Page 81 of When the Viscount Seduces
“Nightly, daily, afternoonly, whenever,” he said, nuzzling her neck before kissing her throat.
“I can’t stay much longer,” she said. “I need to get back to Min’s and then home.”
“You won’t be in trouble, will you?”
She shook her head. “My parents think I am at Min’s all afternoon. Which I am, of course.” She smiled at him, and he laughed.
“Of course.” He sobered. “Do you know what Jo is doing to find out about the dancing master?”
“I don’t, but I know she’ll send word—to both of us—as soon as she learns something.”
“I’m so relieved by what she was able to share about him and Miss Worsley. Though, I do feel terrible for her. He seduced her, even if she was enamored of him, he should have shown restraint.”
“I wonder what will happen. It seems her family won’t want her to marry him, but what choice will they have?”
He brushed his lips across Gwen’s forehead. “They’ll send Miss Worsley far away to visit relatives that don’t exist, and hope that no one ever discovers she gave birth to a child.”
“And her child will be removed from her, never to be seen again, probably.” Gwen’s heart ached for the poor woman. “It’s so unfair. And sad.”
Lazarus sat up. “Come, let’s get you back into your disguise. First, you’ll want to tidy.” He went to the washstand in the corner to wet a cloth, then delivered it to her.
“Thank you. That is most thoughtful.” She splayed her hand across his chest and leaned up to press a kiss against his nipple. “Next time, I want to explore this area.” She kissed his other nipple. “And this one.”
“I can’t wait.” He kissed her again, and she felt another tug of desire. It seemed she would never tire of him, not that she doubted it.
They dressed—and touched and kissed so it took longer than it ought—then he escorted her downstairs. “Did you walk here?” he asked.
“I took a hack, and I can return in the same.”
His eyes rounded. “The hell you will. I’ll walk you back.”
“We can’t be seen together,” she said.
“You’re dressed like a young man, remember?” He shook his head. “I’ll risk the scandal. As it happens, we’re already supposedly having an affair.”
“Notsupposedly.” She waggled her brows at him as she laughed.
“No, not supposedly,” he said darkly, sensually. “And I can’t wait until you are publicly mine.”
“Very soon, my love,” she said. “Tomorrow, I hope.”
She just prayed Jo would find the proof they needed.
There was no way Lazarus could sit at home and wait to hear from Jo about Tremblay or for Shefford’s man to return from Haverstock Hall. He arrived at the Siren’s Call anxious and eager, but not as tightly wound as he could have been. Spending a blissful afternoon with the woman he loved and obtaining her hand in marriage would comfort anyone.
Lazarus clung to that amidst the sea of unknown currently buffeting him. He could see Gwen’s smile, hear her joyous laugh, feel her electrifying kiss. And soon, she would be entirely his.
He was already quite hers, even if he wasn’t yet her husband.
Scanning the common room, he didn’t see Jo. He didn’t feel like roaming the gaming rooms for her, so he approached Becky and asked where he could find Jo.
“She isna here,” Becky replied in her thick brogue as she balanced a tray carrying four tankards of ale. “I expect her soon, though. Probably.” She shrugged and took herself off to deliver the beer.
He exhaled with frustration, but decided he would wait. As he made his way to the usual table he occupied with his friends, Shefford came in and joined him.
“Before you ask, my man hasn’t returned,” Shefford said as he sat. “I was hoping he might have sprouted wings. Perhaps you did too.”
Lazarus chuckled. “That would have been helpful.”
