Page 16 of Murder in Disguise (Mary and Bright #5)

Would she ever not need to worry about her husband?

Mary put her palms against Bright’s chest and held him a bit away from her as she stared up into his poor face that was now bruising on the left cheek.

“Are you quite certain you are well enough to do this?” Her voice had taken on a breathless quality, for she couldn’t breathe when in his company, especially when he was in a carnal mood, couldn’t think clearly when presented with how handsome he was, even after being beaten in a fight on the street.

“Nothing could keep me from getting you into bed.”

“But your bruises…”

“You are the only balm I need, sweeting.” He shed his cuffs and collar with his waistcoat following soon after. The garments fell indiscriminately to the Aubusson carpet to blend with the shades of purple.

“Such gammon, but sweet anyway.” Her throat had suddenly gone dry, for there was something wicked about watching a man undress, especially this one.

Never would she have enough of seeing his body.

Even though they’d just passed their first wedding anniversary, the way she desired him, the way she lusted after his form never failed to surprise her.

Should she be shocked at her age with how much she enjoyed being with her husband in this way?

I think in this, society dragons can go hang. Clearly, they need bedded more often by their own husbands.

“All truth. In fact, this afternoon brought home exactly how much I need you by my side. When I find myself in trouble, I’d rather you were there.”

“In danger?”

“No, to help me fend it off. Also, when you are there, perhaps I won’t fall into trouble that often.

You are more diplomatic than I.” He toed off his boots, hopped on one foot at a time while yanking at them.

They landed with dual thuds on the wooden floor.

When he met her gaze, he gave her the cheeky, special grin he reserved only for her.

Butterflies danced through her lower belly.

“God, I’m so happy to see you. That gown is lovely.

I adore that maroon shade. You dressed for tea already? ”

She nodded. “I was expecting you and Adelaide.” Heat infused her cheeks from his praise.

“I had hoped you might like the gown.” Though it was completely frivolous, Mary twirled for him, which reminded her of the times she’d done the same for him over the course of knowing him.

“I’m afraid I treated myself the last time I took Adelaide to the modiste. ”

A rumbling chuckle escaped him, and it tickled through her chest. “Sweeting, you are allowed to buy whatever you wish. I might not have my brother’s wealth, but I’m no slouch with my income.

” As he spoke, he came toward her, his steps measured and precise like a jungle cat stalking its prey.

“The gown is as beautiful as you, but it’s a good thing we won’t be enjoying tea with Adelaide. ”

“Why is that?” Oh, but she knew .

“Because I’m about to separate you from it in a few moments. I haven’t had you naked in far too long.” The admiration and desire in his expression stood as testament to that.

“You’re such a rogue sometimes, Bright.” Gooseflesh popped on her skin.

There was a certain twinkle in his hazel eyes that promised carnal delights, and she was more than needful of that.

Noise from the adjoining room indicated that tea had been delivered.

Unfortunately, that lovely repast would need to wait. “But your injuries…”

“…can be tended to later.” He tugged her back into his arms.

“Mmm, how intriguing.” Was that purr in her voice actually her?

“I can’t wait to explore every inch of your gorgeous body.”

“Yet we shared a coupling last night after my nightmare.”

He snorted. “That was far too quick and in the dark. No chance of seeing your form.” Then he was before her, his sensuous lips parted with anticipation, but it was the love and need reflected in his eyes that made her fall more in love with him than she already was.

“You could have lit a candle.”

“But by then I was already deeply buried in your sweet heat. Why would I want to pause?” He winked, and a blush burned through her cheeks.

When she assumed he’d kiss her with wild passion, he merely worked the laces at the back of her gown.

“The trouble with this case is the lack of clues, but they must be somewhere. I rather doubt this killer is a master criminal.”

“Why not?” Knots of worry pulled in her belly even though every pore in her body begged for his touch. “Some people are quite crafty.” Her gown dropped to the floor with a soft whisper, hastened even more so when he yanked on the fabric. Her inspector was quite impatient at times.

“Not this one. I’ll even go so far as to wager our killer is going slowly so as not to make a mistake, but it will happen. Mark my words.” He divested her of the petticoat, stays, and then her shift. “As temping and lovely as the first night I met you.”

Mary couldn’t help but snort. “I wasn’t naked at that time.”

“No, but I could have easily encouraged you into that state. We could have made use of one of the carriages.” He drew his knuckles along the side of her cheek. “Such a fortunate night that was.”

“And one I shall never forget.” It had changed her life in so many ways.

With him so close, she couldn’t think properly, and she didn’t want to besides.

She only wanted him. Needing something to do with her hands, she tugged his shirttails from the waist of his breeches.

Dots of blood marred the pristine lawn. “I doubt the laundress will be able to get out the stains.”

“Well, you know how I can’t keep shirts clean while on a case.

” He rested his hands on the curve of her hips.

The warmth he imparted both comforted and aroused, but before she could say anything else, he slid his palms up her sides, skimming her ribcage, which set off another round of butterflies in her belly. “Shall I employ my charm on her, then?”

One thing about Bright was his habit of mock-flirting with the female staff, especially to get his way…

or convince the cook to make his favorite dishes and pastries.

“Don’t bother. The last time Jameson spoke with your tailor, on my permission, he ordered an extra handful of shirts just for these occasions. ”

“Good thinking.”

“I thought so. Now, do you wish to continue talking about the case and other things?” She couldn’t help the delicious tingles twisting down her spine when he cupped her breasts.

“No, but I do enjoy talking to you.” With the pads of his thumbs, he teased her nipples into hard buds that sent pleasure zipping through her body to lodge between her thighs.

How was it that he could make her tremble and her knees weak simply by one touch?

“You and I are going to ramp up our investigation after this evening.”

“Oh?” She could hardly think let alone breathe with him so close and her body two seconds from surrendering to him.

“We are going out to interview as many people as we can find. If anyone so much as grinned at those missing girls, we’re going to track them down and speak with them, and I’m not opposed to taking a deeper look at the parents.

” He waggled his eyebrows as he looked at her.

“After all, I have the best partner by my side, and between the two of us, we are going to wrap up this case by the All Hallow’s Eve ball, so that Adelaide can feel like a princess. ”

Heat flooded her body, then his words sank in. “What?”

“Your niece is quite emotional right now. She wants the ball to go on, but she’s worried about whether or not we’ll solve the case.” He winked again. “There’s a young man she particularly wants to see that evening.”

“But I thought she wasn’t interested in boys!”

“Let her live her life, sweeting. She’s quite intelligent, and I have a feeling she won’t do anything serious until she speaks with us.

” Then he tugged her into his arms, and she nearly fainted as feelings of protection and security and love swirled around her.

“Did you know that I’m still quite besotted with you?

That my life has no meaning unless you are there?

” Gently, he kissed her, drank from her lips as if he wished to savor that time together.

“You have managed to give me everything I’ve ever wanted in this life, and I’m in awe of you.

” His eyes shone with emotion. “In the event I don’t say it as much as I should… thank you.”

“I know exactly what you mean.” Tears rose in her eyes.

Quickly, she blinked them back, for now was not the time to prove a watering pot.

“Though it’s a bit terrifying being a mother and being responsible for Adelaide just now with a killer on the loose, I know that all will be well, for you are here. And you will protect us all.”

“Absolutely.” He kissed her again, slowly and with more passion, and with a sigh, Mary melted into his embrace. She looped her arms about his shoulders and kissed him back, intent to lose herself in the feel and taste of him.

“Merciful heavens, how are you so potent, still?” It wasn’t enough to merely kiss him back.

She wanted to see all of him, explore his body at her leisure and remind herself that this man was hers, had made a life with her, had moved everything to give her whatever she wanted deep down in her heart merely because he loved her.

Above it all, he respected her and considered her an equal partner; that meant more to her than anything.

Guided by desire, with more haste than finesse, she pulled the fine lawn shirt from his torso, tugged it up and over his head, which left his arms stuck in the sleeves behind his back.

“Mary…” He frowned. “Haven’t we done this once before?”

“Yes, after we solved the Pritchart murder, but can you blame me for wanting you at my mercy?”

“Aren’t I always?”