“In the eyes of everyone we meet, you are my mistress.”
She stared at her hands. “I suppose you are right. But I would not feel comfortable calling you by your Christian name in front of others.”
“Then do it in private.”
“I could
do that,” she whispered.
“And yet, you still haven’t uttered my name.”
“Braden.”
“Much better.” The carriage slowed to a stop and he jumped out. Holding out his hand, he said, “Come along, Miss Featherstone.”
She took his gloved hand. “As you wish.”
“I wish for many things,” he whispered in her ear. “Many things.”
The heat of his breath tinged her ear. The way he said those words made her heart leap and her desire heighten. How could she want this man? He was the exact opposite of his brother in looks and demeanor. And yet, Jonathon’s kisses never made her weak in the knees as Braden’s did. She wondered what would happen when they arrived back at his home later this evening. Would he take her in the study up against the wall? Perhaps in a chair. Or maybe he would make love to her in his large bed, slowly teaching her the ways of desire.
She shook her head to clear her thoughts away from the desire she felt for him. It was wrong to want a person strictly for his body. Although, her sister had done exactly that with two men. Even now, Tia wondered if Mia was sharing the earl’s bed. It wouldn’t surprise her at all.
Middleton wrapped her arm around his in a very protective movement. She wondered if that was for show or because he felt a need to protect her from something or someone inside. They approached the large red door to the gaming hell, but the door remained shut. Middleton took out a card and slipped it into a small slot near a peephole in the middle of the door.
The heavy door creaked slightly as it opened before them. The entrance was dark with only two candles spreading light down the hall. As they walked down the mysterious corridor, the sounds of merriment emanated from the room in front of them. Two brutes stood sentry at the double doors. The hulking men opened the doors with a bow to Middleton.
“Good evening, my lord.”
Middleton remained silent, but nodded in reply.
“Enjoy yourself, my lord,” one man said with a nod.
Tia clenched her jaw to keep her mouth from gaping at the lavish sight in front of her. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The walls were papered with red and gold striped silk wallpaper. Liveried footmen carried gold trays filled with assorted drinks for the guests. The men outnumbered the women in attendance, but both were equally dressed in their finery.
“You might want to close your mouth. People will stare,” Middleton whispered with a short laugh. “Come along.”
“Do you really expect Jonathon to be here tonight?” she asked softly as he led her to the hazard table.
“No, I don’t. I am hoping someone might know where he’s staying so I can talk to him.”
“What do you want me to do?” They stood near the hazard table and watched the play. Tia had no idea how people played the game or won money at it, but it was fascinating just the same.
“Stand next to me and smile. Perhaps, if you should have the opportunity, speak with some of the ladies here tonight. My brother was known for his excesses with women. Someone might have seen him.”
“Your brother was known for his excesses with women?” Tia whispered. “What about you?”
He leaned in closer until she could smell the spicy scent he wore. His icy blue eyes glared at her. “Trust me, I am even worse than Jonathon.”
“I had no doubt about that.”
“Oh?”
She smiled up at him. “Jonathon would never coerce me into becoming his mistress,” she whispered so softly that no one standing near would hear their conversation.
His white teeth gleamed in the candlelight. “It was your choice, sweetheart. There was no coercion involved.”
Tia’s brows rose. “Indeed.” She knew he was right, but would never admit it to him.