Abruptly, Carlisle broke the kiss, gulping in air and fastening his eyes on hers. His irises were almost green in this light. “You will hate me for this tomorrow,” he said. “And I have no excuse for my behavior.”
“No.” Katie shook her head. Why would she hate him for this? Kissing him, being this close to him, was everything. She never wanted this moment to end.
“You wanted to distract me.” He nudged her head to the side and kissed the delicate skin of her throat, just below her jaw.
Katie took in a shaky breath. Her entire body was quivering.
“You succeeded.” Another kiss. This time he teased her with the barest flick of his tongue. His mouth slid to her ear, and for a moment, he hovered there. “But you’ve awakened another need in me. This one might be even more…” His lips brushed against her earlobe, making her squirm. “Wicked.”
Katie turned her head to take his mouth, but he evaded her lips while still keeping temptingly close to her. “More wicked than gambling?” she whispered.
“By some accounts, yes. This vice doesn’t only involve me, but I’ll take you to hell with me too.”
“Hell doesn’t seem so terrifying in your arms.”
“And yet I am loath to be the one who corrupts you.”
Katie grabbed his face between her hands. “And what if I want to be corrupted? What if all I can think about in this moment is kissing you and having your hands on me?”
“That’s what I want too,” he replied. “But not here. Not like this. We came to Dunwich with a purpose. I forgot myself for a moment.” His hand on her bottom slid away, and he gently lowered her to the ground, setting her on her feet, then stepping away to straighten his clothing. “I apologize.”
Katie didn’t want apologies. She didn’t want to resume the search for Gillett, either. But Carlisle was right. They couldn’t continue as they had been. Anyone might have walked into the yard of the Bear and Boar and seen them.
“You should probably…” He gestured vaguely toward her, and Katie realized she probably looked rumpled and like she’d been doing exactly what she’d been doing. She straightened her skirts and bodice, then smoothed her hair.
“Better?” she asked.
His gaze lingered on her. “Beautiful,” he said.
Katie rolled her eyes. “I don’t need empty compliments,” she said, and started back for the street in front of the Bear and Boar where the horse was tethered.
Carlisle was right behind her. “I’ve been accused of many things,” he said, his stride matching hers. “Never empty compliments. You are beautiful.”
“My looking glass says otherwise.”
“Because of your birthmark?” He sniffed as though it were a small thing. “How does that mar the shape of your lips, the curve of your cheek, the tilt of your eyes?”
Katie stumbled. Carlisle caught her arm, and she glanced at him. “Don’t tease me.”
“I’m not teasing. This way.” He steered her away from the Bear and Boar. “Gillett is not inside. Let’s try the Wolf and Lion.”
He led her across the street and to the steps of the second inn. Before they could ascend, she turned to him. “Should I go inside alone? There might be…” She didn’t want to say it, as though the mere mention of cards or dice might set him off again, might bring back that fervent look in his eyes.
“I’m fine now,” he said. “Really. You brought me back to myself.” He offered his arm, and she placed her hand on it. As though it had been waiting for this moment, the door opened, and the man Katie assumed must be the proprietor stepped out.
“Your Grace! Welcome. Welcome. I have the best brandy set aside for you. And perhaps a glass of ratafia for the lady? Or tea?”
“Mr. Pointer?”
Katie heard the question in Carlisle’s tone, but she wasn’t certain she would have noted it if she didn’t know him well. His tone was in keeping with other dukes who tended to make more demands than queries. It was almost as though he demanded the man’s namebePointer.
The innkeeper smiled with obvious delight. “Yes, Your Grace. You remembered. I saw you stepped into my cousin’s establishment.Thisis the Pointer establishment where you want to be, I can assure you.”
“We’re looking for someone, Mr. Pointer,” Katie said, coming to the heart of the matter. She did not want to risk mention of another game of chance.
“Found someone, I’d say,” Pointer joked with a hearty laugh. Katie gave a weak smile. He cleared his throat. “Er, if I know the gentleman or lady, I’d be happy to point—ha ha,point—you in the right direction.”
She gave him a wan smile. “We seek Mr. Gillett, the steward for Carlisle Hall. Is he inside?”
