Free At the Earl's Convenience by Maggi Andersen

her. “It was just as well that you couldn’t.”
    “Why? And why are you glaring at me? Do you know who it is?”
    “I don’t want you taking foolish risks. I forbid it.”
    She widened her eyes. “You forbid it?”
    “Yes.”
    “I don’t see the necessity to order me about,” she said stiffly. “I’m not reckless or stupid.”
    “No you’re not.” His gaze shifted away from her as if he regretted his tone. “Poachers, more than likely.”
    “I’ll send a note to alert the gamekeeper to keep a look out.”
    “Do. And keep out of the woods for now. Promise me?”
    “If you insist, although I don’t see why—”
    “Never mind why.”
    She added hot water to the teapot. “A letter arrived from Bath this morning,” she said, feeling it better to change the subject. “Anne has given birth to a boy.”
    “That’s good news. Are they both well?”
    “Yes, thank God.”
    “You must go to Bath for a visit before winter sets in,” he said. “See the babe.”
    Did he want her gone? “Now? But you’re not yet well.”
    “I am hardly at death’s door, and I’m in good hands here. The doctor will attend me while you’re away.” His eyes clouded. “And I suppose you do want to get away from the sickroom for a while.”
    Her throat tightened. “That isn’t true.”
    “Nevertheless, you must go. Enjoy yourself.”
    He wanted her gone. Did she fuss too much? Her heart throbbed with distress. “Thank you,” she said in a brisk tone. “I shall go at the end of the week. When you’re in better health.”
    “Go tomorrow.” He cast her a sly glance. “Or, poor health or not, I shall bed you, madam.” He threaded the sash of his banyan through his fingers.
    She tried not to think of those fingers stroking her skin. “I’ll not shirk my duties as a wife, my lord, when the time is right.”
    “How much I look forward to introducing you to those duties, wife.”
    She longed to tell him how much she desired him, loved him, needed him, but she wouldn’t beg. He wanted her gone. Her pride kept her silent. “Your eyes look feverish. It would be best for you to return to bed and rest.”
    “My eyes are filled with unquenched desire.” But his legs shook, and he had to grip her shoulder.
    “Why don’t we both return to bed?”
    His fingers tightened about her wrist. Devereux pulled her down with him and rolled over, securing her within his arm. His face lowered to hers. Trapped by the possessive expression in his blue gaze, as if he was seeking to learn all her secrets, she closed her eyes. A hand trailed across her jawbone, and she let her lids flutter open. With a smoldering look, he focused on her mouth. Selina swallowed as her stomach clenched on a frisson of desire, his scent rising to torment her. She could feel his heart beating hard. Or was it hers?
    “Now, this is cozy, is it not?” He released her hair, tossing hairpins onto the floor.
    Released her hair fell to her waist. “It took an age for Sarah to dress it!”
    “As lustrous as a crow’s wing. I like the fragrance. What is it? Lilies of the valley?”
    “It is. No doubt you’re familiar with a variety of fragrances.”
    “Now that isn’t nice. Might you be jealous?” He grinned and stroked his palm across her stomach, causing another strong pull of need low down. “Must you be so acerbic, madam? I paid you a compliment.”
    She wriggled uneasily. “I suppose I’m not used to it. Thank you, the compliment is appreciated.” His knowledge of women’s perfume rankled. She was jealous. She was resentful of every woman he’d ever known. It was unworthy of her, but he made her helpless.
    He wound her hair around his fist, holding her in place. “I doubt I’m infectious now. You’re not leaving this bed until you’ve kissed me.”
    The hurt she felt at his careless rejection made her body like a taut wire. His kiss would be her undoing. She pressed her mouth to his in a butterfly kiss.
    “That’s not a kiss.”
    His