Page 46 of Temptress in Disguise
“I’ve no intention of altering my plans, madam.”
Miss Lovelace raised her chin. “I’ve no intention of altering mine.”
“We will discuss this tomorrow.”
“No, we won’t. You’ll refuse to see me.”
“I told you. I’ll not make concessions.”
Miss Lovelace stared at him. “Very well. As we cannot negotiate peacefully, let us go to war.”
Without another word, she stormed from the room, offering Sigmund an apology for his master’s lack of faith in him.
Amid the stunned silence, Theo chuckled. “You may want to retire briefly, brother, and adjust your trousers. I might join you. Miss Scrumptious has a way of firing a man’s blood.”
Naomi turned to Aramis. “Miss Scrumptious?”
He leaned closer, his hand resting on her knee as he whispered, “It’s the moniker we use for the only lady who has the power to affect my brother.”
The warmth of his hand raised her pulse. “Why does he fight his feelings?”
Aramis’ hand slid higher up her thigh. “Like me, he thought himself immune to a woman’s charms. It comes as a shock to find he feels something other than anger. It takes someone special to turn the tides.”
Heat coiled in her belly. Aramis looked like he was seconds away from kissing her senseless.
Aaron dropped into the seat and tossed back his wine. “I’ll have no more mention of that woman, not tonight, not ever.” He turned to Aramis. “Your wife will reside here until the case is solved and Melissa has her comeuppance. I need you in the card room tonight. She will remain upstairs.”
“Her name is Naomi,” Aramis growled. “And we’ll remain here only if she agrees. Being accused of murder is daunting enough. I’ll not subject her to your foul moods and short temper.”
Keen to bring an element of calm to the situation, she touched her husband’s arm. “Your brother has a right to air his concerns. No one here knows me as you do. Trust takes time.”
Everyone stared at Aramis as if eyeing a smoking volcano, waiting for it to erupt. When he said nothing, Theodore and Delphine shared bemused glances.
His expression tight with disapproval, Aaron stood and snatched the crystal wine carafe. “Aramis barely knows you. He’d do well to remember that.”
Aramis pushed out of the chair. Before he could speak, Aaron was at the door, cradling his claret. “Christian will be here in five minutes. I need you to devise a plan to watch Pelham tonight. I suspect he’s counting cards. Delphine will keep your wife company and see to her needs.”
Aramis made to protest, but again, Naomi played peacekeeper. “I shall wait up for you, and I’d like to spend some time with Delphine.”
“Excellent.” Delphine clapped her hands together. “We can take our refreshments upstairs.” In the blink of an eye, she was pouring two glasses of sherry at the drinks table. “Perhaps I might help with the case.”
As Naomi made to leave, Aramis captured her elbow and drew her so close the contact melted her insides. “I’ll try not to be too late. I’ll wrestle the lords out if need be. If you’re sleeping, I won’t wake you.”
His thumb moved over her skin in teasing strokes. Since sharing two passionate kisses, she longed to kiss him again. Since he’d insisted on purchasing her mother’s jewels from Mrs Boyle, she longed for something far more intimate.
“I’ll wait up for you,” she said for his ears only. Trying to pretend he didn’t arouse a deep desire in her was pointless. Why would she avoid the inevitable? Bedding her was part of their agreement. “If I’m sleeping, I insist you wake me. I’d like to hear about the night’s scandals.”
He held her gaze. “Then I shall tell Aaron I won’t be joining him for our usual drink.” His voice was like a panther’s purr. “Know I’ll need to expend my pent-up energy before I can sleep.”
In the dim light, his eyes were like a forest’s forbidden realms. Somewhere hidden in their depths was a secret path that led to forever. All a lady need do is learn how to navigate the darkness.
“Perhaps we might partake in a midnight stroll,” she teased. “A walk to the Royal Exchange and back will surely tire you out.”
“Why visit the Exchange when there’s bartering to be done here?” He pressed his mouth to her ear, his hot breath sending a shiver down her spine. “I intend to trade something more satisfying than stocks.”
Had they been alone, she might have touched him, let him know she welcomed his attentions. “I have a pistol and may use it as a bargaining tool.”
He looked at her, his lazy grin the most mesmerising thing she had ever seen. “I know it’s not loaded. You forget I possess a charming pair of handcuffs.”
