The Redemption of a Rogue, стр. 29
“I’m willing to test the theory,” he teased.
She smiled. “I look forward to that.”
“I know what you mean, though. That physical jolt of pleasure…” He shook his head. “Sometimes it feels like it resets everything. If only for a moment. And if that means you can look at your experience without as much fear, then I’m glad of it. And what are your thoughts?”
She brought her attention away from his face for a moment, watching her fingers as she drew patterns across his chest. He was silent as she did so, not pressing her for answers, not demanding she give what she couldn’t yet. He just…waited for her.
She appreciated that more than she might have been able to say out loud. To do so felt more vulnerable than spreading herself wide for him had been.
“I am grateful what you’re doing for me,” she said softly. “Using your time and resources to look for some solution to my predicament. But it is my life, isn’t it? And since we have established that you and I can only be lovers, probably only for a short time, I can’t just hide in your house waiting for you to sweep in like some hero in a story and save the day. It isn’t fair to either of us.”
He wrinkled his brow. “What are you suggesting? You can’t do this alone, Imogen. You can’t go home. It isn’t safe.”
She felt the harsh edge of panic thrum through her veins and drew in a deep breath to ease it. When she could find her words again, she said, “But I can help you, can’t I? I must have a part in what you’re doing, Oscar. I can’t just wait and trust and hope.”
She waited for him to dismiss that thought out of hand. That’s what Warren would have done. Had done many times, when she dared to ask for a greater role in her own life. In his.
But Oscar seemed to be truly pondering the suggestion. She could see he was troubled. Of course he would be. The danger he spoke of was real. She’d seen its ultimate consequence.
At last he let out a long, low breath. “What you want is a fair request,” he said slowly. “And having your input will likely make navigating this situation easier. I was…” He broke off and his lips pursed. “I have an appointment with a contact tomorrow. I’d like you to come with me. Would that help fulfill your desire to be a part of your own situation?”
She nodded. “Yes. I’d like that.”
His hand had been resting against her back as they talked, and now he began to swirl his fingers against her skin in slow circles. She hissed in a breath at the gentle reawakening of her body.
“And now may I fulfill a few more of your desires?” he whispered.
She leaned up his frame, drawing her lips close to his without kissing him. “What did you have in mind?”
He didn’t answer with words, but by cupping the back of her head and drawing her in for a kiss. She lost herself in him, forgetting her troubles once more. They would be there tomorrow. Tonight she just wanted pleasure.
Chapter 11
Oscar smoothed his jacket for what felt like the tenth time since he’d entered the parlor less than five minutes before. It was the most foolish thing, how nervous he was in this moment. He was never nervous with the person he’d come to meet.
But then again, he couldn’t think of a time he’d ever brought a lady with him to this place. Not that Imogen was with him in this particular moment. He wanted a chance to speak to his contact before she joined them, so she was out on the terrace, enjoying a breath of air before he called her in.
Before he opened her up, and himself up, to all the curiosity he knew would follow.
The door behind him opened, and he turned to face the person entering the room. She was lovely, always so lovely. A regal woman who maintained every ounce of her beauty, even as her hair went gray with the years. She had high cheekbones, the kind of skin women in the ton fought for and bright green eyes that at least one poet had written a popular sonnet about ten years before.
Oscar had always wished he’d inherited those eyes rather than his arse of a father’s.
“Mama,” he said as he crossed to Joanna Fitzhugh.
She had her hands extended and caught both of his, looking him up and down before she pecked first one cheek and then the other. “Not getting enough sleep, are you?”
He shifted under the regard that had always been able to catch him out. He’d been able to hide from anyone but her over the years. Yet another reason not to bring Imogen to Mama. At minimum she was going to know they were lovers without even looking too hard.
“It’s not for entirely unpleasant reasons,” he said with a chuckle.
She arched a brow as she motioned him toward the settee. She took a place there and patted the cushion next to hers. “I’m glad to hear it. I know you have some guilt about poor Louisa, but that wasn’t your fault and I’ve hated to think of you drowning yourself in work and never just a little bit of fun or pleasure.”
“Fun and pleasure,” he said with a sigh. “You likely have enough for both of us.”
She rolled her eyes indelicately and gave his hand a playful slap. “You just missed Will.”
Oscar wrinkled his brow. “I hadn’t realized he was calling on you today.”
He knew all about their friendship, of course. He’d been very happy when they maintained it, as Will was his favorite protector and their own relationship meant so much to him.
“Was I supposed to keep you apprised of my schedule, love?” she teased.
He laughed at her quip. It was impossible not to. His mother