Triumph exploded in his chest. That she trusted him enough to take care of her. That she was willing at all to allow him the privilege of sharing their bodies. He would make it so good for her, she would never regret it. Or forget it.
A knock on the carriage door had her jumping away. He opened the door to find the porter.
“Begging your pardon, milord. The train is empty now. Soon we’ll need to unhitch your car and put it away.”
“Right. We’ll be disembarking momentarily. Have they handled our luggage?”
“Yes, milord. Your servant has all the trunks and has secured a coach to take you to the inn.”
Mathias was as efficient as ever. Turning away from the porter, he extended his hand to Thalia.
“Are you ready to go, my darling?”
Her smile was dazzling as she responded without hesitation.
“I’m ready, my lord.”
CHAPTER 9
IF THALIA HAD HAD ANYhesitations about the wisdom of pressing on to Elvington tonight, the steady rain that was soaking the city, and no doubt making the roads muddy and treacherous, would have dissuaded her from that course.
The hired carriage rolled its way through slick cobblestoned streets on the way to the inn. She was immensely grateful that Liam had made such efficient arrangements. In her impulsive pursuit of her sister, she had not stopped to think about all the risks she would incur by traveling alone.
What would she have done if Liam had not found her? If he had not offered his company and protection? It galled her independent nature to think that a capable man was useful in these circumstances. Yes, maybe she could have found a cab on her own and secured a room in an inn by herself. But she would have been putting her safety in peril.
As she studied the man seated across from her, studying her intently through half-lidded eyes, a pang of desire slithered through her. It was not only because of his usefulness that she was glad for his company. The promise of pleasure reflecting in his gaze had her emotions swirling in a chaotic dance inside her.
His offer of spending the night together was nothing less than a dream come true. She had fantasized about it. But even after that devastating kiss, she had not believed it would come true. When he invited her to his room, she felt shocked, flattered, and scared. But above all, excited.
At last, she would know about passion. She would enjoy the physical pleasures. Revel in having his magnificent body skin to skin with hers...
Was it hot in here?
“Come here,” he commanded, as if in tune with her desire.
His voice was deep, dark, mysterious, and so sensual it turned her insides to warm honey. She could do nothing but obey it without question. Standing up, she maneuvered her skirts in the tight carriage, intending to sit beside him. But as soon as she was standing up, he grabbed her by the waist and tumbled her onto his waiting lap.
“Hmm, much better now. Here is where you belong,” he growled a moment before his mouth captured her once more with the same urgency as before.
She had not had nearly enough of him, either. Soon she was clutching his lapels, straining against him, basking in the feelings he elicited. Feeling the ridge of his rock-hard arousal pressing into her hip. How she longed to see his member. Encircle it with her fingers. Test to see if it was as hard and as big as it felt.
The coach rolled to a stop, and the shudder of the carriage told her the coachman and Liam’s servant had jumped from their perch to help unload their luggage. Neither of them had packed heavily, but still... She appreciated not having to carry her portmanteau by herself.
“I will procure another room for you, so that there’s no question of impropriety,” he said, his lips brushing her temples. “But you will sleep with me.” His tone was possessive, allowing no argument.
His concern was heartwarming. Even so, she balked at the unnecessary expense.
“I appreciate it, but I’m sure that’s unnecessary. This far from home; we are unlikely to arouse gossip. Nobody here knows me.”
“Better to be safe. You asked me for no consequences. And that includes no scandal.”
“Thank you. I shouldn’t complain, but it seems so wasteful to have an empty room.”
He laughed. “Don’t worry about that. My servant will make use of it and consider himself lucky for the privilege.”
He was so adept at organizing secret liaisons. How many of them had he had over the years? She shouldn’t complain. It would be better for her if he had experience. After all, it’s not as if she wanted to marry him. She just wanted a night of pleasure with a man who knew what he was about. And if his arrangements were any indication, he very much knew.
“Come,” the marquess extended his hand to her, after he descended from the coach.
