Excerpt of Amelia Island's Velvet Undertow by Jane Marie Malcolm

"I wish you'd develop a splash of patience!"

Ignoring her, Grey brushed past, instantly recognizing
he'd interrupted something. His confirmation was her ruddy
face and puffy lips. It was a blessed good thing he'd come
along when he had. "Patience? I've been freezing my ass
off outside, waiting for your highness like some lap dog.
When you say five o'clock, I damn well expect you to be
downstairs waiting for me at five o'clock. I sure don't
have to ask what you've been up to. And where is this man
who tempts you so much, you're willing to debase yourself
at his mere beckoning?"

Carolena looked to the velvet pillows now crushed on the
floor. Wadded in the corner was the blue dress. There was
little sense denying it. Then again, who was he to tell
her what was proper? He'd bedded hundreds of women, she
was sure, so he had no room to talk.

Remaining calm, lest her feeling of guilt show, she told
him, "Signor Alontti is attending to business. He sends
his regards."

"Yeah? I'll just bet he does. Come on. Let's get the hell
out of this lair before I find your lover and lay him out!"