Page 79 of The Duke's Mysterious Lover
“Kit—” he began, but she interrupted.
“Rourke and Demon and Fawkes—all the men you’ve talked about. The ones who have as much reason to take Blackrose down as you do. They’re married?”
A pause, then: “Ye ken they are. I’ve told ye all about them.”
She pushed herself up on her elbow again to frown down at him. “And don’t you think their wives want revenge on my Father as well?”
He didn’t answer, but his eyes had turned sad.
“Well,Your Grace”—she poked him in the chest with her forefinger—“I’m not your wife, but IamBlackrose’s bastard, so don’t youdarethink that you can keep me out of this. Youhaveto let me—let usallin. We can help you, and youdon’thave to do this alone. You are not alone.”
In one sudden movement, Thorne wrapped his hand around hers, hooked his ankle around hers, and rolled them both untilhewas the one looming above her.
Those gorgeous blue eyes flickered across her face, as if trying to memorize it, before settling on her lips. “I dinnae think I could prevent ye from doing anything ye wish, lass,” he murmured. “Ye’re a determined and intelligent woman.”
Still breathless from his show of strength, Kit wriggled her hips under his and flicked her tongue over her lower lip. “And don’t you forget it.” His cock was already hardening again, the realization causing her heart to speed up.
“Never, love,” he murmured, lips dipping to claim hers. “Never.”
Chapter 16
Yet again,Thorne paced. Damned thing was becoming a habit.
This time it was in the front sitting room of Stroken House instead of his study, but the effect was the same. He was filled with nervous energy, and shy of offering to spar with Fawkes or pinning Kit against the wall and fooking her quick and dirty, the pacing seemed to be the simplest way to rid himself of it.
Especially since the two of them were sitting over by the hearth, murmuring quietly.
It had done something to Thorne’s chest, to see Kit greet his cousin, and see Fawkes offer his hand with only a slight hesitation. With Kit wearing her hair down and her breasts unbound, it was obvious to everyone who met her that despite the suit she still wore, she was a woman.
Thorne had been impressed how Fawkes hadn’t said anything, just shot him an amused glance before sinking into the chair opposite Kit.
And now the pair of them were chatting away. Judging from the looks they kept shooting his way, Thorne suspected they were speaking ofhim.
Or perhaps the coming meeting.
Before yesterday’s ball—before everything had changed, before the very ground he stood on altered—Thorne had received word that Demon was arriving today, bringing his wife and sister-in-law. It had seemed serendipitous, so Thorne had sent word to Griffin, who had arrived several days previously, the only other ex-agent in London.
They’d be meeting here soon, to discuss The Plan.
Was it a good plan? Thorne couldn’t tell anymore. He was too close. Too close to it. Too close toKit.
She’d been the one to suggest the wording of the message this morning, when he’d told her about the information he’d found about the Greede-Ahl Mine. Did Fawkes still have that stock certificate? It might be handy…
Aye, Thorne had told Kit what he’d learned about the mine when he’d opened Blackrose’s safe…but he hadn’t told her about the Pastorino file. The file abouther.
Christ, what had he been thinking?
Growling, Thorne turned toward the window, bracing his palm against the frame and leaning his weight forward, not really seeing the road which fronted Stroken House.
Fook.
Last night, he’d held Kit in his arms. He’dspilledinside her. It had been the most magnificent feeling he could imagine, but even more remarkable had been her acceptance, herjoy.Despite what she thought she knew about her past, she had welcomed his seed.
And damn it all, the thought of creating a child withher, with the woman he loved…it was beautiful. It was everything. Thorne wanted that.
He wantedher.
So tell her she’s legitimate. Tell her she’s Blackrose’s heir, because the Bonkinbone Earldom allows for women to inherit.Tell her.
