Not when they had such fun together.
“You certainly were summoned, dear second-in-command.” An all-too-familiar warmth curled through her as his gaze continued lingering on her face with unmistakable affection. “And I must say, you did so in remarkably good time.”
“But of course, my lady, though you did not need to meet me at my carriage in such weather.” He held out his elbow. “May I escort you back inside?”
“You may.” Her heart continued racing, and her skin grew warmer still as she slipped her arm into his. She had missed the feel of him so very much. Too much. And she said so in a roundabout way. “I cannot tell you how happy I am to see you again, Your Grace. Truly very happy.”
“I could not agree more, my lady.” He steered her closer to him as they climbed the stairs. His voice lowered lest he be overhead. “More than you can possibly imagine.”
Her throat thickened with emotion at the longing in his voice. A longing that mirrored what she had felt every moment they were apart.
“May I offer you a refreshment, Your Grace?” she said when they stepped inside, and Fenwick took their coats. “You must be weary after such a long journey.”
“I would like that,” he said. “Whisky if you have it.”
“Of course.” She had made sure it was in stock lest he visit. “Let us warm ourselves by the fire and catch up.”
“You will find whisky and food awaiting you in the study, Your Grace.” Agnus nodded once at her. “My lady.”
“Thank you, Miss Agnus.” Leave it to her maid to have anticipated precisely what Jacob would want. “You are efficient as always.”
“Indeed you are, Miss Agnus,” Jacob praised. Prudence did not miss the well-disguised glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “As I am sure Mr. Fenwick has much to see to, would you mind familiarizing my valet, Mr. Donal, with the servants’ quarters? I believe you two became acquainted at MacLauchlin Castle?”
“We did, Your Grace.” Agnus did not bat a lash. “A very amiable fellow, if I recall.”
“Very much so.” Jacob played right along. “I do believe he thought you quite amiable as well, Miss Agnus.”
“Will you be staying overnight then, Your Grace?” Prudence asked, surprised. It felt as though butterflies flittered around in her stomach.Please say yes. Never leave if you can manage it.
“I was rather hoping so with the incoming storm.” He looked from her servants to her. “If it would not put everyone out too much?”
“Not at all,” she said. “We have more than enough room.” She knew it to be bold but could care less when she addressed Agnus. “As it is one of the warmest when the wind comes in from the north, please see the room beside mine readied for the duke.”
Well aware of how inappropriate some might think the location, Fenwick stiffened. “Are you quite sure, my lady? There is always the room—”
“Quite sure, Mr. Fenwick.” She looked from her maid to her butler. “Now, if you two would see to your duties, the duke and I do not wish to be disturbed while we catch up.”
Before either could say a word, she escorted Jacob into the study only to find herself swept into his arms the moment the door clicked shut.
“You cannot know what you have done to me, Prudence,” he said softly, cupping her cheek. “Cannot know how badly I have missed you.”
She had no chance to reply before his mouth closed over hers, and they were right back on that battlement. Right back in a moment, she had fantasized about more times than she could count.
Kissing him.
Loving him.
Because that had to be what this was, or something very much akin.
What else could it be when she once again floated? Once more lost herself in him? Some might say it mere lust, but it felt like more. As if it possessed something beyond just matters of the flesh. Yet matters of the flesh were certainly there when he pulled her more firmly against him, and she felt his arousal. Just like before, the ache between her thighs only intensified.
Their kisses turned more passionate until he groaned and rested his forehead against hers. “I fear if I keep kissing you, I will not be able to stop.” His voice sounded guttural. Desperate. “And this study is no better a place to have you than a battlement would have been.”
“I tend to disagree.” Her voice was equally strained. “I think the battlements would have been most daring.”
“Are you such a daring sort then, my lady?” He smiled and pulled back just enough to see her undoubtedly flushed face. The sparkle in her eyes. “Ah, but then it seems you very much are, nowadays.” He caressed her cheek. “And while I applaud that, you deserve better.” As though he had trouble finding his voice once again, his words dropped to an emotional whisper. “So much better.”
“And what do you consider better?” Because, quite frankly, it would not matter where they were. She was aware of only him when in his arms.
