Page 25 of Rake in Disguise (Wicked Widows’ League #33)
Chapter Twenty-One
The hour was late when Blythe awakened from her slumber. Of course, she had crawled into bed late and then lay there for the longest amount of time thinking over her conversation with Orlando.
It was as if they’d been transported back in time to when they had shared many evening conversations until they both grew tired.
So much had been forgotten and she supposed she had done that on purpose because remembering filled her with longing and regret and guilt. She had loved a man while married to another and that is just not done. It wasn’t right and it was a shame she kept to herself.
Except, she was no longer married and while Orlando had not voiced his intentions, he had nearly kissed her last night and she would have welcomed it. She also hoped that there was more that he would claim and anticipated him doing so.
You do belong to me!
Those words echoed in her mind as she recalled the intensity of his grey eyes looking into hers.
Yes, she did belong to him and had since the day he had purchased her.
As anticipation for the night to come filled her, Blythe went about preparing for her day.
She saw to it that the servants were preparing Athena’s Salon for the evening, reviewed the menus for what would be laid out on the buffet with the cook, and reviewed the supply of wine and other beverages they had to offer, then supervised the cleaning of the gambling room, including fresh candles in the sconces in every room and oil in the lamps.
Tonight was going to be glorious and if all went as planned, at the end of the evening, after all had left and the servants retired, she would take Orlando by the hand and lead him to her chamber.
If necessary, she would seduce him to get what she wanted.
A smile pulled at her lips as she nearly skipped down the stairs. Maybe she was a wicked widow after all. And, if that was the case, she was going to be very wicked with Dr. Orlando Valentine and finally satisfy the need that had been brewing for nearly three years.
* * *
“You appear rather well-rested, dear brother.”
Orlando glanced up from the records on his desk to find Isabella standing in the doorway to his office, a frown of disappointment on her lips.
“Why would I not be?”
She arched an auburn brow. “I, well…I assumed that…”
“You assumed incorrectly.” Even if he was successful in his seduction of Blythe he certainly was not going to confide in his sister.
She blew out a sigh and plopped into a chair.”
“What do you need, Isabella?” he ground out. There was paperwork on his desk that needed to be completed and he anticipated more patients this afternoon. He did not want to be delayed in his tasks because he fully intended on arriving at Athena’s Salon promptly at eight, when the doors open.
“I had hoped for good news, but I am disappointed.”
“If you mean Blythe, then you will likely remain so.”
“You loved her,” Isabella insisted even though she had only seen them together once.
She had drawn that conclusion when he had remained with Blythe each evening after purchasing her, and claimed that there was something different about him when he spoke of her, and Isabella would not change her mind no matter how much he denied her claim.
“Until two days ago I also had not seen her in nearly three years.”
Isabella stood. “Then I suggest you make up for lost time.” She then stood and marched out of the office.
That was exactly what he intended to do and thus, completed his paperwork as quickly as possible, then saw to the patients he had been expecting, had a light meal at a nearby tavern, then returned to his home to refresh his appearance before he appeared on the doorstep of Athena’s Salon.
This time he was not questioned as he entered. George simply nodded, and Orlando wandered into the drawing room, where others had already gathered and made his way to the back of the room where he requested a brandy, much like he had done the evening before.
This time, however, he did not go in search of Blythe but waited. He was certain she would arrive when her schedule allowed.