He blinked back, barely able to string a thought together. “The seed. It doesn’t taste…” The words died as she leaned down and licked his stomach.
“I like it.”
Dear Lord. He was never letting this woman go.
She slid up his body, curling into his side. “You were right. I am exhausted.”
Grabbing the blankets, he covered them up. “Then let’s sleep. We’ve a big day tomorrow.”
She burrowed in deeper to him. “We do.” Then she let out a sigh. “But even if this was just tonight. It was perfect, Callum. Thank you.”
He didn’t respond as he looked over at her. Did that mean something? Surely, she was just saying thanks. But he wrapped her tighter in his arms. Somehow, he had that unsettled feeling that something was about to go wrong.
Diana woke the next morning in bed alone. She sat up, pulling the covers about her, as she nibbled her lip. Where was Callum? Searching about, she noticed a slip of paper on her pillow.
* * *
Diana,
* * *
I’ll see you at half past three. I’ve sent a formal invitation to your parents. Don’t be late, my love.
* * *
Callum
* * *
She read the note again. Why did he leave? Why didn’t he tell her why he’d left? Then she remembered. She was at the duke’s home. He likely hadn’t wanted to get caught. But then why not wake her?
She climbed from the bed and slipped her chemise back on, ringing for a bath. She tried not to let her thoughts run away with her.
She’d only expected one night. Granted, he had proposed, but she was not going to start doing that girly thing where she second-guessed every decision she’d made.
Still, as she soaked in the tub, doubts plagued her.
What if he’d changed his mind about the marriage? What if he’d lied about his intentions all together? Charles had.
But then she forced herself to stop.
Whatever else she knew, Callum had real feelings for her. He’d saved her from a bullet, for pity’s sake.
She drew in a deep breath. It was time to stop hiding. That wasn’t who she was. Funny, she’d never realized that she used her own strength as a shield.
Climbing from the bath, she dressed and made her way downstairs to breakfast.
Minnie sat at the table alone. “What are you doing here?” she asked, sliding into the seat next to her cousin. “Married women dine in bed.”
“Not today they don’t.” Minnie looked out the window, her eyes puffy. “I couldn’t be in my room any longer.”
“Minnie.” She reached for her cousin’s hand.
Minnie clasped Diana’s fingers. “I know Harry isn’t his and if he were, I’d take the boy in. It’s the secret that hurts.”
Diana nodded. “I understand. But try to see it from his perspective. If he was fairly certain that Harry wasn’t his, why upset you?”
“Is that how we’re viewing it?” Emily asked as she walked in and sat next to her sister. Then she dropped her head in her hands. “I’ve made a terrible mistake marrying Jack, haven’t I?”
Diana drew in a breath. “I don’t think so.”
Emily lifted her head. “Truly? You’ve witnessed the last month, haven’t you?”
Diana reached her other hand out to Emily. “He loves you and you love him.”
Emily shook her head. “I was so wanton. Allowing him liberties. That caused our elopement, aided this mess with Lady Abernath. Exposed secrets and lies…”
Diana’s mouth twisted. What if she had just made the same mistake by letting her desire for Exile cloud her judgment? “We are all weak sometimes.”
“Not you,” Minnie shook her head. “Diana, you are our rock.”
Her insides quaked. “I shouldn’t be. I’ve been wanton too. And not with a man who intended to marry me.”
Emily sucked in her breath. “Exile?”
Diana shook her head, her chin tucking into her chest as her hands shook. “No. Before that.”
“Wait,” Minnie asked. “Before what?”
A flush of heat rose up Diana’s face. “Never mind.” She wasn’t sure she could bear the shame.
Emily began rhythmically patting her hand. “What happened, Diana?”
She swallowed down the lump that had clogged her throat. “I gave my maidenhood to Charles.”
“Oh, Diana,” Minnie moaned softly. “You poor thing.”
Emily wrapped her arms about her. “I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you tell us? You must have been so frightened.”
A silly tear threatened to run down her cheek. “You had your own worries and I…I was ashamed. I thought it made me less of a person.”
“It doesn’t,” Emily insisted. “Don’t ever think that.”
Diana nodded. “Can I just say that Jack and Tag’s mistakes don’t make them less either.”
Emily let go of her neck while Minnie squeezed her fingers all the harder. “I know you’re right. But I’m still angry.”
Emily dipped her chin. “I’m not certain in my case you are correct. I’ve caught Jack in a few lies now and—”
Diana held up her hand. “All the lies begin with his relationship with Lady Abernath and it’s because he’s ashamed. Trust me. It’s something I understand.”
“What about the club? He lied about that?” Emily sat straighter.
Diana patted her sister’s hand. “Because Lady Abernath left him with a monstrous debt that he was trying to repay to marry you.”
Emily chewed her lip. “Even if you’re right, he should spend some time thinking about what he’s done.”
Diana looked at Minnie, who was smiling softly too. “Make sure he grovels when you do forgive him.”
“Same to you,” Emily whispered as Daring appeared in the door. His face was ashen and his hair a mess.
Minnie stood. “I’m still angry.”
“I know.” His eyes travelled to Diana. “But I am hoping we can make amends before half past three today?”
Minnie crossed her arms over her chest. “That’s being rather specific.”
Diana’s heart jumped in her chest. “He invited you.”
“What?” Emily asked. “What did he invite whom to?”
Daring lifted a piece of paper he was holding in his hand. “Exile is proposing to Diana today and we’re all invited.”
He hadn’t been lying after all. Her eyes drifted closed. Half past three could not arrive soon enough.
Chapter Eighteen
Exile looked at the clock for the fourth time in the past two minutes. It was still half past three. Why hadn’t they arrived yet?
Then he shook his head. Because they’d arrive fashionably late and not on time.
He stood then, intent upon doing something to pass the time when the butler appeared in the doorway. “My lord, a lady is here to see you.”
Diana. “Send her in,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back. He’d left in the wee hours of the morning, not wanting to be caught. But he’d missed her all day.