An Intriguing Springtime Engagement (Mary and Bright Book 2) by Sandra Sookoo

Author:Sandra Sookoo [Sookoo, Sandra]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: New Independence Books
Published: 2024-04-09T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Mary had never been more content. Finally, after weeks of wondering and agonizing, Gabriel had proposed to her. There would indeed be a future between them, and that meant more than her having him to herself only part of the time.

“Let me take you home,” the inspector said as he gently urged her off his lap.

“No.” As she shook out her skirting, she watched as he stuffed his semi-flaccid length into his satin evening breeches then do up the buttons of his frontfalls. Though she thought him handsome every day, in his tailcoat and dark clothing, he was even more so. “I will ride over to the rout with you but will wait in the carriage while you go inside and question Lord Howley.”

“I will miss your presence.” He frowned but nodded. “However, I understand.”

“It is for the best.” Her injuries ached, and all she wanted to do was return home and perhaps have a hot bath, yet there was still much to do this night. “I know you will tell me all that occurred.”

“That won’t be nearly entertaining for you.”

“Perhaps, but when I dance with you in a social setting, I don’t want to be distracted by pain or have guests constantly stare at me because of my injuries.” Yes, cold disappointment had lodged in her chest due to the delay of a dance, but there would be other times.

“If you’re certain.”

“I am.”

“Very well.” Quickly, he closed the distance, easily tugged her into a loose embrace, and then spent the next few moments teasing her with slow, lingering kisses as if he had nothing else to do with his life. When he released her, Mary’s senses spun. “We should go.”

“Yes. You don’t want to miss interviewing Lord Howley. He might prove valuable to the investigation.”

“Perhaps.” Gabriel left the drawing room but returned straightaway with her cloak in hand. “As much as it pains me to hide you beneath this covering, there is no sense in causing a huge scandal just now.” With the tenderest of care, he bundled her into the garment, closing the frogged clasps and ensuring that the hood hid the whole of her face. But he peered into her eyes with a grin that caused her heart to skip a beat. “You truly have made me uncommonly happy tonight, sweeting, even if I want to hunt down the bastard who did this to you. I would certainly clean his clock.”

“Hush, Bright.” Yet his overt protectiveness flattered her. Heat went through her cheeks. “It was one time, and I will heal.”

Worry reflected in his eyes. “There is no guarantee it won’t happen again while we work this case.”

“True, but those are the risks we must take.” Though she smiled, it felt a tad weak. “We are close if someone is worried we will puzzle out their secrets.”

“Mmm.” He cupped her cheek, ran the pad of his thumb along her bottom lip. “Perhaps you should stay home, stay safe.”

“Stop.” As annoyance rose in her chest, she stepped away and broke their contact.

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