Page 9 of Forbidden Heat

“Yeah, I can feel that.” She hasn’t moved away, is still pressed close, her swell of her breast a sweet agony. “Is that how it usually goes?”

“Yes. With other things before, or after, depending on circumstances, but that’s the basic pattern.”

“What other things?”

“We’ll explore some of those another time.”

She looks at me with dark eyes still luminous from recently-shed tears. “But you said …”

“Yes. But tonight it’s late, and you need time to recover. And if you remember exactly how and why we’ve arrived at this present moment, you’ll understand why I say you shouldn’t have too much fun just now.”

There’s a moment’s silence while she ponders that. “You mean, sometimes there’s punishment for actual infractions, and sometimes it’s just part of … playtime?”

“Yes, exactly. But in truth, most of the time the infractions are part of the game, once you’re accustomed to it.”

“Ohh.” She huddles a little closer. “I think I like this game.”

“Good.” I stand with her in my arms. “And now I’m going to take you back to your room, and you’re going to stay there until morning.”

“Yes, sir, Mr. Thorne.”

The half-teasing, half-seductive note in her voice almost undoes me. I carry her down the hall and inside her room, where a light is still on. Setting her carefully on her feet, I say, “I’ll see you at breakfast.”

“Breakfast. Right. What time is that?”

“Seven o’clock.”

I start to leave, but Haley says, “Mr. Thorne?”

Tomorrow, we’ll sort out what she calls me when. For now, it seems appropriate to let that touch of formality remain. “Yes?”

“I heard you talking to Mrs. Jameson. You said you’d be gone for hours.” She flushes at this further admission of guilt. “I know it’s none of my business, but … why were you back so soon?”

Inquisitive girl. By rights I shouldn’t tell her anything; but some impulse has me answering, albeit vaguely. “There was a situation. It resolved itself while I was en route.”

Her eyes go bright with curiosity, but she doesn’t ask. “Good night, Mr. Thorne.”

“Good night, Haley.”

On the way back to my rooms, I abandon my plan to rub one out in the shower. Forcing myself to wait for my satisfaction until I can find it with Haley will put an edge on things.

Minutes later, I’m lying in bed, my mind full of unbidden images of Haley with her hand between her legs, and cursing myself.

The sooner I can seduce her, the better.

---