Accomplishing that while avoiding his bed was not going to be easy.
But then, worthwhile things rarely were.
TWENTY-FIVE
TRICK EASED through the bedchamber door and closed it quietly behind him. He carried the candle to the bedside and set it on the table by Kendra’s head, where it would illuminate her face.
She looked angelic in sleep, her long, dark lashes feathery against her sun-pinked cheeks, her bright hair tumbled on the pillow, glistening in the candlelight. When he bent and kissed her on the forehead, a faint smile curved her lips, then faded away.
He felt an odd squeezing sensation in his chest. She was more compassionate and forthright than he’d expected, this new wife of his. And distressed. Responsibility for that fell squarely on his shoulders, sparking guilt along with a flash of the sort of sentimental feelings experience had taught him to disregard. Those feelings would fade. But the guilt…
He had good reasons for hiding so much, he reminded himself. And it wasn’t forever—only until his mission for King Charles was completed.
He felt so close to uncovering the truth. Were it not for this summons from his mother, he would soon have this behind him. Maybe, without secrets between them, he and Kendra could begin to establish something like trust.
But first things first. He undressed swiftly, checking off the list in his head to make sure he’d taken care of everything before he left for Scotland, a journey that might take a month or more, up and back with time spent there.
Letters of instruction to the various people who ran the estate—done.
A purse of gold for Compton to see delivered to Mrs. Jackson at Caldwell Manor—done.
A note to King Charles explaining the delay of his mission—done.
While his staff had been scurrying about, readying to leave—because a duke, no matter his personal preferences, didn’t travel unattended—he’d checked a dozen tasks or more off his private list.
Everything, in fact, but the task he’d been most looking forward to…the culmination of his campaign to seduce Kendra.
From all evidence, she had been busy as well. Trick had seen goods for tomorrow’s party stacked neatly in the library. A pile of colorful folded fabrics would make unique togas and doubtless thrill the wee wearers. Small baskets overflowed with sweets and treats that would make the recipients think they had died and gone to heaven. Or Olympia, in this case.
How clever his Kendra was.
He blew out the candle and crawled into bed, nestling against her sleep-heavy form. Slipping an arm about her waist, he pulled her closer, breathing in the faint lavender scent of her freshly scrubbed skin. Flickering light from the fireplace danced over her face and brought out golden glints in her dark-red hair. Brushing soft curls from her face, he leaned up to kiss her cheek.
She shifted, emitting a tiny sigh that brought a smile to his lips.
He kissed her ear.
She stretched beside him like a contented cat, with a purr to match.
What time was it? Three in the morning? Four? No matter, he wouldn’t waste these last hours with her by sleeping. He turned her over and kissed her full on the lips.
“Mmm,” she murmured low in her throat, her arms twining around his neck. Feeling her truly awaken, he smiled against her lips. Her breathing changed, and that perfect mouth moved with his, making his pulse speed, the blood rush faster through his veins. Never had anyone affected him so, not even…
Nay, he wouldn’t think about her. After all these years, whatever had brought her to mind? She was long out of his life, and Kendra was here instead.
Sweet Kendra, warm beneath him now. She was the only girl he wanted. He moved to touch her through the night rail she wore—then stopped cold, his gaze glued to the garment. Yards of pristine white linen enfolded her, covering her up to her neck. She looked small and innocent, like a doll.
What was he doing?
He was man enough to be patient, and he’d been patient so far. He’d ruin everything by moving too soon.
Her eyes fluttered open, a question in their darkened green depths. She reached a hesitant finger to touch his bottom lip, the sensation as light as a whisper.
Sweet heaven…
But no, he wouldn’t go back on his word. He wouldn’t risk what little trust they’d built between them. They had a lifetime ahead to be together, truly together as man and wife—when she was ready. And he had no doubt she’d be ready eventually, maybe even soon…
But blast it, it was hard to wait.
Especially when the thought of weeks apart made him ache. Odd, that. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d missed someone in particular.
For long minutes, he just kissed her. His own hands remained still while hers wandered over his skin. His nerves rippled in response, but still he only kissed her. Forever, it seemed, until he felt her pressing closer, her fingers digging into his shoulders, and a little mewling sound escaped her throat.
“Trick?” she asked breathlessly, the name warm against his mouth.
“Hmm?”
“Can you not…touch me?”
He pulled back and gazed into her glassy eyes. “Nay, I cannot,” he said, though he had to force the words past his lips. “Should I touch you, I may not be able to help doing more. And I promised I wouldn’t seduce you in bed.” He teased her lips with his. “But you like the kissing, aye?”
Her hands tightened in the hair at his nape. “Oh, heavens, yes. I like it. I just want—”
“Hmm?” Let her ask for it. “What do you want?”
“I…I don’t know,” she whispered, burying her face against his neck.
“You know,” he said softly. “We both know. If only you’ll say it.”
Instead of saying it, she took a ragged breath and released it with a shudder.
“It won’t hurt, leannan. Not after the first time, and not much even then. I promise.”
Kendra felt the words, the promise, vibrate in his throat. She wanted him—truly she did. But
