Diana stared thoughtfully into the mirror. Why was Petra so unforthcoming about her relationship with Guy? She didn’t conceal the pleasure she took in his company and indeed he was faultlessly attentive to her, almost always at her side in public. They seemed to share a private way of communicating, as so many couples did, and it was true that her friends and acquaintances had imperceptibly come to accept them as a couple. The next step was inevitable for most people in that situation. There would be an engagement. But Petra didn’t seem at all concerned about the future, just appeared to be wholeheartedly enjoying the present. And her friends couldn’t begrudge her that.

But it was true that society was speculating. And it was true that Guy Granville had a reputation as a philanderer.

Diana sighed. Rupert was right. She and Fenella owed it to their long friendship to bring up at the very least the subject of what Petra expected to happen next.

* * *

Petra stretched languidly in Guy’s big four-poster bed. The afternoon sun streamed through the open windows throwing bars of light across her naked body as she lay only half covered by the sheet.

“Now that is a most wonderfully wanton sight.” Guy turned from the window coming over to the bed. “You have the air of a most contented and indolent cat, my sweet.”

Petra smiled, rolling onto her side, propping herself on her elbow, her head resting on her hand as her eyes greedily devoured his nakedness. She didn’t think she would ever have enough of that lean muscularity, the flat belly, his long thighs and his delicious bottom. “Come back.” She patted the mattress in invitation. “I haven’t finished my dish of cream yet.”

“Oh, you are a witchy woman,” he declared, his eyes taking on a smoky hue. “And heaven help me, but I can’t resist you.” He came down on the bed beside her, sliding his arms beneath her as he rolled onto his back bringing her with him so she lay on top of him, her hazel eyes laughing down at him.

“What now?” she asked, moving her hips seductively against his loins. Her mouth hovered over his, her tongue suggestively moistening her lips before moving in quick little darts against his, touching the corner of his mouth, outlining the shape of his mouth with the tip.

“You seem to be doing very well on your own,” Guy murmured, his hands stroking the length of her back, caressing the curve of her bottom, as she captured his mouth with hers, her tongue demanding entrance, before moving on a seductive exploration of the warm sweet cavern.