Better to frame his time with her as a brief but passionate exploration. A momentary adventure heightened by the circumstances which had drawn them together.
Another spear of discomfort stabbed through him.
That was the other thing about his life.
It was often dangerous. He already regretted dragging her into this mess with Barnaby. And he’d do everything in his power and ability to keep her safe. But he could not willfully link her life to his when his existence so frequently landed him in dire and reckless situations.
Rising from the sofa with a burst of internal unrest, he walked to the window and scanned the darkness outside. Because he was looking for them, he saw one of his men back at his post, discretely watching the house from a short distance. No doubt the others had also returned to their task. Iago would ensure the intruder remained properly contained back at Waring House.
It bothered him how easily the man had managed to slip past the very well-trained guards. If it happened once, it could happen again, though he suspected his men would be far more alert going forward. He couldn’t allow such a threat to reach Eleanor again. If he had his way, he’d remain within arm’s reach of her until this whole thing wasover. That, or send her off to a fortress or a convent where no one could reach her.
But he’d already agreed to let her accompany him for the interrogation. It sparked concern for her safety, but he would not break his word. She had a right to know the intentions of the man who would’ve attacked her at her own home. He trusted Iago to ensure the man would present no threat during the questioning.
He only hoped he’d get the answers he needed to bring this situation to an end.
After staring out the window for longer than necessary, he strode silently back to the lady’s bedroom. He’d left the connecting door open to more quickly respond to any indication that she might need him.
He heard her soft breathing as he crossed to her bed.
She lay on her side, with her body gently curved in a restful pose. Her dark hair had loosened from her braid during their lovemaking and was spread across her pillows. Her hands were folded beneath her cheek, her dusky lips were gently parted, and her lashes were sooty half-moons.
She looked heart-stoppingly lovely.
A fairytale princess. The fairest of them all.
Lowering his chin, he allowed a smirk of amusement to curl his lips.
She’d hate it if she knew he was thinking such a thing.
He left her to her peaceful slumber. After stirring the coals back to a soft glow in the sitting room hearth, he reclined again on the sofa. His mind swirling with thoughts of legendary necklaces, bridal massacres, Barnaby’s warnings, and men who moved far too easily through the shadows of night.
And—though he tried desperately not to—he often found himself lost in the visceral memories of warm, golden skin beneath his lips, long limbs pulling him close, rounded hips filling his hands, and duskynipples peaked upon the most perfect breasts he’d ever seen in his life.
*
Eleanor woke witha start as her maid made her way through her room, humming a soft tune as she tended the fire then opened the drapes.
It took her a moment to understand why she was suddenly so alarmed.
Phin!
Her sleepy gaze widened and darted toward the sitting room door. Gretchen usually entered through that room first, tending the fire there to dispel the cold, as she knew Eleanor preferred to take her morning tea on the sofa.
Since the servant hadn’t screamed in shock… Did that mean he had left?
Without her?
Urgency thrummed through her, on the verge of tumbling into anger.
“Good morning, my lady,” Gretchen chimed brightly noticing her stirring. “Your tea is waiting in the next room. Is there anything else you require?”
Pulling her bedcovers up to her chin—far too aware of her nakedness beneath, Eleanor replied quickly, “No, thank you, Gretchen. That will be all.” She adjusted her tone to something heavy and slightly morose. “In fact, I’ve a horrid headache and plan to stay in bed all day today. I’d appreciate it if you could ensure that I am not disturbed for any reason.”
“Of course, my lady. My mum gets the megrims all the time.” The maid dropped her voice to a whisper and hustled back to the windows to close the drapes again. “She preferred dim rooms when the affliction came upon her. I’ll keep all the servants away so it’s nice andquiet for you. Do ring for me if you need anything.”
“Thank you, Gretchen, that is greatly appreciated.”
Eleanor waited until the maid had left back through the main entrance to the hallway and the door closed behind her. Then she threw her covers back and leapt from the bed to grab her robe. Cinching the belt tightly around her waist, she nearly fled to the sitting room, her eyes searching for any sign that Phin had stayed the night. A tea tray had been set on the table before the sofa. Otherwise, the room looked as it always did. He’d even managed to tuck away the pillow and blanket she’d given him.
