For now…
Samantha gasped when Adrian pulled her down onto the sofa, her skirts hitched around her waist as she straddled his hips and allowed their bodies to join. He tugged at her bodice, eyes flashing with appreciation when she arched toward him, offering all of herself while the light from the fireplace danced around them.
“Stunning.” A deep murmur that sent soft shivers straight down her spine.
Her hand cradled the back of his head as she moved against him, holding his gaze so he’d experience the effect he had upon her, see the pleasure she found in his touch and know the deep connection she felt in her heart.
This man, who made no apology for the killing he’d done, was everything to her. She’d give her life to savehim. A profound awareness whispered through her, euphoria already starting to grip her.
Her lips parted as she reached the edge, the truth sliding over the tip of her tongue, tempting her with the freedom it offered. Unless he failed to repeat the words.
A brief hesitation – enough for her to lose the moment to the first tremor. She gripped Adrian’s shoulder, felt him stiffen against her, and saw the pleasure burning in his dark eyes as he followed her through the storm.
Her body relaxed soon after, a sigh of contentment escaping a place deep down in her lungs. Leaning forward, she touched her lips to his in a tender caress that would serve instead of the words she’d almost spoken.
When she met his gaze next, the affection she found there could not be denied. It burned brighter than any star and that was sufficient. The words would come later, when one of them dared let vulnerability guide them. Until then, she knew he cared for her as she cared for him.
It was enough.
“Do you think there’s any chance Harlowe might have figured out what you’re up to?” he asked moments later when she lay stretched out beside him, her head on his shoulder, legs curled beneath her.
“It’s possible, I suppose. His ability to mask his thoughts prevents me from knowing whether or not he bought my story. That said, he couldn’t quite hide hissurprise when I told him I wanted my orders in writing from a higher authority. He’d clearly not expected that.”
“It was a risky demand,” Adrian told her, stroking her hair with lazy movements. “One that may have given you away.”
“It was the best I could do to allow for more time. Otherwise, I really have no excuse not to do as I’m told.” She sat, pushing away slightly so she could angle herself toward him. “I’ll need to give him something the next time he asks, which will be the day after tomorrow at the Avernail ball.”
A lengthy sigh was Adrian’s first response. He caught her hand and wove his fingers with hers. “In that case, we’d better set our minds to figuring out what you’re going to give him.”
Samantha pressed her lips together, concern for Adrian rushing through her as she acknowledged just how important the next step in their plan would be. It would without doubt make the difference between the future she longed to embrace with him by her side, and one that ended in total disaster.
24
Rain drummed against the carriage roof as Samantha and Adrian rode to Avernail House two days later. The water streaking across the windows created a blurry vision of dark city streets illuminated by smudged gaslights.
Even though one of the footmen had held an oiled umbrella over Samantha’s head all the way to the carriage, she’d not been able to stay completely dry. Dampness seeped through her cloak, chilling her skin while the toes from one stocking-clad foot begged for dryness and warmth after she’d stepped into a puddle.
Despite her discomfort, her thoughts were preoccupied by what this evening would have in store. Even though she and Adrian had come up with a plan, she worried it wouldn’t work. The question he’d asked as to whether or not Harlowe might have caught on to her shift in allegiance plagued her.
If he had, there would be no escape for either of them. Adrian would meet his end one way or the other while she would most likely be locked away somewhere deep inside Newgate Prison.
A shudder went through her. Not on account of herself but for him. The possibility that she might lose him was—
“We should have stayed home,” Adrian said, his strong arms pulling her tight up against him. He adjusted the blanket placed over their laps, providing her with the majority and tucking the edges around her legs. “You’re trembling, Samantha. If you catch a chill I’ll never forgive myself.”
“It’s fine,” she assured him. “I’ve been through much worse than a bit of rain.”
Grumbling his displeasure, he caught her hands between his own and proceeded to blow hot air upon them. She sighed with pleasure.
“I’m going to order some new gowns for you,” he said once they reached their destination. Thankfully, Avernail House contained a portico, allowing them to avoid getting even more wet as they alit from their carriage. “These flimsy evening gowns might look pretty, but they’re completely impractical, not to mention likely to get you killed.”
“That’s rather dramatic, wouldn’t you say?”
He dropped a critical look in her direction. “I’ll make sure you’re dressed in wool and velvet from now on whenever there’s even the slightest chance of your being cold. With long sleeves, mind you, and a moresensible bodice that doesn’t put so much skin on display.”
She snorted as they headed up the front steps, following other guests into the neoclassical home. “I might as well go wrapped in a blanket then.”
“That’s not a bad idea.”
