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“Orris, you must cease these activities—at once. We are going to get caught and then where would we be?” Abram crossed his arms over his chest and stared at her.

“I know. And I shall be careful. I just wanted to know what was in the note. It was my idea, after all. And you might not have had a clue if we had not gone with my idea in the first place.”

“Yes, it was. However, I would prefer it if we did not run any more of your schemes. It is dangerous. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.”

“I appreciate that. Surely, you recognize my resourcefulness by now, Abram. Now tell me, what was in the message?”

Abram walked away from the door and over to the deck to pick up the crumpled piece of paper. He held it out to her, and she crossed the room to take it from him.

As she read over the words, she realized they were locations.

“Are these places that Rowan visited?”

“Yes. I’m afraid we were being followed. I did not think they were trying to rob us. I believe there was another reason they killed him. I just do not know what it was.”

“And who is this man?” Orris held up the paper to show the man’s name on the back.

“I need to speak with Samuel about what to do next. I know he has contacts in the city. Until then, we shall have to wait. In the meantime, I’ve sent a letter to my father. I fear I shall have to return home soon. I asked him about the woman in the letter, Leandra. We need to find out who the sire of her child is. I wondered if it had anything to do with whoever was tracking us.”

“It very well could. A man as fine as yourself, I could not imagine someone wanting to harm you.”

Abram bristled, his eyes darting to the floor before he brought his head up again. “This is… Well, ’tis flattering for you to think of me so, but, Orris, you barely even know me. I may not be considered nice by everyone.”

“But you have a good heart. I can see it in a way that you care for your friends. I can tell how much you love your family. And I can see how you try to take care of me even though you hardly know me as a person.”

“I am merely trying to do what is right. I have not always been good. There have been times when I’ve been foolish and selfish. Even now, I regret not returning home when Rowan wanted to. He may still have been alive if I had simply honored his wishes instead of following my own ideas. As much as I wanted to paint, nothing in the world is more important than a friend’s life. Though my relationship with my father is trying, and my brother insufferable, I know that now.”

“How could you have known? You had no idea someone would harm him. And who knows, depending on who it is, they may very well be from your home. How could you know they aren’t?”

Abram turned away from her and walked to the window, holding the drapes open. He ran a hand through his thick hair, then yanked at the cravat at his neck.

Orris followed him across the room, placing a hand on his shoulder. He turned to face her, dropping the drapes, allowing them to close over the windows.

“Abram, you cannot blame yourself for what happened. It was a terrible thing, but I know you would have prevented it had you been able.” Stepping closer, Orris ran a hand down the side of his face, wiping away a single tear.

Abram grabbed her wrist and held it tight, turning his face to press his lips into her palm. Orris did not pull away, even though she knew she should. The tip of his wicked tongue darted out, licking down the pulsing vein in her arm.

What they were doing was forbidden. She was unwed, unchaperoned, and undone. Every part of her called out to this man. And she knew she shouldn’t, but she stepped ever closer to him.

She used her hand to turn his face to hers. Her breath came out tattered, the sound desperate, a match for the growing need at her core.

With a free hand, she opened her robe and pressed her body against his. His hard body pressed against her, and all she could think of was how he might feel atop her. How she might feel astride his virile body…

“What are you doing, Orris?” Even as he asked the question, it seemed as if there were a war between restraint and passion occurring within him. His fingers stretched out, just nearly grazing the thin material.

“I am not sure,” she said, her voice unfamiliar in her own ears. She pressed her forehead to his chest and shook her head, desperately seeking clarity. When none came, she glanced back up into eyes hooded with desire or… hunger.

He drew closer, his lips hovering above her own. They were so close, they breathed in one another. “Orris, I need you to leave right now. Else I cannot be held responsible for what happens next.” He closed his eyes, tight, as if the sight of her broke him apart.

“That is fine, because I do not want to be responsible right now.”

Abram’s breath hitched, and a strong arm went around her waist, yanking her closer to him. His mouth crashed into hers as he devoured her. At the same time, he rubbed against her, something thick and hard pressed into her stomach beneath the strained material of his trousers.

In that moment, Orris felt so free, and so passionate, she thought she might burst. The waves of sensation filled her.

She wrapped her leg around him, yanking her nightgown free so that she could feel his rough trousers against her skin. He lifted her, his hands holding on to her ass, and she pressed her against him. She felt as if every part of her was being drawn into him. The kiss broke apart as he walked them across the room. He lifted her, then placed her on the desk, the cool wood a stark contrast against her heated flesh. In another moment, a hand was between her legs, slick and heated.

His mouth broke from hers and he ran his lips down her neck to her heaving breast, sucking in the tight nub. Gasping, she gripped him tighter. She felt herself splintering into a million shards of glass.