Page 102 of Filthy Lovin Heroes

My chosen work would allow me to cover Mom’s medical expenses. That was how I was a physician at twenty-two.

And a virgin till last May.

All I was comfortable with was learning, and there was so much to learn.

This thing with Malcolm was something else entirely. I wasn’t sure how to even categorize it. I don’t know why I craved his commands when he was buried deep inside me, but I had to get control of it.

I slipped the panties on, then the pants along with cashmere socks and knee-high black leather boots. Surprisingly, everything fit perfectly. Was there anything that man didn’t do well?

I studied my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I had some color in my cheeks. I left my hair loose instead of pulling it back like I usually did. There was something different about me, more than the wardrobe change.

Peering closer in the mirror, I was surprised at the woman I saw there. She beamed back to me and it hit. I looked happy.

Downstairs in the dining room, a full hot breakfast and Malcolm waited for me. He sat at the head of the twelve-person table, reading a newspaper and sipping his coffee.

“You found the dining room. I was hoping the smell of bacon would help.”

My stomach rumbled again.

“You collect coats of arms, I see.”

Malcolm led me to the place setting at his right. “Family history.”

“Some family.” I couldn’t imagine passing knights armor from the crusades every time I needed a snack.

“You wouldn’t believe it.” He sighed.

Philips appeared with two plates and a blank expression bearing no trace of having witnessed the earlier activity in Malcolm’s room. He set down the plates, made sure we had everything we needed, and disappeared.

“And you don’t find that in the least bit weird?” I asked after we started eating. The bacon, eggs, and homemade bread with a thick raspberry jam were delicious.

“Why do you think I loved my life in New York?” Malcolm asked in return. “This is all because my brother had a death wish.”

“Now that you’ve been settled in, does it feel more familiar?” I stole a glance at Malcolm.

“I’m more familiar with the problems. I’m working hard to remedy them, but it isn’t what I would choose.”

Then come back to New York.

I didn’t say it, but it sat on the tip of my tongue. I knew a fair bit about duty myself.

“I’ve got work to do this morning in my study,” Malcolm said. “Take a look around Lachlan and come find me later this afternoon.” It wasn’t a question. It was a command. Malcolm was used to people doing what he wanted.

After breakfast, I didn’t explore Lachlan. I went back up to his room, laid down on the couch with a blanket and dozed before the fire. While we were at breakfast, someone had made the bed, stoked the fire, and replaced the towels in the bathroom.

It’s like living in a five-star hotel, I thought drowsily before slipping into sleep.

It felt like I’d just closed my eyes when Malcolm woke me.

“Sleepy lass, I didn’t let you rest much last night.” Crouched next to me, he watched me with his dark eyes.

“I wasn’t complaining.” I stirred. “Besides, I’m pretty sure this is jet lag.”

“Is that what you’re going with?”

“Yes,” I said firmly.

He winked at me. “All work and no play makes for a very dull duke. We’re going for a sleigh ride.”

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