The Playboy's Touch (Book 2)

Chapter 11

Rachel

It had been about a week since I had last seen Vicente when he visited the house.

During that time I had realized I had acted foolishly and like a desperate young girl when he was around. I had to let myself get carried away with the idea that he could possibly be physically interested in me. He was indeed very charming and easy to talk to, that was more than what I could say for the men in London. And he wasn’t just easy to talk to, he was also very handsome. I had learned that he was a hard-working merchant, who dedicated his time and effort to earn his money. He was unlike all of the wealthy and entitled men i knew. And although I did not believe I could ever fall in love with him, I definitely was attracted to him. But in the week that I hadn’t seen him, I focused on regaining self control. If there was to be anything between him and I, he would have to initiate it. There was no way I was going to risk my self-esteem trying to flatter a man who could easily turn me away when he saw the condition of my leg.

During that week as well I didn’t see much of Enrique. He was out and about either attending to Viscount duties or he was spending time with friends and women. I had seen both the redhead girl from the week before and a new brunette leave the house either late at night or early in the morning. The man truly had no shame.

But despite his reckless rendezvous‘s with these women, I wanted to ask him questions. He seemed to be very open when discussing s*x and desire. Of course I couldn’t expect nothing less, since Celeste told me that growing up he went out of his way to educate her. He believed that it was foolish that young women were not made aware of physical relations and were left blind and ignorant until their wedding night.

When she first told me this I was a bit surprised. When I had met Enrique he seemed like a closed off and serious older brother. He wasn’t loud, overly playful or talkative. He was poised and refined in public and in smaller group settings. I had never heard him yell or have extreme reactions to anything. Even when he was upset he somehow managed to remain calm. Of course, the only time I had saw him react out of impulse was when I had stormed into his room confronting him about inviting Vicente over for dinner. Other than that, he was a calm and collected man. I’d never admit it to him but he was rather imposing as well. He was tall, muscular and held himself with pride and intimidation. He was completely stoic and it surprised me that the more time I spent with him, the more I realized how playful he was. Which is why now it made sense that he was able to have an open and honest conversation with his younger sister about romantic relationships.

I was three years older than Celeste, I knew a bit more than she did when we first met. But opposite to her, I had not engaged in any physical activities with a man. She had described to me in detail her nights with Arthur and I had heard other women talk about their affairs at parties. Of course I never asked questions or was included in the conversations, but being overlooked at events served me well for it allowed me to pick up information from those around me.

I wanted to ask my mother questions, even Oliver. But I knew mother would only lift me up and try to convince me I was perfect. And I knew Oliver would attempt to have a civil conversation with me about physical relations but still encourage me to wait until marriage. I wanted to know more, I wanted to learn. Not just out of curiosity, but I felt like it was about time I had an idea about what to do in the bedroom. Even if I was never bedded by a man I at least wanted to be confident that I had the slightest idea of what to do.

I was in my room when I heard the front door close. I heard Enrique‘s voice booming up the stairs- and I had to accept that he was my only hope. He had been so honest with me since I had met him, surely he would not shy away from having this conversation with me now.

I slowly made my way to his office. I knocked on the door to a room I had seen the former Viscount enter multiple times. But when I opened it, the room was empty. I saw a desk and a giant fireplace, but no one was inside. I was about to leave when I noticed a large painting above the desk. It took my breath away when I realized who I was looking at.

It was the former Viscount and his Viscountess Maria. It had been said countless times that Celeste looked like her mother, but seeing it was breathtaking. They were identical, Maria was truly beautiful. And although at first I was shocked by her resemblance with her daughter, my mother’s words echoed in my head. She had told me that although Celeste looked like her mother, and Enrique looked like his father, when it came to heart and presence, Enrique was his mother. And now standing in front of Maria, I could see how right she was.

The artist somehow had managed to capture Maria’s a warm glow. She seemed to exude acceptance and patience. She still had a hint of mischief in her eyes but her smile was comforting. And I couldn’t help but relate that same emotion to Enrique. Despite his constant teasing of me, womanizing tendencies and uncommittal personality, he too was accepting of others. He never turned anyone away. I had seen him stand by Charles the entire time he had been blackmailed for his relationship with a man. And Charles had mentioned how Enrique was the first to know and the only person who has stood by him the longest and without hesitation. Enrique had also helped his sister unite with the man she loved and participated in my rather foolish plan of going undercover at a brothel to help them.

Enrique, like his mother who stood by mine when she was alone and afraid, was not afraid to fight for those he loved. He did it without hesitation, without a second thought.

I began to make my way out of the office when I looked back at the painting one more time. If mother was right, if Enrique really was like his mother, which I trusted he was, then he was the only one who would be patient enough to walk me through my current obstacle.

He didn’t have to know the details, all he had to do was give me a slight push so that I could take matters into my own hands and finally have the courage to feel beautiful and seen.