Page 66 of The Viscount of Shadows

“Yes, my mother. She called me ‘the town sigher.’”

Oliver laughed heartily. “I like that. Very clever. I would have liked to have met your mother.”

Claudia exhaled shakily. “She would have liked you. I wish you could have met as well. I wish she were still here.”

Oliver pulled her closer. “I know, love.”

Claudia reveled in his warm embrace, and they remained silent, content to be together. She wished she could throw aside all her doubts and accept all Oliver offered.

Regarding Danaher,” she continued at last. “I know him. The man is intelligent and can tell when people lie to him. So, I gave him the thinnest veneer of truth to ensure my safety and to keep him talking until the police arrived.”

“And it was the correct thing to do. You know best how to handle the thug, and I trust you implicitly. As far as dealing with him further, we will cross that bridge when we come to it.” Oliver laid hot kisses on her neck, causing her to writhe and moan. “Hell, I wish I had more strength. I want to do more. I want to make you come.”

All her thoughts of pushing him away dissipated, at least temporarily. His words. Claudia’s insides dipped, and she grew wet at her feminine core.

Oliver brushed his hand across her breast, and his fingers caressed her erect nipple. “I want to suck this and make you come apart in my arms. I want—”

Oliver’s arm went limp. Then she heard his even breathing.

He’s asleep. Unbelievable.

But it’s completely understandable, considering the situation and the nature of his injury. All Oliver had to do was touch her and whisper wicked words in her ear, and she was aroused. Trying to keep Oliver at arm’s length would be next to impossible.

Why even try?

Because she must guard her battered heart, Oliver endangered her wavering resolve. This was a conundrum that needed further thought. The only way she could do that was to create some distance, at least temporarily.

But it wasn’t the main reason.

That protector instinct had kicked in, and putting space between her and Oliver would safeguard him from Danaher. She would do anything, sacrifice anything to keep him safe.

Claudia knew if anything happened to him, she would break apart. Fall into pieces.

But for now, in this moment, she would relish being in his arms.

Claudia knew the truth deep down: she was falling for Oliver Wollstonecraft.