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“I shall at that.” And if that were the case, he would have to determine if any of the men were actually murdered and if so, by whom.
“Very good, sir.”
Once Roberts left, Jack knew he had to get Tessa home. After asking for a tray to be sent up, he walked upstairs and into his bedchamber. She was still sleeping on her side and the coverlet down low enough that one rounded breast was displayed for his lascivious gaze. His cock stirred but he had no time for such pleasures right now. Instead, he walked to the bed and kissed her cheek.
“Time to wake up,” he whispered.
She hoarsely said, “Not yet.”
“It is almost nine. We need to get you home.”
She stole a quick glance at him and then closed her eyes again before wrapping her arms around his neck, bringing him fully down on the bed with her. “Not yet.” She kissed him softly. “I want to stay in bed all day with you.”
His cock reacted to her words even though his brain knew better. There was only one way to stop this, much as he wanted to continue. “I have already had a visit from Mr. Roberts who was most concerned about your whereabouts. He said your maid was quite upset.”
She pulled away and opened her eyes. “Roberts was here. Oh dear God, he knows I stayed the night here. What will he think of me?” She pushed the coverlet off and raced for her clothing still on the floor from last night.
“I told him you had imbibed a bit too much and my cook knew of a wonderful cure for it.”
She laughed in a coarse tone. “You don’t actually think he believed that, do you?”
Considering he was quite certain that Roberts was a very intelligent man, Jack assumed the butler knew what they were up to last night. “He accepted my word.”
She shook her head. “You are far too trusting.”
Too trusting? Why would she say such a thing unless she was still hiding something from him? Had she been playing him all along? “Perhaps I am,” he admitted. And perhaps he needed to get his head out of his arse and figure out who killed Lord Stanhope.
A light knock rapped at the door. “I had breakfast brought up for you,” he said as he walked to the door. He took the tray from the footman and placed it on the table. “Have some tea before you leave.”
She took the tea and turned her back to him. “I need your help. I can’t lace my stays on my own.”
After assisting her with her undergarments and dress, he sat down at the table and finally sipped his tea. “Do you have plans for this evening?”
“Yes.” She sipped her tea and took a bite of toast before conti
nuing. “I am dining with the duke tonight.”
The duke...again. “Oh?” he tried to ask calmly even though jealousy lit through him with the idea of her dining with him again. Especially after admitting how she plotted to meet him.
“Yes, he invited my family to dinner. We used to do it much more often but with both Louisa and Emma out it is difficult to find the time.”
“I see.” At least she wouldn’t be alone with him.
“I should be home by midnight,” she whispered into her tea. Her cheeks flushed as if embarrassed by the statement.
And he will be there by half past. He smiled over at her with a brief nod.
“Jack, how will I leave without everyone seeing me?”
“I will make the arrangements.” He rose to get his plan in place. “Stay here until I come to get you.”
“As you wish.”
Ten minutes later, he walked back into the room. “Everything is set, so we should be off.”
“We?” she asked.
“I shall see you home.” He held out his arm for her and then escorted her to the waiting carriage. Jack had made sure there were no maids or footmen about the main part of the house before they came downstairs. Only his driver would see them.
