Page 23 of The Duke of Ruin
He eased himself away from her, putting scant, but necessary, inches between them. He rolled to his back and draped his hand over his eyes to block out not just the burgeoning light, but the memory of last night.
And failed miserably.
The eagerness of her enticing arousal and the innocence of her ardent response had completely undone him. He’d nearly spilled himself as he lay beside her. He sensed that she wouldn’t have minded if he’d finished himself right then, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. He’d already gone too far. How in the hell were they going to spend today together in the close confines of the coach? Let alone the rest of the days? Thankfully, they were about halfway to their destination. Maybe three or four more nights. He prayed the weather continued to hold.
Removing his arm from his eyes, he looked over at her again. Her beauty stole his breath. She was now on her back, her dark lashes fanned over her pale cheeks, and her dark pink lips beckoned for his kiss.
He practically jumped off the pallet in his eagerness to be away from her. He dressed quickly and quietly, then pondered what to do next—wake her or steal outside to frig himself again?
He didn’t get to decide because Ogden chose that moment to leap out of bed stark naked. “Morning, Byrd. I trust you slept well!” He chortled, then shuddered. “Damn me, it’s cold!” He quickly found his shirt and drew it over his head.
Simon turned from him and peeked around the pallet to see if the ruckus had awakened Diana. She was rubbing her eyes and pushing herself up to a sitting position. The blanket fell to her waist, exposing the thin lawn of her night rail. Simon could make out the gentle curve of her breasts and quickly jerked his gaze up to her face. That wasn’t any safer. Her lids were still heavy and her lips parted. She looked as if she’d just been shagged. Or maybe that was only his wishful thinking.
Shit, he was in trouble. He never should’ve done what she’d asked last night.
And now he had to help her dress. His actions had consigned him to hell. A hell he likely deserved for taking advantage.
But had he? She’d asked him to show her. He hadn’t taken anything from her.
“Shall we go downstairs and let the women dress?” Ogden asked.
Simon looked over at the man, who’d just sat on the bench at the end of the bed to draw on his boots. Before answering, he took a step toward the pallet. Diana’s gaze lifted to his. A gorgeous blush stained her cheeks, and she simultaneously tipped her head down and pulled the blanket up to her chin.
“Just a moment,” Simon said, moving behind the screen. “Do you want me to stay and help you?” he asked softly, then winced at the words that could be taken a number of ways, given the way he’d “helped” her last night.
She shook her head and answered quickly. Too quickly, almost. “No, Mrs. Ogden is a fair ladies’ maid. I’ll see you downstairs.”
He nodded, hating this distance between them. He’d thought they’d become good travel companions, if not friends. Turning, he grabbed his hat from a hook on the wall and left the room with Ogden on his heels.
Ogden elbowed him as they strode down the corridor to the stairs. “Sorry if we bothered you last night. I’m afraid Mrs. Ogden can get a bit noisy.”
Simon said nothing but flicked him a half smile.
“Sounded like Mrs. Byrd was enjoying herself,” Ogden said with a grin.
Yes, it had sounded like she did. It had looked like it too. Watching the flash of ecstasy on Diana’s face had given him the first burst of pure joy he’d felt in over two years. He was both delighted and angered. He didn’t deserve to feel that again. Somehow, it sullied Miriam’s memory, and that was something he had to protect above all else.
They descended the stairs and met with the innkeeper, who’d prepared packages of food for them to take along. Simon found his coachman and told him they’d leave within the half hour. He wanted to get as far away from this inn as possible.
A few minutes later, the women arrived downstairs, and the innkeeper sent a boy up to fetch their luggage.
Mrs. Ogden went directly to her husband’s side, smiling warmly up at him. Diana, on the other hand, could barely look in Simon’s direction.
Eager to be on his way, Simon turned to Ogden and shook his hand. “Thank you again for your kindness last night. Safe travels to you.” He looked at Mrs. Ogden. “And to you.”
“To you as well, Mr. Byrd,” Mrs. Ogden said. She turned to Diana and gave her a fast, tight hug. “Goodbye, Mrs. Byrd.”
Diana’s eyes glazed with surprise. “Um, goodbye.”
Simon put his hand under her elbow and escorted her out into the cold yard. She shivered, and he blamed the cold.
“Come, let’s get into the coach. Tinley is fetching coals for the box. We’ll have you warmed up in no time.”
She cast him a wary look, and he realized they’d need to have a frank discussion as soon as they were in the coach.
A scant ten minutes later, they were situated inside, the warming box beneath their feet and the wool blanket draped over their legs.
“I must beg your forgiveness this morning,” he said without preamble.
