Page 64 of Lord of Misrule

“Kit, I am trying to help you and your family. Quit fighting me on this.”

“Excuse me, Lord Tolin, but I have a shop to clean up.” She continued to sweep.

“This isn’t a shop,” he said, looking around. “But it could be rebuilt.”

“Without money, that will be hard,” she said, without turning to look at him.

“Then let me help.” Tolin risked everything by reaching out and putting his hand on her shoulder. “I have money. I will hire workers right away to rebuild your bakery so you don’t have to do it.”

Kit felt a surge of heat go right through her when Tolin touched her. She cried out in her mind for him—to feel him again inside her as they made love and held each other until they fell asleep. But that would never happen again. She couldn’t let it. Tolin Blake was used to women falling at his feet and giving him everything he desired. She wasn’t one of those women and he needed to know it. As hard as it was to reject his offer, she couldn’t accept it. Accepting it, even though it would be an answer to her problems, would only say to the man that he could get away with playing with her feelings.

“What would you want from me in return for rebuilding my bakery?” she asked him curiously, wondering what he would say. She looked over her shoulder into his smoldering eyes, seeing his intent, knowing he longed to make love with her again, as much as part of her wanted it, too.

“Nothing,” he told her, slowly shaking his head. His eyes never left her.

“Nothing?” She wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth, although sincerity showed in his bright blue orbs. Still, she couldn’t take such an elaborate gift without paying it back somehow. It just wasn’t who she was. She didn’t like taking without giving. Kit always repaid her debts.

“So, what do you say?” he asked, reaching up and gently stroking her cheek with the edge of his finger.

For a mere second, she wanted to close her eyes and bask in the warmth of Tolin’s touch. His scent of leather and whisky drew her in. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, almost able to taste his last kiss, still reveling in the softness of his lips. Damn, she wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone in her life. Mayhap she should go back to the castle with him after all, because in her heart she wanted to be anywhere close to him.

“My lord? Will the girl be coming back to the castle with us?” Jarvis walked in and Tolin quickly dropped his hand to his side. It was almost as if he was embarrassed to let Jarvis see him touching her. “Those breads and pastries aren’t going to bake themselves for the rest of the Yuletide celebrations.”

“Dammit, Jarvis, wait outside.” Aggravation resounded in Tolin’s tone.

“Yes, my lord.” Jarvis looked confused, but turned and left as instructed.

“So, what will it be, Kit?” Tolin directed his attention back to her.

After hearing what Jarvis said, it made Kit feel as if Tolin only wanted her back to bake in his kitchen. Dropping his hand from touching her when Jarvis walked in told her everything she needed to know. He hadn’t even mentioned making love with her, and neither did he ask her why she’d left the castle. Kit had almost been swept up in his charms once again, and she needed to be careful.

“I don’t need or want your help, Lord of Misrule. Therefore, I will be staying right here for now until I am able to make a home again for me and my family.”