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Ford paused, his mouth still hovering over her skin. The moment Porter opened the door to his study, they dashed toward the servants’ stairs. Ford tugged Grace’s arm, moving downstairs, but she tugged him in the opposite direction.

“What are you doing?” he hissed.

“Upstairs! He will give chase out of the house and catch us otherwise.”

“Cover all exits, no one is to leave this place until they’re found!” Porter’s cry pierced the air, followed by more shouts and commands. It was enough to have Ford comply. He dashed up the stairs, dragging Grace with him. They quickly reached the third floor and darted into the first empty room they could find.

“We need to make it seem like we’ve been here forever,” Grace said, her fingers shaking as she reached for her bodice.

“How in the world are—”

Ford didn’t finish his question as Grace ripped the buttons on her bodice, opening it to his view. “Help me pull down my stays and the shift.” She met his gaze and saw confusion in his eyes before his lips split into a mischievous grin. He reached for her bodice and yanked it down in one swift motion, baring her breasts to his view and the chilly air.

His grin turned salacious as he slowly raised his eyes to hers before dropping them to her breasts again.

“You are enjoying this too much,” she noted while her nipples hardened against the cold air.

He raised a brow. “Did you not expect me to?”

“We are in danger, should I remind you?”

Ford’s grin didn’t subside. “If this is the way I go, I’ll die a happy man.”

Grace let out a chuckle. How could he joke in a moment like this? “Take off your coat and your shirt,” she commanded and reached for his coat, helping him discard it. Once his chest was bared—a magnificent, warm, mighty chest… Grace swallowed—

“What now?” Ford asked with a smile in his voice. He’d noticed her staring. Of course, he did. Grace shook her head, forcing her mind to concentrate on the task at hand.

“Now, stand against the wall,” she admonished.

“Why would I—”

“Just do as I ask. Porter will be checking every room and looking for the two imposters. We need to make this as real as we can.”

He shrugged but complied again.

As soon as he leaned against the wall, Grace tied his wrists with the help of leather straps fastened to the wall by the chain.

Grace wiped her mouth, spreading the red paint all over her face. With the same hand, she drew some red spots on Ford and pinched his skin. She quite enjoyed the warmth of his skin and the firm feel of it beneath her fingers. Pity, she didn’t have time to linger and explore the topography of his body better.

She took off her wig and hid it beneath her skirts, ruffling her hair. He studied the top of her head with a frown. “What?” Grace whispered.

He shrugged. “I assumed you were blonde.”

Grace rolled her eyes, then looked down at his body. “I am going to undo your breeches,” she finally said.

“What?” His voice was strangled.

“A simple kiss or an embrace won’t be enough of a distraction. As I said, it needs to seem like we are heavily involved.”

“Is that…? Are you going to—?” It seemed he was unable to form full sentences.

“Yes,” she said, now confident once more. “Unless you want us to change positions.” She smirked. This wasn’t a question. She knew he wouldn’t want that. He flinched at the thought of kissing her lips, much less doing anything more intimate than that.

Licking her skin in the dim corridor was one thing; that playact would not convince Porter of their innocence this time. He needed to see them stripped bare, not only to seem as though they’d been locked in this room for hours but also so he couldn’t draw the parallels between their clothing.

Sounds of panic followed someone barking orders, and then heavy footsteps echoed in the corridor. She arranged her skirts and crouched on her knees before him. Grace raised her eyes to his and Ford gave a nod of approval.

With a quick nod, Grace deftly undid the falls of his breeches and pulled them down around his knees.