“Dinner early, I think, Deery. I’m quite starved. Haven’t eaten a thing in town.” He glanced at Kitty’s hand, still clutching the note. “News, Kitty? From Ridlington?”
Recalled from her interrogation of Deery—who was leaving the room in a manner much more rapid than he usually displayed—she nodded and passed him the note. “I am so relieved, as you may imagine,” she sighed. “To know Hecate is home, and eating…well, that is just the best news possible.
“I have more.” He grinned. “Your belongings have been assembled and packed by your Aunt’s maids, and tomorrow will bring trunks, and boxes and all the trappings a lady cannot live without.”
Her jaw dropped as she struggled for words.
He chuckled as he lifted his hand and closed her mouth with one finger. “Surprise. I didn’t expect that. But it’s most pleasant.”
“Th-thank you, Max.” She stuttered her gratitude.
“For what? You can’t go on raiding my sister’s closet.”
“Yes, but…” she waved her hands helplessly. “I thought…a small town house…or apartments perhaps…”
“Why on earth would you want that?”
“I don’twantthat, but it’s what is customary under these circumstances.”
“For myself, I should hate to have to go out in the cold to visit you. Not to mention having to get dressed and leave. What a bore.” He managed a blasé expression.
“Max…” Kitty thumped him on the chest with both fists. “Talk sense. I am yourmistress, for God’s sake.”
“Mmm.” He stared at her mouth. “As if I could forget.”
His kiss was everything she’d come to want—and more. His skin was cool from his ride back home, but his tongue was warm and slick, plunging into her mouth and demanding a response.
She gave him one, a moan in her throat, standing on tiptoe to wrap her arms around his neck.
He held her tight, pulling her into his body, thrusting one thigh between her legs and making that moan repeat itself as he did so.
“Max,” she sighed, freeing her mouth from his. “I’m so confused by all this.”
“Don’t be.” He loosened his embrace a little, but still held her in his arms. “Just let it happen, Kitty. Yes, you’re my mistress, but there are no rules dictating what a mistress does, or where she lives. If I want you here, and I do, then here is where you will stay.”
She looked uncertain. “I don’t know what lies ahead, Max. The future…”
“None of us know that. So perhaps you should follow my family’s motto.”
She gave him a questioning look.
“Never loan money to a friend, and do what you want today in case tomorrow is a disaster in waiting.”
Kitty shook her head and grinned. “I’m sure that it sounds most elegant in Latin.”
“I wouldn’t know. Can’t stand the language m’self.”
