I swallow the remainder of my drink, setting the empty glass down on the table much harder than I’ve intended, annoyed that she is taking advantage of my openness and furious with myself for letting her. “I should be going.”
I fumble my hat and coat as I throw open the door.
“Will you be back tomorrow?” she calls after me.
I spin around, just outside the doorway. I want to tell her no, but I can’t. “You will see me again tomorrow, my lady.”
She flashes me a soft smile, and I’m filled with the urge to press my lips to hers.
But that’s not allowed, even if it were advisable, which it most definitely is not.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Your Highness.”
I all but sprint away from her, out of the club, into my carriage, banging on the roof so the driver knows to hurry the hell up.
Tonight I will fall asleep dreaming about the way my hand fit the curve of her hip and how her fingers trailed along the nape of my neck.
But tomorrow night I will need to do something different, get my head on straight before I even think of stepping foot back in the club. She might have infiltrated my mind tonight, but I won’t let it happen again.
Or this woman may very well be the death of me.
My dearest Harry,
I know these past few years of our marriage haven’t been easy. I was unsure when Diana moved me out of the club, but even though I miss you with every fiber of my being, I do believe it was the best decision. I’ve learned so much living here, and I’ve grown as well.
I am happy here, but I’m happiest when you come visit me. Being with you, Harry, has always brought out the best in me. And it can get lonely here all by myself sometimes.
I know it may not be the way we envisioned it when we were children, but we did always plan to have a family one day, and I think I am ready to become a mother. I’ve harnessed my Gift and am able to control it now, and I want nothing more than to bring a child into this world. Our child, Harry. With your hair and my eyes and all the love we could give her.
I know you will try to tell me the laws forbid it, but I am safe here in Scota. They haven’t prevented Gifted pregnancies for years now. I am protected, and I won’t let anything happen to me, or our baby.
It is time. I’m ready. I look forward to your next visit.
All my love,
Grecia
11
Cate
The minute thedoor closes behind him, I let out the deep breath I’ve been holding in.
I reach for the ties of my corset, needing my lungs at full capacity. I practically tear the clothes from my body, slipping into a robe and collapsing into one of the chairs around the table. My skin is on fire, but the cool comfort of the silk robe does little to soothe it.
I look down at my hip, thinking for a minute that his hand might have left some kind of imprint with how hot his skin burned against my waist. I could feel the heat even through the layers of fabric cinching me together. The heat between us was everywhere. I find myself in the arms of a new partner frequently, and many times the attraction I convey is feigned. But I didn’t have to fake anything once Callum Reid swept me into his arms, pressed his hips against mine. Let me feel how much the attraction was reciprocated.
And even worse than the attraction, he told the truth. When he spoke about his sister. When I asked him what he saw for the future, and he spoke about equality for the people, he told the truth.The air around us had turned a peaceful blue, the same damn color as his stupid eyes. He revealed a bit of himself in that moment, allowed himself to be vulnerable, and with that exposure showed me an honest piece of himself. I can only twist and manipulate emotions after my partner has achieved release, when the vulnerability is thick enough for me to latch on to, but when a person shares an honest bit of themself with me, I can discern the truth of their words and their intentions. And Callum Reid’s intentions are as pure as the blue of the ocean waters surrounding Avon.
Not that it matters. The man may have kind eyes and an impressive bulge, but that doesn’t take away from my main goal here. Get enough money to buy out our contracts, get the information Lady M requires, and make sure my sister is safe. Callum Reid is nothing more than a means to an end. The man may seem charming and kind, but it was under his father’s rule that my sister and I were abandoned and abused and neglected. Which means I need to keep my guard up. I need to treat him like any other client and keep him at arm’s length. Especially since I already know I plan on betraying his trust.
I wish the thought didn’t already turn my stomach with shame.
—
I pound onAndra’s door the next morning, my worry transforming to fear the longer it takes her to answer. I haven’t seen her in almost two days, and I can’t even remember the last time we went so long without a conversation.
My worst suspicions are confirmed when Andra finally opens the door.
