“Two in a bed would be warmer.”
“But most unwise.” He left, but she shed her cloak and pursued. “Titus!”
He turned to face her, but behind him sat a larger mirror, which showed her in ugly shift, woolenstockings, and well-worn half boots. She covered her face with her hands. “I’m sorry. I’m such a sight.”
Warm hands lowered hers. “You’re beautiful, Ariana, as you always are.”
She met his eyes. “I wish I were in filmy silk, like a woman in a harem.”
“You’d be no more alluring.”
“Surely I’d have to be.”
“Why are you always so clearheaded?”
“It’s a flaw?”
“It means you must see me for what I am.”
“I see a man, no better or worse than other men, but perfect in my eyes.”
“That’s a heavy burden to bear.”
“Then you must strive to. I’m sure you were a good husband to Seraphina, and will be a good husband to me.”
“We’ve talked about this—”
“Clearly not enough. We are going to marry, Titus, and be happy, with a brood of happy, healthy children.”
And that meant...
Chapter 20
His room was much smaller than hers, and dominated by the tester bed. She pushed him and the backs of his legs hit it. Another push, and he sprawled backward onto it. He wasn’t resisting, as best as she could tell. In fact, he grabbed her shift and pulled her down on top of him.
She sprawled over his warmth, with only two thin layers of cloth between her breasts and his chest. The surge of hunger startled a gasp from her, but killed any qualms, so she kissed him. She had to, as a parched person must drink.
He kissed her back in the same way, but was struggling to get away. “We mustn’t...”
“Imust,” she stated, holding tight to his shirt, “and I won’t suffer for your qualms.”
He ripped free. “Qualms!”
She knelt on the bed, glaring at him. “Seraphina wouldn’t have wanted such a sacrifice. This is all about you. In fact, she wants to be brought back from Italy.”
He sat up, glaring in return. “Oh, does she? She’s written you a letter?”
“I just know. She can’t rest there, and perhaps that’s why you can’t be at peace.” She leaned into him and kissed him more gently. “Let me bring you peace, Kynaston.”
“Peace,” he groaned. “I haven’t known a moment’s peace since we met.”
“Again.”
“Again?”
“We met eight years ago.”
“I hardly remember that.”
