“It’s okay, Alex. It’s me. Joshua.” He caught her as she tried to break free.
His voice broke through the chaos of her mind and instantly calmed her. She thought it was strange that it would. She relaxed. Salem was by a tree near Cyclone, nibbling on grass. Joshua rolled away and seated himself beside her, not moving. She sat up as well, ducking her head between her legs to calm the pounding in her chest until she could speak.
“What were you doing?”
“Guarding you, of course.” She saw his smile clearly. Dawn was about to break and the sky had begun to lighten in anticipation.
“You could have done it from over there.” She pointed to the horses.
“You were cold.”
She threw herself back on the grass and laid a forearm over her eyes. Embarrassment was starting to take over. Had she curled up to him and pressed against him, or was that her dream? Please, God, let that have been a dream.
“Are you okay?” He leaned closer.
“Are you still here?” she inquired, deliberately provoking. She peeked out and saw him smiling. She shivered, her attraction to him undeniable.
“Are you still cold?” He grinned, rolled a little closer and propped his head up on an elbow, inches from her face.
“No.”
He touched her arm and felt the goose bumps. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She pushed his hand away and sat up. He followed her movement and sat as well, still watching her. “Did you kiss me?”
He gave a roguish smile, confirming what she already knew. “It was hardly a kiss.”
“Why?”
“Why was it hardly a kiss?”
She shook her head. “No. Why did you kiss me?”
“You wanted me to.”
Alex laughed despite herself. “No, I didn’t. I don’t even like you.”
“No?” he questioned. “Come, you must like me a little bit by now.” He wrapped a strand of red hair around his finger and tugged her down to her elbows. “I have been a model neighbor.”
“You just accosted me while I slept. Had I not awakened, who knows what vile activity you might have engaged in.”
“It is my lake,” he reminded her. “But being a good neighbor, I welcome you to use it anytime. Naturally, when I saw you on the ground earlier, I feared foul play.”
“Foul play?”
“Yes, dear. Murder, mayhem, and such. It seems to follow you around.”
“Um-hmm.”
“You were so still, I had to be sure you were alive. Then you were cold and I had nothing other than myself to provide you with heat. And you were sleeping so peacefully and smiling so happily in your dreams … I just didn’t have the heart to wake you.”
“But you kissed me,” she pointed out.
“Hardly a kiss,” he reminded her. “Certainly not memorable.” Long fingers tugged on her hair again, pulling her closer to him.
She pressed a hand against his chest, to keep some distance. “It’s not very nice of you to insult my kissing like that.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sure there are other things you are better at.”
Alex slapped his chest, laughing. “That’s cruel, Duke.”
“Call me Joshua.” He leaned over to kiss the tresses wrapped around his fingers, bringing his face inches from her own. “It sounds so pretty on your lips.”
Her heart slammed in her chest. She attempted cool sophistication she did not feel.
“Are you flirting with me … Joshua?”
“Is it working?” he whispered back. His hopeful smile was the only clue that he teased.
It was working. “I refuse to answer that question.”
He rolled on top of her triumphantly. “Ah! Success at last.”
She struggled, laughter making her attempts ineffectual. “I didn’t say you were succeeding! You oaf. Get off me.”
To her dismay he bent his head and nuzzled her neck and ear, causing every nerve ending in her body to jolt to attention. “But you didn’t say I wasn’t succeeding.”
“I was being polite.”
“You’re never polite!” He said it as proof of his victory, leaning up to stare into her face. She gasped at his insult, before laughing again. Her body shaking against his. A sensation he apparently did not like as he immediately rolled off her and took a deep breath.
Alex felt bereft the instant he moved away. He sat up with his arms draped casually across his knees. She did the same, watching the dawn barely touch the sky with a glimmer of pink. Then she looked at him. He still watched the sky, ignoring her.
Alex wanted to kiss him. In another minute it would be daylight. Servants would be up. Work would need tending to. And she would definitely lose her nerve.
“Have you kissed many women?”
“Of course.”
“Oh.”
“I’m irresistible, you know. Not jealous are you?”
“No,” she denied, embarrassed. “Just curious in general.” They were both silent. Alex sighed and drew up on her knees to face him. Her chest touched his muscled arm, her right hand rested on the shoulder nearest her. His hair was getting long. A sun-streaked lock fell over his cheek and she brushed it back, enjoying the soft texture under her fingertips in contrast to the rough stubble along his jaw. She reached her free hand around and turned his face toward her, holding his cheek in her hand so that she could examine him.
His eyes reflected the golden glow of the sunrise slowly spreading across the earth. He didn’t move. He just watched her, curious, waiting.
“Joshua.”
“Yes?”
Joshua swallowed hard. His voice sounded harsh even to his own ears. She was too innocent to know her closeness was driving him crazy.
“I would like to kiss you.”
They were the last words he expected to hear her say. His mood lightened, his body warming with delight.
“You may,” he said, causing her to blush hotly.
She moved closer. Joshua’s stomach clenched. He wasn’t sure she was serious until she leaned in. Until she pressed lips tentatively against his. He waited. She drew back dissatisfied, then pressed closer to him again. This time taking his bottom lip between her own and tasting. After that experiment, she leaned back to assess his reaction, daring to look him in the eyes. “I think you should help me.”
It was all the invitation he needed. He smiled, relieved to have the opportunity.
“With pleasure.”
Joshua turned fully and wrapped both arms around her, tilting her backward and off balance so that she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck to hang on. She gasped at the quickness of the reversal, but never took her eyes from his, the intensity of her gaze filled with both anxiety and excitement. Her sea green eyes seemed to darken mysteriously as he studied her at his leisure, lying beneath him on the grass.
Joshua rubbed his thumb over the tender, innocent lips that had just caressed him. He dipped his head forward and slowly kissed a feather light path from her brow to her ear, nibbling on the lobe gently. Her skin tasted fresh and cool against his lips. He released a breath into her ear, whispering, “Are you ready?”
Her answer was a satisfying and throaty, “Yes.”
She was eager, but Joshua was patient, tutoring her in the movements of passion. His tongue slowly began an exploration, tasting her, caressing until her mouth opened on a sigh of pleasure. She was as sweet as he knew she would be. His thumb caressed the curve of her breast, firm and round under his touch. Slow circles eventually brought him in touch with a taut nipple that hardened in reaction. She emitted an aching groan and arched hungrily against him.
Alex didn’t know when tenderness turned to passion. All she knew was she needed this man. His kiss and his touch burned her. She was panting when his head lifted to plunder her throat and scorch a path to where her shirt now lay open, golden skin exposed to his gaze.
He lifted his eyes to hers, his thumb stroking the delicate curve of her cheek. “You’re so incredible. So b
eautiful,” he confessed huskily. “It takes my breath away.”
Her heart opened then, and she smiled shyly, wondrous.
With excruciating slowness, not breaking contact with her eyes, he lowered his lips to hers.
It was very nearly the last thing she remembered.
Demonstrating patience he didn’t know he possessed, Joshua continued his assault until she was once again begging with need. He decided he loved the sound of her voice when she begged and was unable to prevent the arrogant smile curving his lips as he lifted his head and watched her squirm with passion.
It wasn’t without a price. His own body was throbbing with agonizing need as well. He forced his desire away and focused on her.
She moaned. “Please.” Her body pressed against his.
He sighed. Pained.
Knowing he must stop now, or not at all, Joshua pulled back and rolled on his side facing her, trying not to be so pleased by her expression of open contentment.
He took a slow breath, closing his eyes as he fought for control against the sharp desire. His forehead tilted until it touched the hot skin of a curved shoulder, and he breathed in the dizzying, fresh scent of her. Thinking better of the direction his mouth and mind were heading, he leaned back once more and carefully brushed his lips across hers, slowly bringing her back to her earthly senses.
Alex fought his withdrawal.
He soothed her with a quick, searing kiss that blinded her to all other thoughts.
“As much as I would love to take you right here and now”—he looked at her hungrily, as if still debating the possibility—“I can’t.”
Her body demanded him. “Why not?”
“Because.” He buttoned up her blouse. “It would not be well done of me.”
She flung herself backward on the grass, sulking. “Well, damnation.” Confused, she turned away. His rejection hurt.
As if understanding, he pulled her back. “Alex.” His eyes scorched her with a devastating power. “Don’t think for a second that I don’t want to divest you of all this unnecessary clothing and kiss every inch of your delectable body.” His hand traced the outline of her figure to the soft curve of her backside, garnering an unconscious sigh of pleasure that fluttered across his chest. “In fact”—he tugged her hair back to look into glowing eyes, dark with a mixture of emotions—“you’re still far from safe.”
“I’m far from satisfied.”
Joshua laughed. “So you like me a little bit now?”
“Hardly.” Her body was throbbing with pleasure and she owed it to him whether she liked it or not. She decided she liked it. No need to share that quite yet.
“Ah, you’re a tough woman. What happened to ‘Joshua, please Joshua, I need you, Joshua’?”
If possible her entire body blushed now. She tried to hit him but he caught both her hands firmly, his body shaking with laughter. To prove his point, he spread her arms by her sides and assaulted her lips.
She pulled away with a breathless plea.
“Admit you like me a little?” he teased again.
“Yes,” she agreed, gaining his attention. “Very, very little.”
Satisfied, he resumed kissing her, this time on her neck and down to the pulse beating frantically at her throat. “And do you forgive me for almost having my way with you?”
“Yes, Joshua,” she said, obediently before adding, “I did start it after all.”
“True,” he agreed.
“Though, I admit, I was quite hoping you’d finish it.”
He groaned in agony.
Alex smiled in wonder at this unexpected control she had over him. And he over her. Her heart skipped several beats. She caught her breath. “You are a bit more expert in this area after all.”
“Very true.” He laughed at her blush, then sat up and pulled her onto his lap. “You are beautiful, Alex. Not just on the outside.” He stroked her cheek, earning a brilliant smile from her. Then he pinched her bottom and set her on her feet before he lost complete command of his senses.
Alex yelped in response. For revenge she bent over to slide on her boots, deliberately giving him a view of her backside. His moan of distress was all the satisfaction she needed as she flipped her hair smartly and widened her eyes to inquire if he was okay.
He nodded, wincing.
“Are you coming?”
He shook his head negatively. “I’m going to take a long swim.”
Alex nodded, reluctant to leave. She allowed Joshua to help her into the saddle, taking feminine pleasure in his solicitous care. A warm glow spread through her as he reached for her hand and laced her fingers with his. Turning her hand open to him, he held her gaze with his eyes while his lips brushed over her knuckles. “I will see you later,” he promised.
“Yes,” she confirmed, touching his cheek, memorizing his thoughtful features. She wanted him and from the look on his face he felt the same. He truly was the man she remembered. The rest would take care of itself. With a quiet farewell she guided Salem toward home, her face lifting to the morning sun with joy. She’d never felt so free.
Chapter Seventeen
Good God. She was trapped. Tied, knotted, buttoned, secured, and about to be announced. No turning back now. Good and trapped. The things one did for friends.
Alex let her aunt precede her into Stonewood Manor as she waited for Stephen. It seemed he had disappeared already. She found him back by the carriage, chatting up a groom, and pinched his arm. “There’s no way I’m going in alone, dear brother. Besides, Emma would miss you.”
He perked up. “Do you think? She’s besotted with the earl you know. It’s unbearable.”
“I know, Stephen. I’m sorry.”
“He’s not entirely awful, which makes it more difficult. But Joshua is much more down to earth. Don’t you think?”
Alex managed to avoid discussing the duke. Her lips still tingled when she thought about him. She hoped he would like this dress. Something good should come of wearing it.
Stephen hesitated again. She stopped. “What is it?”
“It’s just … it seems strange to celebrate after burying three of our own.”
“I know, Stephen. I know.” Alex put a hand in his sympathetically. “If it weren’t Emma’s birthday, it would be different. But life is so much briefer than we ever know. Those we love are always with us. So put the pain away for a short time, and see what other diversions might await. Mayhap some true happiness will work its way in the mix.” She pulled him along. “And if not, then the earl will no doubt have the finest refreshments on display for his guests and you can imbibe at will.”
Stephen nodded. “Ah. Always looking on the bright side, sister. I do love that about you.”
Marcus had planned every detail of the night with the help of Lady Maggie and his Aunt Matilda, who had arrived in time to play hostess and chaperone to Emma. What he had not planned was how his breath would escape him at the sight of Emma. She made her entrance to gasps of admiration, his own lost in the throng of admirers. He now regretted inviting so many of his friends and colleagues from London. Two had already inquired as to whether or not she was spoken for. It irritated him beyond measure. Still, he could not yet manage to be close to her. She was exuding a mysterious feminine power of late, and tonight it was in full bloom. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop his feeling of consternation when he saw Emma smile beguilingly at Joshua on the dance floor while he watched from the side with their longtime friend Colin Weyford, now Lord Merriton.
“Emma has become quite stunning, Marcus.” Colin added, “You should know I have half a mind to ask for her hand.”
“What?”
“You heard me, old man,” Colin said. “Just giving you fair warning. Unless you had Josh in mind? You have no intentions I understand?”
“I—” Marcus swallowed and was saved from answering when the subjects of their conversation joined them. He recovered somewhat when Emma moved to stand next to him and he felt her hand briefly squeeze hi
s.
“Everything is wonderful. Thank you.”
Marcus smiled down at her, lost for a moment absorbing her bright eyes and flushed cheeks. Her lips were just close enough to lean down and—
Emma’s heart jumped in her throat at Marcus’s intent gaze on her. On her lips! Did he intend to kiss her? The sound of Lord Merriton clearing his throat alerted her. She turned to Marcus’s friend, promising a dance with him soon. They shared pleasantries, but Emma noted Joshua was markedly distracted, his eyes straying habitually to the entrance of the grand ballroom. When Lady Margaret and her family were announced, he perked up considerably.
Lord Merriton gaped. “That is the sea captain?”
Emma noted that Joshua didn’t answer. All he could do was nod and swallow. It was no wonder. Alexandra looked … unrecognizable.
“She is magnificent,” Lord Merriton said in awe.
“She’s my sea captain.” Joshua finally found his voice.
“She cleans up well,” Stonewood said. “But,” he lifted Emma’s hand to his lips, “none can hold a light to my Emma.”
Surprised and delighted, Emma smiled brilliantly at Marcus, forgiving his earlier indiscretions.
Joshua breathed in with pleasure, ignoring the sudden, possessive response to Alex’s appearance. Her dress shimmered, her hair shined, and her eyes glittered with life. She had entered alone, but was immediately followed by Stephen, who hurried to catch up. Joshua’s head buzzed with desire. Then his heart lightened with humor as he caught the off-guard moment when she placed a hand on her hip as if preparing for battle and reaching for a weapon. She looked nothing short of magnificent—but not at all certain about it. Her chin lifted a notch at the attention she had unknowingly roused. It reminded him of the first time he saw her, standing on an auction block, surveying the hungry wolves. Not so different from now, he realized. Only now, he knew her better. She was looking for a friend in the crowd.
He waited. He knew their gazes would meet in just another second. Her body stiffened. He smiled with a nod, and she looked away, but he noted that her lips curved with pleasure and she relaxed, ever so slightly, the change almost imperceptible. Yes. Progress. She made a comment to Stephen. Her brother, dressed in his finest, and looking only slightly less uncomfortable than his sister, nodded in agreement. Stephen offered his arm as if imitating a prince. They shared a look of resignation that seemed to say, “Here we go.” Clearly, large gatherings were not their favorite.
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