Page 95 of Temptress in Disguise
Her pulse skittered. She repeated the question silently, trying to convince herself she had misheard. But Mr Daventry was nothing if not precise.
“Forgive me. Are you saying we’re not legally married?” More than a little panicked, she clutched her abdomen. She turned to Aramis, wondering why he hadn’t grabbed Mr Daventry by his pristine cravat and demanded answers.
“There’s no reason to believe your marriage isn’t legally binding, though the matter is still being decided. I shall let you know the outcome in due course.”
In due course? Naomi stared at Mr Daventry, tears welling.
Why was he so blasé?
Where did that leave them now?
While her head was a whirlwind of confusion, Aramis asked basic questions about the special licence. But where were the threats? Why was he not tackling the problem in his usual forthright manner?
“Aramis? For goodness’ sake, say something!”
He placed his hand on her lower back. “We’ll discuss the matter in the privacy of our carriage.” He stood, helping her to her feet before addressing Mr Daventry. “We expect to be informed as soon as a decision is made.”
Her mind was still a blur when Aramis assisted her into the carriage. She sat dumbstruck. Though the vehicle lurched forward, her heart was lodged in her throat. “After all we’ve been through, how is it possible?” she managed to say. “We need to visit Mr Sloane. He procured the licence. Surely he will know what to do.”
He relaxed back in the opposite seat. “I’m certain Daventry procured the licence. There’s no point worrying about it now.”
“No point worrying? Do you recall what happened last night?” They had lost themselves in each other’s bodies. Aramis had neglected to withdraw and had collapsed on top of her, exhausted.
A sinful grin touched his lips. “How could I forget what happened last night? You were incredible.”
She narrowed her gaze, eyeing him suspiciously. “Is this some sort of prank? If it is, it’s not at all amusing.”
He held his hands up. “Daventry came to the club last night and told me about Smollett’s arrest. He didn’t express a need for concern. I was going to tell you when I came upstairs, but you were waiting in the bathtub, and I left all good intentions at the door.”
The vision of them sweat-soaked and panting flashed into her mind. The power of his erotic kisses had left her mindless, too. “You could have mentioned it this morning.”
He shrugged. “And spoil the surprise?”
“Trust me. I would have rather been prepared.” She glanced out the window and noticed they’d missed the turning for Aldgate. “Are we not going home?”
“That’s an interesting question.” He reached into the leather satchel beside him, the one she had not thought to question until now. “I shall offer a detailed explanation once we’re on the road.”
“We are on the road.”
“The road to Scotland.” He pulled the iron handcuffs from his bag and dangled them on one finger. “I’ve taken command of you and your vehicle. Do you think I would sit idly and wait for Daventry to confirm you’re not my wife?”
Relief replaced the blind panic.
“Scotland?” He meant to marry her over the anvil? “What about your responsibilities at Fortune’s Den? I have no clothes but the ones I’m wearing.”
“You don’t need clothes. Delphine packed you a valise though I dread to think what’s inside. Aaron gave me a three-week leave of absence. We can marry in Gretna Green, take a short tour along the Solway Firth, perhaps visit Dumfries.”
That’s why Delphine hadn’t stopped grinning for most of the morning, and why Aaron had been a little subdued. “Delphine’s insistence she needed three weeks to plan our belated wedding breakfast makes sense now.”
“I told her I was taking you hostage. That I’d not release you until we’d exchanged vows.” He tugged the fastenings and released both blinds, plunging them into semi-darkness. “If we’re to marry, I have a comprehensive list of demands.”
A coil of heat swirled in her belly. “If I’m to do your bidding, are you not supposed to offer me an incentive?”
His tongue traced the seam of his lips. “I assure you, you’ll be thoroughly rewarded. Now, show me your stockings.”
Feeling a flutter of excitement, she slid her skirts slowly up past her calves. “It’s an awfully long way to Scotland. How will you entertain me during the arduous journey?”
The wicked glint in his eyes said he had a plan. “I thought we might begin with our favourite pastime. Who can last longest in the game of restraint?”
