She lifted into him, gripping his lapels with both hands and pulling him harder into her. Her mouth opened, welcoming him, her tongue greeting him and tangling with his own in a passionate display of desire and need. He drowned in it for a moment, that voice telling him he shouldn’t fading deep into the background as he took and took and took what she offered. As his body edged him toward taking even more.
But it was she who broke the kiss this time. She nipped his lower lip just a fraction, scraping the tender flesh with her teeth, and then backed away, smoothing her skirts with both hands.
“Good evening, Mr. Huntington,” she said, arching a brow, as if daring him to break his control even more.
He drew in a few rough breaths and then forced himself to say, “Good evening, Miss Oliver.”
He turned on his heel and marched away, back toward the party they had each abandoned for their own purposes. Away from the temptation he could not surrender to again. Even if it meant every night he was here would be one he dreamed of her and took his pleasure in his hand in frustration.
Chapter 8
“Ikeep thinking about that servants’ entrance into the dressing room,” Barber said, sifting through his notes without looking up at Derrick.
A good thing, too, or he likely would have commented on the far-off expression Derrick knew was plastered on his face. How could it not be? All he could think about were those two kisses from the previous day.
“Yes, the servants’ entrance,” he repeated, dragging himself back to the present with difficulty. He shifted papers around on the desk that Roseford had provided in a private chamber where he and Barber could work. “It’s the perfect opportunity to access Lord and Lady Winford’s chamber, even when they’re in it. And we…Ifound a few places where the countess might hide her jewels, as well.”
“We?” Barber repeated. “Are you royalty now, Huntington?”
“Something like that,” Derrick said with a chuckle he hoped would put his far-too-clever friend off the scent. How else could he explain taking Selina Oliver into the room, investigating with her? Barber would tear into him. Derrick would deserve it.
“Are you certain you’re…well?” Barber asked, pushing his papers aside and leaned forward. His dark eyes were filled with worry, and guilt tugged in Derrick’s chest.
“I’m fine,” Derrick lied. “Right as rain.”
Barber tilted his head. “Seeing Gillingham before we left London brought back memories for me—I assume it is the same for you. Not all of them good. And being here, amongst these toffs, it must be odd after being out of that life for so long.”
Derrick shifted, thinking of what he’d told Selina about his grandfather. About his past. And what she’d said in return. That unexpected confidence had stirred up some old feelings. Ones he’d thought he’d buried.
“Gillingham nearly lost his life for us,” he said softly. “You and me and all the others. So I suppose I do feel a sense of responsibility when it comes to this case because we’ve involved him. As for my family, certainly being back in halls like this, Your-Gracing and my-lording all these…toffs is the best word…well, it’s odd. Perhaps I’m not on my top game, just as you suggest.”
Barber shook his head. “You’re always on your top game, mate. You don’t have any other option, it seems. Run, run, run. Go, go, go. It’s what makes you the best. But if there’s something I can do to help—”
Derrick lifted a hand to stop him. He couldn’t let Barber go on offering him assistance when the problem was Derrick’s cock and what it so inappropriately wanted.
“Don’t worry about me, friend,” he assured him. “When the Winford party arrives today, I will be more than ready to play the game.”
Barber looked as though he might say more, but before he could, there was a knock on the chamber door. Derrick turned toward it. “Yes?”
The door opened and the Duke of Roseford stood in the entryway. “Gentlemen,” he said. “I’m sorry to disturb your work. May I come in?”
Derrick and Barber both pushed to their feet and Derrick nodded. “Of course, Your Grace. What can we do for you?”
Roseford stepped into the chamber and softly shut the door behind him. His face was lined with worry as he paced around the room. “Ah, good. It seems you’ve been set up well here. I assume your private accommodations are comfortable, as well?”
“Very much so, Your Grace,” Barber said with a brief, questioning look at Derrick. “Your home is beautifully appointed and both of us have been made to feel most welcome.”
“And you are,” Roseford said, facing them. “Genuinely. You are both a wonderful addition to the party. All my brother’s kind words about you have proven to be true. But I have…concerns.”
His gaze flitted to Derrick as he said those words, and Derrick’s stomach clenched. Did Roseford know? Did he know about what had happened with Selina? Had she told him in a fit of conscience? Had someone seen them imprudently kissing in the hallway? That was a recipe for being called out or kicked out. And Barber would be furious, rightly so, as would Nicholas Gillingham.
“Of course, Your Grace,” Derrick said cautiously. “What is on your mind?”
He braced himself for the answer as Roseford took a long step toward them, his gaze still locked on Derrick. “The Winfords will arrive today. I’ve had word it will be some time after luncheon.”
Barber nodded slowly. “Very good. Then we can really begin our investigation.”
Roseford shifted, his discomfort evident on every line of his face, every restless movement of his body. He drew in a deep breath, and Derrick braced himself, but instead of confronting him about Selina, Roseford asked, “Will you two discuss the danger to them when they arrive?”
