Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(91)

"I hope you're not too tired," she said. "From the way your husband looks at you, I suspect it's going to be a long night."

I was almost too shocked to ask, but I had to know. "How does he look at me?"

"Like a man who has desired you for a year and not acted on it."

I blinked at her. She smiled then signaled for me to turn around so she could undo the dress. "My wedding gift to you both is on your dressing table."

"Oh. Thank you. That's very kind."

The conversation I'd expected to happen never eventuated. Indeed, she departed after helping me out of the dress and I was left to my own devices. I laughed when I unwrapped her gift. For both of us indeed.

By the time I went downstairs, Lincoln was alone in the library, reading, the puppy asleep on the hearth rug. He'd shed his tie and waistcoat and sat in his shirt, the top buttons undone to reveal a spray of dark hair on his chest. I found it difficult to focus my attention anywhere else.

"Have they all gone?" I asked.

"Yes," he said, voice raspy.

"I thought I heard the carriage leave. What are you reading?"

He looked at the book as if surprised to see it in his hand. He shut it and set it down on the table. "I have no idea. I wasn't really reading."

I padded in my bare feet toward him, my hands clasped behind me. His Adam's apple bobbed with his swallow. "What were you doing if not reading?" I asked.

He gripped the chair arms. "Thinking."

"What about?"

"You."

I got within a foot of his outstretched legs and stopped. "What were you thinking about me?"

"That I can't wait to get you out of your wedding dress." His eyes turned smoky as his gaze dipped to my bare thighs. "But I see I'm too late."

I looked down at my new outfit, a short chemise that fell below my rear but not much further. "It's a gift from Lady V. Do you like it?"

A low growl rumbled from his chest. "Remind me to thank her."

I moved my shoulder, dislodging one of the chemise's thin straps. It fell down my arm, revealing the swell of my breast. "Apparently it's for both of us, but I don't think it'll fit you."

He stood slowly and prowled toward me, stopping so close I could almost taste him. "I think it looks better on you anyway."

He cupped my breast through the muslin and stroked his thumb across my nipple. We both moaned. Then he picked me up and carried me upstairs to our bedroom.

THE END