A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,59

as a reminder of where I’ve been and where I’m going. I can’t thank you enough for this chance, sir.”

Christian patted his shoulder. “Reed, it’s you who I can’t thank enough. We’re all necessary for the operation to be a success. Just like we were on the battlefront.”

Reed could only nod as he wiped his eyes with his fingers. Christian’s chest tightened at the sight.

The shop’s front door opened, and both of them turned to see his valet strolling determinedly toward them.

Morgan was soon by their side. He nodded to Reed, then turned to Christian. “Captain, your brother’s … I mean half brother’s personal belongings have arrived in London.”

The steady beat of his heart stumbled. Poison Blossom and Meri’s apartment were relatively easy matters to handle, but his half brother’s personal items were another. Meri had possessed them to the last, a glimpse of his life right before his death. It made his passing a reality.

Christian let out an unsteady breath. “Reed, I must go.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Reed said. “Duty calls.”

It was the first time Reed had addressed him as such. Indeed, he had a responsibility to help the wives, and that required sorting through Meri’s possessions. He prayed there was an easy explanation for the lost money. But knowing his half brother’s flightiness and penchant for gambling, the chance of retrieving any money was rather slim.

“Sir, shall I come with you?” Morgan asked softly. “I brought a carriage.”

“No, thank you. I’d like to walk. I’m heading over to Lady Meriwether’s workshop. If she can spare the time, I’d like to have her with me when I open Meri’s possessions.”

Whether it was wise or not wasn’t a question he wanted to examine too closely.

All that was important now was that it felt right to have her by his side.

* * *

Katherine sat behind the desk in her workshop warehouse. Amongst her blotter and inkwell, fabrics, trims, and sketches of new pillows vied for her attention. This week, everything had to be in order since the Secretary to the First Lady of the Bedchamber would visit.

She should be thinking about that appointment instead of yesterday’s kiss. She inhaled deeply as her pulse accelerated. Katherine traced her fingers over her lips, the sensation causing a riot of responses from her body. As she’d lain in bed last night, imagining Christian kissing her, her whole body throbbed with a deep ache. It still did, with a gentle pounding that made every one of her senses come to life, as if awakening from a deep sleep. No one had ever touched her, but last night Christian did in her bedroom … at least, he did in her dreams.

That wasn’t the whole truth.

What she’d fantasized about was not Christian kissing her, but her kissing him. She sighed as the sweet memories consumed her. As she’d pressed her lips against his, he’d explored her with his hands, each gentle touch learning what her body liked. She’d been bold in her kiss, savoring every taste and touch, conquering him in a way that no other woman ever had. He did the same to her. He’d filled his hands with her breasts, weighing and kneading them until she’d whimpered. When he’d rubbed his thumbs against her pouting nipples, her cry at the exquisite sensation became lost as he took control of their kiss. When he trailed his hand slowly down the curve of her waist, she wanted more. She wanted his hand to travel to the place where she ached … only for him.

“Kat?” Beth Howell stood in the doorway. “Do you have a moment?”

Instantly, her erotic daydream fractured into a thousand pieces at the gentle voice. “Of course. Do come in.”

Beth crossed the threshold of the door and stood with her hands clasped in front of her, a patient pose that Katherine was thankful for. It meant that all was well with production. Days ago, Kat had introduced her dear friend to her employees as Miss Beth Howell, who’d come to town to help prepare for the secretary’s visit. Everyone had welcomed her with true affection. They were well aware that the contract meant new opportunities for them all.

Beth had settled in without the need for much supervision. She possessed a keen business and organizational sense, and Katherine trusted her with everything. Kind and fair to the employees, Beth ensured that any hiccup in the production was handled efficiently with little fuss. If a seamstress ran low of a certain ribbon for a project, Beth was