He sighed, watching the mare until she was out of sight, then went back to brushing Tin Man. He snorted to himself. Tin Man. A perfect name for his horse, since that’s what he himself felt like half the time. His heart wasn’t in his chest. It had ridden out with a pint-sized beauty and her mare.

Liam lost himself in the repetitive motion of brushing the horse, and his mind wandered to thoughts of Jessie. Lady Jessamy, he reminded himself. He kept the title like a barrier between them, a constant reminder that they were from different worlds. If he allowed himself to think there was a chance for them, however slight, he knew he might be tempted to try.

He well remembered the day she’d tried to dismiss him, and he smiled to himself as he remembered how distressed she’d been, even though she’d worked hard not to show it. What she hadn’t known was that he wouldn’t leave her side for all the tea in China, even if working for her hadn’t been the perfect cover for his activities for MI6.

Liam knew he’d never be able to leave her. He’d taken one look at her petite frame and sweet curves and fallen head over heels in lust. His cock had swelled, aching to be buried in her sweet pussy, and he’d imagined holding her little body on his lap, bouncing her on his erection, stretching her to fit him like the perfect glove. The love came later, when he’d had a chance to get to know her, to see how strong she was, how funny, sweet, kind...

He’d nearly said something to her when she’d been engaged. The thought of her marrying another man made him sick, but he’d kept his counsel, knowing he’d rather see her happy than himself. He’d been overjoyed when the bastard had jilted her, even though she’d been hurt, and he’d spent time since then encouraging her, watching her bloom into a woman more beautiful and spirited than she’d been before. Her mother’s death had brought a lot of freedom to Jessie, Liam knew, but it was with her brother’s passing that she’d finally felt alive.

Liam sighed, finally setting the brush aside. Tin Man’s coat was gleaming, and if he spent any more time brushing it the horse would likely start glowing in the dark. Besides, he had to call the duke. Liam knew the man would want to know that Jessie had gone for a ride, and if he was honest with himself he was grateful for the duke’s interest. Between them they made sure Jessie was safe, and there wasn’t anyone Liam would rather have for a partner in Jessie’s protection.

Liam dialed the familiar number on his cell, waiting through three rings before an elegant, cultured voice answered. “Your Grace? Lady Jessamy is out on Aphrodite.” He paused to listen as the duke asked a question.

“Yes, I do believe she’s headed to the usual spot. That’s the direction she took.”

Liam listened again, starting to walk back toward the manor. “You’ll be joining us for supper then, Your Grace?” Liam swallowed as the man replied in the affirmative. “Excellent. I will look forward to seeing you then.”

Liam hung up after the duke, his stomach doing strange flips. The duke had said he’d meet Lady Jessamy on her ride and escort her back to the manor.

Liam swallowed again, this time harder. He was head over heels for Lady Jessamy, and he wondered what she’d say if she knew his secret. Because as crazy as he was about her, he was just as crazy about the duke.

Chapter 3

Jessie reined in as she neared her destination, slowing Aphrodite to a walk. She gazed around the small clearing they’d reached, satisfied that there was no one else around, and dismounted. She walked Aphrodite to a tree with low-hanging branches and emerald-green grass, tying the horse’s reins loosely to a branch so that she’d be able to walk around a bit.