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Blister and blast it to Hades.
“You didn’t receive it.”
Not a question.
Docker and Jervis had already been dismissed. Which meant the footman he’d entrusted with the missive was too afraid of Father dismissing him to comply with Chester’s request. Time to have a candid discussion with all the staff. Anyone who couldn’t pledge loyalty to him would have to go. He’d not tolerate any more shenanigans.
He touched her cheek, grazing his fingers along the satiny skin, then cradled her jaw. She had such fine bones. Such a tempting mouth, which softened under his perusal.
With welcome?
“Did you think I’d reneged on my offer?”
She searched his eyes.
“Yes.”
No excuses or accusation. Just the openness she’d always demonstrated with him.
“I’m sorry, sweet. Truly I am. I would’ve spared you the fretting. I’m not such a scapegrace that I’d give you false hope.”
He leaned nearer, his entire focus trained on the delicate flare of her lips.
Her lashes fluttered closed.
A tender wisp of a touch at first.
Perfect and right and not enough.
She arched upward as he slid his hand behind her head, urging her closer.
Her lips parted at his gentle urging, and she released a ragged sigh.
Like a tippler desperate for his spirits, he eagerly tasted her honeyed mouth and explored the velvety softness.
Mr. Wiggles gave a worried whine, plummeting Chester back to earth.
Eden lifted an unsteady hand, and eyes wide and reproachful, touched her lips.
“My lord, I am your servant. Nothing else. If you ever kiss me again, I’ll leave this house within the hour.”
