Page 53 of The Dangerous Love of a Rogue
‘Make yourself comfortable, sir, ma’am.’
Once he had bowed deeply again, he left and shut the door.
Drew took off his hat and gloves, tossed both into one of the armchairs then smiled at her. ‘Please tell me you will take off your bonnet and your spencer, it is sweltering out there. We can surely have a break from being baked like kippers when we are alone.’
She smiled, though her stomach wobbled like aspic, and pulled loose the ribbons securing her bonnet with shaking fingers.
She put her bonnet, gloves and spencer in the chair with his articles.
A dark heat burned in his gaze as he came towards her, and then his lips were on hers, brushing hers slowly.
Her hands lifted to his shoulders, as his rested on her back, urging her against him as his tongue dipped into her mouth.
A delicious curling sensation twisted low in her abdomen.
A sharp knock rang on the parlour door. Her arms fell as he stepped back. He caught her elbow, steadying her.
‘Come in!’ Drew’s voice sounded unsteady.
As the door opened, Mary caught sight of herself in a mirror above the mantle. Her cheeks shone red and her lips dark.
She turned her back on the maid and crossed to the window. It looked out across a broad valley. She could see for miles. Her arms folded over her chest as she absorbed the view and listened to the maid put down his tankard of ale and set out her tea on the table.
Drew thanked the maid, then the door closed.
Mary’s senses tingled at the sound of his footsteps approaching her. ‘There was no need to blush, they think you are my wife. It will be true soon.’ His arms came about her and folded over the top of hers. She rested back against the firm muscle of his chest. For a moment he was still, then his lips brushed her neck and his hands fell to her hips.
He pressed a kiss behind her ear. She turned and kissed him, his hands embraced either cheek of her bottom through the layers of her dress and petticoats.
When another knock struck the door, she had become breathless and her heartbeat raced.
‘Come in!’ Drew called, stepping away again.
The maid cast Mary a sly look before putting down her tray.
Drew withdrew a chair for Mary, encouraging her to sit.
The maid glanced at Mary’s left hand.
Mary slipped her hands to her lap, beneath the table. She wore no ring. She sent the maid the condemning glare her deceased grandfather, and now John, were known for.
It made the woman blush at least as she bobbed a curtsy. Then she left and shut the door.
Drew laughed as he sat. ‘I did not know you could set a person in their place so easily, Mary.’
‘There are some things you cannot help but learn when you live in the company of Dukes.’
‘Should I be warier then?’
She reached for the teapot. ‘You may be warned I am stubborn. Papa often complains I never give in.’
He grinned, both proud and amused. ‘So, you are stubborn and now I am wary. We have both discovered one new thing about each other.’
‘What do you wish for?’ She indicated the food.
‘I’ll serve myself. You select what you wish.’
As he helped himself to a piece of rabbit pie, awkwardness descended again.
