“It’s not a good idea,” she finally murmured.
He tensed to argue.It was a fantastic idea.“Why not?”
Dark eyes returned to his. “You promised to be careful,” she whispered soulfully. “Remember?”
Dammit.
He glanced over the wall to the great mansion rising opulently beyond. Then he slid a glance down the length of the mews—one way then the other.
Though they were currently pressed to the garden wall and he doubted anyone from the house would see them, they were still in full view of anyone who might happen along the narrow lane where they stood.
Looking back to the woman in his arms, he clenched his jaw and smoothed a hand up the length of her spine. He was pleased to see her lips part and her pupils widen at the sensations caused by his caress. Then he bent his head and pressed another soft kiss to her lips.
“Tonight?”
“I’ve a ball to attend. I’ll likely be out very late.”
“I’ll wait,” he vowed roughly.
“And you now have a houseguest,” she added in a murmur, though her fingers continued to wreak havoc over the sensitive nerves at the back of his neck.
“Aadesh will be fine.”
She smiled, the curve of her lips slightly crooked, and his heart lurched hard against his ribs.
“Do you think you can slip through my house undetected? Find your way to my bedroom door without being intercepted?”
The softly spoken boldness of her challenge fired his blood. His reply was gruff. “Easily.”
She smiled again. This time, the curve of her lips and her half-cast gaze were undeniably sensual. A rush of heat angled to his groin even as she stepped to the side and slipped out of his arms. A moment later, she’d disappeared through the gate and into the garden.
Phin remained there along the wall for a long while after, fisting his hands to resist the desire to follow her and shaking his head at his own foolishness.
There was no denying it…
He was in deep.
Chapter Thirty
The ball thatnight was grand. And unbearably dull.
Ralston had been in a wretched mood for the last several days. And Eleanor was quite certain she knew the reason why. Even in Eleanor’s own distraction it was rather difficult to miss how often he’d scan a room until his gaze fell upon a particular dark-haired woman. And if she was not present at an event, he inevitably grew grumpy and desired to leave early.
He’d evendancedwith the lady on one occasion. Something the gossips made quick note of. His interest in Miss Dickson was becoming more and more obvious.
She’d considered saying something to him once or twice, but then changed her mind. His life was his own, just as hers belonged to her. She wouldn’t desire his interference in her activities, so she decided not to interfere in his. Besides, her brother’s behavior was the least of her concerns considering her other… interests lately.
Something her cousins had also noticed.
While the musicians took a break, Bridget joined Eleanor along the wall. Lydia had given some excuse to avoid attending tonight. Only Eleanor and Bridget knew it was so she could slip off to some lecture she’d been excited about but had been forbidden to attend by her mother. And Ralston had taken himself for a walk—no doubt in search of Miss Dickson, leaving the ladies alone for a bit.
Bridget sipped her lemonade, eyeing Eleanor curiously over therim. Lowering the glass just enough to mutter quietly, she said, “He’s not here tonight, is he?”
Eleanor considered feigning ignorance, but gave it up with a roll of her eyes. “No, he’s not.”
Her shrewd cousin arched a brow. “And yet, you don’t seem concerned. You haven’t even bothered to look for him.” There was a thoughtful pause, then Bridget’s eyes widened. “You’re meeting him later,” she whispered in shock.
“Shh,” Eleanor quietly chided, glancing about. How did her cousin see so much?
