by Wendy Vella
“The problem for me has always been that no man can match or better you in my eyes. None had your honor or loyalty; none made me feel safe like you did. I didn't expect devotion, Dev, but I wanted to be someone's princess, which is how you always made me feel.”
He didn't speak, just watched her as she continued, his green eyes intent.
“It took me until last night to see that James could be that man. Like me, he harbors deep secrets that have scarred him. He portrays himself as a cold and aloof man who has hidden himself behind an emotionless façade, yet that is not the real James, Dev. He is a man capable of seeing me as his princess, and I love him very much.”
“God! Eden, really?” Dev groaned. “The man has a reputation to fear and is cold as an iced-over lake most days.”
“A bit like you, Dev?”
His smile was wry.
“He is a protector, also like you. He loves Samantha and in time I believe he will love me.”
“If he doesn't I'll rip his head from his shoulders.”
Laughing, Eden kissed his cheek and hugged him hard. “You, however, I have always loved and will do so till I draw my last breath. My savior, my friend and companion, the man I have always adored.”
“I love you too, little sister, and I needed to know that you would be safe when you left my care. It seems you have found a man to provide that. It may take time for me to adjust, but if you believe he is the one, then I shall not stand in your way.”
The siblings held each other for a while and then Eden said she would go and find James.
“At least he has your colors,” Dev said as she reached the door. “Essie has made me promise not to look at Laurent’s, and that worries me.”
“I am impressed you are obeying her.”
“I have not seen the man anywhere but at a social event, or I would not be. You know how much changing into my other sight can hurt me when there is all that color about.”
“Perhaps it is not as important as you believe it to be, Dev?”
“Perhaps.”
Eden smiled and blew her brother a kiss then left, quietly closing it behind her. She found James looking out a window, shoulders hunched as if he were contemplating something disagreeable.
“James.”
Turning, he held out a hand as Eden walked toward him.
“You look beautiful this morning.” The words were gruff and sounded unromantic, and yet they made her heart sing.
“Dev wants to talk with you.”
“Are we to go another round then?”
Eden moved in to his body as he faced her. Rising to her toes, she grabbed a handful of his hair and tugged his head down until their lips met. His arms circled her, holding her close, only releasing her when she had been thoroughly kissed.
“All will be well now, I promise. My brother is just protective of me, and had not understood my feelings for you,” she whispered against his lips.
“Tell me again.”
“I love you.”
“Thank God I had not imagined those words.”
Eden stood back and lifted one of his hands. Opening it, she kissed his palm before closing it.
“I will always love you.”
Closing the distance between them once more, he kissed her hard before walking away.
...
James could not turn around without falling over a Sinclair. It seemed that now he was to be one of them they were more determined than ever to protect him. Cam sniffed every drink and piece of food he and Samantha ate. If he was uncertain, Essie would be called in to taste test. Dev insisted on looking his staff over, checking their colors to see if any of them displayed the darkness that he termed evil. James endured it and soon began to accept that if he wanted Eden then her family came with her. It was also obvious that they meant a great deal to her, and loath as he was to admit it to anyone, they were beginning to mean a great deal to him as well.
“Eat your own food!”
“Ah, the lord of the manor has arrived,” Dev said, waving his knife at James as he walked into his dining room. “Mr. Spriggot is due to arrive shortly, James,” he added around a mouthful of ham, “therefore I thought it important to be present.”
“And is Mr. Spriggot due in the dining room?”
Sarcasm was obviously too subtle for the Sinclairs as they both stared at James as if he were a trifle spare in the attic, and then looked carefully around the room.
“I do not believe so, James. However, should you wish to discuss business in here, Dev and I will be more than agreeable,” Cam said.
Of course they were deliberately baiting him. He knew it, they knew it, and still he took the lure with both feet, both hands, and anything else he had at the ready.
“Of course we are not going to conduct the interview in here, you numbskull!”
“Tut tut, Duke. I hope you will not display your temper in such a way in front of my sister. I will not have her tender sensibilities wounded.”
“Go to hell!” James snarled, stalking to the sideboard. “And take your big brother with you.”
“A trifle testy this afternoon, Sinclair?” Dev said. “And please remember that we are not easily offended by insults. In fact, my family cut their eye teeth insulting each other.”
James was not a man who sulked, snarled, or insulted without serious provocation. Therefore he was instantly ashamed by his behavior. Filling his plate, he sat before the Sinclair men.
“Please forgive my outburst, I am merely concerned by the pace at which this investigation is running. Before, when I was alone,” he waved his hand around vaguely, “I would not have cared either way—”
“If you lived or died?” Cam queried softly.
James loaded his fork and stuffed it into his mouth. The beef suddenly tasted like straw. He was not a man for confidences like these Sinclairs were, and was uncomfortable with two sets of green eyes focused on him with unwavering intensity. Swallowing, he took a mouthful of coffee.
“Not everyone has a childhood filled with love and laughter, Cam.”
“I understand that, James, and am sorry yours was not.”
“But now you have a family in Samantha and Eden and us, for better or worse, and you have no wish to be dispatched and would like whoever is intent on just that to be found?” Dev added, filling the silence.
“Yes.”
Silence settled around them, and James was surprised how comfortable it felt.
“I gather you know Lord Laurent well, James. Can you give me any information about the man, as it appears he has an interest in my other sister?”
James thought about Dev’s words while he swallowed his mouthful.
“I know he is a viscount, and has no family. I’m unsure what happened to them, but wondered if they were lost during the revolution.”
Dev nodded, but remained silent.
“He is a good man, and came to my aid when I was being attacked, as you know. He is a skilled fencer, and from what he tells me, is intent on settling in England.”
“What of his financial situation?”
“He seems comfortable. At present he is staying at the Grillion, but has had a trip to the country to view an estate he is thinking of purchasing.”
“What I have seen of him I like,” Dev admitted. “But as you know I am protective of my sisters. Therefore, I want to be sure that he will be good to Essie should he offer for her.”
“A Frenchman,” Cam said. “Not sure how I feel about one of them joining the family.
Have you checked his colors?”
“Essie made me promise I would not. She says she has no wish to know what color Laurent is.”
“But this makes you uncomfortable?” James asked.
Dev did not look happy. “Very, as it is no secret I believe my siblings should wed only their color match.”
James knew he and Eden were a match.
“I have given my word, so will stick to it, but only as long as I remain comfortable with what lies
between them.”
James had an understanding of this man now. He followed along with his family’s wishes until he felt it necessary to intervene, then he did so without hesitation.
“I would be grateful if you hear anything further about Laurent, you let me know.”
“Of course.”
“I suggest you eat up, James. As your butler is about to open that door, and announce the arrival of one Mr. Spriggot,” Dev added.
James didn't turn. He knew the door was closed. Lifting an eyebrow, he stared at Dev.
“Your butler is a very bright shade of orange, James; in fact,” Dev added, his face the picture of innocence, which told James what he was about to say was far from it, “he'd make a perfect match for Cam.”
James gave a bark of laughter while Cam howled with rage and lobbed a forkful of carrots at his brother.
“Miss Sinclair has arrived, your Grace, and Mr. Spriggot. Mr. Brown is serving him tea while Miss Sinclair is—”
“Here!” Eden said, squeezing past his butler and into the room.
James felt her smile through his entire body as he rose to his feet. It lit her face; her eyes sparkled and her cheeks were flushed, and he wanted to take her to bed and ravish every inch of her. Dressed in soft peppermint with fine rose and cream stripes, she looked angelic and far too disturbing for his peace of mind. His eyes settled on the little row of buttons marching up the front of her bodice. He could have those open in seconds.
“Hello, James,” Eden said, standing on her toes and kissing his cheek. A hint of her floral scent drifted over him and then it was gone.
“Brothers,” she said, nodding to her siblings.
“Sister,” they said, doing the same yet not rising to their feet.
“Such gentlemanly behavior,” James said.
“If we stood every time one of our sisters came into the room we'd be exhausted by lunch,” Cam said, wiping the gravy from his plate with a piece of bread.
“I met a very interesting man on the walk here.”
“I have told you not to walk here, Eden, it is too dangerous.”
She patted his arm. “It is only a few feet, and my maid was with me.”
“It takes only one step for someone to harm you, and I am adamant in this. If you do not obey me then I will set a guard on your aunt's door, and every time you leave the house he will follow you.”
“We shall keep Mr. Spriggot company until you are free, James,” Cam said, quickly climbing to his feet and almost running out the door, closely followed by his brother.
“Your brothers are cowards.”
“Undoubtedly, however we digress.” She placed a hand on his chest to regain his attention. “It is not me they are after, James. Surely there is no need for me to take so many precautions.”
“And if whoever wants me dead sees you walking down the road unescorted and gets the idea that in kidnapping you they would get to me, do you not think they would take that opportunity?”
“But no one knows we are betrothed, James, so I fail to see the danger.”
She thought she had him there; he could see the triumphant little smirk on her face.
“Eden, someone would just have to see me within two feet of you to know what is between us,” James drawled, taking a step closer.
“Really?”
“Really.”
His arms slipped around her waist.
“Every time I look at you I want you,” he growled, kissing her neck.
“Let's marry then. Now.” Eden sighed.
James undid a few buttons and parted her dress, then tugged down her chemise, exposing her breasts.
“S-someone could come in.”
Lifting her high, James buried his face between her breasts, then lowering her down his body he pushed her against the door. Pulling out one of her earplugs, he said, “You'll hear them if they do.”
“I-I can't hear when I'm with you.”
She shuddered as his tongue swiped a long hot lick down her breast.
“Really?”
Nodding, she clenched her eyes shut. “Oh dear, I-I had not wanted to tell you that.”
“No,”—his breath made her shiver as it blew over her damp flesh—”I'm glad you did.”
“You seem to d-destroy my concentration when you touch me. I would have to really focus to hear anything.”
James could do nothing to stop the slow smile spreading across his face.
“Of course that may change with familiarity,” she added quickly.
“No it won't, because you love me. Therefore I will always destroy your concentration.” James once again focused on what he had uncovered, running his tongue down the sweet-scented valley between her breasts.
“We—we should—Mr. Spriggot—”
“Can wait,” James mumbled. He had never done anything like this, taken the risk of exposure, or behaved in such a reckless manner, but this was Eden, and she destroyed his control.
“But—”
“It's impolite of me to talk with my mouth full, therefore, shut up,” he added before taking her nipple into his mouth. Wonderfully responsive, Eden arched toward him, her fingers biting in to his shoulders.
“No, love, don't undo my clothes, yours will take us long enough to fix,” James said, stopping her wandering hands. Clasping them in one of his, he lifted them above her head and continued his wicked torture.
“Wh-what are you doing?” Eden gasped as he released her wrists and dropped to his knees before her.
“Hold your skirts, Eden.” James bunched them and urged her to take them in her hands.
“James!” Her furious whisper as he licked the soft petals between her thighs urged him on. Nudging her legs apart, he ran his tongue along the damp cleft and felt her shudder. She tasted wonderful, his woman.
“James—this is h-highly improper.”
“Sssh,” he breathed against her, tasting and teasing her, feeling her body tense with each lick. Her breath quickened as he tormented the small hard bead.
James could not wait for the day she would be in his bed. His wonderfully responsive little fiancée would love everything he taught her. Climbing to his feet, he looked at her dazed expression then opened his breeches and lifted her.
“Wrap your legs around me, Eden.”
Still dazed, Eden obeyed the ragged command and then moaned as he braced her against the door before thrusting inside her. She made him feel primitive, like a man who could conquer whatever he chose. Her fingers dug in to his shoulders, her face now buried in his neck, and seconds later, just as he found his release, she joined him. It had been hard and fast and his heart thudded as if he had ridden hard for hours.
Eden slumped on his shoulder as his forehead hit the door. Breathless, they held each other for several minutes until he slowly lowered her to the floor.
“We have to find the man who wants me dead, because next time I take you it will be in a bloody bed,” James said, pulling up her chemise and then starting on the buttons. “And I will take my time worshipping your beautiful body.”
“Yes,” she whispered, spent. Moments later they were once again presentable, although the lingering heat in their eyes told a different story.
“Will you visit with Samantha while I see Mr. Spriggot?”
“But I would rather know what is happening.”
“I will tell you everything if you let me go in there alone,” James said. “And while I don't care what your brothers think of me I know you do, therefore they will see us together and know instantly what we have been doing and—”
“All right, I understand, but I want to know what is said,” Eden said, turning to leave. James spun her back and kissed her, then held out her earplug.
“Try not to eavesdrop, my sweet.”
Eden just snorted and flounced away. James took a moment to enjoy the view then made his way to his study, where he hoped someone would tell him what he wanted to hear.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
Tha
t evening they were to attend a ball at the house of the Earl and Countess of Vallan, and as usual there were hundreds of people in attendance.
“’Tis an awful crush,” the hostess said, looking gleeful as the Sinclairs greeted her.
“I should have some nose plugs made,” Cam griped as the scents started to reach him.
“There is Lord Laurent, Eden. I have promised him my first dance,” Essie whispered.
“He is a wonderful man, Essie, I am glad you like him and he likes you.”
“Oh well—”
“He can't keep his eyes off you,” Eden said, turning toward the Frenchman as he detached from the group he was talking with and came toward them. Essie was positively glowing by the time he arrived; in fact, Eden had never seen her sister looking more beautiful.
“May I have the honor of this dance, Miss Sinclair?”
“Of course, my lord.” Essie placed her hand on his arm and then let him lead her to the dance floor.
Eden and Cam watched their sister walk away on the arm of Lord Laurent.
“I cannot believe Mr. Spriggot has no news about who is intent on harming James, Cam.”
“Spriggot believes he is on to something, and should have more news within the next day or two. He is just waiting the return of his man to London. Until then, we will keep your beloved safe, sister.”
“Lord, I hope so.” Eden hated the thought that out there somewhere, someone wanted to kill the man she loved.
“Put your worries aside for now, Eden, as Crawley is about to ask you to dance, and I am going to find the delectable Miss Beadle.”
Eden accepted Mr. Crawley's request to dance, and as she took her place she looked for James. He was in the line opposite, dancing with the Duchess of Abernathy. Eden narrowed her eyes at him, but he merely smiled back.
“What has you smiling in such a secretive manner, Duke?” Eden heard the Duchess say as she moved closer.
“I have a sunny nature, Duchess, nothing more than that.”
Eden giggled, which he heard, because his lips twitched. She shot him a look and he pointed to her ears. On the return to where she started, she eased one ear plug out slightly. Just enough so she could hear him, but not enough to give her a headache.