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Lifting his hands higher, he found the pins holding her hair together and pulled them out until her thick locks fell around her shoulders. He loved the way the satin smoothness of her hair caressed his hands. Had she been this way last night? And more importantly, had he experienced this fulfillment by just touching her?
She slid her hands up his chest and around his neck. The action brought them even closer, which he didn’t mind at all. For a moment, he wondered if their position was more comfortable now than it had been in the coach, but then he pushed the thought aside and was determined to make better memories – those that would stay with him all day and all night.
He would blame his feelings on the poison. However, he felt that they had nothing to do with whatever it was that Harold had given him last night. Wayne couldn’t get enough of her, and his mind was very clear right now. For some reason, he had allowed this temperamental woman to crawl into his heart.
He tilted his head and deepened the kiss. Regina released a throaty groan and nearly melted in his arms, but she didn’t pull away. She must be as fascinated with him as he was with her. He didn’t want to assume she acted this way because she thought they were poisoned. He wanted her to desire him and him alone.
Suddenly, the noise of the back door closing jerked Wayne from the dream Regina had placed him under. His heart sank. Somebody was here!
* * *
REGINA’S MIND SPUNwith panic. Her heavy breaths were so fast she knew the floor would be her bed any moment now. Fear kept her legs from moving, yet she wanted to scream. Unless she found some place to hide, she would be caught with Wayne. The scandal she had thought would pass her by was finally a threat, and her future frightened her half to death.
Wayne grasped her hand and pulled her toward the jewelry counter. He scooted behind the counter, bringing her with him. He tugged on her arm and motioned toward the floor. Nodding, she crouched behind the counter. Her limbs shook terribly, but she must be silent.
It didn’t take long before Wayne had moved around to the lobby. Determination was written on his face, but then so was passion. His lips were even swollen.
Bringing a shaky hand to her mouth, she touched her lips. They were swollen, as well. Immediately, her face heated. Nobody could see her like this.
Another set of footsteps came from the back corridor. She held her breath, hoping Wayne could get rid of the intruder. But what if the person inside was a thief wanting to take the jewels? If he had a weapon, the thief would certainly discover her behind the counter.
A loud gasp ripped from Wayne’s throat. The trembling in her body increased.
“Father? What are you doing here?” Wayne’s voice was lifted in surprise.
Father?Silently, she groaned. This wasn’t good at all. Fate had once been on her side, but the finicky teller of people’s futures had fled as quickly as it had come.
“Wayne?” The older man’s tone was as deep as his son’s. “What are you doing here this time at night?”
A chuckle came from Wayne that sounded forced.
“Father, I’m sure you are surprised. However, I’m meeting... eh, a certain lovely lady tonight, and we wanted to stay away from the wagging tongues of the town.”
The older man laughed. “Yes, I can imagine. However, next time, please let me know in advance. One of my colleagues noticed a light inside and rode to the house to tell me. You won’t believe how fast I got here, thinking the worst.”
“Forgive me, Father. I should have told you. It won’t happen again.”
“It had better not happen again, especially if you don’t want to ruin the lovely lady’s reputation. I have told you several times before that you must not be selfish when it comes to passion. There is more than one life at stake.”
“I remember. Forgive me for not thinking of my sweet lady. She is certainly a special woman who deserves better.”
Regina’s heart melted. Was she hissweet lady? And she was a special woman? He must have been poisoned worse than she had been. Why would he say these words about her while engaged to Jane?
Poor Jane. Regina’s friend would be devastated if she ever discovered what Regina had been doing with Wayne. Perhaps this was what needed to happen for the wedding to be called off. Now that she had kissed him so passionately, there was no way she would stand by and watch him marry her best friend. Her heart wouldn’t take it. Or... was that the poison talking?
“When do I get to meet your sweet lady, Wayne?”
She hitched a breath, praying nobody heard.
“Things between us are complicated right now for reasons I cannot disclose. However, once I’m able to tell everyone, you and mother will be the first to meet her.”
“Ah, my boy.” The elder, Mr. Nichols, walked further inside the lobby. “It does my heart good to see you smiling. I can tell you put her in high regard. It should come as no surprise that I’m happy to see you have finally given a woman your heart.”
His heart?Regina’s breathing quickened. But Wayne was engaged to Jane. Why hadn’t his father noticed the different look on his son’s face when he proposed to Jane? Unless...
She released a small groan. Could it be true that Wayne had only gone after Jane because of her father’s money? Yet, Regina didn’t have money, so then why was the elder Mr. Nichols noticing his son had finally given his heart to a woman?
The pitter-patter of her heartbeat changed. Could Wayne possibly enjoy her company more than Jane’s? Regina didn’t know how many times Wayne had passionately kissed Jane, but was it even imaginable that he enjoyed Regina more?
