Wicked Again (The Wickeds #7) - Kathleen Ayers Page 0,2

their duties.

Haddon’s chuckle was a low hum against her skin.

“Mother.” An annoyed baritone sounded from the other side of the door. “I need to speak to you. Now. Open the door.”

Marissa sat up in surprise, her body crying out in frustration. Swatting at Haddon’s shoulders, she wiggled to get away from him. “Stop,” she hissed in a whisper. “Brendan is at the door.” What was her son doing demanding entry at this hour in the morning?

Haddon pulled away the sheet until his face was exposed, deliberately flicking his tongue against Marissa while she watched, smiling at her the entire time.

“Stop,” she begged. Haddon was incredibly wicked. “You’ve got to hide.”

“Marissa,” he replied calmly, tossing aside the sheet and setting his chin atop her stomach. “I am not going to hide.”

“But you must,” she said, pulling a pillow over her exposed breasts. “Brendan cannot find you here.” She glanced at the window. Her room overlooked Brushbriar’s gardens. “Perhaps—”

“Nor am I going to jump out the window to crawl down a trellis. You’re not a twittering virgin I’ve seduced.” Haddon didn’t seem the least distressed her grown son was demanding entry and he was—

Haddon blew a stream of air between her legs.

“Stop this instant.” She kicked until he finally rolled out of bed with a grunt, silver glinting from his eyes.

“Maybe it’s best if Brendan knows I’m here.” Haddon’s eyes flashed with determination, turning them the color of old pewter. “Last night—”

“Are you out of your bloody mind?” Marissa stopped him before he could say more.

“I don’t think I am. I’ve never felt more sane. Don’t be stubborn.”

“Mother, please open the door.” A pause. “Jesus, is Haddon in there with you?”

Haddon shot her a triumphant look.

This was, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most embarrassing and shameful moment of her life. Her son was about to open the door and see Marissa with her lover.

No. Not her lover. Such a moniker proclaimed a relationship. An understanding. This was a dalliance. She wrinkled her nose. The entire room smelled of sex. There would be no doubt as to what had taken place last night.

Repeatedly. Just the thought sent a flood of arousal through her.

And Brendan would know. She wouldn’t be able to make an outlandish excuse about Haddon merely stopping by to take her for an early morning walk or something else equally unbelievable. She shot a pointed look at her lover, who was still naked.

Dalliance.

Haddon’s beautiful, skilled mouth twisted into a mischievous smile.

“This isn’t the least bit amusing,” she snapped at him, grabbing the robe flung over the back of a nearby chair. Careful to keep her body hidden behind the pillow, she put her arms through the sleeves, only releasing the pillow once she was assured she was covered.

“You’re being ridiculous. I’ve explored every magnificent inch of you, Marissa.” His voice softened. “I find you beautiful. Doesn’t that matter?”

Belting the robe, she shot him a pleading look. It was a lovely, thrilling thing for him to say, and Marissa’s heart would have swooned had her very large grown son not been demanding entry.

Haddon shook his head at her before walking around the bed, unmindful—or at least uncaring—that his own body was so exposed.

And why should he?

Even in her mounting anxiety and mortification, Marissa couldn’t look away. He was such a gorgeous male animal, all sleek lines and elegant strength, dusted with dark hair. Gentlemen she had . . . dalliances with weren’t even the same species as Haddon.

He reached down and pulled on his trousers, taking his time to do so while Marissa gritted her teeth, resisting the urge to hurry him along. Throwing on his shirt, he picked up his boots and regarded her again, brow raised.

Oh God. He was going to walk out of here in his bare feet. Why not just announce to the entire house party he’s been in my room? Perhaps mention it to everyone over breakfast?

“Brendan can’t see you,” she whispered, wondering if she would expire on the spot from embarrassment. “Please hide,” Marissa implored again. “Under the bed, perhaps?” She gestured helplessly. “I think you’ll fit.”

“He already knows I’m here, Marissa.” Haddon stalked toward her. His fingers brushed against her skin as he pushed aside the top of the robe with his free hand. Teeth nipped at the exposed length of flesh between her shoulder and neck. She gasped at the sudden stinging sensation before Haddon pressed an open-mouthed kiss to the spot.

A bolt of pure lust shot down between her legs, further