“Write that in your book,” he said in between pants.
She looked up at him quizzically. Her mouth parted and her skin felt as though it was on fire.
“Write which part, exactly?” she breathed.
“A scientific discovery that proves a kiss can take your breath away.”
He touched her lip with the tip of his thumb and Theodora felt her whole-body tremble. Science and her study were the furthest things from her mind in that moment. For the first time in her whole life, Theodora was rendered almost speechless.
“I did tell you that an experiment must be conducted in a controlled environment.” She tried to talk sternly to him, but her breathless voice gave away what she really felt.
“Then take control, sorceress.” He challenged her with his eyes.
Theodora licked her lips and tasted the aftermath of him; she found herself wanting more. Without thought, her body gravitated towards his again. Straining up on her tiptoes, she trailed her hands up his broad chest causing him to hiss. Her palms ran up the back of his neck and tangled into his hair. She grabbed a handful of his soft curls between her eager fingers and pulled him in for another kiss when they heard a sound at the door?—
Knock! Knock! Knock!
CHAPTER 8
“Enter,” Alexander called out roughly.
Miss Dowell’s sweetness enveloped him, both in taste and smell. Her swollen lips and shallow breathing distracted him. He chuckled at her unusual silence, but his laughter was cut short when Rosalind entered the room. Alexander felt the familiar tension coil as his sister stood near the doorway.
Her slight frame was half-hidden behind the carved panel, as though she needed the wood to hold her upright. Her hazel eyes were wide, darting between him and their guest with a mixture of alarm and confusion.
Miss Dowell fidgeted beside him, smoothing her skirts with a nervousness he had never seen in her before.
“Lady Rosalind,” she said gently, offering a small, polite smile. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Rosalind did not answer. She simply stared, first at Miss Dowell, then at Alexander. Her quietness filled the air, and Alexander watched her fingers twisting in the fabric of her sleeve.
He stepped towards her, softening his voice. “Rosie, what is it?”
She swallowed, her gaze flicking to their guest once more before settling on him.
“I… heard voices,” she whispered. “I thought you were in danger.”
Alexander exhaled, relief and guilt tangling in his chest.
She ran towards the danger. For me.
He silently prayed that his plan to save her would work.
“Danger? From her?” He scoffed and looked at Miss Dowell pointedly with a faint, teasing smile. “You may be right; Miss Dowell is a sorceress. Even being in her presence is a threat.”
She rolled her eyes, but he did not miss the blush that crept up her neck. Alexander turned his attention back to his sister.
I cannot afford to get distracted.
He hoped that Rosalind would at least ease up but she did not. Her posture remained rigid, and her shoulders tight, as thoughshe were bracing for something unseen. She frowned at him and Alexander’s smile slowly faded.
“Come, Rosie,” he said softly. “You too, Miss Dowell. Let us sit somewhere more comfortable.”
He guided the ladies towards the small sitting room adjoining his study. The room was warm and quiet with a low fire crackling in the grate. Rosalind moved hesitantly, her steps small and uncertain. Miss Dowell followed promptly, glancing at him questioningly.
As soon as they entered, he signalled to a passing maid.
“Bring us some fresh tea,” he said quietly.
