Page 73 of Their Master

Luke being stripped and brutally mounted in front of her, and then kicked into the street, naked and wanting.

And on and on.

He squeezed his eyes shut, as if that could stop the visions from unfurling in his mind.

It had to stop.

He had to make it stop.

But instead of stopping, he lay there in the darkness, eyes closed, and once again reached for his erect cock.

∞∞∞

Smith was reviewing a proposal to purchase a canning operation when there was a soft knock on his study door.

“Yes?”

The door opened slowly and Moira entered. As usual, the sight of her fiery hair and pale, freckled skin made him smile.

He removed his glasses and stood. “How lovely to see you.” He gestured to a chair across from him. “Please sit.”

“Thank you.” She glanced at his desk. “I hope I didn’t—”

“You must never feel that you are interrupting me, Moira. I am always at your disposal.” Her cheeks flushed charmingly at his words. “What can I do for you?”

Her big sea-colored eyes flickered nervously around his office. “I just wondered—well, there was a dress delivered a while ago.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I worried it might not be ready in time.”

She swallowed. “There was also a jewelry case.”

He smiled. “Yes.”

“I—well, are those real diamonds?”

Smith laughed and sat back in his chair.

Her pale skin flushed scarlet. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. It’s just that it must be very expensive if it is real. The stones are… well, it’s beautiful. I would be afraid of losing it.”

“It is yours to lose.” Smith saw her horrified expression and amended his words. “It is insured, Moira. You can wear it without worrying.”

She swallowed and nodded. “And you want me to wear the gown tonight—to Nora’s gallery showing?”

“I would like that.”

Again she nodded, and then blurted, “You didn’t come to me last night.” The attractive flush deepened. “It has been a week since, well, you know.”

Smithdidknow. The past week had been beyond trying as he’d fought with both mill management and workers about the installation of several of Gideon’s new inventions.

Although he’d not had to leave town—the mill in question was only about an hour outside London—he’d left before first light and returned home near midnight every day.

It had been a grueling week and when he’d arrived home last night—after one in the morning—he’d fallen into bed and slept deeper than he had in years.

“I’m sorry,” she said, twisting her hands. “I don’t mean to—”

“Come here,” Smith said, pushing his chair away from his desk. When she came closer, he pulled her onto his lap. “I’ve missed you, too. I spoke to my partners earlier in the week and explained that this cannot go on.” All three men had agreed—guiltily—that Smith had been stretched to breaking while they’d been enjoying their domestic bliss.

Smith laid a hand on her flat belly. “What we need is some time away; I’ve decided we will go to my house in Scotland after the holiday.”

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