Page 73 of The Secret Life of a Lady
Hannah crossed her arms in front of her and cocked her hip. ‘Your turn. What did Billy Bright tell you?’ She tapped her foot as he pulled his scattered thoughts together.
‘Apparently, Sarah Bright had an interview for a job. With Alfred Cavendale. It does seem his name is coming up quite often.’
She shook her head. ‘I think we’ll only discover the truth by questioning Alfred.’
While Killian knew Hannah was adept at protecting herself, the idea of her being close to a monster capable of such heinous crimes made his skin crawl and his hands fist into weapons of protection. ‘Leave that to me. If he is responsible for one death, he won’t hesitate to commit another murder, especially a woman with as little social consequence as you.’
As soon as the words escaped, she flinched.
Shit. I am an absolute idiot!
He reached out and grasped her hand. ‘Hannah, you know that’s not how I see you.’
‘Actually, sir, you made it clear the last time we spoke that is exactly how you see me.’
Killian could have cut out his tongue. ‘I merely meant to say, men like Alfred would view you as a liability easily removed. I know that isn’t true, but I won’t put you in danger.’
‘No, you won’t. You won’t put me anywhere because you don’t make choices about my life, Lieutenant General Killian. Not now. Not ever.’ Her voice was brittle, her eyes flashing daggers.
‘I’m not trying to…’ But he was. And he was going to lose this battle. Because she was right. Even if his goal was protection, he had no right to make decisions for her. ‘I’m sorry. Of course, you get to make your own choices. But I would ask you to let me speak with Alfred first. If he reacts violently, I would feel much better being the target of his aggression than subjecting you to a man who is larger and potentially better armed.’
‘It wouldn’t be the first time. It won’t be the last. And so far, it hasn’t affected my success.’ She blinked slowly. He wondered if the Queen taught her that move. ‘But I’ll agree to let you speak to him first on one condition. I’m certain he won’t confess to you. So, you must turn the other way when I get his admission of guilt and deliver his punishment.’
‘You don’t want me to force your hand, but you would force mine?’
‘I’m not forcing anything. Philippa has orders from the Queen, and we will exact justice on Alfred Cavendale. If I get his confession and you do not, you will not interfere. That is my condition. How confident are you that you’ll beat me to the truth, Lord Killian?’
Not very.
But it just meant he must try harder. He would move heaven and earth if it kept Hannah from danger.
‘I agree to your terms, but I have my own condition.’ He didn’t give her time to think or answer or retreat. Grasping her hips, he pulled her to him, crushing his mouth against hers in a kiss of desperation. Hunger. Need.
Hannah’s first instinct was to pull away, but the moment their mouths met, she was lost to her own frustrated desires. He had only been gone a few days, but it felt like eternity. She knew howher body could feel with his hands touching her, his teeth scraping over her skin, his mouth sucking her sensitive flesh, and she wanted everything. All of him. Now.
Killian lifted her and plunked her bottom upon a conveniently placed desk.
He pressed his lips against hers, hot and hungry. His tongue tested the seam of her mouth before plunging in to taste and tempt. Hannah dove her fingers into his hair, revelling in his growl as she tugged. His scent consumed her. Mint, leather, bergamot, and spice.
‘I missed you too,’ she moaned against his mouth. It was easier in the dim lamplight of the lonely library. To admit her feelings. To reveal her weakness.
‘I want you. Now. Hard and fast. If you don’t want this, tell me. I’ll stop.’ His voice was raw with need and tripped along her senses like lightning and fire.
‘Don’t stop.’ She bit his lip and unleashed a demon.
Killian’s hands were everywhere. His fingers dipped into the neckline of her dress, teasing her nipple before he pulled her bodice down and covered her other breast with his mouth. He pinched with his hand and nibbled with his teeth, scraping them over her budded flesh. Hannah almost flew apart. She gripped his head and pulled him closer. Mad with need, she grappled with his cravat, attacking the buttons of his shirt and vest to spread the material wide and expose his hot, hard flesh to her questing fingers.
‘I don’t want to be gentle,’ he growled against her skin.
‘I’m not fragile. I can handle roughness, but be warned, I’ll give you back the same.’ She grabbed his thick hair and fisted her hand. He hissed, turning his head to her forearm and nipping her skin before smoothing the bite with a kiss.
She felt wild. And free. And consumed. She pulled him to her and pressed her lips against his, licking and biting, drowning in the flavour of whiskey and mint and something uniquely Killian.
Rucking up her skirts, he spread her thighs wide with his hips. The granite ridge of his erection, trapped within his breeches, crushed against her lace drawers. A slit exposed her intimate flesh to the cold air. He slid his hand along her thigh, toying with the dagger tied to her leg with a silk ribbon.
‘Fuck,’ he groaned. ‘Do you know how seductive you are, Miss Simmons? With your daggers and pistols? Knowing you could destroy me with a single thrust?’
She demonstrated her skill, rubbing her wet cleft against his covered erection. ‘As could you, Your Grace.’
