Read Online Victor's Vow [Lords of Hawksfell Manor 6] (Siren Publishing Menage Amour) by Josie Dennis - Free Book Online Page B

came at her door then and she dashed her hands over her flaming cheeks. “Come,” she called.
    Ivy, Lady Hawksfell’s maid and on loan for her care, entered. “Good evening, miss.”
    “Hello, Ivy,” Violet answered.
    As Ivy set about seeing to Violet’s dress and items on the top of the vanity, Violet couldn’t help but watch her. She was a very pretty girl, with auburn hair and deep brown eyes. Again she was reminded of Victor’s liaisons with the staff of Ralston. He surely would have taken this girl if Violet hadn’t been the one to have him today. And what of Cabot? Had he already been with Ivy?
    “How long have you worked here, Ivy?” she asked.
    “Just over a month, miss.” Ivy worked with her hair, ridding it of most of its tangles. “My, your hair is…”
    “A mess?” Violet finished for her.
    Ivy’s hands froze. “Miss, I didn’t mean to say anything untoward.”
    “It is a mess, Ivy. I had a rest and I must have tossed and turned a bit.”
    By the slant of one of the maid’s brows, Violet doubted she swallowed the lie. “A rest?”
    Violet couldn’t meet her gaze in the mirror so she focused on a spot on the opposite wall. “Yes. I had a walk about the grounds and was fatigued.”
    Ivy’s lips thinned. “The grounds are extensive.”
    The girl didn’t say anything more as she finished with first Violet’s hair and then her dress. Her deep purple gown was well suited to the winter’s evening in half mourning.
    “Thank you for your assistance, Ivy,” Violet said as she pulled on her long gloves.
    “I’m happy to do it, miss.”
    As Ivy reached the door she glanced at Violet over her shoulder. “You took a rest. This afternoon?”
    Violet’s cheeks heated but she nodded. “As I’ve said.”
    Ivy smiled. “Forgive me, miss. I would have assisted you out of your dress had you rung for me.”
    “Thank you, but there was no need, Ivy.”
    The maid bobbed a curtsey and left at last. Was the girl trying to guess what Violet had been about today? Did she somehow know?
    Putting the inquisitive maid out of her mind, she took one last look in the mirror. She was presentable, and looked for all the world like a welcome guest of the Earl of Hawksfell.
    It was a pity she would have to face both Victor and Cabot at dinner tonight.

Chapter 8
     
    “Cabot is going to have you tonight, Violet.”
    Victor’s words sent a shaft of desire through Violet’s body. Her eyes went to Cabot and her breath caught as he locked the door to Victor’s room.
    Victor stood behind her, his hands slowly working the buttons of her dress loose. “Cabot tonight, Victor?”
    Cabot laughed and turned from the door. His eyes were sparkling in that teasing way she’d come in such a short time to relish.
    “It was hell serving at table last night,” he said. “Being so close to the two people I can’t stop wanting.”
    Victor cupped her breasts as her corset slipped down. “I want you both, as well.” His voice was rough and her body trembled.
    Victor shifted and Cabot stepped behind her, his hands in her hair. Pins scattered as he loosened the elaborate coif Ivy had given her.
    “You have incredible hair,” Cabot said, his fingers stroking through the mass.
    It was freeing and a bit wanton, the sensation of a man’s fingers caressing her so. She closed her eyes and leaned back. She could feel Victor’s lips on her neck as Cabot’s fingers continued to work their magic.
    “You know, Ivy mentioned the state of your incredible hair when she’d helped you dress last night,” Cabot said.
    Violet held her breath. What had the girl said to Cabot?
    “How did you deflect that particular line of conversation?” Victor asked.
    Cabot nuzzled the other side of her neck and she leaned back against him for support. “I said nothing to draw more conversation, believe me.”
    “Have you—?” Victor bit back whatever he was going to ask but she knew precisely what he meant.
    A chill danced over her skin and she