His arm slowly curls about me. I don’t let go until I know he reciprocates.
“So forthright? So eager. Then celebrate my postponed death. Bring your friend, an actual cat. Not imagined in any way. I’ll finish the poison your sister created.”
I stiffen, stunned at his cheerful use of the wordsdeathandpoison. “Why can’t we merely be happy for your recovery?”
“Oh, I celebrate in private. But with you, I shall speak only brutal facts.”
He sips and makes a Lydia-like unhappy face, then shifts to smile at Lada. “What an unusual thing you have there. And with a pink bow. A bribe for Lydia? I thought you were against grand gestures.”
I’m speechless. The barbs are pointed and probably deserved. Yet part of me hoped that last night made things different. “Jahleel … I’m glad.” I curtsy. “Excuse me. I’ll let you eat alone.”
“Running away after I invited you. Aren’t you curious what’s for breakfast? Lady Hampton, I’m dying to see what’s under the silver domes.”
I ease Lada’s basket to the floor again. Then I focus on the man with narrowing hazel eyes.
I don’t want an enemy. My feet begin to move. Soon, I’m inches from the cold-sounding man I lay upon to keep warm.
A brow lifts. I see his hand positioning on his cane, but I cling to him before he can rise.
He’s seated. Leaning into him, I bury my face into his neck—the folds of his collar smell of lavender and sandalwood.
Thud.His cane drops, and his arms tug me against him. I strengthen my grip on him, as when he almost fell, leaving the bath. He needs to know that despite everything, I’m here now. I’m awake. I finally admit to the good man he is.
“Please see something worthwhile in me.” The drumming of his heart—is it surprise or pain? It doesn’t matter which. I’mgrateful to hear it beating. “No matter what, I’m not leaving you.”
One arm goes about my waist. He pushes me lower to my knees. The seated man looks down at me. His face is blank except for his eyes, which beam with indecision. “So you won’t leave this time? No matter what I do.”
A hand goes into my chignon, grabbing tresses and jerking my face closer to his. “Is that so?”
Before I can utter a response, he ruthlessly kisses me. None of the soft exploration of last night—that good man is gone.
This is a villain demanding submission. I taste bitter dregs, the brutal tongue of a bitter man. Yet I know beyond the medicine, there’s sweetness.
Patience will release it.
“Ready to run, Lady Hampton? Wilcox Coal calling you?”
“Is that the worst you can do? I’m not frightened. And you’re out of practice.” I slip my arms around his neck. Villain or saint, I don’t care. I’m here and so is he. I hold on to him, opening my mouth, my heart to anything and everything.
Jahleel nibbles down my throat and kisses the gullet of my neck.
My fingers fight against his collar and find his skin, massage that spot along his neck where tension and pleasure unlock.
His touch changes. The pressure, too. Then I notice his thigh trembling against my side.
He relents and lets me go. “Maybe you do have the ability to be a mistress. Can you take orders?”
“Anything you can demand, I’ll achieve with honor.”
His expression softens. “Then sit. Enjoy breakfast with me.” His tone sounds different, like someone trying to be difficult. It’s false. My willingness has him off-balanced. A confused chess player has to be to my advantage.
But I don’t want an advantage. I want forgiveness. Seated withLada’s basket beside me, I say, “I mean what I say. I will serve you. And have I passed this test?”
“Katherine, you were never intimidated by anything. I always liked that. And I do remember that you like to misbehave in the dark. Enjoy breakfast, Lady Hampton.” He lifts the delicate cup of brownish green liquid. “Then we’ll talk.”
“I’m not that hungry. I think I want to sleep more than eat.”
“A mistress who sets her schedule? Doesn’t her keeper set those?”
