Perhaps she wouldn’t fall into a dead faint or run screaming from the room. A man could dream. And perhaps, just perhaps, she would want to take him on.
He released a breath. Before he took things any further with her, he had to put his past to rest. He wouldn’t let the threat of the Spectre touch her. Six days from now, he’d ambush the villain and Pompeia at their meeting in Covent Garden. He’d put an end to that dirty business and secure the safety of those he cared about. Then, and only then, could he get on with his future.
Hope flickered, illuminating a future that might include Thea.
***
The skirts of Thea’s sprigged muslin swished as she hurried down the steps. It wasn’t ladylike to rush, yet she couldn’t help herself. She’d slept in far later than usual; if her maid hadn’t come in with a breakfast tray, she might have slept until noon. As it was, she couldn’t wait to see Gabriel. Her pulse beat a rapid tattoo at the memory of all they’d shared last night.
He wanted her. He thought she wasperfection.
Hewas the perfect one, she thought dreamily. Warmth coalesced low in her belly, her intimate muscles fluttering. In his arms, she’d finally experienced the all-consuming passion she’d yearned for. He’d treated her like a flesh and blood woman, and she’d reveled in his deliciously masterful lovemaking.
On the ground floor, she followed the hum of conversation past the library to the billiards room. From the doorway, she saw Emma and Strathaven. At the opposite end of the room, they were bickering over where to hang a circular board that resembled an archery target. A new diversion, Thea thought, hiding a smile. Her sister and brother-in-law did enjoy their games.
Then her gaze shifted, and she saw Gabriel and Freddy sitting in a pair of club chairs. The latter’s cowlick had been combed into place, and he was a darling, somber miniature of his papa. The two had the same upright posture; neither of them was talking. She wondered, not for the first time, why there should be distance between father and son. They clearly loved one another. Perhaps what they needed was a nudge to close the gap.
Gabriel looked up as she entered, and the look in his eyes set butterflies swarming in her belly. Gone was the habitual shield of coolness; his gaze was warm and soft as smoke. He rose to meet her, and a thrum of possessive pleasure passed through her. Handsome and virile, he was majestic in a dark green jacket which emphasized his broad shoulders and lean torso. His trousers fit like a second skin over his muscular thighs, tucking into polished Hessians.
“You’re up late this morning, Miss Kent. I hope last night’s activities didn’t overtire you?” His tone was polite; his eyes had a sensual gleam.
Blushing, she said, “I just needed a little extra rest is all. Did you, um, sleep well?”
“Never better.” His mouth crooked up in a rare smile.
Her heart melting, she waved to Freddy. “Hello, dear. It’s lovely to see you up and about.”
“Dr. Abernathy said a change of scenery would do me good,” the boy answered with a shy smile. “And I’m feeling ever so much better today.”
“I’m delighted to hear it,” she said warmly.
“Thea, you should have found me if you weren’t feeling well last night.” Emma approached, her brown eyes worried. “Thank heavens Tremont was there to help you. Lord knows these affairs can take one over the edge—”
“There’s no need to fuss, Em. I’m perfectly well.” Certain her face must be red as an apple by now, Thea sought to change the subject. Looking over her sister’s shoulder, she saw Strathaven make a furtive adjustment to the board on the wall. “What are the two of you hanging up there?”
“It’s for a game. Similar to archery except one uses darts instead of arrows,” Emma explained. “Mr. McLeod has one at home. He and his fellow soldiers used to play it to pass time during their regiment days. And you know Strathaven. Anything his brother has, he has to—” Catching the duke move the target, she said in exasperated tones, “That is far too close to the window, Alaric.”
“The board shows up better near the light. It’s perfectly placed,” her husband said.
“If you don’t want glass in the panes.” Her lips pursed. “I won’t be able to play for fear of breaking the window.”
“Fear helps one’s aim.” Coming over, Strathaven chucked her under the chin. “Now stop worrying, pet, and let’s get organized into teams.”
Freddy opted to watch, so Thea found herself paired with Gabriel, which was perfect, since she was dying to talk to him. The duke went over the rules: each team was given four darts, tiny spears beautifully ornamented with colored feathers—blue for the Strathavens and green for Thea and Gabriel. From the throwing line, each player had to toss their dart at the target, which was painted with three concentric circles and a red bull’s-eye in the center. The team with the dart that landed closest to the bull’s-eye was the winner.
As Emma stepped up to take the first turn, Gabriel said in an undertone, “How are you?”
To one who did not know him, his question was merely polite. But Thea saw from the taut line of his jaw that he was genuinely concerned about the aftermath of last night. The fact that this strong, stoic man worried over her made her feel as giddy as if she’d imbibed a glass of champagne.
“I’m well,” she assured him. “Better than well.”
“You don’t regret anything?”
“No.” Seeing his seriousness, she couldn’t help but tease, “Actually, there is one thing.”
“Yes?”
“I regret that we didn’t do it sooner.”
