“Tea, Anderson,” Florentia commanded as she glided into the drawing room.
“Thank you, Anderson.”Tavish added for her.
The butler stilled before quickly recovering.“You’re welcome, Your Grace.”
Florentia sat on the uncomfortable-looking chaise lounge in the corner of the large drawing room.“I find it comical thatyou’recorrecting my behavior.”She stretched her long limbs out.
He realized in that moment that Summerset House was her home.She was comfortable there, relaxed, happy.
He was the visitor, not her.
Tavish walked to the sideboard, smiling when he noticed that all the vile brandy had been replaced with fine Irish whiskey from his da’s stock at O’Brien’s.
Needing something to quench the wild need beating through him, he poured a hefty glass, before walking to sit across from the alluring woman.
“I may be an Irish brute, but you’re rude.”He leaned back and unbuttoned his coat jacket.It was bloody hot.“I find that worse than being uncivilized.”
She laughed at him, the sound deep and sultry like her voice.“You’re ridiculous.It’s not being rude when addressing servants.”
“Aye it is,” he said, hearing a bit of his Irish accent filter through.“My ma always says,A good word never broke a tooth.”
It was something she’d often reminded him and his brothers of whenever they’d spit insults at each other.
“If I have to hear an Irish saying every time we’re together, I shall puncture my ears,” she said, taking one of the books she had purchased out of her reticule.
“It’ll be a shame to harm such pretty little ears.”He winked at her, before he took another gulp of whiskey.
The usually calming drink did nothing for Tavish.His body was taut with frustration, desperate for release.He’d have to use his hand on himself, something he didn’t do regularly.Why would he, when there was always a willing female to please him?
“Stop it,” she demanded, side-eyeing him suspiciously.
“Stop what?”he asked, knowing perfectly well what she wanted.
“Flirting with me.I’m not one of those eager ladies dying for a bit of rough.”She opened the book, her fingers caressing the pages like it was a lover, not an object.
He barked out a laugh.“I thought all ladies were in need of a bit of rough.”Placing his glass down on the table, he braced his arm on his knees.“I’ll wager your dalliance with the footman left you wanting.”
She began reading her book.“You’re a disgusting brute of a man.”
“Aye.”He agreed with her, noticing the tightening at her bosom, her nipples piercing the delicate fabric of her pale-yellow dress.“I want to make a deal with you.”
She stilled all movement, like he’d said something completely offensive to her.It was laughable considering all the flirtatious remarks he’d made.
“What type of deal?”she finally said, not taking her attention away from the book in her hand.
Damn him for wanting her, but from the moment he’d walked into that blasted bathing chamber, she was all he could think of.Even his visit with his family was clouded by the memory of her lithe little body dripping wet.
“Are you ready for me to leave?”her voice wavered, but there was no outward proof that she was distressed over the thought of leaving her home.“I believe your brother said you would give me a fortnight to find other accommodations.”
Fecking Declan.
Tavish shook his head.“Feck what my brother said.I want you to stay at Summerset House.”
“Stay?”She dropped the book into her lap and sat up.“Here with you…alone?”Her deep sultry voice was filled with trepidation.
He could understand her reluctance to trust him.It had only been a day after all, yet Tavish felt like he’d known her his entire life.
It was madness.
