Page 87 of The Bewitching Miss Blair
‘We don’t question yer willingness to fight for the lass, Thomas. I’ve shared a battlefield with you, and I’ve met few men as fierce and determined as yerself.’ Lachlan raised his snifter of whisky to his friend in a toast. But Thomas couldn’t return his friend’s gesture. Not until they understood exactly what he was offering, and what he could never provide.
‘You must understand, while I would give Clio everything I have, there are certain things I cannot.’ He held Rowan’s gaze. Clio loved him despite knowing they could never create children together. Her willingness to accept him was like a healing balm spread over his soul, but still the scar tissue pulled. ‘You told me that you cannot fix what is broken within me. So, you may already know that I will never be able to provide Clio with a family.’ He didn’t miss Lachlan’s sharp exclamation at his revelation, but he couldn’t look at his oldest friend. Not until this was settled. ‘If that is a problem for you, it is something you should come to terms with now. Because I won’t give her up, Rowan. No matter how you might protest our union.’
Rowan’s smile showed off a slightly crooked incisor. ‘I told you that I could not heal you because you were not broken. What is meant for you can never be taken, Grey. And I believe Clio is meant for you. Together, you will create a family that is also meant for you, no matter what that might look like, or how it might come about.’
As if her aunt’s words conjured her from thin air, Clio pushed open the door and breezed into the room, Sir Robin perched nimbly on her shoulder. She was closely followed by her sister and her cousin.
Clio was a vision in sea-foam green with a bold, black checkerboard pattern pressed onto her skirts. She wore a fitted vest in black with green squares in an oppositional reflection of her skirt. A crisp white shirt and high collar completed her ensemble. Thomas wished for nothing more than to unbutton her and reveal the woman beneath. But now was hardly the time for such lascivious thoughts.
‘So, it is decided? I think a summer wedding would be best, don’t you?’ She held her aunt’s gaze as she stood next to Thomas, her hand resting gently on his shoulder. Dear God, was it possible to love someone so deeply, you forgot to breathe?
‘Three months to plan a wedding?’ Rowan seemed scandalised, which was a feat Thomas never expected to witness. Then she raised an elegant shoulder in a shrug. ‘You have decided, and that is really all that matters.’ Rowan’s sharp tone caused the palm in the corner to begin shivering once more. ‘But I suppose summer is always a lovely time for a wedding.’ Her expression softened and Thomas didn’t miss the slight flush painted over Lachlan’s high cheekbones.
‘I can’t believe you found your spirit match.’ Ellie’s blue eyes were bright with joy for her sister. The two women could not be more opposite, but Thomas appreciated her guilelessness. He wasn’t just gaining Clio in this union; Ellie had welcomed him into their family, and he would forever be grateful for her easy acceptance.
‘I can’t believe you haven’t burned each other to a crisp yet.’ Helena stroked the fox who sat at her feet.
He was still working on Helena.
‘I think Sir Robin would appreciate some fresh air. Thomas, would you accompany me outside?’ Clio’s heavily lidded gaze had Thomas thinking of all the delicious ways he could use his cravatand whether or not there were any sturdy benches tucked away in hidden alcoves of Clio’s back garden.
‘I would be honoured, my lady.’
They excused themselves and as they walked down the hall, Clio pulled a letter from her pocket. ‘I received correspondence from Violet.’
Thomas tried to keep his eyes level with her own and not let them dip down to the enticing V of her open collar. ‘Are she and Anna well and readying for their trip to America?’
‘They are. Anna’s health is vastly improved, and Violet is excited to start a new life for them both in New York.’
Clio led Thomas through the house to the dining room. The French doors opened onto a small terrace that led down to the gardens. Winter still held London in its thrall, but a bright sun touched her face with fragile warmth.
Thomas allowed himself a moment to watch the woman who would soon become his bride. Her black hair shone nearly blue, pale cheeks brightening in the cold air. She was stunning. But more than that, she was a beacon of goodness in a world seemingly full of ugliness and evil. Taking her arm, they walked together down the stairs and onto the garden path.
Clio stopped by a stone bench tucked behind a rather large elm tree. Sir Robin hopped from her shoulder to a branch of the tree. ‘Imagine if the doctor Violet hired hadn’t discovered the true reason for Anna’s illness. No wonder Arthur tried to accuse Violet of having an affair. I’m sure he wanted the man to stay well away from poor Anna. And if he had, the viscount’s plan would have come to fruition. Violet would never have taken the poison and used it against her husband. He would still be alive, and we would never have met.’
Thomas stepped closer, backing Clio up to the tree and puttinga hand on the ancient bark, leaning closer, needing to feel her heat, let it seep through his clothes and warm his heart.
‘Do you think we are evil? For letting Violet get away with murder?’ He ran his nose along her cheek, inhaling her into his lungs.
‘I think what you said was true. She held a man accountable for unspeakable crimes. There is a certain poetic justice to it all.’ Clio tilted her head, giving Thomas access to the delicate column of her throat.
Thomas pressed an open-mouth kiss to her fragrant skin, sucking hard enough to make Clio moan. ‘I think we are done discussing this case.’
‘Is that a command?’ Desire flared in Clio’s amber gaze.
He circled both of her wrists, lifting them over her head and pinning her against the smooth bark. ‘Do you wish it to be?’
‘Yes.’
One word, and he was instantly hard.
‘My wicked witch.’
‘My darling fiancé.’ Clio leaned forward, nipping his jaw as sparks crackled between them.
‘Bastard,’ Sir Robin cooed in the branches above their heads.
