Faith couldn’t believe what Logan was saying. He thought that she and Donovan had been lovers and, more, that she had been dissatisfied with him. It was overwhelming to hear. Did he really think she was so carefree with her virtue?
But perhaps that was hypocritical of her. She hadwishedto be Donovan’s lover. The fact that their relationship hadn’t reached that level was due to his circumspection, not hers. He had repeatedly rebuffed her, calling any physical relations between an artist and his muse tainted.
But this man—this solid, living, breathing man who was kissing up and down her neck at that very moment—wanted her. She knew she should pull away, that she should be wholly offended by his offer, but she kept her mouth shut. For nothing in the world had ever felt so wonderful as being held by this man.
“I would never betray you, Faith,” he whispered softly into her ear after another few moments, causing her to shiver. His mouth moved up to her temple. “I only wish to explore what lies between us.” He kissed her brow and her eyes closed. “Let me show what it can be like.”
Lord forgive her, she wanted to say yes, but to do so would be ludicrous. She couldn’t agree to have an affair with this man, or any man. It would ruin her.
But ruin her for what exactly? Marriage? Faith never had any desire to marry anyone. She surely didn’t have any prospects. Yet did he really believe her to be such a wanton?
She rolled her head back as Logan’s hands moved around her waist, pausing for a moment.
“Faith?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you… Are you without a corset?”
Faith’s eyes snapped open.
“Ah, yes,” she said, avoiding his gaze. “I’m under medical orders not to wear one while my lungs recover from the bout of pneumonia.”
He watched her for a moment before answering.
“Oh.”
Faith’s eyes closed tightly as her cheeks began to heat up. Could she behave any more promiscuously? If he found her naked in his bedroom, she doubted he’d be much surprised.
But an idea popped into her head at the thought of his bedroom. The painting. It was in his home—possibly even in his bedroom. And if she was his lover, she’d have access to it. She’d be able to destroy it.Yes. That was a good enough reason to accept his ludicrous proposal. That and the fact that she would be leaving for London in only a few months’ time anyway, which would give her some distance once she finally ruinedOdalisque Reclinedonce and for all.
“Yes,” she whispered into his shoulder, fighting the pleasure she felt as his arms tightened around her.
“God, Faith,” he said roughly after a moment’s more of kissing her temple and then her cheek. “Are you certain?”
“Yes,” she said, although she’d never felt more uncertain of anything in her life.
It was outrageous, dangerous, and exceedingly satisfying to agree to his offer, and while she would be sure to regret it one day, tonight was not that day.
His mouth found hers once more, and the aching burn of shame that bubbled within her at the thought of becoming a man’s mistress melted away somewhat. As long as she was in his arms, there could be no wrong in the world.
But eventually, he pulled back, and she grieved for the loss of something she didn’t fully understand.
“When shall we met?”
Faith gazed up at him. Passion and something akin to joy shone in his eyes, and her stomach tumbled. What was she doing?
“I don’t know,” she said. They were interrupted by the distant sound of cheers from the hall. They both turned to face the building. “I think we should be getting back. The cake will be served soon.”
“Yes, I suppose we should part for now,” he said, holding her hand as he escorted her to the gate. When they reached it, he squeezed her fingers gently, then let her go. “I wish I could take you away this very minute.”
“To Harris House?” she asked, wondering if it would be as easy as that, but Logan shook his head.
“No. Not with my family there. It would be too hazardous.”
“I can be discreet.”
Faith could see the corner of his cheek pull up, even with the moon at his back.
