When he was spent, he rolled to his side, panting as he worked to catch his breath. Evie smiled into the darkness, unsure if she’d ever felt more replete.

At length, he murmured, “That was unexpected.”

Evie moved to her side to face him. “I hope that’s all right.”

He turned his head toward her. “It’s bloody wonderful.”

She’d never heard him curse before. “You don’t usually talk like that.”

His brow creased slightly. “Was it too much? When I asked you to touch yourself?”

Laughing softly, she was surprised to feel another surge of desire. “Not that—the swearing. The other talk was incredibly arousing. You may do that any time. The same with licking my finger.” That provoked another swell of lust.

“Any time?” He asked the question quietly, with an edge of tension. “Does that mean we might do this again?”

How could she refuse? This made her happy. He made her happy.

“I would like that,” she said slowly. “But nothing more. I’m not opposed to…coupling with you like this on occasion.”

“I can accept that.” He grinned. “It’s more than I expected, but it’s what I hoped for.”

She knew that—he’d been clear. “We’ve established that you’re an incurable optimist.”

“Mmm.” He took her hand and kissed her palm. “Will you tell your servants, or are we to try to hide this?”

“I suspect they may have heard the racket I made.” She grimaced. “I feel badly about that. I already woke them to help me find Ash.”

“Speaking of Ash, you’re going to have to speak with your neighbors three houses toward the Haymarket.”

“That’s where you found him.”

“That’s where his friend lives. I suspect she could be more than a friend. If so, there may be puppies in the near future.”

Evie gasped. “But Ash is still a puppy.”

“Old enough to be a father, I think. But, I could be wrong. I just thought it was worth mentioning in case their dear pet is increasing.”

“Oh dear.” Evie giggled as she glanced toward the fire where Ash was snoozing. “What a rake.”

Gregory laughed, and she realized she’d missed that as much as lying with him. He sobered rather quickly. “It has made me think…I know you typically use a sponge when we are together, but not every time, such as the party at Witney Court and tonight. You aren’t concerned with conception?”

“Not particularly. I know how to take care of that should it happen.”

He blinked at her. “What do you mean?”

“There are herbs a woman can take if she’s not equipped to be a mother.”

“Have you done that?” He shook his head. “Never mind. You’ve only been with your husband and now me.”