by Allison, Kim
CHAPTER , and sent us instruction of the whereabouts of your father's updated last will and testament."
Daniel's jaw clenched, his hands tightening into fists as he continued to listen to the annoying milksop in front of him. Daniel's strained features were not lost on Mr. Evans and he determined to end the conversation as quickly as possible and get the hell out of Greystone Mansion with all his bones still intact.
Setting the official document atop Daniel's desk, Mr. Evans nervously tapped his index finger atop the amendment made to the will in case Daniel wanted to peruse the wording himself. Quickly withdrawing his finger, Mr. Evans continued. "Are you quite certain we cannot wait for Lady Fredrickson's presence?"
"Most definitely," came the chilling reply. "Say what you came to say and be done with it, Evans."
"Yes, of course," he muttered. "Roughly four months ago, your father contacted my employer and changed some of the stipulations of his will."
"I already gathered that. What exactly did he change?"
"Greystone and all its contents go to Lady Elyssa Fredrickson. As do all his monies and worldly possessions. You have been left in charge of the business and would of course reap any profits made from the time of your father’s death."
“Well isn’t that just fucking grand,” Daniel said under his breath.
Hurriedly standing, Mr. Evans was already heading toward the door. "I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, Lord Fredrickson. If you have any questions, Mr. Andrews will be returning to London in a fortnight. Please relay the tidings to your lovely stepmother as soon as possible. Good day, sir."
With that, Mr. Evans all but ran from the premises, the quick slamming of the front door resounding throughout the mansion. Daniel braced his hands on the desk, his eyes closing as the wrath slowly seeped through his veins, bringing to head an anger as he'd never known. His fingers trembled in rage and Daniel bellowed aloud as he furiously upturned the heavy desk, the huge table crashing to the floor as legal documents fell trapped and wrinkled beneath its weight. Daniel stalked out of the study and out the front doors, the chill of the winter air a biting welcome to his blazer heart skipping a beat at the thiing fury. Had Mr. Evans not already escaped in his waiting carriage, Daniel would have taken great delight in tearing the man limb from limb.
He paced back and forth across the crisp ground, his long, lean fingers running through his loose locks in extreme agitation. Percy had done it again. Even in death, he was able to torment Daniel. Was there never an escape? All he had ever wanted was a father's love and the inheritance he was owed. Daniel paused to look up toward the second story window he knew Elyssa was behind. She was most likely still packing her things.
Elyssa made her way down the stairs, her bags weighing heavy as her heart. She refused to believe the ridiculous notion that Daniel had murdered Percy. It simply wasn't possible. Somehow, when the time was right, she would ask about the letter. She knew only that her heart belonged to Daniel, and always would.
Looking up at the sudden sound of the front doors opening, Daniel was surprised to see Elyssa at the doorway. Her eyes were misty, their emerald color still a downfall for Daniel. He always found himself lost when staring into her eyes. She had on a pretty rose colored gown, one suitable for traveling. Her hair was pulled back into an unflattering chignon, obviously done in a hurry, for even now her dark tresses threatened to spill loose from the hairpins at any moment.
Elyssa nervously wrung her hands, not quite knowing what to say to Daniel. He looked so alluring and masculine standing there in his partially unbuttoned cambric shirt, his dark breeches molded against his muscular physique. She stared at the long, tanned fingers resting on his lean hips, recalling the sweet decadence they'd brought forth on more than one occasion. His facial expression was unreadable, his hooded gaze unfathomable. Elyssa drank in the sight of the beautiful, carnal man before her, wanting to memorize his every feature.
How could she just bid him a casual goodbye, as if nothing special had ever occurred between them? As if she'd not foolishly fallen in love with the sinfully handsome rake? His stare became strained, Elyssa noted, and she dared wonder if he might be just a bit sorry to see her go, for his demeanor had definitely changed from that of earlier.
Knowing she didn't have to leave Greystone, indeed that it was now fully and completely hers, Daniel knew he should let Elyssa know about the solicitor's visit. Pure stubbornness and refusal to believe his goals had once again been shattered made Daniel delay telling her the facts for the time being.
A tentative smile graced Daniel's lips even if it never quite reached his eyes, and he stepped toward Elyssa, taking her hands in his own. His fingers were icy cold and Elyssa wondered just how ridiculous notioned to ">CHAPTER long he'd been outside. Her heart lurched at the mere touch of him and it was all Elyssa could do to keep from throwing herself in Daniel's arms and begging him to let her stay.
"You cannot leave," he said simply.
Her heart soared at the possibility of her wish coming true, but Elyssa feared to get her hopes up, knowing that Daniel was probably just attempting to be kind. "But of course I must," she said halfheartedly.
"Darling, I refuse to let you leave here. If nothing else, for my own selfish reasons. I find the thought of you leaving here completely unacceptable."
Dropping to his knees, Daniel dramatically implored, his hand reaching out to grab her skirts, a rakish grin gracing his handsome face. "Please say you'll stay, Lady Fredrickson. I need you."
His smile was contagious and Elyssa fell into Daniel's arms with an elation only a woman desperately in love could understand. They fell back together against the cold, hard ground, but neither one noticed or cared, for the heat emanating from within was enough to quell any chill from the winter cold. Daniel rolled Elyssa beneath him, stealing her lips in a feverish kiss. He plundered the sweetness within, leaving not one spot unclaimed.
His hands fairly trembled as Daniel loosened her hair, digging his fingers into its dark lushness. Her fingers were likewise greedy, and Daniel's breath drew in sharply at the feel of her hand on his bare chest as she invaded his shirt.
"I assume this means you accept my invitation to remain here indefinitely, darling?" Daniel questioned, loving the feel of her supple body pressed so intimately against his own.
"How can I deny you anything?" Pressing a warm kiss against the crook of his neck, her breathing quickened and Elyssa sweetly confessed, "I love you."
Hesitantly, Daniel softly replied, "I know you do." He felt like the veriest of bastards, misleading her so. Hated like hell that she’d just added herself to the lengthy list of females that had ever declared their undying love for him. Despised the fact that he'd voiced the same reply he had given to each and every one of them.
CHAPTER ">Daniel had always found it a source of amusement in the past that women so easily declared a love for him when he'd always felt so undeserving of it. In truth, he always dreaded hearing those words, for they invariably tended to precede suffocating hopes and desires of clinging women that Daniel was not wont to fulfill.
Elyssa was too exceptional to fall for the likes of him and Daniel knew he would have to soon find a way to set things right, to cut her loose. For now though he neglected to tell Elyssa what she deserved to know. Hell, even if he didn't tell her about the change in Percy's will, the solicitors would be following up with Elyssa in the near future.
Daniel hated the faint sense of insecurity he was feeling with Elyssa, for he was once again falling prey to his own methods. He had always been able to turn on and off the charm, it was a gift. But no matter the intimate words spoken to Elyssa to get what he wanted, no matter the provocative touches he so expertly plied her with, Daniel was more and more in danger of falling hopelessly and eternally beneath Elyssa's spell, and it was that notion that he feared the most.
Daniel helped Elyssa up and she laughed in lightheartedness as she twirled around with her arms open wide, her lovely face upturned toward the sky. The
sight of her playfulness cheered Daniel a bit and he asked Elyssa what she was doing. Replying that she was ecstatic she'd not be forced to leave Greystone, Daniel's expression sobered and his heart mockingly ached for her sweet naivete. How long until she found out the truth, and would she hate him then? Or would he draw her further into his world with the despicable ploy to regain what was rightfully his until she no longer cared?
His sullen thoughts were interrupted a moment later by Elyssa's playful behest to come find her, and he saw the edge of her gown just before she hid behind the obscurity of a huge tree a good ways across the grounds. Within seconds, Daniel was upon her, pressing her back against the hard tree, the scalding tenacity of his kiss leaving Elyssa breathless.
"I want you," his warm voice hissed in her ear, urgently, wildly. "Right here. Right now."
Elyssa's breath came in short gasps, the feel of Daniel's fingers grazing her leg as he boldly yanked a handful of her skirts up above her knees. Her eyes closed in blissful agony as Daniel continued his assault at the juncture of her thighs. He felt her warm dampness, knew she was ready for him, and Daniel made quick work of the buttons on his breeches, piercing her with a thrust so sure and deep she cried out.
CHAPTER ">The playfulness had ended swiftly, her lack of flair at hide-and-seek a rewarding thing after all. She'd not even had time to catch her breath before her handsome rogue had come to her. His kisses became hotter and deeper as she rode him, the stark brazenness of their actions on the lawn in the midst of the morning only serving to further fuel the flames within. Daniel's fingers tightened about her bottom as he lifted her higher to meet his expert thrusts. They climaxed all too quickly and Elyssa's eyes were glazed with passion as Daniel gently slid her down against his body.
Her skirts falling carelessly back into place, Daniel made quick work of buttoning his breeches, though it was obvious he craved more. A rakish grin answered Elyssa's upraised eyebrows at the evidence of his readiness, her shuddering breath proof that she too was anxious to taste more of his wicked pleasures.
He grazed the back of his hand softly against Elyssa's flushed cheeks, noting the soft curve of her breasts above her partially unlaced bodice. She probably didn't even realize his expert fingers had managed that small feat in the short time it took.
She was looking up so lovingly at him. So damnably sweet. Her lips were slightly parted, yet expectant for more of his kisses, her tongue darting out to moisten them. It was all too apparent in her emerald eyes. She wanted him to take her again already. And Daniel knew he could take her anywhere he damn well pleased, be it out on the front lawns or face down on the dining table in front of the servants. She was that ripe for the plucking. And he almost hated her for it.
She was letting him use her. Every time he touched her or held her, each time he laid claim to her lips, Elyssa was welcoming him innocently and unknowingly. She was entirely too intrigued with her newfound discovery of sex. And perhaps it was that thought, that she would be so eager with other men after they were no longer together, that made Daniel so furious.
Consumed with the savage need to possess her yet again, Daniel wordlessly pulled Elyssa by the hand and led her into the mansion and up the stairs. Shoving open the door to her bedroom, Daniel's eyes were piercing, his gaze determined and provocative. Elyssa found herself mesmerized by his darkness, by his overwhelming ability to make her feel like she was on the verge of wickedness and heaven simultaneously. She couldn't imagine the bleakness of life did she ever lose Daniel, yet reality scorned her a fool for entertaining the thought that her infamous rake would ever have the slightest desire to remain attached to her forever.
His words were short and demanding, the fire in his gray eyes turning them a stormy charcoal. "I'll be back in five minutes. Be ready for me." encouragehi dow
With a swift, hard kiss to her mouth, Daniel shut the door between them and went downstairs to retrieve her bags. He knew he was playing with danger, to willingly court Elyssa in his own home, but he was helpless to stop himself. In truth, he didn't want to stop a fucking thing where she was concerned.
Elyssa's eyes widened as the door closed on her, Daniel's words brooking no argument. He had been almost harsh in ordering her so, yet a thrill of excitement coursed through her veins as Elyssa pondered the notion of awaiting Daniel in her bedroom to do whatever wicked delights he might wish of her. He could demand the moon, and she'd somehow give it to him.
Anxious for the return of her lover, Elyssa's eager hands tore her clothes off and carelessly tossed them aside. She quickly got beneath the covers and hoped for Daniel's quick return. Already her body quivered in anticipation, and Elyssa ignored the fleeting thought that she was no doubt becoming as any of the other desperate women he'd ever lain with over the years. And she didn't care.
Daniel picked up the two bags sitting near the front door. They weren't very heavy at all, considering they contained everything Elyssa owned. She was definitely not used to an extravagant lifestyle and clothes, and suddenly it became important that Daniel give her the frivolous things she deserved, the thought giving him a heady sense of recklessness. Perhaps it was just a poor attempt to ease his conscience over his dishonesty, but Daniel nevertheless looked forward to the thrill of buying Elyssa everything she could ever want.
As he started up the stairs, Daniel heard something fall from one of the bags. Looking down on the floor, his eyes narrowed as Daniel saw a gleaming pistol lying guiltily alone. For an eternal moment he simply stood there, staring at the weapon in disbelief. He knew of an instinct it was the gun that had been used to kill his father. It had fallen from one of Elyssa's bags, but the prospect of her firing a loaded weapon at anyone was unimaginable. There had to be a logical explanation. And yet there could be none.
Elyssa had found herself in a loveless marriage forced upon her by her parents. Daniel himself had seen the way Percy had treated her. For God's sake, he'd struck her and left a bruise on her face! Who knew but that she had endured much worse than that? How far could a woman be pushed before she went over the edge?
His thoughts a jumbled mess, Daniel's only concern was getting rid of the damning evidence. He stuck it in the top of his breeches, covering it beneath some clothing in his armoire once he reached his room. He would get rid of it the following day. He could never hate Elyssa for what she had done. Indeed, he encouragehi dow would never betray her dark deed to anyone.
Moments later he entered Elyssa's room, setting her bags off to the side and locking the door behind him. Daniel stared at Elyssa, marveled at the look of false innocence on her lovely face. Had she truly been driven to murder?
There had to be an explanation.
He would find out later. There was always later.
Ignoring his suspicions, Daniel crooked his finger in summons as he leisurely stalked toward the huge bed. Daniel's lips curved upward as Elyssa obediently rose to her knees, the silken sheets falling to display her tempting nakedness.
By the time he reached the bedside, Daniel's shirt and boots had been removed and flung upon the expensive carpet. Only his breeches remained on, and those riding low on his hips from the quick work Daniel was making of the buttons. Elyssa insisted on helping him finish undressing, and Daniel buried himself deep within her before his breeches ever hit the floor.
Her every cry spurred him onward in his quest to conquer her, her hooded eyes a reflection of his own vulnerability toward their consuming affair. They spent the remainder of the morning making love, and Elyssa prayed she wasn’t a complete fool for falling so desperately in love.
CHAPTER 10
The next week was spent in romantic resplendence, for both Daniel and Elyssa chose to ignore any doubts about the other where Percy's death was concerned. Their days were spent in quiet contentment, their nights filled with torrid lovemaking, as if they feared the end would come all too soon, each night possibly their last together.
Daniel convinced the less than dozen servants of Greystone the benefits of
a tight lip and a blind eye. Their substantial increase in wages was a motivating factor in their newfound lack of criticism over the living situation of young Lord Fredrickson and Lady Elyssa. Any urge to start rumors with a friend or lover working in another household was immediately quelled, for not only was their pay increase at risk, but the swift retribution that would be exacted did they falter, by Daniel's own words.
One morning Daniel left for London, telling Elyssa he had a pressing business engagement in town and wouldn't be home until late that night. Unbeknownst to Elyssa, he was actually spending the day at the seamstress' shop, spending a king's ransom on every article of clothing imaginable for her. The owner, Delilah, fairly burst in elation at her newfound customer's willingness to spend an exorbitant amount, pleased that he had come on the recommendation of a satisfied patron, Daniel's best friend, Blake Edmonton.
Daniel casually sat in all his finery while endless bolts of material and patterns were shown him. The sight of the young lord so dark and intent gave cause for fluttering of several hearts, no matter if they were with their husbands or not. The girls employed in the shop were obviously in desire of the notorious Lord Fredrickson, and they envied whomever was the present object of his affections. Their leering gazes and provocative stances would have at one time landed them flat on their backs within moments, but for now Daniel had only one female on his mind, and that was the lovely, enticing Elyssa.
He would normally have enjoyed bringing her along to shop to her heart's content, as he had done countless times with other paramours. But he had no desire for Elyssa's name to be associated as that of a young widow out with another man who was purchasing her lacy undergarments, and corsets, and dresses with daring decolletages.