Fiona set the paper down, a look of warm happiness on her face. “That was really lovely. I do like your grandmother.”

“And she likes you. I can hardly believe she’s staying in London until we return so that she can spend time with you.” He shook his head. “You, my love, are a miracle in so many ways.”

She stood briefly and then slid onto his lap, curling her arms around his neck. “I am just a simple, ordinary girl from the country, my lord.”

“Not true. You are a countess and there is nothing simple or ordinary about you.” He nuzzled her neck.

“To think, I could have been a spinster. I did consider it.”

Tobias pulled his head back and looked up at her. “I asked Lady Pickering and my grandmother about how a woman achieves spinsterhood. They could only say that a woman eventually arrived there after failing to wed. There are no rules, apparently.”

“I realize I am still somewhat naïve when it comes to Society, but I think there are more than enough rules.”

He laughed at her sarcasm. “True. The Phoenix Club has invited a few spinsters to join. I think we need to invite more. I’ve decided to make it a specific goal.”

Her brow pleated and her mouth flirted with a smile. “Why?”

“Because I think they’re an underappreciated segment of the population. If the Phoenix Club’s aim is to include those who are excluded, I can think of no more deserving group. Can you?”

“I can’t,” she said softly, lowering her head to touch her nose against his. “Tobias, you are the very embodiment of a true hero.”

He slid his fingers into her hair above her nape. “I don’t know if I can agree with that. I’ve done some rather unheroic things, especially with you. It pains me to think of them.” He looked into her eyes. “I’m so sorry.”

“I’m not. Every moment with you, even the ones you might regret, is such an adventure. When Her Majesty told me to have one, I never imagined this.” She rotated on his lap and straddled him, parting her dressing gown so that only his banyan came between their sexes. Grinding her hips down, she kissed him. “I think perhaps I’m hungry in another way now.”

“You are never satisfied,” he said throatily, desire burning through him. “But let me try.” He kissed her thoroughly, his hand tangling in her hair.

“Not true,” she murmured breathlessly against his mouth. “You are quite adept at satisfying me. Over and over and over again. Perhaps you need to remind yourself.” She reached down and pushed the sides of his banyan apart, then curled her hand around his shaft.

“Hmm, I’m not sure I remember. Keep going, if you don’t mind.”

She guided him to her sheath, taking him into her body as he thrust up. “Is this helping?” Kissing him again, she moved over him, her hips rising sharply and pressing down as he held her tightly.