Dare to Love

by Alleigh Burrows

The only person at the party who was not pleased with his return to the proverbial fold was Betsy. Sidling over to her husband, she tugged on his sleeve. “William, may I speak with you,”

  “Yes, dear. Of course. Are you enjoying yourself this evening?”

  “Not precisely, no. I fear I am not feeling quite the thing. Would you mind if we left soon?”

  William grabbed her hand. “Are you all right? Is it anything serious?”

  She flashed a scowl at Dare, indicating she desired some privacy. Happy to oblige, he took a step away and shifted his attention to the dancers. Still, he heard Betsy whisper, “I’m just a little bilious. Perhaps it was too much dessert.”

  “You poor dear. I know exactly how you feel. I am a little unsettled myself. We can leave immediately if you’d like.”

  “Oh, but what about Nivea? We were to take her home.”

  Just then, Nivea swished by, her fingers entwined in her partner’s. Dare choked back a growl.

  “Are you all right?” Betsy exclaimed.

  “What? Oh, yes, just clearing my throat.” He forced a cough to cover his embarrassing outburst. “Did you say that Nivea needs a ride home? I have a carriage.”

  “Oh, no,” Betsy answered. “You do not need to do that. I’m sure she will not mind leaving with us.”

  William may have forgiven him, but it was apparent his wife was still aggravated.

  Taking a cue from her, William hastily added, “No, we don’t want to impose. I’m certain you have plans for the evening.”

  As a matter of fact, he did. And having Nivea all to himself would fit those plans nicely. But first he would need to convince her meddling family that he was doing them a favor, without appearing too eager.

  Summoning up his most contrite expression, he murmured to William, “I would be happy to escort her home. It’s the least I can offer, as penitence for my earlier behavior. Don’t worry. Your sister will be in good hands.”

  Betsy snorted. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  Damn. She didn’t trust him. With good reason. He would have to address the problem head on. “No need for concern. I’m certain, dressed as I am, no woman will fall victim to my charms,” he said with a depreciative shrug.

  Even Betsy had to smile at that. “You are not up to your usual snuff, are you?”

  “It was for a good cause. Joseph enjoyed my humbling tribute to him.”

  Unconvinced, she gave him a long hard look.“Perhaps we should ask Nivea what she would prefer.”

  Dare assumed his most indolent expression. He just prayed they didn’t notice the sudden pounding of his chest at the thought of getting her alone.

  As the dance ended, William motioned to Nivea to join them. “Nivvy, Betsy is not feeling well and would like to go home.”

  “Betsy, are you all right?”

  “Oh yes. It’s nothing serious,” she reassured her. “We were wondering if you are ready to leave yet.”

  The corners of her mouth dropped in dismay. “Oh, I confess I was hoping to stay a little longer.”

  Betsy shot William a fretful glance before stating, “Dare has offered to escort you home.” Her lack of enthusiasm spoke volumes.

  “Would that be acceptable?” Dare asked in a measured tone, doing his best to keep his expression impassive.

  Noting the telltale flush that crept up her cheeks, Dare was certain that Nivea would accept. She felt the pull between them as strongly as he did. Still, sensing the tension in the air, she managed to answer coolly, “I suppose I could tolerate a short ride in his presence.”

  Betsy fixed her with a steady stare, willing her to reconsider. When no other response was forthcoming, she gave a wan smile and held out her hand to her husband.

  “Well, it’s settled then. If you’re certain it won’t be an imposition, we’ll be off.” William took Betsy’s arm and then paused, narrowing his eyes at Dare. “Remember, Landis, we have just made peace.” He cast a meaningful look at Nivea.

  Dare bowed in silent acknowledgment and the Horshams took their leave.

  “I don’t think they were comfortable leaving me in your care,” Nivea murmured.

  Dare laughed darkly. “No I don’t imagine they were. Do you mind?”

  Nivea grinned without reserve. “No, not at all.”

  “Good,” Dare exhaled. Then holding out his arm said, “Perhaps I can claim you for a dance?”

  Her eyes clouded and her smile disappeared. Turning away, she mumbled, “No, that’s quite all right. You needn’t bother.”

  How odd. Why the sudden about face? She’d danced with other men that evening. Seemingly countless men. Then he remembered. That evening at Morrill’s party. A pity dance. That’s what he had offered her. God, he was such a cad! He would burn in hell for the way he’d treated her. It was a wonder she’d ever spoken to him again.

  The most distressing part was tonight he truly did want to dance with her. It was a deep and primal instinct. He wanted to touch her, claim her. But first, he would have to convince her that this was a sincere invitation.

  Bowing low, he wrapped her hand in his. Raising her fingers to his lips, he stared deeply into her eyes. “Nivea, there is no one here that I would rather dance with. I would be honored if you would join me.”

  He could sense the conflict raging through her, trying to reconcile the pain he had caused.

  This was an important moment. He had danced with her all those years out of a sense of duty. That’s what gentlemen did for their friends with undesirable relations. But this time he truly wanted it for himself.

  “Please,” he said, softly, urgently, his heart thudding with anticipation.

  She scanned his face, and he could tell she was weighing his words, judging their sincerity. With a slight nod, she murmured, “Yes. If you truly wish to, I will dance with you.”

  Whoosh, he could breathe again. “Yes, Nivea Horsham, I do wish to dance with you.” He grabbed her hand and they both laughed as he dragged her onto the dance floor.

  The rest of the evening, Dare hummed with pleasure. It was funny how comfortable he was once again surrounded by friends. There were no outlandish amusements, no outrageous performances, yet he was happy. Content.

  How was that possible? Didn’t he thrive on rakish pursuits? Wasn’t that his raison d’etre? If he wasn’t the arrogant, contemptuous, derisive Lord Landis, who was he?

  “Dare?” He heard Nivea call his name.

  Was that the answer? Could he just be Dare? Not Lord Landis. Not the bedamned future Marquess of Raynsforth, but simply Dare? For once, the thought was intriguing.

  “Yes, my dear?” Turning towards her he must have bestowed a more seductive expression than he’d intended. Her eyes grew wide with wonder and her skin flushed crimson.

  “I—I—that is to say…”

  She looked so adorably befuddled, Dare couldn’t help but laugh. The urge to draw her into his arms was overwhelming. Despite her brother’s warning and his own sense of self-preservation, watching the candlelight illuminating her skin, her scent tantalizing his senses, he had to get her alone. If only for this one night.

  “Let’s go outside.” Wasting no time, he grabbed her arm, and guided her through the door and into the small enclosed garden.

  “Dare!” she gasped, stumbling behind him. “We shouldn’t. People will—”

  “I don’t care what people will do. Come quietly and we’ll be fine.” He tugged her behind a privacy hedge, plunging them into darkness.

  “Dare!” she squeaked once more, but he silenced her by pulling her into his arms and kissing her. What started out as a controlled maneuver, turned into a slow, entrancing dance. He slid his tongue into her mouth and felt her relax in his arms. After a few moments, he broke off the kiss, buried his face into her neck and inhaled.

  “Finally.” He sighed, reveling in her vanilla fragrance.

  She giggled. “Finally, what, milord?”

  “I have been craving a taste of your skin all evening. Al
l day, in fact. Since I saw the dessert room.”

  “The dessert room?” She sounded confused, and rightly so.

  He wasn’t about to admit what had occurred this morning, his embarrassing surge of lust at the vanilla smell, so he attempted to distract her by nibbling on her neck. She was as delicious as he remembered. He nipped his way across her shoulder before trailing his tongue back to her earlobe. She sighed with delight.

  But, being Nivea, she wouldn’t be content until she’d delved into his private thoughts. “What happened in the dessert room?” Her words vibrated in his mouth as he sucked the sensitive skin at her throat.

  He sighed and pulled back. In the darkness, he could just make out her eyes, filled with curiosity. “Well, my dear, you may not know this, but you have the most alluring scent of vanilla about you.”

  “I do?” she squeaked.

  He nodded. “I find it quite irresistible.”

  She smiled, lowering her lashes.

  He continued softly, “When I visited the house this morning, Briar bid me to enter the room. The smell of vanilla was overwhelming, and while she was rambling on about her chef’s culinary talents, I was growing hard as a pillar thinking about you.”

  Nivea’s eyebrows shot up and her mouth turned into a perfect O of surprise.

  “It was not at all welcome at the time,” he admitted, “but now that I have you, the sensation is much less uncomfortable.

  He pulled her closer, making her fully aware of his condition. Unperturbed, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with an eagerness that tickled his heart. “I am so glad to hear you have been thinking about me.”

  He would not disclose how much. Not now, not ever.

  Besides, the time for talking was over. He only had one thought in mind—touching and tasting every inch she would allow. He stripped off his gloves and tucked them into his jacket. Stroking her arms, he reveled in the feel of her skin. It was as smooth as he remembered and compelled him to explore further.

  He teased her mouth, playfully sucking at her lips and tongue while inching the small cap sleeves off her shoulders. Sensing no resistance, he trailed his fingers along the top of her bodice and let his thumb dip down to skim her nipple. He felt her gasp in his mouth and deepened the kiss. The skin puckered and swelled beneath his palm as she pressed closer to him.

  Oh, she was so responsive. It amazed him that a quiet, reserved gentlewoman would be so eager for this lascivious behavior. He squeezed a handful of flesh under the frothy fabric and she moaned. It was nearly his undoing.

  Grasping the sleeves, he tugged down, pulling her bodice to her waist and exposing her bountiful breasts. Growling, he buried his face between the soft mounds of flesh and inhaled. He ran his nose along her chest and settled his mouth on her rosy peak. It was so intoxicating, he almost released on the spot.

  As he suckled, she slid her hands from his shoulders and down his waist. “I want to touch you, too,” she begged, freeing his shirt from his breeches and placing her hands on his back. In the deep recesses of his mind, he realized she was touching his scars, but it didn’t upset him in the slightest. They were a part of his past and no longer mattered. At least not with her.

  He licked and teased her left side while gently tugging her right nipple between his fingers.

  “Oh Dare, oh yes,”

  He pulled her close, rubbing his form against her skirts, enjoying the friction, the heat. When her knees buckled, he whispered, “I believe there’s a low wall just behind you. Come.”

  Placing his lips on hers, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to a wide slab of marble. It stood two feet from the ground, surrounding a raised bed of hollyhocks. Dare dropped down onto the wall, and settled Nivea on his lap, savoring the feel of her voluptuous bottom pressing against him.

  He returned to the sweetness of her lips, his hand trailing down to her bared bosom, fondling the soft, warm skin. His desire was painful, straining against his breeches.

  “I want more,” he growled into her mouth. Sliding his hand down her leg, he then raised her skirts until he could feel the bare skin above her stockings. She buried her face into his neck and moaned once again.

  “Yes,” was all she said. She nipped his neck, sending a flash of fire through him. Losing all reason, he moved his hand to the slit in her undergarments and plunged into the silky wetness. She was exquisite. There was no other word for it.

  As he stroked and teased her delicate flesh, sliding his fingers in and out of her, she wrapped her arms around him in a vise-like grips. “Oh, yes, Dare! Don’t stop. Please.”

  He loved the passion in her voice, the desperate ache that echoed inside him.

  “Nivea, I want you. Right here. Right now. Do you understand me?” His tone was brusque, but he couldn’t help it.

  She looked at him with unfocused eyes and nodded solemnly. “Yes. I want you too. But how?”

  In no time, he dragged them both to their feet. Giving a quick kiss to her adorably befuddled face, he spun her around to face the hedges surrounding the house. Then he unbuttoned his breeches, dropped down onto the wall and pulled her back onto his lap. This time, her legs were straddling his, her back resting against his chest.

  “Dare?” she asked, a nervous hesitancy in her voice.

  “Don’t worry, darling, I’d like to show you another one of my tricks.” Reaching one hand around, he palmed her breast, while the other rifled under her skirts to find the sensitive nub between her legs.

  “Oh!” she cried out.

  Oh, indeed. He smiled into her neck.

  Bracing her feet on the ground, she began to rock up and down. Her scent so intoxicating, her sounds so arousing, he was barely able to control himself.

  He nudged her upward and guided his manhood into her silky wetness with a groan.

  “Oh, yes, Dare.” Easing down, she began thrusting her hips, setting a blistering rhythm.

  Teetering on the edge, he moved his fingers faster and faster over her pleasure spot, kneading her breast, urging her to completion. She squealed with delight and her shudders pushed him over the brink into heaven.

  With a final pulse, he fell backward into the hollyhocks, his arms sinking into the damp soil. It didn’t matter. Nothing mattered, except trying to breathe.

  Nivea recovered quicker than he. She wiggled her hips and turning flashed him a wicked grin. “I liked that trick.”

  He barked out a laugh. “Did you?” Pulling her against his chest, he sucked her earlobe. “I did too. In fact, at the moment, I think it’s my favorite.”

  Before he had time to suggest another alternative, strains of the final waltz drifted through the garden followed by the sound of voices.

  “Ho, the party’s over! People will be coming!” Nivea leapt to her feet and yanked up her bodice.“I must look a mess. What will we do?” She frantically brushed at her skirt trying to smooth out the wrinkles. “I can’t possibly go back inside looking like this,”

  He buttoned his breeches and pulled her into his arms. “Shh, it will be all right.” Taking one more satisfying inhalation of vanilla, he drew away. “We’ll wait here until the guests depart. Then, I will sneak out to the mews and have my carriage brought around back. No one will notice your delightfully disheveled state as we escape out the rear alley.”

  “But…I have to say goodbye to Briar and Joseph! It is their party. To do otherwise would be rude. They are certain to question me on it.”

  “Tomorrow we will make our apologies. We will tell them that you had to leave suddenly,” he answered, thinking through the excuse as he spoke. “We can say that you, too, were feeling sick. Just like Betsy. And you had wanted to say goodbye, but the feeling was quite strong and the final waltz had just started, and you didn’t want to interrupt their final dance.”

  That sounded quite plausible.

  “I, of course, did not wish to deal with a female of questionable health in my carriage and urged you to leave immediately be
fore you could ruin the interior of my carriage.” He ended with a haughty, supercilious tone.

  Nivea giggled, as he hoped she would.

  “Yes, well I think that part would be entirely believable. It is well known that you have no use for sickly females.”

  “Quite so.”

  “I confess I don’t like having to admit to an ailment such as that. It is quite embarrassing. And I certainly don’t like having to lie to my dearest friends…”

  “Well, you can always tell them the truth,” he drawled and paused for the expected gasp.

  Instead, she snorted. “Oh yes. Can you imagine? Briar, dear, thank you so much for the delightful party. I apologize for not bidding you adieu last evening, but you see, I accompanied Lord Landis into your garden. You know that garden wall where your daughters like to play. Well, I hiked up my skirts and used it to ride Lord Landis like a stallion. And you know we Horshams always win the race. It was quite exhilarating, really.”

  Rode him like a stallion? Lord, she was funny. Unable to help himself, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly on the cheek. “You, Miss Horsham, are a remarkable woman.” Setting her back, he looked into her face and said, “As much as I like the sound of that, I don’t think it’s our wisest course.”

  “No, I suppose you’re right. Fine, we’ll go with your story and hope for the best.”

  “That’s a good girl. Now come over here and wait for my whistle. I’ll pull up close to the door and you can dart in without being seen.”

  Giving her one more ardent kiss on the lips, he slipped out the gate and headed toward the mews.

  Chapter 41

  Dare bowed and lowered his foil.

  “Well done, Lazby. Your technique is much improved.”

  The young dandy flushed with pleasure. “Thank you, Landis. I have been practicing. Not that I will ever match your skills, but I appreciate your encouragement.”

  Dare did his best not to laugh. He was finding it much easier to be tolerant of the overeager sycophant. Last night’s soiree had been such a success, he was feeling positively benevolent today. He strode to the back of the fencing studio and chatted with him as they removed their protective gear.