As if on cue, the woman in question poked in her head. “She got away from me, Sir. I apologize.”
“Ah, she’s eager,” and he pet Jocelyn on the head; she reveled in his delicious caress. “That’s a good sign. Have you the box?”
Nodding as she moved forward, Ms. Pru lay a large black velvet jewelry box on the desk. “It’s as you ordered.”
“Good, good. Please close the door after you.”
Accustomed to such dismissals, the older woman nodded politely to him, and did as she was ordered. Jocelyn looked up at Alaric, biting her full bottom lip. He smiled down at her.
“You seem anxious,” he commented.
“I am. I have missed you.” Suddenly shy, she dropped her eyes from his. “I hope that is not too forward to say.”
He stroked her cheek. “Nothing you say is forward, my dear. You must al
