Tempting a Gentleman by Smith, Ann (bearly read books .txt) 📕

but if you do not share with me the cause, how am I to help prevent them?”

On a strangled breath she finally asked, “Will we see our families again?”

“That is my hope.” His voice was filled with as much worry and pain as she felt having asked the question.

“I shall miss Sunday dinner with the Cadbys and Wednesday dinners with me own family.” She twisted to face him and blinked back tears. “Today yer mama paid me a visit. She asked me to call her Mama…” The request had pierced her heart, since from the day they met, Aunt Henri had been like a second mum. Emma paused to swallow the large lump that choked her words. “I understand the need to support Lord Burke but…” She turned away and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

He pressed a soft kiss upon her shoulder. “Not only Lord Burke, but also you and I as we too will be PORFs after tomorrow. Some, not all, of the Network contingent have expressed specifically that they wish to serve us. If we return, they too will return. Likewise, if we decide to stay, they will too.”

Emma leaned back against Christopher’s solid chest as he wrapped his arms securely about her waist. She let her weary head fall back to rest. “Me brain is ready to become a PORF, but me heart…”

“I share your worries, my love.” He didn’t try to distract her with kisses but gave her a reassuring squeeze. “I’ve always had the wise counsel of my mama and Landon. I fear I shall fail without them. To oversee such a large number of Network members who have chosen to place their lives, trust their futures—”

Emma interrupted, “To you. They believe in ye like I do. Ye’re strong, intelligent, and ye rule with a fair hand. A man worthy of following.”

“I love you, Emma Lennox, for saying so, but I’m certain they have pledged their loyalty to us due to their faith in you.” Cheek to cheek with Emma, he continued, “It’s my hope to strengthen existing bonds and forge new ones. And as for family…well, there is the possibility we have already begun to increase the size of our own family.” He rubbed her tummy. “And if we haven’t, I’m willing to…”

As his words comforted her and eased some of her worry, she wanted to express how much she loved and needed him. She shifted to straddle him so she could speak face-to-face. “Luv, it would be an honor to carry yer babe.” She plastered herself to him, kissing him until he rolled back and they were tangled amongst the covers. Her back bumped the tray. It was likely he hadn’t eaten supper either. She extracted herself from his arms. Scooting back, she placed the tray between them. “I need to eat if I’m to keep up with ye tonight.”

* * *

Christopher eyed the elderberry tart. Ever since his papa had advised the raw berries were potentially lethal, he never dared risk eating the fruit even when cooked. But they were Emma’s favorite and he trusted Cook wouldn’t dare poison her. Still, he was wary as she raised the treat to her mouth. Forcing himself not to knock it from her hands, he busied himself placing a slice of cheese upon some bread.

The tip of Emma’s tongue ran over her bottom lip, sweeping small crumbs into her mouth. He cleared his throat and said, “Do you have any concerns regarding our upcoming nuptials?”

She popped the rest of the tart in her mouth and moved to place the tray on the floor. Standing before him, she grinned and turned. He worked on releasing the row of buttons and untying the ribbons of her stays. The minx wiggled and let her dress drop to the floor. Naked, she slowly turned about and crawled back onto the bed, but instead of in front of him like before, she seated herself behind him. Her warm hands at his waist pulled his shirt loose and then over his head. The white material flew over his head and the garment landed on the edge of the bed. Emma began to rub the knots from his shoulders, but while her touch was intended to soothe, it only provoked his muscles to tense in anticipation of having her.

Emma’s hands stilled. “Where will ye ask Cadby to place the mark?”

“Hmm…I’ve not yet decided. You?”

She wrapped her leg about his waist and lifted her foot. “Me ankle, like yer cousin Theo.”

He grabbed her foot and began to rub the sole. Emma released a moan that had his cock twitching in his breeches. As her hands skimmed over his shoulder, he lifted his hand to trap hers. “Do you have a suggestion or are you simply trying to distract me?”

“I’m sharin’ me worries as ye’ve asked. I’ve heard how much it bloody hurts to receive the mark.” Emma tugged her hand free and began to massage his neck and then rubbed his aching temples. In a short span of a fortnight, the woman had discovered all the spots he stored his stress.

“I can’t believe I’ll be a bloomin’ PORF—me. I know how to aid and protect PORFs, but to be one…well, ye’re gonna have to be patient with me.”

Christopher chuckled. “You have more knowledge than I.” Her breasts pushed up against his back as she stiffened.

“But it’s in yer blood. It’s yer fate as a Hadfield.” Emma guided him to face her. “Have ye spoken with Lady Mary of late?”

“No. Why do you ask?”

“She came to pick up an order today. And she was mumbling to another—mind you I couldn’t see anyone else about—stating her belief that one was not solely bound by fate. That we all get to choose our mate in life. Whoever she was talking to disagreed.”

“What do you believe?”

She wrapped her arms around him at the waist. “I’ve always considered Lady Mary an odd duck, but a kind one. But I agree with