Once Anne went limp in his arms, Cedric knew she was completely at his mercy. Rather than take advantage of this as the old Cedric would have, he felt compelled to protect her instead. Cedric continued his gentle ministrations until Anne’s breathing deepened into the slow, soft pattern of sleep. He wanted to stay there with her body wrapped in his, but their position wasn’t ideal for his comfort if he wished to rest as well.
“Time for bed,” he whispered, not that his bride could hear him. He eased her off him and then got up to open the parlor door. He summoned a maid to turn down her bed and retrieve Anne’s nightgown from her packed trunk. There was no way that he would be taking her to his townhouse on Curzon Street tonight.
Cedric had spent a lot of time in the last few days acquainti
