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In Which Feelings Are Examined
The morning sunlight filtered in through the curtains, casting a warm glow over Portia’s naked form. Nigel had shifted to his side, one arm draped lazily over her waist while Donovan lay behind her, tracing idle circles down her back. The memory of last night sent a tingling warmth throughout her body.
“Good morning,” Donovan’s husky voice hummed into her ear. His fingers were gentle against her skin, the warmth of his breath fanning against her neck.
Nigel raised his head from where it was nestled in the crook of her neck and grinned at her. “Morning, love,” he murmured, pressing a chaste kiss to her shoulder.
Portia turned to look at them both, their gazes steady on her face. She felt loved in their presence, wanted and cherished more than she could have ever imagined.
Nigel and Donovan shared a glance before turning to her. Donovan was the first to speak, his voice gentle and understanding. “There is no right or wrong decision here, Portia,” he said, “only our happiness and wellbeing. If this arrangement brings you joy and contentment, then so be it.”
Nigel nodded as he caressed her bare arm. “Love doesn’t conform to societal norms or anyone’s expectations. It just exists, in whatever form it blossoms.”
Portia absorbed their words as a comforting silence enveloped them. Her heart still fluttered nervously, but she felt bolstered by their reassurances. She turned to face Nigel, trailing her fingers down his chest. “I’m happy with you both.”
Donovan moved closer to press a warm kiss against the nape of her neck. “Then let that be enough for now,” he murmured against her skin before nestling back onto the pillow, a content sigh escaping his lips. “We will face any challenges together, as long as it leads to our shared happiness.”
Nigel wrapped his arm tighter around her, pulling her closer against him. “The world is such a chaotic place. Often the only peace we find is within the arms of those we love. And we love you, Portia.”
Tears welled in Portia’s eyes. Warmth spread through her as if their words had ignited a flame in her heart.
“Thank you. Both of you,” she said softly, tucking herself even closer into their embrace.
The room was filled once again with serene silence, punctuated only by the soft rhythmic breathing of the three bodies.
Portia knew only one thing.
She couldn’t wait for what tomorrow might bring.
25
“Tricia?”
Tricia scrambled to hide the papers she was reading from.
“What is it, Kitty Kat?” she said, fearing that her racing heart could be heard by her little sister.
“You have the lamp on again.”
“I only just came to bed, Kat,” Tricia said. “I’ve been talking to mother and the other ladies.”
Kat yawned, splitting her pretty little face. “I’m still amazed that Cameron talked the countess into letting me sit with the grownups. It was a lovely dinner, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, delicious,” Tricia agreed.
It had been flattering to have two such handsome men taking care of her and filling her wine goblet until she told them she had to stop. Otherwise, she would be a little tipsy by now.
“Did you like the young gentlemen you sat with?” she asked. Then she sighed. “No one pays much attention to me, I’m afraid.”
“Don’t you worry your head about that, Kitty Kat. You shall have your day in the sun soon. One day you will be the most sought-after young lady of the season.”
“Do you truly think so?”
“I know so. Now go back to sleep. Sorry for the light. I’ll douse it.”
She shouldn’t be reading The Ruby anyway. The idea of two gentlemen was exciting to read about—and goodness, her bloomers must be wet—but she had no desire to actually live that fantasy.
Though she couldn’t resist sliding her hand between her legs, remembering what Thomas had done to her. How it had felt.
