A maid enters with a blanket in tow.
I struggle out of the stranger’s heavy, soaked jacket with Victor’s assistance. “Vic, I met a man. He helped me find my way.”
I pull Momma’s diary from the inner pocket before Victor lets the jacket fall from his hands. He wraps me in the blanket. Though my wet shirt and jeans are sticking to my skin, Victor consoles me in his massive arms. His internal balminess soothes my trembling body. Victor carries me toward the stairs. As he climbs, I nuzzle into his neck and add, “The guy—he kind of kissed me.”
“Did he?” An indecipherable expression descends over his face.
“I was reading my mother’s journal and was shocked about . . . something. Then he was standing there. I stood up.Hekissedme.” I find myself inhaling Victor’s woodsy essence. Damn, I was nervous, still am. “I promise I didn’t lead him on. He was an older man with very green eyes and—”
“He kissed you,” Victor repeats, strolling down the hall with me.
“Yes. I slapped him.” I look up at Victor from this angle and wonder if he is jealous. Part of me craves retaliation because of the Madeline situation. The less petty part compels me to reassure him that nothing happened.
“The man was a little taller than you. Silver hair, forest green eyes, cocky attitude. Do you know him?”
“Never met the bloke. But you have my word. His transgressions will not go unpunished.”
24
Victor
The fireplace was already aglow when we entered the bedroom. My heart clenches, blood boiling as I set Luxury down. She seemed hesitant to tell me of thestranger’sbold move. Slowly, I remove my woman from her clothes. First her shirt then jeans that should be a sin for her to wear. Pausing to kiss the nape of her neck and rub the goosebumps from her shoulders, I work vigorously to get her warm.
Requiring additional space between us, I step into the bathroom.Stop being a bloody wanka. That man assaulted your woman.
Luxury peeks into the bathroom with a wavering smile. “I’m going to find some cozy pajamas.”
“I’ll draw you a hot bath.” I try to mimic her efforts. There, a bloody smile appears on my face. The kind a psychotic would have after a sudden epiphany. Luxury moves away from the bathroom door.
My father is dead.He . . . kissed . . .my . . .lady.
“Vic,” she sweeps into the bathroom with a sigh, “are you mad at me?”
“Why would you say that?” I fork a few hands through my wet hair. “Just thinking is all.”
“I didn’t provoke him.”
“You said that.”
“Youseem tense. So, I feel the need to explain myself.”
“Never explain yourself, Luxury. Get in.”
Luxury unclasps her bra, revealing perky tits that I love to growl at while I’m flicking my tongue over her irate nipples. “So, I’m the only one getting undressed. You must be cold, Vic.”
I pinch the soaked linen shirt away from my clammy skin. “Bollocks, Lux. I’m bloody sorry. The sight of you is more than enough to edge a man on. Most men operate with restraint, but they all look. Thispersonchose to touch you. That,” I smile at her, “makes me a very fortunate man. To have the most exquisite treasure.”Bloody hogwash.
“Treasure?” She smiles at that, her warm brown skin dewy as steam rises over her flesh.
“Yes, of course.”
Before she can sink underneath all the bubbles and water, I bend down and kiss her mouth, allowing my tongue to twine with hers.
Silas divides us.
I kiss Luxury harder. Not considering undoing my cufflinks or pushing up my long sleeves, I reach into the tub and scoop up Luxury to deepen our connection, grabbing her arse.
“Victor,” she gasps as I start to climb into the tub, fully clothed.