Page 14 of Don’t Wake a Sleeping Lyon (The Lyon’s Den Connected)

A lfred thought she’d rejected him when her mien became stony at his confession. His Jewish heritage had never been of too much importance during brief encounters that weren’t meant to last. The women he’d met never came to his home, nor seen his family. Most of his conquests were fleeting. In a way, it had felt like a sport.

During his studies, he’d been able to clear his mind with willing Scots, lush redheads of whom his mother would never approve. But he’d always been careful and his encounters were without consequence. In fact, he’d studied the female body with a nearly scientific interest in their desires and how to give women satisfaction. He’d made them come again and again because he learned exactly what women needed.

Yet, he’d never quite gotten the satisfaction he expected. He’d been physically satisfied but it had been emotionally meaningless and empty. None of the other women had mattered. And now that the beauty gawking at him mattered, now that perfection was within reach, he couldn’t hold on. When had his life turned into a farce? There had never been the tingling desire to possess he felt with Ada as if his heart had discovered its true purpose. Alfred couldn’t find the path to the girl standing right before him. She was closer than ever, in his home, and yet farther than he could imagine.

“I thought I’d bed you tonight. I thought it would be easy,” he confessed.

“Me too.”

Ada sank onto the armchair that he was resting against, his legs crossed in a defensive stance. He looked down into those gorgeous dark-rimmed eyes and she batted her long lashes. “I hoped you would.”

“Why?” He couldn’t hide his surprise. “It’s not proper.”

She puffed indignantly. “Do you think I’d want to give myself to someone Aunt Bessie chooses? She said whoever she chooses would be either old or stupid.”

“I was a better choice because I’m neither?”

He twisted her words hoping a fight would soothe his breaking heart. That was what he felt, wasn’t it? A new and dreadful emotion. He’d found the most unlikely love, and he was going to lose her before he ever laid claim. He needed to gouge that love out of his heart before it broke him.

“No, you are the better choice because I wanted to make love. At least one time, with a man of my choosing, a man that I…” She trailed off.” Sorrow shook her voice.

“W-what did you say?” He bent and put his hands on either armrest, pinning her to the armchair. She leaned back a little but didn’t seem to withdraw, maybe in an attempt to hide the truth, probably to protect herself.

“It makes little sense. I know it doesn’t. But somehow my heart slipped today, and I think I gave it to you unbeknownst.” She gathered her hair that came undone and assumed her placid poker face. He’d fallen for her as well, only yesterday.

“It doesn’t make any sense… that is. I… I…”

He didn’t need to say more. She understood and pressed her mouth to his.

His body tightened. Their mouths opened to one another, and Alfred felt his soul surrender. If he went any farther, he’d completely lose himself. The connection he had with Ada overwhelmed him. He needed her like he needed life. After diving into the dark arrangement that Mrs. Dove-Lyon was planning for him, he’d have his office on Harley Street, but it meant losing Ada.

Except, right now, he had her.

Alfred broke their kiss. “Ada, I can only give you a few days.”

She answered with a nearly imperceptible nod of assent. With both hands, she pulled his head down. When he almost tumbled onto her lap, Alfred laughed. The women usually fell into his lap. Ada was different. Stronger, smarter, and more beautiful than anyone he’d ever be lucky enough to know.

Wasn’t this night like gambling? A lucky win today followed by a loss tomorrow? Or in twelve days? No matter.

Alfred slid both hands under Ada’s bottom. She shrieked as he lifted her and carried her into the hallway.

“I’m taking you upstairs.”