Page 76 of Tender Blackguard

When he grasped her hips and set her on the table, relief flooded her body. When he shifted his hold to cover her breast as his lips teased the sensitive curves of her ear, she feared she’d never feel as though she could get enough of him.

But when he broke the kiss once again, she could see by the blue fire of his gaze that one night was no more enough for him than it was for her.

Lowering his head, he rested his forehead to hers while the panting breaths mingled between their lips.

“Don’t ever sneak away from me like that again.” The raw huskiness of his voice curled through her like the potent smoke of opium dens. Winding through her senses, creating a haze of languid anticipation in her mind. Because his words implied she would spend more nights in his bed. In his arms. Against his heart.

“I had duties—”

His growl stopped her words. As did the flash of some unnamed emotion in his gaze. “That’ll be addressed at the earliest opportunity. But for now”—he sighed heavily and slowly began to release her—“we’ve something to discuss.”

Lark’s entire being protested his withdrawal. But when he placed her back on her feet, she locked her knees and forced herself to stand strong on her own.

“Please. Sit.” The marquess gestured to one of the chairs at the table as he stepped stiffly around her to retake his seat. She suspected his obvious physical tension was due to the desire running rampant through his body as it was hers, and it gave her some comfort and pleasure to know she was not alone in her torment.

But taking a seat at the table with him...

“Breakfast will be delivered shortly. Perhaps it would be best for me to just serve your tea.”

He was still standing beside his chair as he waited for her to do as he’d instructed, and the dark look he gave her reminded her of the lord she’d met that first day.

Lark sat down.

As he took his chair, he nodded to the tray. “Help yourself to some tea if you’d like.”

Uncertain with his odd and unprecedented manner, Lark served him first, preparing it how he liked without even having to think about it. Then she readied herself a cup.

“I’ve received a message from Lowndes.”

Lark paused in the act of bringing her teacup to her lips for a scalding sip to look at him with wide eyes. “You did?” she asked cautiously.

He nodded. “It contained a few more detailed instructions for tomorrow night along with a small package.” Reaching into his coat pocket, he withdrew a tiny glass vial, which he set on the table between them. His features were hard as stone. “He assures this will make my chosen guest for the evening more...receptive to my plans.” His gaze found hers. “There’s still time to call this off.”

“No.” She returned his stare with steady assurance. “We can do this.”

His eyes darkened as he looked at her across the table, but he did not reply.

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