He stopped, leaned against the wall, and blew out a huffed laugh of relief. It wasn’t his strategy that had Loretta walking out of the darkness toward him, in a part of the house where they would likely be seen only by servants. It was fate smiling on him, and damned if he wouldn’t take it with a smile.
And use it to his advantage.
Halting in front of him, she casually folded her arms across her chest and with a measured smile, said, “Don’t tell me you just happened to be in this secluded section of the house.”
He stared at her for a long time, drinking in the contentment he felt at finally having her to himself. Candlelight made her eyes sparkle. Her complexion looked as pale as shaved ivory and softer than finest silk. She was the most enticing lady he’d ever met. He was certain no other lady had ever made his heart thump so hard in hischest, and he wanted her to know just how much he wanted her. He had a sudden feeling that she belonged to him and no other. Though he didn’t want to explore the implications of that thought right now.
“As a matter of fact, I was”—he paused—“looking for you. Adele thought, perhaps, you’d gotten lost when you went to take Farley back to his room.”
“I admit the return would have been easier if I’d had a candle to guide and help me, as you do. The corridors are long and not well lit; however, I made it after taking a wrong turn or two.”
He made an overt effort of looking behind her. “So Farley is safely back where he belongs?”
“Yes,” she said defensively, and hugged her arms tighter to her chest. “I had a few words with him about not leaving his room to explore his surroundings again, and then with Mrs. Huddleston for failing to keep a proper eye on him. I don’t think he’ll venture out on his own again. Please, don’t be too angry with him.”
“I’m not angry with him at all, Loretta. In fact, I thank him.”
Her blue eyes widened suspiciously. Her arms relaxed a little. “You do? Why?”
“Farley managed to accomplish for me what I was going to have a devil of a time doing.”
“What’s that?”
“Be alone with you. And since this is the servants’ route, we are not completely alone yet.” He took hold of Loretta’s wrist and said, “Come with me.”
He guided her along the corridor with him, then around a corner where he stopped, opened a door, and ushered her into a small, dark room where he closed them inside. Now they were alone.
He walked over to a square worktable and placed thecandle on top of it. The light wasn’t harsh or glaring. It gave enough of a glow so they could make out each other’s features.
Hawk turned, fully intending to rush her, crush her to him, and have his way with her for as long as he wanted. He was aching to fill the deep unsatisfied longing for her that grew more intensely inside him every day. He was a man, after all, and he wanted her. Now. Fast. Hard.
Looking at her, knowing she was innocent and trusting, he couldn’t go where his mind and body wanted to take him. That was only a fantasy, and it couldn’t be played out anywhere but in his mind. Loretta had to come to him willingly. For her to do that, he had to take his time, make her comfortable, and slowly seduce her.
“What is this room?” she asked. “There’s an odd smell in here.”
His gaze followed hers. A tall wall of shelving stacked with fat jars, round tins, and bundles of dried leaves and roots covered the space behind the table.
“The medicinal room,” he said, walking back over to her, feeling calmer than when he’d entered. “Hawksthorn is large, with several hundred people in and around the estate. It helps to have herbs, spices, and various items available to readily make potions, tinctures, tonics, or whatever might be needed for fevers, broken bones, or cuts.”
“That explains the woodsy scent in the room.”
“Is it too overpowering for you?”
“No.” She breathed in deeply. “It’s pungent, but not unpleasant, and I detect a little mint and lavender, too.”
He smiled. “Good. I think the really vile-smelling plants are sealed in the tins and jars.”
“A blessing for anyone who has to be in here a long time, I’m sure.”
Hawk reached out and fingered the neckline of her dress. “The beading on your gown has been torn loose, and you have a scratch on your chest near the tear.” His heartbeat increased. His gaze searched hers. “That wasn’t there at dinner. Did something happen to you?”
“Yes.” She smiled. “But there is no cause for you to be alarmed. Your sister’s puppy decided she wanted to chew on the trim of my gown. When I tried to pull her away, she resisted and her nails accidently caught me.” Loretta reached up to her neckline, but her fingers tangled with his and she dropped her hand to her side.
“Ah—Adele and her puppies. She might be obsessed with them.”
“No one could blame her. They are warm, soft, and loving.”
Just like you, he thought and nodded. “Your necklace lies so beautifully on your skin. You’re lucky the puppy didn’t decide to chew on one of the diamonds in it rather than the glass bead on your dress.”
