Page 68 of The Viscount and the Vixen
“You should tell your father about the mines,” she said instead, shoving any possible confession into the furthest corners of her mind.
He flashed a quick grin that reflected both his expectation that she’d avoid his question and turn the tables back on him, and his disappointment that she had. He was beginning to know her far too well, but all the deciphering of her actions wouldn’t uncover her secrets. “He doesn’t need to be worrying over them.”
“But if, as you claim, he managed them quite well until recently he might have some insights to offer.”
“He’s not going to know precisely where we’ll find more ore. It’s not as though he has the ability to see through the ground and into the earth.”
“So you’ll just keep digging and being frustrated when your efforts reap no rewards?”
“For now. I’m not ready to give up on it. Somewhere there must be more.”
And until then he’d simply continue to tear into the earth alongside the miners, to put himself at risk. She’d heard of cave-ins. “Is it safe?”
“We reinforce the walls as we go. There hasn’t been an accident in years.”
She nodded but took very little solace from his words. While she admired his determination to go into the mines and work beside those who toiled and provided an income for the estate, she also detested that he placed himself in danger. For what? A few bob? She wanted to lessen his burdens, but suspected she’d only added to them. “I could let a footman and maid go. I can let them all go.”
“We’re not quite destitute yet, Portia. Speaking of the servants, are you finished here?” He waved his hand over the tray.
“Yes. Shall I ring for someone to take it away?”
“I’ll see to it.” He rolled off the bed, picked up the tray, and carried it over to the low table by the fire. When he returned he stretched out beside her, resting on an elbow, and trailed the fingers of his free hand along her collarbone. “What I said earlier, when we were in the library, is inexcusable.”
“You were upset that I uncovered your secret.” Perhaps even a bit embarrassed to be caught working when nobility did not labor. Although she wasn’t going to point that out to him. “Besides, Locksley, I have no illusions regarding your feelings toward me.”
He slid his hand up her neck, stopping just short of her jaw, his thumb stroking the delicate skin where her pulse thrummed. “I like you, Portia. A great deal more than is wise.”
“I’ve never much cared for wise men.”
He flashed her a grin. “I do so love your rejoinders, your tendency to speak your mind. I like having you out of the bed as much as I do having you in it.”
She wondered if he noticed the jump in her pulse at his words. It would be so much simpler for them both if he wanted only sex. Why did she have to feel so glad that he enjoyed more? He could so easily break her heart. She might even bruise his. Better if their hearts weren’t involved, but God help her, she wanted something deep, lasting, and true with him. She wanted to be worthy of the ring he’d placed on her finger, a gorgeous gold band of emeralds and diamonds that symbolized an undying love. Not that she expected to ever have his love, but whatever he felt for her would surely die if he ever learned the truth.
Tilting her head down slightly, he brushed his lips lightly over hers, as softly as a butterfly landing on a petal. Tenderness was so much more devastating than the rapid possession he’d exhibited earlier. Gentleness could undo her, could fill her with so many regrets.
“Portia,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Portia.” His lips touched the corner near her eye. “Portia.” His breath skimmed over her temple.
“Killian,” she breathed out on a soft sigh as her eyes closed and she began to melt down into the pillows, the mattress.
His mouth returned to hers, a bit more demanding. She parted her lips, welcomed the slow, sure stroke of his tongue over hers. Threading her fingers through his hair, she pressed—
The rapid tapping on the door startled her. “M’lord?”
“Damnation,” Locksley growled. “Gilbert has the worst timing in the world.”
“At least I’m still decently covered.”
“I’ll remedy that as soon as I’ve chased him off.” He shoved himself from the bed. When he returned, she’d remove the shirt and trousers he’d donned before Cullie had arrived with their tray of food.
He swung open the door. “What is it, Gilbert?”
“His Lordship is in the dining room waiting on you.”
“My father is in the dining room?”
“Aye. He won’t let us begin serving him until you and Lady Locksley are there.”
“Did you tell him we’re dining in our bedchamber this evening?”
