He tucked the mask inside his coat, wishing it to perdition but knowing he must save it for later, when she would go. “Thank you for helping us. The hour grows late. Do your children not need you this evening?”
Her flush heightened. “I told them their story earlier tonight, just as I have done when I had other social engagements in the past.”
Balls and such, he supposed she meant. The reminder of the differences between them was unwelcome. Here in the low light of the kitchens, no one about save the two of them, it was almost easy to believe the fancy that they were equals. That she did not belong to an unforgiving world of wealth and importance, the same world his sister Gen could not allow to reveal the truth. Bad enough society knew her to be a bastard Winter. But if they knew she also owned and secretly ran Lady Fortune, the same lords and ladies who now whispered about her would turn their backs entirely.
No sense, however, in wasting what precious time he had with Mira on wishing their circumstances were any different. He could not change who he was any more than she could.
“You will stay for a time?” He was still absentmindedly stroking her jaw, reluctant to sever their connection.
He trailed his knuckles lightly down the column of her throat, his fingers toying with the gold and glittering stones on the necklace of her parure. She was a wealthy woman, his Mira, whoever she was.
“Do you wish me to?” she asked, her voice a throaty invitation.
“Christ yes, love. I assume that is the reason you arrived earlier and not so you could ruin your slippers and fret over boxes in my kitchens.”
She smiled. “It is good of you, feeding those in need.”
He shrugged. “It was my partner’s idea.”
That was not entirely true. He and Gen had come upon the solution together. Lady Fortune was on the edge of the East End, in a place near enough to where nobs made their homes that wealthy ladies felt safe. However, it was still the East End. There had been many beggars on the streets. Many in need. Using their extra food each evening to help feed the hungry was one way Lady Fortune helped the street upon which it stood.
“You have a partner?” Mira’s eyebrows rose.
“A secret partner,” he said quickly. “One who does not wish to be known.”
“A woman?” she asked.
“What of you? Would you care to tell me your full name?”
Her lush lips tightened. “Touché, sir.”
He tamped down his disappointment. Of course she would not reveal her identity to him. She guarded her privacy well, and although he knew Davy had been to her home, Demon had respected her right to maintain her anonymity and he had not pressed the lad for further information.
“Why are we lingering in the kitchens when we could be in my bed?” he asked, seeking to distract them both from the grimness of reality.
“Why indeed?”
He cupped her nape, drawing her to him for a kiss. She made a soft sound of surrender, her arms going around his neck, and her lips moved against his with greater confidence than she had kissed him before. When her tongue tentatively traced the seam of his lips, he groaned. She was a quick student.
He thought about all the things he could teach her, and his cock went stiffer than a poker in his trousers. Their tongues slid together. He wanted more. This half measure was not nearly enough.
He tore his lips from hers. “I need you, Mira.”
The fringe of her lashes swept over her brilliant eyes, shielding them from him. “I need you, too.”
The best four words he had ever damned well heard. “Come, love.”
* * *
For the secondnight in a row, Mirabel found herself trespassing inside the territory of Mr. Damian Winter.
Octavia had told her to come here. Had promised to see the children to bed on her behalf.
Go, her sister had said.You deserve to have something that makes you happy.
I am happy, she had argued stoically.
Something aside from Percy, Joanna, and Gideon, Octavia had countered.You seem so happy today, darling. So unlike yourself. Go and forget what it means to be the Duchess of Stanhope, even if for the evening. Go and see him.
