“Oddly enough, that is not true. Many are too aware of themselves when naked. Too closed and cautious. You on the other hand are free and revealing.”
She turned and propped herself up on her crossed forearms so she looked down at him. “And what did I reveal other than my body?”
He stroked her face. “That you hide a sweet heart behind barriers created by your fear.” He eased her face down and kissed her. “You do not have to be afraid ofme. If you trusted me in this tonight, you should know you can trust me in anything.”
Her expression softened into mild astonishment.
He sat and reached for his coat. He felt in the pocket for a velvet bag, then laid down with her again.
He pulled her back down on her back. He slipped the locket out of the pouch. It was not really appropriate to give her this, but he wanted to. He did not think she received many gifts of any kind in her life.
He set the locket on her chest. Her lids lowered and she looked at it. She picked it up and held it high in the moonlight. Silver flecks danced on the stone’s facets.
She appeared confused.
“That is for you,” he said.
“Payment?”
“There is nothing to pay you for other than a fine test of my honor.”
“I thought you said it was very pleasant.”
He laughed. He took the locket and set it back on her chest. “And it was. However, this is merely a little gift for a woman who has diverted a bored man. You can sell it if you want. It is given with affection but no conditions.”
She poked at the locket with a fingertip. “I should not take it.”
“I hope that you will.”
He wrapped her in an embrace and made himself comfortable. “Tomorrow I will bring you home. And this place you have—whatever you fear there will get better once it is seen that a lord cares for you.”
The suggestion broke her peace. “I cannot have you see where I live. My situation is too poor. I do not want you to see it.”
“Then not yet, if you insist.” He kissed her crown to soothe her. “However, I will bring you a few streets away so you are not traveling through town alone. Do not argue. I will not hear any objection.”
* * *
She felt him falling asleep. Even after he did, his arm remained over her. She found its weight possessive.
The locket stayed where he had put it, sparkling on her chest above her breasts. Expensive. Tasteful. She could probably live for six months on the money she could get for it. She might have to.
His embrace comforted her. Protected her. It kept at bay her true situation for a long time. Eventually, however, the danger he presented slid back into her drowsy mind.
It is given with affection. Did he mean that? How could he have affection for her? He did not even know her.
A lord cares for you. He would see her in gaol if he knew what he cared for.
Not yet. That implied more meetings. More pleasure. More entanglement.
Suddenly she was wide awake, hearing his breath in her ear, feeling every spot where their bodies touched. A profound yearning spread until she ached. If only . . .
She caressed his face as gently as possible so she would not wake him. Then she eased out of his arms.
* * *
The sun woke him, not Miles. Its early silver light streamed in the window.
He stared at the ceiling, then felt the carpet beneath him. Memories from the night flooded his mind. He turned with a smile to where he expected a sleeping woman within reach.
