“This is highly un—” her voice tapered off at the raise of his brow.
“Fine.” She stumbled over to the bed and fell onto it with a sigh. “I am too exhausted to argue with you.”
“Good.” He approached the bed. “Scoot over.”
She did as she was told, and Deerhurst settled in beside her. He turned to his side to stare at her.
“Puck usually sleeps on that spot,” she remarked.
“Puck’s not here.” He was over at his house.
She gave a soft snort. “That cat is never where he is supposed to be.”
“Just like his mistress.”
She rolled over to her side, mimicking his pose. “We are breaking all the rules, aren’t we?”
“We are.” He reached out to touch her cheek. “You are an adorable rule breaker.”
“Oh?”
“One I have trouble staying away from.”
“I shouldn’t be so pleased at that remark.” She smiled. “But I am.”
“You shouldn’t.”
She suddenly laughed.
“What is so amusing? Are you laughing at me?” Deerhurst asked. His gaze narrowed. “I suppose that is better than gawking at me speechless upon hearing my confession.”
“Your confession is not as shocking as sharing my bed. And I believe I kissed you tonight. You ought to be the one speechless.”
“I was. But I’m more speechless at my own actions than yours.”
Her brows puckered. “Because you hit that man? Are you mad at me?”
“Furious.”
“I am terrible, right?”
“The absolute worst.”
Her lips lifted at the corners. “Do you ever spare a lady her pride?”
“I suppose not. I must do my utmost best to repair it.”
“How ever shall you do that?”
He leaned over to brush his lips against hers before he slowly pulled back. “How was that?”
“My pride still feels a bit bruised.”
He kissed her again. “How about now?”
“Better.”
He chuckled and settled back into the mattress. “Sleep, love, I will watch over you tonight.”
