Page 79 of Lord of Mischief
The grandfather clock upstairs struck the hour of two.
“I had better get you home.It won’t do for your maid to be wondering why she cannot rouse you in the morning,” he said.
Knowing Eve, she would gladly sleep beside him in his bed, but after all he had done, he was not foolish enough to tempt the wrath of her parents.
The fact they would wed was no longer in doubt; it was the manner of how they went about it that held his mind.He had been to enough weddings in his lifetime to know society would expect a formal church service, followed by a wedding breakfast and a glittering ball.After all, he had put their families through, his mother and Adelaide Saunders deserved nothing less.
“Or you could have me a second time,” she said.Her hand settled on his thigh.He gently removed her hand from his leg.
“I think you have had enough of me for your first night.You will be sore in the morning,” he said.
She mewled with disappointment and Freddie laughed.
“So, can I come and visit you again tomorrow night?We could discuss your new business proposal a little more.My dowry could be put to good use in securing a suitable shop for your bakery,” she said.
“I am working late at the church tomorrow.After we have served supper, Will and I are going to move some new large tables into the middle of the church.Reverend Brown is happy for the parishioners to sit at tables during the services, which will mean we can get more people fed when the soup kitchen is open.I won’t be home until very late.”
She frowned at him.“I can slip in here early and wait for you.Even if we get caught, there is nothing anyone can do about it.I’m already yours.Though you seem a little unsure.Why?”
While Eve was under the impression she had the run of the situation, Freddie knew he had to take command.He had to take effective control of their relationship and future without her realizing it.
Eve’s taste for danger could pose a real threat to them and their combined future.Thetonwould only forgive so much.She had to learn there were boundaries that could not be crossed.They would need the support of their families and friends to make their future together a success.He would have to gamble on her love for him one last time.Then she would know that he truly loved her.
A lie formed in his mind; pulling her into it was a risk he would have to take.
“Osmont Firebrace has gone missing.The authorities are keeping quiet about his disappearance, as they think he may have been tipped off.If that is the case, then he may also know I had a hand in his downfall.I don’t want you alone in this house without my protection,” he said.
She huffed with frustration.“He couldn’t be that foolish as to try something.He must know people are looking for him.”
“Yes, well, you never know.He knows there are no servants here, and I am alone at night.If I finish early on Thursday, I shall send word to you.But until all of the Bachelor Board members have been arrested, you have to promise me you will be careful.I don’t want you in this house alone.I don’t want you put in danger.”
“So, Thursday it is,” she replied.
“Did you hear what I just said?”
She moved to sit on his lap.He sucked in air, trying to keep his erection from getting the better of the situation.Her lips came to within an inch of his.
“Yes, I heard you.Now tell me you love me, kiss me, and take me home.”
He slipped a hand around her head and drew her to him.“I love you.”
