CHAPTER 8

DAMN, THAT HAD BEEN reckless. But when her sweet, plump bottom had landed on his lap, he had gotten instantly hard. He had been watching her all day. Fighting desire, suppressing his baser instincts. Imagining how it would feel to have her in his arms. And when it finally happened... It was even better than his imagination. It had felt so right. As if she filled a void he didn't even know he had. Kissing her had not been a premeditated action, rather a necessity.

And now? Where did they go from here? He didn't know. Couldn't think with his cock still swollen and achy, pillowed by the mounds of her arse.

"Where are you sleeping tonight?" He heard the raspiness of his voice and cleared his throat. If only he could also clear his brain from the fog of desire.

"I'm not certain. I was planning to proceed to Elvington by coach tonight. And then, after I talked to my sister, find accommodations at the local inn—"

"Do you even know if there's an inn in Elvington?"

"All towns have an inn."

"What if they are full?"

She rolled her eyes. "That's being a bit pessimistic, don't you think?"

"And you are being reckless by pressing on to an unknown town, at night, without even having secured a place to stay."

She humphed, standing up from his lap before he could stop her. He almost wished for another sudden stop that would tumble her onto his lap again, but the train was entering the station now, going so slowly that even when it halted, it was unlikely it would make her lose her balance. She faced him with her hands on her waist.

"And what are your plans?"

"Stay in York tonight, then continue on to Elvington first thing tomorrow."

"But tomorrow it might already be too late! They could have married by then."

"If they wanted to marry today, they would have done it as soon as they got to Elvington, and there's naught to gain by rushing there."

"Oh... Do you think there's a chance they are married already?"

Her expression of concern caused a pang of sympathy. She really cared about her sister and genuinely believed that marriage was a mistake. He knew why he was against marriage himself. But why was his muse so set against it? He very much wanted to find out.

"I don't know, sweetheart. All I know is they would have arrived hours ahead of us. If they wished to marry immediately, and the vicar was amenable, they could have done so by now. If not, the marriage would probably happen tomorrow. It's highly unlikely the ceremony would take place at night. So either way, there's no advantage to press on to Elvington today."

"I see." She lowered her head and sighed, a frown marred her smooth brow.

The train had already stopped at the station, and passengers were descending. He needed to extend the invitation now.

"I have secured accommodations in the Royal Rose. It's one of York's best inns. Stay with me tonight." That had not come out as smooth as he wished, but blast it, he was out of time and desperate.

She stared at him wide-eyed, mouth agape. Damn. She was going to say no. Of course she would. She was a decent woman. He was too used to dealing with demireps. Society women required more finesse. More wooing. He opened his mouth to amend his botched invitation, but she beat him to it.

"In your room?"

She seemed unsure, but not outraged. It gave him hope.

"If you wish." He approached her and took her hand. Her still ungloved hand. She didn't resist, so he brought her hand to his mouth for a kiss, his lips lingering on her fingers. Several emotions flashed through her eyes. Too fast for him to decipher.

"I-I wish," she stammered.

The joy that slammed through him at her acquiescence was a testament to how much he wanted her.

"There's only one condition," she said.

"Yes? Anything you wish."

"Can you promise me you'd take the utmost care to prevent...unwanted consequences?"

It took him a moment to understand what she meant. And then he mentally kicked himself for not thinking about it.

"Of course. I promise."

Bloody hell, he didn't have any sheaths with him. It was not as if he was planning on any sexual encounters when he set off on this journey. Still, he would fulfill his promise. If he could not procure some sheaths, he would spend outside. The image that flashed through his mind of emptying on her stomach was so erotic he could get hard again. If only—

"There are these sheaths," she said, turning bright red. But she soldiered on. "They help prevent conception."

"I know, Thalia," he said, amused. "I have used them before."

"Oh, I didn't mean to imply otherwise. Obviously, you'd know..."

"I just don't have any with me at the moment. Believe it or not, I was not planning a seduction when I embarked on this trip."

"Of course." She bit her lip, frowning. "Are you able to acquire some?"

He almost laughed at her persistence but refrained. Pregnancy and disease were not things to take lightly.

"I will do my utmost." He pulled her hand, bringing her close against him to murmur near her ear. "If I failed to get these prophylactics, does that mean you won't spend the night with me?"

Her gaze flew to his, hesitating, stricken. Damn, she wanted this. Almost as much as he did. But was too wise to trust, to put her fate in his hands.

"I am not sure."

He couldn't let her slip away. "I'll try my best to acquire the sheaths. But even without them, I can give you pleasure without consequences. We don't have to proceed to intercourse to find ecstasy in each other."

Although he would do his best to find these damn sheaths if he had to visit every fucking apothecary shop in the whole of York.

"All right, then."

Triumph exploded in his chest. That she trusted him enough to take care of her. That she was willing at all to allow him the privilege of sharing their bodies. He would make it so good for her, she would never regret it. Or forget it.

A knock on the carriage door had her jumping away. He opened the door to find the porter.

"Begging your pardon, milord. The train is empty now. Soon we'll need to unhitch your car and put it away."

"Right. We'll be disembarking momentarily. Have they handled our luggage?"

"Yes, milord. Your servant has all the trunks and has secured a coach to take you to the inn."

Mathias was as efficient as ever. Turning away from the porter, he extended his hand to Thalia.

"Are you ready to go, my darling?"

Her smile was dazzling as she responded without hesitation.

"I'm ready, my lord."