Reckless in Red by Rachael Miles

Author:Rachael Miles
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Zebra Books
Published: 2019-09-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Lena refused to wake up. In her dream, she was nestled in a vast delicious pillow under a feather blanket, both light and oh-so-warm. When she awoke, her feet would be so cold that she could no longer feel her toes, and her back would ache from the sagging bed. When the cries of the vendors selling their wares told her the day had begun, she’d rush to the Rotunda, meeting her crew just as dawn spread across the sky, and they would work until past dusk. But at no point in the day would she be warm—not like now. She clung to the dream, snuggling under the covers, sheets so soft that they could only exist in a dream—or the house of a duke.

The day came back to her in a rush. Her accident. The bodies. The magistrate. Clive. Strong and kind. Every time she had faced trouble, he had acted to help her. But not just her; he’d paid a street beggar extra so the child would have something to eat.

Under the covers, she stretched out her arms and legs. After her day’s adventures, her muscles should be stiff and hard, but they felt supple and rested. She couldn’t remember arriving at the duke’s house or undressing for bed, but her night shift—she almost hoped he had put her in it—was a delight. At least she had fallen asleep in his arms.

Clive. Eventually his attentiveness would chafe, but not yet. For now, she would enjoy his gentle presence . . . and his glorious kisses. She warmed at the thought of his hand cradling her neck, her lips devouring his.

Did any painting convey that particular moment of bliss? She searched her memory. Most depicted the moments before a seduction—the outstretched hand, the bouquet of flowers, the teasing glances. But there was one painting: Antonio da Correggio’s Jupiter and Io. She’d seen it in Vienna. In it, Jupiter, hidden in a cloud, embraced the naked Io, his hands giant, smoky paws on her bare back, Io’s face transported in pleasure, her own hand encircling the god’s. Io’s face was lifted in rapture to accept the god’s kisses. How would it feel to greet Clive as Io had Jupiter? To accept his touch, his kisses, his warmth all the way to the core of her being? She sighed, more a swoon than a sigh, knowing Clive’s embraces would feel glorious. Stretching against the expensive bedding, she let herself imagine it, and the imagination made her wonder . . . why not? Why not enjoy their partnership fully, until it ended?

Unfortunately, now that she was awake, she couldn’t allow herself more than a moment of indulgence. Sighing, she steeled herself for another day heavy with responsibilities. She draped a Chinese silk dressing gown over her shift, the fabric shimmering in the firelight. Such elegance. She hadn’t worn a silk dress in years, and to have worn two in less than a day was a delicious excess.

They had returned from the

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.