Page 51 of His Dark Hunger

“It bothers you.” It was more of a statement than a question.

“Yes.” She heaved in a breath, unsure why she was being so affected by the matter. Perhaps she was only tired and emotional after the verdict. After weeks of worry, she was certainly relieved.

“I don’t mean to be rude, sir, butI’venever even got to use your name.”

“You use my name all the time, little girl.” His hand reached for hers across the table linen.

“Not your first name,” she corrected, surprised at how adamant she was.

Shakespeare had once asked what was in a name, as if to deny its significance, but according to Amy, the answer was one hell of a lot.

“If it’s so important to you, then you may use it.” He squeezed her fingers. “But only when we’re in public and not if I specifically instruct you not to.”

“I can?” She stared at him as though she couldn’t believe her ears, as though he’d just offered her the deed to Brock Hall.

“Of course.”

For so long, he’d refused her the right. He hadn’t even confirmed how he liked to be called until she’d heard his friends refer to him as William, yet after so long and one ask, he seemed content to cede.

“You’re my lover and friend, Amy. It’s allowed.”

“Oh.” Her throat dried, as if the concept of using his first name was perturbing. “Well, thank you,William.” Her brow creased as she nearly tripped over the word. It seemed strange on her lips. “I appreciate that.”

He laughed gently at her response, signaling to the server as his hand drew away. She watched, still perplexed at the turn of events, as the young man hurried over.

“Yes, sir?” The server glanced between them.

“We’ll share a cheese board, please,” Kyle ordered, although Amy must have missed the conversation where that was decided.

“Very good, sir. More wine?”

“Amy?” Kyle’s head tilted. “Would you like another glass?”

“Erm.” She glanced at her wine glass, realizing she’d finished the first. “Yes, please.”Sir.

The final word was right there on the tip of her tongue, and she noticed his lips tug, as though he’d read her thoughts.

“No problem.” With a smile, the server retreated back to the kitchen.

“After all that, you didn’t even use my name again when you had the chance.” Kyle chortled, as though she’d made a song and dance about nothing.

Gazing at him, she was starting to wonder the same thing.

Whathadher defiant plea been based on if she wasn’t even going to call him William in everyday conversation?

“I just didn’t understand why everyone else seems able to use it and not me, sir, that’s all.” She lowered her tone.

“Everybody else calls me either Mr. Kyle or sir,” he countered.

“Except Jonah.” Her brow furrowed, wanting to understand why it bothered her so badly.

Kyle had given her so much—pleasure, privilege, and comfort—what did it matter if she called him sir? It wasn’t as though she didn’t bloody love the deference to him.

“I thought he’d appreciate it.” Kyle shrugged. “It’s funny, but in the last couple of months, I’ve tried hard to be something of a father to him.”

“You’ve been brilliant.” She couldn’t fault a single thing Kyle had done where Jonah was concerned. “Thank you, sir.” She noticed how she was significantly less concerned about calling him sir that time, her hand stretching across the table to seek the reassurance of his touch. “I didn’t mean to complain.”

“Poor, little girl.” His tone was definitely patronizing that time. “The problem is, I know how much you like to call me sir, so…” His brow arched. “I didn’t anticipate your frustration about not calling me William.”

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