what I want.”

Rothwell twined his fingers through hers and tugged. “Then follow me.” He drew her back to his bedchamber and through the door, shutting it softly behind him.

Ahead lay his large, empty bed. She risked a peek at him. Although this moment marked a turning point for Arabella, Rothwell appeared calm, as if such an act was almost mundane. He didn’t immediately ravish her. He seemed completely at ease.