Page 30 of Temptress in Disguise
“’Tis a miracle for sure.” Mrs Maloney’s tired eyes shone like stars in the heavens. “You’ll be good for him. You’ll be just what he needs.”
“Ours is a marriage of convenience,” Aramis said with a hint of frustration, though he looked at the lady as if she were the only angel on earth. “I warned you not to invent your own narrative.”
Mrs Maloney gave a knowing grin. “And flowers grow in the most unlikely places.” She released Naomi and clapped her hands together in glee. “You can have the room upstairs. It’s sparse but clean. The bed’s small for a man of Aramis’ size, but it won’t be a problem for newlyweds.”
The image of her squashed next to a naked Aramis Chance left Naomi trembling to the tips of her toes.
Aramis sighed. “As I’ve already explained, I shall sleep in the attic or sitting room tonight. Naomi may have the bed.”
“But you didn’t sleep at all last night,” Naomi said, suffering a pang of guilt. They had a momentous task ahead of them tomorrow and needed a full grasp of their faculties. “Please have the bed. A chair will be more than adequate for someone of my size.”
“I’ll not have my wife sleeping in a chair,” Aramis snapped.
Mrs Maloney tutted. “You’re not children. A married couple can surely sleep in the same bed. Besides, it’s bitterly cold down here, and I’m convinced I saw a rat last night. You’ll not want it nibbling your toes. You might catch the plague.”
Aramis raised both brows. “You’re a terrible liar.”
“And you’re a practical man.” Mrs Maloney failed to stifle a yawn. “Come now. It’s late. Get yourselves off to bed. If you decide to stay tomorrow, I’ll prepare the attic room.” She lifted her chin defiantly. “If you want to stay here, those are my terms.”
“You’re a hard taskmaster, but I must defer to my wife in this matter. The decision is hers.”
Naomi looked at the man whose presence was all-consuming. She wasn’t afraid to be alone with him. She was afraid of how he made her feel. Safe. Desirable. Afraid of how her traitorous body longed for his touch. Afraid she would come to care for him, that he lacked the ability to care for her, too.
ChapterSeven
Beneath the armour he wore with pride, Aramis’ heart skipped a beat. The pain of past memories was the probable cause. The small bedchamber above the bookshop had been his refuge, a haven from the violence he’d encountered on the streets. And the place where Mrs Maloney had stitched Aaron’s wound while Aramis fought back tears, fearing his brother might die.
His gaze moved to Naomi, standing at the washbowl, wiping her hands and face with a linen square. The muscles in his abdomen tightened, hardening as he watched her unpin her hair and brush the silky golden locks.
Cursed saints!
He wanted her.
He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted a woman. Hunger writhed in his veins. A lust so potent he could barely stand still. Since the reverend had declared them husband and wife, he’d battled the need to own her. Own her in every damn way he could imagine. And by God, there were many.
“Do you want me to sleep in my clothes?” he said, hoping conversation would banish his craving. “I can always make a bed on the floor.” Wherever he laid his head, he’d not sleep a damn wink.
She turned to him, her hair framing her face like a golden halo. “Mrs Maloney is right. We’re married. We’re sensible adults who are about to become embroiled in a dangerous affair. I think we can?—”
“Dangerous? I may be savage out of bed, not so when I’m chasing pleasure.” That said, his blood pumped fast at the thought of pressing his mouth to her satin skin.
“I was referring to the case of murder and fraud.”
He laughed. “We’ll worry about the investigation tomorrow. We need rest. And we need to banish this air of awkwardness if we’re to allay the sergeant’s suspicions.” He slipped out of his coat and draped it over the chair. “I shall undress and climb into bed. Avert your gaze, if you must.”
This whole situation was a novelty.
And yet there was honesty in her unease.
“I shall sleep in my shift tonight.” She hugged herself, though he suspected it was to ease her nerves, not to chase away the cold.
“Do what pleases you.”
She moved into the shadows to remove her stockings and boots. While he stripped off his shirt, he watched her stretch to tackle the concealed hooks and eyes on the back of her unflattering blue dress.
“Let me help you.” It would distract him from the memories of being in this room, memories that haunted him like wraiths in the darkness. He came to stand behind her, smiled when he brushed her hair over her shoulder and heard the hitch in her breath.
So much for keeping her at arm’s length.
