His touch sent a warmth spiraling through me, deep and dizzying though it did little to calm the annoyance growing within me. “Very well,” I agreed tightly.
“It’s for your safety,” he murmured, his thumb tracing the faint line of my scar. “You must know that I hold myself responsible for Elizabeth’s death, but I think I wouldn’t survive if anything happened to you.”
I closed my eyes, melting into his touch as his hand moved to the back of my neck. When his lips met mine, my treacherous body ignored the anger that had been simmering. It was gentle at first, hesitant and almost careful, as though he feared I might break. But the restraint didn’t last.
The kiss deepened, slow and consuming, his breath mingling with mine until I couldn’t tell where one of us ended and the other began. My hands found his shoulders, the fine fabric of his coat soft beneath my fingers, the heat of him startling against the cool air.
When he finally drew back, his forehead rested against mine, his breath unsteady. “Lucy,” he said, “if I could undo the years between us… I would.”
“Then don’t waste any more of them,” I urged softly.
He looked at me then, and something unspoken passed between us. The world beyond that dim corridor ceased to exist.
“Come to my room tonight,” I said, surprising myself with the words. My voice shook only slightly.
For a long moment, he said nothing. His eyes searched mine, dark and unreadable.
Then, with a slow, deliberate motion, he lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the inside of my wrist lightly, as though sealing a promise.
“If I come to you once,” he said, his voice low, “I fear I shall never want to stop.”
“Then I hope you do,” I breathed.
He released me slowly, as if he had to force himself to do so.
“I’ll be up soon,” he said, his smile wicked as he turned to walk away.
I stood there long after he’d disappeared, my pulse thrumming, my lips still tingling where his had been.
When I finally turned to climb the stairs, a voice brushed the air behind me, faint, rasping, almost playful.
“Two shadows. One bone.”
It was unmistakably Poe’s voice.
But when I turned, the hallway was empty.
Chapter 10
The hour grew late.
Steam rose from the bath, curling against the dim light of the hearth. I sank into the heat, willing it to soothe the tremor that had followed me since supper and that restless ache Sylum’s kiss had left behind.
When I emerged, Nelly waited by the table, already setting out a tea service.
“Mrs. Ashby sent a special blend tonight,” she announced softly, pouring the tea. “She says it’s perfect for restless nerves.”
I nodded at Nelly, giving her an appreciative smile. “Thank you and please thank Mrs. Ashby for me as well.”
She turned to me then, her nose crinkling slightly. “His Grace sent word that he’ll be late returning from the stables,” she muttered. “He asked that you take your rest, my lady.”
I hid my disappointment behind another polite smile. “How unfortunate.”
She lingered a moment, studying me with soft, curious eyes, then poured the tea and added honey with practiced care before helping me apply the salve Mrs. Ashby had given me for my scar.
Though I hated to admit it, her kindness, however small, was beginning to soften my feelings toward her.
“Sleep well, Your Grace.”
