by Dawn Brower
He’d almost walked out of the duke’s house before they sat down for dinner. The reason he hadn’t was because of Annalise. He’d wanted to make sure she was all right. After sitting through an entire meal, he’d determined she couldn’t be farther from it. That evil bastard of a father had betrothed her to an old man. She hadn’t met his gaze once after her father toasted to their upcoming marriage. Ryan didn’t understand any of it. Which meant he had one choice—he had to visit Viscountess Shelburne…
The afternoon sun shone brightly in the sky. The blue sky was filled with big fluffy clouds and showed no indication of rain. Ryan decided to walk to the viscountess’s house. It would give him time to think and decide how to approach her. When he reached the door, he rapped the knocker once. A butler opened it after several moments. He bowed to Ryan. “Welcome, my lord. Lady Shelburne is expecting you.”
He jerked his head, surprised at the butler’s pronouncement. “She is?”
Instead of answering him, the butler motioned for Ryan to follow him. He led him down a hallway and into a sitting room that was bright and welcoming. An elderly lady sat at the far end on a settee. She had silver and white hair and a kind face. “Come in, Lord Cinderbury.” She gestured toward a nearby chair. “Sit, we have much to discuss.”
Ryan did as she suggested more out of curiosity than anything. “I didn’t realize we had an appointment.”
“Nothing so formal as that,” she reassured him. “But I knew you’d come, nonetheless.”
“How?” He couldn’t have predicted his own actions. What information did the viscountess have that he didn’t?
She smiled serenely and poured tea into a cup, then handed it to him. “I’d offer you something stronger, but I don’t keep it in the house. It leads to bad habits.”
Ryan took the tea and sipped it. The warm liquid coated his tongue and slid down his throat. He hadn’t even realized he was thirsty. “Thank you.” He set the cup back on the saucer. “Do you know why I’m here?” Maybe she’d at least answer that question.
“You’re concerned about my granddaughter—as am I. She sent me a note this morning with the horrible news.”
“You don’t approve then?” He lifted a brow. “Is there anything you can do?”
“No.” The smile fell from her face briefly. “But you can.”
She was betrothed to another man. There wasn’t much Ryan could do to prevent that. Her father seemed hell-bent on the match. He wanted to save her, but he was no white knight. The duke also had the three people Ryan hated most staying at the estate. He’d much rather avoid the manor as much as possible.
Lady Shelburne sighed. “You’re confused. I can tell.”
“You’re right,” he agreed. “I don’t see what I could possibly do to help her.”
“Well, my lord,” she replied. “Annalise loves you, and nothing you say will convince me that you don’t love her too. Maybe neither one of you realizes that yet, but a love that noticeable won’t be destroyed. It’s up to you to fight for her.”
Ryan didn’t think he loved her. He’d been fascinated by her from the start, but that didn’t mean he’d developed tender feelings for her. The old lady was hoping for something that didn’t exist. “I’m incapable of love.”
“No,” she disagreed. “You’re afraid of it. There’s a difference. But you’re in luck; I’m going to help you find your heart.”
Ryan didn’t think that would be possible. He’d humor her though because maybe somewhere in her scheming there was a way to rescue Lady Annalise from the fate the duke had planned for her. “What do you have in mind?”
“The duke is having a masquerade ball in a few days. I’m going to make sure you have an invitation. Do you have the proper attire?”
“I have formal wear…”
“Then I’ll procure your masque too.” Her eyes nearly gleamed with excitement. “It’s in three days. You must find a way to get Annalise alone. Do you think you can do that?”
She’d be wearing a masque too. How was he going to determine that? He’d find a way… “Yes,” he answered.
“Good.” She smiled and then explained the rest of her plan. She was a devious old lady and the more she talked, the more he liked her. It’s probably because she reminded him of Lady Annalise. When he left her home, he had a good understanding of what he needed to do. He had to find a way to convince Lady Annalise the wisdom of his plan or rescuing her would become inherently more difficult.
Chapter Nine
Music echoed through the room with an enticing melody. Candles in the chandeliers and sconces on the wall illuminated the room. The ballroom was filled to capacity. Any member of the haute ton that had relocated to Bath or the near vicinity had been invited. The ball was meant to announce the betrothal of Lady Annalise Palmer to Lord Kildare. Ryan hoped to prevent that announcement, or at the very least, delay it.
He adjusted the black, leather masque that Lady Shelburne had delivered to him earlier in the day. It nearly covered his entire face, wrapping around his eyes and diving downward to hit his chin. Pieces of leather had been carved out of it, leaving holes near his cheekbones, above his eyebrows, and over his eyes so he could see. The viscountess had instructed him to dress entirely in black. She’d even sent over a dyed shirt to ensure he followed instructions, along with a pert addition to her note that she trusted he had enough sense to have black evening wear and didn’t dress like one of those dandies in the ton. He’d never understood the men who found so much color appealing. He much preferred black…
Ryan searched the room, hoping to discover which of the elegantly clad ladies was Lady Annalise. They had all gone aboveboard with their costumes. A variety of masks of every shape, color, and adornment could be found. A lady almost entirely in red caught his attention. Her dress was the color of a bright ruby, and a hood of the same shade covered her hair. He started in her direction, curious. His Annalise had worn a red cloak. Perhaps she had an affinity for that particular color. As he neared, he noticed the dress was outlined in black in the front and encrusted with tiny red gems along the seam. The lady turned and gave him a glimpse of the bodice—it too had black lace trim that crisscrossed downward and cinched at the waist. He glanced upward and met her gaze. Her face was covered in a black and red masque that appeared to be made of crushed velvet, silk, and feathers. The latter rose upward, covering her forehead. The result of the concoction was that only her mouth was completely visible, but somehow, he knew it was the lady he sought. When he closed the distance between them, he bowed. “May I have this dance?”
She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her to the floor. The strands of a waltz filled the room. He slid his hand to her waist and twirled her around the floor. Neither one of them spoke. Ryan became lost in the moment with her. The touch of her hand on his and the warmth enveloping him made him forget everything else. For several heartbeats, he enjoyed holding her and allowing himself to believe in a happily-ever-after. He wanted desperately to believe he could have that with Lady Annalise. She was the one that made him feel anything akin to bliss.
When the music ended, he led her away from the floor and out of the room entirely. He wanted to be alone with her. She didn’t argue with him as he led her outside and into the garden. The light came from the moon’s illumination. She nearly shined in the soft glow. They continued to walk in silence until they reached the heart of the garden. A statue of the Greek goddess Aphrodite rested in the middle of a fountain in the center of the path. Water poured over her scantily clad marble body and into the pool below. Light spray spilled out of it and misted over them as they neared. Ryan stopped near the fountain and turned to face her.
“Now that you have me alone what do you plan on doing with me?” Lady Annalise teased.
“I had hoped to have an uninterrupted conversation.” He’d like more than that, but he wouldn’t push his luck.
“That’s all?” She sounded almost—disappointed. What did she want from him?
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br /> He lifted his hand and traced a finger over her soft lips. He’d trail it over her cheeks and hair if they weren’t covered. He wanted to remove her masque and hood and see all her beauty. Ryan refrained from giving into that urge and lowered his hand to her waist to pull her closer to him instead. There were more pressing matters at hand. “Isn’t it enough?”
She nibbled on her lower lip. “No.” Lady Annalise closed what little distance remained between them. “Kiss me,” she demanded. “I want to feel passion while I still can.”
Ryan swallowed hard. He shouldn’t even think about it let alone do it, but he was weak. Kissing her was all he’d thought about for days now. He too wanted to feel passion and revel in it. She licked her lips and what little control he had left evaporated. He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. Fire shot through him and engulfed him. A mere touch wasn’t enough. He had to have more—whatever she’d give him, and even that might not be sufficient.
Lady Annalise wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. She opened her mouth on a sigh and he took advantage of it. Their tongues touched, and he lost all ability to think. The kiss escalated into overwhelming passion. He lifted one of his hands and glided his fingers over her waist, then upward to her bosom. She sighed again as he rubbed her pert breast under the pad of his thumb. Her moans of pleasure echoed through the garden and served as a reminder why he was there. With extreme effort on his part, he stepped away from her. His breathing was ragged and barely under control.
“Why did you stop?”
“This is not the place for such fervent activity.” He fought to control his breath and his need. He’d hardened to unbearable degrees, but she didn’t have to know that much. “I had hoped we could talk.” He sounded like an arse…
“I don’t understand…” Lady Annalise glanced away, staring at a nearby rosebush.
She sounded so sad. He wanted to take that melancholy away. She must feel so defeated after her father’s announcement. He had to do something to make her feel better, even if for a moment. Ryan leaned down and plucked a red rose from the bush and carefully removed the thorns. Then he took off his ruby cravat pin. He walked over and presented the flower to her. “Don’t be disheartened, my lady.” Ryan pinned the flower to her sleeve. “Not all is lost.”
She smiled, but it still held a hint of sadness to it. “It’s difficult to have hope in times of sorrow.”
“Your grandmother has a plan. She wants you to visit her first thing tomorrow. Can you do that?”
She tilted her head and studied him. “I don’t think I understand you.”
Some days he didn’t understand himself, so he didn’t know how to answer her. He was a man with many faults, but he cared deeply for her. She’d had a pull on him since the first moment he’d crossed her path at Manchester Castle. He hadn’t wanted to admit it then, and it terrified him to acknowledge it now. Lady Shelburne wanted to save her as much as he did. He had to stick to the scheme she had devised. He might not comprehend how it would work, but he trusted that it would. “We should go back inside.”
She frowned. “Fine. Please lead the way my lord.”
They hadn’t used names. Not once had they vocalized what they truly wanted from each other. The kiss had said more than words could anyway. In time, he’d tell her because those unspoken words did mean something, and he wanted to ensure there were no misunderstandings, but it could wait until later. The announcement of Lady Annalise’s engagement was set to come at midnight, and they should be inside to either hear it or prevent it.
Once inside, Lady Annalise disentangled her arm from his and left him alone. He hated that they must separate, but it was for the best. As the chimes rang indicating midnight neared, he stared at the clock as if it were his enemy. He couldn’t stay and hear about her betrothal. It wouldn’t do any good to have the horrible news confirmed. What happened after this night was what mattered. She would not marry Lord Kildare—he’d kidnap her and run for the border first. Ryan cared about her too much to allow her to marry Lord Kildare. His feelings grew with each passing moment, and for once he started to believe he could have love, but it might be too early for him to make that kind of decision. For now, he’d head home and clear his head. There was nothing left for him to do at the ball.
Lady Annalise watched him leave and toiled with the rose on her sleeve. She’d known it was Lord Cinderbury the moment she’d glanced his way. She loved him. If she could choose who to marry, it would be him. He wasn’t perfect, but neither was she. Her life was complete chaos, but he calmed it. When the world was falling apart, he made her feel safe. Giving him her heart was the wisest thing she could ever do, and his kiss—it stole her breath and made her long for more. She would not marry Lord Kildare. He was an old man, and if her father approved, then he had a mean streak too.
“There you are,” her father said. “Where did you disappear to?”
“I had to visit the ladies’ retiring room,” she said calmly.
“You took your damn time,” he gritted out. “The announcement of your betrothal is in a few moments.”
There had to be a way to prevent that or at least stall it. “Do we have to announce it now? Can’t we put an ad in the Times?”
“Don’t be silly, girl. Some things have to be done with a flare. This is good news, and I intend for the world to know about it.” He wrapped his hand around her wrist and squeezed. She winced from the pain of it, and even though she wanted to yank her arm free from his grasp, she held back. He’d only press his fingers tighter, and she’d already be bruised from his grip. “Now come with me.”
He yanked her as he walked. Her father didn’t stop to make sure she was following his order. When he pulled, she fell forward and hit the floor. Her head bounced on the hard wood, nearly knocking her unconscious. When she’d hoped for a reprieve, she hadn’t counted on how she might receive it.
“Oh, you poor dear,” a nearby matron said as she leaned over her. “You might want to lay down for a bit. I’d bet you have quite the headache starting.”
She did… Her head pounded, and pain shot out behind her eyes. She winced as she raised her hand to the spot that had bounced off the floor. Her brother came over and scooped her into her arms. “I’ll take her upstairs, father. I’d suggest postponing your news.”
“You’re right, of course. Take care of your sister.” Those words were for the guests. For Annalise, her father leaned down and whispered, “You’ll pay for your clumsiness.”
Marrok carried her from the ballroom, but when they reached the stairs, she pressed her hand to his arm. “Let me down here. If you need time away from the party, take it now. I’m not going to my room.” She’d be locked inside, and she had something she had to do first. “I can’t go up there right now.”
He nodded. “Don’t stay away long. He’ll check on you once the guests leave.”
“I understand,” she replied softly. “But if I’m to be locked in there for a few days, I want some moments of freedom to see me through them first.”
“Go,” he said. “Before he realizes what you’re about to do.”
Annalise ran to the kitchen and sneaked out the servant’s entrance. Most of the servants were upstairs at the ball, seeing to guests. It’s easier to escape and evade people in the house through there. She slid into the darkness, thankful for the hood attached to her costume for the evening. Lady Annalise ran down the path she’d taken through the woods to her grandmother’s house, but that wasn’t her destination. She had to see him…
When she reached his house, she rapped on the door urgently. He’d be the one to answer it, and they’d be completely alone. No servants, no family—just them and whatever the night brought. The door opened suddenly, and she nearly fell forward. He glanced down at her, shock etched on his face. He’d taken off his coat and masque. His dark cravat had been left loose around his neck. He’d been in the middle of undressing when she’d knocked.
“Let me in,” she demanded.
He stepped aside to allow her entrance. “What are you doing here?” He shut the door with a soft click. “You are making quite a habit of showing up at my door unexpectedly.”
She lowered her hood and untied her masque, then set it on a nearby table. “You left too soon.”
“There was nothing else to say.” He stared at her. “What happened?”
Her frantic flight must have left her looking rather disheveled. He had a wonderful tousled appearance himself. Annalise stepped toward him and yanked on his cravat. She tossed the fabric on the same table as her masque. “Love me,” she ordered.
He swallowed hard, but didn’t move or make a sound. She’d have to entice him, but she had no idea how to be a seductress. What would a courtesan do? Annalise lifted her fingers and trailed them over his open skin at his neck where the cravat had been. His dark shirt was loose around his waist, so she slid her other hand upward and pressed it to his stomach. A trail of hair led downward to his trousers. He stilled her hand at the edge of his trousers and his warm skin. “Don’t move any farther down.”
“You don’t like this?”
“I like it entirely too much,” he said hoarsely. “You keep touching me, and I’ll have you naked and underneath me before either one of us realized what we’re doing.”
“That is exactly what I want,” she insisted. “I need you to ruin me.”