“You won’t.” Emotion thickened his throat. He didn’t deserve her loyalty.
But he wanted it. He wanted… her.
Suddenly insatiable, he recalled her taste, and his cock stirred. Not the place or time, Black. But he inhaled just then and her sweet essence had him pulling her closer.
Was that her heart beating, or his?
“I missed you today,” she whispered.
“But I was here.” Max smiled in the dark.
“I know. But not here here.”
“I know.” His front to her back, Max splayed one hand over her ribcage, smoothing his other hand along her side. “I missed you too.”
She leaned into him.
If they continued thusly, Max was not going to survive this.
“Here, let me watch.”
Max straightened so she could view the workroom. With each second that passed, his awareness of her increased. Each breath. Every little movement.
“What is your secret, Maxwell?”
“I don’t have any secrets,” he returned, not at all willing to share it.
“But the note…”
“What are yours?”
“You know all of mine.”
“I might not.”
“I think you do.” They spoke to one another in low whispers, bantering, flirting, dangerously playing with the sparks of attraction they’d failed to resist.
Playing with fire.
Max’s hands crept up, cursing the short stays she wore, and then cradled her breasts over her gown. Perfect. Everything about her was perfect.
Holding her snug, his cock strained between them.
“There’s one of them. Can you feel it?” It was a very improper question, one he’d blame on the intimacy of their situation.
“I—” The minx wiggled her bum. “Yes.”
On the opposite side of the door, the room remained empty.
Max stroked his thumb over the fabric of her bodice, finding both of her nipples taut, aroused. Were they a dusty pink color? Or perhaps a darker rose?
This wasn’t a good idea. He should have sent her home in a hackney hours ago. But he’d been selfish, professionally and personally.
“I’ll tell my secrets if you tell me yours.” She covered his hands with hers, encouraging his touch.
“I thought I knew all your secrets.”
But she shook her head. “Not all of them…”
