Snatching the discarded washcloth, he ran it up and down her body until every part of her was pink and flushed. He draped the cloth over the side of the bath and used his fingers to trace every part of her body, following the curves of her breasts, sweeping over her nipples, and making her arch up from him. He pressed further until he found her center and she gasped. With persistent movements, he brought her to the edge, and she clung to the rim of the bathtub with whitened knuckles while she called his name.
“Knight...” she breathed again once her body had relaxed.
“The water is getting cold.” He stood swiftly and flung a cotton towel around his hips before holding one out for her. “You had better get out.”
Louisa stood, arms wrapped about herself. Her cheeks were still flushed but uncertainty haunted her gaze. How she did not know what she did to him, he could not fathom. He looped the towel around her and drew her into him.
“You are surprisingly gentle for such a large man,” she murmured, running a hand along his muscled arm.
He could escape now. He could give her a tender kiss and leave for his room. Run away. Just like he had been doing his entire adult life. Running from the pain of his past. But for the first time, he did not want that.
“Louisa...” His throat tightened. “I want to take you to bed.”
She nodded, biting down on her lower lip. “I want that, too.”
“You do not understand, though. I want...” He blew out a frustrated breath. “I want more than that.”
A brow lifted, she peered up at him. “You want...” She gestured between the two of them.
He nodded. “I want there to be—”
“An us,” she finished for him.
Knight let himself relax for a moment. At least it had been said. Even if she sent him on his way, he had uttered the truth and he was starting to learn that perhaps being silent was not always the best way to live.
A slow smile flickered across her lips. She wound her hands around his neck, thrusting her body up against his. “I think I would like that very much.”
He blinked a few times and let the words sink in. Part of him wanted to find the reasons they should not. He hunted his mind for them, but he could not recall what they were. Louisa was perfect for him, and he’d do everything he could to prove himself to her.
“In truth?” he asked when he finally found his voice.
“In truth.” She beamed at him and kissed him hard.
Even if there were reasons buried deep, he’d never find them now. He hooked a hand under her legs and lifted her into his arms to carry her over to the bed. Tonight would be the first night he lived without regrets, and he hoped there would be many, many more of them.
Chapter Twenty
Hands clasped in her lap, Louisa peered up at the house while Knight said his farewells. She took a breath and glanced down at her hands, twining them together. A silly smile kept threatening to curve her lips and she had to press them together to prevent herself from looking a fool.
It was foolish really. Nothing was settled fully. After all, they were still just under a week away from returning to Cornwall. Past Hugh’s deadline. Not that it mattered. She bunched her hands. Once they had proved him to be a fraud, it would not matter if he had installed himself at the inn or not.
And she could not regret accompanying Knight. Not after what had happened between them. That smile forced its way back onto her lips again so that she was beaming when Knight climbed into the carriage.
A slight knowing smile crossed his own mouth before he shut the door and settled onto the velvet cushion next to her. The smile vanished quickly enough, but he reached over and looped his fingers through her gloved ones. Her heart caught in her throat. How astonishing it was, after all they had done, that a simple touch could cause such a reaction. But, then, him holding her hand meant so much more than him bedding her.
He tapped his knuckles on the roof and the carriage started down the graveled road. Knight kept his gaze fixed ahead on the interior of the vehicle. Louisa eyed his profile.
“Do you have any regrets about leaving here?”
“No.”
“You must feel something about it surely?”
He lifted a brow. “Do you wish me to stay?”
She laughed and tightened her grip on his hand. “No. I just want to make sure you are well.”
“I am well,” he said, his voice gruff. He leaned in and dusted a kiss across her lips. “More well than I have ever been before.” He stared ahead again. “Once, I might have done anything I could to save this place, but much time as passed since then. I am ready to move on and return home.”
Home. She liked how he said that. He’d talked of how he’d come to feel about Cornwall previously but there was a warm inflection to the word now.
“So, um, we never discussed...that is...” A stuttered laugh escaped her. “I do not even know where you live!” She shook her head. “There is much I do not know about you, Knight.”
“You know more than most.”
“You do not make this easy.” Louisa blew out a breath. “What I am trying to say is where will you live when we return? Will you...um...?”
“Come and live with you?”
She nodded, her cheeks hot.
“If we are to be married, I should think it would be strange if I did not.”
Drawing in a long, thick breath, she eyed him. “Married?”
He nodded, his expression unreadable.
“I...” She narrowed her gaze at him. “If that is a marriage proposal, Lewis Knight, you have done a poor job of it.”
He chuckled and twisted to face her properly. Loosening his grip on her hand, he swept a hand up to cup her cheek, a thumb brushing her lips. She gulped, her breaths stuttering in her throat as she peered into dark eyes that seemed to dig into her very soul.
“I love you, Louisa.” His expression softened. “I have loved you for a long time.”
“You have?”
“Indeed.” His gaze travelled over her face. “You have no idea the amount of time I spent watching you, wondering what it would be like to claim you as mine.” He took her hand and flattened it against his chest so that she could feel the rapid heartbeat there. “Not a day goes by when you do not do this to me.”
“Oh.”
“I have no flowery words. I only know what you to do me. And that I would do anything for you, Louisa. Anything.”
She blinked away the moisture in her eyes. Never before had she heard Knight speak so, and it was almost hard to believe he’d uttered such words to her.
“That was a marriage proposal,” he explained, his voice husky.
Grinning, she reached up and cupped his stubbled jaw. “It was an excellent one too.”
He frowned. “Does that mean...?”
“Of course, I shall marry you, you big fool. How could I refuse after that?”
His features softened, and he leaned in to press his forehead against hers. She shut her eyes and savored the closeness, forgetting the rock of the carriage and the rattle of the jig and cacophony of horses’ hooves. Her world had been turned upside down this month and yet she could not regret it had led her to see Knight for the wonderful man he was.
“As soon as we have dealt with that bastard, we shall wed,” he declared, drawing back.
Louisa shook her head to herself with a smile. Gone was the soft, tender man she had come to know, replaced with the fierce warrior, prepared to dole out justice to Hugh.
“Once he knows we have Abigail and she’s willing to speak against him, he cannot fight us. He will have to give up his ruse.”
Knight nodded. “If he does not go quietly, I will ensure he understands he is not welcome.”
“Be careful,” Louisa warned, curling a hand around his forearm. “He is still Abigail’s husband and father to her children. You mustn’t hurt him.”
His jaw ticked. “I’d like to do more than hurt him.”
“Knight, I mean it.
”
“They are better off without him. Hell, if she had not run, who knows what his friends would have done to her and the children.”
“I’m certain Abigail will not go back to him. But it’s not up to us to decide for her what happens with Hugh.” She squeezed his arm. “She has the children to think of.”
He grunted. “I know bad fathers all too well, and he is one of them.”
Louisa leaned her head against his shoulder. “Not all men are like that. I know you would not be.”
His arm muscles tensed, and she lifted her head to look at him. Regret made her stomach tighten. She’d never considered she might get the opportunity to have children one day—her life had only ever been about the inn—and yet when she thought of their future together, she imagined it with children involved. Whether Knight would even want them was another thing, however.
Blast, she should not have brought it up so soon.
But if she did not say it now, then when? Once they were wed? No, it was better they discuss it now before either of them made a mistake they regretted.
“That is...” She pressed her lips together. “I always wanted children. Before I took over the inn, that was. Once I married Jack, it was clear it would not happen.”
Gaze fixed ahead, Knight’s expression revealed little. “I do not know that I am the best man with whom to have children.”
“You think because your father was so terrible, you would be too?”
He smirked. “Look at me, Louisa. I have a face that would terrify most children. And a life that is hardly suited to fatherhood.”
“That did not stop Red.”
“Red is an earl with plenty of privilege, and a handsome face.”
“You have a handsome face!” she protested. “But children do not care about such things. Look at how Abigail’s little boy took to you. You are nothing like your father.”
“I would give you everything you need, Louisa, but children...” He shook his head. “I do not know...”
“Are you going to let your past haunt you forever?”
“This has nothing to do with my past,” he said tightly.
“Does it not?” She eyed him until he was forced to look at her.
His expression softened. “Let us talk more on this when we have returned and dealt with Hugh.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead that soothed her more than it should have done.
She ran a hand over his cheek and smiled. “You are more charming than you would like to admit.”
He twined his fingers back through hers, and Louisa rested her cheek on his shoulder again. They had a long way to go before they even reached home, and she was certain they could figure out everything between them before then. They had both spent a long time living life only for themselves so there would be negotiations to be made, no doubt. It did not stop the warm, giddy feeling bubbling inside her when she considered what their life together would be like, however.
Whatever happened next, she had Knight at her side, and she could not be happier. Now all she had to hope for was that Hugh went quietly.
Chapter Twenty-One
Red stepped up to Knight’s carriage with a raised brow. “And here I thought you were intending to rid yourself of all your inherited belongings.”
Knight glowered at the earl as he offered a hand to Louisa to aid her down. Redmere House sat a few miles from the village, set into the dip of the valley where the river was once broad and deep. Now the tidal river was not much more than a few feet wide and meandered gently past the grand house. Though larger than his father’s—no, his—estate, it had an air of older wealth with less ostentation. Knight much preferred it.
“How else were we to get home?” Knight muttered. “Besides, I shall be sending them back shortly.” He motioned to the horses. “Can you stable them for a night or two?”
Red nodded. “Of course.” He grinned. “I was not certain you would return. I thought the allure of a fine estate might keep you there.”
Knight did not answer and was thankfully saved by Louisa hastening forward after straightening her skirts. “Did Abigail arrive safely? Are they all well?”
Red grinned. “They did indeed. And have been keeping Hannah well-occupied.” His eyes crinkled. “For which I am most grateful.”
She pressed fingers to her lips. “Oh, I hope they have not been wearing her out.”
“Nonsense.” Red shook his head. “Hannah has been in dire need of occupation since her confinement. She adores the children.”
Knight did not doubt that. The Countess of Redmere was an intelligent and curious woman who tested Red constantly. Something Red needed, in Knight’s opinion. Her confinement period was testing them both, however.
“We have done nothing yet, as per your instructions,” Red told them as he led them into the house. “But I have word from Drake that this chap has installed himself in the inn, declaring he is your stepson.”
Louisa grimaced. “I feared he might. He gave me a deadline to leave and it is well past that now.”
“Drake said he had the deeds?” Red asked.
Knight pressed a breath out through his nostrils. He’d be damned if that scoundrel spent a second longer in Louisa’s inn. “He stole them.”
“Mrs. Stanton explained much of the situation.” Red shook his head. “You know you could have let us deal with it, Knight. Nate and I would have scared him away easily enough.”
Louisa rolled her eyes. “I would quite like to handle this without bloodshed. I will approach him and let him know that we are aware his story is false. Hopefully he will go quietly.”
Red glanced at Knight, who shrugged. He had his doubts the man would go easily, especially if he’d been willing to send his friends to harm Abigail and Louisa to keep the ruse going, but this was Louisa’s inn, so he would do it her way.
“Where is—” Louisa’s words were cut off when a child dashed out of one of the parlor rooms, his bare feet tapping across the tiles. The boy froze when he spotted them and a grin broke across his face. He stopped in front of Knight and held up both arms.
Knight hesitated, swinging a glance around the room. For some damned reason, the child liked him, and he could not fathom why. Arms still raised, the boy stared up at him until Knight relented, picking him up. The child latched his skinny limbs around Knight’s neck while Red eyed him with a raised brow.
“He likes being high up,” Knight muttered.
The patter of another pair of feet followed as the other child spilled into the room. An extremely pregnant Hannah followed with Abigail. All of the children were clean, well-clothed, and already less gaunt. With any luck, there was no chance Abigail had changed her mind after being so well looked after.
Hannah embraced Louisa. “I heard that horrible man has taken over your inn. If I were able to, I would go over there right now and demand he leave.”
“You damn well would not, woman,” Red grumbled. “He’s dangerous. Abigail is testament to that.”
Hannah peered at Louisa. “Abigail said they tried to hurt you too. Is that...?” She motioned to the bruise still lingering on Louisa’s face. “Did they...?”
Louisa waved a dismissive hand. “I am well enough, but Red is right. Hugh is dangerous. If it was not for Knight, I would have been in trouble.”
The attractive dark-haired woman smiled at Knight. “Thank goodness you were there then.” Her gaze skipped between them and narrowed a little. “Did something—”
“Hannah, why do you not take the children out into the garden,” Red interrupted. “I presume you want this matter settled as quickly as possible?”
Louisa nodded.
“Mrs. Gamble can take the baby,” Red continued and turned to his wife. “But be certain to take rest should you need it.”
Hannah lifted her gaze to the ceiling. “I have rested enough to last me a lifetime.” She went onto tiptoes to press a kiss to Red’s cheek. “Be careful. And you”—Hannah thrust a finger at knight— “look after him.�
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Knight inclined his head, unwilling to argue with the countess. Red needed no looking after and could fight with the best of them, despite his privileged upbringing. He doubted Hannah needed to think about her husband fighting while in such a delicate condition, however.
Hannah ushered the children outside with the aid of the housekeeper and one of the maids who took the baby from Abigail’s arms. Abigail watched them go, her arms wrapped about herself.
“We need to get this done,” Knight said.
Abigail nodded, and her chest rose and fell as she drew in a long breath.
Louisa put a hand to her arm. “I know this must be daunting.”
“He is still my husband.” Abigail lifted her chin. “But he put the children in danger. I can never forgive him for that.”
“Drake will likely already be there. He has been there most days since his return from France to keep an eye on things.” Red explained. “And Julianna.”
“She is still working there?” Louisa asked.
Red nodded. “Stanton has made few changes, and Julianna wanted to ensure everything was running perfectly for when you returned. Lord knows, she has not relished working under that man.” He looked to Knight. “We’ll collect Nate and Patience on the way.”
Louisa blinked. “Patience is coming?”
“She would hardly let us go without her,” Red said, his lips twisted. “If she can be involved in adventure, she will, and she rather fancied threatening someone apparently. Besides, the more of us, the better. Less chance of him trying to cause any trouble.”
Louisa opened her mouth then shut it. “I...I...thank you. I did not know everyone—”
Red shook his head. “You have put yourself at risk many a time aiding us.”
Knight wasn’t certain he could take much more of all this damned emotional drivel. “We had better make haste.”
The earl led their group outside and around toward the stables where the carriage awaited them. “I’ve had them ready to go most of the morning in anticipation of your arrival.”
What's a Rogue Got To Do With It (Rogues of Redmere Book 4) Page 14