A smile played about her mouth, tempting him to lean over and steal a kiss. “Is everything in order?”
“Yes.” He inched toward the door and moved to escape before he did something stupid like take her rough and hard amongst the boxes. She deserved more for their first time together than a quick tupping like some street-side doxy.
“Are you sure? Don’t you think I should try them on to ensure they fit?” Gabriel couldn’t move as she picked up the silky fabric he was holding moments ago, molding it to her body until he could picture what she would look like wearing nothing but the diaphanous nightgown, the damned thing revealing more than it concealed.
She peered up at him through her lashes as she sauntered closer. “You could pose as my maid and inspect them in much closer detail.”
Maid.
His mind latched onto the one word, his brain taking precious seconds to clear the image of her naked before his logical thought processes returned. “We need to hire you a maid. For now, I will fetch…” He trailed off when no one came to mind. None of the servants in residence qualified for the position, then he smiled triumphantly when he came upon the answer. “I will ask Tallie—”
“No. She is busy with the ball tomorrow, and she already believes I am an unfit wife.”
“She doesn’t think anything of the sort.” Gabriel frowned down at her absurd notion, but Diana had turned away, clearly not believing him.
“She’s already doing too much for us.” Diana lifted a box lid and let the nightgown slipping through her fingers, placing it back inside the box. Images of those hands wrapped around his cock caused his brain to malfunction yet again.
He cleared his throat painfully, trying to gather his fragmented thoughts. “We’ll have to hire someone, but the interviews will take a few days to arrange.”
“I guess that leaves you.” She smiled again, seduction and temptation in her eyes.
“No.” Gabriel nearly swallowed his tongue. He shook his head and backed away, cursing the way his body demanded that he agree.
Every inch of her would be on display for his enjoyment.
While he would certainly relish removing her clothes, there was something about dressing her, knowing what she wore underneath her gown, that held its own appeal. Knowing she would be dressed—or not dressed—for his pleasure alone set his body on fire.
“Well, there is always Ashmore.”
Jealousy roared through him, and he took a menacing step forward, crowding into her space. “Under no circumstances are you to even hint about it.”
“But—”
She gave him an innocent look, knowing full well she’d neatly trapped him. He should be annoyed at her for manipulating him, but he found himself strangely thrilled by the chase and the chance to spend more time with her. “I will do it.”
Chapter 15
By the time Diana managed to put away all the clothes, she was starving and more than ready to be done with them. The two gowns she brought with her stuck out in the closet, and she removed them. Unable to bear tossing them out, she reluctantly put them in the satchel under the bed, ready to use again if the need ever arose.
A new stage of her life was beginning, and she couldn’t keep clinging to her past.
The change left her both excited and leery.
Diana hesitated over picking out a gown to wear for supper. She wanted to look beautiful for Gabriel. She debated whether to call him to act as her lady’s maid, but ultimately decided against it. She wanted to surprise him.
It took thirty minutes to decide on the gown, strip and dress in the assortment of underthings he insisted on purchasing. Wearing only in her chemise, she glanced down at the garters encircling her thighs, admiring the silk stockings. Imagining the way Gabriel’s eyes would heat when he saw them, she smiled and picked up the corset.
While the dressmaker followed her request, and the busk corset could be opened in the front, she still had no idea how to work the contraption. The few times she was required to wear a formal corset at school, the rest of the girls had laced her in it.
In her line of work, a corset just got in the way of riding and shooting and hunting.
It was hard to fight hand-to-hand or wield a knife against an assailant when you were trussed up in skirts and a corset. After half an hour of struggling, trying to untangle the mess she made of the ribbons, Diana reluctantly pulled the cord and summoned a servant, silently praying Mrs. Ketterling was still occupied packing Mrs. Ashmore’s trunks.
A short knock later, Diana opened her door.
No such luck.
Mrs. Ketterling stood in the doorway, her face puckered up as if annoyed to have been summoned. “You rang?”
Ignoring Mrs. Ketterling’s disapproval, Diana stepped aside. “I would appreciate any assistance you can give in showing me how to tie the corset ribbons.”
With a long-suffering sigh, Mrs. Ketterling followed her inside the room. The housekeeper shoved at her shoulder and spun her around, methodically stringing up the ribbons. “You grab the strings in the middle first, then tighten them from the bottom up, keeping the tension in the ribbons, then tighten from the top down. Once you have an adequate hourglass-shape, you tie the ribbons into a bow.”
So putting actions into words, she began yanking on the ribbons. Within minutes, Diana had a tiny waist, but could barely draw breath, the busk gouging into her ribs. “I think you need to loosen the ribbons a fraction.”
Mrs. Ketterling tisked as she picked up the petticoats and dropped them over her head, quickly tying the cords at her waist. “Nonsense. Your body will adjust to the tightness in an hour.”
The beautiful, slightly ruffled skirts came next. Before she had a chance to admire the sleek fall of fabric, Ketterling held out the bodice. In less time then she thought possible, she was stuffed in the dress and standing in front of the mirror. “Thank you for your assistance.”
Mrs. Ketterling grunted, but Diana would swear she saw a smirk on her face as she left the room.
Diana placed her hand on her stomach, a little woozy from lack of air. The image of the woman in the mirror was stunning. The gown was a light blue that nearly matched her eyes, the design deceptively simple. She took time with her hair, carefully knotting the strands on top of her head.
Before she lost her nerve, Diana headed toward the dining room, her stomach fluttering at the thought of Gabriel’s reaction to her transformation.
Diana came to stop on the balcony and overlooked the chaos below. Mrs. Ashmore stood in the center of the drama, ordering servants around like a drill sergeant. More boxes and trunks than Diana thought possible were hauled outside and loaded into the waiting carriages.
A whistle caught her attention, and she spied Ashmore gazing up at her with a gentle smile. “Gabriel is in for a surprise.”
The twinkle in his eyes showed his enjoyment of the situation, and Diana blinked in confusion. “Sorry?”
“You look beautiful.”
Mrs. Ashmore harrumphed and used her cane to bang him on the arm. “Take me to my carriage.”
All humor vanished as he turned toward the other woman. “Of course, Auntie.”
Before he left, he gave her a conspiratorial wink over his shoulder, and Diana smiled, hoping for a similar reaction from Gabriel.
Geoffrey lingered in the entryway, his smarmy smile lifting the hairs on the back of her neck. The man licked his lips, his beady little eyes glued to her cleavage. “Mrs. Ashmore says you don’t share your husband’s bed. Not that I can blame you, the man is a brute. If you’re in need of other entertainment, I offer my services.”
The slimy toad smiled, his pudgy face sweating so hard it looked like he was melting, while his rotund form was ready to burst out of his clothes.
Diana smiled at him as she drew near, then stared down at the squat little man from her greater height. “Be grateful I don’t tell my husband of your proposition, for that brute, as you call him, would beat you senseless.”
; His face turned an unbecoming shade of red, first with fear then outrage. He leaned forward and hissed. “You’ll regret turning me down. You’re a nobody. Don’t expect anyone to back you without giving them something in return.”
He scanned her from head to toe dismissively, and Diana placed her hands on her hips. “I suggest you leave, unless you want to know what it feels like to have this nobody kick you in the balls.”
His eyes widened in shock, and a sneer twisted his lips. Diana lifted her brow then moved closer, and the man had the sense to scurry out of the house. She ignored his vile words. Men like him always picked on weaker women, forcing them into compromising situations. It wouldn’t require more than one well-placed blow to drop a weasel like him to the ground. Diana lowered her arms, the excitement leaving her more breathless than warranted.
She turned and swept into the dining room, enjoying the swish of her silk skirts. The thought of seeing Gabriel again left her lightheaded, and she patted her hair nervously.
Samuel noticed her first and hastily rose to his feet. “My dear, you look enchanting. I can see how you captured Gabriel’s attention so effortlessly.”
Diana smothered her amused smile, charmed by his obvious flattery.
Gabriel stood as well, then walked around the table, his intense focus a little unnerving. He lightly brushed the back of her hand with his lips. “You’re stunning.”
Heat filled her cheeks, his sincerity robbing her of a witty comeback, and she allowed him to seat her at the table.
Gabriel attentively filled her plate, but she’d lost her appetite. After two bites, Diana set aside her fork, and fidgeted, trying to pull at her stays without attracting too much attention. Dizziness assailed her and she sipped at the water near her plate. The glass shook as she gulped the contents. Sweat stung her brow, and the room began to sway.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
She couldn’t reply, the damned corset depriving her of too much air to speak. Silverware rattled as she dropped her cup, and she watched helplessly as the tea spilled across the table. Mortified by her lack of manners, Diana hastily stood.
“Gabriel, you best catch her before she tumbles over.” Samuel shoved back his chair and hurried around the table. “I’ve seen this before, back in my day, when those foolish women would tighten their stays to try to show off their figure to catch a man.”
Samuel gave her a roguish wink. “Of course, how could I deny them my attention after they went to all the trouble of throwing themselves at me?”
Gabriel bore down on her. She tried to wave them off, but he ignored her and swept her up in his strong arms. Too winded to reply, she rested helplessly against him. The room blurred as they carried her into the study and gently laid her on the couch.
Gabriel tugged at the back of her dress, pulling at the corset, when he swore. “The damned thing is tied up in knots.”
Instead of fighting with the strings, Gabriel shoved his hands up her skirt. She shivered as his warm fingers skated up her leg before he found the knife strapped to her thigh.
“I say old boy, what do you think you’re doing?”
Diana would have snorted at Samuel’s outrage if she had sufficient breath.
In seconds, Gabriel had the knife in hand and sliced through the ribbons.
Blessed air filled her lungs as the corset loosened, and she greedily sucked in air.
Samuel eyed her, then the knife, and smiled. “Clever girl.”
Gabriel shrugged out of his jacket and swept it around her. He moved away, then seconds later a glass appeared in her hands, and she drank it gratefully. “Sip it.”
“Thank you.” She spoke softly, snuggling into the comforting warmth of his jacket, his masculine scent surrounding her, making her feel safe. She accepted the knife back from him, and dropped it into the pocket of his jacket.
Gabriel hovered next to her on the couch, and Samuel cleared his throat. “I believe I have chores that need attending, so I’ll leave you two alone.”
Silence reigned for several minutes after he left.
“Diana.” Gabriel placed a hand under her chin, he raised her face to his. “I thought we agreed that you were to call me to help you dress.”
She would almost swear that he sounded disappointed, but quickly dismissed the possibility. “I wanted to surprise you.”
“Milles said he hired a young girl to be your maid. She will arrive later tomorrow.” He took the empty glass from her hand and set it on the table. “Do you want to tell me what happened, or should I guess?”
Deep blue eyes bored into hers, a demand in his voice that she tell the truth. “I’m sure it was a small misunderstanding.”
Gabriel stood and headed toward the door, when she launched to her feet and grabbed his arm. The damned man didn’t even give her the courtesy of slowing down.
“The lady of the house is in charge of the servants. If you go charging out there, you will undermine my authority.” He stopped by the door and seemed to be listening. “Let me handle this. I’m more than capable of defending myself.”
He cupped her chin and lifted her face, staring at her with deep anger in his stormy blue eyes. “If she touches you again, says even one word in my presence about you, I will do more than fire her. Do you understand me?”
Diana gulped, delighted by his protectiveness. Taking advantage of his nearness, she leaned up and brushed her lips against his. “I understand.”
As he stood frozen, she slipped out of his hold and out the door.
Diana clutched the jacket around her, then stopped when she spotted Milles. She smiled at the incongruent image of him—a crooked, once-broken nose, thick, unruly hair that wouldn’t be tamed, a wicked scar encircling his throat, right along the collar, that almost looked like his throat had been cut—the perfect thug dressed in gentleman’s clothes. “Milles, would you see that Mrs. Ketterling is sent to my room?”
“It would be a pleasure, my lady.” He gave her a short bow and disappeared into the back of the house.
Diana headed toward her room. She’d just removed Gabriel’s jacket, tossing it across the bed, when Ketterling knocked. “Enter.”
Diana didn’t face her as she drew off the bodice of her gown and the tattered corset fell to the floor. In the mirror, Ketterling looked vindictive for a few seconds, then the smile was wiped off her face when she caught sight of the destruction.
“This is your last chance. You took advantage of my innocence and made me look a fool.”
“You’re imagining things. If anything happened, it had nothing to do with me.” That frosty tone put Diana’s teeth on edge. Jack took that moment to stalk around the bed, his unnerving yellow eyes locked on the woman, freezing her in place.
“We both know that for a lie.” Diana slowly drew out the blade from Gabriel’s jacket and plunked it down on the dresser. Three other weapons she had hidden on her person appeared next to it. “Where do you see yourself in five years? I will still be here, married to Mendenhall.”
Ketterling’s eyes grew round as she stared between the dog and the blades.
“This is your last chance. If you value your position at all, you will want to cease these antics. I don’t need my husband to fight my battles for me. If you cross me, you won’t like what happens next.”
Ketterling didn’t say a word of protest.
“You may leave now.”
Gabriel sat in the study, cursing his own idiocy.
“Problems?”
Samuel’s casual inquiry brought Gabriel’s head up. “I don’t understand women.”
His friend laughed, damn him.
Wheezing, Samuel sat. “None of us do, my boy, but the challenge keeps us on our toes.” He shifted to make himself more comfortable, than looked to Gabriel. “I have forty years on you. Women are a mystery, but if you want advice, I will listen.”
Gabriel felt at his wits’ end. Diana had his emotions tangled in so many knots, he doubted he would ever unravel them. What concern
ed him more was the relentless danger tightening around them like a noose. Diana was fiercely independent. She didn’t need a man in her life to survive, and that scared the bejesus out of him. She could leave at any time, and he was helpless to think of a way to stop it from happening. “How do you make a woman fall in love with you?”
Samuel remained quiet for so long Gabriel started to feel hopeless.
When he spoke, he said only two words. “Woo her.”
Gabriel repeated it dumbly. “Woo her?”
“Yes.” Samuel nodded, his steepled fingers resting against his chin. “You kept your distance, and it did not work, now try to woo her.”
It had been years since he last tried to woo a woman, and he wasn’t sure he remembered how. He wiped his sweaty hands along his pants, unsure where to start. Samuel seemed to read his mind and freely offered suggestions.
“Your woman is trained to protect herself. She’s fiercely independent and proud. Nurture it. Don’t coop her up in a vain attempt to keep her safe. Take her on an outing and show her the fireworks. While she might be strong, she’s extremely vulnerable without her protectors to watch over her. Show her you trust her. You’d be surprised how much that means to someone when their life has been ripped away from them.”
“Woo her.” Gabriel nodded and grabbed a piece of paper to write down his ideas.
Samuel creaked up out of his chair and shuffled toward the door. “Don’t forget the importance of the usual props girls enjoy so much—flowers, candies and little gifts.” Samuel shrugged and smiled. “It worked in my day.”
As Gabriel’s list grew, he remembered her fascination on their last shopping trip. She didn’t give a fig about the dresses, but she couldn’t tear herself away from the novelty shop next door, and the window full of weapons. He folded the paper and placed it in his breast pocket.
Then he wrote another quick note asking Rand and Tallie if they wanted to join them in a small excursion. Diana needed to be seen out in society in order for their plan to defeat Williams to work. With Ashmore and Samuel along, the group would be big and public enough to deter anyone who wanted to cause harm.
Druid Temptation (A Druid Quest Novel Book 2) Page 20