An Affair So Right (Rebel Hearts #4)(60)

“Probably. Mother has never been squeamish when it came to dealing with the other women in my father’s life. You two have much in common in that regard.”

Theodora bit her lip, unsure if she was being complimented or warned off. “Is she aware of who Mrs. Cabot is to you?”

“Oh, yes.” He studied her, and then a slow smile spread across his face at last. “Mother shops at Cabot Haberdashery every week when she’s in London. The poor girl will never escape Mother. Be warned, you could face the same future.”

She struggled not to smile at that prospect. She liked Lady Templeton very much. She even thought she understood her a little. Lady Templeton adored her son, and would do anything to ensure his happiness. “Surely not.”

“I’ve seen enough. Let’s go out.”

“Yes, lets.”

Once in the carriage and underway, Quinn pulled down the curtains on all the windows until only a little light illuminated the space. “Did you discover anything about Roman Gently yet?”

“I’m afraid not. There was nothing in your father’s last diary.”

“Look back further. As far back as eighteen eleven, perhaps.”

“Eleven?” She pulled a face, cursing her premature tidying. “Those diaries and some other papers were sent up to the attics yesterday. I’ll have to fetch them back.”

“Send someone to fetch them for you.” He studied her a moment. “You would do well to make use of the servants, Theodora.”

“But I know exactly where they are. It will take only ten minutes to fetch them myself.”

He sighed. “You’ll be the death of me.”

“I only want to make your life easier, Quinn,” she whispered, knowing it was true.

“Do you still?”

“Yes, of course. Haven’t I achieved more than you ever expected of me?”

“More than I ever knew I wanted.” He suddenly snatched Theodora off the bench and deposited her on his lap. “I will miss you.”

“I’m not going anywhere yet,” she warned, feeling a slight catch in her breath. Did she really have to stop working for him? Stop seeing him at night? “I was thinking—”

Her attempt at conversation was cut off as his lips sealed firmly over hers. He kissed her thoroughly for several minutes. “You are always thinking. It’s very distracting to have such a clever creature within arm’s reach and not touch you,” he whispered as they drew apart.

She smiled quickly, tunneling her fingers into his hair. “I feel the same.”

“Thank God,” Quinn whispered as he nibbled her neck.

“Are you sure this is wise?” she asked as they headed west. “I have other errands to run today.”

He kissed her soundly and then pressed his head to hers. “Let it go, Theodora. We’re going home now and the next time you go out you will take your mother or a maid as chaperone.”

Quinn’s kisses turned teasing. He took her earlobe between his lips and bit lightly.

“Yes, Quinn.” Theodora squirmed on Quinn’s lap. “But surely…”

His fingers slid across her chest, and he cupped her breast again. “How can you think at a time like this?”

“I’m trying very hard to overcome your allure,” she said dryly, but her body was already responding to his assault on her senses. She did like the way he made love to her, and she had missed him.

“I’m very hard with want for you.” He pushed her hand between them, where his erection hid. “Tell me you would prefer to play today, instead of pouring over dull papers in the study.”

She drew back, holding him firmly by the hair, tempted for the first time ever to be recklessly irresponsible. There was a lot at stake if she gave in to him. Her reputation. His, too. He might also imagine every day might be spent like this, which it couldn’t. However much that might appeal, she shouldn’t plan any sort of future. “Tonight.”

He groaned softly and kissed her neck. “Spoil-sport,” he grumbled.

After a few minutes of his ardent nibbling, Theodora reluctantly slipped off his lap to straighten her gown, hoping it was not crushed too badly and would not be noticed when she stepped out. She felt much too excited for the daylight hours. People might notice the hot flush of her cheeks, too.

Quinn ran a hand through his hair to straighten it. He sat back, accepting the need to wait until nightfall with only the smallest outward appearance of disappointment. “Since I cannot convince you to play wicked games with me today, I’ll be going on after I drop you off at Newberry House.”

“To where?”

“To visit Mr. and Mrs. Cabot at their home.”

She smiled warmly. “I liked them.”

“Good. Good.” He nodded. “I don’t know when I’ll return. It could be late if the Cabot’s invite me to stay for dinner.”

She nodded, understanding that family, even a half-sister, was important to him. Still, she was a little disappointed that she might not see him again today. She thought a moment, and then whispered. “I’ll miss you.”

His eyes widened, and then he wagged a finger at her as the carriage stopped. “That is exactly the sort of thing that makes me doubt my sanity at keeping you as my secretary. Do enjoy your afternoon shuffling through old papers, my dear.”