Lord Hunter (Secrets & Scandals Book 6)

by Tiffany Green

  She shivered and slid her hand lower. “So do I.”

  Lucian knew they had not the time to get carried away, but his mind filled with images of the things he would do to Emma once they were alone at the estate. He hoped the darkness would hide a certain rock-solid part of his anatomy. One that would still strain against his pants when they stopped.

  He slid her across his lap and kissed her long and deep. With languid strokes of his tongue against hers, he had Emma shivering, heightening his own need. Her arms snaked around his neck to draw him even closer and he moaned low in his throat, loving the feel of her plump breasts smashed against him.

  So lost in kissing Emma, Lucian didn’t feel when the coach stopped. But when someone cleared his throat, Lucian glanced up. A grinning Jeremy stood at the open door, a horrified Sean beside him.

  Drawing his hand from beneath Emma’s skirts, Lucian helped her to the door. A chuckling Jeremy handed her down and Lucian followed, resisting the urge to cover his bulge with his hands.

  He cleared his throat and nodded to the man holding open the front door. “Bennings.”

  With a bow, the butler said, “I was pleased to learn of your return, my lords, my lady.” Straightening, he swept an arm for them to enter. “Everything has been prepared.”

  Lucian nodded as he walked into the foyer. “Very good, Bennings.” Having to oversee Jack’s various estates for the five years the man was on the run, Lucian got to know most of the higher servants and all the estate managers. Bennings was one of the most capable and would see that none of the servants let it out they were staying there. Lucian would take no chances for Renfield to learn where they were.

  His thoughts shifted to the rider who had been watching them clear the tree from the road. An unsettling thought came, making the hairs on his neck rise. Had the tree been felled on purpose? Was there some nefarious plan in motion? Was Renfield behind it?

  “You are lost in thought.”

  Not wanting Emma to learn of his concerns, Lucian forced his lips to curl up. He leaned forward. “Was just thinking what I was going to do to you once we were alone.”

  A fire sprang to her eyes, but before she could respond, Sean shook his head. “Don’t even start, you two.” He swung around. “I think I will help Samir with the bags.”

  Chucking, Jeremy followed Sean. “I must have a word with the men. There’s time to, ah, rest before dinner,” he called over his shoulder.

  Emma’s lips curled in a slow, wicked smile. She reached for his hand. “I do have the sudden urge to, ah, rest before dinner.”

  Lucian almost pulled her to him but saw Bennings standing there, dark brows rising to his hairline. The man cleared his throat. “I thought you and the countess would be more comfortable in the larger green guestroom, my lord, than your usual room.”

  Hoping he wasn’t grinning like an idiot, Lucian nodded and turned to the stairs. His hand still clasped around Emma’s, he tried not to dash up the steps. His thumb made little circles on the back of her hand, his mind filling with all sorts of wicked images. One thing about his gorgeous new bride, she was not afraid to try anything. His cock hardened to stone with all the possibilities. And his feet moved faster.

  Throwing open the door, Lucian lifted Emma into his arms and moved inside. She held on and laughed as he closed the door with his foot. Then she turned to him, her smile fading as her eyes darkened. She grazed his cheek with the tips of her fingers, sending shooting sparks down his spine. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips, his eyes following the movement. He almost groaned out loud.

  “I can’t wait, Lucian.” Her finger traced the side of his face, torturing him. “Take me now.”

  His lips came down on hers, his tongue filling her mouth. She met his intense kiss, matching his passion. Letting her slide down his heated body, he lifted her dress. Making an encouraging sound in her throat, her fingers sought the buttons of his breeches.

  Lucian stilled a moment, to drink in the feel of her tiny fingers brushing against his marble shaft, then groaned when it sprang into her hands. Pulling her skirts up to her hips, he lifted his head. “Are you sure you want—”

  “Now, Lucian,” she said, her arms coming around his neck.

  With unsteady hands, he circled her small waist and lifted her. As her legs folded around his middle, he closed his eyes, letting her melt down on to his hard, throbbing cock. A hiss escaped his lips. Nothing felt so good. She was tight and wet, as though made for him.

  Turning them, he set her back against the wall and began moving in and out.

  “Oh, yes, Lucian,” she breathed in his ear, moving to the rhythm he set.

  He worried he would spill too soon and gritted his teeth to keep from a premature release. He had to let her find hers first. But the tension was already building. Had been building all Goddamned day in the coach with his tempting minx. Higher and higher he flew. Pressing his lips to hers, he swallowed her tiny cries. Then she stilled, her inner muscles spasming, milking his shaft, and he could hold back no more.

  With one last thrust, he sank deep inside Emma and spilled his seed.

  Their heavy breaths mingled, and neither moved for several seconds. Then Lucian slipped out of her and set her on her feet, a bit worried he had acted like a brute. She lolled against the wall, a sleepy smile on her face. “That was exactly what I needed,” she said, making his worry evaporate.

  He buttoned his breeches and reached for her hand. “Come, we should rest in earnest before dinner.”

  Stretching like a cat, she gave a wicked smile before sliding her hand in his. “Yes, I shall need my strength for the night ahead.”

  “Minx,” he whispered, shaking his head, loving the woman beyond all reason.

  Walking to the huge four-poster bed, he felt Emma’s steps slow. He glanced from her drawn brows to the folded paper lying on the center of the dark green coverlet. Heart racing, Lucian lifted the note and read the three words, written in haste.

  I found you.

  Gaze darting about and finding no window open, nothing to reveal how the intruder came in, Lucian crumpled the paper in his fist and stormed to the door.

  “What did the note say?” Emma demanded on his heels.

  He was too livid to speak. Marching down the stairs, he found Bennings coming from the kitchen and thrust the paper at the man. “How in the hell did this get in our room?”

  The man’s eyes went wide as he read and shook his head, then handed the note back. “Upon my word, my lord, I do not know.”

  “I want every person in this house questioned. Tonight,” he roared.

  Shaken, the butler gave a bow. “I will begin immediately, Lord Hartford.”

  Jeremy and Sean rushed forward. “What has happened?” Jeremy asked.

  Seeing a footman glance in their direction, a confused frown on the man’s face, Lucian nodded to the drawing room at their right. “Let’s discuss this in there.”

  Once he closed the door, Lucian speared a hand through his hair. “This was found lying on our bed.” He handed Jeremy the note.

  Sean read over Jeremy’s shoulder, his face darkening. With a sound curse, he turned away.

  Emma took the note, then grimaced. “It’s not signed. Who do you suppose wrote it? Renfield?” She tapped the paper. “The letters are garbled, as though someone feared we would recognize the handwriting.”

  “Renfield could have had someone write the note for him,” Jeremy said, rocking back on his heels.

  Lucian, in more control of his rage, nodded.

  Emma wrapped her arms around her middle. “What does he want?” She shook her head. “He didn’t mention the gold, and I cannot imagine he could know of its existence.”

  “He is trying to scare us, Em,” Sean said, shuffling forward. “I think he hired someone to leave the note but is on some ship many miles from here.”

  Emma nodded, unfurling her arms. “He would be a fool to stay and get caught, knowing he faces murder and kidnapping charges.” />
  Lucian’s gaze sought Jeremy, wondering if the man agreed. Instead of nodding, Jeremy narrowed his eyes. “The staff must be questioned.”

  “Bennings is seeing to that now.”

  “Good,” Jeremy said. “I will speak to the men and double the watch.”

  Lucian remembered the felled tree. Could the rider have left the note? Was the man watching the mansion?

  Jeremy nodded, a knowing look in his eyes, then swung to the door. “I will inform the men.”

  When Jeremy left the room, Emma turned to him. “Is there something you aren’t telling me, Lucian?”

  Dipping his gaze to Emma, noticing the spark of fear, he gathered her to him and grazed his lips across her temple. “Of course not.”

  She leaned back. “How could anyone know where we are?” Then her eyes went wide. “Are we being followed?”

  Lucian swallowed back a groan.

  Emma pulled away. “We are.” She smacked his arm. “And you already knew. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  He curled his hands to keep from reaching for her. “I didn’t want to frighten you.”

  Blue-green eyes snapped fire. “What do you know?”

  Itching for a drink, Lucian walked to the liquor cart and poured a brandy. Instead of heating the glass in his palm several minutes before taking a sip, he gulped back half the contents. Better fortified to face his angry wife, he lifted his head. Still furious. He blew out a breath. “When the coach stopped for the felled tree, Jeremy and I thought we were being watched. As soon as the tree was cleared from the road, we heard a horse galloping away, confirming our suspicions.”

  Her lips twisted down. “You lied to me.” When he stepped in her direction, she held up a hand. “When I asked if there was something you weren’t telling me, you said ‘of course not’.” She tossed her head back. “I cannot abide being lied to.”

  Lucian glanced to Sean for a bit of support. The man had his arms crossed, shaking his head. Well, hell. He’d get no support there. With a sigh, he set aside his drink and moved closer to Emma.

  Her hand, braced against his chest, stopped him from taking her into his arms. “That is close enough.”

  “I saw the fear in your eyes,” he said in a low voice, taking her hand in his. “I didn’t want you to be afraid.” He lifted her hand to his lips and pressed soft kisses to her knuckles. “I’m sorry, love.”

  Some of the glittering anger softened in her eyes. “It must not happen again.”

  Lucian stepped to Emma and drew her against him. He leaned down and just before his lips met hers, he whispered, “It won’t.” Then he kissed her, long and slow.

  “God, you two,” Sean groaned.

  As Lucian started to deepen the kiss, he registered Jeremy’s voice. With a sigh, he pulled away. Staring into Emma’s eyes, seeing her anger now replaced with passion, he hoped his pointed gaze conveyed they would finish this later, then turned to his friend.

  Bennings stood behind Jeremy, red faced, gaze diverted. The man was not used to witnessing such displays of affection.

  “Have you learned something, Bennings?” Lucian asked, knowing the man would not have stopped questioning the staff for any other reason.

  The butler cleared his throat and gave a sharp nod. “A boy of about ten years came to the backdoor half an hour before your arrival, my lord. He told the maid, Alice, to have the note delivered to your room, Lord Hartford, that it was extremely important.” Bennings squared his shoulders. “Alice is new to the staff. Been here but a month. It didn’t occur to her to inform me first. She simply took the note as instructed.”

  “Did she say who hired the boy?”

  “I am sorry, my lord. She didn’t think to ask him.” Bennings paused a moment before speaking. “Alice is my cousin’s daughter. I’ve known her all her sixteen years. She would not be involved in causing harm against this family, my lord.” He drew in a deep breath. “But, if it is your wish, I will send Alice away this moment.”

  Before Lucian could respond, Emma marched to them, hands on hips. “No. Let Alice stay.” She lifted her chin. “I insist.”

  When Bennings glanced at Lucian for confirmation, Lucian nodded his agreement.

  The butler gave a deep bow, a flicker of relief in his eyes as he straightened. “Very well, my lady. Alice shall not be removed.”

  Movement in the doorway drew Lucian’s attention. Joe the footman hovered there and gave a nod he had some news. Lucian waved him in. “What is it, Joe?”

  “My lord.” The man bowed. “A man has been caught sneaking onto the estate.”

  Chapter 25

  While relief shot through Emma, she watched a slow, deep scowl tighten Lucian’s face. “Where is he?” her husband growled.

  Joe took a step back. “Tied up in the stables, my lord.”

  Lucian gave a clipped nod, took a step, then stopped and swung around.

  Emma knew what he was about to say and shook her head. “I am coming.”

  “Emma—”

  “No, Lucian. I would like to hear this. Keeping things from me does not serve to protect me in any way.” She folded her arms, adamant she would have her way. “Besides, what can the man do to me, tied up and surrounded by Jeremy’s men?”

  Jeremy, trying to hold back a chuckle, stepped from the room. Even Sean knew she had won the argument and followed.

  Emma blew out a breath and headed for the door. Lucian’s hand settled on her shoulder. “Remain at my side at all times,” he said.

  She wanted to roll her eyes and say something flippant, but saw his worry and gave a nod instead.

  They walked to the rear of the house then stepped outside. The air had cooled and Emma drew in the fresh, salty breeze as they made their way across the garden to the stables, listening to the ocean hiss in the distance. Jeremy and Sean waited by the door, a slab of yellow light spilling to the dirt.

  Men moved about in the stables, then stopped as they entered. Many brows rose when they noticed her enter, but Emma ignored them. She tried to glance around her brother and Jeremy as they moved to the man tied on a stool.

  A horse snorted as she walked by, almost making her jump out of her skin. Emma pressed a hand to her breast to steady her nerves. Would she see Renfield sitting there? The man had killed Jonah and shot her. What would she say to him?

  Lucian slid an arm around her shoulders. “I can take you back to the house,” he said in her ear.

  Emma shook her head. “I must know.”

  Jeremy and Sean stopped before the man, arms crossed. Emma, studying her half-boots peeking from the lace hem of her dress, drew in a deep breath and lifted her head. The short, balding man scowling at them was not Renfield. Nor did he work for Renfield. Her shoulders stiffened when she recognized who he did work for. “Burke? Why has Sorrington sent you?”

  Burke spit on the ground instead of responding.

  Sean reared back his fist. “I think you had better answer my sister.”

  The man pressed his lips together and turned away.

  “Fine,” Sean snapped, “we do this the hard way.” He stepped forward and let his fist fly.

  Emma turned away when she heard the smack and Lucian drew her into the circle of his arms. “Let me take you back to the house.”

  She shook her head, breathing in his unique male spice. “I will be fine.” To prove her point, she turned back around to face Burke, but Lucian kept her close to his side. His hand moved up and down her arm.

  “Tell us what we need to know, Burke. Why did Sorrington send you here?” Sean demanded. He raised his fist. “I am far from tired, and there are many others to take my place once I do tire.”

  Burke gulped, a trickle of blood leaking from the corner of his mouth. When Sean reared back, Burke spoke fast. “Awwite, awwite, I’ll tell you.”

  Lowering his fist, Sean waited.

  “Lord Sorrington had me follow the lady.” Burke’s eyes lifted to Emma.

  “Why?”

  “Said he wor
ried about her safety.” Burke’s brows rose. “She got shot with you lot, didn’t she?”

  Lucian drew in a quick breath, his hands going still. Emma glanced up and found his jaw tight.

  Jeremy stepped forward, crossing his arms. “Then why send the note? Why make Lady Hartford even more frightened?”

  Burke’s gaze skidded over, brows pressed together. “What note?”

  Sean raised his fist. “The note you had a boy deliver before our arrival. Don’t act as if you don’t know about it.”

  Eyes wide, Burke shook his head. “I swear on me mum’s grave, I know nufin’ about a note. I can’t write.” He shook his head again. “I never learned. I swear.”

  Emma bowed her head, a memory blooming in her mind. Of Burke squinting down at something she had written, asking what it said. She blew out a breath. “He speaks the truth,” she said, gazing back to Burke. “He cannot read or write.”

  Sean lowered his fists and took a step back, a question in his eyes. The same question she had. If Burke didn’t write the note, who did? Emma glanced around. “Where is your cousin, Murdoch?” The two were inseparable. Perhaps he knew his letters and wrote the note.

  Shoulders slumping, Burke wagged his head. “I dunno.”

  “Did he come here with you?” she asked.

  With a sigh, Burke nodded.

  Jeremy glanced to the four men on his left and jerked his head toward the door. After bows, the men filed outside to search the property for Murdoch.

  Lucian leaned down. “This could take a while. Let me get you back to the house.”

  At first Emma thought to refuse, but pacing the stables for hours did not sound appealing. She glanced to her brother. “You will let me know the moment Murdoch is caught?”

  “I will,” he said.

  She gave a nod and let Lucian take her back to the house. Samir waited for them inside. He gave a bow. “I have moved your belongings into the blue guestroom.”

  Her lips tipped up. How like Samir to think of that. “Thank you, Samir. I am sure to sleep better now.”

  Lucian nodded his thanks and led her to the room at the opposite wing. This room faced the channel. She walked to a window and raised her hand to the heavy velvet curtain. The reflection of the half-moon shimmered over the water, waves distorting its yellow light.