Page 28 of Tempting the Viscount
When Holbrook stopped outside his bedchamber, a man materialized from the other end of the hall. He didn’t look like a footman, so she assumed it was Holbrook’s valet.
Holbrook murmured instructions that they were not to be disturbed and then opened the door and ushered her into his bedroom.
She stood there, just inside the threshold, and took in the space. It was clear at a glance that this was a man’s bedroom. The furniture was made of rich mahogany, and the fabrics were a deep blue.
His bed took up about a third of the room, and she immediately imagined the two of them rolling around in it. Surely she wouldn’t be lying on one side, stiff, while he… No, she already knew that Holbrook would be far more creative in the bedroom than her husband had been.
Her gaze darted to the small sitting area to the left of the entrance—one armchair and a side table upon which were piled several books. She couldn’t help but smile as she imagined him relaxing there, reading before turning in for the night.
Curiosity had her walking over to the table to examine the books. Her gaze skimmed over the two larger tomes and settled on the two novels. A Fallen Lady and A Lady Redeemed.
She picked up the latter. She’d read the first last year during her period of mourning but hadn’t been aware the sequel had been released. “I didn’t know you read novels.”
He shrugged. “It’s a newly acquired addiction. It helps that I know the author of those two books.”
Her mouth dropped open, and she clutched the book to her chest. “You know who wrote this?” The novels were anonymously written. No one knew who the author was.
His smirk was maddening. “I’ll allow them to make that public knowledge when they’re ready. But I will say that it appears you’re well on your way to learning the truth for yourself.”
Her mind spun at the implication of his words. What did he mean? Did she know the author? She’d met a lot of people over the past month, but most were merely acquaintances. Aside from…
She gasped. “Was he there? During the dinner party before Alex and Charlotte’s ball?” Those were the only people she considered friends.
Holbrook shrugged, but his eyes glinted. “I can neither confirm nor deny that.”
His words said one thing, but the edge to his voice told her she’d guessed correctly. Unless he was lying about the whole thing. “Are you teasing me?”
His smile was genuine as he plucked the book from her hands. He turned to the dedication and handed the book back to her. “No. But I find it interesting that you assumed the author is male.”
She looked down at the book.
To my loving husband, who has been a source of inspiration and support.
She closed the book with a soft sigh. “You are most vexing, Holbrook.”
He laughed. “If it’s any consolation, I have it on good authority that the author’s identity will be revealed later this season. But I’m sure she’ll tell you herself soon enough.”
She crossed her arms and glared at him. “So there’s no reason you can’t tell me now.”
He shrugged. “It isn’t my secret to tell. Now put the book down and come here. We’re not here for a book discussion.”
She fingered the slim volume. “I haven’t read the sequel.”
He took the book from her hands and set it atop the pile of books. Then he wrapped his arms around her. “You can take it with you when you leave. After I’m finished with you.”
The low timbre of his voice was filled with dark promise, and a shiver raced through her.
“But if you’ve changed your mind—if you want more time to think about this—please tell me now. I know I was being presumptuous in bringing you here without discussing it with you first.”
She stared at him, his longing clearly visible in the taut lines of his face. Now that he’d given in to what was happening between them, he wanted this as much as she did. But she also knew that he was a man of his word. If she told him she no longer wanted to make love to him, he would take her home.
She trusted him. She couldn’t say why. Heaven knew she’d never been able to dissuade her husband when he was intent on taking his marital rights. But Holbrook would stop if she asked him to.
“I want to be here. I’ve imagined this so often since you first showed me what it meant to experience desire.”
He closed his eyes in relief, and it humbled her that he would put her own needs above what he so clearly wanted.
“Did you think I’d changed my mind?”
