This is what she had wanted. To lose herself in his strength, his passion. It was exciting and comforting all in the same moment.
His other hand slid down her body, cupping her behind. The press of it felt so delightful, she moaned into his lips without intending to.
He gave a growl of response. “What are you doing to me, Tricia?”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling them closer together. She didn’t want to talk, only to feel. To forget.
He slipped his hand out of her hair and brought it to her cheek. As he did so, his thumb brushed something warm and wet. He pulled back at the same time she realized she was crying.
“Sweetheart,” he murmured then, giving her another very soft kiss. “Tell me.”
It was only then that she managed to tell him the story. Sitting in his lap, wrapped in his embrace. Herman’s words, the looks of the crowd. “I know I deserved it, Ryker,” she choked out. “I knew what I was doing but I didn’t expect it to hurt so much.”
“I know what you deserve and it wasn’t that.” He wiped her tears again.
“I’ll be better tomorrow,” she whispered. “I always knew I’d be a spinster but it was so much harder than I thought it would be. I’m sorry to bother you like this. I guess I thought…” She trailed off because the words made her sound like a harlot.
“What did you think?” He stilled under her, his thumb no longer stroking her cheek or wiping her tears.
“I thought…” She was glad for the dim light, it hid her blush. “That being near you would make me feel better. And that if I were to be ruined anyhow…” She gulped as she went to say the next words. “I may as well actually be ruined.”
She heard him suck in his breath and for a moment there was no sound at all. Then, without warning he let out a choked laugh that startled her near to death. She made to scramble off his lap but his laughter abruptly ended and he pulled her back down against him. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to laugh.”
“Then why did you,” she huffed.
His thumb came to her cheek again, his palm cradling her head. “It’s just that every other lady I’ve ever been acquainted with would have used this meeting, and our prior ones, to ensure her own future by demanding we wed.” He paused to give her a small kiss. “Had that even occurred to you?”
A blush again rose in her cheeks. Not only was she a wanton woman, apparently she was a dimwitted one at that. “Should it have?”
“I’m glad it didn’t,” he whispered. “It’s the very reason we will, in fact, be wed. Even though you are heaps of trouble. Sneaking out, causing scandals at balls.” Then he kissed her again, a deep, hard kiss that left her mind spinning. She barely processed his words as they pressed together. But slowly, they cut through the haze that seemed to penetrate her thoughts whenever he touched her.
“Married?” she whispered then, pulling back. “You want to marry me?”
He quirked a brow as he gave her lopsided grin. My lord, he made a woman breathless like that. “I do.”
She blinked several times. “But you don’t want to get married. You said so the first night I met you.”
“Marriage is required of me.” His hand trailed up her back in a slow, light caress. And while the touch spoke of affection, the words left her rather cold. “And while I intended to wait, I doubt I will find another woman quite like you.”
Well that warmed her. It was a declaration of affection at the very least.
But he wasn’t finished. “And our match could be mutually beneficial.”
“How so?” she asked as his lips brushed hers once more. Which wasn’t entirely fair. How was she to make a wise decision with him touching her like this?
“I require an heir. You would like to do charity work. If you might agree to helping me fulfill my ducal obligations, I’ll aid you in your societal ones.”
“How many?” She pulled away then wanting to see his face. His words made complete sense but her heart wanted something more. She had been content not to marry, but here in his arms it sounded better and better. Though not if it was only an arrangement of convenience for him. Somehow that seemed worse than being a fallen spinster.
“Orphanages? As many as you desire.” He searched her face, still holding her close. His words did ease her sudden fears. At least, if she agreed to this, she’d still be able to help society. Because part of her wanted to say yes. Desperately wanted to say yes.
“Children,” she corrected. His offer was so sterile, despite their current seating arrangement, that she felt the need to clarify. What if, after one child, they became a business partnership? The idea filled her with absolute dread.
But there was nothing sterile about his gaze as he answered her. It was hot and wanton and it made her fears ease considerably. “Also as many as you desire. Though I must insist on two at least.”
Before she could answer, a banging noise erupted from the foyer. It startled Tricia so that she nearly jumped from his lap. But he held her tight. “Someone is knocking on the door.”
“At this hour?” she asked incredulously. She wondered whom it might be but it didn’t take long before she had her answer.
“Open up, Landon,” Luke’s voice called clearly through the door. “I know she is in there.”
“Oh no,” Tricia gasped. Apparently today she couldn’t get away with anything.
“Oh yes,” Ryker winked at her. Then he called out, “Let him in.”
Chapter Eight
Ryker waited for Luke to enter. As Tricia tried once again to climb off his lap, he held her firm. She hadn’t answered yet. But she’d marry him, he was certain of it.
And not just because he was used to getting his way. Sussex would force the issue, and if he didn’t, someone else in her family would. If they didn’t, he would force it himself. He needed her, loved her and all her sweet troublesome ways. He’d liked his life orderly, but now, he couldn’t go back. All the warmth she brought was too tempting indeed. It was like air, or water. There was no living without it.
His butler showed Luke in and for the first time since Ryker had met him, he did not have that devil-may-care look on his face. Quite to the contrary, he looked rather serious and spitting mad.
“What the bloody hell are you doing here at this time of night?” Luke’s voice was a good deal louder than he’d expected. He was sure half the servants had heard it.
“Quiet,” Ryker replied casually. “We don’t want to tarnish her reputation in front of her future staff.”
Luke tried to say several words but none came out as his eyes grew rounder and more wild with every second. “You…she…what the devil…it’s…bloody hell,” he finally spit out. “Did you ask her then?”
“I did,” Ryker answered. “But you rather rudely interrupted before she had the opportunity to answer.”
Luke gave them an incredulous glare. “Answer the man, Tricia. Let’s have this business done then.”
Tricia frowned slightly. “I object to this being referred to as business. Is your marriage a business?”
Ryker cleared his throat. While his reasons had been sound, perhaps a list of benefits hadn’t been the best choice in a proposal. While she had been speaking to Luke, he couldn’t help but notice she still hadn’t answered. “It isn’t business, love.” His hand reached up to caress her cheek. “I only mentioned the orphanages and my support of them so that you knew I didn’t expect you to give up your other dreams. It would be my pleasure if you would agree to be my wife.”
He watched her eyes go from wary to glowing, the curve of her cheek as she grinned at him touchably soft. He longed to kiss her again. Even more so when she answered. “In that case, I accept.”
“Good,” Luke interrupted running his hands through his hair. “I’ve only just realized that I hope the baby Clarissa carries is not a girl.”
Tricia pressed her lips together and Ryker knew she was trying not to giggle. “You don’t mean that. Doesn’t a little Tabbie
sound wonderful?”
“Your sister is a menace,” Luke grunted. “I love her, but there is no denying that woman anything. I thought you were more sensible but…” He gestured to her perched on Ryker’s lap.
“How did your secret meeting go?” she asked, clearly ignoring her brother-in-law’s comment.
Luke glared at her again. “How did you know about that? And you’re changing the subject.”
“It went very well.” Ryker squeezed her a little tighter. Sometimes, she was too smart for her own good. “But please don’t change the subject, we’re talking about your dangerous nocturnal habits.” Ryker couldn’t blame Luke for being upset. Tricia had to stop roaming around the streets of London at night, it simply wasn’t safe.
She made a pishing noise. “You ought to tell me more. Tabbie too. We could help you.”
“Not in this,” Ryker answered even as Luke opened his mouth to speak as well.
Luke closed his and gave Ryker a nod of approval. “It’s time to go, Tricia. I don’t like leaving your sister unattended.”
She let out a sigh, “All that sneaking around and I’ve only been here a few minutes.”
Ryker suppressed a rumble of laughter. Lord, this woman was entertaining. He gave her a little squeeze as he realized he’d laughed more in the last two days than he had the past two years. And she was going to be his.
Though he had a feeling that he would end up exactly like his future brother-in-law. Completely smitten and unable to deny Tricia a thing. Much as he’d told himself this would be a business transaction, he was losing his heart to this sweet beautiful woman. “Luke is right. You need your rest.”
Her lips turned down into a frown, but she slowly rose from his lap and he followed suit. Walking them both to the door, he watched as Luke helped her into his waiting carriage. Part of him wanted to snatch her back and snuggle her up against himself again. Take her to his bed and keep her there for a week or a month or more.
Soon enough, he told himself. Tomorrow he’d get a special license. He’d have the banns posted and they’d marry in two weeks. That should give him enough time to clear up the issue of the theft even if he hadn’t tracked down all of the Prince Regent’s missing jewels.
Mr. Hart would begin discreetly following his solicitor to attempt to gain evidence.
He rubbed his hands over his face. Perhaps he should fill Tricia in on the details of his investigation. While he risked her getting more involved than she already had, he might be able to scare her into staying safely tucked in her home.
But even as he thought it, he dismissed it. This was the woman who had gone to the docklands in the middle of the night unchaperoned. She’d never exercise the proper amount of caution.
No, it was far better to keep her out of it and ignorant to the details. That would keep her safe.
* * *
Tricia woke late the next morning, having slept exceedingly well for the first time in days. Stretching, she rose from the bed and began scrubbing her face. Tabbie was surely waiting for her so they could go back to visit with her father.
Making her way downstairs, she entered the breakfast room to find both Tabbie and Luke still there. Smiling, she helped herself to a pasty and a cup of tea.
“Do you mind if we stop at the bakery on the way?” Her sister gave her a smile. “I am absolutely craving one of their meat pasties.”
“Of course,” Tricia gave her sister an indulgent smile. They were sitting eating a meal but a pregnant woman was allowed such indulgences and the pasties were excellent.
“We’re lucky to have such a fantastic shop so close,” Luke winked. “Though, it means that we often meet some of London’s finest.”
A niggle of doubt shivered down Tricia’s spine after the events of the evening before. But, she would hold her head high. The engagement would be announced soon enough and then the whispers would be far less obvious.
With that in mind, she tilted her chin up as she and Tabbie made their way into the bakery.
A quick sweep of the room told her she had little to fear. She didn’t recognize any of her peers. The shop was quiet except for two men sitting in the corner. Though their clothes spoke of affluence, their heads were bent together deep in conversation as though they were conspiring.
Tabbie and Tricia took a seat, ordering tea and pasties to be wrapped for later.
“We won’t stay long,” Tabbie gave her a smile. “I’m anxious to see father.”
“As am I,” Tricia nodded. She nearly added that she was also eager to leave society’s eye but then one of the men in the corner caught her notice. Well-dressed, he was round about the middle in a most familiar way. It only took a second before she realized he was the man she’d seen in the docklands the night she’d met Ryker.
Her mouth went dry and her eyes rounded when another caught her notice. Mr. Hart, Ryker’s detective, walked into the shop. He didn’t look at the other man, nor did he make eye contact with her. Instead, he took a seat with his back to all of them. She noted, however, that he was close enough to overhear anything that might be said.
She nearly spoke to him but a quick jerk of his head made her jaw snap closed. As calmly as she could, she took a sip of her tea.
“Tricia,” Tabbie whispered, clearly sensing something was amiss.
Tricia had a moment where she considered telling her sister everything. They could follow the portly fellow and help Ryker. But Mr. Hart clearly had it under control and her father needed them both. They’d already spent too much time away from him. “I’m just feeling a bit faint. I must have overset myself last night.”
Tabbie’s eyes narrowed. They were not women to be overset.
But their pasties arrived, neatly packaged, and so Tabbie stood, readying to leave. Tricia followed suit and the two headed toward the door. Tricia, for one, would be glad to leave this place. She’d explain everything once they were in the safety of Tabbie’s carriage.
“Lady Sussex,” the portly man called from his chair, rising to greet them.
Tricia’s heart thumped in her chest as she tapped her sister several times on the back to alert her to the danger. She felt Tabbie start but her voice was calm as she answered, “Yes.”
“I hope you’ll forgive my forwardness,” he gave her an easy smile. “But your husband and I are well-acquainted.”
“And you are?” Tabbie’s voice snapped with an authority that she rarely used but Tricia was impressed by.
“Mr. Stanley Winters, my lady. I am a solicitor by trade and work for several clients you would be acquainted with, including the Duke of Landon.”
If he meant that to soothe them, it had the opposite effect. Tricia immediately understood that he was behind the thefts. She’d seen him that night, he had access to Ryker’s personal papers. She touched her sister’s back again, wanting her to know the danger was still there.
“Mr. Winters, you will have to forgive us. We are late for a pressing appointment. But if you need something from my husband, I suggest you reach out to our solicitor. I’m sure you already have the particulars.”
He gave a nod even as he frowned and Tabbie turned, grabbing Tricia’s arm and leading her out of the shop.
Tricia’s heart was hammering in her chest as they stepped out onto the cobblestone street. The blasted carriage had yet to loop back for them and they stood, alone.
For a wild second, Tricia craned her neck looking for it when the bell to the shop’s door rang signaling that someone was entering or leaving. As she made to look back, something hard pressed into her back.
Mr. Winters stepped into their view. “You’ll have to forgive my associates’ rudeness,” he said, his voice still butter soft. Tricia glanced back to see the two other men from the shop just behind them. “But our business with your husband is rather urgent. You ladies will have to come with us.”
Tabbie opened her mouth to speak, but Mr. Winters made a tutting noise. “Quietly, now. What you feel in your backs it the barrel of a
pistol. We wouldn’t want to hurt either of you ladies or your precious bundle.” He flicked his wrist toward Tabbie’s belly. He’d noticed the pregnancy.
Tricia felt fear trickling down her spine as she grasped Tabbie’s hand. Pressure at her back had them moving forward as another carriage rumbled to a stop in front of them.
Without another word, Mr. Winters climbed in the carriage and then the two men behind them pressed the pistols harder until both Tabbie and Tricia followed him in.
One of the armed assailants came just behind them, and Tricia could only assume the other was seated with the driver. Just as carriage began rolling, she spotted Mr. Hart. He gave her another nod and she knew he knew what was happening.
Relief almost made her limp. They just had to stay alive long enough to be rescued.
Tabbie cleared her throat. Tricia looked over to find her sister nonchalantly assessing Mr. Winters. As though they were out walking about the park rather than being held at gunpoint, her sister quirked a brow. “So, Mr. Winters. Tell me about this pressing business.”
He gave her an appreciative smile. “I do enjoy a woman who does not fuss and cry. So much more becoming in my opinion.” He winked at them both. “Your husband and some of his associates inserted themselves into business where they didn’t belong last night.”
“I see,” Tabbie gave her the tiniest glance. Tricia’s own heart hammered in her chest. They hadn’t mentioned Ryker at all.
“We’d like to remind him to stay out of our affairs. Hopefully your visit with us does just that.” Mr. Winters gave them another benign smile that Tricia was certain hid a black heart. It made her feel even less secure than she had moments ago.
“My husband is a reasonable man. I am sure if you simply talked with him—”
“No, Lady Sussex, that will not suffice. Now, who was the other gentleman you were at the ball with last night?”
Tricia swallowed.
My Duke's Seduction Page 7