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Alamp burned low on a table in the room’s middle.

Shecrossed to her brother’s and sister’s beds, situated side by side with a night table between them. In truth, they were of an age they should each have their own chambers, but not until this business with the Huxleys was dealt with.

They’dhad too many changes these past months, not the least of which was their parents’ disappearance. Torrian had met with dead end after dead end so far in that regard, but undaunted, he continued to try to find out what happened to Maura and TadghKenney.

Kimberslept on her side, a raggedy doll clutched in her thin arms and her unplaited hair almost as black as Siobhan’s spread upon her pillow. Paddy slumbered on his back with an arm tossed over his auburn head, his bedclothes rumpled across his waist.

Siobhanpulled the covers over each child’s shoulders before bending to kiss each of their foreheads.

Strongemotion tugged Fletcher’s heartstrings.

Wasthere anything as beautiful or touching as a mother’s love?

Or, in this case, a surrogate mother’s love, for that is what Siobhan had become to her brother and sister.

Forthe first time in his recollection, Fletcher longed for children.

Hischildren.

Siobhanglanced over her shoulder, and her gaze locked with his.

“Fletcher, why are you looking at me like that?”

Slowly, she straightened.

“Because, Siobhan, I am again reminded what an extraordinary woman you are.”

Hestepped nearer until only a few inches separated them. Seemingly of its own volition, his arm lifted, and he brushed a knuckle across one velvety cheekbone. “Every time I believe I have you figured out, you say or do something to astonish me and raise you higher in my estimation.”

Hehadn’t meant to reveal his private ruminations, but just as he’d caressed her cheek, though it wasn’t wise, his deuced tongue insisted on betraying him.

“Since your opinion of me is below sea level,” she quipped, “I have a considerable distance to rise.”

There, she did it again.

Turnedthe tables and eased the tension by way of a witticism.

Heslid an arm around her trim waist, drawing her nearer.

Hermouth parted, her pupils dilated, but she didn’t pull away.

“Not as far as you might think,” he whispered, his voice thick and husky.

Blister and blast. I’m in it up to my neckcloth.

Heshould march from the chamber straightaway.

Eyeswide with wonder, she searched his face.

“Are you going to kiss me, Fletcher?” Her breathless whisper sent a thousand frissons over his body.

“I want to.” Lord, how he craved the taste of those plump, cherry-tinted lips. “Would you object?”

“I should.” Biting her lower lip, she spared a glance toward her sleeping siblings. “It would complicate things immensely.”

Fletchercouldn’t deny her insight.

Butsomething told him it would be bloody well worth every complication. Every difficulty. Every impediment.

“True.” Regardless, he took a step closer, her perfume and heat beckoning him like water lapping the shoreline. “ButI’m willing to take that risk.” More fool him. “Are you?”

Shestared at him for several heartbeats, desire and hesitation vying for supremacy in her eyes. At last, she shook her head and skirted around him.

“No. I’m sorry.” Her small breasts rose and fell in her agitation. “You have nothing to lose by acting upon your desires. On the other hand, I have everything, and I am not willing to compromise myself, this mission you’ve embroiled me in, or the wellbeing and future of my siblings.”

Withblue silk swishing around her ankles, she fled the chamber.

Fletcherlost track of how long he stood there, head bowed, and fingers curled against his thighs as he ruminated on her prudence-driven rejection and why it stung so fiercely. When he finally lifted his head, it was with renewed purpose and determination.

Fromthis point forward, he could treat Siobhan like any other female employee, which meant she was off limits, or he could trust his instinct, which fairly shouted he should pursue her with all diligence.

Andhe must make his decision before he saw her again.