The Hellion and The Heartbreaker

by McNare, Jennifer

  “A bite,” he clarified.

  “You were bitten by an animal?”

  “Not exactly,” he said, still smiling.

  Her curiosity piqued, Scarlett was loath to understand what Alec found so humorous about the incident. “Not exactly?”

  “If you must know, I somehow managed to incur the wrath of a pint-sized, red-haired hellion with incredibly sharp teeth.” His expression was decidedly amused as he watched the dawning realization of what he was insinuating cross Scarlett’s face. “As I recall, she had a powerful right foot as well.”

  Scarlett gasped in dismay as she realized what Alec was referring to. Without thinking, she moved from her seat to sit next to Alec, immediately grasping his hand and holding it up to the light of the lamp. Sure enough, she could just make out the faint scars that marred the top of his hand. “Oh Alec, I’m so sorry,” she said, her expression horrified as she studied the tiny white marks, brushing her own thumb lightly across the nearly indiscernible scars. Glancing upward, she caught the unguarded look on Alec’s face and froze. The amusement was gone, and in its place was something far together different. She realized then, that she was still holding his hand, their bodies mere inches apart.

  As Scarlett’s thumb rested against the flesh of his hand, Alec was suddenly reminded of all the times Scarlett had touched him before. The feel of her soft hands against his muscled chest, the gentle pressure of her delicate lips against his own, the feather light brush of her hair against his cheek; the memories all came flooding back. Their eyes met, and without conscious thought, Alec lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers.

  The touch of Alec’s lips was achingly familiar, despite the years that had passed. She leaned into him, unable to stop herself.

  Discerning Scarlett’s willing response, Alec deepened the kiss, moving his hands to the small of her back, pulling her against him. As her lips parted, he gave in to the delicious sensation, the past temporarily forgotten as he lost himself in the moment.

  Of their own volition, Scarlett’s hands moved to Alec’s chest and then slid upward until her fingers found their way to the back of his neck, tangling them in the silky-soft hair at his nape.

  Whatever doubts he may have had as to whether or not Scarlett would affect him as profoundly as she had in the past, he had them no longer. Easing her down against the plush velvet seat, he drew her legs upward so that she was lying beneath him as he braced himself with one foot against the floor of the coach. Fortunately they were in the largest and most luxurious of his vehicles, allowing them to position themselves comfortably.

  Scarlett felt a rush of exhilaration as the weight of Alec’s body pressed into her. Was it only a week ago that she was home at Grey Oaks, a moment like this happening only in her dreams? Although a tiny portion of her mind urged her to use caution, to hold a part of herself back, it seemed an impossible task.

  They kissed for what seemed like an eternity, blissfully unaware that the horses had picked up speed as the driver had gotten them through the worst of the traffic congestion. When Alec’s lips moved to the curve of her throat, Scarlett arched against him, turning her head to the side and biting her lower lip as his mouth and tongue laid a trail of fire along her throat and down to her chest, while his fingers moved to caress her breast through the thin fabric of her gown. Oh how she’d missed the splendor of his touch. She couldn’t help it, she wanted more.

  Sensing Scarlett’s willingness, as well as her growing need, Alec tugged gently at the bodice of her gown until her luscious breasts spilled free. Cupping one of the full mounds in his hand, he lightly flicked his thumb over the rigid peak of her nipple, and then softly drew it into his mouth. As he began to swirl his tongue around the sensitive nub, he was rewarded by her gasp of pleasure and the increased pressure of her fingers clutching at his back.

  Scarlett’s senses were reeling. She bit down on her lip to keep from crying out as Alec lavished her breast with attention. It had been so long. When his hand moved downward, tugging at the skirt of her gown, her own hands moved to his jacket, grasping at the buttons and pushing it from his shoulders. As she felt his fingers slide up her stocking covered leg, and then brush against the smooth skin of her inner thigh, she pulled his shirt from his trousers, sliding her hands inside to touch the naked planes of his chest.

  Finding the slit in her silken drawers, Alec pushed aside the delicate material, his fingers searching for her velvety smooth opening. Sliding a finger gently against her petal soft folds, he found her hot and wet. She moved wantonly against his hand, her body crying out for his touch. She was ready for him even now, though he’d barely touched her. In spite of himself, he couldn’t help wondering if she had responded to her husband with equal abandon. Forcing the disturbing thought aside, he plunged his finger inside of her, sliding it repeatedly back and forth as his thumb moved in a light circular motion against her delicate bud of arousal.

  Scarlett was completely lost to sensation as Alec pleasured her with his masterful touch, arousing her to a near frenzied desire. When he removed his hand, reaching for the buttons of his pants, she arched upward, her hands twining around his neck as she reined kisses along the length of his throat and eagerly parted her thighs.

  He had only managed to unfasten the top button, when he suddenly felt the unmistakable motion of the coach turning a corner. It was then that he realized his driver was no longer hampered by the congested streets surrounding the National Gallery and that the horses were now moving at a steady gait. In a matter of minutes, they would be pulling up outside the McPhearson residence. Bloody Hell! Pulling slightly away, he looked into Scarlett’s eyes now clouded with passion, her gaze unfocused.

  “Alec,” she murmured, trying to pull him back.

  “I’m sorry angel, but unfortunately we are not going to be able to finish what we started,” Alec muttered, drawing in a ragged breath as he fought to gain control of his rampant desire.

  Scarlett merely looked at Alec in confusion. She didn’t understand why he’d suddenly stopped, her passion drudged senses unable to comprehend what was happening.

  “Scarlett, we are almost home,” Alec told her, shifting his position and pulling her upright, attempting to rouse her from her sensual haze.

  Suddenly the fog within her head began to lift and she understood what Alec had just said. Mortified, she realized that she was sitting in the circle of Alec’s arms half-naked, her bodice pulled down to her waist, her skirts bunched up around her thighs. Gasping in horror, she shoved her skirts down, and then tugged frantically at her bodice. Dear lord, her gown was going to be a wrinkled mess and anyone who saw her would know exactly what they had been doing. She could only hope and pray that none of her brothers were at home when they arrived.

  As Scarlett worked frantically to restore her clothing to its prior state, Alec quickly began straightening his own clothing.

  Within minutes, the coach began to slow and then gradually came to a stop. Scarlett sat in silence, unable to look Alec in the face, thoroughly embarrassed by her wanton behavior. As they waited for one of the coachmen to lower the steps and open the door, she realized that just as before, Alec had only to touch her to send all rational thoughts skittering from her head.

  “Scarlett...” Alec began, and then halted as the door suddenly swung open. Damn it, he thought in frustration. He felt like a complete ass. What the hell had he been thinking, tossing up Scarlett’s skirts in the back of his coach like a rutting stag? Despite her willing participation, he blamed himself entirely. As it had been in the past, Scarlett seemed to be the one woman with the ability to completely rob him of whatever reason and good sense he possessed.

  Stepping down, Alec reached for Scarlett’s hand and assisted her from the vehicle. As they stepped onto the sidewalk, they were horrified to see Colin exit the front door and begin down the walk toward them.

  Scarlett could only hope that the darkness of the night concealed the worst of her dishevel.

  �
��Scarlett, Alec,” Colin greeted. “I was just off to meet the boys at the club.”

  It was only then that Alec noticed Colin’s own coach waiting at the curb, in front of his.

  “Did you enjoy your evening?” Colin asked politely.

  If her brother noticed anything amiss, he made no mention of it, for which Scarlett was exceedingly thankful. “Yes, the exhibit was wonderful,” she told him, though not nearly as enjoyable as the ride home had been, she thought, hoping he didn’t notice the telling blush staining her cheeks.

  “I’m glad,” Colin replied, and then turned his attention to Alec. “It’s still early, you’re welcome to join me if you’d like,” he said in a civil tone, motioning toward the waiting coach.

  “Actually, I believe I will call it a night, but I appreciate the offer.” Reaching for Scarlett’s hand, he brought it to his lips, placing a feather-light kiss upon the back. “Thank you for a lovely evening, My Lady.”

  “Thank you as well,” she replied softly.

  “I will be by to collect you at two o’clock tomorrow afternoon then.” As they had discussed earlier in the evening, he, Scarlett and Oliver would be paying a visit to his mother and grandmother the following afternoon.

  “Of course, we will be ready.”

  “If the two of you will excuse me, I will bid you goodnight,” he said with a polite bow, then walked back toward his coach, conversing for a moment with the driver, and then turning to the walk leading to his own residence.

  “I’ll see you in the morning Scarlett,” her brother said, opening the front door for her to enter, and then stepping back outside.

  “Goodnight Colin.”

  As she made her way up the stairs, her skin was still tingling from the warmth of Alec’s touch. Though she had vowed to keep a part of herself impervious to Alec’s overwhelming allure, her recent actions proved just how futile that was going to be. Despite the rational part of her brain that told her to guard her foolish heart, she knew that it was already too late. There was no denying that she was as much in love with Alec now, as she had been before. God help her.

  At half-past-twelve, Alec found himself walking across his rear courtyard, moving toward the garden gate that he and Scarlett had made use of so many times before. He didn’t really think that she would be there waiting for him, but he’d come anyhow. When he reached it, it was as he had assumed it would be. There was no one waiting on the other side. The disappointment he felt was somewhat startling in its intensity.

  Chapter 21

  When the doorbell sounded at half past one the flowing morning, Scarlett was sitting in the front parlor, penning a letter to Bethany, who was now married and expecting her first child in the fall. She glanced up in surprise; Alec wasn’t due to pick her and Oliver up for another thirty minutes. A moment later their butler appeared at the threshold of the parlor and announced that the Marquis of Fordham was at the door requesting to speak with her.

  “Please show him in,” she said, rising from her seat at the small writing desk. Smoothing her skirt, she walked forward to meet him as he appeared at the doorway. “William, how lovely to see you.”

  “Please forgive me for stopping by unannounced,” he began, smiling apologetically, “but I was hoping to speak with you.”

  “Actually, I’m glad you did,” she told him honestly. “Please, won’t you sit down,” she said, motioning toward the sofa. She knew William had been surprised to see her with Alec last night, and obviously, he was curious about their relationship. Considering the topic of their last conversation, she could hardly blame him. “Would you care for some refreshments?”

  “No, no. I’m fine, thank you.”

  Taking the seat next to him, she smiled softly. She knew she had to be honest with him, at least to the extent that she could be. “You were surprised to see me last night with Alec.”

  “I realize that he is a close family friend,” he said, hesitating for a moment before he continued. “However, I got the impression that there might be something more to it.”

  “I’m sorry, William,” she said, her tone clearly conveying her remorse. “I know that when we spoke the other night in the carriage, I encouraged your suit.” She met his gaze unwaveringly, hoping he would understand that she hadn’t intentionally misled him. “Please know that at the time, I spoke with the utmost sincerity. You are such a wonderful man, William, and you will never know how much I appreciate the kindness you have shown me since I’ve returned to London. It’s just that, since then… well… something’s happened, something I wasn’t…anticipating,” she said, suddenly looking away.

  “Something involving Alec Weston I take it?” he asked gently.

  Nodding, she looked down at her hands clasped tightly in her lap.

  “Scarlett, I hope you know that you can be honest with me,” he said, compelling her to look up and once again meet his gaze. When she did, he smiled reassuringly. “Even if you are no longer interested in pursuing our relationship, I want you to know that I have come to think of us as friends. I hope you feel the same way?”

  “Of course I do, William. Your friendship means a great deal to me,” she told him, relief evident in her eyes.

  “I must admit to being curious though. The something that’s happened? Is it that you’ve developed feelings for Alec?”

  Knowing William was an honorable man and looking into his understanding eyes, Scarlett knew that she could trust him. “I suppose I have always had feelings for Alec,” she told him honestly, “since I was little more than a child.”

  William’s expression was understanding, though perhaps a touch disappointed as well.

  “Mama, is it time to go?”

  Scarlett looked over William’s shoulder and saw her son barreling into the room, his face wreathed in excitement and anticipation.

  “Oliver, come and meet Lord Fordham,” she said, reaching for his hand and pulling him to her side. William’s eyes instantly became riveted on the boy and she felt her chest tighten. As she watched his face, Scarlett could almost see the direction his thoughts were taking. Perhaps if they hadn’t just been speaking of Alec the similarity wouldn’t have been so noticeable. However, as it were, William couldn’t fail to miss the remarkable resemblance between Alec and her son. The same jet-black hair curling at the nape of his neck, eyes the same unique and distinctive shade of green, and features, though proportionately smaller, that looked far too similar. To his credit, he quickly masked whatever surprise he may have felt.

  “Hello Oliver.”

  “Hello,” Oliver said politely.

  Her son wasn’t shy, nor did he seem overly surprised by William’s presence, for he was used to being in the company of adults. One of his favorite places was the stables at Grey Oaks, where he’d long grown accustomed to seeing and meeting new people, as she too had been as a child.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize you had a guest,” Tess exclaimed, entering the room shortly behind Oliver.

  William stood up at Tess’ entrance, and Scarlett did as well.

  “It’s quite all right, Tess,” Scarlett assured her. “We were just finishing our conversation.”

  “Shall I take Oliver to wait in the other room?”

  Bending down, Scarlett whispered in her son’s ear. “Oli, why don’t you and Tess go ask Monsieur Deville to prepare you a snack before we go. I’ll be along in a minute.”

  At the mention of a snack, Oliver was off like a shot, grabbing Tess’ hand and pulling her along with him as he headed for the kitchen.

  “He’s a handsome lad.”

  Turning back to William, Scarlett smiled in appreciation. “Thank you. I’m very fortunate. He’s a wonderful boy.”

  “He takes after his father I assume, in appearance that is.”

  “Yes, he does,” she admitted, her expression becoming somewhat guarded.

  “He’s a lucky man.”

  Scarlett didn’t miss the fact that William had spoken of Oliver’s father in the pr
esent tense. Somewhat hesitantly, she met his steady gaze. In his eyes, she saw only kindness and understanding.

  “Thank you, William.”

  Taking her hand, he clasped it between his own. “If you ever need anything, anything at all, I hope you know that you can come to me, Scarlett.”

  Impulsively she leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss upon his cheek. “I do,” she whispered against his ear.

  When Alec arrived to pick up Scarlett and Oliver, they were ready and waiting. She had told Oli that they were going to pay a social call on Alec’s mother and grandmother, and that he was to be on his best behavior. Though he wasn’t overly excited about the destination, for he had been forced to put on his nicest and most uncomfortable clothing, he was eager to spend time with Alec. The two of them had developed a bond, aided by the infamous Mr. Hoppy, and Oliver had taken quite a liking to his new friend.

  Shortly after Alec had rung the front bell, the three of them were walking toward Alec’s waiting curricle. Oliver squealed in delight at the sight of the highly polished, open-topped, two-wheeled equipage, harnessed behind a set of beautifully matched grays. As Alec hoisted him up into the rig, Oliver’s face was beaming.

  When Alec reached for Scarlett’s hand to assist her into the vehicle, she felt a jolt of awareness at his touch, though she did her best not to show it. After what had happened between them the night before, she was greatly relieved that Oliver was with them now, his exuberant presence a welcome distraction from the newfound tension between them.

  Once they were settled, with Oliver seated securely between them, Alec lightly flicked the reins and then allowed the grays to move into a brisk trot. Unfortunately, it was only a few short blocks to his grandmother’s residence, for Oliver was absolutely delighted with the nimble curricle’s agility and speed. “Faster, faster,” he cried, grinning from ear to ear when Alec obliged, urging the horses to a faster gait. By the time they arrived at the dowager duchess’ home, they were all slightly windblown, but smiling and laughing nonetheless. Fortunately, the excitement had given Scarlett very little time to worry about her imminent meeting with Alec’s mother and grandmother.