Page 81 of The Secret Life of a Lady
Ivy pulled away from Millie. ‘You shot him? Not Lord Killian?’ Her icy-blue eyes were red-rimmed and widened in shock.
‘Yes. Well, Lord Killian was tied to a chair, and your father was not in his right mind. I…’ Words failed Hannah. How could she justify murdering her friend’s father? Even if the man was a monster?
Ivy leapt from the bed, and Hannah ignored her instinct to protect herself from the inevitable attack. Whatever Ivy did, Hannah would take it. She deserved it.
Ivy flung herself at Hannah, hugging her so tight, Hannah’s ribs screamed in protest. ‘Thank you,’ Ivy whispered the words. Hannah froze, too astonished at first to return the hug. When she finally did, Ivy’s thin body shuddered against her.
Ivy pulled away. Her nose was red, and her eyes were swollen but she held her head high.
‘I think I shall go to my room, now. I need some privacy.’ Ivy reached a hand to Millie. ‘Walk me there?’
Millie nodded but lingered a moment after Ivy left. Her sharp gaze raked over Hannah. ‘I won’t share stories that aren’t mine to divulge, but I will say some losses are actually gains. A lucky shot, Hannah? I had no idea you were so well-versed in the use of a pistol.’
Hannah tipped up her chin and shrugged.
Millie’s dimple emerged, and she winked before following after Ivy.
‘That was interesting,’ Philippa remarked. ‘Those two are far more than they seem. I like them. And I don’t usually like anyone.’ She stood, brushing out her skirts. ‘I shall also take my leave. Imust send a message to the Queen. She will want to know about your cover being blown.’
Hannah wasn’t ready to contemplate what that meant.
Philippa approached Hannah, running her fingers over the bruise on Hannah’s cheek. ‘I’m very glad you are safe.’ She sniffed, then stepped back. ‘Another mission accomplished, though not as neatly as we hoped. It’s nearing midnight. I’m sure you’ll want to be alone.’ She raised an annoyingly perfect eyebrow at Hannah. ‘Or at least, not with me. Give my regards to Lieutenant General Killian.’ She stretched her mouth in a Cheshire grin before floating out the door.
20
Fifteen minutes remained until midnight, but Killian couldn’t wait a moment longer. He left his room and almost crashed into the Duchess of Dorset as she exited Hannah’s.
Shit.
‘I, uh, was just… um…’Heading to your ward’s room to ravage her.
‘Lord Killian. What a surprise.’ Lady Philippa narrowed her gaze, making him squirm like a schoolboy. ‘I was determined not to like you. Men, in general, are among my least favourite things. But you’ve proven me wrong. Which never happens. Don’t ruin things now.’ Philippa took a step closer to him, and he forced himself not to retreat, knowing she would see it as a sign of weakness. ‘If you hurt her, I will kill you. Slowly and with great relish.’
Killian cleared the fear from his voice. ‘I know. I won’t hurt her. Ever.’
‘I’m inclined to believe you. May wonders never cease.’ She strode past, frankincense and jasmine lingering in her wake.
Killian exhaled a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding.That woman is more terrifying than any man I’ve ever met.
Killian opened Hannah’s door. Betty was helping Hannah with the buttons of her dress. The maid squeaked when she saw Killian.
‘Oh.’ Hannah’s eyes warmed, and Killian’s heart expanded to stretch his ribs. ‘You’re early.’ She turned to Betty. ‘I think you can retire for the evening, Betty.’
‘Yes, miss. Of course.’ She curtsied and rushed past Killian, pausing at the door. ‘I’m awfully glad you weren’t hurt, sir.’ Her cheeks rounded like apples as she smiled. She dipped another quick curtsey, her hat bobbing madly as she bustled past.
Killian crossed the room and wrapped Hannah in his arms. He propped his chin on top of her head and held her, breathing in her scent. Soaking up her warmth. Revelling in the strength and softness that made her so unique.
Hannah sighed and sank into him. For a time, they just breathed together.
‘May I undress you?’ He needed her skin against his. Their bodies intertwined. Her weight holding him onto the earth’s surface, so he didn’t fly away in all the ‘what if’s’ that could have taken her from him.
‘Please. Only, carefully.’ Hannah smiled, her cheek stained purple from the night’s violence.
Killian feathered a kiss against the bruise. ‘Always.’
He moved behind her and took his time with the buttons of her dress. When he slid his hands beneath the fabric to push it over her shoulders, she sighed as the weight fell away. He untied her skirts and pushed them down, helping her step out of them before gazing his fill at Hannah in nothing but her shift and corset. With each breath she took, her breasts pushed against the boned cotton.
‘God, you are beautiful.’
