Page 72 of Impossible
At some point, she fell to earth, her body becoming aware of the seat beneath her and the awkward set of her head as she slumped against the chair. His fingers continued to stroke her sex as the last of her orgasm faded, leaving her replete and quivering.
He stood, and she managed to push herself up to a sitting position. “That was lovely,” he said, moving to the settee, where he sat down and crossed his legs.
She noted the stiff line of his erection and wanted to return the favor he’d just bestowed on her. “I’m grateful your evening went awry.” Her voice was harsh and scratchy, likely because she’d been making all manner of inhuman noises. She hoped she hadn’t been too loud or drawn attention. It was unlikely anyone was on this floor at this time of night, particularly when members were in the club. Although, Evie had just come up here… Ada shook that thought away.
“I am too,” Max said. “You’ve an insufferable boor at the Siren’s Call to thank for that.”
“I’m glad you went, even if it didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped.”
“I’d say this evening has turned out much better than I imagined. I actually finished a meal for once.”
Ada clapped her hand to her mouth and goggled at him. He was positively indecent, and she loved every moment of it. “Well, if that’s what it takes…” She shrugged. “Are you sleeping any better?”
“No, but I suspect tonight will be different.”
Ada knew she would sleep wonderfully and was glad he would too. Perhaps they ought to do this every night he would be in town. But she feared he wouldn’t be staying long. “Are you leaving Monday after you see Prudence tomorrow?”
He stretched his arm along the back of the settee. “I was considering it.”
Since he didn’t sound as though he’d decided, she pressed her advantage, hoping she actually had one. “Will you stay one more day at least? Then we can go to Vauxhall Monday evening. It’s so lovely this time of year.” When he looked away, she added, “With its size and myriad walkways, it’s easier to avoid people than, say, at a ball. You’d get to enjoy a social outing without having to deal with intrusion, or much of it anyway.”
“That is somewhat alluring, I’ll admit.” His gaze met hers. “You’d like me to go?”
“Please?”
He took his arm from the settee and stood. Ada leapt from her chair and met him in the middle of the room. “As it happens, one of the reasons I came to London was to see you,” he said softly. He kissed her, his lips moving over hers gently before his tongue slipped into her mouth.
Ada splayed her hands on his chest, feeling his heartbeat, and angled her head to kiss him more deeply. He tasted of heat and her, and desire sparked within her anew. If it had ever truly faded.
He pulled back and kissed her forehead. “Thank you for a memorable evening. Good night, Ada.” He let himself out, and Ada stared at the door for a long time.
Yes, it had been a most memorable evening. Probably because she finally acknowledged that pesky emotion she’d been trying so desperately to ignore and avoid. That her feelings for Max were quite strong and ran very deep. She was tumbling hopelessly in love with him, whether she wanted to or not.
Hyde Park bustled with children running about, birdsong filling the air, and the scent of summer flowers dashing by on the breeze. Strolling in the park was yet another thing Max hadn’t done in some time. And he wouldn’t have done it if he wasn’t meeting Prudence.
Which wasn’t to say he didn’t appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps he was just too wrapped up in last night.
It had felt so wondrous to let his guilt and sadness go, if only for a little while. Why had he not done that sooner?
Because he’d been too far gone, too deep in his own despair. It had taken a persistent woman with an annoying penchant for making him feel things he hadn’t felt in a long time. And for making him smile and laugh. For making himwantto smile and laugh.
Watching her face last night when he’d flirted with her had given him more joy than he’d had in years. He hoped he’d be able to do it again.
Max stood near the Ring and watched for his half sister. After a few minutes—he’d been early—she came toward him, her blonde hair mostly hidden beneath her bonnet, her flower-printed skirt moving as she walked with purpose.
“Good afternoon,” he said when she approached. He glanced about. “Are you alone?”
“Yes. Ada thought this meeting should just be the two of us. Should I have brought Bennet?”
“No, I only mean that you don’t have a maid.”
“Our household is still rather small,” Prudence said. “I suppose we can afford to hire more people now, but I don’t particularly need a maid. I wasn’t raised like you.” She spoke matter-of-factly, without disdain or judgment. “As a viscountess, I should probably have a companion, but I don’t, and furthermore, I don’t particularly care what anyone thinks of that, least of all you.”
He liked her. “Would it surprise you to know I don’t have a valet?”
“Yes, actually. Why not?”
“When I returned from Spain, I was ill for a long time. There was no need for a valet. I’ve considered hiring one recently—very recently. Since coming to London, actually. My hair could do with a trim. And I should probably have someone to oversee my wardrobe.” He glanced down at his five-year-old costume.
