Page 44 (1/2)

His fingers brushed against her ged

“I’ve got you, love” One htly as he continued to pluck a potent rhythm

She could think of nothing but hi him into her body

“My lord! Are you in there?” The words echoed through the woods “Rose? Lord Farleigh? Can you hear me?”

“Bloody hell” The muttered curse revealed his frustration

Being slightly detached from reality, it took a few seconds for her to realise sorip, straightened her dress and stepped away She wobbled, struggled to gain her balance

Christian cupped her elbow “Alfred is coaze drifted over her lips and hair “I’m afraid we shall have to explore our mutual attraction some other time”

Her heartbeat pulsed hard in her throat It a an attraction That word ht him the most handsome man of her acquaintance, her desire to be with him came from her heart as well as her loins

But guilt flared

How could she be so selfish? She’d pressed him for more kisses rather than information about the occupants of Morton Manor At some point, she would have no choice but to leave hih If he discovered her identity, he’d offer e based on a lie Another id rules

And what of the children? They did not need any more disruption in their lives

“My lord” Alfred caught sight of them and hurried forward “Mrs Hibbet sent me to help you find Rose”

“Thank you, Alfred” Christian placed his hand on her back and guided her through the foliage and onto the path “I found her near the boundary”

Rose forced a sh her head was a jumbled mess of contradictions Should she stay another day? Should she run? “I thought someone should check that his lordship was unhurt”

Alfred glanced at a point beyond their shoulder “Mrs Hibbet said there’ll be nothing left of the place after this”