She shouldn’t care if she looked acceptable or not, but she did. Richard would take one look at her and realize what a treasure he’d lost, and that would suit her just fine. She wanted him to hurt as much as she hurt. It wouldn’t be fair otherwise. How dare he visit a whore, before coming to her. A true gentleman probably would have, but a man who truly cared about her wouldn’t have done such a thing.
Lily imagined Richard’s hands on the other woman, wrapping her in his sensual embrace, while his cock delved inside her willing body. Her lungs seized and pain sliced through her once again. Perhaps he didn’t consider her woman enough. Lily humphed, she’d show him. Her heart thudded in her chest, a slow melancholy rhythm that refused to lift.
Lily descended the stairs, navy kid gloves and bonnet in hand. She slipped the bonnet on her head as she hit the last step. Sims threw the door wide and bid her good day, following behind her. The hackney parked out front as ordered. A sorrel pawed at the ground impatiently while the driver awaited his fare. Lily slipped her gloves on as she approached the transport.
“Where to my lady?” the driver called out from his perch.
“Jermyn Street, number six.”
“Beggin’ your pardon, my lady,” the butler stammered his eyes wide in disbelief.
“You heard me.” Lily glanced at Sims then back at the driver, hoping her cheeks didn’t glow red under his gaze.
“Yes, my lady.”
Lily stepped up into the hackney with the help of Sims. He closed the door once she had seated herself, and then strode back to the house. The leather bench smelled of old cigars and sour drink. Lily brought a gloved hand to her nose, trying to block out the odors. The hackney lurched forward, throwing Lily firmly against the seat. The wheels rattled and creaked as they made their way over the cobbles, feathering corners at breakneck speeds. Lily held onto the side of the hackney to keep from getting thrown from side to side.
The coach pulled up outside of Richard’s townhouse and squeaked to a halt. The building looked imposing, masculine and stoic. The drapes in all but two of the windows had been drawn closed as if to say no one was welcome, stay away. Lily stared up at the house for a moment and shivered. The driver jumped down and opened the door for her, then held his hand out for her to descend.
“Are you sure this is the right address, my lady?” He glanced at the building and then back at her, concern marring his features. “I can return you to your home, so that you may check.”
“Good Sir, I appreciate your concern, but there has been no mistake.”
He nodded, releasing Lily’s hand and then immediately climbed back to his perch. “If that’s all?”
“Yes, thank you.” Lily tilted her chin proudly.
A whip cracked in the air and the sorrel stepped out. The hackney disappeared, leaving only the lingering odor of stale cigars in its wake. Lily watched it disappear before turning to the impressive Medieval Revival in front of her with its fluted columns and molded cornices. The home conveyed money, title, and prestige. Everything she’d thought Richard to be and more. Lily took a deep breath and proceeded up the stairs to the front door.
She raised her hand to knock when the door swung wide. She stared into the face of a smiling gray eyed man, of average build, with dark hair and several missing teeth.
“You must be Lady Lily Devlin.” The man’s grin widened and he beckoned her inside.
Lily frowned. “How did you know who I am?”
“I’ve seen you once or twice when I’ve driven the carriage and my lord has told me all about you. He’s waited… a long time to find someone like you.” He took her bonnet and gloves, ushering her into the parlor.
“Was your master expecting me today?” she asked, admiring the deep gold of the carpet, the rich emerald drapery covering the window, and the thick cushioned chaise in the corner, with its gold pillows blending subtly with the floor.
“No, my lady, but I’ve been looking forward to meeting you for weeks now.”
Lily arched a brow. “Really?”
He bowed low, lower than necessary given the circumstances. “Yes, my lady. You’ve made my lord so happy and for that I’m truly grateful, if you don’t mind me saying so.”
Lily frowned, feeling more than a tinge of guilt. She doubted he’d be grateful in a few moments once she’d spoken with Richard. “Is your master here?”
The man’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Not at the present, but he shall return.” He glanced at the time. “Within an hour or so, if you’d care to wait.”
“I’ll wait,” Lily said a little tartly.
“May I take your pelisse?”
Lily removed her navy pelisse and handed it to the man.
“Would you care for some tea?”
She smiled at the man who was once again looking at her, like she was a creature sent down from above. “Thank you… “
“Hurley, my lady.”
“Thank you, Hurley, that would be nice.” She inclined her head and he left.
A few minutes later Hurley returned with her tea on a silver tray. Lily frowned. “Do you not have a maid or kitchen help?”
Hurley shook his head. “I’m afraid it’s just me and the master, my lady. He prefers his solitude.”
“Do you have visitors?”
“Not in quite some time. You’re the first real lady we’ve had come to the house, although I’m not sure if master’s going to approve of your visit, considering the gabblemongers about.”
Lily’s lips thinned. “I daresay I’m not worried about his opinion or any others for that matter. I’ve come here on private business that could not have been dealt with any other way.”
Hurley’s eyes widened. “Yes, my lady.” He poured some tea in a cup, then picked up a napkin and handed them both to her.
Lily nodded.
“Care for a cake while you wait?”
“Thank you.” Lily reached for the cake Hurley extended to her. The whole scene seemed beyond odd, yet must have taken place before for him to be so adept at tea service. Afterwards Hurley exited, leaving her alone to wait in the parlor.
An hour passed and Richard still hadn’t arrived. Lily sat as patiently as she could, her foot bobbing beneath her skirts. Was he out visiting his whore? Did he also keep a mistress? He’d told her he couldn’t go out in the bright sunlight. Images of Richard with a faceless lover made her wince. Was that a lie like his professions of love? He never professed his love…
“Oh, be still,” Lily snapped at the empty room. She glanced out the window just as the sun dipped below the horizon. Lily looked back at the time. It neared five-thirty. She bit back a curse and started to rise.
She’d made it to the parlor door, when it swung open. Richard’s imposing body filled the frame, blocking escape. All that had occurred between them last night came back in a flood. He stepped forward. She sucked in a surprised breath, her hand flying to her chest. His obsidian eyes locked on her face, his skin pale and glowing in the receding light and his sensual lips parted slightly as if he’d wanted to speak, but paused instead. His mahogany hair hung loose about his shoulders, giving him a wild, feral appearance like he’d just risen from bed. Lily’s heart stuttered as she recalled his naked flesh.
He glanced at the window. The last rays of sunlight splashed his face. His breath hissed and he stepped back into the shadow of the hall. “What are you doing here, Lily?”
Lily glanced over her shoulder at the window and frowned, then remembering why she’d come in the first place, she shrugged off his strange reaction. He’d addressed her informally, so she decided to do the same. “I’ve come to have a word with you, Richard. If you’d care to step inside we can close the door and have some privacy.”
His jaw firmed and his eyes zeroed in on her face. For some moments he said nothing, simply stared. Finally he stepped forward and grabbed her by the elbow, whisking her out of the parlor and down the hall.
“I prefer to speak in the library. It is far more comfortab
le.” He didn’t break his stride, but continued down the hall.
Lily practically ran at his side to keep up. They reached the doors that she presumed led to the library. Richard stopped, opening them before her.
“Where’s Hurley?” her voice squeaked, nervously.
“He’s preparing dinner. We’ll have plenty of privacy until he’s finished, which won’t be for an hour or so, since he’s had little practice in the kitchen.”
Lily opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Richard swept her into the library and closed the door behind them. He slipped the lock, then turned to face her. The two walls of the room were covered in rich mahogany paneling, while plush red carpet blanketed the floor. Matching velvet crimson draperies hung in the only window in the room, blocking out even the slightest hint of light. A thick leather chair sat behind a heavy oak desk on one end of the room, while a burgundy chaise lounged lazily at the other. Bookshelves filled the other two walls, lined from floor to ceiling with heavy tomes.
A fire lit the hearth, warming the room to a comfortable temperature. A chair sat to the side of the fire, its plump cushions well-worn. Lily eyed the seat and realized it must be a favorite spot for Richard to sit. The sweet smell of burning wood wafted, honeying the air.
“Can I get you anything while we wait for dinner to be served?” Richard asked watching her closely.
“No nothing.” She stared for a moment, then added changing her mind. “Perhaps
some wine.”
Richard arched a brow, but said nothing. It took every ounce of his control not to pull her into his arms and crush her to his body. She was draped in several layers of blue muslin with silver ribbons that matched her eyes perfectly, an elegant creation that exposed a good deal of her alabaster skin, including the soft swell of her full breasts and the subtle curve of her hips. Richard inhaled, trying to ignore the fact she wore the rose perfume he’d given her. His cock leapt to attention.
For Lily to have come to his address, risking reputation and family name, there had to be a very good reason. He frowned, looking at her stiff stance, positive what that purpose now was, even though he hadn’t bothered reading her mind. Richard clenched his jaw, not at all sure how to handle this situation. Had anyone seen her enter his home? He didn’t think so. If she had arrived by hackney he could easily find the driver who’d dropped her off, he wouldn’t exactly be of help by the time Richard got through speaking with him.
He’d wipe out his and anyone else’s memory that threatened his lady’s happiness. He retrieved some wine from his tantalus, pouring a glass for himself as well as for Lily. Richard wished he could feel the effects of the scarlet liquid now more than ever. He walked back across the room, motioning for Lily to take a seat. She proceeded to the chaise and sat.
Richard handed her a glass, then positioned the chair by the fire to face her. He sat, his gaze taking in her golden hair, the rich blue of her gown, and the firm set of her dainty jaw. He caught the slight quiver in her fingertips, as she tipped the glass to her ruby lips and drank deeply. Richard stared transfixed at the long column of her throat as she swallowed the wine. He brought the glass to his lips and took a drink. His stomach rolled as the liquid ran through his system. He willed the wine to stay down.
Her eyes once again found his. She set her wine glass aside and took a deep breath. Richard held his… waiting.
“I plan to call off the wedding.” Lily didn’t mince words and came straight to the point.
Being in Lily’s presence wreaked havoc on his senses. Even now he could smell the subtle odor of fresh soap on her skin, along with the exotic fragrance that was uniquely her own, wholly female and far too tempting for him to resist for long. It was best to let her speak her piece before he tried to convince her to change her mind. He knew Lily wouldn’t be able to handle his form of persuasion.
His voice was low and deadly calm when he spoke. “Why?” Richard knew, but he wanted to hear the words from her mouth. He set down his drink.
Lily reached for her wineglass, knocking it over and onto the carpet. She leapt to her feet, reaching for the handkerchief inside her reticule, dabbing at the stain blindly. Richard pulled her away from the spot and sat her back down on the chaise.
“Hurley will take care of it. The wine is of no import.”
Lily yanked her arm from him and straightened her skirts. Suddenly she looked up, pinning him with her cornflower eyes. “You know perfectly well why I must cancel the wedding,” she hissed, as unexpressed emotion surfaced.
Richard tugged at his sleeves, fighting the fear beating at his chest. “No I do not, so why don’t you tell me.”
Lily rose from the chaise and began to pace back and forth in front of him. “You lied.”
Richard stood, reaching out to stop her movements. “I have never lied to you.”
The emphasis he put on the word never sent chills tumbling through Lily’s body. “I have it on good authority that you have.” Her chin tilted haughtily.
Richard released her arm and ran a trembling hand through his hair. “I’m pretty sure on whose authority you are referring to, but you have my word as a gentleman that I have never lied to you.”
Lily wanted to believe him more than anything, but she couldn’t and wouldn’t. Her pride was at stake here. It was all she had left. “Are you saying that you haven’t been going to Caulfield’s over the past several weeks?”
Richard’s jaw firmed. “No.” He expelled a heavy breath. “I have said no such thing.”
“Then it’s true.” She planted her hands on her hips.
“I never denied it, so therefore no lie has been perpetrated.” He mirrored her stance, leaning in close to her face.
“I was bought and paid for like chattel.” It wasn’t a question.
“Lily, listen to me… “ He reached for her hand and she backed away. “I never considered you chattel. The agreement I struck with your father benefited you and you alone. I will not discuss the details here, if you want to know, ask your father.”
“You expect me to believe that?” She sniffed. “If you must know—Father has told me everything.”
Richard’s face hardened. “I expect you to believe your future husband.”
Lily laughed and shook her head before facing him once more. “I have no future husband.”
“Yes… you… do!”
She humphed and turned away from him.
“What are you really angry about?”
She glanced over her shoulder. He started to reach for her again, but stopped himself short.
“You could have done anything, anything at all if you’d have just told me the truth,” she whispered.
“Lily?”
She spun suddenly, her hands fisted at her sides. “Don’t speak my name. How could you? I gave you my love and you tossed it back in my face like it meant nothing. And for what? An incognita, named Rose!” Tears sprang into Lily’s eyes dampening her lashes. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry.
Richard reached for her, grabbing her upper arms, pulling her closer until her face was within inches of his own. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” His body trembled as if he fought the urge to shake her.
Her breasts swelled as she took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto his in a battle of wills. “You haven’t denied it.” She struggled to break his vise-like hold.
“You don’t understand. It’s not what you think.” Richard’s voice cracked as he pleaded with her. A moment later, he released her.
“I understand,” she spat. “I understand that the night you told me that I was the only one in your life, you’d in all likelihood just left the arms of an incognita.” Angry tears ran down Lily’s cheeks. “What more is there to understand?”
Richard’s mind churned. He’d anticipated a standoff, but he hadn’t expected the level of emotion coursing through his body. He was on the verge of losing the one thing that mattered in his life. And Lily’s blood poun
ded in his mind like a mallet striking a nail. Her anger swelled, beating at him. He quickly ran out of options. He didn’t want to lie to her, but was she ready for the truth?
“I thought so. Why didn’t you just tell me the friend you referred to in the carriage was me? That way we could have both been in on the laugh. Was it necessary to lavish kisses, stroke my skin as if you couldn’t get enough of the feel of it? Truly Richard, you add insult to injury.”
Shock rolled through him as her words sunk in. “You think I was talking about you when I sought your advice?”
“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” Lily lifted her skirts and started across the room. “I’m leaving now. Please give my apologies to Hurley for ruining his dinner.” She tossed back over her shoulder. Lily’s hand reached for the latch.
The sound of the click reached Richard’s ears and his initial shock wore off. How had she come to believe he spoke of her and not Rose, especially after last night? He’d all but laid his heart on a platter for Lily. He moved with preternatural speed and stood by the door inside a blink. Lily gasped and stepped back. Her eyes widened to the size of saucers as his body blocked the door.
“You wanted to know why I visited Caulfield’s regularly… perhaps I should tell you the truth. The whole truth. Or better yet, maybe I’ll show you.” Richard rose up to his full height, dwarfing Lily.
She took another step back, her pulse fluttering at her throat. His voice dropped to lethal as he stalked forward backing her deeper into the room. “I did visit a woman in Caulfield’s named Rose. If you must know she’s a friend and an incognita. She’s part of the business arrangement I referred to in the carriage. Do you want to know why?”
Lily glanced over her shoulder, avoiding the desk, before returning her gaze to his face.
“We had an arrangement,” he growled. “I exchanged pleasure for blood until which time I found a bloodmate or took a wife.”
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