Her head snapped up. “I beg your pardon?”
“They came to the room while you were sleeping and I—having thought that we would have made our escape this evening—believed the best way to be rid of them would be to relent and promise them a ‘private performance’ tomorrow evening.” He cringed. “I’m sorry, Mary. I—”
She shook her head. “Please do not fret. If we are fortunate—and I believe we are—we will have quitted Kerr House before they seek me out.”
She gave him a quick smile before she bent her head over her work once more.
His thoughts wandered back to their interlude in the linen closet and a slow grin grew on his lips. Mary; so experienced, yet so innocent in the knowledge of her own body.
He glanced at the clock on the mantle. They had several hours before they were expected to appear at the morning meal. He could have her here. Now. She was amenable enough to his attentions in the closet, she would likely be most receptive to the many delights he could bring her in a bed.
His grin grew and his breath came fast. He wanted her.Godhow he wanted her!
But first he would tease her…
“Mary?” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“Mmm?”
“Why did you—”
“Oh!” Her head snapped up once more. She dropped her quill on the table next to the ink. “I must tell you, before I forget once more.”
A clever evasion. “What is it, Mary?”
“Lady Kerr called on me earlier this evening, as I prepared for my performance. She—”
“Are you finished?” Gabe interrupted.
A frown crossed her brow. “I beg your pardon?”
“Your forgeries. Are you finished?”
“Er—yes.” She clucked her tongue. “You’re not listening, Gabe. She arrived unannounced, unwelcomed, and…in the middle of my bath.”
Gabe shrugged one shoulder as he leaned one hip against the table. “Surely she left directly the moment she learned of her error?”
“Actually, no. Lady Kerr questioned me on my association with you and then—”
“Ah, yes,” he interrupted, a haughty tilt to his chin. “I see. The lady sought your blessing for a romantic interlude with me, and—”
Mary clucked her tongue. “No, you arrogant arse, she—”
Swift as a thief, Gabe swept down to steal her lips in a kiss. Hard, rough, and passionate.
His heart beat wildly in his chest as other parts of him prepared for what would be most unquestionably a memorably gratifying experience.
* * *
Mary’s body awakened with the memory of pleasures recently discovered, while her mind raced.
Gabe. Kissing her!Again! Oh heavenly day! Her stomach fluttered with renewed arousal, her already satisfied feminine flesh throbbing with the desire to find fulfillment once more. She squeezed her thighs together in an attempt to ease the passionate ache. She groaned. The motion only intensified her wanton desire.
She explored his mouth, running her tongue along his teeth and over his responding tongue. It was the very same mouth that had so pleasured her breasts scarce minutes ago and the memory of his intimate touches sent her lust ever higher.
Mary knew what he wanted; they were in their guest bedchamber, alone, with their tongues intertwined. It was plainly obvious.
Gabe wanted her. In his bed and surrounding his body. Tonight.Now.
