“What about the fighters? Claus said you’d want to—”
“It’s nothing that cannae wait, lass.”
“Blayne. I…” She wasn’t sure what to say. Especially not with him looking at her with such hope in his eyes. “Haven’t I taken enough of your time already? You’re busy and I’ve made too many demands of you as it is.”
“This wouldnae be a demand, lass.”
No. It would be yet another chance for them to bond – to form a closer attachment by sharing a common interest. Much like the knife throwing, it would be an experience uniquely theirs, so different from the standard walks and social functions that generally served as backdrops fortoncourtships.
Charlotte straightened and turned to face him. “I’ve told you I don’t want marriage.”
The words didn’t sound nearly as convincing as they once had.
He gave her a queer look. “I know. Several times. Most recently before ye seduced the hell out of me in my office.”
She couldn’t help but grin in response to his teasing tone even as her skin began burning. “Iseducedyou? I rather think it was the other way around.”
“Hmm…” His eyes darkened while his hand found her thigh underneath the table.
Charlotte sucked in a breath when he gently squeezed her. “What are you doing?”
“Putting ye slightly off balance while savoring yer responsiveness.” He chuckled and withdrew his hand. “It’s just a trip to the shops. Nothing more.”
“All right,” she said, even though she feared she was making the wrong decision. Not because she didn’t want to spend time with Blayne, but because of how much she wanted to stay in his company. Somehow, he’d started mattering to her. And she was beginning to worry that walking away from him wouldn’t be nearly as easy as she would need it to be.
9
He shouldn’t have kissed her last night at the ball and he definitely shouldn’t have kissed her today in his office. Blayne acknowledged this fact while escorting Charlotte along Borough High Street a little over half an hour later. They’d taken a hackney to the south side of the Thames where his favorite bookshop was located, and had chosen to get out and walk when the traffic had slowed to a crawl. From the looks of it, a top-heavy cart transporting barrels had toppled over and was now blocking part of the street. Silver herring-like fish poured out of several damaged barrels, creating a slippery mess for any carriage wanting to pass.
Blayne drew Charlotte against his side, not caring one whit about whether or not it was proper to do so. Somehow, between that first day when she’d shown up at The Black Swan and now, he’d developed a constant craving for her. It wasn’t just sexual. For although he wanted nothing more than to strip her naked and swive her until she forgot her own name, there was something more – a need to simply be near her. He wanted to learn her expressions, savor her smiles and each of her laughs. He liked knowing he was allowed to touch her. Just the gentle press of his hand to her back or the brush of his fingers against her hand was enough to make him feel closer to her than he’d ever felt to anyone before.
And then…
And then there was the passion. Hell, she muddled his brain and lit him on fire in ways he’d not have thought possible until now. Whether she realized it yet or not, the kisses they’d shared so far were forging a bond that could not be broken or forgotten. It had also made him realize that by forcing a deeper connection between them he risked complicating both of their lives. For as she’d said, she didn’t want marriage. And while he’d not been completely honest about his own thoughts on the matter, he knew he could never have her in that way. Which pretty much meant there was no point in allowing such dreams. Instead, he’d focus on what was possible – an oasis in time for them both to look back on later with fondness. As fleeting as it would be, he’d best make every second count. Because he knew she’d be gone from his life again before he was ready.
With this in mind, he led her into Lee & Jones and held the door wide until Daisy had entered as well. The owners of the small shop had chosen to fill it not only with books but with odd bits of furniture too. The effect was charming. It almost felt like one was sitting in a cozy parlor owned by some sort of eccentric artist.
“What do ye think?” Blayne asked with more eagerness than he’d intended.
Charlotte beamed and his heart swelled in gratitude. “It’s absolutely lovely. If only I’d discovered it sooner.”
“Ye’re here now.” With him. Squirrelled away in a small private corner of London. “Come. Let’s see if they’ve got the novel we’re after.”
Taking her by the arm, he steered her toward the bookcases where the literary fiction was kept in alphabetical order. Before they reached them however, a man Blayne instantly recognized as one of the owners came to greet them.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again, sir,” the man said. “And you’ve brought a friend along with you this time.”
“Miss Russell,” Blayne said. “Allow me to introduce ye to Mr. Lee. He and his partner took the run-down building this used to be and turned it into the marvelous retreat it is today.”
“I’m impressed,” Charlotte said. “And it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lee.”
“Indeed. The pleasure is all mine,” Mr. Lee assured her. “Is there something I can help you find?”
“We’re actually looking for the latest Charles Cunningham novel,” Blayne told him. “The one with the viscount.”
“It’sThe Viscount’s Clandestine Meetings,” Charlotte supplied.
“Oh yes. Popular story, that one. It’s right over here.” Turning away, Mr. Lee led them over to a display table where a pyramid of books had been arranged. “This is where we put the latest arrivals. As you can see, Cunningham has another addition.The Marquess’s Unsolved Mysteriescame in yesterday and has almost sold out completely since then. We’ve only one copy left.”
