“You’re fine where you are,” he told her firmly. “I know it’s not proper, but these are surely extenuating circumstances, and our friends don’t mind.”
“Not at all,” Allison chirped, looking absolutely delighted instead of scandalized. “Just try to rest until we arrive.”
That was easier said than done, but she tried, sinking back against Drake’s warm chest, which felt better than even her bed could have. She’d wished for this but hadn’t expected to ever have it again.
Drake rubbed her back gently with his big strong hand, and before she knew it, she was fading away once again, despite their audience and the man who might possibly be after them at this very moment.
* * *
WHEN HEATHER WOKE UPagain, she was in a comfortable bed, and sunlight streamed through a filmy white curtain. She must be at Jocelyn’s but she had absolutely no idea what time it was, though from the angle of the sun, she guessed it was at least noon. She didn’t know how she’d gotten here, but the thought of Drake carrying her through the house and tucking her into bed made warmth bloom in her chest.
For the first time since Jacob had told her of his plan to kidnap Drake Blackstone, she actually felt safe, as though she could breathe.
Before she could get out of bed, a young maid named Maggie, who Heather vaguely remembered from the months she and Allison had stayed with Jocelyn, looked up from the chair where she’d been reading. She put the book aside and handed Heather a glass of cold water.
“Here, drink this,” she instructed. “You’ve only been asleep for a few hours. The gentleman told me to make sure that you don’t try to get up yet.”
“Thank you,” Heather murmured, drinking deeply and then handing the cup back. “But I really must see to Lady Allison...”
Maggie shook her head. “Lady Allison instructed that you needed to sleep more as well.”
The look in the girl’s dark eyes didn’t brook any argument, and exhaustion was once again overtaking her, so Heather did as she was told and eased back against the pillows, letting sleep claim her once again.
Chapter Ten
Sebastian Ness hadbeen less than pleased to be woken in the middle of the night, but once Drake and O’Brien had explained what was going on, the inspector had welcomed them in with open arms. His wife Jocelyn had been the wealthy widow of an earl before they’d wed, and their home was a magnificent white marble mansion in Mayfair, large enough to sleep an entire army.
After making certain that Heather was settled in one of Sebastian’s guest rooms, Drake had somehow managed to drag himself into the one they’d assigned him and fallen into a deep dreamless sleep.
By the time Drake woke up again, night had fallen, and he fumbled to find the switch for the gaslights so he could see what time it was. Luckily, it was only seven in the evening, and he hurriedly availed himself of the modern bathroom attached to his room, which boasted hot and cold running water, before dressing and heading downstairs.
He’d like to go see Heather and find out whether she was doing all right, but he knew he’d already compromised her in every possible way.
He’d have to do something about that, he realized grimly. Last night, when both of them had believed it to be their last night on earth, it had made perfect sense to make love to her. Now that they’d survived, the price for the pleasure they’d shared might very well be his freedom.
He shook away the thought of what a future with her might entail, determined to take things one at a time. First, he had to ensure she was safe. Then he would worry about the rest.