“Mama’s not a society lady.” Glory gave him an innocent look. “And you like her, don’t you?”
I more than like her.
Seeing Maggie bent so industriously over whatever her project was, her hair spiced by sunlight, he felt a host of intricately woven desires. They were intertwined, impossible to separate from one another. To him, she was sex, companionship…home.
The realization struck him.Christ. I’m falling in love with her.
By all rights, he ought to have been terrified. He’d gone and done what he’d vowed not to do. Yet within the trepidation budded a fierce joy—and he couldn’t regret it. He wouldn’t regret it. Wouldn’t let the past stop him from finding a different future.
The sooner he found the damned treasure, the sooner he would be free. To build the life he wanted. With Maggie and Glory…his girls.
“I do. Very much,” he said softly.
“I’m glad.” In a conspiratorial whisper, Glory said, “I think she likes you too.”
Ruffling her hair, he went over to Maggie and Hypatia.
“What are you up to, ladies?” Up close, he saw that the two were studying a map.
“Hypatia purchased this map of London,” Maggie told him. “We’re planning how to go about searching for the treasure in the Seven Dials.”
“The logical place to begin would be here.” Hypatia tapped her finger at the junction of the seven streets, the heart of the Seven Dials. “We begin at the center and work our way outward.”
“We’ll go to all the businesses, look for anyone who knew Horatio,” Maggie added.
“As always, I am in awe of your competence, ladies,” he murmured.
“That is why you hired us.” Maggie’s eyes had a saucy sparkle. “Although I’m told we are a bargain at five percent.”
“You would be a bargain at any price.” He meant it. “May I steal you for a moment? There’s something I’d like to discuss.”
Rhys led the way to his own sitting room. Closing the door, he took Maggie into his arms and gave her the kiss that had been burning in him.
“Devil and damn, I’ve missed you,” he rasped.
Pressed against the door, her hair a tangle of fire in his hand, she murmured, “We were together less than two hours ago.”
He traced her plump mouth with his thumb, recalling the exquisite pleasure of feeding her his cock this morning. Of possessing her sweet holes, one after the other.
“Two hours too long. How did I manage without you, Maggie mine?”
“Um, you floundered about rakishly? Possessed the habits of a spendthrift?”
God, he adored this woman.
“My fault for asking.” With a husky laugh, he kissed her forehead and let her go. “Now stop distracting me so I can get to my news.”
“Which is?”
“I heard from Tessa. The meeting with Garrity and Sweeney is this afternoon.”
Excitement and dread chased across her features. “I’m ready to leave at any time.”
“You’re not coming.” He was appalled that she’d think he’d allow her to take such a risk. Before she could argue, he said firmly, “These are cutthroats, Maggie. I will not put you in any more danger than I already have.”
“What about your safety?” she burst out.
“The Kents will not allow any bloodshed to happen under their watch.” He hoped. “I’ll take two of the guards with me.”
