Maura ate sparingly. She reached often for a delicately etched goblet—with a generous pour from the waiter—then chanced to catch Alec’s scrutiny as she raised it to her lips.
He slanted her a knowing grin.
Maura quickly lowered the goblet to the table.
With every moment, every second, he sensed her growing nervousness. She declined dessert, ducking her hands beneath the table. Every so often her gaze flitted toward the stairs.
Alec swirled his after-dinner brandy, then leaned back in his chair. He was well aware of the reason for her uneasiness.
“Is something wrong, Irish?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact.” She raised the back of one hand to her forehead. “Oh, dear. I find I am developing a most dreadful headache.”
He tipped his head to the side. “How curious.”
“Curious?” she echoed.
“Perhaps it’s the wine.”
She glanced at him oddly.
“Wine does seem to have various effects on you,” he pretended to muse. “If you recall, the night of Lord Preston’s masquerade, it piqued your ardor for me quite handsomely.” He trailed a fingertip down the line of her jaw. It tensed beneath his touch.
The rogue! He was enjoying this! But she admitted to herself that he was right about one thing—handsome was indeed the very word that came to mind whenever he was near, and equally as much when he was not!
“Your grace, I should hate to ruin the evening, but I fear the ache is growing quite abominable.”
Alec had the feeling she was telling him in no uncertain terms thathewas quite abominable.
“Perhaps we should summon a physician, then.”
“No!” she said quickly. “A little rest and I’m sure I shall be right as rain.” She pushed back her chair. In an instant he was there beside her, a strong hand cupping her elbow as they reached the winding staircase.
“Irish, perhaps I should carry you. Your headache must surely be making you weak.”
On the sixth step, she gritted her teeth.
“Really, Maura, this is most unwise. Lean on me. Save your strength.”
She caught sight of him in the mirror on the landing. He was laughing at her, the knave!
As soon as they entered the suite, Maura realized how badly she’d misjudged him.
And how foolishly she’d underestimated him, for his hands were already at the buttons on the back of her gown.
Her head jerked up. “A maid…Surely the hotel—”
“No need for one, not when your husband is here. I would consider myself a most inconsiderate one if I left you when you most need me.”
Her gown dropped to the carpet, along with her layers of petticoats.
“There, now. That must feel so much better. He pressed a warm kiss on her nape, a kiss that made her quiver inside.
The feel of his mouth on her skin sent shivers of pleasure all over her skin.
“You’ve developed a chill? We must hurry then and get you into bed.”
Deft male fingers tugged at the laces of her corset. Maura sputtered, then gasped as he turned her. “I…you…wait!”
