The Marquess Who Kissed Me: (The Valiant Love Regency Romance) (A Historical Romance Book)

by Deborah Wilson

  Oliver sighed. He could kill Cassius, but what would be the point? He’d have to hide for the rest of his life and then the world would not be made better by his death.

  His only real option was to heed the man’s warning and make certain he didn’t upset Belle again. Which likely meant he’d have to tolerate her presence on his land.

  Unless he could convince her to not come.

  And he’d have to do it in a way that wouldn’t hurt her.

  He thought about the contract. He hadn’t realized protecting Belle’s body included her tears. He didn’t want to make Belle cry; he simply needed to keep her away from him. Yet he found himself approaching her once more as she ended a conversation with Landcastle.

  She was heading to the front door and he followed.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about Shepard?” he asked her in the foyer.

  She turned around with a heavy sigh. “How am I supposed to ignore you if you keep speaking to me?”

  Oliver took her shawl from the butler and held it out for her. “Cassius says I must be nice to you. Therefore, I can’t ignore you.”

  She stiffened and her eyes narrowed slightly. “I see.”

  He didn’t know what she saw and he didn’t ask. He shook her shawl. “Why didn’t you tell me about Shepard? Why did you lead me to believe he was something else to you? Something more than a protector?”

  She glared. “I’ve led you to believe nothing. You jump to conclusions. It is what you do, and I have no desire to correct you anymore. If you cannot bear to treat me like an intelligent human being who can reason and answer simple questions, then I’ve no desire to engage in conversation with you.”

  She snatched her shawl. “Also, Shephard is more than a guard to me. He was a true friend to me when I had very few people in my life I could trust.” She stepped out after that.

  Oliver moved to follow, but young Shepard blocked his way. “I’m taking the lady home. Good evening, my lord.”

  Oliver frowned down at him. “My conversation with Lady Belle will be over in a moment. Step aside.”

  “No.”

  The word had barely passed the manservant’s lips before Oliver spun him, twisted his arm, and forced him against a wall. Shepard grunted in pain. Oliver added pressure. Not enough to break, just to hurt. “I thought you’d learned your place.”

  “Oliver!” Belle cried. “Let him go.”

  Shepard whispered through a groan, “No, don’t let me go. Break it. Show her how monstrous you really are. Then she’ll be done with you and can finally move on.”

  He let the man go instantly.

  Belle stepped in front of him. “How dare you? This is the reason I won’t allow my boys to go anywhere with you where I am not. You’re out of control.”

  “Only when I’m around you,” he snarled.

  She shook her head and turned to Shepard. “Let’s go.”

  He followed her out, giving Oliver a final glance before he disappeared.

  Oliver spun away and came face to face with the rest of the party. Everyone was watching him. Cassius did not look pleased. Embarrassed and angry that he’d not been able to hold himself together in front of Belle, Oliver left as well.

  ∫ ∫ ∫

  3 6

  * * *

  “Here is the list you asked for,” Noel said as he joined Belle in her small garden a day later.

  She ignored his annoyed expression as she looked over the sheet. She pressed her lips together as she read Oliver’s handwriting. “Clean water? What does that mean? Tell him I need details.” She held the paper out.

  Noel sighed. “I don’t understand why you don’t just meet and speak to one another instead of having me run between you.”

  “Oliver has no servants,” Belle said. “And mine are busy tending to me. Also, you’re the one who started all of this.” She narrowed her eyes. “You convinced the others that they’d love a week in the wilderness. Therefore, you’ll attend me in this matter.”

  Noel snatched the note and looked it over. “Clean water. He means he’s going to teach us how to get clean water or how to clean dirty water. It’s one of the two. Perhaps both and with nothing more than what is already offered in nature.” Noel smiled to himself. “He’s told me a little about this already.”

  Belle rolled her eyes and refused to admit she was a little more than interested to learn this skill herself. “I wish to be certain. Go ask him.”

  “Why not just write a really big sign in your window? He’d see it from his house.”

  She frowned. “What do you mean? He can see my house from his home?” She’d only been to his residence once. It was very close, only two blocks away. She hadn’t known he could see her home from his location, but it made sense.

  Noel left with loud stomps. He hadn’t even answered her question.

  Had Oliver brought the property knowing he could spy on her?

  “You’ll need allies in the wilderness.” Shepard leaned against the wall next to her chair. “It’s best you not upset Noel.”

  Belle turned her body to face him. “I have you. That’s all the ally I need.”

  “You’ll need another. I grew up on the streets, but not even I know how to clean water.”

  Belle tilted her head. “And why would I need allies on Oliver’s property who know how to clean water?”

  “Because the more allies you have, the less you’ll have to ask Oliver for his assistance.”

  She shivered at the very thought. No more favors from Oliver. Shepard was right.

  “Very well.” She stared at the few plants she owned. It was nothing compared to Cassius’ property. She hadn’t realized until this moment.

  “Why are we here and not at the orphan’s home?” Shepard asked. “This is your usual reading time.”

  “I’m changing my schedule.” Oliver knew her old schedule. He had to know. Otherwise, how had he found her the other day? She was going to change things up. She didn’t want to run into him. “We’ll leave within an hour.”

  Noel returned with a new note.

  You’ll learn the details when you get there.

  She gasped and looked up at Noel. “You tell that insufferable…”

  “No. No more, my lady. I’ve other things to do before we leave next week.” Noel started inside. Under his breath, he murmured, “...can’t even see her breasts anymore...”

  Belle’s mouth fell open, and she covered her chest. Her neckline was higher. She groaned. “Men are all insufferable.”

  “I’m so glad to know how you truly feel,” Shepard said with deep sarcasm.

  She didn’t bother to address his words. “Tell Lord Venmont I want the details. Now.”

  “I can’t protect you if I’m not here.”

  Belle opened her arms. “I’m home. I’m not going anywhere. Please, I must know everything that will happen. Otherwise, I’ll go mad.”

  “And everyone will go mad with you,” Shepard said before he left.

  Insufferable.

  A half-hour later, she was ready to go to the orphanage. She heard footsteps coming in her direction and stood. “That took you long enough, Shepard. I almost thought…”

  She was surprised by the sight of Oliver. He filled in her doorway. His hands were braced on either side. He blocked her only way inside.

  Her heart raced. “Where’s Shepard?”

  “You wanted to talk, so let’s talk.”

  “But I don’t wish to speak to you, which is why I sent a note.”

  “Very well.” He withdrew himself from the door and disappeared inside.

  She followed him. “Where is Shepard?”

  He didn’t turn around. “How am I supposed to ignore you if you keep speaking to me?”

  Belle ran to cut him off and placed her hands out to stop him. “Where is my guard, Oliver? What have you done with him?”

  He leaned forward until his chest touched her fingertips. “You should have known better than to send him my way.” He st
arted for her drawing-room.

  She went stiff and then trailed him. “What have you done?”

  “He’s alive, if that’s what you’re asking.” He stopped in the center of the room. “I’ve tied him up rather nicely. He sits on my couch. There’s a lovely view of the city to keep him entertained.”

  She didn’t even ask if he were serious. She knew he was. She pushed him, which had no effect on him whatsoever. She beat her fists against him once. “How could you?”

  He wrapped his hands around her wrist and held her tight. “I knew he wouldn’t let me speak to you, therefore I stopped him from getting in my way. It was for the best, honestly. Now, I have no reason to hurt him should I get upset.” He rubbed his thumbs against her inner wrist.

  Belle’s mouth went dry. Her body tingled. He was touching her. She fought to concentrate on his words. “When are you not upset?” She yanked her arms.

  He tightened his hold further. “Rarely, thanks to you.” With a swift yank, he brought her close. “What do you want from me?”

  He hovered just over her. His face was only inches from hers.

  She tried to think. She tried to remember the vow she’s made to herself where he was concerned. She didn’t like him. Right? Belle couldn’t think over the endless circles she was drawing on her skin, just over her pulse. She was shaking. “Stop,” she whispered.

  “That’s a different tune than before.” He knew what he was doing. He was doing it on purpose. “I thought you wanted me.”

  “No, I don’t.” That she remembered. She didn’t want him anymore. He had two sides and the good came with the bad and the bad was terrible. “Let me go.”

  He dropped her hands. Then he cupped her face. “I’m going to show you just what will take place if you come up to my property.”

  He took her lips and then ravished her mouth with the deep plunge of his tongue and a forceful hand behind her head, holding her should she try to fight.

  But she didn’t. At first. She told herself she’d stop before it went too far.

  When he picked her up, she told herself to stop him.

  But then they were down and she was on his lap. And he was so hard and warm.

  His arms went around her. She felt him tug at her clothes.

  “You’re wearing too much,” he groaned. He licked a path down her chin and to her throat.

  Her clothing gave and began to fall. He’d undone her buttons.

  His hot mouth branded her shoulder and then moved farther south. He whispered against her skin, “You’re the most beautiful woman in the world and you know it.” He spoke with anger, yet he remained gentle with her. The kisses went on, moved closer to her sensitive points.

  Her womb grew heavy. Need throbbed through her to a relentless drumbeat.

  Another second and she’d be begging him to take her.

  Which was likely want he wanted.

  Belle rolled away and placed a protective hand over her dress. She fought for every breath. “What are you doing?”

  He moved over her. He had a hand on either side, trapping her in. “I’m doing what I must to make you stay here.” His eyes were hot, but his words were cold. “You want me, don’t you? You come to my land and I’m exactly what you’ll get.”

  She wanted him, but she didn’t want him like this. She didn’t want him without his heart.

  But it was not his heart that he offered. Only his body. And he would only accept hers in exchange. Not her love or devotion. He didn’t think her capable of those things.

  She was a whore in his eyes.

  “Leave,” she demanded.

  “Stay home.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “Eternal brimstone would be too kind for you.”

  “There she is,” he whispered. “The truth comes out. I was wondering when you’d end your good girl act.”

  “Out!”

  Shepard stumbled in. Her guard looked winded and tired. His hair was disheveled. His visage was full of rage. “You beast!” he shouted at Oliver.

  “I thought you’d have gotten out of those ropes faster.” Oliver stood. “If you know what’s good for your lady, you’ll tell her to stay home.” He walked out and didn’t look back.

  Shepard moved to Belle and knelt at her side. “Are you all right?”

  Belle forced a smile. “I’m all right. Thank you for asking.”

  Her bodyguard’s brows furrowed. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.” She sat up. “I need my lady’s maid. Will you get her for me?”

  Shepard stared at her for another moment and then left.

  Belle’s smile dropped. She was angry. Livid. Oliver thought to tease her. Her? As though she’d not crafted the very skill. Well, if he wanted to play her game then she’d play it.

  Because one thing remained true. She affected him. The evidence of that was in his pants and the lengths he’d go to keep her home.

  He’d learn to stay out of her way or suffer the consequences. She would see to that.

  ∫ ∫ ∫

  3 7

  * * *

  “You step a foot on my land and I’ll carry you off myself.” Oliver kept his eyes on his newspaper. “We’ll be making a few stops along the way. You’d be wise to get out at any of them.”

  Belle sat across from him. She sighed and he imagined she’d rolled her eyes dramatically. “Cassius already told me that he warned you against hurting me. Therefore, I dare you to carry me anywhere I don’t wish to go.”

  He imagined the smile of triumph on her lips but didn’t look.

  She was back to her old ways. The dress she wore was crafted to tempt even the saints. The color was a red so deep it looked purple. The color of blood, life, passion.

  He’d became aroused at just the memory of her as she’d boldly climbed into his carriage. The door had closed behind her and she’d dropped her shawl, claiming to be extremely hot. Her cleavage had all but spilled from her gown.

  Oliver’s mouth fell open on sight. He’d even begun to drool. He’d been hiding behind his newspaper ever since. “You should have brought your own carriage,” he said. “Now, you’ll be forced to take the mail coach home.”

  Her tone changed, becoming hard. “I’m not going back to London until the twelve boys you dragged here do.”

  He dropped the paper and then wished he hadn’t. Her skirts were up. She’d removed one of her stockings and a very lovely leg was exposed. Belle had it up in full view on the bench. She was massaging her calf. There was a pout on her pink lips. She’d been eating berries earlier and now her mouth was stained. “I’m sore. Would you be a dear and help me?” She plopped her leg onto his lap, dangerously close to his evident erection.

  He stared down at her dainty foot and wondered if he’d ever seen toes as pretty as hers. His heart jumped. “Is this how you drew Lord Urnish into your bed?” The question was out before he could think better of it. He didn’t want to sadden her, only keep her away. “Belle, forgive me—”

  “No. Lord Urnish wasn’t interested in my toes. As you may have guessed, he was very interested in other places.” Her smile was cold.

  “Forgive me,” he said.

  “Why?” Her eyes widened. “There’s no point in pretending that you think me anything less than a lightskirt.” Her grin was menacing as she took her leg back. “This is who you wanted me to be, isn’t it? Well, I hope you enjoy the view because that’s all you’ll be getting.” She rolled her stocking back up, giving him a show.

  His eyes followed her fingers up her thighs and then her skirts fell and his eyes returned to hers. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I never called you a lightskirt.”

  “But you implied that I had no morals.” She lifted her hand. “I’m done discussing it. Let’s discuss what matters. What is the schedule for the trip? I should know what is going on.”

  “I’ll write you a detailed note and send it back to London. You can have it there.” He didn’t want Belle on his property. Every time she came, he
was reminded of their time together.

  She’d surprised him once over a month ago. He’d walked into his drawing room and she’d been there in all her finery. She’d smiled at him and he’d grown angry at the thought of what they could have had and what they couldn’t because she’d lied.

  He was a fool for wanting her at all. He was nearly jealous of the children she loved. They were the only ones who could truly trust her. She’d never hurt them. They’d come before herself every time. That was unlike his own mother. She’d feared Oliver’s father far too much to stand up for them.

  He couldn’t see Belle not standing up for her children. Those born from her body or taken in from the street would have her full protection.

  “What?” she asked when he continued to stare at her.

  “I want to know the whole story behind your relationship with Shepard.”

  She leaned back and crossed her arms under her breasts. “Why? So you can rip my story apart and twist it into something foul? I think not.”

  “I won’t do that.” He was just realizing how much he didn’t know about her. “I just want to know the truth.”

  Her brown eyes wouldn’t yield. “You had your chance to know me. Do you remember when you offered me friendship? Well, that time is behind us. We are no longer friends.”

  “So we’re enemies?”

  “We’re business associates,” she clarified. “And I wish to know what it is you plan to do with the young men who are going on this trip. You may not understand this, but these boys are my responsibility. I answer to sponsors. There are people who pay for their care. Therefore, they have a right to know what is going on, which means I have a right to know what is going on.” She lifted her brow. “So, what is going on?”

  Her body would always fool a man into thinking there was no wisdom behind the beauty but not Oliver. He grunted and realized once again this small woman had a man who was nearly seven feet tall cornered. “Very well.” He picked up a book and handed it to her.