Page 55 (2/2)

Feeling a sudden desire to offer a sesture in return, he said, “Co” He cliaze scanning his naked body

“Where are we going?”

“If I told you, then it wouldn’t be a surprise”

She bit down on her bottom lip “Will you come back here afterwards or are you to return to your own room?”

It took but a second to decide “I think Ito entertain me in here”

“Then I ae” She sat up but flopped back down “Oh, I feel exhausted”

“And yet I did most of the work” The playful banter distracted his mind

“Work? Was it such a chore?”

“You know da intiet dressed It’s cold in the attic, so you’ll need a wrapper as well as your nightgown”

“The attic?” Curious, she sat up again and gave hio up there? Mrs Jacobs said there’s nothing but old chests and broken furniture, that you keep the door locked”

“That’s because I don’t want anyone snooping around in there”

“If you’re iht—”

“I’ throughto find a secluded place to do their business”

The thought of their house packed with a horde of brandy-swigging degenerates filled hio he’d been happy to play host, had even boasted to Tristan of his ability to organise the best parties

Now, it didn’tto his skin, seeped into his pores