Page 111 of Four Promises to Love

Making love with Owen had been transcendent. She had no regrets about giving him her virginity. Beyond the pleasure, he understood her as no one else did. While his game had been naughty, she knew he’d taken the reins so that she could let go. She’d never let down her guard like that before…

Perhaps that was why she’d confessed her love.

Worries stirred as she contemplated how much she’d exposed. Had she made a mistake? Owen had professed his love time and again. Surely she could count on him to help her…but what if he refused? What if he felt betrayed by all the lies she’d told and took back his love? If he abandoned her, how would she rescue Iris and protect the Hawks? How would she survive a broken heart?

You have no choice. Tell him everything now.

She turned to face him and was surprised to see his eyes were open. They were clear and alert, and even though they’d only dozed a few hours, the shadows beneath had faded. He looked refreshed and so handsome that her heart did a slow somersault.

“Good morning, love,” he said.

“Good morning.” Given their torrid lovemaking, the shyness that overcame her was absurd. “Did you, um, sleep well?”

“I’ve never slept better.” He took her hand, brushing his lips over her knuckles. “You wore me out with your lusty demands.”

“I wasn’t the one in a dictatorial mood last night,” she said with a huff.

“I know.” His grin was slow and wicked. “A nice change, wasn’t it?”

Recalling how thoroughly she’d surrendered—and how much she’d enjoyed it—she felt a telltale quiver between her thighs.

His grin widened. “I should give you orders more often.”

“You are quite masterful as it is, thank you.”

She took a breath and told herself to stop stalling.

“Owen…we need to talk.”

“That never bodes well after a night of lovemaking.” Though his tone was light, his expression turned serious. “I didn’t hurt you, did I, love?”

“Of course not,” she said quickly. “I enjoyed being with you more than anything.”

The lines between his brows relaxed. “That is a relief. Then what did you wish to talk about?”

“It has to do with…with solving the last riddle.”

Crikey. Why am I hedging?

“Don’t worry.” He caressed the slant of her cheekbone. “You made good progress by identifying Felix Pearce. This afternoon, we shall all put our heads together and⁠—”

“There’s more to the story that I haven’t told you.” She steeled herself. “It has to do with⁠—”

The knock cut her off.

“What in blazes?”

Owen swung his head toward the opening door. He stiffened—probably realizing the same thing she did: he’d forgotten to bolt it.

“Are you decent, dearest? Papa and I arrived this morning, and Xenia is preparing the most marvelous luncheon…oh.”

The warm voice belonged to one of the most beautiful women Finn had ever seen. Since she was basically an older version of Gigi, Finn didn’t have to guess her identity. The Marchioness of Blackwood’s shocked violet eyes were taking in the sight of her youngest son in bed with a strange woman, both clearly stark naked under the covers.

“I told you we should have waited, Penny.”

Finn’s face burned even hotter when she realized that the marchioness was not alone. The distinguished man standing behind her had hawkish features and hair a shade lighter than Owen’s. He kept his gaze assiduously averted from the bed, looking like he would rather be anywhere but here.

I know how he feels.