Page 27 of Brazen Rogue
"Now, let us look at letters next," Reign said, turning to her chalkboard as she wrote down the alphabet. "Can you write these down for me?" she asked Lady Alice and took a relieved breath when the little girl dropped the odd conversation.
"Ah, here you both are," Lord Lupton-Gage said from the doorway, smiling at his daughter as she yelped at the sight of him before running in his direction and hugging his legs.
Bellamy winked and grinned at Reign, and pleasure flooded her. She wished she, too, could run up to him and hold him as his daughter was free to do.
"What are we learning this morning?" he asked, picking up his daughter, who started to list off all the lessons they had learned so far. Reign packed up the school room, readying the space for the little girl's lunch.
"I know Mrs. Watkins has your lunch in the nursery today if you've finished your lessons?" he asked, glancing at Reign.
She nodded. "We have, for now."
The little girl wiggled to get down and, without another word, ran down the hall toward the nursery.
His lordship stood in the doorway, watching her, his eyes heavy with determination, and she shivered, wondering what was going on in that handsome head of his.
He glanced out into the passageway and then entered the room, closing the door behind him.
The moment the door clicked shut, Reign dashed into his arms. Their mouths clashed, his hands everywhere. Her body burned with a need that surpassed all logical thought. They were in the school room. Anyone, staff and Lord and Lady Chilsten alike, could come across them at any moment, but she did not care.
She wanted his hands on her, to touch her, to make her feel alive after so long of feeling nothing at all.
For years she had led the life of the spinster Miss Hall who had suffered a failed Season. The town of Grafton knew it, and no doubt London as well.
To be here now, in Bellamy's arms, was a gift she could not refuse, as much as she should.
His hands slipped about her waist, and he turned her, pressing her against the door. His manhood pressed against her through her gown, and warmth pooled at her core.
"I want you so much, Reign," he murmured against her lips, watching her as he pressed harder against her sex. A delicious sensation thrummed through her, and she clutched at his shoulders, wanting him too.
"Yes," she breathed. "When can we be alone again?" she asked.
He kissed her, deep and long, his hungry mouth taking hers in a way that left her breathless, if not witless. "Tonight. I shall dismiss Chambers early and ensure the staff does not loiter upstairs. Come to my room," he said, kissing her nose and gifting her with a mischievous grin before he stepped back.
The moment he parted from her, she missed his heat, his very presence. She wanted to reach out and pull him to her again, but did not. "I will," she said.
Reign stepped out of the way, moving back to where the chalkboards were as his lordship opened the door. The moment he did, Mrs. Watkins was standing on the other side, her eyes wide at the sight of them standing in the room.
Alone ...
Reign schooled her features, not wanting the housekeeper to hate her any more than she already did, and nor did she need her to think something was between her and Lord Lupton-Gage. Her working life would be harder again if she did.
"Mrs. Watkins," his lordship stated, moving out into the passage. "Were you looking for me? Miss Hall and I have just been discussing Alice's learning." He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down on the older woman, whose displeased visage was clear to read to both of them.
"Lady Alice would like you to join her, my lord. I said I would come and ask." She threw a displeased glare in Reign's direction.
"Very well, I shall go directly," he said, glancing back at Reign. "Good afternoon, Miss Hall."
Reign dipped into a curtsy. "Good day, my lord," she said before his clipped footsteps echoed down the hall.
No sooner was he gone did Mrs. Watkins round on her. "I do not know what game you're playing, Miss Hall, but this one is not for you. His lordship cannot marry you and would not even if he could. You must, for your own reputation, stop whatever madness I came across today."
For several moments Reign could not speak. Never had she been confronted so pointedly before in her life. And while she admired the older woman for her gumption, she was already too late for the warning.
She knew the risks she took and that his lordship would not marry her to protect his daughter from any more scandal. And while such truths hurt, they were not enough to scare her away from clutching the smallest amount of happiness she could while she was here.
"As his lordship stated, we were merely discussing Lady Alice's schooling. I do not appreciate your accusation, Mrs. Watkins. I thought better of you," she said, hoping her cool response would take the older woman off guard.
It did not.
