by Unknown
“I think he wanted to take a dip.”
Anna scowled. “He could have drowned.”
“The lake is very shallow there, and the nanny was close by.”
She shook her head. “Some people do not deserve children.”
His heart dropped to his stomach. Any attempt to cheer her had failed. He gave one strong pull of the oar and moved the boat in a quick turn away from the scene. A tiny spray of water splattered her, and she gasped.
He shrugged. “Oops.”
Swiping away the damp from her face, she narrowed her gaze on him.
“It was not intentional, I swear it.”
“No,” she agreed. She leaned back and put her hand in the water.
“Anna,” he warned.
“This is, though.” She scooped up a handful of water and flung it in his direction. Trickles of icy cold lake water splattered his face and dribbled down under his collar. He sucked in a startled breath.
“Minx.”
He twisted the oar so another spray of water struck her. She gasped and splashed him again before lunging for the oar. Harris kept a strong grip on it and laughed. The boat rocked precariously.
“Keep that up, and we shall both end up wet.”
She gave one last tug on the oar before giving up and retreating back to her bench. “I would almost be willing to just to see you utterly drenched.”
“You do not need to dunk me in a lake to see me wet.” He let a brow rise. “There are many, many other more pleasurable ways of getting wet.”
Her lips pursed as though trying to suppress a smile. “You are incorrigible.”
“I am. It’s one of my better traits.”
Anna simply shook her head and laughed in response.
Better than before. At least she was still smiling. That counted as progress, he reckoned.
Chapter Six
Anna stole a peek at the man opposite her. They were eating dinner in a slightly rowdy establishment that Harris had assured her served the best steak and ale pie in the country. Perhaps it was time or the events of the day, but she was softening to him. And she did not like that one bit.
Or did she?
She had to admit, Harris’ determination to ensure she enjoyed the day and forgot business and what had upset her had worked. She wouldn’t forget her need to find out what had happened to her son, but there was little that could be done for now and she had to accept that. Until it was confirmed he was indeed hers, she had to be patient.
“You were right, this is the best pie I have ever tasted.”
He gave her an I told you so look. She was getting used to such a look—a smug smile that told her he knew what was best for her. How that was possible, she hardly knew. After all, she’d been looking after herself for quite some time now since her family disowned her. But Harris had kept her occupied all day, dragging her about the sights of London and treating her to a delicious high tea in Claridges. It had been...well, fun.
She scowled. When was the last time she’d had fun?
“What is the matter?”
“Nothing.” She smiled and shook her head at herself. “I was just wondering when last I had a day where I was entirely at my leisure.”
“A long time ago, I’d wager.” He motioned to the waitress and ordered another pint of beer each.
She rarely indulged, but when she did, she preferred an expensive whisky or gin. However, Harris had said the liquors here were not to be trusted so they opted for ale. The tangy, fizzy taste was not wholly detestable, and she did enjoy the warm feeling as it spread through her.
“It’s not easy to take time for yourself when so many rely on you for their employment.”
“And many rely on you for their pleasure.”
“Well, yes. I could hardly let down my customers now, could I?”
He took a sip of his ale and eyed her. The frank look in his gaze seemed to pierce straight through to her insides. Perhaps it was the ale playing tricks, but he had somehow grown even more handsome. If she’d considered him irresistible before, she could not even say what he was now.
“Will you always run Stourbridge?”
“Will I be running a den of sin at a grand, old age, you mean?”
“Yes.”
“I cannot imagine so, but I have a few years left in me.”
He chuckled. “What shall you do if you decide not to continue?”
“There are plenty of other things to invest in. Charitable institutions, et cetera. I have been lucky enough to earn enough to keep myself in comfort for many years to come.”
“You say that often, that you were lucky, but I cannot help think that many women would have frittered their inheritance away. I think you should be kind enough to credit yourself with some of your success.”
Anna turned her attention to the meal and tried to fathom how it was Harris drew all of these confessions from her. Her past was hardly secret—to a point anyway. No one apart from her family knew of her son. Most knew of her downfall and that a man was behind it. Yet that was all anyone needed to know. No one cared what happened to her afterward, or how she left her family and thrived on her own. No one except Harris.
And for the life of her, she could not understand why she had become so free with her tongue. There was something soothing about his company, something that made her feel free. Free from expectations and society, and even from the strain of running a place like Stourbridge. For the briefest moment, she had forgotten the pain of the past and been able to recount it with cold clarity.
“How is Ash enjoying married life?” she asked, as another ale was brought over. As freeing as it was to have these discussions, she could not risk him finding out anymore. It left her too vulnerable.
“Very well, I believe. Lila is quite good for him. He’s certainly a lot less grumpy.”
“She’s a sweet girl. They seem a good match.”
“I had wondered if there was not some connection between the two of you,” he confessed.
Anna laughed and shook her head. “Once upon a time, many years ago, I was guilty of harbouring a slight fancy for him, that much I will admit. I have my doubts Ash ever returned the feeling.”
He wrapped a hand around the glass of ale, and she saw his knuckles whiten. “I see.”
“You are not jealous, are you?”
Harris loosened his grip on the poor, helpless glass. “Would you like it if I was?”
She opened her mouth to respond and failed so she took a sip of her drink. Damn her and damn him. Yes, she did like his jealousy and what a stupid emotion to get excited about.
“You do, I see.” He flashed a grin.
“Harris, you shall always see whatever you wish to see. There is little point in protesting.”
“You would have me marked as a fool rather than admit the truth?”
“I do not think you a fool, but I think you arrogant enough to believe whatever you wish to believe, regardless of the truth.”
He leaned in a little, his voice low. “The truth is, Anna, you are jealous. You loathe the thought of me with another woman just as I cannot stand the thought of you with another man. And there is only one way to rid ourselves of this jealousy...”
Her heart gave a hard thud against her ribs, reminding her that she was indeed alive even if she could not breathe at present. Words of protest froze and dried up in her throat. All she managed were the words that she had been trying so hard to hold back. “And how would we do that?”
His lips curled in triumph. Part of her longed to slap him and wipe the smug look off his face while the other longed to reach across the table, grab his necktie, and pull him to her for a hard, furious kiss. She had never met a man who could rile her in so many different ways.
Harris released the glass of ale and reached across the table to circle his fingers around her wrist. He twisted her palm upward and used a finger to trace circles on her palm—mimicking, she decided, the sort of movements he would use on her bare flesh. Her arm f
elt as though it were on fire. She wanted to fidget and yet the small movement froze her.
“We would spend as many nights together as needed to rid ourselves of this madness. I would strip you bare.” His words were a soft, sensuous whisper. “I would remind you of the beautiful woman you are. Remind you of what that exquisite body can do. I would take all you can give and give it back to you tenfold. Then, when you are sated and your body is limp from pure pleasure, I would do it again.”
Heat flowed freely into her cheeks. Her body gave a rebellious little pulse. She couldn’t look away if she tried. His eyes were dark, hungry. The words rang in her ears. She could practically picture their bodies, naked, damp, entwined.
She’d heard similar words before, yet they’d been coarse with talk of the man’s pleasure. Her previous lovers had only been concerned with themselves. With Harris, it would be different.
And that had to be the most terrifying thing of all. How could she remain indifferent to him if he brought her such pleasures? It was too dangerous a game to play.
Anna tugged her hand away. “I’m tired,” she declared. “I had better return to the hotel.”
She stood before he could say anything and swivelled on her heel. As she pushed through the crowded tavern, she was met with a few annoyed grunts and declarations of, “Watch out, miss.”
She ignored them. A desperate need for fresh air clawed at her throat. It was too much. All of it. His presence, his words. The events of today. How could she process any of it?
When she burst out onto the street, she stopped under the puddle of golden light from the street lamp, and took several deep breaths. The air was tinged with the scent of coal and smoke which just masked a less pleasant smell coming from the sewers.
She suddenly longed for her country home. Albeit, it was never the elegant country refuge she’d hoped for, not once she had turned it into a gambling den, but at least there she was the mistress of all. No man could set her on edge and toy with her mind there.
“Anna.”
Though she had known he would follow her, his presence still made her stiffen. Awareness trickled down her spine when he came up behind her and rested a hand upon her arm. “You should not be out here alone.”
She glanced up and down the road. Traffic was sparse, but a few men and women littered the streets. Some huddled up against the buildings, seeking shelter from the cooler evening, their hands held out entreating any passers-by to take pity. Anna sighed. He was right. Even a woman with her experience wasn’t safe in London at night.
“I know.”
“Come, let us return to the hotel.”
There was little use in making foolish demands to be left alone. Harris had offered his protection and while she might not have needed it before, she did need it now. She let him take her arm and loop it through his—a display of ownership to anyone who might attempt anything.
She would not normally appreciate such displays, but this tiny voice inside her whispered that she liked it. She supposed after much time alone, fighting to succeed in a man’s world, it was somewhat pleasant to have a man to rely on.
Not that she had any intention of relying on him permanently.
They strolled around the corner and found several waiting cabriolets. Harris helped her into the carriage then gave the driver the name of her hotel. The ale had made her body feel soft and boneless. She rested her head back against the padded seat. Stale cigar smoke clung to the fabric but once the door was shut, she could only focus on the scent of Harris’ cologne. He seated himself next to her. Too close.
Not close enough.
Oh, she didn’t know. So much of her longed to straddle him and kiss him, much like he’d kissed her in the hotel. A hunger so painful that it made her want to clutch her stomach, started up. It was made worse when he put his arm around her.
“Anna?”
“It’s been a long day,” she said, by way of explanation for her silence. Somehow she knew he would not believe her. No doubt, Harris knew exactly what she was thinking. Was he thinking the same?
The carriage moved forward, and she peered up at him. The shadows of the interior hid most of his expression but it was dark, intense. The same sensation of not being able to breathe struck her again but there was no escape.
She was not even sure she wanted it.
“Harris.”
His name escaped her in a breathy sigh. She hadn’t meant to utter it. Hadn’t even been aware it was on her tongue. But as soon as the word was out, she’d known the consequences of it and the meaning behind it.
It had been her begging.
A hand slid along her chin. She suppressed a shiver of delight. His palm was warm. He cradled her face and forced her to look into his eyes. In spite of the shadows, she felt herself getting lost. Although the urgent hunger refused to quell, she relished the gentle touch. No one had ever touched her like this.
“So beautiful,” he murmured.
Harris brought his lips down on hers. She remained limp, at his will. He kissed the corner of her mouth and another tingle dashed down her spine. Then the other corner before placing his lips firmly across hers. Anna curled her hands around his neck in a bid to bring him closer. The gentle rocking movement of the carriage only added to the sensations as their bodies constantly knocked into each other.
She opened her mouth to him and a gentle moan escaped her when their tongues met. Desire coiled deep inside her. She clutched him tighter.
He groaned. His hands left her face and grasped her waist to pull her tight to him.
“Harris,” she said again, though this time there was no softness to the word. It was still a plea, however.
He deepened the kiss.
Anna couldn’t get enough of him, couldn’t seem to get close enough. It was as though her clothes were a trap and she needed to be free from them. Only when her bare skin touched Harris’ would she be satisfied.
His lips moved down her neck and along her collar bone. She arched her breasts toward him. He flicked open the buttons of her jacket, revealing the rise of her breasts before slipping his fingers under the bodice of her gown. Her moan was not so gentle when he found her nipple and swept his fingers over it.
“God, Anna.”
Urging a breast from her bodice, he dropped his head and placed light kisses all over her flesh before closing his mouth around her nipple. The sweet satisfaction of the heat around her sensitive flesh made her close her eyes and push her fingers through his silken hair. She held him there while he feasted on her, muttering her name.
When he lifted his head, she opened her eyes to see the wild desire in his gaze. Likely it matched hers.
“God, I want you so badly, Anna.”
She nodded, dumb from need.
He drew her close and pressed her face against his neck while his hand fumbled around the hem of her skirts. She inhaled the scent of him and kissed his warm neck. She rested there while he pushed his hand up under gown and found the opening in her drawers. His fingers touched the inside of her thigh. She inhaled a sharp breath and felt her skin prickle from head to toe. Anna wriggled until his touch met her sensitive flesh. They both moaned.
“Oh Lord, Harris. I’m so sensitive.”
It had been a long time since a man had touched her, but she could not remember it ever being like this. One little touch had her trembling. It was almost too much yet not enough. She urged him on with the movements of her hips. Harris took what she offered and used a finger to tease her pearl. Around and around, and up and down. He had her biting down on her lip as he kept her pressed against him to smother her sounds.
Harris eased a finger inside her.
“Oh sweet Mary.”
He moved quickly, bringing her close to the edge and letting her hang on the precipice for a while. His clever fingers worked her into a frenzy of pleasure. She gripped him tight and stared at the curtain behind him while bursts of ecstasy exploded through her. She released a muffled squeal against him and lo
osened her grip on him. He eased his hand out of her drawers and let her rest against him for a few moments. Anna tried to comprehend what had happened but her brain refused to cooperate.
“Harris,” she said breathily.
“I know.”
The carriage came to a sudden stop, jarring her from the fog clouding her mind. She sat straight and readjusted her skirts. Harris chuckled and withdrew a handkerchief with which to clean his fingers before he stood to open the door. Heat scalded her cheeks.
The fresh night air did a little something to cool her down. She dragged in gulps of it to steady herself while Harris paid the driver and sent him on his way.
She turned to face him and tried not to be affected by his handsomeness. Why did he have to be so beautiful? Why did he have to make her feel this way? She could blame the alcohol for her weak behaviour but that would be too easy.
The truth of it was, she was unbelievably attracted to this man, and she imagined he really could make her feel all the things he promised after that incident. No other man had played her body so beautifully.
Nevertheless, this couldn’t happen again. She had her son to think of.
And your heart, a pesky voice whispered. After all, she had fallen for the very worst of men a long time ago and look where that had led her. It would be too easy to fall for Harris.
“Thank you for dinner,” she said. “You do not need to escort me in.”
He glanced at the hotel behind and a brow slowly lifted. “You don’t wish to invite me in?”
“No, I do not. Harris, that was a mistake; it won’t happen again.”
“It will.”
Damn him, why did he insist on being so infuriating? “It will not. I won’t let it.”
“Sooner or later, Anna, you will realise there’s no point in fighting this. I’m not sure why you even want to. You know what I can do to your body.”
“Harris,” she hissed, glancing around at the footman waiting by the hotel.
“And now I know what you feel like, what you look like when you orgasm. If you think I’m giving up the chance to know what it’s like when I’m buried deep inside you, you’re not as clever as I thought you were.”