Regency Rogues: Stolen Sins. Julia Justiss

excellent lady’s maid; Maggie refused to let herself speculate how he’d become so skilled.

      Once she was dressed, he took one hand and kissed it. ‘Will the servants gossip?’

      ‘I don’t think so. They’ve all of them been with me a long time, and I like to think they are fond of me. Besides, if it comes to it, I’m a woman of age with my own household. I’m not accountable to anyone for my conduct.’

      ‘I’d prefer there weren’t any salacious talk, though.’

      ‘No, I wouldn’t imagine that titterings about a tryst with a woman from the wrong party would help the image of—’

      ‘I don’t care about me!’ he interrupted. ‘But I should definitely take exception if anyone were to malign your reputation.’

      ‘Thank you, that is kind.’ The euphoria was slipping away, and much as she didn’t want it to end, she had to ask. ‘Will I…be seeing you again?’

      His expression turned incredulous. ‘Did you truly think one time would be enough?’

      His reassurance delighted her much more than it should. ‘I didn’t know. As I told you, I’ve never done this before. I didn’t know whether, once the…novelty was over, you would want to…continue.’

      He shook his head disbelievingly. ‘I cannot wait to touch you again. When can I return?’

      She laughed. ‘I don’t know. I’ll have to check my schedule, as I imagine you will need to consult yours. Truly, I didn’t plan for this to happen today.’

      ‘I heartily approve of your spontaneous idea.’

      ‘Not totally spontaneous. Following through on the desire was, perhaps. But I’d been thinking about it for a long time—probably from the first moment I met you. I tried to talk myself into being prudent and responsible, but every time I see you, prudence and responsibility seem to fly out the window—and in flies this great, fierce bird of need that grips me in its claws and won’t let go.’

      He leaned over to kiss her again. ‘Here’s to great, fierce birds. I hope you keep a whole flock of them.’

      She shook her head. ‘You must think me absurd.’

      He cupped her face in his hands. ‘I think you delightful. Whimsical. Fascinating. The most glorious lover who has ever touched me. But now I must go. Do check your schedule and send me a note. Number Six, Albany. And make it soon.’

      ‘Number Six, Albany,’ she repeated.

      He pulled her to him and gave her one last kiss, deep, cherishing, possessive, powerful. ‘Oh, yes—soon!’ she said, and let him go.