His Lady Mistress

152 His Lady Mistressmore than his unexpected appearance to tie her in knotslike that.And now she lay relaxed, soft and yielding in his arms, asshe had the night he had unwittingly taken her innocence.Memory was a fire in his blood, the flames licking at theedges of his self-control. He should release her, step backfrom the edge. His decision had been made before the wedding.She nestled a little closer, her cheek shifting against hischest. Through his coat, waistcoat and fine linen shirt, theunconscious caress seared him like a brand.‘I hope your neck feels better now, madam.’She stared up at him and for a moment he saw the shockin her face. ‘M...Max?’ No more than a whisper, shaken,uncertain. A small hand lifted.He rose and stepped back, inclining his head politely.The hand dropped into her lap and she turned away, pickingup her crayons.‘Ah, you found your crayons. I asked Mrs Henty to returnthem to your room.’‘Oh. Did you? Thank you, my lord. Is there something Ican do for you, or am I in your way here?’‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘You will disturb no one out here, butI should point out that this is Richard’s home, as well asmine. He does not appreciate intrusions on his privacy, anymore than I do. Perhaps you might find somewhere else tosketch other than the library?’He had spoken gently enough, but the box of crayonsslipped from her hold. Automatically she bent down to pickit up. What had he said? Intrusion on his privacy? Richard’shome, as well as mine. Max and Richard’s home. Not hers.When had she last had a home? Not since...not since hermother died had she felt that she had a home. A place whereshe felt safe and wanted. Loved. A home was more thansafety. To feel at home you had to be wanted. Part of thefamily. Not a resented responsibility.