Page 49 of The Lady’s Great Escape

Chapter Eighteen

The next evening, Celia and Kit attended the Smithton’s Ball. This time, instead of amusing themselves by watching the members of the ton around them, they focused on finding the person who might be what the other was looking for.

“I’m sorry I’m not acquainted with more suitable women,” she said the following morning at breakfast.

“I’m sorry all the men I know are either already married, disreputable, or your brother.” He scrunched up his nose. “Actually, Gray is both disreputable and your brother,” he corrected causing her to laugh just as Gray entered the breakfast room.

“Ah, it’s good to see the two of you laughing together again. I’m glad you got over whatever quarrel had caused you to frown at each other.” Gray snapped his napkin into place and dug into his breakfast as Celia bit her lip to hold in her laughter, barely succeeding.

“Who could stay angry at Kit?” Celia said in answer.

“I’ve never managed it.” Gray shrugged.

When she finished her meal, she excused herself and wished them a pleasant ride. As she passed behind Gray she pointed upward, silently telling Kit to join her in her rooms when he could get away.

Not an hour later, Kit slipped into her room.

“I’m glad we’re not frowning at one another anymore too,” he said in between kisses to her neck. “I like to make you do other things so much more. For example, the way your breath comes in quick pants when I kiss you here. Or the way you moan when I touch you here.”

His hand brushed over her nipple and she made the very sound he’d mentioned.

“Yes,” she said though he hadn’t asked a question. She only knew the answer was, yes.

She didn’t understand the eagerness she still felt to be with him, when they’d come together almost daily over the last two months. Shouldn’t she have become more patient? It seemed the opposite was true. The more she had him in her bed, the more she wanted.

As was common, they dressed as soon as they were able to catch their breath. At his home, they spent time in his bed, just lying next to each other, talking about odd things that amused them.

At her home, however, they didn’t take that risk.

“Tonight, I’ll introduce you to Lord Morton. He’s a bit short, but so are you so you’ll not notice.”

She barely followed what he was saying for she heard the telltale sound of the squeaking floorboard outside her door. She’d always made sure to step clear of it when she left her room in the middle of the night so not to alert anyone.

Anyone, of course, meaning her nosy brother.

She pressed her index finger to Kit’s lips and pointed to the door. “I think someone’s outside the door,” she whispered against his ear.

His eyes went wide and he spun her around to finish lacing up her gown. While he worked, she quickly wrapped her hair up and pinned it. He finished dressing in mere seconds. It was a testament to how good they’d become at sneaking around that they could dress so quickly and quietly.

“I’ll go out first. Just in case. If someone’s out there, you’ll know because you’ll hear me speaking. If you don’t hear anything then give it a minute before taking your leave.”

“Very good.” He stayed on the far side of the door so he’d be hidden when she opened the door.

She pulled it back quickly hoping to startle anyone who’d been eavesdropping but was surprised to find the hall empty.

“Hmm.” She must have been hearing things. She continued on down the corridor toward the drawing room. She would call for tea and read. And of course, think of Kit and the way he’d touched her earlier. He had not run out of ways to elicit pleasure from her body in all this time.

A secret smile came to her lips as she settled into her favorite chair by the window. She couldn’t help but think how this was exactly what she’d wanted her life to be like.

*

Kit waited thefull minute after Celia had silently left the room. She hadn’t spoken to anyone which meant the way was clear. He opened the door and stepped out. He quietly shut the door behind him before turning and running directly into Graham.

“Bugger,” Kit cursed and stepped back. When he saw the anger in his best friend’s eyes, he took another step away and raised his hands.

“You fucking prick. You touched my sister.” Gray didn’t yell, which made it all the more unsettling. Instead, his voice was calm and cold as death. Not good.

“Don’t be angry, Gray. It’s not what you think.”