Page 183 of Snowbound Surrender

Maxim’s body came truly alive for the first time in months. Her lips on his, his arms around her, the passion they shared – Annika was eager for him, for his kiss, and it was incredible.

Who knows what would have happened if at that moment, the door had not opened and a footman had entered.

CHAPTER 4

“I have invited you here,”Sir Thomas said in a menacing voice, pacing up and down before them, “for a discussion about – ”

“We know why,” Anne said heavily, rolling her eyes. “A footman saw us, he told another footman, he told several ladies maids, they told their mistresses, one of them told – ”

“Thank you, Anne,” her father said sternly.

Anne glared. If only she had thought to change her gown into something a little more comfortable. The court gown was heavy, studded with pearls, and restricted her breathing. If she had known they would still be discussing this three hours later…

The grandfather clock in the corner of the room struck midnight, and each chime seemed to force its way into her head as though the hammer was hitting her. The room was hot, too hot, and they just seemed to be having the same conversation over and over again.

“I think we should sleep on this,” she said aloud. “It is late. We can discuss this again in the morning, when – ”

“I am not lettingyouout of my sight until this is resolved,” her father said fiercely, a finger pointing at Maxim.

Maxim looked at the finger politely but made no other move. Sir Thomas lowered his finger slowly, coughed, and continued pacing.

The heat of embarrassment rolled over Anne and she could not ignore it – but wasn’t this what she deserved? Had she not brought this upon herself, by allowing herself to be found in such a position?

The memory of Maxim’s arms around her, his lips on hers, the desire they had shared…

It was madness! What had she been thinking? Kissing a man, a man who was half naked, to boot, in his own bed chamber – and while the rest of the court was at a ball mere yards down the corridor?

She was fortunate it was only a footman, and not someone far more important who had discovered them.

It was the sort of stupid mistake that young girls in their first Season made; blinded by the bright lights of town, easily led by gentlemen who knew exactly what they were doing…

But she was not young. She had experienced plenty of Seasons, and only once allowed herself to be overtaken by her emotions.

Anne caught Maxim’s eye and her cheeks flamed. It was intoxicating, to think of the kiss – but she must not. She must control herself.

“Anne!”

She jumped, looking at her father who was glaring.

“This may not be serious to you, but it is of great import to me.”

Anne sat up a little straighter in her chair. “I know, Father,” she said wearily, “but I am tired.”

She could not help but look over at Maxim once again, and saw to her surprise that he looked not only as awake as he had done three hours ago, but utterly relaxed. Leaning back in hischair, there was no sign of tension or stress across his handsome face.

How could he stand it? Having to sit here like naughty school children, as though they had done something wrong – but then, they had done.

Anne swallowed. She had to remember that she was in the wrong here. She had allowed herself to be swept away by emotions she did not really understand, and now she was having to pay the price for that.

When she looked up again, Maxim was smiling. “Look, Sir Thomas, you must understand that this sort of occurrence is not the first time – ”

“Really?” Sir Thomas’ face became, if possible, even more thunderous as he resumed his pacing. “How many other ladies have you – ”

“ – here at court,” Maxim continued, without any increase of frustration in his voice. “And it happens to people in my position all the time. I will not cast aspersions on anyone in this royal family or others, but believe me, it is not unheard of.”

His hand reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his pocketbook. It was full of five pound notes.

Anne closed her eyes in horror, but when she opened them, the offending items were still visible.