Page 63 of The Moonstone Marquess
Phoebe popped her head out of her bedchamber. “Chloe! Come up here this instant.”
Her sister was still grinning as she walked in.
“Honestly! You mustn’t say such things. It isn’t proper.”
“Neither is the way the marquess was looking at you. I’m sure I tripped over his tongue on the way up here. I think you have ensorcelled him.”
“Ridiculous. Help me lace up my gown and then help the girls get dressed. I’ll do up my own hair.” She took a deep breath as Chloe tied the final lacing on the dark green muslin, and inhaled the divine aroma of bacon frying in the pan and fresh scones just out of the oven. “Do you smell that? Mrs. Hawke has outdone herself this morning. I’m starved.”
“So is the marquess—starved for you.”
“Chloe! I am going paddle you if you don’t behave.”
Her sister laughed and gave her a big hug. “I’m just so happy. Two sisters in love, and you’ve both found the best men. I hope I am as lucky as you and Hen.”
“No one has said anything about love.” But Phoebe blushed, knowing it was not true. Cormac had told her several times now that he loved her.
She had not believed him at first. Now, she was beginning to think it was true.
Warmth flooded through her.
Perhaps he did love her and had come to realize it was a feeling that would last a lifetime. Not a month. Or a year. But forever.
She was now dressed and had just washed up when she heard playful shrieks outside her window. She had not yet brushed her hair or donned her shoes, but as Chloe ran downstairs to see what was going on, Phoebe went onto her balcony and looked down. “Run, Ella!”
She laughed and cheered as the two little imps ran barefoot on the grass, still clad in their nighties and enjoying their freedom. They made themselves dizzy while circling Cormac as he knelt in one spot and let out a roar each time he tried to grab them.
Goodness, those little girls were so riled and their stomachs still so delicate, they were likely to cast up their accounts. But they were having too much fun with their uncle, so she dared not admonish any of them.
He looked up at her.
Her insides melted.
Chloe now joined the girls.
Phoebe leaned over the balcony. “Wait for me!”
She ran downstairs and out of the house, wincing as she stepped on a pebble. Well, not even Chloe was wearing shoes, so why should she?
Ella and Imogen were now pretending to be the lions as Chloe circled them. Cormac appeared to be taking a break, smiling as he watched the girls frolic. But his gaze turned insanely hot when he looked at Phoebe as she walked toward them to join in the game.
Suddenly, he was prowling toward her, his voice a low, sensual growl. “Don’t you look a tasty treat.”
Tingles shot through her and her legs weakened.
Then her heart broke as he whispered, “I wish I could hold you in my arms, Phoebe. It is the thing I regret most and gives me the deepest ache.”
She was about to say something warm and compassionate when he suddenly lifted her onto his shoulder and emitted a roar. “Sorry, love. It’s all part of the game.” He carried her to the girls as though she were a lamb for the lions’ slaughter. “But I meant every word. It is my greatest regret.”
He set her down, and the girls playfully jumped on her, pretending to be vicious predators. Though she did not think predators giggled or planted soft kisses on their victim’s face.
Soon they were all exhausted and rolling on the grass laughing. Cormac stood looking over the four of them, his eyes alight and his smile affectionate.
When his gaze fell on her, the look in his eyes once again turned smoldering.
Fire tore through her.
She’d never felt anything like this before. The pulse at the base of her throat began to throb wildly. Her other pulses did, too. Including a few in places she did not know existed.
