He held her to him as if she could disappear in a whiff of pixie magic. “’Tis true we’ll have plenty enough of our own without taking on others’ issues. What say we go home and continue this conversation there? I have no desire to share you with these toplofty fops in attendance.” Her arms crept around his waist and tightened.
Relief stole through him.
“All right,” she muffled against his chest.
He strolled back through the ballroom with his countess on his arm, his back straight, and bearing proud. There was plenty to keep her occupied, and he would have nothing to report to Liverpool. It was an excellent strategy that suited him fine. On those occasions Liverpool required his presence, James would make certain his wife was surrounded by those who would keep her safe.
How difficult could it be?
~~~
Anticipation curled through Gabby. It may have warred with suspicion but—she studied him in the carriage’s low lamplight—the chiseled jaw, marked sharper for the shadows, made her fingers itch to touch. He stared back at her, his eyes deep pools of mystery. Much like his entire personality.
“You shouldn’t look at me like that.” His husky intonation rasped over her skin.
“Like what?”
He snagged her hand and tugged sharply. The maneuver caught her by surprise, and she tumbled from her seat and was promptly deposited safely in his lap. Almost safely, with her skirts twisted and exposing her ankles.
His palm slid up her calf to her thigh and she shivered. Excitement unfurled like a blossom in early spring fed with sun and dew. Without the slightest hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck, leaned in and kissed the edge of his jaw near his ear. His reaction stunned her. How he stilled, then let out a breath that teased her cheek.
He turned his head and captured her mouth in a leisurely kiss. A feathering of his lips, a sensuous touch of his tongue. His fingers tightened on her leg, imprinting her skin with singeing fire.
It was she who deepened the kiss. Her tongue that chased his. Her heart that unfurled with unexpected trust. She reveled in the unrestrained affection without her usual rancor.
He brought both hands to her face and, breaking contact with her lips, stared at her a long time. “You’ll never know how much I regret—”
She covered his lips with her fingertips, swallowed against tears gathering in her throat. “Enough,” she whispered. “I refuse to hear another word. You’re forgiven.”
Sixteen
Their early departure the night before hadn’t stopped in the carriage. Her body was pleasantly sore, worn through due to Huntley’s relentless teasing. Her husband was quite skilled at distracting her. Not just distraction. The minute she’d offered her forgiveness, he’d bombarded her with more kisses. Kisses that tasted of the evening air, making good on his promise they would do well together. They’d barely made it into her bedchamber before he had her stripped and put his mouth in the most obscene places imaginable.
She forced her eyes open and found herself alone in her massive bed. She sat up in a rush of panic. He’d been kidnapped again. She scrambled from the bed and was so lightheaded from her haste, she stumbled, landing on her bum.
Lady Macbeth trotted in from Huntley’s adjourning chamber. A knock sounded simultaneously on her own chamber door. Her dog trotted over, put her front paws on Gabby’s bare knee, and reached up to lick her nose. Gabby willed herself to breathe though her heart vaulted like a jester in a medieval court.
Brita entered from the hall. “Good morning, my lady.” She strolled in, arms ladened down with a tray.
“Where is Huntley?” she demanded, realizing Lady Macbeth was soaked. Gabby gasped. “Heavens, is it pouring out?”
Her maid placed the tray on the bed and the enticing aroma of chocolate wafted up. She located Gabby’s wrap and dropped it around her shoulders.
Huntley strolled in fully dressed from his chamber. “It’s a deluge. What are you doing on the floor?” He came over and pulled her to her feet.
“You odious man.” She smacked him on the shoulder.
He rubbed the offended spot. “Ow, what did I do now?”
“I-I thought—” Gabby glanced at her maid and stopped. Brita quickly slipped out.
“You thought what?” The depth of his voice seeped under her skin.
“I woke up and you were gone. I thought…”
“That I’d been summoned away again?”
Her sensibilities were scattered beyond recognition. “I was startled, that’s all.” She pushed away from him and turned toward the tray sitting on the bed.
