Page 54 of Three Kisses Before Christmas

“I already procured one. Cost me a bloody fortune.” His gaze wandered over her face possessively. “Call me an optimistic man, love, but I was not about to leave tonight without you in my arms.”

Her eyes widened. “Some would say that is quite the gamble.”

“Fortunately, my bride owns a gambling hell. She knows how to manage rogues like me.”

She grinned. “Mr. Lance handles the rogues.”

“Not me. You handle me.” He kissed her quickly and rose from the sofa, pulling her up with him. “Your manager does not care for me.”

“He does not know you.”

“We still have to talk about Knightley’s.”

She nodded. “A countess cannot be connected with a gambling hell.”

“Probably not, but then, you will not be just any countess.” He grinned down at her. “You will be mine.”

“You are one crazy man.”

“Crazy in love,” he said and kissed her again. “How attached are you to Lance?”

“Are youjealous?”

“Of course, I am bloody jealous. The man made me believe he paid off your debt. I am only thankful you didn’t have a sketchbook filled with pictures of him.”

She swatted his chest. “Mr. Lance is a good man.”

“We will see about that,” he growled against her lips before gathering his boots. Then he remembered. “There was a sketch of a woman in your book. I believe she stood over a man. Who was she?”

“I do not know.” She patted down her dress. “I drew it from memory after I caught a glimpse of her in passing one evening on our way home from a ball. She seemed courageous to me back then.”

“You are courageous.” Wolfstan straightened and gathered her in his arms. “Promise me one thing?”

“Anything.”

“Never go to Knightley’s without me. I couldn’t bear it if anything happened to you. I need you to be safe.”

She grinned at him. “I believe that is a promise I can keep.”

“Thank you.”

“You know, I never thought you to be the jealous sort.”

“Oh, I’m very jealous.” He snatched her wrist and pulled her up against him. “Best remember that, love.”

“I thought you said we should not linger.”

“I cannot seem to help myself.” He kissed her. “Your taste is addictive.”

So they lingered. And lingered. And lingered.