Undoubtedly.
Except it would only be this once – just enough to avoid having regrets.
An appeasing thought until she realized his hand had crept higher while she’d been distracted. His questing fingers scraped the underside of her ribs.
Harriet froze. One more inch and he’d touch her bindings.
Panicking, she grabbed his arm to still the movement and turned her head to break the kiss. “We should stop. I ought to go check on Lucy.”
“Of course. I’m sorry if I got carried away.” He laughed with an underlying hint of shyness that would have stolen Harriet’s heart, had it not already been his. “Turns out you’re rather addictive.”
“I could say the same about you.” She smiled while struggling to hide the ache in her breast.
This was the last time they’d be this close. Tomorrow she’d have to add distance. It was the only way for her to stop him from learning the truth about her.
As a man who risked death in order to kiss her – a duke, no less – Harriet feared what he might do if he found out that she didn’t share the same danger. There was no accounting for the lengths he might go to in order to ensure her silence if he felt betrayed. Such anger could make the noblest person a slave to irrational behavior.
So it was best this way.
Feeling her heart break, she placed her palm against his cheek and caressed it lightly. She then lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed him for the last time. “Good night, Brody. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He echoed her sentiment, informing her that he needed to wait for his brother to get home from his dinner with friends. “There’s a matter I need to discuss with him before I retire.”
“Nothing too serious, I hope.”
He shook his head, but a brief flicker of pain in his eyes suggested otherwise. “The maids and footmen will see to your bath if you ring the bell pull.”
“It’s not too late?” she asked while tucking her shirt back into her trousers.
He glanced at the clock. It wasn’t yet nine. “No. And after the day you’ve had, I insist you allow yourself the luxury of sinking into a tub of hot water.”
“Thank you, Brody.”
She moved to the door, but he spoke before she reached it, halting her strides. “I’ll give our new relationship some thought until we speak next. Perhaps you can do the same. All things considered, discretion will be paramount for us both.”
It was hard to speak past the sudden hoarseness in her throat. “I couldn’t agree more.”
She slipped out into the hallway and almost sobbed in response to the wretchedness that had replaced the pleasure he’d instilled moments ago.
Good lord, what had she done?
16
It was hard for Brody to stop from grinning. He’d never before been so chuffed or excited. Hell, the effect Harry had wrought upon him with his wandering hands, sweet sighs of pleasure, and impassioned kisses, was more intense than what he’d experienced with any woman. Whether that was because it was Harry or because he’d not realized his preference for men until now, he’d no bloody clue.
What was certain though was that he wanted more. Lots more.
The concerns he’d had about what it might be like and whether or not he could cross certain boundaries had been forgotten. All he knew was that he was in love and that he longed to pursue an attachment with Harry. Even if that meant doing things he would have sworn on his life he’d never do two weeks ago.
What mattered was that his heart was engaged, and now that he knew Harry felt the same burning attraction, nothing would stand in his way. Of course, certain measures would have to be taken. No one could ever know what they got up to behind closed doors. Fortunately, nobody frowned at the idea of two men secluding themselves in a room together. In that regard, it would be easier than carrying on with an unmarried woman.
He pondered that thought while he refilled his glass. Perhaps he could offer Harry a job. Having let his valet go last week in an effort to cut back on spending, the position was perfectly suited to their affair.
Frowning, he dismissed the idea. Harry was fond of his position so Brody would not suggest he give that up. Although having him stay here would allow him to save on his lodgings. It would also ensure that Lucy was properly cared for during the day. And Brody only needed a valet mornings and evenings to help him dress and…undress.
The idea and where it might lead was thrilling. Grinning, Brody tossed back the last of his port and set the empty glass on the table next to Harry’s.
It was an excellent plan – one he could scarcely wait to share with his soon-to-be-lover come morning. He glanced at the table whereThe Victim of Prejudicelay forgotten. Brody picked up the book and paused. Maybe he wouldn’t have to wait after all. If he dropped off the book before meeting Finn, he could ask for Harry’s opinion then. Maybe steal one more kiss.
