Page 106 of The Lady Needs a Rogue
Pleasure.
She opened her eyes and moved to the ornate wrought iron bench. She’d allowed herself to be swept away by the pure bliss she’d found in his Finn’s arms. My goodness, she’d never experienced anything like the delight of his touch when he held her. When he kissed her. When he explored her body. So gentle and tender and deliciously sensuous.
Finn had never pressed her to do anything she hadn’t wanted to do. In truth, he’d refused to take all she’d wanted to give. No wonder, that. Now, it all seemed so very clear. As it was, each of them could go their separate ways with no complications. Nothing to cause a scandal. Nothing to permanently bind him to her, nor her to him. Nothing that would compromise her value on the marriage mart. And above all, nothing that might endanger the business deal he’d negotiated—a deal which involved reining in Jon’s wild, wayward sister as if she were a beast to be tamed.
Finn had played it smart, hadn’t he?
Perhaps Jon was right—there truly was honor among rogues.
Pity she had not heeded his warning.I’ve reason to think it’s a game we should not be playing.She hadn’t taken his true meaning then.
But now, she understood all too well.
Cleo strolled up to her and meowed, then jumped onto a high-backed chair. Seated as she was, regarding Macie with a pensive gaze, the cat looked rather like the pet of some long-dead Egyptian ruler.
Smiling to herself, she took the folded letter from her pocket and reread the neatly penned missive. Professor Aylesworth’s script was as measured and controlled as he was.
I have secured a place for you and a traveling companion of your choosing on our researchexpedition. We shall depart in a fortnight. Please advise as to yourdecision.
Yours, P.N. Aylesworth
The journey would be an adventure she’d carry with her for the rest of her life. At first, she could not truly contemplate accepting the position. The thought of leaving Finn behind had filled her with doubt, especially when their future seemed to be in the process of unfolding.
But now, that was no longer a consideration, was it?
The sound of heavy bootsteps and Mrs. Tuttle scolding someone drifted to her ears, alerting her even before the French doors opened that her peace was to be short-lived.
Finn strode onto the terrace with an exasperated Mrs. Tuttle on his heels.
“I tried to tell him not to come in, Miss Macie,” she said. “But he’s a hard-headed man.”
“That I am,” he said, his tone low and gruff. “I require a few moments of Miss Mason’s time.” He narrowed his eyes. “Without yer presence.”
Macie met the older woman’s anxious eyes. “It’s all right, Mrs. Tuttle. You may go.”
“You’re quite certain?”
“Yes.” Macie nodded as she refolded the letter and tucked it inside her skirt pocket. “Thank you.”
After the housekeeper had departed, Macie met Finn’s direct gaze. “So, you’ve come to collect whatever items you’ve left behind?” She gave a little shrug. “You did not need to trouble yourself. I would have asked Mrs. Tuttle to gather them up and have them delivered to you.”
He came to her, motioning to the bench. “Might I join ye?”
Emotion welled within her, but she was determined to maintain a calm demeanor, even as her pulse sped up. Shewould not allow him to see how he’d affected her. “Please, do make yourself comfortable.”
He glanced at Cleo, who seemed to be actually scowling at him. “If that were a hound, I’d be worried she was giving thought to sinking her teeth into me.”
“I’d say it’s still a possibility.” She forced a little smile. “If I were you, I would not let down my guard.”
“Point taken.” He reached for her hand, but she primly laced her fingers together and folded them in her lap. He nodded his understanding. “Macie, I don’t know what ye heard, but I can explain.”
“I find no explanation is needed. Perhaps we should have announced our presence... but you must see how your conversation with my brother was quite informative,” she said, keeping her tone even by sheer will. “Once again, allow me to congratulate you on closing the deal with my brother for those all-important contracts. You fulfilled the terms of your agreement.” She willed herself to speak the words that were so very bitter. “Just as you fulfilled the terms of our bargain. Quite brilliantly, I’d say.”
He raked a hand through his hair. “Macie, it’s not what ye think.”
“Isn’t it?” Tears she refused to shed scalded the back of her throat. “My brother has long treated me as a problem to be dealt with, just as he managed the so-called minor catastrophes that arise within my family’s businesses. This time, my brother recruited you, of all people, to rein me in. And you did so, and in fine form. How did he put it?” She pinned him with her gaze. “The charade kept her out of trouble, or some other drivel.”
“Yer ridiculous scheme was not my idea, Macie. I told ye what I thought of it.”
