“Indeed, probability won out.” The waves we’d created stopped rippling as I lay on his chest, his arm around my neck. Iturned my head to kiss his cheek, his racing heartbeat matching my own.
Moran yawned and rubbed at his face, water dripping down his forearm. His breathing had grown steadier and he looked more relaxed than when I picked him up at the station. “I am so glad to be clean.”
“I shudder to imagine what you went through. I...” My breath caught on an unexpected sob, and I cleared my throat. “I feared for you. As did Ash.”
While I missed having Ash with us, I was glad to experience this intimacy with Moran. Selfish, yes. I loved the other man but I connected with Moran on a deeper level.
Moran stiffened beneath me, his arm around my neck flexing. I cursed the slip of my tongue. He was upset about Ash and I had poked at a sore wound. “Have you seen him since then?”
“He said he had some work to complete.” After we’d arrived at the station, Ash had bid me adieu and disappeared. He was upset with Moran and with good reason, I suppose. The same way he was upset with me over my deception. Only I promised to make amends. “I am sorry, I don’t have more information than that.”
Eyes closed, he nodded and pressed his lips together, mouth turned down in a sorrowful line. “He is upset, that is to be expected, I suppose. But he’ll come around, he always does.” Sadly, Moran didn’t sound so certain. “I am glad you have forgiven me, even though I lied to you.”
“You didn’t lie to me. You simply didn’t share your past. There is nothing wrong with that.” Guilt hit me and I lifted my head, my lips playing over his in a long, lingering kiss. If things were different between us, I would stay here forever. That wasn’t possible. Twisting, I grabbed the side of the tub and climbed out.The chill in the room without his warmth sent goosebumps over my skin and I snatched up a towel.
“A lie is a lie, Birdie. No matter how you spin it.” Moran climbed out after me, his skin slick with water. He raked a hand through his hair and rubbed at the back of his neck. In his naked state, he never looked more appealing or dangerous to my heart. “While you are no saint, you are the most honest person I know.”
I bit back a snort and clutched at the towel, my unrest growing. He thought I was honest, and now I must disappoint him. My current nude state made me feel more vulnerable, and I vigorously dried my torso, needing the shield of clothing before diving into my truth. “While that is high praise, it couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“You are too modest.” Moran took care of the condom and slipped on the navy robe, hiding his wet form from view. Unlike me, he didn’t seem in too much of a hurry to dress. Of course, this was his home, thus he could stay. “I wish you didn’t have to leave.”
Nausea roiled inside my stomach. I reached for my chemise and drew it over my head. “I wish I didn’t either but my sisters will worry.” I wasn’t sure what would happen after I told him who I was. Perhaps I was overthinking it. Or perhaps not enough. Either way, it needed to be said.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Lord Tobias, Duke of Moreland
Birdie slipped out the bathroom door ahead of me, the lovely color on her cheeks enhancing her prettiness. The chemise clung to her hips and outlined her breasts as she entered my bedroom. I followed like a man without the will to resist. A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. Being in her company after my harrowing ordeal had been a most welcome distraction.
“Are you sure you want to leave?” I pulled her back into me, the softness of her bottom pressing into my groin. She laid her head on my shoulder as I trailed soft kisses along her dewy skin. While I had only bedded her moments before, my passions had begun to rise once more.
“I don’t want to, but I must leave soon.” Birdie turned in the circle of my arms and brought her mouth to mine. I played kisses over her lips, my desire for her insatiable. She angled her head, her tongue breaching my mouth. I hugged her tightly, our bodies fitting well together. Fingers digging into her hair, I never wanted to let her go.
She pushed at my chest, ending our kiss, her breath quickened. Desire and regret mingled in her leafy green eyes as she dressed. “Before I go, I have something important to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.”
My euphoria of moments before faded in the light of her statement. I tightened the belt on my robe, digging my toes into the carpet covering the hardwood floors. “You sound very serious.”
“That is because this is very serious.” She sat in the chair and grabbed up her shoes, sliding them onto her feet. Eyes downcast, she lowered her head, hiding her expression from view. “This won’t be easy to hear, nor for me to say.”
“Go on.” Alarm continued to ring inside my head and I rested my hands on my hips.
“I am... my name, well, I...” Birdie looked at me, her eyes glittering with suppressed emotion. With a noticeable inhale, she said, “Like you, I am not who you think I am. My name isn’t Worth. It’s Namath. The Right Honorable Miss Bernice Namath to be exact. My father is Baron Namath.”
I stood staring at her, hardly able to credit what she had disclosed.A lady. Birdie was a lady. She was unmarried and not a widow like she’d claimed. My initial surprise turned to alarm, the implications of her statement sinking into my mind. I clenched my jaw, realization dawning, along with outrage. While she was my secretary, she’d also become my lover. My unmarried lover. “Did I take your virginity?”
