Page 35 of A Rake's Redemption
“Making sure there’s no other vermin in this,” he said, bringing it over to the bed. “Had you already put them on?”
Inis felt her face grow even warmer. Discussing her undergarments, let alone if she had worn them, was an odd topic for conversation. She was suddenly aware that they were in the room alone with the door closed and she was lying in a bed wearing only a thin chemise beneath the cotton sheet. “I doona think we should be talking about my clothes.”
For a moment, Alex stared at her and then laughed. The sound of it made her draw her brows together. He managed to sober his expression.
“I apologize. I only meant to ask how your hands made contact with your…with the material. How were you holding it?”
Heat seared her face. Of course, he hadn’t meant anything lewd, or even suggestive, by his question. She needed to remember they had a business deal. Business. Nothing more. Embarrassed, she chewed her bottom lip.
Alex’s eyes locked on the movement. For a moment, he said nothing. Then he managed to raise his gaze and repeated his question. “How were you holding…these?”
“By the waist,” she said. “I loosened the drawstring. That’s when I felt the bite.”
Alex looked down, running his fingers along the folded casing through which the drawstring was threaded. “There is definitely enough space in here for an insect to crawl in, but it seems odd that one would.”
“Maybe it happened when the clothes were lying on the laundry table waiting to be folded,” Inis said. “Elsie made the remark that someone had taken care to fold…those…so the lace trim would not catch on anything. The spider probably got trapped.”
“I suppose it is possible.” Alex laid the garment aside. “I am going to have a team of maids come in here and clean this room from top to bottom.”
“That is nae necessary,” Inis said quickly. The maids would resent having to clean her room…and they’d find the blue gown under the bed. “I am sure the spider is long gone by now.”
Alex looked grim. “I want to make certain of it.”
“I doona think ye need to send a battalion of armed servants in here declaring war on a small bug.” When he looked skeptical, she added. “Besides, dinna the doctor say I should rest? I canna do that if there be maids scurrying about with dusters and brooms.”
“All right. I’ll agree. At least, for now,” Alex said and leaned forward to place the back of his hand to her cheek. “And kindly, do not hit me again.”
Her face was probably warm enough from his closeness that hewouldthink her fevered. “I dinna mean to hit ye.”
Alex smiled. “Thank God for that then.”
He let his hand loiter, turning it so he could trace his fingers along her chin. His glance lingered on her lips and his eyes grew darker. An odd sensation rippled through her. Nervously, she licked her lips, and Alex’s gaze intensified. He leaned closer, mere inches away now, and she closed her eyes, parting her lips instinctively. She felt him press his lips softly to her forehead, then he moved back so quickly there was a rush of cold air where his body heat had been. When she opened her eyes, he was already by the door.
“I will have a tray sent up,” he said and then bolted before she could respond.
Inis stared at the empty doorway. What in the world just happened?
…
What in the hell had almost happened?
Alex managed to slow his pace by the time he reached the first floor, but his mind was still racing. He’d wanted to kiss Inis. He almosthadkissed her. What in bloody hell was wrong with him? He had no right to take advantage of an employee, especially not one who had nearly died under his roof. The fact she’d looked at him with desire in her eyes didn’t excuse his behavior. She was not thinking clearly from the after-effects of the bite. But the look she’d given him was that of a ravenous woman, and he was the sumptuous meal she’d like to feast on. Or maybe it was the other way around.
Hell, he must be losing his mind.
Alex proceeded to the kitchen where Mrs. Bradley and the female staff were busy preparing dinner. They all stopped what they were doing and looked at him inquiringly. He supposed that was to be expected since he couldn’t remember the last time he’d visited the kitchen.
“Who brought the laundry in this afternoon?” he asked.
One of the maids scrubbing a pot turned to him, her voice trembling. “I did, my lord.”
She had the same terrified look the stable boy had yesterday. God have mercy. Did he look so fierce that he was frightening his staff? “I just wanted to know if you saw any bugs on the sheets or clothes?” Alex softened his tone. “Ina, is it not?”
A light blush dusted the girl’s cheeks, probably because he’d remembered her name. She was one of the few servants George had left behind. He was pretty sure his brother didn’t know anyone’s names, except maybe for his valet and butler, so Alex had made it a goal to learn names.
“Aye, my lord.” Then she shook her head. “I didn’t see any bugs. I would have been careful to brush them off.”
“I am having the laundry room gone over for any sign of spiders right now,” Mrs. Bradley said. “And I was about to assign the chambermaids individual rooms to clean as well.”
