“At least he was easy to get rid of. I have little idea what I am to do with you.”
“Get rid of?” He prevented her from facing away from him. “What are you talking about?”
She searched his gaze and a little smile graced her lips. “If you really want to know why I went to the gaming hell, I suppose it would not hurt for you to know.” She pulled away from him, and he let her. “I sent Mr. Cartwright away.”
Reuben frowned. “Away?”
“Yes. He is going to be an officer in the Army. Based in Yorkshire. He shall never see your aunt again.” She gave a little giggle. “He thinks he is getting quite a good deal, but I think that shall change when he reaches Yorkshire.”
He shook his head in disbelief. She’d arranged a commission for Cartwright? Had ensured the man would never go near his aunt again? And risked scandal and danger just to do so? Good God, he had underestimated this woman by far.
“So you see, Mr. Hunter, I am not without my wiles. And if I have it my way, I shall ensure you never see your aunt again either.”
“Pardon?”
“I know.” She lifted both hands. “I know it all. How you hoped to gain control of your aunt’s money? I’m sure having me here has been quite an annoyance for you. No wonder you tried to scare me away with your scolding.” She gave a sad smile. “I suppose once you realized I would not be chased away, you decided to charm me instead. Well, it worked if that makes you happy. I really did think—” Her eyes filled briefly with tears before she swiped them angrily away. “Well, it does not matter.” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “I am onto you, Mr. Reuben Hunter, and I am Lady Angel Templeton, sister to the Marquis of Eastbrook, and I will not rest until your aunt is safe from scoundrels like you.”
He rubbed the spot she’d jabbed with surprising force then pinched the bridge of his nose. What was all this? He wanted his aunt’s fortune? He’d deliberately charmed her? Where had these ideas come from?
“Angel—”
She cast her gaze up and down him. “Step aside, Mr. Hunter. I am finished here.”
He moved closer, blocking her path fully. If she was laboring under a misunderstanding of him, there was no chance he was letting her go until he had explained all.
“Angel, I have no wish to control my aunt’s money. At least not in the way you seem to think.”
“I’m no fool, I heard the lawyer say you no longer have to worry about the safety of your inheritance.” She mimicked his tones.
“You heard the lawyer making a jest.”
“Well, you would say that.” Angel folded her arms.
“And if I charmed you…well, honestly, it was by mistake. I am grateful that I did because, damn it, Angel, you have been haunting me from the day I first met you.” He sighed. “And yes, I did make a judgement, and yes, I had my misgivings, but knowing you these past two months has changed that. It has changed me. I know who you are, Lady Angel, and I love that woman with all of my heart.”
Her mouth formed an o shape. She blinked several times then unfolded her arms. “You are just trying to charm me again.”
He shifted closer, forcing her to look up at him. “If I was really trying to charm you, do you not think I would have done it better than my own clumsy way? If I wished to take advantage of my aunt, would I have really left her?” He took her shoulders gently in his hands. “Look at me, Angel, and tell me you really believe that.”
“I—” Her voice cracked and tears welled in her eyes again. Her shoulders sagged, and she pressed her forehead to his chest. “I do not.”
Reuben curved a hand around the back of her head and rubbed her hair. The scent of her perfume and the feel of her body so close to his made his heart race.
“Mr. Ellis was making a jest. It is known I will inherit eventually anyway—I have always known that. But with people like Cartwright around and my aunt’s faculties declining, I thought it prudent that I begin the process of ensuring her money—and therefore her wellbeing—is looked after. My aunt agrees with me and wants me to help her look after her finances.”
Several moments of silence passed. He heard a little sniffle then she finally raised her head. “I feel a fool.”
Reuben chuckled. “If it is of any consolation, I had fears for a moment about you.”
“Me?”
“I was determined to see everyone as an enemy to my aunt, but once I got to know you, I realized you love her as much as I do.”
She gave a soft smile. “She is hard not to love.” He heard her exhale. “But, Reuben, I do have something I should tell you too. Seeing as we are confessing all here.”
“What is it?”
“I was sent here because of a task.”
“A task?” he echoed.
“My grandfather had no sons. No one to whom to leave his money. So he decided to split his inheritance between my siblings and me. However, there was a proviso—we all had to fulfill a task.”
“I see,” he said cautiously.
“My task was to come and work as your aunt’s companion for two months. If all went well, and I was not sent away or did something foolish, my task would be considered completed. The family lawyer tells me I have done just that.”
Reuben frowned and tried to process the words. At least he understood why a woman like Angel would take up a position, but it was an odd deal indeed. “Two months? So why are you still here?”
“I could not leave your aunt at the mercy of two charlatans now, could I?” She gave a wry grin and pressed a hand against his chest, just over his rapidly beating heart. “My grandfather thought I needed to take the time to look after someone else, to think of others, to leave the whirlwind of London society. And he was absolutely right.”
“Why not tell me this to begin with? When I clearly doubted you?”
“I do not think that would have made you think any better of me! Besides, we were sworn to secrecy. My grandfather did not want us having any external help.”
Reuben took a moment to process the news. It was unusual to be certain, but he could not help wanting to utter up a thanks to Angel’s grandfather, without sending Angel here, Reuben would still be a serious, uptight stick, with little idea of what love felt like.
He rested a hand over hers, pressing her palm against his thudding heart. “Is that everything?”
She giggled. “I think so.”
“No more secrets or misunderstandings?”
She shook her head. “No. Though I suppose there is one more thing I must tell you.”
He mentally braced himself. “What is it, Angel?”
She bit down briefly on her bottom lip and glanced down before meeting his gaze. “I love you.”
The words were whispered, but to his heart, they might as well have been a shout. Triumph roared through him, sending his pulse into overdrive. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her from her feet to press her closer to him. She laughed and curled her arms around his neck. He finally lowered her so he could press a brief kiss to her lips.
She beamed at him. “I take it this news is not unwelcome.”
“Never.” He kissed her again. “I love you too. Heck, I think I loved you from the moment I saw you splattered in paint.”
She blushed and used both hands to cup his face. “Not my finest moment.”
“From where I was standing, you looked fine indeed.” He paused. “But, Angel, will your family not protest you marrying a mere Mr.? Were they not hoping for a duke or some such for you?”
Angel shook her head with a grin. “My family will simply be glad I am settling down. Besides, they are used to me doing things differently.” She came onto tiptoes. “Besides, who needs a duke when I have the stern, commanding, and oh so handsome Mr. Reuben Hunter.”
Her breath whispered over his lips, forcing a groan from him. He was not sure she had painted him in the most flattering light, but if she loved him despite all of his flaws, he suspected they would do very well together indeed.
Ep
ilogue
Angel quietly shut the door, hearing the faint click as it bolted into place. She turned with a small giggle to find Reuben sitting on the bed, eyeing her.
“What are you up to?” he asked.
“This library is enormous,” she said, rushing over to the bed and collapsing on top of it. “I could practically live there!”
Reuben began unbuttoning his sleeves with a raised brow. “I did not know you were a fan of libraries.”
Angel gave him a playful pout. “I have some rather fond memories in libraries now,” she said slowly, sitting up and straightening her gown. She leaned toward his broad, handsome face and gave him a peck on the cheek. She drew away, shivering.
“Lord!” she exclaimed. “You’re like a block of ice!”
He stood. “I’ll make a fire.”
Angel watched as her new husband gathered kindling and struck a match. Her brother’s castle – while gorgeous – was dreadfully chilly. He couldn’t afford extra servants right now.
“It was so good of Theo to let us honeymoon at his castle,” Angel said, reaching behind her head to pull out a pin. A lock of dark hair fell across her shoulder. “Especially while he has so much to deal with at present.”
“I wanted to honeymoon in Rome. It would have been a lot warmer.”
“I know.” Angel stood from the bed and wrapped her arms around him. “But I didn’t want to stray far from my family.” She gave him another kiss on the cheek. “I have come to rather appreciate them of late.”
“Well, I appreciate your brother not objecting to our marriage.” Reuben successfully lit the fire while Angel continued drawing pins from her hair. He glanced over to her. “After all, it seems a certain duke had been angling for your hand.”
She watched him as he removed his jacket, his muscles rippling under his white shirt. “There was little to object about, and as I said before, I had no interest in the duke.” She gave him a mischievous smile when he looked at her. “Not after I set eyes on you.”
The area between her legs ached. They’d consummated their marriage only two nights ago… but she wanted the thrill of it again. After all her pins had been set aside, she rose from the bed and wandered over to her husband, who had seated himself in an armchair and opened a book.
She gently lowered the book from his face with the tip of her finger. “Undress with me,” she said in a low, soft voice.
His blue eyes sharpened as they scanned her loose hair that she’d deliberately let trail over her stays and chemise.
“All right,” he grunted, setting the book aside. Angel turned, and he loosened the ties of her chemise. He began to undo her corset, but she gently placed a hand on his and guided it downwards, between her legs.
“I want to feel you,” she breathed.
Reuben’s other hand moved up. His fingers gently traced the curve of her breast. He lowered his mouth, pressing his warm lips against the base of her neck. She shuddered with anticipation.
She turned, catching his mouth with hers. She pushed him back into the armchair, devouring him with her kisses, her hands wandering underneath his shirt to feel his bare chest. He groaned softly and quickly undid the rest of her corset. It fell away, and her breasts spilled forward, finally free.
Reuben lifted her up as he stood, making his way to the bed. He lowered her onto the mattress and admired her figure, splayed about pleasantly against the white sheets. Lowering himself over her, he pulled away her chemise until her right breast was exposed, her nipple hard from the cold.
Giving her a last appreciative glance, he fastened his mouth on her breast, his tongue swirling in dizzying circles around her nipple.
Angel sighed, arching her back with pleasure. His breath tickled her chest, making the hair on her skin rise. He moved his hand to her left breast, squeezing and rubbing it gently. His tongue flicked her nipple, eliciting soft moans from her. She quickly became wet with anticipation.
He switched to her other breast, and as he did so, his right hand moved down, searching under her garment. He grasped her thigh, then moved his warm hand up… up…
Angel gasped as his fingers found their way between her legs, stroking the area between them. He slowly dipped two fingers inside of her, then pulled them out halfway… then plunged them back in.
Galvanized, she arched her back and inhaled sharply. She burned—oh God she burned—with desire as he continued fingering her, setting a steady and infuriatingly slow pace.
His mouth left her breast to explore her neck, his breathing heavy, then he nipped her ear, and her insides clenched from the thrill of it. “Reuben…” she moaned. “When are you going to do it?”
“Patience,” he murmured. He kissed her cheek, her forehead, her hair. His fingers continued to plunge deeper inside her with each thrust.
Angel twisted, craving sweet release. “Please,” she said. “I need you inside me.”
Still masterfully fingering her, he used his other hand to undo his breeches.
Angel’s eyes widened. His cock, enlarged and thick, fell out of his placket. She whimpered with the need to have him.
“Shh,” Reuben said, giving her a deep kiss. “I’ll give you what you want. But first…” He removed his shirt, his defined chest glowing in the firelight.
Then, briefly extracting his fingers, he helped her completely remove her clothing.
There was nothing between them now. His body slid across hers, tantalizing. “Are you ready?” he asked, examining her face.
She nodded, too breathless to speak.
Raising her hips, he positioned himself. She felt the tip of him nudge between her legs. With one quick thrust, he was inside her.
She cried out. Even though she was no longer a virgin, her body was still getting used to having something so large inside her. Her muscles clenched around his cock, which began to move slowly in and out, pulsing deep inside her.
He quickened his pace, and her insides blossomed with the burning need to orgasm, to experience that sweet release of pleasure. She pulled him close to her as he pounded into her, shaking the bed. He grunted.
She clawed at his back, never close enough. With each rock and thrust, the pleasure built to an achingly high pitch. It swelled in her like a raging, ravaging wave.
She cried out, unable to contain herself and her desire – her need – to release.
Finally, Reuben gasped, and Angel felt the explosion she had been waiting for. Her mouth hung open in a silent scream as they moved together as one being, wave after intoxicating wave coursing through her body.
When it was over, she shuddered, gasping. Reuben collapsed on top of her. They lay there panting, a tangle of sweaty limbs and sheets. After several moments, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and rolled over, drawing her into the cocoon of his arms.
“Reuben, that was…”
“Mmm hmm.” He rubbed a soothing hand up and down her arm.
“Will it always be like that?”
He glanced down at her. “For us?” He grinned. “I suspect it will.” Flicking a finger under her chin, he leaned down to kiss her lips. “You bring out the best in me, Angel.”
“As do you with me,” she admitted. “Perhaps my grandfather knew what was best for me after all. Without him, I would never have met you.”
“Perhaps he knew what he was doing for all of you.”
Angel smiled when she thought of her siblings and their recent adventures. “I think he really did.”
THE END
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There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea (The Inheritance Clause Book 1) Page 11