She lifted her face to his. “Good,” she breathed.
He smiled then, his wicked look still intact though his face looked thinner. “Very good,” he breathed.
And kissed her.
Adalyn’s heart melted at the touch of his lips and she reached for him, sliding her hands around his neck and allowing him to pull her closer than close—almost onto his lap.
She whimpered a little at the delicious taste of him, a sound that generated a tremor in his body she could feel. His arms tightened and one hand slipped down her spine to find the roundness of her bottom. That touch made her gasp and she couldn’t help but press herself closer, loving the shimmering darts of pleasure his touch awoke within her.
Something clanged in the outer office and they drew apart, Adalyn darting a nervous glance at the area near the door.
“It’s all right. I believe Gerald has dropped his abacus again.”
“Gerald? Is that his name? I forgot to ask…” She cleared her throat and gazed at the familiar features of Trick’s face. “How are you, my dear Trick? Do you know how much you are missed?”
“I am well, and yes,” he answered. “Jane has been a blessing, Adalyn. She brings me the news, keeps me up to date on everything that is happening and quite often I find something that either Evan or Mrs. Barnsley prepared, tucked into the basket she carries with her. She brings in a change of clothes as well, sometimes.”
“I am so glad to hear that. You understand why I cannot visit regularly?” Adalyn couldn’t stop touching him, running her hand down his arm, glad he wore a thick wool jacket over a linen shirt.
“I do, my sweet, of course I do.” He sighed. “This is the Roundhouse, not Wolfbridge. I wish it were otherwise, but I have learned that railing against fate accomplishes nothing.”
“Trick, I had to make a choice,” she said, lowering her gaze. “It was the most terrible moment for me.”
“Hush.” He laid a finger on her lips. “I know, Adalyn. I too know the rules of Wolfbridge. You did the right thing.”
She swallowed down tears. “My head knows that, Trick, but my heart has yet to believe it.”
“Then let me warm your heart with my words of understanding…” He unfastened the buttons of her chemise and loosened her bodies. “Let me reassure your heart that it must not ache too much for the choices you make, especially when they are the only ones available to you…” Pushing the fabric aside, he lowered his head and licked her bare skin, following that with tiny kisses down to the mound of her breast.
She groaned under her breath, loving the feel of him, the warmth and the possessive way he touched her.
“You must come home soon, Trick,” she murmured, closing her eyes. “Soon…”
“I cannot see a way, my dearest,” his voice was low and rough, and she knew he was arousing himself as well as her.
“We are working on it. If we can pursue our inquiries…oh…” a flick of his tongue against her nipple caught at her breath, “If…if we can find out more information, we might be able to see this farce dismissed and you back at Wolfbridge.”
“I would like that,” he groaned, taking her hand and pushing it down between his thighs, curving her fingers around his thickening arousal.
She pressed her own thighs together, fighting the sensual emotions his touch was awakening.
“What inquiries are you pursuing, love?”
It took a moment for her to pull her mind from her heated loins. “Um…we want to talk to two Fivetrees servants. They left immediately after the tragedy…”
He grunted as her hand squeezed him. “An excellent idea,” he managed. “But…” with a shudder, he pulled her hand away from him. “I cannot put much faith in two servants’ versions…”
Saddened, but understanding, Adalyn let him release her breast. “We are wondering if they might have been involved, Trick. It’s not their eye witness reports we want, but their reason for leaving so soon.”
He re-buttoned her bodice and straightened her gown, his face flushed with heat. “Ah, yes. That’s an excellent notion.”
She was silent for a moment. “I know Jane keeps you up to date, but even she is not aware of this particular effort. So I will try to make sure you’re informed of how matters progress.” Daringly, she leaned to him and parted her lips, kissing him as passionately as she’d ever kissed anyone. “I miss you.”
“Need I tell you how much your sentiment is returned?” He licked his lips and glanced down at the bulge distending his breeches.
Adalyn shook her head. “No, you do not.” She smiled at him. “Just keep that notion in mind for when you return to us? I have faith it will be soon, Trick. I really do.”
“Everything all right, Ma’am?” The call came from the door.
