count of twenty.
The boy still had his hands over his eyes. “Can I do it again, Papa?”
“Blessed saints. Yes, Rafe. Count slowly this time.”
“So you can kiss Taffy again?”
Gavin chuckled. “Och, aye. Were ye peeking, lad?”
He nodded. “Yes, Papa.”
Gavin smiled as Taffy’s entire face turned red as a berry. He found it amazing that this incredible girl could keep her wits about her when facing a cold-blooded killer and yet blush in all her innocent splendor at the mere prospect of his kiss. “Well, don’t peek this time. And remember to count slow.”
“All right.” Rafe’s little hands still covered his eyes. “But Papa…”
“What is it, lad?”
“Taffy is my friend and it isn’t fair.”
“What isn’t fair?”
“You’re taking all her kisses. When can I have a turn?”
CHAPTER NINE
TAFFY NOW UNDERSTOOD what Mr. Barrow meant when he’d told her the marquis would behave like a caged tiger and become impossible to control. The stubborn Scott was circling the room, pacing from the door to the window to the servants panel and back to the door, then with a growl, starting all over again. “You are going to make us all dizzy if you don’t stop prowling, my lord.”
She was seated on the settee in the alcove, Rafe contentedly nestled in her arms while she read him a story about a young boy who stowed away on a pirate ship. Of course, the boy in the story was now called Rafe and he was getting into all sorts of seafaring misadventures that delighted her young charge to no end.
“I think Papa is overset because he wants to kiss you again,” Rafe said in a whisper that easily carried to his father’s ears because little boys did not quite understand that whispering meant you were supposed to speak in a low voice.
She emitted a snort of laughter.
The marquis stopped pacing and leaned his deliciously large, muscled frame against the archway to the sitting area. “I will no’ deny I found it most pleasing,” he said, his tension easing long enough for him to manage a wicked grin. “Nor will I deny Taffy if she wishes to kiss me. Do ye wish to kiss me, lass?”
“Oh, I don’t think so, my lord. I am quite comfortable where I am. No present intention to move from my spot or do anything other than read to Master Rafe.”
His smoldering gaze shot tingles through her.
She’d kept her mobcap on because she knew he disliked it and she needed to cool him down. Obviously, it was not working. She now had a hot, caged tiger on her hands, which was exciting and thrilling, but also terrifying.
Her heart was lost to this man.
She would feel terrible when he and Rafe rode away.
She dared not even consider the possibility he would take her with him. To allow herself such dreams, only to have them shattered, would be too painful.
He continued to stare at her, his gaze now more frustrated than attentive. “Lass, I canno’ stay in here and do nothing while that man is on the loose in this house.”
Rafe poked his head up. “What man, Papa?”
Taffy turned calmly to the boy. “Did you sneak a peek at the footman who rolled in a breakfast cart earlier today? You know, the man with whom we played the hide and seek game?”
Rafe nodded.
“You must always play the hide and seek game with him, Master Rafe. If you see him, then you must run and hide, and not come out until your Papa or I call you. And do you know where you are to go to hide?”
The boy nodded again. “In the library, the little hole behind the stacks.”
“Yes, that is exactly correct. And if you cannot get to the library?”
His eyes grew big and wide. “Then I hide wherever I can and not come out until you find me.”
“Master Rafe, you are the cleverest boy in all of Scotland.” She leaned over to give a mock whisper in his ear. “Don’t tell your Papa but I think you are even more clever than he was as a boy. I think I must give you another ten points for being so wise and ever alert.”
Of course, the marquis could hear every word she’d just said.
His look had been hot before, and now it was scorching. And yet while the heat in his eyes could burn a hole in the elegant carpet, his smile was affectionate and warm. She yearned for this man, for the possibility of his love.
“Lass, I canno’ sit here any