Time to take the lead. Her plan would not work if she didn’t act now. “I fear outside might be too chilly. May I suggest a room upstairs, instead?”
His brows lifted and his grin widened. “A room?”
“Yes. The hostess has provided me a room for the evening.”
He took her hand, hooked it around his elbow, and led her toward the grand staircase. As they made their way toward their destination, the dim hallway threw discreet shadows everywhere. Anticipation made her palms moist and she clenched her hands into fists.
Thankfully, he’d followed her into the room even as indecent and improper as it was since he didn’t know her identity. Once inside, he closed the door. One small lantern had been lit. Shadows danced on the walls from the flickering flame. A bed sat against the far wall, and a loveseat and coffee table placed nearer to her.
He faced her. In the flickering light, his piercing look set her heart to a wild patter. “So, my darling She-Devil, would you entrance me by telling me something about the woman behind the mask?”
Charlotte tilted her head to the side. “You cannot wait for the unveiling? It’s a little more than an hour away.”
“I cannot.”
She smiled. “I don’t think I shall tell you. However, I’m not from Bath. I’m here with friends.”
“I assumed as much. I’d have remembered seeing a woman so beautiful.” His fingers trailed softly across her cheek.
“How long have you lived here?” she asked, trying to keep her voice from trembling.
“For quite a while.” His fingers moved from her cheek to her ear lobe. The tingling sensations caused her breath to catch in her throat.
She swallowed hard. “I must admit, I feel awkward being alone with a stranger.”
“But we’re here due to your suggestion.”
“I know...I just...” She swallowed hard. “I’m very nervous.”
He gestured toward the door with a nod. “Then shall we leave?”
She smiled wider. “Alas, I cannot. I fear you have drawn me inside your web of temptation, a place I’d rather be than downstairs with the others.”
“Nay, Chère, it’s you who has lured me.” He took a step closer, his fingers trailing further down her neck. “But there’s an urgent need to discuss why I wanted to meet you tonight.”
Her heart stilled. Since he thought she was his informant, how could she seduce him before he discovered she was not who he thought? She couldn’t let him ask questions. “I fear I cannot wait.” She moved to the lantern and turned it lower. “You have pulled me into your power, and I find myself wanting more.”
He shifted in his stance. Could he be uncomfortable because of her forwardness? She hoped so. She would love nothing more than to believe he had not been with other women during their long absence. Nevertheless, she refused to stop charming him now.
“I must confess you are not the person I was led to believe you were.” The tone of his voice was uneasy. “You’ve also trapped me with your charm, my wicked woman, but I really need to ask you some questions pertinent to my investigation.”
She stepped next to him and laid her hands on his black silk shirt. Under her palms, his heartbeat pounded in an erratic rhythm. “You’d rather discuss something as mundane as that when you have me alone? I’m offering you something much more entertaining than talking.”
His Adam’s apple jumped and his body stilled. What if he didn’t take her up on the offer? How could she charm him if he wasn’t willing?
He licked his lips. “I suppose we could postpone our conversation just a little while longer.”
A thrill shot through her chest, stirring a volcanic fire within her bosom. He brought his fingers to her neck again, and this time there was a slight shake to his hand. Perhaps he wasn’t used to seducing women. She wanted to bask in her victory, but it was too soon.
She moistened her dry lips quickly with her tongue. “What would you like me to do with you, sir?”
He chuckled, sliding his free arm around her waist. When he pulled her against him, she sighed heavily. He was a very impressive man—much so than she remembered three years ago.
“Whatever you wish, my dear.”
Tingles ignited and coursed through her, yet she didn’t want to stop the passion spiraling through her. This was not going the way she’d expected, this flirtation was spinning out of control, and she needed to be in control. “You’re making me feel things I’ve never experienced before,” she admitted in a whisper.
His fingers skimmed over the exposed skin at her throat. A warm shiver passed through her. She couldn’t decide which was better, his tender caress or his sensual words.
“Can this be true, Chère? I fail to believe you are innocent.”
As his stare daringly assessed her, Charlotte filled with wanting. She yearned to be close to him, to kiss him, to touch him—the husband she had always wanted—here in this magical, private setting. “There’s only one way to find out,” she replied in a voice too husky to be her own.
A deep growl escaped his throat moments before he leaned in to kiss her. When their lips met, sparks sliced through the air and shocked her system into a fevered frenzy. She circled her hands around his neck and crushed her mouth to his. His large palms cupped her face so tenderly, it drove her mad. The need to be accepted by the husband who had so cruelly rejected her on their wedding night overrode all emotions rushing through her.
Long, masculine fingers threaded through her hair and found the tie to her mask, and then released it. He broke the kiss just long enough to gaze upon her features.
She hoped the low glow of the lantern wouldn’t show him enough of her face to remember who she was. His gaze narrowed as his forehead creased. She held her breath. Could he see her at all? And would he recognize her?
Within seconds, he shook his head and his mouth turned upward, pearly white teeth gleaming in the dim light. “You’re absolutely beautiful, just as I’d imagined,” he whispered.
What did he look like? Could he be as handsome as he’d been three years ago? Charlotte pulled on the ties of his mask, but he brought his lips back down to hers before she could see. The mask slid through her fingers as she concentrated on finding the opening to the scarf hiding his hair. The knot came apart and the material floated to the floor. She pushed her fingers through his silken waves, bringing forth his sigh. She remembered his hair being a dusty-blond three years ago. She prayed time had not changed the beautiful color.
Breaking the kiss, he pulled her to the loveseat. He gathered her in his arms as they sat. Urgently, his mouth met hers again in a wild kiss. Gentle, yet determined lips wandered down her neck. “You’re certainly a She-Devil.”
Although she yearned to be with him as his wife, she couldn’t. Charlotte’s mind screamed for her to stop him. This was wrong—morally wrong. She had come to Bath to throw the annulment papers in his face. Yet, her heart argued this was exactly what she needed. Didn’t she deserve one night of pleasure after being deserted by her husband following their wedding night? Besides, she wouldn’t go much further.
Her mind argued again. Knowing he desired her like this was enough.
She pulled away. “We must stop now.”
His breaths were ragged, matching hers perfectly. Nodding, he adjusted his cravat and over-jacket. His tender gaze rested upon her once again, as his knuckles brushed softly across her cheek.
“Forgive me. I don’t usually lose my head as I did just now.”
She chuckled, keeping her attention on everything but him. “Neither do I.”
“Then what troubles you?” His knuckles tenderly traced her face.
“The moment was perfect, but I can’t believe I let things go this far.”
“Merci. Kissing you was a most pleasurable experience.” He leaned over and briefly kissed her lips again.
“I’m relieved you do not think poorly of me,” she said.
“All I can think about is how passionate and desirable you
are.” He smiled.
Charlotte’s heart soared. He’d said the words she had waited to hear for a long time—the very words she’d use against him. Trying to study him was impossible since the shadows were too deep and only showed the outline of his striking face. A small light from the lantern touched his eyes. They were magnificent. He was every bit as handsome as he’d been when she’d first met him.
“Should we introduce ourselves now?” she asked. “I think it’s only proper considering what we’ve done.”
“I suppose we can meet formally.” The French accent suddenly disappeared, just as she knew it would. “I’m not originally from Bath although I’ve spent the past three years here.” He gave her a mock bow. “Mr. Fielding at your service.”
The name struck her again, like she’d heard it for the first time. Anger welled within her, reminding her of his abandonment. She wanted to hate him, but found herself trying to forgive him, the passionate moment too fresh in her mind. She peered at him, the rugged jaw, the sculptured lips, and the seductive eyes. Oh, those eyes.
He touched the pad of his thumb to her lips in a soft caress. “Now it’s your turn. What intoxicating woman did I have the pleasure of kissing just now?”
A deep pain gripped her chest, yet at the same time, the hilarity of the moment struck her. She gave a throaty laugh. “Are you certain you want to know?” She laughed harder.
His forehead creased in puzzlement. “Of course.”
“Oh, Ian, you certainly will not believe this.” She pushed him away and righted herself on the sofa. Her hesitant chuckle emoted into hysterical laughter.
“Madam? What ails you, and why are you using my Christian name?” He put a hand on her forearm. “I never told you my name. Who are you?”
She narrowed her eyes. “I’m the last woman on earth you ever expected sharing intimacies with.”
His forehead creased. “Explain yourself.”
“Ian Fielding, you have just thoroughly kissed Charlotte Ashley Fielding—your wife.”
Chapter Two
Have I awakened from a nightmare?
Astonished, Ian stared at the sensual woman on the sofa beside him, his mind whirling crazily in dazed confusion. Wasn’t she the woman who’d sent him the missive this afternoon about having information on his case?
No. Obviously this was some kind of joke. This magnificent woman whose kisses made his toes curl was his child bride? This incredible woman couldn’t be the scrawny girl with a boy’s figure he’d married three years ago—the same girl whose father blackmailed him into marrying her, Ian reminded himself.
He shook his head. What kind of game was she playing? He gritted his teeth, anger boiling inside his body like a volcano ready to explode.
She stared at him as fire brimmed in her eyes. But there were also tears. Perhaps her tears would extinguish the anger obviously raging inside her.
He leapt to his feet and shot her a glare. “The devil you say! Do you not think I would recognize my own wife? You, Madame, are not my wife.”
Standing, she brushed the wrinkles from her gown. “Yes, Ian. I am. Unfortunately, I am Charlotte Fielding, like it or not.”
Through the shadowed room, he gazed over her from the top of her hair down to her slippered feet. She looked nothing like the child bride he’d remembered. “But...but...this cannot be,” he stammered.
“It’s true, Ian.”
“What are you doing in Bath?”
She let out an impatient sigh. “I decided to come looking for you. I am tired of being alone. I want a real marriage. I want a husband who loves me and wants heirs.”
Panic consumed him. No! This could not be happening. He’d been at the height of his career for months. He couldn’t let anything take him down, not even a passionate woman with kisses beyond anything he’d experienced before. Especially not from a woman who proclaimed to be his wife.
“I’m sorry, but I cannot accommodate your wishes. Not today and certainly not next month. Maybe not even next year.” He breathed heavily, anger pumping through him faster.
Her face hardened and the tears in her eyes suddenly vanished. “Fine then, I want an annulment. I have brought the papers for you to sign. Yes, I know the church frowns upon annulments, but it also frowns upon abandonment.”
She rested her hands firmly on her hips. He couldn’t keep his gaze from roaming over her again. Denying all possibility of her accusations, he shook his head. Nobody in Bath—or the surrounding areas—knew he was married, so they would not likely play this game with him. And he had not told the She-Devil his first name. So how did she know unless…
“If you are really Charlotte, then tell me how we met.”
She rolled her eyes. “Must we rehash the past?”
“Yes. I need to know you are indeed who you say you are.”
“Two men kidnapped me and held me for ransom. My father hired you to rescue me and you disguised yourself as an old man to gain their trust. You delivered the ransom money from my father and saved me from being killed.” She shook her head. “I had lost my head and thought myself in love, and when you wouldn’t marry me, my father paid off your debtors as a bribe. Then three days after our wedding, you left.”
Pain constricted in his chest, and his world came crashing down around him. He knew she had been infatuated with him back then, but by the looks of her hardened gaze, he doubted that now. If she had a blade at this moment, she’d likely run him through.
Ian balled his hands into fists at his side. “You conniving little hussy.”
A bark of laughter escaped her. “What? Me, conniving? How did you come to that conclusion?”
“Because...because...look at you.” His hand swept through the air, gesturing her length. “You knew how much you had changed. You knew I would be lured by your beauty.”
She tilted her head and tapped her foot. “Of course I’m conniving. I’d planned to show you what you’ve missed out on these past three years. Tell me, dear husband. Do you finally regret leaving me?”
Her remark came too close to the truth, but he still wasn’t going to let this brazen little thing know it. He also didn’t like her air of haughtiness. The stubborn lift to her chin and the fire sparking from her eyes sent chills of trepidation up his spine. Had he been the subject of a cruel hoax?
Besides, she did mention something about annulment papers. A calming breath helped him gain back control. “Charlotte, tell me about this annulment you seek.”
She heaved a sigh. “I have the papers at my hotel.”
It still didn’t settle well with him that she had this all planned out. Ian tilted his head. “Tell me, do you have a lover and that’s why you’re in a hurry to dissolve our marriage?”
“What are you talking about? The reason I want to end our marriage is because I don’t want a husband who is repulsed by me.”
“Repulsed?”
She lifted her chin. “Yes, Ian. I don’t want a husband who doesn’t love me. Do you know how humiliating it is to have a husband who has never touched me after as long as we’ve been married?”
“What about now?” he asked. He swept his hand through the air. “You’re now a goddess. You cannot tell me men are not sniffing your heels now.” He clenched his teeth, inwardly cussing. If he didn’t watch himself, he’d be in line, too!
“Well…” She wrung her hands against her middle. “If you must know, there is a man who is interested in me.”
He arched a brow. “Indeed?”
“Yes. Umm...George Fauxley.”
The name was like a slap in the face. Ian inhaled before forcing a laugh. “You must be mistaken, my dear. George is one of my closest friends.”
“Think again, sir. He’s my escort. He was the one who convinced me to seek an annulment. He was also the one who arranged our little meeting. It was me all along, not a woman who had information about the case you’re working on.”
Heat rushed to his face and he balled his hands. “I’d think George would h
ave the intelligence to keep away from a married woman.”
“And I assure you that you don’t know him as well as I.” She arched a brow.
“That’s neither here nor there.”
Tears sprang to her eyes and she wiped them away. She planted her hands on her hips and glared. “As it is, I still want an annulment. What time tomorrow shall I come to your office with the papers?”
“I don’t know when I’ll be in. Give me the name of your hotel and I shall come to you when I have the time.”
She stepped closer and pointed her finger in his face. “You’d better not put me off. I will not leave until the papers are signed. Grant me an appointment, Mr. Fielding. I’d like to get this finished.”
“Let me check my schedule tomorrow and then I shall send you a note with the time of our meeting.”
“I thank you.” She brushed her hands down her dress once more. “Until then.” She turned to leave, but he took hold of her upper arm and stopped her.
“Before you return to the party, we’d better fix your hair.”
He stepped behind her and helped stuff the pins holding her brown curls in place. Silky hair glided through his fingers and he was reminded how coarse it used to be. Now satin waves caressed his skin. The scent of roses wafted from her body and floated through his head, stirring life into his body once again. Silently, he cursed himself and withdrew. “There, you’re now presentable,” he said awkwardly.
She jerked away from him, and then lifted her skirts above her ankles as she rushed out of the room.
He shook his head. Unbelievable. That beautiful woman was his wife? In the three years they’d been separated, he hadn’t dallied with any other woman. Not that he hadn’t been tempted, but his career came first. Strange how she had been able to melt him into submission and made him anxious for her kiss.
Had his carefree life come to an end? He couldn’t step into the role as husband as she’d wanted. Impossible. Not with his busy career. Especially since he was working on an important case. A few of his clients had accused him of stealing from them. He convinced them to give him time to prove his innocence. The reason he came here tonight looking for the She-Devil was because he thought he had a lead. Granted, it surprised him when the woman started seducing him, but he needed to get answers one way or another. He figured after kissing her a few times, she would talk easier. Little had he known he was the one who became enchanted.
Belong To Me (book 4) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) Page 2