“I’ll settle for looking like a duchess.”
“For heaven’s sake,” Tristan feigned impatience. “Are you ready to proceed or not? You are still marrying the chap, aren’t you?”
Both women answered him in unison. “Yes!”
“Now both of you have ridiculous smiles on your faces,” he teased.
“Imagine that, and so do you,” Gwen responded in kind.
Upon entering the chapel, the scent of honeysuckle comforted Gwen. As per her instructions, bouquets of her mother’s favorite flowers were joined with chiffon bows and affixed to each pew. The heavenly aroma assured Gwen that her mother was with her in spirit.
Before she proceeded down the red-carpeted aisle with her brother, Gwen paused to assimilate the beauty before her. Due to the darkness of the cloudy weather, hundreds of candles had been lit, providing a warm glow within the chapel, their reflections dancing upon the stained glass windows.
The chapel was full to capacity with well-clad nobles. The same influential members of the ton who Gwen had never much liked yet, in this light and much to her surprise, looked downright pleasant.
Sebastian stood at the end of the aisle. Gwen was now more certain than ever that he was the most handsome man to have ever lived. The mere sight of him left her breathless.
With his azure eyes, thick raven hair, chiseled chin, broad shoulders, tall frame and proud smile, Sebastian exuded his usual self-confidence mixed with a devotion to her that was clear for all to see. It was as if he were born to wait at the end of this aisle for her.
She loved each and every aspect of his form and his personality. It warmed her heart to know his inner self, to be the only woman privy to his private thoughts, to be the subject of his pride. Sebastian looked at her with such open admiration that it touched her soul.
Sebastian stood beside his closest friend, Alexander, in front of the altar. Never had he witnessed such a beautiful bride. He reminded himself to breathe, slow and steady. The ceremony was merely a formality for in his heart, Gwen was already his bride.
His steady gaze remained fixed upon Gwen as she followed Victoria down the aisle, arm-in-arm with her brother. When she joined him at the altar, Sebastian winked at her.
The ceremony began and the silence within the church filled his heart with reverence. From the sight of the elegant crowd, it appeared that Sebastian’s unabashed adoration for his bride had swayed even the staunchest of skeptics.
A heavy thud reverberated throughout the chapel. Sebastian and Gwen turned in unison toward the end of the aisle to find Keir standing in front of the heavy oak doors that he had slammed shut in obvious defiance.
His arrogant posture didn’t bode well.
Sebastian clenched his jaw, aware of every muscle in his body tensing. Was his nightmare coming true? He answered the intruder’s glare with one of contempt.
Whispers erupted from the pews, increasing in pitch. Sebastian stepped forward but his bride laid her hand on his arm, halting him from walking any further.
“He’s not worth it, Sebastian.” Gwen’s shaky voice filled with dread.
Sebastian clenched his hands into fists by his sides, nails digging into his palms from frustration. He turned his attention to his bride.
Her eyes were wide. “Your retaliation is what he desires,” she whispered.
Of course Gwen was right. Sebastian took her hand as his anger ebbed. There was no way he would mar his wedding ceremony by fighting Dunlop via fisticuffs. She was marrying him, and that was victory enough for Sebastian.
The whispers from their guests began to crescendo. Though their ceremony wasn’t ruined yet, Sebastian knew it would be if he didn’t do something.
Aware that all eyes of their guests were upon him, Sebastian decided at once that he wouldn’t let his rival win.
“Lord Dunlop, please take a seat. You are more than welcome to join us.” His voice sounded so smooth, so calm, that it shocked even himself.
Sebastian then kissed the back of Gwen’s hand and turned his back to the intruder, guiding her into position so they could continue with the ceremony. He clasped her hand in a tight grip. It reassured him that she was still there, by his side, and that she still intended to be his bride.
He longed to embrace her and never let go.
Keir’s appearance unnerved Sebastian. His deception now hung like a noose around his neck, tightening much quicker than he expected. He knew he must confess the truth before someone else interceded, but Sebastian’s plans hadn’t changed. First, he would spend a few days making love to his wife, convincing her how much he loved her and how much he was willing to sacrifice for her.
“Please continue,” he instructed the priest, his tone smooth. Where was this control coming from? God alone knew.
After a few final whispers subsided, the guests returned to a reverent silence, their gazes occupied with the couple reciting their vows.
Tristan stalked Keir, watching as the intruder slid into the last pew. The man had decided to stay.
With purposeful strides, like a lion stalking his prey, Tristan approached the trespasser from behind, placing both hands on his shoulders before squeezing.
“If you say or do anything else to disturb
this ceremony, I will kill you right here on the spot.” His whisper was low and dangerous, meant to convey the threat he intended it to be. “It will be a slow, painful death that will leave you begging for mercy, but I assure you, mercy will not come.”
Keir glanced over his shoulder.
Tristan made no attempt to conceal his anger, certain that it contorted his features. He noted that Keir’s arrogant expression betrayed an underlying fear. His eyes darted towards Lachlan who, although not part of the bridal procession, was in attendance.
Following the direction of Keir’s gaze, Tristan assured him with a steely edge to his voice, “He won’t help you. No one will.”
He squeezed the man’s shoulders tighter. “Nod so I know you understand my meaning. You will not interfere.”
Keir nodded, swallowing hard.
“Good,” Tristan growled. “If you hurt my sister, I will kill you.”
With one last parting squeeze, Tristan released Keir then returned to his own seat, cloaked in as much silence as when he’d abandoned it mere moments before.
Keir glowered at Tristan’s back as he followed him to his seat, his confidence building with every step the bride’s brother took. He then shifted his attention to the happy couple. Sebastian held Gwen’s hand as if it were some precious gem. The sight made him want to retch.
They had destroyed all of his plans and he wanted to hurt them now more than ever. He would do so, without the bride’s tiger of a brother ever finding out.
Yes, he would accomplish his goal. Keir wasn’t his father’s son for nothing.
The Morley family returned the favor that the Duke of Davenport had extended to them when he held their wedding banquet a little more than a year prior. In addition to Alexander and Constance offering the most wonderful wedding feast, they had invited the wedding guests stay at their estate, leaving the bride and groom private time.
In spite of the kindness of his friends and the amount of effort it took for them to plan such an elaborate celebration in less than a fortnight, Sebastian found the reception to be a nuisance.
While he smiled at his guests and joined his wife in the pleasantries of small talk, he silently considered which piece of clothing he would remove from his wife first.
Under normal circumstances, of course, the bride would undress with her maid; however, Sebastian didn’t think he could wait that long. The more he considered it, he concluded that the carriage ride home would be a good time to undress his wife.
His gaze followed Gwen, who now chatted with Victoria and Constance. The sight of her banished Sebastian’s wicked thoughts and he vowed to make their first night together special for her. He would be patient, even if it killed him.
Sebastian glanced at his
pocket watch. The time to leave was almost upon them. He negotiated his way to his wife until a servant called to him, halting his progress while handing Sebastian a folded missive.
Sebastian read the note and his mood darkened with each word. He altered his course, heading to the sitting room where his visitor awaited him.
He entered the room and spotted Dunlop by the window, staring out the glass.
“Weren’t you humiliated enough today, Dunlop?” Sebastian crossed the room. “Where is your pride?”
“Pride has nothing to do with this, Your Grace, although yours will take a blow soon enough.”
Sebastian ignored his remarks. “She chose me and not you. It’s over.”
“We both know that choice had nothing to do with the reason Gwendolyn married you today.”
“Choice,” Sebastian emphasized, “had everything to do with why Gwen married me. Don’t fool yourself.”
Keir chortled. “It’s you who is the fool.”
“So you are her to what, issue cryptic messages?”
“No, I’m here to inform you that I will never let you forget what you’ve taken from me.” Keir swallowed before continuing, “Remember that I will never forget the plans you ruined. Watch your back, old chap.”
“I paid you a hefty sum, Dunlop, one which you greedily accepted.” Tension again seized Sebastian’s muscles as a vein pulsated in his neck. “Get out and stay away from my wife.”
“You can have your precious bride. She is cheap and tainted.” Keir’s voice dripped with hatred and there was no doubt in Sebastian’s mind that his rival meant every word. Keir added, “It’s you I’m after.”
Blood pounded hard and fast in Sebastian’s temples as his anger escalated, seeking release. He swung his fist at Keir, hitting his mark with such force that it lifted the man off of his feet before sending him crashing into the wall behind him with a loud thud.
Keir dabbed at the crimson blood trickling from his lower lip.
Sebastian clenched the lapels of Keir’s coat with his fists, pulling the dazed man up against the wall. “Never insult my wife again. Better yet, stay away from us. Do you understand me?”
“I understand more than you do.” Keir’s statement was issued as a challenge, alluding to something just beyond Sebastian’s comprehension.
With a renewed wave of rage, Sebastian shoved Dunlop toward the closed door. “Get out!”
Keir landed on his feet and straightened his cravat before yanking the door open, sending it crashing against the frame.
From the hallway, faint footfalls grew nearer. Gwen hurried through the door, face to face with Keir. Her eyes darted to Sebastian. “Are you all right?” she asked as she crossed the immaculately furnished room before placing her hand in his.
“Poor Gwen.” Keir’s words dripped with sarcasm. “You’re already losing your figure.”
Sebastian’s heart stopped at Keir’s reference to his bride’s imaginary pregnancy.
“What a ridiculous statement. Why would you say such a thing?” Gwen asked, her face now a mask of confusion.
“Never mind him,” Sebastian strode across the room until he stood less than a foot away from the Dunlop. “You have one last chance to leave before I ensure that you will be unable to do so on your own.”
Keir shot Sebastian one last vicious glower then stormed off. He slammed the door behind him, sending a framed painting to the floor.
Sebastian swallowed hard, anger pounding in his temples.
Gwen bridged the gap between them. She then laid a hand on his back, pressing it against his jacket as a reminder that she supported him. “Are you all right?” she asked.
“I’m fine, Duchess.” He gave her a smile then took her hand in his in an attempt to lead her to the door. “Come, our guests must think we’ve left without saying goodbye.”
“Don’t change the subject,” Gwen warned, standing still. “Tell me why he was here.”
“Darling, he isn’t important.” He took great pains to make his voice sound casual.
“He didn’t come here to wish us peace and happiness, Sebastian.” Gwen’s tone was low, almost dangerous. “Did he threaten you?”
“Arriving here was his attempt to hurt both of us and taint our joyous day,” Sebastian encircled her in his tight embrace. “Don’t give him the satisfaction.”
She snuggled close to his heart. “You shouldn’t act so blasé. The mere thought of losing you …”
“You won’t lose me. It’s safe to say you’re all but stuck with me now.” He kissed her forehead.
An urgent need filled his heart. He wanted her all to himself.
“Why don’t I take my bride home?” He nipped her ear. “And make you mine in every possible way.” Another nip. “Surely you can’t deny me that?”
“I can’t deny you anything,” she whispered.
“And I can’t live without you,” he added in a husky whisper, certain that he couldn’t.
“You will never have to.” She stood on her tiptoes then brushed her lips against his.
Sebastian’s heart sang as he felt the soft velvet of her lips against his. He opened his lips to hers and her tongue probed, causing a jolt of excitement through his every limb.
She was shedding her inhibitions and the realization thrilled him.
His mouth devoured hers with a passion that surprised him. Before Sebastian pulled away, his breathing quickened. “We need to leave now, Duchess.”
“On one condition,” she traced his lips with her thumb.
“What is it with you and your conditions, wife?” He asked with mounting exasperation.
A sultry smile touched her lips. “That we share many more kisses like that.”
Cupping her face in his hands, he assured her, “Duchess, that is non-negotiable.”
If his wife continued to kiss him as she just did, Sebastian was certain that this would be the longest carriage ride of his life.
Gwen sat beside her husband on the carriage ride home, her hand resting on his thigh. The intimate gesture caused Sebastian’s heart to swell. He was certain his heart was twice the size as when he first met her. How else could it hold all the adoration he felt for her?
“I’ve wanted to do something ever since the Wrights’ ball.” She gave him a mischievous grin.
He brushed his thumb against her cheek. “What might that be, Duchess?”
Gwen turned to face him, leaning closer to him as she whispered, “Kiss you in your carriage.”
“I had no idea,” he teased. “Now would be the perfect time, you know.”
Gwen leaned into him, her fervent kiss sent heat surging within his loins.
By the time the carriage rolled to a stop at Kellington Manor, Sebastian’s skin burned with an urgent desire to make love to her. He exhaled, grateful that their driver hadn’t been overzealous and opened the door for them. He took a minute for his erection to relax, confiding his plans for the evening to his new bride.
“I gave most of the servants the evening off but Jane is still on call for you, and Winston is on hand if we need him.”
Gwen rested her head on his broad shoulder. “The servants must be happy for the time off.”
“To be honest, they wanted to greet their new mistress, but I explained that tomorrow would be perfect for the occasion.”
“Greet me?” she asked. “They already know me.”
“Yes, but you are officially the Duchess of Davenport now. It’s tradition.”
Gwen smiled as she traced the lapel of his jacket. “I’ll like that.”
Sebastian rapped on the roof and the driver left his post to open the lacquered door.
“Might this be part of your surprise?” Gwen asked, as he led her to the gardens, as opposed to the main entrance of the estate.
“Of course,” Sebastian replied with the devilish grin, his tone playful.
The setting sun illuminated the sky in beautiful shades of dusky rose and violet, the threat of rain having cleared d
uring their reception. Sebastian couldn’t have asked for a better welcome for his bride.
“Don’t peek ahead,” he advised, leading her through the paths lined with meticulous shrubbery and flowers. Once they had reached their destination, Sebastian placed his hands over Gwen’s eyes. “Are you ready, Duchess?”
“Yes, I am.” Her eagerness was evident in her tone.
Sebastian removed his hands and his wife opened her eyes to an awe-inspiring sight, one that left her speechless.
Torches lit a warm path to the terrace. Several new honeysuckle bushes had been planted alongside each side of the garden paths.
“Oh, Sebastian, they’re beautiful.”
Sebastian smiled. Her reaction was all he had hoped to achieve. “I know how much you wanted honeysuckle at the chapel and thought it would be a wonderful addition to the estate.”
Gwen gazed at the beauty before her, its splendor filling her heart with joy. She turned toward her husband, tracing his chiseled jaw with her forefinger. “You never cease to surprise me. Thank you, Sebastian.”
Sebastian kissed her forehead, his lips warm against her flesh. “There’s more.”
“What could possibly surpass this?” Gwen’s grin widened.
“You’ll see,” he teased, his indigo eyes dancing.
The warm glow of the torches beckoned them up the terrace steps. Together they strolled down the path before ascending the terrace steps where a table was set, complete with a crisp white tablecloth, silver ice bucket housing a dark green bottle, and two crystal champagne flutes.
Sebastian placed his arms upon her waist and Gwen leaned against his length. “It’s heaven.”
“Like the lake?” Sebastian whispered in her ear, holding her tighter.
“Even better,” Gwen’s tone was heartfelt, now brimming with emotion. “I remember bumping into you on a terrace similar to this one.”
“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that night. You looked like an angel all dressed in white.” His baritone was rich.
“And there I was thinking I resembled a boring snowflake.”
“You could never look boring, Duchess,” he replied, his tone seductive as he added, “exquisite, yes, but never boring.”
Dance with Deception: Scandalous Secrets, Book 1 - Exclusive Edition (Scandalous Secrets - Exclusive Edition) Page 17