Alaric's eyes, moments ago burning with desire, now flashed with annoyance. He set me down hastily on our bed, then strode to the window, peering through the curtains at the approaching carriage.
"Damn that woman's timing," he muttered. "Three counties over, and somehow she always knows precisely when to arrive uninvited."
"Should I call for Talia to help me dress properly?" I asked, smoothing down my rumpled dress.
Alaric turned to me with unexpected mischief dancing in his eyes. "Actually, my love, I think not."
"What do you mean?" I couldn't keep the confusion from my voice.
"My grandmother can wait," he declared, moving toward me with predatory grace. "I need to finish what we started."
"But she's here! At Lockwood!" I protested, even as my body responded to his approaching heat.
"Reed!" Alaric called out suddenly, startling me.
No answer came. Of course—Reed had the afternoon off.
