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“Yes?” he urged.
She bit her lip. “Your Grace, there is something that you could do for me.”
“Anything, my lady.”
“I would like to see your art collection.” She spoke quickly, her voice softening with each catch of her breath. “It’s rumored to be one of the finest in England, and my brother told me that it could only be viewed by private invitation. I have a passion for art, Your Grace, and Vermeer is one of my favorites. You do have a Vermeer, do you not?”
He grinned. “I do.”
“I know this must seem very forward, but I’ve been excited about this trip to Laurel Ridge for quite some time. To actually see a Vermeer! The thought of being close to something that he touched. I suppose this must sound crazy to you, but, well, to tell you the truth, I had planned to find it myself…”
“So you thought you’d do a little investigating, did you?” He smiled, enjoying her nervousness.
“No, of course not.” She blushed. The rosiness crept down her neck to the swells of her plump bosom. “Well, yes, actually.”
“Is that by any chance what you were doing last night, when I…caught you?”
Lily looked to the ground. “Yes, I suppose it was. I stole onto the terrace and was planning to go around to the front entrance and sneak through the house until I found it. Everyone was at the ball, so I figured it was a perfect time to have a look.”
“You would have found some beautiful pieces, but I’m afraid the Vermeer would have eluded you.”
She looked up. “Why is that?”
“Because I keep it in a very special place. A place you wouldn’t have dared to look.”
&n
bsp; “Where?”
“My bedchamber.” He couldn’t help himself. He gave her his best rakish grin.
“Oh.” Her dark eyes radiated disappointment. “I suppose I shall never see it then.”
“Nonsense. I would be happy to show it to you.” Oh, I would indeed.
“I can’t possibly go to your bedchamber. It would be highly improper.” She bit her lip again.
That soft plump lower lip, so satiny against his own last night… Damn. His cock twitched. “My lady, you don’t strike me as a woman who would let convention keep you from something you want.”
“I don’t know why you feel it necessary to insult me, Your Grace.” Lily reddened again, but she spoke with eloquence. “After all, you are the one who has behaved abominably.”
“You are right, of course, and I meant no insult.” He touched her arm lightly and his cock jerked again. “But my lady, it’s just a painting, and it happens to hang in my bedchamber. If you would like to see it, I will show it to you. I did promise to do anything you wanted to make up for my unforgivable behavior last night.”
“Oh, I do so want to see it.”
“Would it help if I gave you my solemn promise to keep you at arm’s length the entire time we are there?”
“I’m not sure I would believe such a promise.”
“Just as well, since I’m not sure I can make it.” He winked at her.
Lily widened her beautiful eyes. “Goodness…”
“Come with me,” Daniel said. “I will escort you to the house, and it will be my pleasure to show you the Vermeer. It’s been a long time since a woman has wanted to come to my bedchamber for something other than—”
“Your Grace, please.”
She was absolutely lovely when she blushed. He waited a few seconds, hoping her passion for Vermeer would win over convention.
