“I am sure she is special if she loves you.” I used to think that love was straightforward. Lately it had become clear that it was messy and complicated.
“Apparently, she didn’t love me enough.” The pain in his voice cut to the core.
His matter-of-fact delivery made my heart ache for him. I hugged his arm. “I am sorry. It must be very hard.”
Ash guided me through the intersection. He rallied himself, the haunted look disappearing. “It is, but at least I know she is alive. Unlike your husband. What did Mr. Worth think of raising your siblings?”
My apprehension increased and I reminded myself that Ash was my friend and my lover. It was natural for him to ask questions for that reason. As an inspector, curiosity came with the profession. “He had no qualms about it.”
“He sounds like a paragon of virtue.” His rich laughter floated in the breeze. He hid his earlier upset behind a mask of affability. “Unlike me.”
“You have some excellent qualities, as does Moran.” Kindness being one of them. Both men had seen to my every need, bringing me unbelievable pleasure in the process. I leaned into him under the pretext of avoiding one of many puddles. “You were both very solicitous to me, it was greatly appreciated.”
“You deserve to be pampered. How are you faring after our little romp?” The husky timbre of his voice cut right into my core. I pressed my side tighter to him, my breasts skimming his arm.
“I am faring well. Very well. And you?” The play this morning had been lively, with Moran buggering Ash while he pleasured me with his mouth. The memory fired my blood and I could barely stand the thought of being left out while they pursued their ongoing physical relationship.
“Nothing like a belly bump to start my day with.” He brushed a hand over his bearded chin. His profile to me, amusement wrinkled his eyes.
“Is that yet another innuendo?” I grinned, constantly entertained by his charming manners. Moran had a more brooding personality, while Ash tended to be the prankster. They complemented each other well.
“I am full of them.” He tapped at his temple, his smile widening. “According to Moran, that is not all I am full of.”
“To be technical, it was more of a rump ride than a belly bump.” My cheeks flamed at my bold statement. Just yesterday my eyes had been opened to a world I hadn’t known existed. What a difference a day brought.
“You cheeky bird.” Ash snapped his head around, brow lifted in surprise. He had very expressive face when his guard was down. “Is that where you got your nickname?”
“I was innocent until I began my friendship with you.” I had done things in the last twenty hours that I never imagined was possible. My boldness shocked even myself. I cherished every moment with Ash and Moran and I hoped for a repeat. “I fear you have corrupted me.”
Instead of laughing at my quip, the frown returned. Indecision reflected in his eyes. Milk Street was just ahead. Soon our time alone would be over.
“What is wrong? Did I say something to offend you?” I prayed I hadn’t. Friendships hadn’t come easily for me of late. I was no longer in contact with the few friends I’d had, due to the change in my situation. If they learned of my new life, they would no doubt shun me.
“No, not offend. I...” He stared ahead for a long moment before turning back to look at me. The air between us thickened and not because of the weather. “Last night, after you coupled with Moran, I removed his condom and found blood.”
My heart fell to my feet and I was glad for his strength. “He was bleeding there?” I asked, trying to hold the panic at bay. I should have factored in the signs of losing my virginity.
Sharp eyes inspected my face with a bit too much intensity. He had a knack for making me feel vulnerable in the face of his interrogation skills. “No, it was outside of the condom, not inside.”
The words hung between us, and I waited for him to grill me more.
Think of something! “I just ended my cycle the day before. I must have been spotting. Was he offended?” He didn’t seem so, but dark waters ran deep with Moran.
“No, he didn’t know.”
My mind crowded with questions. “Were you offended? It is a natural occurrence, after all.” One a man and a woman never spoke about. Ash didn’t seem to have any compunction discussing any matter of taboo subjects.
“No, of course not. I was simply concerned over your welfare.”
“Thank you for that.” The tension left my shoulders. He released my arm as we arrived at the boarding house, and I took out my key to unlock the front door. The hallway was chilly and dim. I was aware of him behind me, our footsteps creaking on the steps. Once on the landing, he cupped my elbow and turned me to face him, drawing me tight against his body.
I lifted my chin, eager for his kisses. Head tilted, he played his mouth over mine. The silkiness of his beard and the heat of his body drew me in. Muffled voices sounded from inside and I withdrew from the kiss. “I should go in.”
“I suppose you must. Will you be able to stay late tomorrow night?” He caressed my cheek with his thumb, reminding me of the delights I could find in his arms.
“I will need to check with Eloise first.” I wanted to say yes, but I had responsibilities other than my own carnal pleasures.
Offering a sensual grin, he stepped back and ran his hand behind his head. A natural flirt, Ash had the looks and personality to make a woman swoon. Of course, he was aware of the impact his charm had on me. “It is cold outside.”
