For the rest of the day, she stayed by Malcolm’s side as he sat on the couch and played with the children. He touched her often with gentle caresses. Was this all a wonderful, beautiful dream?
But all dreams had to end. When she first decided to play her sister’s role, she was out to prove him guilty of unlawful actions. Yet now that she loved him, she didn’t want anything to happen to him. Whoever had tried to kill him was still out there. Her hopes of living happily ever after with Malcolm and his children faded quickly, and she couldn’t stand the suffocation tightening her chest.
The day’s end drew near, and she wondered if he would invite her to share his bed. They hadn’t made love yet, at which she was relieved, but she still enjoyed holding him while she fell asleep.
In the parlor, Malcolm finished his nightly reading of bedtime stories to James and Lizzy, and Camilla joined the trio on the sofa. The more time she spent with his family, the softer her heart grew toward them. This was nowherfamily, and nothing and nobody would take it away from her… except her own lies or someone killing him.
No matter what, she needed to tell him the truth. Never again did she want lies to come between them.
Jane stepped into the room to collect the children. James and Lizzy gave Camilla kisses and hugs before leaving with their nanny to retire for the night. Once the children were gone, Malcolm wrapped Camilla in his arms. She cuddled against him, loving the perfect way they fit together.
“Today was wonderful.” She stroked his wide chest. “Was it not?”
“Wonderful is certainly the correct word. I don’t think I have had a better day.” He lifted her chin, so she looked into his eyes. “And I want tonight to be just as special.”
She smiled, her heart beating an irregular rhythm. “That thought crossed my mind, as well.”
“And what, pray tell, were you thinking?”
“I think I quite enjoy being held by you, but—”
“No buts.” A low rumble started in his chest from his laugh, and he touched his finger to her nose. “Would you think it improper of me if I suggested retiring to our room now?”
“Ourroom? Have you forgotten in this house we have separate chambers?”
“I want you in my bed from this day forth.”
Excitement flowed through her, and she wanted the same thing. It was right, she convinced herself… After all, according to the certificate, they were already married. “I do like the sound of that.”
He leaned down and covered her mouth with his. The kiss was brief, yet blissfully pleasing. That would never change as long as she loved him with all her heart. She pulled away and stood, reaching out her hands for him to take. Behind her, footsteps rushed into the room, causing her and Malcolm to swing their heads toward the intruder.
Broderick doffed his hat and nodded to her, then turned his attention to Malcolm. “Forgive me for this rude intrusion, but I must speak with you.”
Malcolm struggled to stand, and when he did, he leaned against Camilla. “Can it not wait until tomorrow?”
Broderick twisted his hat against his stomach. “It cannot.”
Camilla looked into Malcolm’s eyes and smiled. “Don’t be too long. I’ll be waiting for you.” She winked then pulled away. She walked past Malcolm’s friend and nodded. “Good evening, Broderick. Please try not to keep Mr. Worthington on his leg too long. I fear the swelling will return.”
“Yes, Mrs. Worthington.”
She stepped out of the parlor and pulled the double doors closed behind her. The seriousness on Broderick’s face worried her. Would Malcolm trust her enough to share what he learned tonight?
*
“What do youmean they suspect me?” Malcolm pushed his fingers through his hair in irritation.
“One of my friends works for the magistrate, and he overheard the magistrate and two other men talking.” Broderick paced the floor. “He overheard them saying that you were the one who broke into Mr. Clarkston’s office.”
“That’s utterly ridiculous,” Malcolm snapped. “We were together at the tavern that evening. I have you for my alibi.”
“There’s more.” Broderick stopped in front of him. “Brandon Kennedy mentioned to the magistrate that your wife had talked about killing you a few months ago.”
Malcolm’s blood turned to ice and his gut twisted. This couldn’t be happening. Camilla would never…
His thoughts stopped quickly.Camillawouldn’t have done it, butKatwould. He still needed proof, but he felt deep in his heart that Camilla was not the wicked woman he had married.
“Camilla didn’t try to shoot me.” Malcolm’s voice softened. “She was in our room and still in bed when I left for the fox hunt. She was seen leaving the house after I was shot.”
