by Joanna Shupe
With a growl, she pushed him back. “Go away, Will. I don’t have time for this. I need to get Sam and Mary settled for the night.”
She stepped around him, but he snatched out and caught her wrist. “On the fire escape? That hardly seems wise.”
“We don’t have a choice, not when the rooms are stifling. They’ll be fine. Don’t worry. It’s no different than any other summer in New York.” She pulled free and started to walk away.
“Let me take you all to a hotel tonight.”
She froze then spun toward him. “A hotel? Have you lost your mind?”
He had no idea where the offer had come from, but now that he’d said it, he would not back down. Their rooms had been sweltering, which could not be healthy for the children. “It makes sense, Ava. Let me treat all of you to one night of relief. They say it will rain tomorrow and break the heat. So for tonight, allow me to make all of you comfortable.”
“You are crazy.” She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “You cannot take us all to a hotel. That would be—Wait, where are you going?”
He’d already passed her on his way to the apartment door. He rapped on the wood sharply. As Will suspected, Tom immediately answered the door. The young man had likely been standing with his ear pressed to the wood. “Yes, sir?”
“Tom, get back inside,” Ava ordered, but Will paid her no attention.
“Would you and your siblings like to spend the night at my home? I have plenty of ice, and I’m certain I can scare up an electric fan or two.”
Tom’s shock was nearly comical. “Your home?”
Ava roughly pushed Will out of the way. “He’s delusional from the heat,” she told her brother. “Do not pay him any mind.”
Will stood his ground. “You told me no hotels. You never said anything about my home.”
“Stop splitting hairs. Go away, Will.”
Tom’s eyes nearly popped from their sockets—whether from the arguing or Ava’s use of his first name, Will didn’t know. “Why?” Tom asked him.
“Because I don’t like the idea of all of you sleeping on the fire escape. I also have the space, which I would happily extend to your family for one evening. Wouldn’t you care to cool off, if only for one night?”
He could see the longing on the young man’s face, but Tom turned to his sister. “May we, Ava?”
“Please, Ava?” two more voices called from inside the apartment.
Ava frowned and studied the floor. Will could almost hear the arguments building steam in her brain, yet he knew she would not refuse. Not when all three siblings were on his side.
“Fine,” she gritted out. “Everyone put some things in my satchel.”
* * *
“You have to speak to me at some point.”
Ava lifted her chin and kept her gaze trained on the street as the carriage traveled to Washington Square. Yes, she’d speak to him precisely never.
He’d played that quite nicely. A powerful man used to getting his way by whatever means necessary. She’d underestimated him, obviously. And now they would all be spending the night at his home. Had he lost his ever-loving mind?
Her three siblings followed in the hack Will had procured on Bank Street. How was she to explain this to them? As a gesture of good will on the part of Tom’s boss? The younger two might believe that, but Tom would be suspicious. No doubt all three would be disappointed when they went back to their tiny rooms tomorrow.
More disturbing was how she’d felt upon first seeing him tonight, her heart leaping as if this were some grand romance in a novel. He hadn’t forgotten about me. The relief that had coursed through her was terrifying. Until that precise moment, she hadn’t realized how much she wanted to see him again. He’d burrowed under her skin somehow, brought about yearnings she could not indulge.
So instead, she nursed her anger, used it as a cloak against all the other emotions brewing inside.
“Ava, how was I supposed to leave the three of you there, in that heat, sleeping outside on a minuscule fire escape?”
“It would have been no different than any other hot summer night. You showing them how the rich high-step it in the heat won’t help when we must return home tomorrow.”
“Then stay with me for the summer.”
Her gaze snapped to his. “You’re insane.”
He shrugged one arrogant shoulder. “Why not? I have the room. And it’s not as if you can claim any impropriety, not when all four of you are staying. I’m merely offering an employee and his family a place to stay for the summer.”
“And to how many employees have you made such an offer?”
“Well, none,” he admitted. “But no one would know that—except my staff, of course.”
“It doesn’t matter because we’re not staying longer than one night. And if you dare mention the offer of the summer to one of my siblings, I will smother you in your sleep.”
He chuckled, the bastard. “I would not put it past you. In fact, I’ll be sleeping with one eye open tonight.”
“Wise of you.”
“It should be said that I don’t expect anything from you in exchange. I did not do this to get another night with you.”
“I should hope not,” she said. “Because I’ll be sleeping with Mary—not you.”
That caused him to fall silent, and she wondered if he already regretted his proposal. A small part of her was grateful for his generosity—most men of his status wouldn’t even step foot inside their crowded rooms, let alone have opened their homes to a lower-class family—but she still resented the high-handed way he’d arranged it.
They turned along Washington Square, past the stately Greek revival mansions of the city’s bluest bloods. These were families who clung to tradition and status, like the Sloanes.
“What will the neighbors think?” she asked him.
“I hardly care. Let them think what they want.”
Her jaw fell open in exaggerated surprise. “Who are you, and what have you done with William Sloane?”
“Hilarious,” he drawled.
The carriage wheels slowed as they reached the corner of Fifth Avenue and Washington Square North. When the driver pulled to a stop, Will flung open the door and gracefully stepped down. He waited to assist Ava and then strode to the hack to deal with the driver. The front door parted, and Ava recognized the Sloane butler, who was now wearing a familiar look of disapproval.
She ignored the servant and went to help her siblings. Sam appeared first, his expression filled with wonder and excitement. “This is where he lives?” Sam whispered to Ava. “Damn me.”
“None of that,” Ava told him. “Best manners, Sam.”
The boy nodded, straightened, and swaggered up the walk. She half expected him to swing an imaginary walking stick. Shaking her head, Ava helped Mary down. The girl said little, but the happiness and curiosity in her eyes told Ava enough. “Go and join your brother,” she said quietly.
Tom unfolded from the hack next. “Are you sure this is all right?” he asked Ava. “You didn’t look none too happy when you got into Mr. Sloane’s carriage.”
“It’s fine,” she assured her brother. After all, what could she do now? Forcing them to leave would only confuse and hurt the younger two siblings. If Sloane was willing to suffer the slings and arrows of social recriminations from associating with the riffraff, who was she to say otherwise? “It’s only for one night, though.”
Tom nodded. “Right. That’s what I told the other two. Is he doing this because—” His gaze bounced over her shoulder, and she knew why he hadn’t finished the question.
Will plucked the satchel out of Ava’s grip and handed it to her oldest brother. “Tom, let’s get everyone inside, and my staff will see you settled.”
“Yes, sir.” With a tip of his cap, Tom set off for the front door.
Will took Ava’s elbow. “Stop frowning. This will be an adventure for the younger two. Let them enjoy it.”
Undoubtedly, he was right, and she was being churlish.
Nevertheless, how did he know? “I’m certain they will. The question is not how this benefits us, but why you suddenly developed an altruistic streak.”
He said nothing as they approached the front door. Mary and the butler waited just inside the threshold, lines of disapproval multiplying by the second on the servant’s face. If Will noticed, he gave no indication as he said, “Frederic, the Joneses are to be our overnight guests this evening. Have Paul carry their bag up—”
“Ava! Wait until you see this place!” Sam tore down the main staircase, jumping the last few carpeted steps to the bottom.
Tom followed more slowly, a sheepish expression on his face. “Sorry. I tried to catch him.”
Will reached out to ruffle Sam’s hair. “No problem. Feel free to explore. Just stay out of the east wing.”
“Why?” Sam asked. “What’s in the east wing?”
Bending at the waist, Will put his face on the level with Sam’s. “Monsters.”
Ava bit back a laugh because Sam’s expression showed a mixture of horror and fascination. “Truly? What kind of monsters?”
“Big ones. With giant fangs dripping blood.”
“Can I see one?”
“No,” Will answered seriously. “They eat little boys. In fact, I used to have four brothers.”
Sam swallowed hard. “I won’t go there, then. I promise.”
“Smart boy. Now, Frederic, it’s late, let’s get them all settled, shall we? And I want them to have as much ice as they need to keep cool.”
“Very good, sir,” the butler replied. “The fourth-floor rooms?”
Will frowned and put his hands in his pockets. Ava wasn’t certain, but she sensed he was uncomfortable. “No, the front rooms on the second floor. One for the gents and one for the ladies.”
“Did you hear?” Sam elbowed his brother. “He called us ‘gents’!”
“Sam, please, that’s enough. Mr. Sloane, the fourth floor is perfectly—”
Gray eyes pinned her to the spot. “No, absolutely not.” He spun to the rest of her family. “I have work yet to accomplish this evening, so I will bid you all good night.”
Tom whipped off his hat and gave a bow. “Good night, sir. And thank you.”
“Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Sloane.” Mary dipped an awkward curtsy.
“You’re a decent swell,” Sam quipped, “even if your house does have monsters.”
Will grinned and something tightened in Ava’s chest. He was good with her siblings. She didn’t know why that surprised her, but it seemed she had a lot to learn about Will Sloane.
“Thank you, Sam. That’s quite a compliment from the likes of you. Please ring the bell if you need anything from the staff, and I’ll see you all at breakfast.”
With a nod in Ava’s direction, Will set off through an arched doorway, striding deeper into the house. She tried not to watch his broad, capable shoulders disappear, but Tom’s frown told her she’d failed miserably.
“Follow me,” Frederic announced in a brittle tone, then marched to the elegant staircase. With no choice but to obey, the four Jones siblings climbed the stairs to experience an evening of unexpected splendor.
Chapter Fifteen
Will pored over the reports that had arrived from his surveyor in San Francisco. There was a piece of property outside the city he wanted to buy, one that might contain a vein of silver. He didn’t imagine spending any serious amount of time out West, however. His home was, and always would be, New York. But if his man’s estimates were correct and silver was discovered, Will would profit handsomely.
When will it be enough? he could almost hear Lizzie ask him. Never, was always his answer. Because he still felt restless, as if there were more to do. When he stopped experiencing the itch to buy, build, and acquire, when he felt satisfied, that was when he’d relax. Not before.
Tonight, however, he was restless for an entirely different reason. Ava was here, under his roof. A floor above his head. Uncorseted. Likely wearing some piece of thin, transparent sleepwear that revealed the dark pink tips of her full breasts. He groaned and adjusted himself in his trousers. This had to stop; otherwise, he’d go mad by morning.
Truthfully, he hadn’t invited them here in order to bed her. He’d merely been concerned about the four of them in that shabby apartment, sweltering in the stale air, and sleeping outside on a metal fire escape. Of course his body wished otherwise, but Will wasn’t about to give his staff reason to talk by taking advantage of a woman’s presence in his home. No lover had ever spent the night here, in fact. He would absolutely have Ava again, but not here . . . and not with her family sleeping a few rooms away.
With the brandy glass by his elbow now empty, Will stood and refilled it. Perhaps he could drink himself into a stupor. Then he wouldn’t be tempted to tap on Ava’s door in the middle of the night.
“I’ll be sleeping with Mary—not with you.” She had truly been angry on the drive over. Unfortunately for both of them, her fire and sass only made him want her more.
The clock on the marble mantel chimed once. Will stretched his shoulders, rolling them to alleviate the tension in his back. Thanks to the heat, he’d removed his coat earlier and folded up his shirtsleeves. The office windows stood open, and a cool breeze now blew in from the park. Sitting, he resumed his work, determined to make the most of this sleepless night.
Not long after, a respectful tap on the door gained his attention. Hadn’t he sent the butler to bed? “Yes, Frederic?”
The panel cracked and Ava’s lovely face appeared, followed by her even lovelier body. Oh, Christ. She wore a white cotton wrapper over what appeared to be a long, matching nightdress, her hair damp from a bath. Will’s heart stuttered behind his ribs. When she started toward him, her luscious unbound bosom bouncing with every step, blood pooled in his groin, hardening his cock.
Not tonight. But soon.
He cleared his throat and put down his pen. “Why are you still awake?”
Soft steps brought her to his desk, where she leaned a hip against the rosewood. Her gaze swept his shoulders and forearms, causing his skin to prickle. “I couldn’t sleep. I see you’re still working.”
“I only need a few hours’ sleep. I’m usually awake at this time.” He saw the flush on her pretty skin. “Is the heat keeping you up? If so, I can have the staff locate a fan for you.”
She shook her head, her teeth clamping down on her bottom lip. “No, it’s comfortable up there. Sam and Mary were too excited to settle, but finally fell asleep about midnight.” Her fingers trailed the edge of his desk as she drew closer to his chair.
“But?”
“But now I’m the one who can’t settle.”
“Why?”
She slid behind his chair, and her gentle touch ghosted over the top of his shoulder. His breath caught. “Because you’re here in the house somewhere and I keep waiting for you to come for me.” Her hand slipped down over his chest to his sternum. “Your heart is beating so fast,” she murmured.
“I told you I wouldn’t come for you.” He tried to turn around, but her hands held him in place. Letting his head fall back, he closed his eyes and tried to keep from springing up and ripping that flimsy nightdress from her body.
“I know, and I’m not sure I believed you until about fifteen minutes ago.” Pressure on his throat as she undid the knot of his bowtie.
“Did you want me to come for you?”
“Yes and no.” The silk slipped free, and she dropped the edges. She plucked at the studs of his shirt collar, removing them, and finally the collar. Will’s erection pushed against his underclothes, a willing partner to whatever Ava had in mind . . . but they shouldn’t be doing this, not here.
“Ava, let’s not start this now.”
Hot breath tickled his ear. “Too late, railroad man. It’s already started. In case you hadn’t noticed, I’m seducing you.”
“I noticed,” he chuckled, dryly. “It’s been driving me crazy that you’re here, under m
y roof.”
She unfastened his vest, her fingers brushing his abdomen through his clothing as she dealt with the buttons one by one. He felt ready to crawl out of his skin by the time she finished four. “And yet you did nothing about it. Do you want to bed me?”
“Hell, yes.” He grabbed her wrist and brought her hand between his legs to cup his heavy erection. “That is what I’ve been fighting for the last two hours.”
Instead of shying away, as he’d half expected, she curled her grip around him as best she could through his trousers and underclothes. “What a waste of two hours,” she purred, and his cock jumped in her hand.
He clutched the sides of his chair as she gave him a tentative stroke. His chest heaved with his labored breathing, lust tearing through his insides. He could smell her, vanilla and roses, along with the faint hint of her arousal. “Damn it, Ava. Not here.”
“Yes, here.”
He shot to his feet and spun around. Her gaze widened, as if she hadn’t expected him to argue. “I can’t undress you here and take my time with you. I want to taste every inch of your skin. Not lift your nightclothes and fuck you on my desk.”
“You said . . .” Her lips curved in a playful smile. “Why, I didn’t think you even knew such a coarse word.”
He bent and swooped her off her feet, his arms cradling her bottom. She squeaked and clung to his shoulders as his feet started for the door. “Not only do I know that word, I’m about to show you what it means.”
* * *
His bedroom was everything she expected: large, simple, and dripping with understated luxury. Thick Eastern carpets, tasteful landscape paintings, patterned wallpaper . . . Not much furniture, but the few sturdy pieces were crafted from dark, thick wood. Probably antiques. The enormous bed included a wide wooden headboard with intricate carvings. A six-light gasolier hung from the ceiling, casting a yellowish glow on the cream coverlet.
She hardly cared about any of that. Her body was on fire, burning with a fierce need only this man could assuage. For the last two hours, she had imagined seducing him until the reality became necessary to her very survival. Her feet had carried her through the darkened house, to his office, where she hadn’t held back from voicing her desire. He’d already asked for another afternoon in a hotel room. What difference did location mean?