Page 47 of Single Desire
“And rather smelly, too.” She grimaced.
“It’s become a city of industry. The shipyards have brought both wealth and pollution. It’s much like Edinburgh, in that there is an Old City and New City. I must say, I prefer Edinburgh. Now there’s a city to take your breath away.Edinburgh Castle stands guard high over the Firth of Forth. It’s quite a sight to behold.”
“I wish I could visit there, then.”
“I’m sure you shall. And London, too.”
Maura was well aware she wouldn’t visit either. As soon as she had the Circle of Light in hand, she and Murdoch would be off to Ireland and Castle McDonough.
When they arrived at the hotel, the doorman greeted Alec. “Your grace! Lovely to have you as a guest again.”
“Thank you, David. And this time I’ve brought my wife.”
“Then may I congratulate you both!” The doorman bowed low over the hand she extended. “Your grace, I hope your stay is a pleasant one.”
They were shown upstairs to a grand suite. It was immense, with lavish, textured walls and billowing brocade draperies. A sitting room adjoined the bedchamber, where three steps led up to a wide four-poster and tester.
“I hope the room is to your liking, your grace.”
Maura felt herself grow tense.
“I’m sure it will be, Edward.”
The door closed.
Alec turned, glancing over to where his wife stood near a small side table. Her bonnet dangled from her fingertips. Hershoulders were stiff and square. He was well aware that she was on the defensive.
“Perhaps, your grace,” he said to her, “a better question would be whether or not the room is to your liking.”
Maura turned. “This is my room?”
“Indeed it is.”
“And yours?” she queried.
Alec inclined his head, aware of the two lines of worry that gathered between piquant black brows. “I believe the bed is more than large enough for the two of us.”
Their eyes locked. Hers flitted away, then skidded back to his. Her chin went up a notch. “Is the hotel filled to capacity, then?”
He shrugged. “I’ve no idea.”
“Then perhaps another room may be secured.”
She masked her anxious panic well. Alec, in turn, was both annoyed and angry. He held it at bay.
“Why? It’s not the first time we’ve slept in the same bed. Not even a fortnight has passed since you were quite eager to share my bed. Of course, now that you are my duchess, that zeal does seem to have passed.”
There was a protracted silence. Maura said nothing.
“I am known here at this hotel, Irish. I won’t have it bandied about that my wife and I are on such terms that she must have her own room.” A slight edge crept into his tone. “We may not sleep together at Gleneden”—not yet, he thought—“but we will tonight.”
Maura took a breath. “I thought it was understood. You wanted my company, nothing else.”
“As you reminded me our first night at Gleneden, I’ve already seen to the plucking of the fruit. Why, then, are you so ill at ease? I am fully capable of keeping my desire under restraint.”
Maura gritted her teeth. Damn his persistence. Damn his arrogance!
“I do, however, continue to wonder where my bold, amorous pirate has disappeared—and when she will reappear.”
