A Dangerous Game

by Julia Templeton

  Salvatore could not help the grin that came to his lips. Everything he had ever heard about the duke was obviously true. A snob of the worse sorts, whose every look and statement came off as hypocritical of his upstanding moral lifestyle.

  “I hope to see her smiling face upon our return,” Salvatore said, then with a smile in Nicolette’s direction, they lined up along with the others.

  A shot fired and the race was under way.

  Salvatore stayed close to Nicolette, relieved that Darian and the duke veered off with another group.

  Thankfully there were only three days left to the party. If he could just keep Darian away from Nicolette..

  Dear God, what was he thinking? He had planned the seduction months ago. Had manipulated their schedule to be in London during this time.

  Nicolette turned to him, her smile wide as she raced ahead of him. What would he do if she fell in love with Darian? She was an impressionable young woman who could easily fall under the spell of a young, wealthy English lord.

  Salvatore, I want you to show me how to please a man in every way.

  Nicolette’s heated words still burned in his ears. True, he had known that a certain amount of seduction would need to take place between his protégé and his brother, but he had not expected Nicolette to be so willing to surrender her maidenhead.

  An image of Nicolette beneath Darian came unheeded and he shook his head, as though he could will it away. Even now as she rode the horse, he could see her riding a lover. Her full breasts bouncing, her long hair falling free, like a veil...

  For the love of God, what have I done?

  Still he could see her expression, when she had awoken and stared down at his cock, the wanting in her eyes. The excitement that brimmed in those luminous depths had been undeniable.

  His cock swelled, remembering the heat in her eyes, the feel of her velvety tongue stroking his, the feel of her diamond-hard nipples against his chest, her honeyed walls clamping around his fingers. The pounding of her heart against his own as she found release.

  She pulled up on the reins, and Salvatore stopped alongside her. Glancing past his shoulder, Salvatore went still. He didn’t have to ask who waited there in the woods.

  Darian.

  “I am going to go to him. Do not leave.”

  Though a denial was on his lips, he merely nodded, and watched with a heavy heart as she disappeared into the trees.

  *****

  Nicolette’s heart pounded in her chest. The further he led her into the brush, the more concerned she became. She knew he could easily take her here...just as he had taken Charlotte in the labyrinth.

  She glanced over her shoulder, as though expecting Salvatore to follow, but of course he had not.

  She had seen him speaking to Charlotte before the hunt, had wondered what they talked about. She knew Charlotte desired Salvatore. Hell, she groped him beneath the table nearly every night, and though Salvatore acted as though he did not want the women, she had to wonder. Who wouldn’t want a lady of class and breeding? A woman who took what she wanted, when she wanted, with no care that others gossiped behind her back?

  Yet Charlotte herself had given her pointers on how to seduce Salvatore, and the widow herself clearly lusted after Darian.

  Darian stopped and dismounted, then helped her from the horse, his hand staying on her waist. She had no choice but to look up at him. “I’m sorry about last night.”

  She forced a smile. “I waited for you for hours.”

  “I couldn’t get away. His Grace was not about to give me a moment alone, and I didn’t help by drinking far too much.”

  “I think your mother told him about me.”

  “My mother knows nothing.” He kissed her softly. “You have no idea what you do to me. His hands, which had been on her waist, cupped her bottom, pulling her up against his thick erection.

  His mouth slashed across hers, his tongue stroking hers, deepening the kiss until she found it hard to breathe.

  Bracing her hands against his shoulders, she pushed against him. He looked at her wildly.

  “I hear someone,” she said, relieved when his hands dropped to his sides.

  He looked past her shoulder. “I see no one.” He leaned in for another kiss. “Come to me tonight,” he whispered against her lips.

  “You come to me,” she said, noting the intense need in his eyes.

  “I will count the minutes until then.”

  Taking a step away, she said, “We’d better go before people start wondering.”

  “How will you keep Salvatore away?”

  “Trust me, Salvatore will not be coming to my room this evening. In fact, I’ll tell him I’m retiring early due to a headache.”

  “He won’t be suspicious?”

  She mounted her horse. “He rarely questions me.”

  Triumph shone brightly in his dark eyes, and Nicolette understood why when she turned to find Salvatore standing there.

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say the two of you are having a liaison,” Salvatore said, shocking Nicolette. She hadn’t heard him approach, which meant he had seen her kissing Darian, had seen his hands on her buttocks, pulling her against him.

  His gold eyes shifted from her to Darian.

  “Is the hunt already over?” Darian asked, looking anxious to get back with the others.

  “Your future father-in-law is quite relentless. I heard no one stood a chance,” Salvatore said, his eyes focusing on Nicolette’s swollen lips. “In fact, he returns to the manor as we speak.”

  He looked so intense, his expression indecipherable. She would have thought him happy, ecstatic even...but he appeared anything but.

  Chapter Nine

  “What do you think of this one?”

  Salvatore set his untouched drink on the nightstand, and watched as Nicolette held a gorgeous cream-colored gown in front of her. “They are all beautiful, Nic. Which one do you want to wear?”

  Nicolette’s brows furrowed. “You always have an opinion about what I should wear.”

  He shrugged. “Wear what you want, or should I say...wear what you think Darian would like.”

  She stared at him for a long moment, and unable to keep eye contact he glanced out the window. Huge gray clouds hung in the air, swirling overhead. The weather seemed to match his mood perfectly.

  During the hunt he had waited patiently while Nicolette and Darian had disappeared into the trees. The temptation to follow had been too overwhelming and he had followed, leaving his horse behind.

  The sight of Nicolette in Darian’s arms had been like receiving a blow to his gut. When his brother had let his hands wander over her buttocks, cupping them, pulling her up against him, it had been all he could do not to scream ‘no’. Yet he had stood helplessly watching Darian rub himself against her. Unable to watch further, Salvatore walked back to his horse, a million thoughts running through his head. First and foremost, to get Nicolette as far away from Kedgwick Manor as soon as possible.

  Nicolette glanced at Salvatore. “You look pale. What’s the matter?”

  Suddenly thirsty, Salvatore drained the drink and set the glass on the floor. “I am just so weary of being here. You know I was never one for the country.”

  “That’s not necessarily true. You always loved Count de Vassey’s property.”

  “Yes, but given that this is my father’s home, I naturally feel unwelcome and most anxious to leave.”

  “Do you want to go now?”

  Was that hope he heard in her voice…and saw in her eyes? Perhaps he was only seeing what he wanted to see.

  Nicolette quickly looked away and tossed the gown on the bed. “Perhaps we should just stay in this evening,” she said, falling into a chair and pulling off her boots. “Play a game of chess a
nd drink cheap wine.”

  “What would Darian think when you did not show up?”

  She shrugged. “Make him wonder.”

  “No, we shall go. As to a gown, wear the cream one. It changes colors with the lighting,” he said, coming to his feet, and walking toward the open balcony. “It will go nicely with my navy suit. I think it would be a good idea if we let on that we are very much in love. I noticed the duke’s expression earlier today when he saw us with Darian. He did not appear happy—not in the least.”

  Nicolette followed him to where he stood on the balcony overlooking the gardens. Mrs. Stromme stood on the veranda, puffing on a cigar. Seeing Salvatore, she lifted her hand and smiled widely. He waved back. He adored the American woman for her daring. She reminded him of Nicolette.

  Nicolette braced the railing as she leaned over. Instinctively he took a step closer. Her mouth curved in a smile, but she said nothing. Instead, she lifted her chin, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. He stared, smitten. There was no one in the world more lovely than this woman. Her astounding beauty paled beside her good heart. His gaze slid down to where the man’s shirt opened at the neck, showing the rounded curve of her breast. The cool air had stiffened her nipples, the rose-colored nubs pressing against the thin material. His cock throbbed.

  “You are nervous,” Salvatore said matter-of-factly.

  She released a heavy sigh and looked at him. “I know it’s silly to fear doing...that, especially when we’ve talked of such things before.”

  “Then don’t do it!”

  She bit her bottom lip. “It’s just so different than I thought it would be”

  “You desire him?” he blurted before he could stop himself.

  Her gaze wavered, falling to his shoulder. “No.”

  “I think you do,” he said, shocked at the accusation in his voice. Surprised at how furious he was at the very thought of his brother winning a woman he did not love, but merely desired. Salvatore ran his hands through his hair. “You actually feel something for him...the one man I hate more than anyone?”

  She lifted her brows, obviously surprised by the tirade. From the corner of his eye he noted that Mr. Stromme had joined his wife on the veranda, and their attention was turned to the two of them. Having no desire to be the evening’s gossip, Salvatore stormed back into the room. Nicolette followed him, shutting the balcony door behind him.

  *****

  Nicolette’s heart pounded in her ears. She knew she took a chance by lying to Salvatore, and allowing him to think she might desire Darian had been foolish...but necessary.

  His fury spoke volumes. It was all she could do not to smile, but instead she clenched her jaw. “You expect me to feel nothing for him?”

  He flinched as though she’d struck him. “I cannot believe my own ears.” The pain in his eyes made her wince, and she nearly told him the truth, yet Charlotte’s voice sounded in her head—force him to make a decision where you are concerned. You will know shortly where his heart lies.’

  “I didn’t say I loved him, Salvatore.”

  “Yet you desire him.” He ran a trembling hand through his hair. “What is the difference?” His gold eyes held her pinned to the spot.

  He released a breath and walked past her toward the door. She was right behind him, uncertain of what to do or say. Never in all their years together had they argued. Sure, they spatted about small, ridiculous things like her playing the wrong key, or which song to play, but never anything intimate.

  He was just turning the doorknob when she reached out and put a hand on his shoulder. The muscles beneath her palm tightened but he didn’t turn. “I would never hurt you—not ever,” she said. “I do find him handsome, and yes, appealing, but I swear to you that is all. I do this for you, Salvatore, because you asked it of me and don’t you forget it.”

  When he turned, the anger in his eyes was still there, his expression intense as his gaze searched hers. Her heart gave a hard jolt as without warning, his mouth descended on hers, and he kissed her with a desperation that shocked her, his tongue slipping inside her mouth, stroking hers.

  His strong arms wrapped about her waist, pulling her close. The blood in Nicolette’s veins sang, and a heady need filled her, moving low into her groin.

  He growled and lifted her in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and he walked them to the bed, where he followed her down onto the mattress, not once breaking the kiss.

  The hard ridge of his cock pressed hard against her sex. His lips left hers, trailing kisses down her neck, the sensitive skin between her breasts. With a trembling hand he lifted her shirt from the band of her breeches, his fingers questing as he palmed a quivering globe. Moments later his lips followed, laving her nipple, using his teeth in a way that had her squirming beneath him.

  Watching him suckle her was an incredibly erotic aphrodisiac, making her desire reach an unparalleled high. His long lashes fanned against his jutting cheekbones. He grabbed for one of her hands, and pulled it down between them, to rest on his thick erection.

  He looked up at her, his golden eyes dark with passion. “You want to know what a man feels like?” She nodded.

  With one hand he unbuttoned his pants and unleashed his cock, long and thick.

  Nicolette released the breath she’d unconsciously been holding.

  “Touch me,” he whispered.

  Her fingers encircled the marble-hard, yet velvety smooth shaft.

  Salvatore closed his eyes, and she wondered if she’d hurt him. He rolled onto his back, and she went up on her side, looking her fill of him, her fingers stroking the impressive length of his cock.

  Gritting his teeth, Salvatore watched Nicolette as she looked at his cock in wonder. Sweet Jesus, did she not know what that look could do to a man, particularly when her unskilled fingers ran up and down his length, then biting into her lower lip, she wrapped her fingers tight about him. Swallowing a moan, his fingers covered hers, guiding her.

  Her eyes widened in surprise as he grew even longer, thicker and harder. “Amazing,” she said on a whisper.

  His sac tightened, lifted, and he knew if she continued he would give her more of a lesson than intended.

  With a growl he rolled away from her, and came to his feet. With trembling hands he buttoned his pants.

  “What did I do wrong?” she asked, and when he turned she was on her knees in the middle of the bed, her expression one of disappointment. “I—”

  “You did nothing wrong. I let it go too far.”

  She scrambled off the bed and was before him in two strides. “No, I want you to teach me. Show me how to make love.”

  He would not show her how to make love to his brother. Already he knew she’d be a fast learner—a woman who would bring a man to his knees. Looking at her now, her flushed face, her lips swollen from his kisses, her erect nipples thrusting against the fine material of her shirt. He reached out to her, palming her chin in his hand. “You will know, Nicolette. Let your body guide you.”

  Her brows furrowed, and he knew she didn’t like the answer. She placed her hand over his. “I want you...to show me.”

  If only...

  He forced a smile. “We are already late for dinner. You had best get dressed. I shall return in half an hour to escort you.”

  She let her hand drop to her side. He leaned in and kissed her, a chaste kiss, unlike the one a moment before.

  There were a million things he wanted to say, but he couldn’t find the courage. His emotions were in turmoil and he wondered if he even knew what he wanted. Without another word, he left her.

  *****

  Nicolette approached the piano and sat down on the bench. She ran her fingers over the keys softly.

  The Duchess of Durham had requested a song be played in honor of her daughter’s im
pending marriage to the Earl of Kedgwick. The devil in Nicolette wanted to play a dreary, doom-filled ballad, something that signified her mood as well as the impending marriage of Darian and Elizabeth, who stood hand in hand watching with the others.

  Elizabeth’s serene smile didn’t fool Nicolette for a minute. The woman hated her and wanted her out of their lives as soon as possible, and how could she blame her? Darian on the other hand, watched her intently, no smile, no expression whatsoever. No doubt he had learned to school his features for his mother and in-laws’ benefit.

  In just a few short hours Darian would come to her room. She had no idea how far things would progress before Elizabeth made her “unexpected” visit. She hoped it was not as far as things had gone with Salvatore today. Her heart still hammered, remembering the feel of his cock in her hand, the hard, velvety texture that even now made her stomach tighten, and caused a deep, throbbing ache in her womanly core.

  God, what would happen if Darian wanted her to touch him that way? Did she have the courage? And what would she do if he touched her as Salvatore had? Her nipples, where his mouth had been, were still sensitive against the bodice of her gown. Tonight she had pulled out all the stops, wearing the cream-colored gown with a corset but no petticoats.

  If she were smart, she would leave now, while there was still time. She should run and forget the day she had ever planned such a devious scheme.

  Salvatore came up behind her and whispered in her ear, “How about something sweet and dynamic. Something that will make the mothers incredibly happy.”

  She swallowed hard. His hot breath stirring her hair made her yearn for more of what she’d experienced in his arms.

  “Like our version of Bach’s Overture to a Marriage?”

  He kissed her on the cheek before taking his place center stage. With his nod she let her fingers drift over the keys. For the next few minutes, she let every bit of aggression she felt out on the ivory and ebony keys, giving the song her all. Though she usually closed her eyes while she played, this time she watched Salvatore, not taking her eyes off him, even for a moment.