A Little More Scandal by Carrie Lofty

rest of the humanity with roving suspicion, he looked upon her with a clarity of vision that was nearly alarming.
    Nearly. Because for the most part, when William watched her that way, she wanted more.
    The carriage slowed, then jerked to a soft stop. He kissed her cheeks. Her heart flew apart at that tenderness from such a gruff man. “We’ve arrived. But I’ll take you to Lady Julia’s, if you want. Or even back to your family in Wales.”
    Catrin leaned her cheek into his hand. He inhaled through his nostrils, appearing the perfect balance of animal and gentleman. Rough and tender. Rugged, yet willing to wipe away her tears. After sharing such an intimate confession, she set aside any lingering question as to what William would do with her secret.
    “No, I’m going home with you.”

Twelve
    William carried her through the front door and up the wide staircase toward his bedroom, just as he’d carried her through the Duchess of Marsden’s ballroom. There would be no stemming the tide of talk now. What had been a business concern was now a matter of honor—as if laying her back against his desk hadn’t been damning enough. That memory only reminded him of how little honor he possessed. Susannah had realized to her horror what sort of man she married, while Georgette . . .
    No matter his physical strength, he could not stand tall against those memories. At the top of the stairs, he touched Catrin’s feet to the ground and led her into his bedroom, where he lit a single taper. She balanced against the closed door. In her eyes blazed the promise of lovers’ secrets and sighs. Deeper still, he saw the promise of two futures coming together. William didn’t dare believe himself worthy; he simply wanted to be the protection she craved.
    But he could not do that if there stood the possibility of breaking her heart.
    The servants were abed. He could do with Catrin what he wanted. The rush of power he always got from being so strong, so intimidating, never came. He was left feeling childish and nauseated by how callous he had become.
    Heat sizzled from his neck to his cheekbones. When had he last felt embarrassment? Those few incidents blazed like lightning strikes among his memories. He was ashamed of the night when making love to Susannah had brought about her suggestion that he take a mistress, should he wish to continue rutting like a stag. He was ashamed of leaving Georgette, having known that offering for her would’ve ensured social and financial suicide.
    And he was heartily ashamed that he hadn’t seen his son in three months.
    He’d brought that loss on himself.
    Catrin was a painful woman to know. So direct, so vital, her very spirit prevented him from denying his selfishness and fear. He would forever consider himself a coward if he refused her a place in his life.
    “You owe me a secret, William.”
    He drew her away from the door. “I do.”
    “Help me, first.” She began to unfasten the buttons and ties that kept her clothed. “Close that beautiful mouth, William. I’m in earnest.”
    Captain of industry? Hardly. He was hers to command.
    When the gown fell to the floor, Catrin stepped clear of puddled muslin. With a few more deft movements, she stood wearing only her drawers and shift. She unpinned sunny brown hair, which fell as gleaming strands to frame her face. Soft candlelight cast deep, tormenting shadows between her small breasts. Her stomach was a gentle hollow. The hint of a dark triangle between her legs quickened William’s breath.
    As if she belonged there, she opened the bed curtains and pulled back the quilt. The scared young woman who’d cried and clung to him in the carriage was gone now. Pain and fear might always haunt her, but for the evening, it had been purged.
    For all her boldness, the smile she tossed over her shoulder was brief, shy, hopeful.
    Did she carry some hesitation that he would not follow her to bed? Perhaps. He’d handled her generosity and openness so