by Amelia Grey
The duke let his lips hover above hers while his gaze seemed to devour hers and his hand slowly, gently massaged her breast.
“Are you anticipating my next kiss, Miss Quick?”
“Yes,” she whispered on a ragged breath. She couldn’t wait for his lips to touch hers again.
“Tell me what your thoughts are about kissing now?”
“That perhaps I misunderstood Viscount Denningcourt when he said they were necessary.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in doubt. “How so?”
“Necessary in that you needed them and wouldn’t want to live without them, and now—”
“And now what?”
“I know why someone might desire them, crave them.”
“And you’ve never felt those yearnings for kissing before?”
“Not until now.” Loretta lifted her head and placed her lips on his. She felt him smile and heard him chuckle before he joined her kiss.
The pressure of their lips became harder, deeper, and longer. His hands continued to caress her breasts, her waist, and over her bottom, cupping her to the hardness beneath his trousers. Loretta welcomed the urgent, demanding passion she sensed in him.
She didn’t know how it had happened but she realized her hands were inside his coat, feeling the corded muscles in his shoulders and back beneath the fine fabric of his shirt. It was magical. Heavenly and exciting to explore the breadth and shape of his strong body. This unexpected opportunity might never come her way again. She wanted to go wherever this new discovery, this awakening of senses she didn’t even know existed, was going to take her.
But then slowly, leaving short kiss after short kiss upon her lips, the duke raised his head and looked down into her eyes. Her heart fluttered, her abdomen tightened again, and her womanhood clinched. He was questioning her with his expression, asking with his eyes if he should continue being the rake who was seducing her—caring not that she was an innocent, a lady—or if he should be a gentleman and step away.
They both knew the folly of continuing, and that was why he silently asked. If they carried through with this encounter and she invited him into her bedchamber, she would be forever changed. He would not. She would no longer be an innocent maiden. That she could accept, but what would she do if he left her with a child because of their union? Again, the duke’s life would not change. He would go about his daily routine and Society wouldn’t blink an eye should they find out. She, on the other hand, would have to tell her uncle she was with child.
He’d banished her to Mammoth for not marrying the man he wanted her to marry. That was already a burden that she had struggled to bear. She didn’t want to think about what the earl would do to her, how he would treat her if she was expecting a babe. There was no way she could rely on her brother for help. He was completely supported by the earl, too. On her own, she would have no way to care for a child.
With that stark realization, Loretta knew what she must do.
It took all her courage and then some, but she gave the duke one long passionate kiss and then pushed out of his arms. Backing away from him on unsteady legs, she moistened her lips and managed to say, “I need to check with Mrs. Huddleston on how my second unexpected guest for the evening is doing.” Loretta pulled on the waistline of her dress to resettle it over her bosom.
The duke held his questioning gaze steady, relentlessly on hers. “I’ll go with you to check on the lad before I go up.”
“Are you sure?”
“I want to tell your housekeeper to feel free to call on me during the night if she thinks I can be of help to her.”
“That’s very kind of you.” Loretta took in a deep breath and held it for as long as she could before adding, “Before we go, you need to know that the answer to your question is yes.”
A spark of surprise gleamed in the duke’s eyes, and he took a step toward her. “I’m glad. Which room is yours?”
He was such a fearless rake. So clever. So enticing.
She was tempted to put all her earlier worries aside and go with her heart’s desire.
Almost tempted beyond her strength to say no.
But thankfully her sanity and willpower hadn’t completely left her. With an inner strength she would have sworn a few moments ago she no longer possessed, she smiled softly and said, “I think you must have forgotten what question you asked.”
His brow wrinkled, and his head tilted just a fraction. “No, Miss Quick. I’m quite sure I left you with no doubt about what I was asking of you just now.”
“Yes, but I was answering your earlier question about whether my vow to never marry was also a vow of chastity.” Trying to leave all uncertainty out of her voice, she finished by saying, “And the answer is yes.”
The corners of his eyes narrowed just enough to be perceptible, just enough to let her know he didn’t like her answer. “I must admit I’d forgotten that question was even between us—anymore.”
Once again Loretta had no one to blame or to thank but herself for the position she was in. And such a tumultuous position it was. This was her opportunity—maybe her only opportunity—to lie with a man. A man she greatly desired, but Loretta wasn’t naive or simpleminded to the hazards. She had already thought about the realities of what was between them. Whether or not she ever saw him again, there could be a great cost for a night in his arms.
It wasn’t a risk she was willing to take.
The silence between them stretched to an almost unbearable length until finally she found the courage to say, “I was wrong. I shouldn’t have let you kiss me, but—”
The duke scowled and shook his head. “Please don’t blame it on the brandy I gave you to drink, Miss Quick.”
“No, I wouldn’t,” she argued. “It was something far more common than that and probably ages older as well. It was simply an urgent desire to be kissed by you.”
She saw in his eyes that he appreciated her honesty, though he still wasn’t happy she had, in effect, rebuffed his advances. It was a shame that he would never know how difficult that had been for her. For if she ever were to recant her vow, it would be tonight.
He looked away for a moment and then back to give her another intense stare. “Desire is a very strong emotion.”
Now vividly aware of that, she expelled an exhausted breath and whispered, “So I found out.”
“It’s also difficult to control.”
Oh, yes. She had discovered that as well. Once again she had to rely on her inner strength and answer him as truthfully as she could. “But it’s not impossible, which is why at times it must be harnessed, as just now. I made the vow, and I will remain true to it.”
“That is disappointing,” he said.
She softened her expression, hoping to convey to him the sincerity she was feeling.
“For both of us,” she answered and turned away.
Chapter 6
A gentleman should never leave a proper lady questioning what his intentions are.
A PROPER GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO WOOING THE PERFECT LADY
SIR VINCENT TYBALT VALENTINE
Hawk splashed cold water on his face and winced at the chill it gave him. He picked up the small towel and dried his face as he shoved back the drapery panel and looked out the window. It was still snowing when he’d gone to bed last night. Surprisingly, this morning the gray storm clouds of yesterday were gone, and bright sun glistened across the white, barren landscape.
That was a rare sight this time of year.
He quickly donned his trousers and boots, and then combed his fingers through his hair. Rubbing his hand across the day-old growth of beard on his cheeks and chin, he looked into the small mirror on the chest. There was nothing he could do about his stubble. The housekeeper hadn’t offered him a razor and soap.
It hadn’t taken long for his thoughts to turn to Miss Quick once he’d awakened. That she was lovely, engaging, and innocent was a powerful draw for him. He glanced back at the bed. He hadn’t wanted to spend the nig
ht alone. Neither of them had tried to deny the attraction that had formed between them almost at first sight. He had little doubt that if he’d continued his seduction of her she would have willingly come to him, but he’d had to give her the opportunity to think about the consequences.
His honor demanded it.
And her honor prevailed.
Hawk pulled his shirt over his head and hurriedly stuffed it into his trousers. Next he grabbed his waistcoat and buttoned it before reaching for his wrinkled and limp neckcloth. How could he not think about Miss Quick after the way his body had responded to her? Not to mention the array of different emotions she’d caused him to experience over the course of his few hours with her. Especially since it’d never crossed his mind he might meet Quick’s sister when he’d headed to Mammoth house yesterday morn.
First she’d irritated the hell out of him, when she as good as demanded he tell her what he wanted with her brother, and then had the nerve to take him to task for it when he did. She compounded his ire by suggesting his sister was selfish. He still couldn’t believe she wouldn’t want a very lucrative betrothal for her brother.
She’d made him laugh at her cleverness when she’d said the secret admirer letter had been read around the world, and she’d enchanted him with her honest, thoughtful conversation about her past. Hawk had felt admiration for her when she’d stood watch on the portico and insisted she help undress the boy. He’d bet anyone a handful of coins no other lady would have touched those cold muddy boots. Most, if not all, of the ladies he knew would have either fainted or rushed from the room in tears at the pitiful condition of the lad. That included all the mistresses he’d known over the years, too.
Not Miss Quick.
She rallied against his attempts to shield her from the uglier realities of life. That the boy’s stockings were soiled and wet, and his laces knotted several times had been no deterrent to her soft hands or delicate sensibilities. She had immediately gone to work to remove them. And then …
Hawk smiled as the sensual feelings of desire he had for her came to mind and washed over him like summer’s first breeze. She’d tempted him sorely to forgo his honor, his vow to never take a young lady’s innocence when he’d held her in his arms, kissed her, and explored her shape. She had him experiencing a depth of passion he hadn’t felt in a long time, if ever. He’d wanted nothing more than to take her to his bedchamber and make her his.
The hell of it was that his passion for her hadn’t ebbed with the light of day. If the throb in his lower body at this moment was any indication, it had increased. But now was not the time to linger over thoughts of his desire for the lovely miss. His long, cold ride back to Grimsfield would be the perfect time to do that.
Grabbing his coat, Hawk pushed the tempting remembrances from his mind and headed out the door. The first thing he wanted to do was check on the boy. He’d told Mrs. Huddleston to come for him if things didn’t go well during the night. He hadn’t heard from the woman and hoped that meant the lad had made it through with no ill effects. If so, Hawk intended to have a word or two with him about his foul language before leaving Mammoth House. He was certain Miss Quick wasn’t used to a street urchin’s guttersnipe tongue.
Hawk made his way down the stairs then along the long corridor past the drawing room, dining room, and kitchen, around the corner, and into the small room where they’d laid the youngster last night. Miss Quick sat on the edge of the bed with her back to the door. She rose and turned toward him when he entered the room. He hadn’t expected to find her eyes filled with uncertainty.
Because of him?
The lad?
She wore a plain dress of light-blue wool banded with a satin sash at the high waist. A dark-green shawl fitted loosely across her slim shoulders. Her hair was unadorned and in a tidy chignon at the back of her head. He was struck once again by how beautiful she was even when wearing the simplest of clothing.
Hawk knew at once she was troubled. Concern etched the corners of her mouth and around her eyes. But for which reason? Was it for the condition of the boy who’d stolen his way into her life, or for the way she’d responded to their stolen kisses last night?
Their gazes held for a brief moment before she said, “Good morning, Your Grace.”
“Miss Quick,” he answered, stopping beside her and the pale-faced, sleeping child. He lay as still as a windless day, covered in blankets up to his chin. It didn’t appear there was any change in his condition, but still Hawk asked, “How is he this morning?”
“He developed a fever during the night,” she said, looking down at the poor lad.
Hawk blew out a short breath of concern. That wasn’t good and it wasn’t a surprise. He’d known last night that the youngster was ill.
“Any coughing?” he asked.
“No.”
“That’s a hopeful sign.”
“Mrs. Huddleston is making a poultice right now for his chest that she thinks will help keep his lungs clear. She’s preparing him something for the fever, too.”
Hawk didn’t like seeing the worry in her eyes. It made him want to take her in his arms and soothe her. Smooth the wrinkle from her troubled brow. He didn’t want the boy to be sick, but it was good to know her concern wasn’t because she regretted what had happened between them last night.
He asked, “Was she able to get him to take nourishment?”
“A few sips of broth from a spoon throughout the night,” Miss Quick answered, rubbing her hands together as if they were cold. “Mrs. Huddleston said it wasn’t easy, and she was sure it wasn’t nearly enough. We’ll continue throughout the day.”
Doubts that the lad would make it crossed Hawk’s mind. They had no way of knowing how long he’d been out in the freezing cold or how long since he’d had a proper meal. The only thing Hawk knew to do was to get him help before it was too late.
“He was ill when he came to your door. You know that, don’t you?”
She glanced up at Hawk with anxious eyes. “It did appear he wasn’t well, but I had hoped that wasn’t the case.”
“Content yourself with the fact you are doing all you can for him now. He’s in a warm, soft bed. Safe. You will do all you can for him, so try not to worry about what will become of him in the days ahead.”
She gave Hawk a twitch of a smile and wrapped her green woolen shawl tighter around her shoulders. “That’s difficult to do since he is now under my roof and, thereby, under my care.”
“I know he won’t lack proper attention.” And he hoped she wouldn’t blame herself if the lad didn’t make it.
Her gaze swept up and down his face as if she were searching for something. “What about you? I hope you aren’t feeling any ill effects from being out in the storm last night.”
Hawk’s chest tightened for a second. He liked the fact that she asked after his welfare. “I’m fine. You?”
“Yes, of course. I wasn’t out in the cold for very long, and I didn’t get wet.”
His brows drew together. “Are you sure about that? I seem to remember ice crystals in your hair and a dampness to your sleeves.”
“All right, not very wet,” she amended almost reluctantly. “And I trust your sleep was sound.”
Oh, hell, he thought selfishly. Did she have to remind him of sleeping, which reminded him of the bed, which reminded him that he’d wanted her there with him last night?
“I slept well,” he answered.
“Good. Mrs. Huddleston has tea, chocolate, and coffee set up in the breakfast room. Whichever you prefer. Toast, preserves, eggs, and cheese as well, if you’d like.”
“I want to check on the mare first.”
She nodded slightly. “Since the storm has passed, I expect Mr. Huddleston to arrive soon. I’m sure they were worried about us with the weather so grave, and no doubt he and Arnold were up and on their way at first light.”
“I’ll plan to leave for Grimsfield as soon as Mr. Huddleston arrives, so I may not see you again. When I get to the
village, I’ll send an apothecary, or physician, or whoever I can find to check on him.” Hawk inclined his head toward the lad.
Hope flared in her eyes. “Thank you. That would be so kind of you. I wouldn’t have asked it of you, but I’m glad you offered. I believe he does need more than we have here to provide.”
“I knew you’d probably turn Mr. Huddleston around and send him back for one.”
“I’m not sure I find it comforting that you know me so well after such a short time in my presence, but yes, I would have immediately sent him to fetch someone.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
She nodded. “There is an apothecary there. I believe he will come if you ask him. Our medicinal supplies are meager here, and Mrs. Huddleston can only do so much.”
“I’ll see that your horse is returned today and I’ll make arrangements for the mare to be returned to the innkeeper once she’s sound, but that may take longer.”
“There will be no hurry. Arnold will enjoy taking care of the horse until it can be returned.”
“You’ll tell your brother that I came to see him?”
A soft, short laugh parted her beautiful lips just enough to make him wish that he were kissing her again.
“Without delay, Your Grace. You may count on that. And the reason for your visit.”
He saw that unbendable determination in her expression and humor in her eyes. Both traits drew him. She wouldn’t waver from what she saw as her duty to counsel her brother on the ills of arranged marriages. That didn’t bother Hawk. It satisfied him. He liked a good fight. And he always expected to win.
“I never considered that you wouldn’t tell him,” Hawk assured her. “Add that I’ll be back next Thursday.” He paused. “I’ll expect him to be here waiting. And that you and he will keep everything about this visit and this proposal quiet and between only yourselves.”
She lifted her shoulders just enough to make her appear defiant. “The last thing I want is for anyone, least of all Paxton’s friends, to know of this proposition. They would be encouraging him to accept the offer posthaste. The lot of them would be thrilled to have a friend who was married to a duke’s sister, hoping that it would in some way benefit them, if only to give them something to crow about. It is my hope that no one other than the three of us ever hears about this, Your Grace.”