Chapter Twenty #3
Their heated encounter in the storeroom still burned in his blood.
Her tantalizing scent of lemongrass, the silk of her skin beneath his fingers, and her passionate cries as she climaxed had driven him to madness.
He’d been urgent in his need, almost barbaric, and she hadn’t minded.
She’d been just as demanding, and it was all he could do not to bolt home now.
‘It’s made you sharp and focused.’ Adler watched him with a knowing look. ‘And your wife is now your ally.’
‘Indeed,’ Ralston said again, this time more quietly. She’d clearly been concerned when he’d confronted her as if he’d think her actions were meddling. She had nothing to worry about. He looked forward to making it up to her tonight.
Adler studied him for a moment. ‘Hmm. Are you finally forgetting your past and losing your heart?’
Ralston’s grip tightened around his glass, the warmth of the drink now sour in his mouth at his friend’s question.
That was the danger—sentiment and love. It clouded reason.
Turned levelheaded men into pathetic poets.
He’d sworn to not repeat history, to keep his head and never lose his heart.
His feelings for Nora were complicated and he refused to acknowledge them.
He couldn’t. Wouldn’t. And Adler’s remarks put him on the offensive.
His tone turned cold. ‘Don’t be an idiot. Desire is not love. You of all people know this. How many affairs have you had?’
Adler arched a dark eyebrow, but his tone remained measured ‘Touché.’
Ralston lifted glass again, but this time his gaze went to the outside window.
Carriages rolled by, the hustle and bustle of the London streets a meaningless background.
In his mind, he saw Nora’s face, his gut clenching at her welcoming smile.
He cared for his wife more than he’d ever expected to.
Much more than he’d ever cared for Margaret.
It wasn’t even close. And that thought scared him most of all.
Ralston returned home that evening. After handing over his hat and gloves to the butler, he was making his way up the stairs when Nora rushed down the hall to meet him at the landing.
She threw herself into his arms, a flurry of skirts and warm, welcoming woman.
He was immediately reminded of the storeroom and their heated lovemaking.
He’d just left Lord Adler at his club and discussed how he felt about his wife. Something tugged at his chest as he held Nora in his arms. Those feelings arose in a heated rush, and it took him longer than usual to set them aside.
He pulled back to look into her eyes. ‘Why the warm greeting, wife? I’m not complaining, but—’
She clutched his hand and tugged him away from the landing. ‘I have exciting news to share.’
She had no idea how sensual her voice sounded.
He allowed her to lead him to her bedchamber.
When she closed the door and leaned against the wood, he eyed her bed draped in a silk canopy.
His arousal was fast and sure. His eyes returned to Nora.
She was lovely with a simple day dress with pretty lace at the bodice and hem.
Her hair was fashioned in a loose bun and his fingers itched to reach for the pins until the tresses brushed her shoulders and he could touch the silky strands.
He’d take his time and spread them across her sheets in glorious auburn waves.
He wanted to give her physical pleasure. He also wanted to hold her afterwards. To cherish the quiet moments he experienced with her in his arms. Making love to her was different for him than with any other woman. It meant more, much more. A frightening amount more.
‘I received a letter from the Society,’ she said.
The eagerness in her tone caught his attention. ‘And?’
‘They invited me to present my findings on shells.’ She squealed in glee. ‘Oh, Devon! Look!’ She showed him the letter. ‘Mr Collins signed it. The man you invited to our house, remember?’
He was having a hard time remembering anything with her this close. He swallowed and focused on the parchment in her hands. He was thrilled for her and wanted to share her excitement. He cleared his throat. ‘Congratulations, Nora.’
Her green eyes were bright. ‘Will you attend? You must attend!’
She looked up at him as if his agreement meant the world to her. He wanted to be her hero. ‘My wife presenting to a prestigious London group? I wouldn’t miss it for the world.’
She pressed her hands to her cheeks. ‘I have so much to do. Do you think I can do everything in time?’
Her whole being seemed to be filled with waiting for his answer. ‘I have no doubt in your competency.’
She came close and kissed him on the cheek. ‘This is everything I’ve wanted and dreamed of for a long time.’
An unexpected stab of jealousy struck his chest. He wanted to be what she dreamed of and badly wanted. What would it be like if she wanted him fully, for all he was, and not just a physical sense? What would it be like if she was his, body and soul?
Get a hold of yourself, man! Where did that foolish thought come from? As he looked down into his wife’s lovely, animated face, he was determined to be happy for her while keeping his own emotions under control.