Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel

by Samantha Grace

  He debated being honest with her, fearing she might not appreciate his feelings, but he wouldn’t begin their marriage on a lie. Lana sat on the settee as she awaited his answer.

  “Naturally, I’m disappointed, but if I may be honest, I’m relieved also.”

  Lana’s back stiffened. “Which is the reason I must release you from our agreement. There is no child. You’re under no obligation to marry me.”

  She turned her head away when he kneeled before her.

  “Lana, don’t be silly—”

  “My chances of securing another match are nonexistent, but I can’t bring myself to marry anyone else. I’ll retire to the country and live the life of a spinster.” Lana attempted to pull away, but he wouldn’t allow it. Not anymore.

  “If you would allow me to explain, love. You could at least extend me that courtesy as your betrothed, couldn’t you?”

  Her troubled gaze landed on him, and eventually, she inclined her head.

  “I realize I am being selfish,” he said, “but I’m relieved, because I don’t wish to share you yet. When the time is right, we’ll have our children. I wish to cherish this time with you. I want you as my wife. The only thing dictating my decision is my heart. But what about you, Lana? Do you love me, or did you agree to wed because you thought you were with child?”

  Her eyes rounded, and she sucked in a sharp breath. “How could you even ask such a pudding-headed question?”

  Leave it to his peach to find his question ridiculous while hers were perfectly logical. “Then it’s settled. We will marry,” he said.

  “Agreed. We shall marry.”

  Drew lifted her in a hug. “Thank God. I thought I would be an old man before you finally married me.”

  Lana tossed her head back with a giggle. “Drew.”

  “It’s true, peach. You’ve changed your mind with greater frequency than a lady changes her gowns.”

  She broke into a heart-stopping smile. “Yes, yes. Enough of your whining. How long must I wait for your endless adoration to begin?”

  “Not long.” He covered her lips with his.

  ***

  When Lana allowed Drew to guide her out of her father’s study, her mother’s presence caught her off guard. Her body heated at the thought of her mother overhearing such an intimate moment.

  Drew handed Lana over to her mother. “Mrs. Hillary, if you would be so kind as to escort my bride to her chambers to ready herself for our nuptials, I’d be forever grateful.”

  Lana gasped. “We’re getting married today?”

  “Within the hour. The vicar has other engagements today, after all.” Drew turned toward her mother. “Promise you won’t allow her out of your sight.”

  “Not on my life, Lord Andrew.” Her mother linked arms with her before pulling her up the staircase.

  Lana had never suffered from a lack of beautiful dresses, especially since she visited the most exclusive modiste in Town. She selected a Pomona green gown, one of her favorites. Ivory ribbon trimmed the capped sleeves and crisscrossed the bodice, making her appear more endowed than she actually was. Her mother’s maid placed tiny sprigs of baby’s breath from the hothouse in her hair, and a string of pearls adorned her neck.

  “I’m ready, Mama.” She wheeled around to discover her mother with tears shining in her eyes.

  “You look lovely. Shall we find your groom?”

  Lana couldn’t hold back a smile as she reached out to grasp her mother’s hand.

  As Lana entered the drawing room, Phoebe rushed to hug her. “Thank heavens you’re back safe and sound.”

  All of Drew’s family had come to witness the exchanging of their vows, including his eldest brother.

  The vicar inspected the mantle clock while blotting beads of sweat on his upper lip with a handkerchief. “Shall we begin?”

  Drew offered his hand and she placed her smaller one in his. Standing side-by-side in front of the clergyman, they pledged their commitment. When she recited her promise to love, honor, and obey, Drew winked, bringing heat to her cheeks and solidifying his place in her heart. Despite her initial embarrassment over their secret vow, she welcomed the chance to fulfill her promise every day for the rest of their lives and grinned like a fool.

  After the ceremony, everyone gathered in the dining room for breakfast. The simplicity of the celebration pleased Lana, and for once, she ate everything on her plate: eggs, ham, sliced peaches, and a roll. She knew from experience she would need sustenance for the coming night, if she and Drew made it that long.

  Lana’s mother approached her toward the end of the meal. “I had my lady’s maid pack a few things for you. You may take her with you, if you like. We’ve known Jane for ages and know she may be trusted.”

  Lana’s hand fluttered to her chest. Her mother’s gesture was overwhelming. “Thank you, Mama, but what will you do? Won’t you miss Jane?”

  “You mustn’t worry about me. I don’t mind losing her to you.”

  She hugged her mother and kissed her cheek. “You are a lovely person, Mama.”

  Once in the carriage, Drew pulled Lana onto his lap and whispered in her ear, “I’ve rented a room for us until the house is finished.”

  She slipped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “I want to see the house.”

  Drew sported an uncharacteristic scowl. “Now?”

  “Oh, please, Drew. I can’t wait any longer.”

  “Very well,” he grumbled before delivering his orders to the waiting servant. “But I can’t wait much longer either.”

  The carriage lurched as he took possession of her mouth, his hot lips igniting her passion. She indulged herself, drinking in his kisses, allowing his tongue to probe the recesses of his mouth. She loved his smell, rich and decadent like the finest dark chocolate.

  His hand cupped her breast as his thumb swept across her nipple. Lana murmured her approval as he drew circles around the hardened tip, making her squirm with pleasure, wanting more.

  Drew broke the kiss, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. “I don’t want to take you in the carriage.” A miserable groan accompanied his words.

  “Why not?” She worked the buttons of his waistcoat before stealing her hand into the opening of his shirt. “I have such fond memories.” Under her fingertips, his chest was like rock covered by the finest silk. She nibbled his neck while her fingers found his nipple.

  He grasped her hand to still her movements. “Stop that, Lana Forest.”

  She gave him the most devilish smile possible before kissing him, but he jerked his head away at the last moment. Huffing, she snatched her hand back. “You started it.”

  He clasped her hand in her lap and kissed her cheek. “And I intend to finish it too, but not until I can see every part of you. Do indulge your husband and be good, or I shall have to be stern.”

  The twinkle in his eye belied his words. Drew would never be anything other than a gentle, loving man, just as he had proven over the last several weeks.

  For good measure, she glared anyway. “Be good, he says.”

  “It’s only temporary,” he teased. “Then you may be as naughty as you wish once we are alone.”

  Forty-seven

  “The downstairs needs more work,” Drew said as they reached the entrance of their new home. “The workmen promised it would be completed by next week, but I have my doubts.”

  Lana reached for the door handle, eager to see inside, but her husband stepped in front of her, blocking her access. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  She wrinkled her nose before attempting to push him aside. “Drew, I wish to see inside, too.”

  “I believe it is customary for the groom to carry his bride over the threshold.” He scooped her in his arms with such speed, she squealed.

  “I had no idea you were so superstitious,” she teased, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.

  “If you’re even half as clumsy as your brother, I don’t want to take any chances. Nothing but
good luck from here on out.”

  With Drew holding her, she twisted the knob and opened the door with a tiny shove. “You need better help around here, Drew.”

  “We’ll start interviews soon, but you’re the most attractive butler I have ever seen. I’m loath to replace you.”

  Quiet greeted them as they entered the house. “It appears no one is here.”

  Drew frowned. “I’m not surprised, lazy buggers. If we move in before Michaelmas, it will be a miracle.”

  Lana only saw the promise of what their home would become. “It’s wonderful.”

  Drew set her on her feet and grasped her hand to lead her farther into the house. “I hope you like it.”

  The worry line between his brows tugged at her heart. She’d never seen Drew unsure of anything. His obvious desire to please her was sweet.

  She squeezed his hand to reassure him. “I already love it.”

  He escorted her to the doorway of a half-painted room. The cheerful buttery yellow captured the light and reflected her high spirits.

  “This will be the drawing room,” he said and then gestured to another door off the entry. “And through there, you’ll find the dining room.”

  Lana meandered around the future drawing room, admiring the towering windows and gleaming woodwork. “Oh, my.”

  Drew lagged behind as she explored the ground floor. Her breath caught when she spied the dusty chandelier in the dining room. It would be exquisite once polished. More windows overlooking the garden welcomed the bright sunlight while a set of French doors invited her to wander outside to the terrace.

  Lana shivered as the cool air engulfed her. “We’ll host beautiful soirees here.”

  “Come back inside before you catch a chill.”

  She did as he bid and continued her exploration inside. The next room was empty save for rolls of masculine wall coverings. “I assume this is to be your study. Everything is lovely.”

  “It’s nothing like Hillary House,” Drew said.

  She glanced over her shoulder and caught him watching her, the adorably anxious crease still marring his brow. “No, it’s much warmer, even without fires in the grates.”

  “Obviously, this floor needs more work,” he added, “but the second and third floors are refinished, and furnished as well.”

  Her eyes flicked to the ceiling and then back at Drew. She smiled mischievously. “Are you saying…?”

  Drew’s eyes darkened. A simple jerk of his thumb toward the doorway was all the encouragement she required. Lana dashed from the room, Drew following close behind, lightly pinching her bottom as she ran up the stairs.

  “Stop that,” she admonished with a laugh. At the top of the stairs, she came to a sudden halt. “Which room?”

  “It doesn’t matter,” he growled. Tossing her over his shoulder, he carried her into the first room they reached. He kicked the door closed and strode to the bed, where he laid her on her back before joining her.

  Stretching his lean form over her, he settled between her thighs, resting his weight on his elbows. His forget-me-not eyes brightened with tenderness as his thumb caressed her jaw, stroking back and forth. “You’re so beautiful. I could look at you forever.”

  Her heart leapt. “I hope you do more than look,” she murmured as she cradled the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. His gentle lips pressed against hers, his breath flowing into her, filling her with a craving for more of him.

  Her desire flamed and she deepened the kiss. Opening her mouth, she tentatively traced his lips with her tongue. They parted to allow her leisurely expedition. Emboldened, Lana’s hands slipped inside his jacket, pushing it down his shoulders.

  Drew shifted and climbed from the bed to shed his clothes.

  “No,” she protested as his hands went to his cravat. Her cheeks warmed as she contemplated making her request, but she gathered her nerve, inhaling deeply before voicing her desire. “May I undress you?”

  Without hesitation, his hands dropped to his sides as a seductive smile graced his lips. “Nothing would bring me more pleasure, love.”

  She moved to the edge of the bed and held out her hand. “Come closer,” she coaxed. Drew placed himself between her knees, pressing his body against hers. With his jacket already cast off, her fingers grazed his chest as she unfastened the buttons of his waistcoat.

  Grasping his cravat, she tugged him lower. He parted his lips and allowed her to test the waters again. She loved his taste: pure man with a touch of honey from the morning rolls they’d consumed earlier. He moaned against her lips, encouraging her to work faster.

  With his torso finally bared, she traced his well-defined muscles. A light sprinkling of caramel curls fanned across his chest, narrowing to a thin line that ran down his abdomen and disappeared into his trousers. She nuzzled her cheek against the soft hair, eliciting a sharp gasp from her husband.

  Kissing his belly, she undid his trousers before dragging them down his lean thighs. His shaft sprang free and strained toward her. She tentatively brushed over the top before running the backs of her fingers down his length.

  Drew shuddered and placed his hand over hers, showing her how to grasp him and encouraging a firmer touch. She caressed him with slow strokes.

  “Lana, I’m more than ready, love.” His husky voice washed over her, and she glanced up to discover his eyes had grown nearly black with desire.

  “Oh,” she said on an exhale. “I-I wasn’t quite done yet.”

  Drew adored his new bride, and her willingness to explore his body was more than gratifying. It was also the most delicious torment. He didn’t know how much more he could endure. Yet, gazing into her magnificent, wonder-filled eyes, he resolved to try his best. Her delicate fingers encircled him, her touch almost reverent as she waited for his permission to continue.

  “Why don’t you undress for me, peach?”

  Her answering smile was a relief. The last thing he wanted was to stifle her sensuality.

  Drew assisted with the fastenings of her gown before reclining on the bed to savor the moment. She slid the dress down her arms, allowing it to fall around her waist, revealing a white corset trimmed in delicate lace. Though Lana didn’t need the undergarment, Drew couldn’t deny he liked the way it plumped her breasts. With a wiggle of her hips, the garment slithered down her shapely legs to pool at her feet.

  Once she had removed the last article of clothing, she stood nude before him, unashamed. Her ivory skin glistened like the most luxurious satin in the warm sunlight pouring through the windows. He longed to feel her against him, to kiss every silken inch of her.

  “Come here, Lana.” He reached out and she placed her hand in his. Rolling to his back, he urged her to climb atop him.

  When she straddled his hips, he sucked in a hissing breath, catching his lower lip between his teeth and biting back a tortured groan. She was more than ready for him, but the wicked glint in her eyes said she wasn’t finished with him yet.

  Lana captured both of his wrists and clasped them above his head while sliding her body along his. Her heat glided along his length, setting a sinuous rhythm, the tips of her breasts brushing against his chest with each pass. Drew’s hips lifted to grind against her dewy skin.

  When she released his wrists, he caught her hips, positioning her over his shaft. He had to bury himself inside her or go insane. Lana accepted him, surrounding him like molten lava.

  Fully seated inside her, they both sighed with satisfaction. The scent of her arousal taunted him, making him ache to drive into her, but he held back. He would allow her to relish her position of control, unwilling to take that pleasure from her.

  He fondled her breasts as she moved against him, her beautiful auburn locks tumbling around her shoulders. Her eyes fluttered, her delicate lashes lying against her cheeks, as she arched into his touch.

  God, how he loved her passionate nature. His wife was bold, adventurous, and lusty; his equal in every way. Her pace sped, her breathing heavy an
d fast. When she opened her eyes and locked them on him, desire blazed in their emerald depths. Drew groaned. He was so close to the edge he didn’t know if he could hold back.

  Lana threw her head back and cried out. Her body gripped him in waves as bliss filtered across her beautiful face. He grabbed her hips, thrusting deep inside his wife, spilling his seed as pleasure ripped through him. Lana collapsed against his chest, her lips seeking his. “I love you,” she whispered.

  He settled her into the crook of his arm, her cheek resting against his chest. Never would he have guessed the most pleasurable experience known to man would be found within the union of marriage.

  “You have a fantastic way of showing your love, peach. Absolutely sensational.” He rubbed his chin against her hair. “Next time it’s my turn. And I get to choose the room.”

  She lifted to her elbow, a frown on her pretty face. “You chose this time.”

  “It was simply the closest.”

  “But you did choose,” she argued. “Just because it was the first one means nothing.”

  “Perhaps we should develop a fair system.”

  Lana grinned. “Very well. Whoever exerts the most effort and ends on top chooses the location of our next tumble.”

  He rolled her to her back and kissed her long and slow before gazing into her eyes. “Lana, I truly love you, but you will lose repeatedly.”

  “Well, with you dictating our pleasure, how could I possibly complain?”

  “I would be a disgrace of a man if you did.” He kissed her again, successfully ending their playful banter. He would make certain his lovely wife was well pleased.

  Read on for an excerpt from

  Lady Amelia’s Mess and a Half

  by Samantha Grace

  Coming June 2012

  from Sourcebooks Casablanca

  Jake Hillary was a keeper—keeper of his family’s secret, keeper of his wayward brother, and most tragically, keeper of a hopeless love for his best friend’s wife. But at least for now, he wouldn’t think on the torturous evening to come of admiring Amelia from afar. His brother was due for a thrashing, and Jake planned to deliver it.