by Robyn DeHart
“What, then, of comparing my Lady Shadows to Watson?”
“Why not compare her directly to Sherlock? Or are you already admitting that she is inferior to the great detective?”
She sucked in her breath and despite his best efforts not to—he laughed at her.
“Precisely what is so funny?” she demanded.
“Shhh, you’re going to wake your new friend.”
She glared at him.
“What is so funny?” he repeated. “You are. I’ve never seen you so ruffled. I didn’t know you had a temper.”
“Well, I don’t usually, but—”
“But I bring it out in you?” he asked.
“Well, you haven’t before. I suppose I should apologize.”
“No, don’t.” He waved a hand. “I was actually jesting before. I’m certain your Lady Shadows is a splendid detective.”
“Honest?” she asked.
“Certainly. For a fictional character,” he added.
“Oh, I see what you’re saying. You don’t believe that an actual woman could best your detective skills.”
He thought for a moment before answering. “No.”
“I’m very good,” she said.
“Yes, I seem to recall you mentioning that before.”
“But you don’t believe me? Still?”
“I believe you have skill. And you are helpful.”
“But my skills are not exceptional?”
“I did not say that.”
“You did not argue it either.”
He smiled.
“I might never be as good as you,” she admitted. “But I shall endeavor to rise to your level.”
“That I believe,” he said. And he did. She was kind and gentle, but she was also determined and fierce in her own way. Fierce about protecting those she loved. He’d seen that with the way she insisted on helping him with this case, all for the sake of her father. Seen it with the way she spoke of her friends.
“In any case, you might want to put that away soon. We have some tunnels up ahead and you won’t be able to see what you’re doing.”
She did as he suggested, and within fifteen minutes she’d fallen asleep against his shoulder. The smell of strawberries tickled his nose.
She was fascinating. A mystery all her own. And one he deeply longed to solve. Studying her was as interesting as studying ... she was as interesting as his research, he realized with a jolt.
That was certainly something he never expected to happen. About anything. Much less another person. Even more so a female person.
But there it was—she fascinated him. To the point where he wanted to know everything about her. How had she decided to write a book? What was her favorite childhood memory? What did her toes look like? Where did she want him to touch her, and precisely how?
There he was, back to that again. Always the same. The never-ending desire to pull her into his arms and kiss and touch her everywhere.
The truth of the matter was he didn’t want to resist touching her. He wanted very badly to throw caution and honor aside and indulge his desire to touch her. Everywhere and quite often.
But his honor was not so easily discarded. He liked Amelia, and he certainly didn’t want to hurt her. It was his understanding that women, especially virgins, could not engage in romantic affairs without seriously damaging their hearts. He did not want to do such a thing to her.
So his desires be damned, he’d keep his hands to himself.
Three hours later, Amelia found herself standing at the train station waiting for Colin to retrieve their luggage. It was dusk, and the smoky horizon gave the area an enigmatic feel, as if she had stepped off the train into Sherlock’s world. Which, of course, wasn’t the case.
Her bottom was sore and her legs felt as if she’d spent the entire journey on the back of a horse. She wanted nothing more than a hot bath and a comfortable bed.
Those activities were on the list of things for the evening. But so was her passionate affair with Colin. After some deliberating, she’d settled on the logical approach, as she felt it would be the most convincing argument for him. He was a factual fellow and would appreciate that she’d carefully considered and weighed all the options and consequences.
The air was salty and damp, and while it made her clothes feel clingy and her skin sticky, she loved the crisp breeze on her face. She would assure him her heart would remain intact and he had nothing with which to concern himself. She knew it would not be an easy task, but she felt certain she could convince him.
He came up to her dragging their luggage behind him. “I have secured a carriage for us.” He nodded to his right. “It’s this way.”
She followed him down the planked walkway. The cry of the gulls echoed around them as they made their way to the carriage.
He turned abruptly, and she nearly collided with his chest. “I heard you speaking with that woman on the train. I believe it would be just as easy for us to masquerade as brother and sister,” he said. “That was my original intention and I don’t believe I conveyed that to you properly. I apologize for the confusion.”
She frowned up at him. “But I do not have a brother.”
He held up a finger. “Ah, but you do not have a husband either.”
She opened her mouth to reply, but found she had nothing to add. He had her there. Drat!
So if he presented them as siblings at the inn, they would not share a bedroom. Something that would make their affair slightly more difficult. But she could manage. This was a tiny problem that she could surely overcome.
The carriage ride to the inn was rather short and quiet. Colin kept his attention to the window.
“Could you please request adjoining rooms?” she asked once the carriage rolled to a stop.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Our rooms. Can you request they adjoin? I’ve never traveled without my father, and I believe I might be a bit nervous. Knowing you are only a door away might relieve some of my anxiety.”
He looked at her for a brief moment, before nodding and opening the door to the inn.
Well, that would solve one tiny problem. She certainly didn’t want to traipse down the hallway in her nightclothes. This way she could enter his room from within.
It would have been infinitely easier simply to wait for him in the bed completely unclothed. But she hadn’t ever been certain she had enough courage to follow through with that plan. She took a few deep breaths and followed him into the inn.
She could do this.
She wanted to do this.
It was her only chance to do something risky, go after something she desperately wanted. And it would be the closest she would ever come to having a loving relationship.
She knew Colin didn’t love her, but he liked her and he desired her. And for now, that was all she needed.
For one night she needed to live a life in which she was adored and desired. He could give her that. And surely if she presented it that way, he wouldn’t be able to resist her.
If by some chance he did, she’d have to resort to the unclothed option. Her stomach shook in protest. Hopefully it would not come to that.
Chapter Sixteen
“These are much deeper waters than I had thought.” ~The Reigate Squires
Amelia stood in front of the mirror unpinning her hat. She’d taken so many deep breaths, she was surprised she hadn’t floated to the ceiling. She tucked and smoothed her hair back into a presentable nature. She straightened her traveling dress as much as she could. Thank goodness wool didn’t wrinkle too badly.
“You can do this,” she said to her reflection. Her reflection stuck its tongue out with a smirk. She shook her hands out, then paced the room a few times before bracing herself in front of his door.
She raised her hand to knock, then paused. What would happen if he refused her? Walked away from her? Nothing. Her feelings would be bruised, her pride wounded, but she would not die. She would persevere.
Knowing
that calmed her nerves enough to knock on the door. It took a few moments before she heard his footsteps approaching.
He pulled open the door and her breath caught. Standing there with no jacket and his shirt undone to nearly his waist, Colin looked positively dashing. Her heart flipped over. He was so handsome. Crisp dark hair matted his chest. Her mouth went dry.
“What’s the matter?” he asked gruffly.
“Nothing,” she said with more of a question in her voice than she intended. “No, nothing is the matter, I only came by to see you. So we could talk.”
“We talked on the train,” he said, still standing in the doorway.
“Yes, I realize, but I’d like to visit for a bit longer.”
His eyes narrowed. “Visit about what?”
“Oh, Heaven’s Gate, Colin.” She pushed her hand against his chest, moving him out of the way. “Let me in. We’re traveling companions, and I don’t want to be alone at the moment. Surely you can spare a few moments to entertain me.”
She was surprised she got all those words out. And coherently. The warm sinewy feel of his chest had nearly rendered her speechless. This wasn’t going to be as easy as she’d hoped. She was nervous, which usually made her chatter. And chattering wasn’t likely the best mode to woo him into bed.
She spied a decanter with amber liquid across the room. “Let us have a drink,” she suggested. Perhaps that would ease her nerves some.
“All right.” His tone was clipped, but he moved to the dresser and poured them each a drink.
She stood silently while she waited for him to bring her the glass. Once he’d handed it to her, she took a gulp, then almost choked as the liquid burned down her throat. Her eyes teared, and she coughed twice, but gave him an encouraging smile.
“Slow down. You’re supposed to sip this. Enjoy the smooth flavor as it coats your throat.”
“Right,” she managed with a croak.
“Are you nervous about something?” he asked.
She nodded.
“Traveling alone for the first time?” he asked, then didn’t wait for her to answer. “That’s understandable. Especially if you’ve been in London your entire life. Isn’t that what you told me?”
She nodded again.
“There is nothing to worry about. This inn is quite safe, of that I can assure you. And I’m right next door should you get scared.”
“I believe that we should have an affair.”
Colin spewed brandy. He wiped his mouth on the sleeve of his shirt before turning to face her. “I beg your pardon.”
Perhaps she should have timed that better. Waited until he wasn’t taking a drink. Or until he’d actually swallowed it. She’d been worried about chattering too much, but perhaps a tiny bit of chatter would have been helpful. But she simply wanted the subject out there so they might discuss it.
“You and I.” She swallowed. “I would like for us to have an affair. Perhaps only one night. While we are here. We wouldn’t have to continue once we returned to London. And it wouldn’t change anything between us.”
It was his turn to down his drink. He closed his eyes for a moment as he swallowed. Unlike her, he did not cough. The he opened his mouth as if he were about to say something, but nothing came out. He poured himself another drink.
“I know what you’re thinking/’ she said. “You’re worried about me getting hurt, but I can assure you that won’t happen. I am not looking for, nor expecting, a marriage proposal. I simply would like to have a passionate affair with you. I desire you greatly, and judging by your reactions when we’ve kissed, I believed you would feel the same way.”
She took a breath. “I thought it would be a nice experience for both of us. I like you quite a bit and find you most agreeable. It seemed to be the logical choice.” Perhaps that would prevent him from worrying about the condition of her heart.
She waited all of thirty seconds before continuing. “Could you say something? Anything? I’m feeling rather light-headed at the moment and would appreciate you alleviating my suspense.”
“Logical choice?” his voice nearly squeaked. “Are you quite serious?” he finally managed.
“I am absolutely serious.” She frowned. “Do I not sound serious?”
“I’m not certain.” He down his drink, then set the glass aside. Clearly not satisfied with that, he walked the length of the room a few times.
“Are you considering my offer?” she asked hopefully.
“I’m not certain,” he said again. He shook his head. “No. No, I am not.” He pointed at her. “We cannot have an affair.”
He didn’t sound as if he meant that in a final way. She might still persuade him.
She walked toward him and ran her hand up his arm. “Colin, we most certainly can. There’s actually no good reason why we shouldn’t.”
His eyes followed her hand as it moved slowly up and down his arm. “Of course there are good reasons. Many of them.”
“What are they?”
He stepped away from her touch. “We are not married, nor do we intend to marry.”
“And only married people engage in such activity?”
“Of course not.” His eyes narrowed slightly.
“I’d wager that some married people don’t like each other enough to participate in such a thing.”
She thought she saw him wince a bit—she was getting closer.
“I’ve met many married people who don’t like each other at all. But we like each other. Don’t we?” she asked.
He met her gaze and didn’t look away. “I find you rather agreeable,” he admitted. “Although I do think you talk too much. And you often say whatever is on your mind regardless of whether or not it’s appropriate.”
That stung. Everyone she’d ever encountered had always enjoyed her conversations. She’d always been proud of her ability to make friends rather easily. “Well, that doesn’t sound as if you find me agreeable at all,” she countered.
“I was merely stating my observations,” he said. “But I do. I find you pleasant. Very much, in fact.” He rubbed the back of his neck and inhaled slowly. “Too much sometimes.”
Her stomach flipped. “Too much?” she asked.
“Yes. My life isn’t one worthy of sharing. After this case is over, we won’t continue to see each other. There will be no reason to.”
“It doesn’t have to be that way.”
“Actually, it does,” he said.
“Why?”
“And you ask too many questions. Did I mention that?”
She smiled. “No, you didn’t. Does it bother you?”
He released a heavy breath. “I’d be lying if I said it did.”
“Well, then answer my question.”
“Because you’re too distracting.”
“From what?” She moved closer to him.
He threw his arms up. “Everything. My research, my work. I can’t even read anymore without some random thought of you invading my mind.”
“Oh.” She frowned and shook her head. “And that is bad?”
“Yes.”
“I see.”
“It’s not you, though. I simply can’t seem to keep you off my mind, and that annoys me.”
She hid a smile. Perhaps the inspector was not as stoic as he pretended. She considered his admission the perfect time to press her final convincing argument. “Do you not think that if we share a passionate night together it would alleviate some of those thoughts? Simply wipe them from your mind altogether?”
He shook his head, then paused. “Explain.”
“It is the same as when you are craving a particular bit of food. When you want the taste of chocolate, then nothing will satisfy you until you have that chocolate. You are seized by the desire for one rich flavor, one smooth texture, and you must have precisely that. Then once you’ve appeased that craving, you are able to think of other things.”
“Interesting theory.”
“Have you felt such a thing before?”
She took another step closer. “And nothing satisfies that craving until you have that first bite. Even you have to admit to that?”
“I suppose.”
“Now you’re being difficult on purpose.” She pushed him playfully on the chest.
He smiled then. A genuine, wholehearted smile that curled her toes.
Tonight he would be her lover.
The thought sent blood rushing down her arms and legs. She tingled everywhere. Felt as if her entire body were exposed. She could feel the fabric of her shift brushing against her hardened nipples.
“One night, Colin. One night together and all those distracting thoughts will disappear forever.”
He was seriously considering it. She could see it in his eyes. She tried to ignore the nagging doubt that she should turn on her heels and run. She had no idea how to seduce a man. Barely any idea of what happened once a man and woman decided to have an affair. But her lack of experience would not prevent her from having this. Especially when she had him so close to saying yes.
All she had to do now was get him to the point where he couldn’t walk away even if he wanted to.
So she did the only thing she could think of. She closed the distance between them, stretched up on her toes, and pressed her lips to his.
At first he did not kiss her back; he simply stood there, rod-still, while she moved her lips across his. She ran her hands up his chest and he sucked in his breath. The defeating moment came when she slid her tongue against his bottom lip—he clutched her to him and slanted his mouth across hers in a passionate kiss. His tongue swept through her mouth. She buried her hands in his hair and pressed her breasts against his chest.
He released a low moan—almost a growl—then she felt his hands grip her buttocks as he pulled her to him.
“Oh, God, I want you,” he said. His voice was low and deep, and his words sent shivers across her skin.
“Only tonight, Colin.”
He grabbed her and looked intently into her eyes, but said nothing.
“My heart has nothing to do with this,” she lied. “You won’t hurt me.” At least he wouldn’t hurt her intentionally. She was putting her heart in harm’s way knowingly—she would take full responsibility for the heartache to come.