Piccadilly Player by Annabelle Anders

Author:Annabelle Anders
Language: eng
Format: epub

Nia unfolded her napkin and carefully placed it on her lap. Jasper had not only arranged for her to have a lovely chamber in the inn they’d stopped at, but for a private dining room for the two of them.

It was an unnecessary luxury, but in being honest with herself, Nia appreciated it. The setting, the excellent food, all of it returned her to an odd sense of normalcy. She had bathed, tied her hair into a proper chignon, and was wearing the second of the two gowns Jasper had provided for her the day before—a lavender cotton day dress with delicate vines embroidered around the hem.

Candles burned in the center of the table, but also in sconces placed around the room. This was one of the finer inns along the way, and Nia recognized the quality of the dishes and that the tablecloth was a pristine white.

But for the man seated across from her, she would have almost felt like her usual self. Jasper had changed into different clothing as well, and she marveled that he was equally handsome in fashionable finery as he was in nothing but a muddied pair of breeches.

Or less…

She didn’t stare at him long, however, because she felt as though he’d become a part of her. His presence filled the room, wrapping around her, mingling with her soul.

It, along with that which had occurred in the carriage earlier, was overwhelming.

“The stew is to your liking?” He broke the silence that had weighed heavily since they’d arrived at the inn.

“It’s fine.” She kept her answer polite but brief. “And yours?”

“Absolutely marvelous.” She felt his stare on her as she took a dainty bite.

Under any other circumstances, she would have enjoyed sharing such a romantic meal in the presence of this dashing gentleman.

But inside, she was mortified with herself.

Not because of what she’d allowed, but because the very wickedness of it was not distasteful. In fact, it was quite the opposite.

And exciting.

No! Nia ignored the taunting voice in the back of her mind.

In the same moment that he’d brought her body to life, he’d chastised her. She should hate him. But she couldn’t.

What he’d done, the way he’d touched her, was nothing like her mother had said. She was going to have to stop using her mother’s description for reference.

Furthermore, as he’d pointed out, he was not like any man she’d ever known. He’d made quite certain she wouldn’t forget that.

With him, she felt things she’d never imagined. She’d allowed the unthinkable.

He’d touched her in places that ought to be… untouchable.

“Try one of these rolls.” A basket appeared in front of her. He was acting as though nothing had happened—as though this was any other meal.

“Thank you.” Nia picked out a piece of the warm, soft bread, and Jasper rose, reached across, and poured her some wine. “Thank you,” she said again.

Jasper leaned back, took a sip of his own, and then sighed. “I suppose you think I ought to apologize.”

Was that what she wanted? With food in her mouth, she didn’t answer.

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