“Yes, of course,” Griffith said, shrugging into his own cloak, the voluminous fabric swirling around his body, hopefully hiding his reaction to her. He did not want her to know just how much he’d been thinking about her. About all that fierce passion of hers playing out in bed sport. Wanting her to tell him what to do and how hard to do it.

“Tomorrow we’ll find Clark and begin our investigation,” he said, as much to confirm their plans as to get his mind off her body.

“Yes, we spoke about that.” Her tone made it clear she thought he was being dim-witted, and he smothered a grin at how she’d react if he told her just why he was repeating himself—I want to worship your body, Lady Della. I want to make you see stars. I want to hear you tell me just what you want me to do to you.

So I tried to derail my thoughts by reminding us both of our plans for the next day.

They descended the stairs to Frederick’s carriage in silence, the coachman holding the door open for them. She allowed him to assist her inside, and he followed, shutting them in together. Alone.

In a dark carriage with at least half an hour’s worth of travel time before he deposited her back at her house.

His mind raced frantically for topics other than what was uppermost in his mind—and his trousers.

He was annoyed at himself for being so easily distracted. Yes, she was lovely and proud and stubborn and wickedly sharp. But he had a purpose in reentering Society, and it was not to engage in sexual congress with her.

Never mind that she would likely slap him if she had a hint he was so inclined.

“Thank you,” she said in a soft voice, startling him—thankfully—from his thoughts.

“For what?” he replied in surprise.

He heard her shift on the seat next to him. “For staying by my side all evening. I noticed.”

He chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. “That was at least as much for my benefit as yours, my lady. I was telling the truth when I said the thought of those people terrified me. Knowing you were there at my side, quelling any potential awkwardness with a glare from your lovely eyes made it bearable.”

Silence as she digested his words. “Why are you so terrified?”

He hadn’t expected her question. Although he probably should have, given how forthright she seemed to be. She did not seem to be the type of person who would hold back from asking something that crossed her mind.

Which of course led him right back into thinking of her in his bed.