An Earl of her Own (Saints and Sinners 3)

“It is usually used for skin complaints but it works.”

“Remarkable. I have both of those at Gable Park, but I never thought they would do so well together.”

“Shh, it’s a secret.”

He chuckled. “Do you ever wish you were the mistress of a large estate?” he asked. “Don’t your fingers itch to tell someone what to do and benefit from it?”

“I benefit from that already.” When she smiled, his heart skipped a beat. If they continued to get along, he would make sure she always had reason to.

He stepped back, holding out one hand. “Come with me,” he whispered, beckoning Rebecca to join him in the shadows of a nearby chamber.

Although a frown immediately marred her brow, she glanced over her shoulder and then, to his delight, followed after him.

As soon as they had privacy, he pulled her closer then spun her around. He placed his hands on her shoulders, noting her muscles were tight enough to play music upon with a bow. He kneaded her flesh a moment, earning what sounded like a very definite moan of gratitude, and then kissed her neck. She was lovely—when she wasn’t angry with him. “You’ve accomplished so much. You must be pleased.”

“I think my father is pleased.”

Adam resumed nuzzling her neck, sliding his hands around her body possessively.

“I can’t stay,” she whispered.

“A minute more,” he begged softly. “I thought this might make you feel good. You’ve been run off your feet for days chasing your family about. You need a little attention, too.”

“You’re very good at that, but…”

“You’ll go back and stay on duty until the end of it all?” he finished for her.

“I had planned to. That’s why I wasn’t going to dance tonight.”

“I wondered why you refused, but I still want you.”

She raised her eyes slowly. “I can’t see you tonight.”

She looked so sad about it, Adam cupped her cheek and pressed a kiss to her brow. There would be plenty of time to be together if he had his way. “I understand. You can’t bear to let any of them down, can you?”

She shook her head.

“Go back then. I’ll still be yours tomorrow night,” he promised with a grin. He wasn’t leaving Stapleton until the duke kicked him out.

“Adam, there is something I must tell you before I go.”

Adam quickly pressed a finger to her lips. “You don’t have to say a word. I know you’ll miss me tonight.”

Although she nodded, another frown formed on her brow. “I have to go. Farewell.”

“Until tomorrow.” Adam allowed Rebecca to walk away. But tomorrow and the days that followed, he would formulate a plan to woo her for good.

He strolled back to the guests and met the Duke of Stapleton before he’d gone too far. The duke’s smile was strained. “I need a drink.”

Adam agreed to join him. He could drink now because he would not risk offending Rebecca’s delicate sensibilities later that night. Adam followed the duke into his study and took whatever he was offered. “A toast to a wonderful marriage just begun,” he cried.

The duke agreed absently and downed his drink.

Adam put his glass down. “Is something wrong?”

Stapleton nodded. “Not exactly but my wife has taken ill again, and I do not like feeling torn.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Her grace seemed well an hour ago when I spoke to her last.”