Katelyn’s betrothed would be underfoot the entire weekend, and given his luck, he might even stay for the rest of the party. Damn the man! Why had he not just stayed away?
It had been bad enough with Aunt Lillith’s arrival, but they had found a way around that. How could they possibly find their way around an insecure fiancé?
“She looked bloody miserable,” Victor said, finishing off a cup of tea. “Did you see the look on her face when we walked into the drawing room? You would have thought she had seen a ghost.”
She had looked pale, until Balliford had given her the pearls. Then she had flushed to the roots of her hair.
Sinjin gritted his teeth, angry at the circumstance he now found himself in. He wanted to be the one to give Katelyn jewels and pretty things. Did the man not recognize that she did not want him? She had barely been able to keep eye contact with him, for God’s sake!
“Her aunt was quite determined about her staying, wasn’t she?” Victor said, lifting his brows. “She is quite a delightful creature, I must say.”
Lillith’s reaction to Balliford had actually surprised Sinjin.
“I am sorry I missed it,” Rory said, straightening his jacket. “I can hardly wait to see how it all plays out tonight.”
“I will do my best to keep Balliford occupied so that you may entertain Lady Katelyn,” Victor said.
Jeffries walked in. “It is time for the ball, my lords.”
* * *
Sinjin dreaded the hours to come. He was in a horrible mood. The entire house was alive with laughter and chatter. Any other time Sinjin would have looked forward to hosting such an event, but he could not shake the sensation of loss he felt. He had been living in a fantasy these past days since taking Katelyn’s virginity, and now with Lord Balliford’s arrival, reality had hit him straight between the eyes.
Taking his place at the receiving line with his brothers and mother, Sinjin resolved to keep his cool.
Betsy smiled at each of them, her gaze falling on Sinjin and lingering. “All will be well, my dear. You shall see.”
He did not have time to ask her what she meant by that comment when the doors opened and the guests filed through.
Nearly an hour passed by the time he finally saw Katelyn. She stood in line with Lord Balliford, her aunt, and her sister, looking like a rose amongst daisies. The cream-colored gown hugged her lithe body, the low bodice showing a huge expanse of skin. She wore her hair up in a high chignon, which emphasized her long, delicate neck and the pearls her betrothed had given her.
“You are staring,” Victor said under his breath, and Sinjin looked away, diverting his attention back to the guests.
Endless minutes passed; then she stood before him, more ravishing than ever. Her green eyes were guarded, and he remembered not to hold her hand too long or to pay her too much attention, especially since her future husband stood not a foot away, watching every single gesture with an eagle eye.
Sinjin had cavorted with married women before, so he knew how to fake it with the best of them, but he found it especially hard to pretend indifference when he wanted nothing more than to sweep Katelyn up into his arms, whisk her away, and never return.
“Enjoy your evening,” Sinjin said, dropping her hand and coming face-to-face with his nemesis.
Balliford was dressed in an unflattering suit that fit too tight at his waist, the bottom button threatening to break loose at any second. His face was flushed and shiny, the light gleaming off his forehead. “Good evening,” he said with a curt nod, then walked off.
Sinjin watched from a distance as Katelyn and Balliford took to the dance floor. The man was graceful, aware of every step and every touch. He was proud of Katelyn, too, his chin lifted high, a smug smile on his thin lips, looking around to see who watched them. Sinjin had already heard one group of young ladies snicker that Lady Katelyn’s old fiancé had come to the ball because he was so possessive and jealous.
Across the room, Sinjin caught Lillith’s gaze. She flashed a sympathetic smile in his direction before going back to watching her nieces.
After receiving their final guest, Sinjin made an effort to dance with a myriad of women, and to make conversation with each, but his mind continued to be with Katelyn. He had not yet asked her to dance, and he feared doing so, sure that anyone watching the two would be able to tell that they were more than just friends.
It was shortly after midnight when he saw Katelyn and Balliford walking toward the double doors that led out to the verandah, along with an older gentleman who Sinjin did not recognize.
Katelyn glanced Sinjin’s way and he motioned for her to come to him. She said something to Balliford, who looked aggravated but nodded, and the older man stepped out onto the verandah with his companion.
Sinjin made his way into his father’s study, making sure to keep the door slightly ajar.
Katelyn appeared a second later, closing the door behind her. “Sinjin, I cannot be long. He is waiting for me.”
He crossed the room and took her into his arms.
“He wants to leave tomorrow.”
Sinjin’s stomach fell to his feet. “Tell me he is the only one leaving.”
“Both of us are leaving, Sinjin.”
“Tell him no.”
“You don’t understand. I have no choice in the matter. He will not listen to anyone, not even Aunt Lillith. I have talked about my desire to stay with my sister, but, as always, my pleas fall on deaf ears.”
He felt physically sick at the prospect of never seeing her again.
She stiffened in his arms. “Oh my God, I can see him from here.” She took a step away from the window and ran her hands down her face. “I am in hell.”
Sinjin came up from behind her, and sure enough, from where she stood, he could see Ronald and his companion smoking cigars on the verandah.
Katelyn slinked away from the window and from Sinjin. “I do not know what to do, Sinjin,” she whispered, terrified of discovery. “If he insists on leaving, I should go with him.”
“You are not married to him, Katelyn.” His irritation was obvious. “He has no right to take you from your chaperone.”
“I feel so helpless.”
He pulled her up against him and kissed the top of her head. “Do not leave, Katelyn. Please don’t leave.”
“I don’t want to. I want to stay with you.” She hugged him tight, her hands moving down his strong back, over the curve of his high buttocks.
Every hair on Katelyn’s body stood on end as tendrils of desire rushed through her. She lifted her face to his and kissed him with all the desperation she’d been feeling since Ronald had arrived.
What if this was the last time they would be together?
He kissed a trail to her shoulder, his hands moving up to her breasts, where he slid his fingers into her bodice, his thumb and finger playing with her nipples, pulling them into tight nubs.
He lifted her skirts with a hand and found her hot, moist center. His cock was against her belly, so hard and throbbing.
Sinjin lifted her in his arms, set her on the edge of the side table, and stepped between her spread thighs.
He went to his knees, then licked her folds.
She bit her bottom lip as he continued to pleasure her, all the while she could see Ronald’s shoulder from the corner of her eye. If he were to turn slightly to his right and look their way, he could see everything.
Sinjin had loosened her gown enough so he had full access to her breasts, and her skirts were bunched up to her waist. He licked and sucked until she was moaning and writhing.
When he stood, his cock swelled against his navel; he unbuttoned his pants and pushed them to his knees. He stepped between her spread thighs and slid the thick head of his shaft inside her welcoming heat.
He lowered his head and suckled on a nipple, using his teeth with infinite skill. She bit her lip to keep from crying out in ecstasy and glanced toward the window. Sinjin followed her gaze. Balliford was so close
.
Sinjin’s thrusts became harder and bolder.
Her breasts bounced with each deep thrust, and he reveled in the feel of her nails digging into his back as he pumped into her in long, steady strokes.
Sinjin kissed Katelyn, and she deepened the kiss, her hips arching against him as she started the steady climb to a powerful orgasm.
He tilted his pelvis against her, grinding against her sensitive nub, over and over again. It was the perfect amount of pressure, and she swallowed a moan.
“Do you like that?” he whispered against her lips.
She nodded.
Her eyes were so heavy-lidded, so intense and passionate that he could not look away.
Ronald moved closer to the window. He stood in profile, his back slightly to the window. Katelyn’s legs clamped around Sinjin’s waist, her hips arching.
He barely moved and she came hard, rolling her hips against him. He followed close behind.
Katelyn fought to catch her breath. Sinjin rested between her spread thighs, his clothing in wild disarray, as was her own. They were so dynamic together, the chemistry so intense that, if they did marry, they would never be able to keep their hands off each other.
“Come, Katelyn, we must get back.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“I don’t want to either.” He kissed her softly, his hands framing her face. “Just promise me you won’t leave.”
She nodded. “I promise.”
16
Ronald had a horrible feeling deep in his gut that he could not get rid of.
From the moment he had stepped foot in Claymoore Hall, he knew something had changed between Katelyn and him, and he feared she had fallen in love with another man.
It hadn’t taken long to realize who the other man was, either. Whenever Sinjin Rayborne came around, Katelyn became nervous, shifting on her feet, her cheeks flushing pink.
Sinjin was handsome, to be sure, and a womanizing rakehell who had a reputation as a renowned lover, or at least such was the reports Ronald had received since arriving at Claymoore Hall.
Just how far the relationship had progressed, he was not sure. He wanted to believe Katelyn’s bitch of an aunt had taken some responsibility and played her part as chaperone, but she had only just arrived a few nights before. What had happened before her arrival was what he would like to know.
And how on earth could he take her away without causing further speculation, for the last thing he wanted was the ton thinking he had no control over his betrothed, or that she had given herself to another man.
Most, if not all, of the men he knew would call off the wedding. Katelyn would be ruined, destroyed, destined to become a spinster, or most likely, a mistress or courtesan. She would be in high demand, to be sure. Most men did not have a fiancée like Katelyn. She was too beautiful to give up. His nails bit into his palms.
What to do…
He could handle things one of two ways—remove her from Claymoore Hall and push up the wedding, or stay on the remainder of the party, and act the besotted suitor and riddle her with praise. At least that way everyone would believe they were happy. Once he took her home to Rose Alley, she would never again see Sinjin or her family. He would keep her on a very tight leash.
His gut told him to take her home, but his pride screamed to stay on and prove to Sinjin Rayborne that he had won her. That he would marry her.
He met Katelyn at her chamber door. She looked amazing in an emerald-colored gown that hugged her firm breasts. He was surprised she did not wear a modesty piece as he had requested in his home. No doubt another display of independence. Well, he would squash that stubborn streak soon enough.
They walked to the dining room in silence. Only when they were seated did he engage in conversation. “You look a bit pale, my dear.”
“Am I?” she asked, not even looking at him.
Ronald cleared his throat, demanding her attention. “Are you well rested after your nap this afternoon, my dear?”
“Yes, my lord,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
At Rose Alley, she had tried to engage him in conversation, but it had been awkward in his sister’s presence. Meredith had always been mistress of his home, and she did not like the idea of sharing those duties with Katelyn.
“Did you enjoy your ride this afternoon, my lord?”
“I did not ride, but instead wrote to my sister.”
She nodded. “I am sure she misses you.”
He felt his cheeks turn hot. “I understand staying with your sister is important to you, and therefore, I have written my steward and asked him to clear my calendar so that I can remain here at Claymoore Hall with you.”
Her eyes instantly lit up, and he was not fool enough to think her happiness had anything to do with him staying on.
He glanced down the table at his nemesis, who was talking to a handsome young woman who seemed to monopolize his attention. It must be tearing Katelyn apart to watch the bastard woo another woman, he thought with an inward smile.
“Are you pleased?”
“Yes, thank you, my lord.”
“I am glad. I had hoped you would be.”
“Very much so, my lord.”
Ronald had brought along one of his most faithful servants, and he would have Katelyn watched around the clock from here on out.
After the final course had been served, Sinjin stood and tapped his knife against a wineglass. “Gentlemen, please join me for brandy and cigars in the parlor. Ladies, follow my mother into the drawing room for tea.”
“I shall see you to your room after I have a cigar with the men,” Ronald said.
“Yes, my lord.”
He helped her to her feet and placed a hand on her slender hip.
Sinjin glanced at them, his gaze slipping to where Ronald’s hand rested at her waist.
Ronald walked her toward the drawing room where he kissed her hand, lingering over it while Sinjin watched. “I do believe Sinjin Rayborne is smitten with you. I would not think it wise for you to do or say anything that might encourage him.”
As expected, she looked alarmed. Her throat convulsed as she swallowed hard. “You are mistaken, my lord. Lord Mawbry has no interest in me.”
He leaned toward her, his fingers tightening on her arm. “I do not like being laughed at or made a fool of, Katelyn, is that understood?”
She glanced down at where he held her. “You are hurting me, my lord.”
He loosened his grip slightly. “Do you understand?”
“Everyone knows I am engaged to you, my lord.”
“Do they, now?”
“Yes, especially since your unexpected arrival.”
He dropped his hold on her. She barely inclined her head before walking off in the opposite direction.
“Katelyn,” he said before she could get too far.
She stopped but did not turn to look at him. Soon enough he would sever that willful streak.
“I shall walk you to your chamber at a quarter past nine. Be ready.”
She continued on her way.
* * *
Katelyn wished she had stayed in bed like her sister had rather than venture out with Ronald this morning. He had said he had a surprise for her. Little did she realize that surprise was watching an archery match between himself and a few male acquaintances, including the Rayborne brothers.
Last night her worst fears had been realized. Ronald knew about Sinjin. Just how much he knew was uncertain, but that did not matter now. He knew, and he would stop at nothing to end it. No doubt he had sent word to her mother. What next—would she too arrive at Claymoore Hall?
She wished to be far away from Lord Balliford, and most of all, far away from her dismal future.
Sinjin barely glanced at her. Apparently, he had read her letter. Last night she had told him in little words that they could no longer be, that Ronald knew the truth, and to continue on as they had been would be foolhardy.
“You look upset, m
y dear.”
Aunt Lillith, who sat down beside Katelyn, kept her voice low so that the few other guests did not overhear her.
“I barely slept last night.”
“I am so sorry, Katie.” Lillith squeezed her hand. “I want you to know that you can confide in me, my dear. You can tell me anything, and I swear I will not utter a word to anyone.”
“Ronald knows about Sinjin.”
Her eyes widened in alarm. “How on earth?”
“I must have been obvious. He told me that he would not give me up, and so I sent Sinjin a letter telling him that Ronald knew about us, and that we must end our relationship.”
“And you regret sending the letter.”
“More than anything, even though I know it is for the best. Sinjin must find a woman to marry, and I will have to marry Ronald.”
“Is that really what you want, Katelyn?”
Katelyn glanced over at Sinjin, who looked incredibly handsome and relaxed in navy pants tucked into black Hessians, and a plain linen shirt that opened at the neck. “No.”
Lillith smiled softly. “Perhaps you should speak to Sinjin. Tell him how you feel, that you don’t wish to marry Ronald. That you wish to marry him.”
“I do not know if he wants to marry me.”
“Then perhaps now is the time to be honest with each other. Time is of the essence.”
“I am afraid of what his answer might be. I mean, what if he is relieved?”
“Look at him, Katelyn,” Lillith whispered. “He is furious. You can sense it in him, from his stance to the way he is gritting his teeth. I am surprised they do not snap.”
Hope flared within Katelyn. “Do you think so?”
“Yes, you might be surprised how much he wants you.”
“I would be so happy, but as you said before, my mother would never stand for it.”
“Your mother might have to stand for it,” Lillith replied, not hiding her agitation.
With her mind made up, Katelyn said, “I will speak to him.”
Sinjin Page 12