He wore a self-satisfied smile that she suspected very much matched her own. “You breathed fire down there.”

Chuckling low, he threaded his fingers through her still bound hair. “My waiting for you was done with the best of intentions, but I can see now that I am easily led astray when you are near. Yet I am loath to leave. But I know if I stay, come morning, you’ll not be a virgin.”

How she wanted him to stay, how she wanted to know him fully. But she knew the challenges that awaited ruined women. Her siblings had all been brought to her mum because of errors in judgment.

She brushed the tips of her fingers along his cheek. “I am tempted. But too high a price is paid for momentary pleasures.” For her the payment would be the dashing of all dreams—hers and her family’s. “I can’t accept what you’re offering.”

“As well you shouldn’t. The lords of London are fools if they are giving you any reason at all to doubt the sincerity of their compliments.”

“Perhaps I’m the fool for seeking to marry one.”

“You are probably the least foolish woman I’ve ever met.” After kissing her breast once more, he tucked it back beneath cloth. Rolling off her, he stood, reached down, and brought her to her feet. “I should be off now.”

Placing his finger beneath her chin, he tilted up her face and bussed his lips over hers. Something that should have been innocent, and yet she felt the touch clear down to her toes. It was as though her entire body was now attuned to his, that with his actions he had created a stronger connection between them.

Reaching over, he patted Dickens on the head. “Good kitty.”

“I’ll reward him with another tin of sardines.”

Matthew didn’t object when she slipped her hand into his and walked down the stairs with him. “I’ll go out the back. Less chance of anyone seeing me.”

At this time of night, few people would still be up, but she appreciated that he was taking such care to see her not ruined. When they reached the storage room, he unbolted the door, opened it, and stepped out. The thick heavy fog fairly enveloped him. He glanced back. “Sleep well.”

She doubted she’d sleep at all, almost asked him to stay. He quickly became lost as he disappeared into the gray.

Shutting the door, she pressed her ear against it, striving to hear his footsteps, but they were muffled, distant. Before long, she heard no sound at all. Forever changed, she would always hold the memory of him doing deliciously wicked things to her. Why had he? Why had she let him?