The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton

Author:India Holton [Holton, India]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Published: 2023-04-18T00:00:00+00:00

15

chemistry moves on to physics— breaking the rules (and possibly the wrists)— interesting synonyms—alice takes a stance

To squirm or not to squirm, that is the question Alice posed herself as she lay gazing at the ceiling while Daniel pressed his hand against her thigh. Although the weight was comfortable, its warmth ignited nerves even through her nightgown and drawers, making her restless. She wanted him to move that hand—but in which direction, she could not decide.

“There is an advanced exercise which may help us get more into character,” he explained. “Shall we attempt it?”

“By all means,” Alice agreed. “I am always in favor of professional development.”

“Are you sure? It will go against Regulation 32. And possibly Regulation 17 also.”

Alice frowned in bemusement. “ ‘No forward reconnaissance into closed-off spaces without first advising headquarters of your intentions’?”

“Hm.”

“Well, Mr. Bixby, regulations exist for a good reason and ought to be respected. Nevertheless, these are exceptional circumstances. I authorize you to proceed at will.”

She felt proud of these words. She admired their straightforward vigor in much the same manner she might admire a jolly good Marmite sandwich. Not one single tremble or high-pitched vowel existed anywhere amongst them.

Her heart, however, represented nothing more than jam dolloped haphazardly atop a crumpet. If Daniel ever realized how smitten she was with him—how deeply vulnerable she really felt—he’d be appalled.

“Very well,” he said, and kissed her.

It was a tender kiss, softening her lips, soothing her nerves. She returned it in the way she remembered from their earlier practice until slowly, delightfully, theory dissolved, leaving only pleasure. Reaching up, she stroked fingers through his hair and down along the strong curve of his jaw. She had never touched another person like this, never known it was possible to feel tingling enjoyment rather than discomfort in doing so. Just as soon as he stopped kissing her (hopefully many long minutes from now), she would assure him that his advanced exercise was a great success.

And then he began to lift her nightgown.

Good heavens, she was about to be utterly exposed! This was hooliganism at its most outrageous! Agent B would see her drawers!

Daniel paused, somehow divining her alarm from the widening of her eyes, or the cessation of her breath, or the way she was holding his wrists in a white-knuckled grip.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

Alice blinked. Releasing his wrists, she exhaled slowly. “It’s fine. A mere reflex on my part. Kindly move on with all promptitude.”

“Are you su—”

“I can complete the A.U.N.T. level three obstacle course; I can do this.”

He paused, shifting back with a concerned look—

“If you stop,” Alice told him, “I will write you up for dereliction of duty.”

“Yes, Mrs. Blakeney.” He regarded her with a thoughtful expression, trying to decide the degree of her vulnerability or the chances of her murdering him. “Perhaps I should just get straight to the point?”

“Yes. I dislike fiddling about unnecessarily. In most ventures, brisk penetration of details and a straightforward thrust to the core of the matter is the best tactic.”

Daniel made a small, odd sound.

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