Creating their mythical world had begun as an escape from the drudgery of her existence. But it had swiftly become a joy when her children had embraced each evening’s tale. It was a way for them to bond, to revel in the wonders of a place and people which did not exist.
“You are creating the story together, then?” he asked.
“We are.” As Percy had gotten older, he had taken on a greater role in building their world. “I dare not miss it.”
“You are a good mother.”
Guilt pierced her. “I try. If I were a good mother, I would not be here now.”
“You are here for yourself, and there is no shame in that. Long past time you do something forMira, I should think, instead of everyone else.”
There he went, making sense. Speaking like a gentleman. Being compassionate. Making her want to linger.
“I love my children, and my duty is to them first,” she said.
“If you need to attend them, I understand.”
His soft words took her by surprise.
“I do.” She felt terribly torn, wanting to stay here another few moments more, and yet knowing she must go. “If I had known… If I had possessed an inkling of what I have been missing…”
Her words trailed off as she realized what she had been about to say and how unfeeling and unkind it was. How much in the vein of the husband she had loathed.
“You would have taken a lover sooner?” Damian asked, once again understanding her far too well. Knowing what she was saying better than she did, it seemed. “I cannot be sorry you did not. I am honored to have been the man to awaken you.”
Awaken her. Yes, that was an apt way of describing what he had done tonight, albeit an insufficient one, for mere words were inadequate. She was, however, indeed awake now. And she did not think she could ever go back to sleep.
She wanted more.
She wanted him.
But those were dangerous thoughts, thoughts best kept to herself. Thoughts she would have to banish as surely as she would have to leave his bed.
“I am not sorry about tonight either,” she managed to say past the lump rising in her throat. “Thank you.”
“No.” He kissed the top of her head. “Thankyou, Mira.”
Chapter 5
She had returned to Lady Fortune.
Against her better judgment.
Against reason.
In direct opposition to logic.
Damian Winter’s smile when he saw her awaiting him at the rear entrance of the establishment made every risk to her reputation worthwhile. When his lips curved upward, the effect of that smoldering grin went straight to all the places he had kissed, licked, and claimed the night before.
“You have come,” he said needlessly, taking her hand in his. “I didn’t dare believe it was you when Tiny Tom first told me you were here.”
Tiny Tom? The gentleman who had greeted her had been a veritable giant. He had been rather fearsome-looking as well.Good heavens.
Though she wore her gloves, she felt as if sparks skipped to her elbow beneath Damian’s touch. “You asked me to.”
“But you are skittish, my lady. Like a newborn foal.” He brought her fingers to his lips for a kiss. “I was not certain you would agree.”
Being a lover was new to her. Being this particular man’s lover was terrifying. Had she overstepped? Was she being too eager? Too forward?
