Katelyn glanced up as Sinjin and Lady Celeste danced by, and their gazes finally met and held, but only for an instant. There was little expression on his face, and yet she sensed his jealousy. The same jealousy that raged within her.
She smiled inwardly. Maybe Marilyn was right.
Thomas pulled her closer, so close she could feel a certain part of his anatomy pressing against her belly. She tried to distance herself, but the hand at her waist pulled her closer. “Meet me in the garden tonight, Lady Kate?”
She nearly stumbled over her feet. “I fear you mistake me for someone else. I am a chaperone here, sir.”
“A chaperone?” he asked, a slight curl to his lip that was downright mocking.
“Indeed, I am engaged to be married.”
He shrugged. “A mere inconvenience.” His hot breath fanned her throat. “I can bring you pleasure the likes you have never experienced before.”
Arrogant cad! She did not know whether to laugh or slap his face. She ultimately dropped her gaze, and he chuckled under his breath.
“I like your spirit.” He pulled her tight. “I want us to be the most intimate of friends.”
How she yearned to lift her knee and hurt him where it would injure him most.
Not liking the way he baited her, she ignored him and hoped the dance would end soon.
The smile slid from his features, but only for an instant. “We are friends, are we not, Lady Katelyn?”
“Yes, of course we are friends.” She deliberately stepped on his foot. “I am so sorry. Forgive me.”
“You can make it up to me later, outside in the garden,” he whispered against her ear.
8
Sinjin was ready to rip Thomas’s head clean from his body. Not only had the man held Katelyn in a most intimate manner, Sinjin could tell by the look on her face and her high color that he had said something inappropriate. He could only imagine what.
Sinjin danced with Lady Celeste, and his mother positively beamed at him as he waltzed by.
He smiled and returned his attention to Celeste. He had gone out of his way to be kind to the young woman all night, and now he worried that he might be leading her astray. He didn’t want to give her false hope. It was odd to be in such a position as he now found himself, and he did not like it one bit.
He liked even less that he was falling hard for a woman who was engaged to another man. Try as he might to convince himself that he must find another woman because Katelyn was spoken for, Sinjin could not conjure any excitement to do so. The woman he desired was engaged to another, and now as she danced with another man, he felt ready to come out of his skin.
He did not want anyone else touching her.
What would it be like to go to bed beside such a woman each night, and wake up with her every day? He envisioned living at his rural estate in Somerset, checking the crops and attending to business during the day, and returning to her every night.
Never had he considered a life of such domestic tranquility before. In fact, he spent less than a month each year at his country home because he could not bear to be away from all the trappings of society.
However, now he envisioned a more relaxed existence at his estate. He imagined Kate’s belly round with child, and that wedded bliss could be a reality.
“My chaperone tells me that there is a hunt tomorrow afternoon. I would like to attend—that is, if you do not mind.”
“Why would I mind?”
She lifted a brow. “Some men do not believe women should hunt.”
“I think a person must do what pleases them.”
“So you approve?”
“I would think that approval would come from your chaperone instead of myself.”
It was obvious by her expression that his answer disappointed.
Katelyn and Thomas danced past them, and the Irishman’s lips nearly brushed Katelyn’s neck. Sinjin straightened his spine.
“My lord, I wish to please you,” Celeste said.
Sinjin returned his attention to her. “If you wish to participate in the hunt, then by all means, please do so.” He hoped he did not sound as irritated as he felt.
Her lips curved. “Then I shall.”
He refrained from rolling his eyes. “I look forward to it.”
Victor danced with Marilyn. He winked as he passed Sinjin.
As the last notes of the waltz faded into the high ceiling, Sinjin breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank you so much for the dance, Lady Celeste,” he said, taking her by the hand and walking her back to her chaperone.
He handed her off to the woman, who looked extremely pleased. Giving a formal bow, he walked straight for Katelyn, not stopping to talk to anyone else.
Thomas had walked Katelyn to the far side of the room, and she looked around anxiously, probably for her sister, who was busy talking to another guest.
“Mr. Lehman, what a surprise. I was not aware you would be joining us,” Sinjin said, keeping his voice cordial.
“Lord Mawbry. I came with a good friend of your younger brother’s. I hope you do not mind.”
“Not at all,” he lied.
Sinjin glanced past him to Katelyn. “May I have the pleasure of the next dance, Lady Katelyn?” Sinjin asked, extending his arm.
She looked genuinely pleased by his request. “Of course, my lord,” she said, her fingers slipping around his elbow. How lovely she was…her features so fine and delicate, her green eyes brilliant.
“Please excuse us, Mr. Lehman,” Sinjin said, and Thomas gave a curt nod as they walked by.
Katelyn smelled incredible—a feminine scent of jasmine with a hint of vanilla. He yearned to bury his face in the soft red curls that had been painstakingly adorned atop her head. A few tendrils fell around her delicate throat.
They said nothing to each other while they walked to the dance floor. Once there, he took his place across from her, ready for the music to begin.
She breathed deeply, her full breasts rising from the tight confines of her low bodice. He noted the diamond necklace she wore. A gift from Balliford, perhaps?
The gown of blue silk clung to her body like a second skin. It was one of the finest gowns she had worn so far, and he wanted to buy her more, to spoil her beyond reason. She deserved only the best, and what a joy it would be to clothe that body, draping those lovely curves in the finest materials money could buy.
The music started and they moved forward, toward each other, and held hands, the steps taking them down the aisle of other dancers. “Have you enjoyed yourself tonight, my lord?”
“I have, thank you. And you?”
She nodded. “Very much.”
Was she playing with him? “I was not aware you knew Mr. Lehman.”
“I did not know him until tonight.”
“From the way you got on, I thought perhaps you were old friends.”
“No, we are not.”
He breathed deeply through his nose, hoping to regain his composure. It would not serve him to act the jilted lover.
“Lady Celeste is lovely,” she blurted, and to his surprise, he saw jealousy in her eyes.
“Indeed, she is.”
Sinjin’s gaze followed hers. Ironically, Celeste was dancing with Thomas.
She winced. “Oh, you have competition, I am afraid.”
“Thomas Lehman is hardly what I would call competition.”
“I understand he is quite wealthy. Some women might be enticed, despite the fact he has no title.”
Sinjin’s lips quirked. “What else have you heard?”
She smiled coyly. “I dare not say what else.”
“You forget how far a title goes in high society.”
“You need not remind me,” Katelyn murmured.
The step brought them together, and she took his hand as the dance required. “Meet me outside in ten minutes,” he said.
“Where?”
“At the east exit you’ll find a pathway that leads to a walled-in garden.”
&nbs
p; “I shall try my best.”
* * *
Ten minutes later, Sinjin stood in the gardens, waiting for Katelyn to arrive. He took a deep breath of fresh air while listening for the door.
He made sure to stay out of sight of any of the windows on the second and third floors that looked out into the gardens. At a young age, he had learned each curve of the stone pathway and knew by experience the most advantageous positions in which to stay free of prying eyes.
He remembered his first such experience with a scullery maid. She had been twenty-six and he a boy of fourteen when she had introduced him to the joys of sex. He had never wanted to leave Claymoore Hall after that fateful encounter…that was until his father had found him in a compromising position with said servant. The woman had been immediately relieved of her duties, and Sinjin had been heartbroken—until he took up with her replacement shortly thereafter.
A door opened and Katelyn appeared, taking him away from his musings. She looked uncertain as she started down the pathway toward him.
He waited until she was nearly upon him to reach out and grab her hand.
She gasped, “Sinjin, you startled me.”
“Sorry, I just wanted to be careful.”
She glanced back over her shoulder at the manor. “We cannot be gone long.”
“I have wanted to be alone with you all night,” he said, pulling her close.
“And I have wanted to be with you.” The words thrilled him.
The bodice of her gown was low, making it easy to access her breasts. He cupped the lovely mounds, dropping a kiss on each delectable slope. His thumbs brushed over her nipples and she released a ragged breath.
How he ached to take her beneath him, to claim her maidenhead right here and now. But Katelyn was not a lightskirt to be taken at whim.
He licked each nipple before taking one into his mouth and sucking lightly.
She released a sigh, her hands threading through his hair, anchoring him there.
Katelyn couldn’t believe the incredible sensations rushing throughout her entire body. She felt like there was an invisible thread being pulled taut between her breasts and her woman’s flesh. Sinjin must have sensed her need because he moved his leg between her thighs, causing friction to the tiny bud at the top of her sex.
Her moans only served to fuel Sinjin’s desire. His cock hardened when she started moving against his thigh, her hot mound nearly burning through his pants.
They had entirely too many clothes on, and if he had his way, he’d have her naked beneath him. He had never wanted anyone so desperately.
Putting his own needs aside, he focused solely on her pleasure.
The friction against her sensitive sex was so great, combined with the feeling of his lips on her breast, that she cried out as her body pulsed with wave after wave of sensation.
She was completely caught up in the moment when in the distance she heard a door slam. Katelyn’s breath hitched as she registered footsteps coming their way.
Sinjin must have heard, too, because he put a finger to his lips.
Katelyn’s breasts were still exposed and she reached up to adjust her bodice. It would be bad enough to be discovered standing in the dark together, but being partially undressed would be even more incriminating.
Sinjin stepped farther into the shadows, bringing Katelyn with him. He could feel the pounding of her heart against his chest, see the concern in her eyes as she watched the pathway.
Thomas Lehman walked past a second later, the embers from his cigar burning bright.
Sinjin straightened. He appeared to be alone. What the hell? Had he followed Katelyn in the hopes of a liaison?
Katelyn glanced over and saw who it was, and her eyes widened.
“Lady Kate, are you out here? Do not hide from me.”
Katelyn opened her mouth in disbelief, and Sinjin put a finger to his lips.
A few minutes later, he walked back their way, his gaze scanning the brush.
For God’s sake, the man was certainly determined.
After he passed by, Sinjin slid his hands around Katelyn and pulled her close once again.
Once the door opened and shut, he kissed her tenderly. Katelyn savored the sensation of his velvety tongue sliding over hers, the feel of being in his strong arms, of feeling so desired.
“I cannot believe the nerve of that man,” she said against his lips.
“Forget him.”
The door to the manor opened and closed mere seconds later.
“Jesus Christ, if that is Lehman, I swear I will kill him.”
His eyes were so heavy-lidded and dark, and she wished more than anything they could finally consummate their relationship, for she wanted him as badly as he wanted her.
Perhaps more so.
“Katelyn, are you out here?”
“It is my sister,” Katelyn said, looking down to be sure her clothes had been set to rights.
Marilyn raced up the pathway and Katelyn stepped out. “Marilyn, what are you doing?”
“Thomas is roaming the house for you and asking where you got off to.” She glanced at Sinjin, her brows furrowing. “And your mother is searching for you as well.”
Apparently, he had not done a very good job at keeping his attraction to Katelyn a secret. He should have avoided dancing with her, but he could just as soon stop breathing.
“Then I shall put her mind at ease.” He kissed Katelyn’s cheek, then whispered in her ear, “Until tomorrow.”
9
Katelyn gripped the reins of her horse tight within her fist as she watched Lady Celeste ride out to meet Sinjin and his brothers. The woman looked absolutely stunning dressed in a blood-red riding habit that must have cost her father a small fortune. She was beautiful, elegant, and every man stared at her with desire.
Sinjin wore dark brown buckskin pants and a fawn-colored linen shirt. He looked deliciously handsome, and when he glanced in her direction, she could not help the thrill that rushed through her. She still found it hard to believe he had singled her out from all of the women the moment she had arrived at Claymoore Hall.
Lady Celeste said something to Sinjin, and he turned to her, a ready smile on his lips. Katelyn tried to ignore the jealousy rushing through her, but it was difficult, especially because Lady Rochester threw them together at every turn.
“You are far more beautiful than she is,” Marilyn said, as though reading Katelyn’s thoughts.
“You are only saying that to make me feel better.”
“And is it working?”
Katelyn shrugged. “It would not be so horrible if my riding habit wasn’t three seasons old.”
“Three seasons old it might be, but you look ravishing in it.”
The navy blue had faded with time, but the cut was flattering on Katelyn’s body—although it fit a bit tight on her breasts. “Thank you.”
“There is much to be happy about. It’s going to be a delightful day,” Marilyn said, lifting her face to the sunshine. “There is no one to tell us what to do. It is just the two of us—at least until Aunt Lillith arrives,” she said with a wink. “And we shall never forget this time for as long as we live.” She glanced at Katelyn and smiled. “Come, let us get a place in line. I’ll be damned if Lady Celeste is going to best me in this hunt.”
Those not participating in the hunt lined up on either side of the starting line. Katelyn realized with a pang that this very well could be the last time she was allowed to hunt, for Ronald had made it known to her, as had his sister, that women who participated in such events only did so to draw attention to themselves.
She shook her head. Each day she was away from Ronald, she felt more like her old, carefree self, and she could not imagine returning to such a humdrum existence.
“He is looking at you,” Marilyn said, grin in place.
Katelyn did not bother to ask whom Marilyn was talking about. She could feel Sinjin’s gaze on her as they approached and took their places in line.
&n
bsp; Rory flashed a wolfish smile as they approached.
Dressed much like his brother in buckskin pants and a lightweight shirt, Rory’s gaze shifted from Marilyn to Katelyn and back again. She had seen him riding with Lady Anna, an outspoken guest who never seemed to be without male companionship. The attractive blonde was also riding in the hunt, and when Katelyn glanced at her, Anna smiled coyly.
“I am delighted you are taking part in the hunt.” Rory’s gaze slipped to her chest, and Marilyn cleared her throat, which promptly brought his gaze back to where it should be.
Rory’s lips quirked. “I am glad you ladies are joining the hunt. Many of the other guests are not so inclined, which I find disappointing.”
“Our father insisted we learn to hunt from an early age.” Katelyn glanced at Marilyn. “And you should keep in mind the fact that my sister is an excellent shot.”
Rory sat up straighter. “Is she? Then it is a good thing we are friends.”
Katelyn grinned, feeling more at ease with him.
“Indeed, sir,” Marilyn said. “You are fortunate.”
Katelyn looked at Sinjin; their gazes caught and held for a moment. He nodded in greeting, and she gave a curt nod in return.
His dark hair was held back with a band, but already a strand had come loose and fell forward. It gave him a rugged, unfinished look, reminding her of a pirate. Oh, yes, she could see him as captain of a ship, and she his willing captive, she thought with an inward smile.
An elaborately dressed footman approached Sinjin, and only then did he look away. The two exchanged words, then seconds later the footman blew the horn.
The horses leapt off the line to the cheers of the women and men who did not participate, and followed the hounds, who barked excitedly.
Although her horse had seemed rather docile at first, now it charged forward, along with the others. Katelyn’s heart pounded in time to the horse’s gait.
Marilyn darted off to the left with Rory, and Katelyn considered following the same route, but instead stayed with the general pack, always keeping Sinjin in her sights. He finally broke from the pack and she followed at a distance. They rode at a steady pace, and the rest of the pack fell away.
Sinjin Page 6