Her eyes opened, and the dazed blue depths locked on his. “I fell asleep.”
“You didn’t wake when I called your name.” He kept his eyes on her and not lower where the enticing swell of her breasts lured him. The ripe rose-tipped nipple that had his hands clenching to touch.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her eyes locked on his. They were close, his hand resting on the rim of the tub now. “Sorry, I worried you, but Warwick—”
“I know.” He stumbled to his feet and staggered back out to stand behind the screen. “I-ah, I just needed to check you were all right.”
God, he wished he had not seen her like that. Seen all that skin flushed pink from the warm water. Those long legs and bare feet. It had been but a glimpse, however, enough to ensure the vision would torment him for a long time to come.
What the hell was he doing lusting after the woman who was like a sister to him?
Someone knocked on the door. He opened it and found a maid carrying a tray of food. Stepping back, he waved her inside. Behind her was another with a teapot and cups.
“If you will put it on the table before the fire, please.”
Samantha came out minutes later in a nightdress with a shawl around her shoulders. He’d seen her dressed this way often over the years. It did nothing to calm the storm her naked body had created inside him.
“I will see to Penny,” Samantha said.
“You will sit and eat.”
Her chin raised as she walked to the door.
“You’re in your nightdress!”
She ignored him.
“Christ!” He followed when he had himself under control. His skin felt tight and his body aroused.And that must stop.
Archie had obviously risen from his seat by the fire when Samantha entered and was now watching her. She was bent over her maid, long hair loose and pushed over a shoulder while she talked gently to the injured girl.
She had never stood on ceremony with servants, none of them had, but still, she was in her nightdress and wrapped in a shawl. He felt irrationally angry Archie was seeing her that way.
Warwick was never irrational, and it annoyed him he now felt exactly that.
It must be because I’m tired. Tomorrow I will be in control once more.
“She is well, my lady,” his footman said. “I have administered more laudanum, and Penny will sleep soon.
“What is your name?” she asked.
“Archie, my Lady.”
“Thank you, Archie, for helping us today and for your continued care of Penny.”
Warwick bit back a sigh as he watched Archie melt.Another falls under her spell.
“I will check if there is accommodation for you, Archie,” Warwick said.
“I have just spoken with Bids. He and I will bed down in the stables as there is plenty of room.” His eyes shot to the bed. “It’s my worry Penny will need me.”
“I will sleep in here with her tonight,” Samantha said. She then coughed, a dry raspy sound.
She was not serious?
“No. You will not. I’ll get a maid to do that,” Warwick said.
“If Penny wakes and is in pain or scared, I want her to see a familiar face.” She coughed again.
