The demands of the night, those were the sweet to his days metallic taste. Even now, hastening through the streets of London, past Grays Inn, need to see Anne pulsed through him.
This week with Anne ... Hed never experienced its like. Their bedsport was delicious, especially as they both grew more confident with each other. Every night, after exhausting himself and her, he sank into a profound slumber, his arms wrapped around her, soft and slumberous and murmuring contentment.
Oh, but it was more, so much more, than the pleasure their bodies gave each other. With her, he found himself ... comfortable. For the first time in perhaps the whole of his life. All of his other identitiesupstart, knavefell away. She did not judge him for his choices, had no expectations for him to be anything other than himself. Even with the Hellraisers, he kept part of himself guarded as he acted the part of rake and libertine.
He played no roles with Anne. For the first time in his life, he simply was. The way she wanted him.
A man could grow used to that. A man might want that plainness of self every day, every moment.
As he turned onto Southampton Row, his step quick, he felt the force of his two hungers drumming through him. His hunger for power never ceased, could not be sated. It was the cold bite of steel always present.
Anne was his other hunger, yet this was a pleasurable desire. Pursuing and feeding it became its own reward.
Someone called his name. Leo intended to ignore the man, but hurried footsteps sounded behind him. I say, Bailey!
It was Robbins, a coal magnate with whom Leo had done business with many times before. And to great profit. With an inward sigh, Leo stopped, allowing Robbins to catch up with him.
Afternoon, Leo said, trying to remain civil, though he merely felt impatience to be home.
Robbins puffed, his face reddened, then grinned. No wonder you put all the other men of commerce to shame. It seems you are always going to or from the Exchange.
There is no spontaneous generation for money, answered Leo. Someone must be there to make it.
Yes, however, one needs to enjoy the fruits of ones labors.
So I do. Leo thought of Annes joy when he gave her the maps and globes, and had never enjoyed his wealth more.
But when? Youre coming from the Exchange now, and just last night, I saw you at Crowes Coffee House, in discussion with Vere and Delfort, the cotton importers.
Leo frowned. I was at home with my wife last night. You must be mistaken.
Yet Robbins seemed adamant. Think I cant recognize the Demon of the Exchange?
Leo grew truly irritated.
He just wanted to get home to see Anne, not argue with Robbins as to where he was or was not last night. Leo knew exactly where he had beenstudying maps, having supper, and then making love with his wife.
Get yourself to Bond Street and be fitted for a pair of spectacles. He strode away, ignoring Robbinss stuttered shock at being dismissed so rudely.
Anticipation coursed through him as he reached home. The moment a footman opened the door, Leo asked, Where is my wife? Already striding up the stairs, he threw the servant his hat and overcoat.
Shes in the downstairs parlor, sir. With a visitor.
Leo stopped, his hand on the railing. Whos the visitor?
Lord Wansford, sir.
His father-in-law. The first call the man had paid since Leo had wed his daughter. Frowning, Leo turned and headed back down the stairs. This was not how Leo had planned on spending the afternoon.
Yet he felt a buoyancy within him when he saw Anne in the parlor, perched there on the sofa, a dish of tea in her hand, with cool city light in her hair and along her shoulders. She set down her tea and rose to meet him, smiling.
Here you are, she murmured.
What was this strange sensation? This sharp tug in the center of his chest? God, was it ... did he feel ... happiness?
He reached for her, but remembered just in time that they werent alone. A brief kiss had to content him, and then he turned to face Lord Wansford.
The man was everything Leos father had not been. Round, where his father had been lean. Complacent, where his father had been determined. And at the end of his life, his fathers clothing had all been impeccable. Plain, but expertly made, and new. The embroidery on Wansfords waistcoat blurred as its stitches came up, and the lace at his wrists bore stains of wine and tobacco. A shabby man, his father-in-law.
An unexpected honor, Leo said, bowing.
Wansford returned the bow. No, you are kindness itself to receive me.
You can see your daughter is well cared for.
Anne blushed, tugging on the kerchief she had tucked into the neck of her gown. Leos teeth had left faint red marks upon the juncture of her neck and shoulder, and her moans still resounded in his ears.
Oh, Anne. The baron seemed surprised to recall that his daughter was in the room. Yes, yes, Im glad to see you hale. Your mother sends her regards. And I see youre looking very ... prosperous, my child. He eyed the gold-and-emerald pendant hanging from her choker.