As she turned back the covers, she remembered the kindness in his eyes. Slipping between the cool linens and shivering just a little, she sighed, realising that yes, she probably would sleep better now that they knew of her situation. And how things had been in her marriage.
But even though such thoughts were comforting, it was a while before she could finally feel herself drifting and relaxing.
When the bed moved beside her, she froze on a muted cry.
~~~~~
“Hush, Adalyn. Hush.” She recognised the voice.
“It’s me. Jeremy.”
Looking over her shoulder, she saw him, standing in the shadows, and leaning on the bed as he shrugged out of his robe.
“What…is everything all right?”
“Yes and no,” he said, lifting the quilts and slipping in beside her. “I could not sleep for thinking about you and what that madman did to you.” He settled himself on the pillow and turned to look at her. “I have…well, I have an incident in my past that I cannot forget. And it left me with a violent distaste for any man who would hurt a woman. Physically.”
“But…Jeremy…should you be here?” She wasn’t afraid or concerned, more curious than anything else. Even though she was now sharing her bed with him.
“If you wish me to leave, Adalyn, just say the word. But I felt that it would be the right thing. For tonight.” He turned fully on his side and reached for her. “I need to hold you. Just hold you. And reassure myself that you’re safe.”
Adalyn found he was helping her turn on her side as well, away from him, so that his front was tucked up against her back. His thighs moved and touched hers, almost as if she was sitting on them, but lying down.
“It’s known as spooning.” He slipped an arm around her. “We fit together like two spoons in a kitchen drawer.”
“I haven’t heard of it,” she whispered.
“Started in northern Europe, I believe. Warmth up there is important.”
And it was warm. She found the heat of his body against her back was soothing, comforting and blissful. His chest seared her spine and his thighs and shins toasted the rest of her.
“Are you comfortable like this?” His voice was gentle and soft as he ran a hand over the sleeve of her nightgown to her shoulder and back down again. She wanted to purr.
“Yes,” she murmured. “So good, Jeremy.”
“I’m glad.” His breath tickled her ear.
“I shouldn’t like this as much as I do.” She snuggled backward, fitting her bottom into his groin. And becoming aware of the very male hardness pressing against her. She stilled.
“I like it very much too, as you can tell.” He shifted, nesting himself against the softness between her legs. “But I’m here to hold you safe in my arms, and to see that you sleep. That’s all.”
Drowsy now, Adalyn nodded. “Thank you, Jeremy…thank you…”
She spared a moment to wonder what had happened to him that would send him here, to her, and to her bed. Sleep claimed her before she could ask.
And when she awoke in the morning, he was gone.
Dear Diary,
The sun has barely risen, and I find myself here at my desk already, eager to write down some of the astounding events of last evening.
I will begin with dinner, another of Evan’s masterpieces with my favourite mint sauce to complement a lovely leg of lamb. I indulged my appetite, but managed to not overeat, although I confess it was no easy task.
It was delightful to be permitted my first taste of brandy afterward, when we adjourned to the parlour. I could not possibly be missish enough to demand tea, when my companions were sipping the wondrous liquor. Giles, as always, conceded to my request, and brought me a lovely crystal glass with a small serving.
Honesty compels me to confess that it is burning, strong, and made my eyes water after the very first sip. But then…oh the delight of the spreading warmth throughout one’s body. I finished my allotted dram and now can claim to understand the appeal of such a beverage. Giles has promised to let me taste what he refers to as a ‘drop of Highland magic’, in other words Scotch whisky. I’m hoping I might find that palatable as well.
But now I must speak of things that occurred during our evening. Things that are both shocking, embarrassing, and yet liberating, all at the same time.
