Fortune's Bride

by VICTORIA MALVEY

  "After all, a marriage still suits your needs along with Ian's, and while he might not have asked me to arrange the proxy, it is a well-known fact that he has been seeking a titled bride."

  Alyssa lifted her chin, meeting the duke's gaze. "That does not give you the right to arrange his life for him," she said coolly.

  "No, but the fact that he is my heir does give me the right to ensure he marries well," the duke asserted.

  It amazed her that Lord Hammond actually believed that nonsense. "How utterly ridiculous."

  "I didn't ask your opinion, Lady Alyssa," he replied coldly. "I am merely telling you that one way or an-other I shall arrange for my grandson's marriage. If you don't sign the proxy, I'll simply find someone else who will. So, why not be the one to benefit?" Straightening away from the table, he gestured toward the papers. "One signature and you will become the future Duchess of Hammond."

  Slowly, Alyssa reached for the proxy. Picking it up, she read the first few paragraphs ... then tore the papers in half. "I don't believe that will ever happen."

  The duke shook his head. "You foolish girl," he said, a pitying note coloring his voice. "Do you honestly believe your refusal will stop me? All you've done is postpone the inevitable."

  "Perhaps," she agreed, "but at least I won't be your pawn."

  His lips twisted into a sneer as he turned and left the room.

  Lord Hammond's determination seemed unyielding, so Alyssa knew she had to warn Ian.

  * * *

  This time when Ian heard the knocking, he walked directly to the window. Pushing it open, he braced his hands on the sill and leaned out. As expected, Alyssa stood beneath the window. "This is getting to be a habit, Alyssa," he murmured with a smile. "Shall I expect you to arrive in this fashion every night? If so, I'd be more than happy to arrange for fresh tea when you come to call."

  Holding up her hands, she couldn't help but smile at Ian's jesting. "Be silent for just a moment and help me into the room."

  "But of course, my lady." Reaching down, he lifted her through the window. As soon as he'd settled her onto her feet, he tilted her chin up. "I believe I've made myself quite clear on how I feel about you traipsing about London alone."

  "And I believe I've been equally clear when I assured you that I'll be perfectly fine," she scoffed.

  "Of course you will. After all, you are the all-powerful Madam Zora."

  She bristled at his mocking tone. "I was powerful enough to cause... that!" she finished triumphantly, pointing to a frog that sat upon his mantel.

  "Come now, Alyssa, do you honestly think I believe for one moment that you have any mystical powers whatsoever?" he asked with a laugh, picking up the frog and tossing it lightly out the window.

  A chagrined smile curved her lips. "Everyone else seems convinced." Shrugging lightly, she continued, "I thought perhaps you might he as well."

  "There's hardly a chance of that, as I was the one who—" Breaking off his admission, Ian cursed himself for revealing so much, hoping Alyssa hadn't been paying close attention.

  "You released frogs in your own house?" she asked in a whispered tone.

  Ah, his clever Gypsy had indeed caught his misstep. "Just a few," he admitted.

  "Why?"

  Her question deserved an answer. Shrugging selfconsciously, Ian said, "Call me foolish, but I couldn't take away your only means of support even if I didn't understand why you felt the need to curse me." The frog he'd put outside began to croak loudly. "But I don't understand where they all came from. I only had ten or so brought to my house, yet there were hundreds of the beasts filling my home the next day. Since I know frogs don't reproduce that quickly, I can only conclude that others had the same idea and let a few frogs loose as well."

  Alyssa's lips twitched. "Were there really hundreds of them hopping about ?"

  "At least." Pointing to another frog as it crawled beneath the sideboard, Ian continued, "As you can tell, there are still a few roaming about. I vow if I can't put an end to this problem and catch all the pests, I'll have to find a new residence."

  "One that is frog free," Alyssa added with a smile.

  Laughing, Ian agreed. "Precisely." Mellowed, he leaned back against his desk. "What can I do for you, then?"

  "It's what I can do for you," she countered, moving close enough so that her skirts brushed against his legs. "I came here tonight to warn you."

  Arching his brows, Ian didn't even try to conceal his surprise. "Warn me? About what?"

  "Your grandfather's plans," she replied, looking down at her hands. "When I arrived home this evening, Lord Hammond was waiting to see me. He'd brought the proxy for me to sign."

  "I take it he was unhappy with your refusal to sign the papers." It was all too easy for Ian to picture his grandfather's anger at having his plans thwarted. Smiling, Ian murmured, "Ah, I wish I'd been there when he learned his plan had failed."

  "But that's just it, Ian. While he knows I won't sign the proxy, he's bound and determined to find someone who will. He said he'd find a way to see you well married with or without my cooperation." Reaching out, Alyssa placed her hands upon his arms. "He truly means it, Ian."

  "I can deal with him," he said, trying to ignore the racing of his blood at her nearness.

  "Be wary of him, for he's most convincing in his lies," she warned. "Please, Ian. You must trust me on this."

  Her gaze, dark and earnest, burned into him, will-ing him to believe her. To have her so close, so soft, overwhelmed him. All evening he'd wanted to do nothing more than to claim a dance, to pull her into his arms and feel her against him.

  And here she stood before him in the quiet solitude of his home. All of his thoughts and desires solidified into one—one burning thought that was too powerful to resist—he needed to touch her, taste her. Wrapping his hands around her waist, he guided her closer, until she pressed against him, her womanly softness melding perfectly with his aching body.

  "Ian,"she whispered, her soft breath brushing over his face.

  Gazing down into her eyes, Ian felt a rush of pure need flow through him. Her cheeks flushed and her lips parted as he pressed her into him once again. Longings, so long suppressed, leapt upward, needing to be free.

  And Ian couldn't deny them any longer.

  Groaning softly, he captured her lips beneath his. The touch sent a shiver through him and he deepened the kiss. With a soft sigh, Alyssa raised up onto her tiptoes and wound her arms around his neck, shifting their bodies into an even more intimate position.

  Ah, how she fit perfectly against him.

  Ian tightened his arms, accepting what she offered without hesitation. Hunger, raw and wild, pulsated through him. Parting her lips with his, he delved inward, the taste of her making him crave more.

  Slanting his head, he explored her mouth, reveling in their passion. Her hands moved up to clasp his head, her fingers entwining with his hair. The erotic feel of her nails scraping over him intensified the desire within him.

  Shifting his mouth downward, Ian pressed open-mouthed kisses along the slender line of her neck. "Alyssa," he rasped against her nape.

  As desire filled him, Ian continued his downward path, over the delicate curve of her collarbone and onto the sweet slope of her breasts. Needing more, he nuzzled against the low bodice of her gown. Arching back within his embrace, Alyssa offered herself up to him, withholding nothing, and he willingly accepted everything she gave him.

  Sliding one hand up her waist, over the luscious curve of her breast, Ian curled his fingers along her bodice, tugging slightly to free the delectable, feminine flesh within.

  The lush ripeness of her nipple strained forward. Groaning deeply, he closed his mouth around the point, drawing the tip between his lips. Alyssa clutched his hair as a soft moan escaped her.

  Desire pounding through him, he slid his hand downward to cup her bottom, tilting her up into his hardness. Rubbing himself against her, Ian was rewarded with another sweet cry of passion.

&nbs
p; Lifting his head, he gazed down at the magnificent sight before him—Alyssa lost in glorious abandon.

  "Ian," she moaned softly, tugging him toward her again.

  Eagerly, he recaptured her lips, tasting deeply of her cravings that so perfectly matched his. God, how he wanted her.

  Breaking off the kiss, he followed the path downward once more onto the supple wealth of her breasts.

  "Oh, Ian."

  Her urgent whisper sent a shiver along his spine, invoking images of Alyssa spread in passionate welcome upon his bed. Tightening his hand upon the sweet curve of her hip, Ian lost himself within her.

  17

  A haze of desire clouded all but the pulsing need to find a place to lay Alyssa down and make her completely, irrevocably his. Forever.

  Forever.

  The word clamored through him, jarring him back into reality. Lifting his head, Ian gazed down at this beautiful, sensual woman in his arms... a woman who had been hand-picked for him by his grandfather.

  Loosening his clasp upon her, Ian shifted backward. "No," he whispered softly.

  "Please, Ian," she murmured in a husky, passion-laden voice.

  The urge to lower his head, to again taste desire upon those incredible lips, nearly overwhelmed him. It took all of his self-control to clasp Alyssa by the shoulders and shift her away from him. "We can't do this, Alyssa," he said softly. "If we do, we'll be playing right into the duke's hands as if we were his puppets and he was pulling the strings."

  Twisting away from him, Ian could see Alyssa adjust her bodice and gather herself inward. "You're quite right, of course," she returned, her voice cracking slightly. "I don't know what came over us."

  "It's late, we're both tired, and our emotions have been tested today. We probably just got caught up in the moment." Lord, that excuse sounded pitiful even to his own ears.

  "Yes, that's probably it," she agreed a little too quickly.

  An awkward silence stretched between them until finally Ian cleared his throat. "Wait here and I'll have the carriage brought around."

  "Fine," Alyssa said as she wrapped her arms around herself.

  Ian fought the urge to pull Alyssa into his arms and offer her comfort. Instead he forced himself to walk from the room to order the carriage.

  It only took him a tew minutes to arrange. Pausing outside the door, he took a few calming breaths before he stepped back into the room...

  And found it empty.

  He knew immediately what had happened. His little Gypsy had decided to find her own way home.

  Without hesitation, Ian vaulted out the window to follow her.

  * * *

  She knew she'd taken the coward's way out, but she couldn't face that horrible awkwardness between diem. If she'd waited for Ian to return, he would have murmured a few stiff phrases before bundling her into his carriage and exchange polite nothings with her. No, she just couldn't bear that.

  Not after a mind-shattering kiss like the one they'd just shared.

  She'd lost herself in lan's embrace, endangering her peace of mind. His kisses had robbed her of her ability to reason, leaving her heart open and vulnerable. She wouldn't allow herself to feel anything deeper for Ian, because she knew he would never fotget her lies. True, she'd deceived him in order to protect her sister, but the fact remained that she'd woven a web of deceit and he'd been caught tn it.

  Turning into a darkened alleyway, Alyssa realized that she would be just fine in the future... even if it didn't hold Ian. After she'd settled her sister, Alyssa would choose someone for herself. Someone kind and generous and who never argued with her.

  But why did that sound so deadly dull?

  Lost in her thoughts, Alyssa slowed to a halt, trying to make sense of the conflicting emotions racing through her. The scrape of a footfall in the alley ahead of her immediately put Alyssa on guard. Calling herself a fool for not staying alert on the streets, she forced herself to focus on her surroundings. In all the times she'd come down this alley in the dark, she'd never run into anyone else. Nerves jangled as she spun on her heel and began to retrace her steps back to the main street.

  As she headed back down the alley, Alyssa heard the footfalls behind her increase in volume and speed... as if the person were running after her. Alarm crashed through her and without sparing a glance backward, she lifted her skirts and began to run in earnest.

  "Come back, Madam Zora!" the man behind her called.

  But she didn't hesitate. Instead, she increased her speed.

  "I must speak with you." The man's voice sounded more winded, giving Alyssa hope of outrunning him. "You have such great mystical powers and I need you. I'll take care of you."

  Rounding the corner onto the main thoroughfare, Alyssa didn't slow at all. As the sound of the footsteps stopped at the end of the alley, she felt a rush of triumph. Her elation was short-lived, however, when a moment later she heard them start up again. This time more feint, but growing louder by the minute.

  Panic clutched at her already aching chest as Alyssa fought to run faster. The footsteps grew closer and closer, and her hope of escape began to fade away as the man closed the gap between them, so close she could hear the rasping of his breath.

  Obviously she wasn't going to be able to outrun him, so she only had one option left to her now.

  Go on the attack.

  Spinning on her heel, Alyssa swung around with her hand fisted, aiming for the man's face. Luck was on her side as she hit the man's nose square on, hurt" ing her fist. As the man bent over, holding onto his now bleeding nose, Alyssa began to run in the opposite direction.

  "Damnation, Alyssa."

  Ian! Turning on her heel, she raced toward him to throw herself against him, seeking shelter in his arms.

  * * *

  "I've been over this a thousand times," groaned Alyssa, rubbing at her tired eyes.

  "Then let's make it a thousand and one." Ian paced before her, his hands clasped behind his back. "I just want to make perfectly certain that you didn't leave anything out."

  "No, I believe we've discussed the fact that I behaved like a ninny more than enough," Alyssa re-torted. "It was foolish of me to be afraid when it was just someone trying to speak with Madam Zora."

  "You shouldn't dismiss my concerns so hastily. After all, I've expressed my concern about you walk-ing home many times."

  "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist bringing that up!"

  A side of Ian's mouth tilted upward. "So glad I didn't disappoint you."

  "I appreciate your concern, Ian, but I believe tonight's fright was simply a result of my overactive imagination. I'd been woolgathering when I heard the footsteps and I foolishly panicked." She smiled ruefully. "I'll wager I frightened the person following me almost as much as he scared me."

  "You're probably right," Ian conceded, "but I'd feel better if you'd accept my escort to functions for the next few days."

  Pressing a hand to her suddenly warm cheek, Alyssa wondered at the odd mixture of dread and excitement filling her at the thought of spending time at Ian's side.

  Lord, she hoped she wasn't making an even bigger mistake.

  * * *

  "There's something I need to discuss with you, my lady." Clasping her hands in her lap, Alyssa looked across the table at Lady Eleanor.

  Eleanor set down her fork and pushed aside her breakfast plate. "Yes, dear?"

  "There is no proxy," Alyssa said in a rush.

  Lady Eleanor lifted her eyebrows. "Pardon me?"

  "I'm not going to sign the proxy with your grand-nephew."

  "I'm sorry to hear that," Lady Eleanor murmured softly.

  "Calla will be as well."

  Nodding sagely, Lady Eleanor agreed. "Indeed she will. Your sister thinks very highly of Ian."

  "I know she does," Alyssa replied. "And she's also grown very fond of you, my lady."

  "The feeling is mutual, I assure you."

  "Calla will miss you quite a bit."

  "Miss me?" Lady El
eanor frowned at Alyssa. "But my dear, I'm not going anywhere."

  "No, but we are." Taking a deep breath, Alyssa smiled at Lady Eleanor. "Now that I am no longer going to become a member of your family, I'm certain you will wish us to find more suitable lodgings. I appreciate your hospitality and hope—"

  "I wish nothing of the sort," Lady Eleanor interrupted. "Before you and Calla came to live with me, I often found myself at loose ends, bored with the parties and unending soirees." Her hand shook slightly as she took a sip of her tea. "I wish you would reconsider, Alyssa, for I would truly miss you. Please... please stay."

  "Of course," Alyssa returned in a rush of relief. "I just didn't wish to be a burden."

  Rising, Lady Eleanor walked around the table and gathered Alyssa into her arms. "A burden?" She gave a shaky laugh as she released Alyssa. "Never."

  Joy flooded Alyssa as she realized that here in this kind woman's house she had found a home.

  * * *

  "I appreciate your allowing me to join you on your morning stroll," Ian said as he escorted Alyssa down the stone path.

  "Usually, I have my maid accompany me." Smiling absently at a passerby, Alyssa tried to tamp down the happiness inside of her. Ever since her talk with Lady Eleanor, Alyssa had felt so free, so joyful, that she'd bordered on being giddy.

  And it was far too easy for her to get excited over the smallest things. From the moment Ian had called for her this morning, she'd felt like giggling in pure joy. Yet, she couldn't took too deeply at Ian's reasons for calling upon her. Ian was simply concerned for her safety, she re-minded herself firmly. This was not a courtship. For the first time since he'd called upon her, Alyssa met Ian's gaze. "Isn't it odd how we've become friends of a sort?"

  "I suppose it is," Ian admitted. "It was inevitable once we'd begun to work together to outsmart my grandfather."

  "True, but I think I show great forbearance in my dealings with your family."

  "My family?" Ian exclaimed beneath his breath as he nodded at Lord and Lady Atherton. "I'm not the one claiming Gypsy forefathers."

  Grinning, Alyssa refused to concede the point. "Might I remind you that it was your grandfather who gave me a Gypsy heritage?"