Justin wrapped his arm around my shoulders and gave me a quick squeeze. “I’d like you to come live with me, Marbrey. I can’t stand the separation.”
I tried to shove off his hold, but my weak attempt made no impact on his grip. I sighed. “I missed you, too, but I don’t think we are ready for that step yet. Not to mention, I have my workshop. For now, let’s focus on your baby and worry about other things later.”
I ignored the part of me that yearned to spend all my nights in Justin’s arms. It was the foolish romantic portion of my soul that lacked common sense and should be ignored at all times. Besides, I hadn’t decided if I was going to stay above or move myself and my workshop contents down below to Magic.
“Everything will work out.” His voice had a steel-threaded warrior tone that he had never used on me before.
“Maybe.” I refused to make any promises.
“Definitely.” He released me after another squeeze to allow me to relax against the lush carriage cushions. I secretly delighted in the luxury even if my frugal soul winced at the cost. Velvet caressed my fingertips as I traced them across the fine red cloth. If only I could collect all my happy memories in a little glass ball to watch in my moments of sorrow. There would only be a handful, but I would cherish each one.
We hit another bump, jolting us even with the excellent springs.
“Why are the roads so terrible here?” Justin complained.
“Because no Lock Lords live in this neighborhood!” I snapped back. For a man who supposedly devoted his life to bettering the city for its citizens, his complete lack of understanding how the more unfortunate lived had me fuming.
Justin hummed. “We need to do something about this.”
I made a noncommittal sound back. Promises always sounded good, but the history of Keys told a different tale. I refused to grab onto fake assurances. I’d been let down too many times.
“One of these days you will believe what I say,” he vowed.
“Perhaps. Until then, I’ll believe you have good intentions but few solid plans.”
Justin snorted. “For such a sweet thing, you are stubborn to the core.”
“Didn’t you hear? I had my soft center replaced with iron, far more dependable.”
He laughed. “I had heard those rumors. I foolishly believed them false.”
“Your error then.” I looked away from his gleaming eyes before I broke down and ravished him in the carriage. Rumors of our courting I could handle. The scandal of us caught naked in the carriage would follow me to my grave. I slid a little farther away for good measure.
We passed the candlemaker shop, and I waved at the owner, Orlen.
It was returned by the enthusiastic man with a cheery grin.
“Who is he?” Justin bit out the question.
I glanced over, surprised at his tone. The glare he cast at Orlen had me raising my eyebrows. How could an innocent greeting cause such animosity? “An old acquaintance.”
“How close?”
“None of your concern.”
“Everything about you is my concern.”
I couldn’t wrap my mind around the idea of a duke being jealous of a shopkeeper. How was that a plausible event? “Why?”
Justin turned in his seat to face me. “Because, despite our current differences, you are mine!” He yanked me against his chest and kissed me without regard to common decency. I should have fought and kicked or possibly unmanned him. Instead, I melted like ice cream beneath a blistering summer sun. Damn him.
Our embrace would’ve continued if there hadn’t been a shout on the street that reminded us we were in public with the curtains open. Anyone could peek inside. I pulled back with a blush burning my cheeks.
“My apologies, Marbrey, I should’ve waited for a more private location.”
It took all my willpower not to lick my tingling lips or beg for another kiss. Stupid beautiful man.
“I could’ve refused.” I owned up to my participation.
