Page 61 of Dare to Love a Duke
The simple domesticity of the gesture warmed her. She’d only shared such homey moments with Kitty and Elspeth, but never before with a man. Yet it didn’t seem strange or unwelcome. It felt, in fact, as though she’d created a small fortress for herself out of pillows and blankets—cozy, snug, and comforting.
“Mille grazie.” She took the mug and inhaled the roasted scent of coffee before taking a sip. “Perfetto.”
“Before young master Liam decided he wanted my neckcloth for his tea, Elspeth and Kitty regaled me with stories of your early time here at the Orchid Club.” He leaned down to prop his elbow on the table, putting his chin on his fist. “Did you really punch a guest in the nose and then threaten to cut off his cock?”
“This was before Will and Arthur had come on board,” Elspeth added. “So we weren’t prepared for rowdy guests.”
“To be fair,” Lucia said, her blood rising to think of that moment again, “thatcretinoinsisted that one of our servers was on the bill of fare. When he became unruly, I had to educate him. Told him if he wasn’t careful, hiscazzowould be thrown onto the sidewalk beside his unconscious body.”
She smiled blandly.
Tom shuddered. “Remind me never to cross you.”
“Do you need reminding?” She raised an eyebrow.
“If I did before, I certainly don’t now.”
“Hot food. Watch your backs.” Effie came forward, carrying the pan of sausages. “Take a seat or you won’t get your supper—or breakfast, or whatever you odd folk want to call this meal.”
Everyone gathered around the table, and within moments they were absorbed in their food. Lucia had watched Tom at the staff meal the day before, but she still found the sight of him eating to be fascinating. His table manners were exquisite, elegant and fluid, yet she was drawn by the sight of the tendons in his wrists as he used his knife. He had rather large hands, yet they were still beautiful.
I’m sighing over a man’s hands. What has become of me?
“Me, Elspeth, and the baby are off to the shops after this, then a trip to Catton’s,” Kitty said between bites. “Join us?” She angled a look at both Lucia and Tom.
Regret in his eyes, he shook his head. “Can’t risk the possibility that someone I know might see me. I’m supposed to be rusticating, and being one with my thoughts. Unless someone is willing to fall on their bayonet and keep me company...” He cast a comically hopeful gaze at Lucia.
Normally, she adored visiting the shops. She’d spent so many years in Napoli with her face pressed against the windows ofpasticcerieselling delicious sweets. She recalled well the feel of the pavement beneath her feet as she was chased away from thebancarelle,“stalls,” and their abundant goods—pots and pans, toys, soap, and all the things she could never afford.
Now, whatever she didn’t set aside for the girls’ home, she loved to spend on pretty ribbons and presents for her friends. A weekly trip to the shops always held some wonderful surprise.
But... Tom would be alone, like a panther in a cage.
“If it’s company you’re after,” she said in an offhand tone, “I’m happy to oblige. Mind,” she added, raising a finger, “it won’t be a day of idleness. There’s always a dozen tasks that need tending to. You might be rusticating, and a nobleman, but I intend to put you to work. Such is your fate after showing me how well you took to it last night.”
“Alas,” he said without any hint of sorrow.
Chatting about the day’s tasks, they finished their meal quickly, and brought their empty plates and cups to Effie.
“And Cook set this aside for you.” The girl handed Tom a slim paper-wrapped bundle.
He eagerly opened it. His face brightened in a way that was both adorable and delicious. “Ah, but she’s a goddess!”
Lucia peered at the parcel and, smiling, shook her head. It was a slice of lemon cake. “Aren’t you going to eat it?” she asked when he tucked it atop a high shelf.
“There are times for devouring, and times for savoring. I prefer to savor my pleasures.” His gaze held hers, and with a hot rush, she recalled vividly their night together and her shameless plea.Savor later. Fuck me now.“Anon, I’ll take my time with it, and lick up. Every. Crumb.”
Santo cielo,but she should have reconsidered spending a whole day locked up with him in the house.
“We’re off,” Elspeth announced, tucking a scarf around Kitty’s neck, who kissed her for the service.
Lucia snapped out of her haze. “Do you need money? I can fetch some from my room.”
Kitty rolled her eyes. “No, Mama, we have more than enough of our own blunt.” Yet she smiled as she said this.
When Elspeth pushed a pram into the kitchen, Kitty bundled Liam into it. Soon the trio had gone, promising a treat for Lucia and Tom—if they were good.
“Effie,” Lucia said to the girl, “I’ll need water boiled for laundry.”
