Page 41 of Read To Me, Lyon

That evening, Oliver lay in bed with Kitty. She leaned on his chest, her breasts pressing against him in a most enticing way. “I’m glad it is over.”

He kissed her head. “Almost. It will be done when he gets on the ship.”

“I wish things could have been different. After my parents died, I’d hoped he’d want to be more present in my, Hazel, and Anna’s lives, but it became apparent quickly that money was his only focus. At times it was hard because he looks so much like my father.”

Oliver squeezed her a little tighter. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t think he will share details with the newspapers before he leaves?”

“I’ve assigned a guard to be with him at all times, but even if he does, we will find a way to handle it. My title does have its benefits, and one of them is that few people will accept your uncle’s word over mine.”

She shifted to straddle him. Now her breasts, encased in her silk peignoir, jutted out at him, their tips hardened into points he wanted so badly to pinch and suck. “Thank you, Oliver, for all your support.”

He slid his hands up her thighs, and then grasped her hips. “You are my wife. I would do anything for you.”

“I’m grateful,” she murmured before dropping a kiss on his mouth.

Oliver tightened his hold on her, then flipped her onto her back, breaking the kiss. “Show me how much.”

Kitty pulled him close. “I would like nothing more.”

Chapter Sixteen

Kitty smiled at her carriage driver. “Thank you for taking me to the shop. I know Sundays are your day off.”

Richards shrugged. “It is no problem. Though I hope everything is fine.”

“I’m sure it is. Shannon said she just had something I needed to sign.”

“Shall I stay, Lady Everly?”

She shook her head. “Please pick me up in four hours. I’m here, so I might as well work a little.”

“As you wish, my lady.”

Kitty let herself into the warehouse and began searching for Shannon.

In her hastily scrawled missive, her secretary had explained that there was an issue with a book on the schedule which was to be printed tomorrow.

But Shannon wasn’t in the warehouse, or in their office, or even at the front sales desk. Finally, however, Kitty heard her or Jack moving around in the event room. That was odd. They weren’t expected to host an underground book event anytime soon. She wondered what they were up to and headed that way. Maybe they were using the room as she and Oliver had, pressed into the alcove.

She would never again be able to enter that room without thinking about their impulsive passionate moment. It would always be their room, hers, and Oliver’s—though she supposed Jack and Shannon could enjoy it as well. Now that she knew of the joys of marital activity, she couldn’t and wouldn’t begrudge anyone from engaging in erotic pursuits.

Just in case they were enjoying each other, she called out as she approached. “Hello? Shannon, it’s me. I’m he—” She entered the room and stumbled to a stop.

Jack was tied up on the floor. “Jack! What…” she gasped and ran to him.

But then, from another place in the room, Shannon hollered, “Kitty, run!”

Kitty turned. Uncle Dominic stood beside Shannon; he had a pistol jammed into her side.

“What are you doing?” she gasped. This was incomprehensible!

Her uncle laughed crazily. “Did you think your husband could get rid of me so easily? I’m almost insulted by the paltry sum he was willing to provide.” He jabbed the barrel of the pistol into her friend’s ribs.

Kitty couldn’t believe this was happening. She held out her hands, pleading. If only she hadn’t told the driver to leave…if only Oliver had accompanied her as he’d suggested. But no, she’d told him she’d be fine and to head off to the London Docks without her to meet Mr. Hutchison and Uncle Dominic as planned. “Why are you doing this? Oliver planned to give you the same sum I provided you before. Five thousand pounds…”

Uncle Dominic sneered. “A paltry sum. Not enough to live on. I want the money in the safe.”