Page 103 of From Rakes to Riches

“Christ,” he said, sounding very un-earl like.

She moved to the other bench, adjusting her gown and waiting for him to speak. Perhaps he needed another minute.

“Where are we?” She asked, impatient with all her unsatisfied urges and their untimely stop.

“Mayfair. Brook Street. My home,” he said in succinct answer.

At least he sounded as affected as she.

She moved the curtain aside and viewed the brick-faced town house with large sash windows and a sophisticated canopy over the door.

“Let’s go inside,” he said, as if it was of no consequence. As if he brought a Vauxhall performer home every day. She assumed his housekeeper would be shocked.

“Inside?”

“You said you didn’t know where I live,” he asserted as he knocked on the roof. “I’d like to show you my home.”

It was such an unexpected request she almost didn’t know how to reply. But considering her body still hummed with pleasure from his kisses and there was the possibility they’d share more kissing once inside, she readily capitulated. “Very well.”

The interior of Theodore’s home resembled the man she’d come to know. Tasteful decorations and select pieces of furniture filled the rooms, all done in masculine shades of blue, graphite and cranberry. Everything had a place and yet the rooms were warm and welcoming.

A single servant, Wyndham, answered the door and he seemed unbothered by her appearance beside the earl.

“Wyndham, have Cook prepare a tray of refreshments. Once you bring it in, we’re not to be disturbed.”

Theodore led her into the sitting room. A lively fire burned in the hearth before an overstuffed brocade chair. Elegant works of art graced the wall. A pair of long white tapers burned near the window. Everything about the room was perfect. Very neat and orderly.

Like his life, no doubt.

Unlike hers.

That conclusion extinguished her enthusiasm for further kissing. She was falling into the very same trap she’d warned herself away from. Developing feelings for a man,for an earl, when no future existed where they could be together. He was a nobleman, held to the highest standard, a man with dignity and honor.

And just like their worlds, her life was the complete opposite. She’d confessed to a disgraceful crime and then ran from prosecution. In the eyes of society, she was a criminal and criminals didn’t usually take tea with kindhearted, devilishly handsome earls. Nor did they kiss them with an open heart.

She could enjoy his attention while it lasted, but she’d be smarter to protect her emotions. Nothing could ever come of their relationship. She needed to remember that most of all.

Wyndham’s entry with a large silver tray interrupted her silent musings and she was glad to let them go. Once the servant closed the doors behind him, Theodore strode across the room,gathered her in his arms and kissed her soundly. His fervent attention touched her heart, making her earlier decision that much more difficult. She would never be able to spend time in his company and not become more attached. Already she stood on unsteady ground.

She pulled back the slightest, relishing the warmth and security his embrace provided. Knowing she would miss it. “I need to return to Vauxhall for practice. You wouldn’t want me to fall now, would you?”

She’d tried for a teasing tone, but so much truth was disguised in her words they sounded tentative at best.

“I will catch you,” he whispered next to her ear and a thrill spiraled through her. “Every time.”

Her heart lurched. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t hurt his feelings. He already mourned his closest friend. Why had she started something that would only end with pain?

“You think it’s that easy?” She pulled from his arms, struggling to protect them both, and refusing to acknowledge the confusion in his eyes.

He took a moment, then another, before he spoke. “I will return to Vauxhall after hours and we can walk the path. Then I will escort you home.”

How like him to think he was in control. To dictate what would happen. To expect she would agree without question.

“No,” she said quickly, purposely moving farther across the room. “I know my way through the close walks and you’ve no need to bring me home. That isn’t necessary.”

“After the danger that has occurred, I disagree.”

She’d traded Marco’s escort for Theodore’s now, although it wasn’t the same. That’s what made it so dangerous.

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