CHAPTER 7

Edmund held his breath at the sight of the vixen approaching him. Those sensual hips and round breasts always do a good job of captivating him like a fool with no will. He couldn't take his eyes off her for a second because he was afraid she would vanish. To make it worse, images of last night's heated moments wouldn't leave his head, coupled with the crime-worthy erotic scenes in his head. He couldn't get a wink of sleep last night as the thought of the vixen filled his mind.

If only she could see what a mess she had turned him into. How he would love to feel the warmth of her mouth once again. To feel those curvaceous hips grinding wildly against his. He wanted to taste those round breasts that made his mouth water deliciously. He wanted to taste every part of her womanly body. He wanted her so bad that he ached both inside and outside.

He was utterly frustrated. He shouldn't be having such thoughts about her. She was different. He promised himself not to have anything to do with her, but the more he thought about it, the more helpless he became. He was not the man she deserved. He couldn't offer her the life she dreamt of. He knows deep down that having anything to do with her would only end up in disaster and heartbreak for her. He cared about her to an extent that scared him. Despite how hard he tried to deny it.

He had even promised her father not to have anything to do with her, but she was too great a temptation for him to conquer.

"Good afternoon, Duke Edmund." Her melodic voice wafted to his ears, causing him to straighten his back.

"Good afternoon, Lady Susan. How's your head? Does it still hurt?"

Susan childishly rubbed her forehead, which still had a little bump, "It doesn't hurt that much anymore."

"Did you put some ointment on it?"

"Yes, I did that this morning."

He nodded in approval, "Good," He cleared his throat when his eyes involuntarily fell on her lips.

"She is a beaut." Susan patted his horse, "But don't you think she is too old for the race?"

"Old doesn't mean weak. I feel like these old strong legs would appreciate a good exercise."

"Are you sure about it? What if it collapses along the line?"

"That would be quite unfortunate," He smiled at her.

"You know there is a good number of horses in the stable you could use?"

"I know, but I would pass. I like this one. It is it for me."

"Okay, if you say so, I trust your judgment."

"Do you? It didn't seem like it to me last night."

She added, "I trust your judgment regarding horses, Duke Edmund."

"But not my judgment in pleasuring you?"

Susan's head darted from left to right, making sure no one was close enough to listen to their conversation, "Keep it down, will you? Do you want to cause a scandal?"

He let out a throaty laugh when he saw colour rush to her cheeks, "Relax, no one would dare to eavesdrop on our conversation."

"You don't know about that. This isn't something you should be discussing in an open place!"

"Oh, right. Would you prefer I sneak into your room this night—again?"

"No," Her eyes said otherwise as She licked her lips, remembering what happened between them last night. "Someone might see you." she reasoned with him when she wanted to scream YES. She would do anything to have those plump lips ravish hers over and over again, but she would never admit it openly to him.

"Does that mean if the case were to be different, you would have said Yes?"

"No, I wouldn't."

"Just admit that you enjoyed last night because I did."

"No, I did not. There is absolutely nothing enjoyable about kissing a man who isn't ready to commit."

His lips curled up, "There is more where that came from, you know."

"More what?" Viscount William walked in on the duo with his thoroughbred, ready to join in the convo, "Good afternoon, Sunshine," He beamed at Susan as he proceeded to kiss the back of her hand.

"Good afternoon, Viscount William." She curtsied with her head bowed to hide her coloured cheeks. Embarrassed that someone had walked in on them talking about something inappropriate.

On the other hand, William, who had caught sight of the colour on her cheeks, beamed, proud of himself for eliciting such a reaction from her. That was a good sign if he could make the beautiful lady blush with a common gesture such as a kiss on the hand.

Edmund rolled his eyes, seeing how the young lad wouldn't take his eyes off Susan. "Good afternoon to you too, Viscount William." Edmund greeted, grabbing the man's attention.

"Ah, Duke Edmund." William's lips turned tight. "Nice to see you again."

"Very nice." Came Edmund's sarcastic reply as his eyes fell on William's horse, which was very young and agile, unlike his. "That's a fine horse."

"Oh, yes. This is one of the most expensive thoroughbreds you would ever see. My father gifted it to me when I was 11." William boasted.

"That was so sweet of him. Don't you think so, Lord Edmund?" 

Edmund was about to scoff at her suggestion, but with just one look from her, he was forced to nod. "I am sure it is. It looks stubborn." Stated Edmund as he had noted how the man struggled to get the horse under control. "Are you sure you can handle it?" 

"Why not?! I have had and rode it for over a decade!" William looked outrightly insulted. "Are you trying to call me incapable, Duke Edmund?"

"I don't know. Are you incapable?" Edmund raised one of his arched brows at the young lad. Anyone could tell the two didn't like each other very much from the way they glared at each other—well, William glared, while Edmund looked relaxed. 

Susan smiled, "Lord, William, What do you think about Duke Edmund's horse? I was just advising him to change his horse because it might be too old to partake in the race."

William was quick to nod in agreement, "I strongly agree with you, but it's good if he doesn't change it. It will increase my chances of winning and making you proud!"

Susan's heart would have melted at how thoughtful the Viscount was. If only the damned devil would learn from him.

"I am not participating to win but to have fun."

"There is no fun in a competition. You participate either to win or to become a loser. Mine is to win and make Lady Susan proud."

"That's so thoughtful of you, Lord William. I look forward to rejoicing with you on your victory." 

Edmund's eyes narrowed infinitesimally, "Well, good luck with that lad."