“Unfortunately, I can.” The fire was dying and Demetrius reluctantly got out of bed to add more wood, then pulled on his trousers.
“Should I leave?” she asked with concern.
“No. I am only going to call Max and Cal back inside and I fully intend to return to the bed.”
All she did was smile and snuggle back against the pillow.
If only that was where she’d spend her nights for the rest of her life, but they were destined to only be lovers. Even if he wanted more, which he did, her brother, the duke, would never allow such a match.
Demetrius hurried down the stairs to the open door. Cal was already curled up on the couch but Max had not come inside yet. He stepped onto the terrace and nearly hopped back inside because of the cold stones but held his ground as he called for the dog. After a moment, Max came running, his coat wet from playing in the sea.
“There will be no brushing tonight, Max. I have a lady to return to.” He then locked the door and bolted back up the stairs only to find Lavinia sound asleep.
After removing his trousers, he climbed back into bed and pulled her close.
If this were a perfect world, he would be able to keep her exactly like this, but it was not. Instead, he intended to love her at every opportunity until it was time for them to leave, starting with tomorrow, after he gathered the items for the surprise he had planned.
Chapter
Twenty-One
Lavinia swiped the wetness from her face and cracked open one eye only to find Max by the bed, panting and looking at her.
Had he licked her while she slept?
On the other side of her was purring and she turned her head to find Cal on the pillow, but not Demetrius.
Slowly she sat up in bed and glanced around.
It was morning, but she had no idea what time, other than it was light outside.
The fire had burned down and her dress and cloak were folded over the chair and her shoes on the floor beside it. Missing were her stockings until she remembered that she’d not worn any the night before since she had been hoping for seduction and thought they’d only be in the way.
Goodness, she’d been thoroughly seduced last night.
Never in her wildest dreams could she have ever imagined that so much passion and pleasure could be experienced from such an act.
No wonder Octavia had wanted to find a lover after being widowed for over a year.
Was it like this for everyone and had she simply been unlucky in her choice of a husband?
It did not matter, and if she never thought about him again, she would be quite happy. However, she would never forget Demetrius or what they shared the night before. It would be forever burned in her memory, though she truly hoped that it wasn’t the only time they were intimate.
But where was he?
Though she loathed to leave the warm bed, Lavinia knew that she must and finally pushed the blanket aside. After she quickly dressed and slipped on her shoes, with the cloak over her arm she went in search of Demetrius.
Except, he wasn’t anywhere around. Instead, she found a note to go to her cottage once she was awake.
Had he wanted her gone?
Was he now avoiding her?
Goodness, maybe last night hadn’t been as wonderful for him as it had been for her.
Anxiety settled into her chest, but she refused to let it gain hold.
He seemed pleased and she should not assume anything until she’d seen him.
