“Very well, little raven.” With a lazy half-grin, he perched onto the edge of the bed. He tapped the spot next to him. “Let us hear your questions and see if I can…” He moved a lust-filled gaze over Daria, his stare hotter than any touch. “Satisfy you…” Her breath quickened as did her womb. “And your curiosity.”
This is how he kept people out. What an effective method for a man who sought barriers between himself and true human connection—a scandalous glance. A forbidden promise.
“How did you come by it?”
“I’ll have to ask my man of affairs.” He quirked an eyebrow. “Shall I fetch him?” Gregory headed for the pull.
“No! That will not be necess—”
The fire’s glow illuminated the droll twinkle in his eyes.
Feeling like a dolt, Daria dragged sharp nails along the sides of her thumb. “I’ve never been adept at picking up jokes,” she confessed—needlessly. Daria grimaced. “As you’ve already ascertained.”
Shadows played with the sharp plains of Gregory’s Grecian features, the fire’s glow softening the look he directed at her.
“What do you want to ask me, Daria?”
His gentleness threatened to unravel her.
This pivot between tender husband and hardened rake left her confounded.
Needing to move, to release the wild energy within, she moved nearer to the object of her fascination. Lifting a finger, she pointed at the Arcadian pastoral.
“How did you come by it?”
Feeling his eyes upon her, she let her arm fall quick.
His expression grew veiled.
She held her breath, needing his answer, doubtful he’d give it.
“I told you my—”
“Your man of affairs procured it, but who selected this piece?”
Understanding lit his eyes. “Ah.”
Daria wrinkled her brow. “Ah?”
With a sleek, lion-like grace, Gregory stalked over. “You are wondering if some woman left her touches here.” Her husband slipped his hands into hers and drew them to his mouth. “Worry not, love.” As he spoke, he touched each knuckle in a reverent kiss. “No other woman has been granted entry to these chambers.” His eyes darkened. “Until you.”
His admission didn’t stir her heart the way it ought.
It merely drove home all the women who existed for Gregoryoutsidethis room.
Like a scab freshly peeled, the earlier wound upon her heart broke open.
“That isn’t what I meant,” she said, proud of her steady voice.
Gregory scrubbed the back of his neck, that telltale mark of his annoyance. “Some years back, I was visiting Chatsworth House.”
Her heart jumped high in her breast.
“I’m not much of a chap who favors the arts, little raven.” His eyes drifted over Daria with deliberate intent. “That is aside from a certain type of work.”
Daria wondered if he believed his easily tendered lie?
“You mean the naughty ones with naked men and women?”
