Page 31 of The Not So Perfect Duke

He met her inquiring gaze. “Perhaps too deep, as self-examination is not something I typically indulge in.”

“The names your mother gave you. Will you be contacting any of them?”

Damon snorted. “I’m now having doubts. Perhaps it is a scab best not picked at. Please excuse the vivid description. All my sanctimonious talk of setting up a trust. First, there is no money for such a scheme, and God knows how many names there are beyond the ones my mother knew of. It boggles the mind.”

“Perhaps you should approach Detective Evercreech.”

Damon cocked his head. “Why?”

“I think he should be informed about your father, considering the circumstances. Attending to the death scene and whatnot. From what you told me of him, he seems a decent sort. Why not get to know him?”

“I cannot think about that now. I am dreading what we will find in Barking.”

Althea shrugged. “Or it could be an empty property in need of repair. Or rented to someone. Although, strangely, the solicitor and steward have never been there or any dealings with it.”

“Strange indeed. Which means it has been kept secret for who knows how many years. Come here. I do not want to discuss this any longer. I want you in my arms. Here. Straddling me.” He patted his lap, already becoming aroused at the prospect. “Sit facing me, and kiss me, my Thea. I am being too bold, but if my father’s death proved anything, it is that time is short, and I do not wish to waste it.”

Her look softened. “I do like you calling me that,” she whispered. “And I want to be in your arms. And kiss you. Where will it go from here? Don’t answer. If we are to have an affair or dalliance, I must have a promise from you that for as long as we are involved in whatever way, you will remain faithful. I cannot give my undivided attention to a man who is indiscriminate in his sexual dealings.”

Good Christ.

“Even if all we share is kisses?” he asked.

“Even if. I have never become involved with a client in any way. This is a line that I swore I would never cross. I must have assurances from you, or we keep this strictly business, and I conduct this investigation on my own.”

God, he admired her. So frank and honest, so he would do the same.

“I have not been with a woman for over a month,” he began. “The trip to Spain, my father’s death, all reasons to be certain. But having just turned 31 years of age, I gave a brief thought to the notion that this was becoming tedious. Our group, The Rakes of St. Regent’s Park, is all but defunct. Even Gideon, an original founding member, has married. It gives one pause.”

“Does it?” Althea said, her voice gentle.

“But what has given me pause more than anything is you, my Thea. From the moment we met. From the moment you most decidedly put me in my place during that interview last year. From the moment I first briefly held you in my arms. You haven’t left my thoughts, day or night. Especially the night.”

“And yet, you’ve been with other women.”

Her tone was not an admonishment but a statement of fact.

“Not as many as in the past. Saying it all meant nothing is crass, but I am afraid it is true. Sometimes I traveled to the East End to attend a musical and partake of a meal. Then I would come home.”

“I know.”

Damon’s brows raised. “You know?”

“During Christian’s case, we had all The Rakes followed for a short time. Your report over a two-week period had you visiting a brothel only once. The other two times, you did the dinner and a show and home routine.”

Damon sputtered. He could not believe this. “You had me followed as if I were a suspect?”

Althea shrugged. “As I said, we shadowed all of you, as it is standard procedure in most of our investigations. And your fellow rakes were not as active as you might think.”

“Are you having me followed now?” Damon asked sarcastically.

“There is no need to be annoyed. And no, you are not under surveillance. So, can you? Stay exclusive?”

“How can I not?” Damon cried. “I will be suspicious of every freckled-faced lad lurking about the alleyways, thinking he is working for you!” Then he exhaled. “But beyond my paranoia, I respect you too much to act the cad.” The truth was that he wanted no other woman but Althea. But he wasn’t ready to admit such a susceptibility at this point.

She gave him a pretty smile, then vaulted off the bench and landed in his arms. Grabbing the hem of her skirt, she pulled it upward until she could snuggly fit against his raging erection.

Damon was ready to blow apart. An almighty heat flamed within him. A few rubs against his hardened cock, and he would come in his trousers, and no mistake. “Yes, right there,” Damon murmured, nuzzling her neck. He then nibbled on her delicate earlobe, causing a soft whimper to escape her lips.