Dare to be Mine

by Allison, Kim

  "Anything," came the breathless reply. Daniel smiled smugly in satisfaction, pleased to note her naive eagerness.

  "Take your clothes off." At Elyssa's shocked expression, what little of it he could discern in the dim carriage, Daniel felt a welcome sense of recklessness. He had spent so many nights in the company of experienced women. Females just as eager for a quick fuck as he was. It was a refreshing change to actually shock a beautiful young lady into stunned silence.

  His fingers took the liberty of untying her cape as he scooted to the edge of the seat, his hands spreading it back from Elyssa's shoulders. A shivering chill made her tremble, and she knew it was not from the cool rush of air, but from Daniel's unexpected words and forward actions.

  His hands began pulling the hem of her gown seductively upward, revealing feminine ankles and calves beneath her dark, lacy stockings. His fingers trailed a scorching path up the inside of Elyssa's thigh as he boldly continued, "I want every stitch of clothing off your luscious body––except the diamonds of course. Leave them on."

  A thrill of pagan lust shot through Elyssa at his brazen words, the thought of her naked in escaped her lips ah smile Daniel's arms emblazoning a heated picture in her mind. How could he seem relatively guileless in the light of day and so wickedly tempting in the darkness? The wintry coolness hitting her partially bared skin was no cause of concern, for the heat emanating from Daniel's words and touches warmed Elyssa considerably.

  Daniel was delighted to see the tempting rise and fall of her chest as a result of his seductive words. Although she managed only a minor attempt to stay his hands, he knew Elyssa was hopelessly lost. A few more carefully spoken words and she would easily desert her declaration of intimate restraint without further reserve.

  In a blinding flash, Daniel managed to finish pulling her gown up to her thighs. He easily turned Elyssa halfway about, seating himself against her back, his hands slowly trailing a path up her sides. He felt her shuddering indrawn breath at his subtle movements. Daniel's perfect white teeth gently nipped at her neck before his lips worshiped the same spot. He knew it was wicked to act so serious with his request that she disrobe, but Elyssa's naivete was charming and Daniel was helpless to continue teasing her just so.

  Elyssa stilled at the raspy voice whispering into her ear the things he wanted to do to her during their ride. Elyssa felt like the veriest innocent trapped in a carriage with the big, bad wolf. Only this wolf was soon to become her husband.

  Her breathing labored, Elyssa's head fell back against his shoulder as Daniel's hands continued upward, teasing, seducing. Finally his fingers strayed from her breasts, ever so slowly downward until they were dangerously close to causing the loss of Elyssa's barely contained composure. The barrier of her gown was the only thing keeping Elyssa from losing complete rational thought and letting Daniel have his way with her.

  She managed a breathless, "Daniel, we mustn't." A soft moan escaped her lips as he unhooked a few tiny clasps on the back of her gown, his lips kissing the softness beneath. "My hair, my dress," she softly protested. With little effort, Daniel pulled Elyssa around to face him, lifting her onto his lap.

  Elyssa felt completely beneath his spell, but willingly so. Her passion glazed eyes looked down at Daniel and he stared back. A hungry, demanding gaze. His mouth rained long, leisure kisses on the exposed tops of her breasts, and she was helpless to thrust them forward, her hands cradling his head against her. Elyssa could feel his hardness against her, and she was disturbed to find that she could even consider going any further with Daniel when they would undoubtedly arrive at the ball any moment.

  His to keep hernot l touches left Elyssa breathless, and his seductive words brought forth an increased fascination with Daniel. She looked forward to the nights ahead when he would no doubt introduce her to unknown heights. She was on the very edge of giving into his carnal demands when the carriage slowed and Daniel glanced out the window, announcing they had arrived at the Edmontons'.

  A scorching kiss ensued before Elyssa composed herself. She was clearly rattled over the turn of events and Daniel was helpless to smile in satisfaction that Elyssa had been so ready and willing. His wanton little wife would no doubt continue to be a most adept student in the art of lovemaking, for all that she already gave him great pleasure.

  His smile disappeared as Daniel once again warred within himself over Elyssa. He knew what he wanted, he had returned from Paris to get it. Had won Elyssa in the process, yet struggled on a daily basis against himself to remain the seducer and not the seducee.

  Could Elyssa truly be so guileless as to not realize what her emerald eyes did to him? Did she truly not know how her lips tempted him to kiss them, that her luscious body taunted him a fool to think he could ever completely possess her? Discard her at Greystone while he spent most of his time in London for business, and eventually cavorting? Who was the real fool, Daniel mused inwardly, as the carriage door opened a moment later.

  Quickly stepping out, as if to flee his disturbing thoughts, Daniel lifted a hand to help Elyssa down. Her trembling fingers clasped his warm hand, and she smoothed a hand down the front of her gown in effort to make certain she was in proper order for the ball. Daniel reached back into the carriage and retrieved Elyssa's glove, handing it to her. Blushing, Elyssa hurriedly put it back on. Daniel brought her hand up to his lips, his dark eyes purposely calling to remembrance the heated moments just spent in the carriage, willing Elyssa not to forget that she belonged to him.

  Breathlessly, Elyssa pulled her hand away, her eyes meeting his in bewilderment. Somehow it seemed she'd lost another part of herself to Daniel in those promiscuous moments. And though it was exciting to be the recipient of his intimacies, it was likewise almost frightening. She sensed he was slowly taking more and more of her, body and soul, and although a sense of alarm lingered, Elyssa was helpless to willingly give herself to Daniel, no matter how great his demand might be. His tender smile took away all worry, however, and they proceeded inside. The mansion was filled to capacity, endless tables of refreshment and servants to see to anyone's least whim. It promised to be the usual success it always was.

  They were announced as Lord Daniel so callous and deceitfulmi lFredrickson and Lady Elyssa Fredrickson, and were met with countless stares and murmurings, although Daniel completely ignored it. Blake's parents, Lord and Lady Edmonton, greeted Daniel and Elyssa, Blake coming over just after to greet them. Elyssa smiled at the brotherly camaraderie she immediately sensed as Daniel shook hands with the handsome lord before introducing him to Elyssa. He was almost as tall as Daniel, and nearly every bit as handsome. It was almost a sin to behold so much male beauty in one place. Breathtaking at the very least.

  Blake spoke something softly to Daniel, which generated a hearty laugh. Elyssa timidly glanced about while the men carried on, more than a little disappointed to feel the hushed whispers hidden behind women's hands. Raised eyebrows and chattering lips were not a positive thing, Elyssa mused inwardly, wishing that Daniel would finish his conversation with Blake so they could go somewhere more private. If there was such a thing in the crowded mansion. She couldn't help recalling the last huge ball she had attended. The night Percy had laid claim to her. She shuddered in recollection.

  A moment later Daniel clasped Elyssa's hand in his own and led her out onto the dance floor. She tried to protest, not certain she could master the steps, for it had been many months since she had danced. Daniel would not be denied, however, and within seconds Elyssa was gliding gracefully and effortlessly within Daniel's arms. He was a most impressive dancer and Elyssa knew without a doubt that she would be the most envied woman at the ball. That was not something she was comfortable with, however, for she had no desire to worry about every breathing woman trying to tempt Daniel into her arms, or worse, her bed.

  "You are a wonderful dancer," she softly complimented just after the music ended. Taking her aside, Daniel retrieved two drinks of champagne from the gold tray of a passing servant.r />
  "As are you, my love," he replied. Saluting his glass toward Elyssa, he toasted softly, "to us, dearheart".

  Elyssa sipped the expensive champagne, her spirits lifting beneath Daniel's sweet attention. She could see the longing in his gaze, felt his need to kiss her amid the hundreds of guests, and it thrilled her. He managed to overcome the need, not wishing to give further talk for the gossips no doubt already spreading rumors about the two of them. Daniel didn't voice his thoughts to Elyssa. He wanted her to have a wonderful, memorable evening.

  They shared another dance before Daniel insisted he was famished. Elyssa was too nervous to eat anything, content to simply watch Daniel eat. His mouth really was sinfully tempting, she mused, as he devoured another piece of hide down the corridor.ed to ">CHAPTER ously expensive lobster. A sensual smile claimed Daniels’ lips as he took note of Elyssa’s apparent fascination with his eating habits. She swallowed nervously at his heated gaze. Was it normal to be so infatuated with your future husband? She was glad when Daniel finished his food. Just afterward, a business acquaintance approached Daniel in desperate need of financial advice on a venture he was considering. Daniel asked if Elyssa would mind him leaving her side for only a few moments. He needed to discuss a delicate matter of finances with the man. It would not take long, Daniel insisted, as he placed a quick, chaste kiss on her forehead.

  Suddenly alone, Elyssa felt vulnerable and unsure of herself. Already she counted the seconds until Daniel's return, hoping and praying that he would come back quickly. Moving slightly to the strains of the music, Elyssa was more than a little surprised to suddenly find herself surrounded by a throng of young handsome men, each of them wishing to dance with her. They were curious, every last one of them, to discover the beauty's identity. And that she was with the notorious rake, Daniel Fredrickson, was proof that whomever she was, she was quite a catch, both in and out of the bedroom.

  They delighted in the fetching blush of her cheeks at their attentions, betraying an innocent charm they all vowed Fredrickson had likewise found beguiling and quite a change from his normal doxies, were all the rumors even half truths. The generous swell of her breasts above the low cut decolletage drew many a hungry gaze

  Elyssa did her best to deny them sweetly, but one of the boldest took it upon himself to quickly pull her out to the dance floor. She was aggravated at his audacity, unable to loose herself from his grasp. But before she knew it, Elyssa was helplessly giggling at something witty he'd whispered about the couple next to them. He was charming to be sure, this Baron John Adderly, and quickly on his way to becoming a noted rogue. Although she thought of him as quite young, he was actually a year older than Elyssa. His easy charm took her by surprise and Elyssa found herself answering his every question about herself.

  The music ended, much to John's disappointment, and as they turned to go back to Elyssa's spot against the far wall, Daniel stood blocking the way. A touch of amusement in his voice, Daniel asked, "Did you very much enjoy dancing with my fiancee?"

  Striving to overcome the shock at hearing the young beauty was engaged to Fredrickson, the insolent pup finally replied, "Why yes, I find Elyssa quite charming and easily the best dancer here."

  Only the tick in Daniel's jaw gave evidence at his underlying anger, and he silently watched as Adderly bowed to Elyssa, bidding her good night. Though had he seen the down the corridor.ed to ">CHAPTER bold wink John bestowed upon Elyssa, he might have throttled the life from him. John took his leave and needless to say, Elyssa's other admirers had already scattered at the sight of the possessive Lord Fredrickson.

  “Darling, I cannot leave you for five minutes without you drawing a crowd," he mocked in severity. "What is a man to think when his fiancee is so quick to take up with a group of rogues the moment his back is turned?"

  "Perhaps that you should not desert me?" she charmingly replied.

  "Minx," he teased softly, leading her out onto a secluded balcony well away from anyone’s watching eyes.

  "It is cold out," Elyssa commented.

  "No matter, darling, I shall keep you warm," came the husky response. He wrapped his arms about Elyssa. "Don't worry, we'll go back in. I just couldn't wait any longer to do this."

  Daniel stole her breath away, so sweet and insistent was his kiss. His mouth covered hers, his lips warm and slanting against her own. Elyssa moaned softly at the feel of being in Daniel's arms, crushed against his hard chest, his tongue thrusting against her own. It was the enchantment dreams were made of, and Elyssa felt she was the luckiest woman on earth.

  The kiss gradually ended, although Elyssa couldn't recall exactly when Daniel had managed to back her up against the wall, nor when his hands had moved to cup her bottom in effort to pull her closer against his hardness.

  Shaking his head mockingly over his own lack of self-control, Daniel said, "You are a witch, darling. How else can I explain this ever present need to touch you and kiss you?" His soft laughter was music to her ears and Elyssa placed her head against his shoulder, inhaling the scent of him, reveling in the masculine feel of him. Kissing the top of her head, Daniel told her, "Wait here, darling. I just saw a servant walking by with glasses of brandy. That will warm us and I can selfishly keep you to myself a few moments more."

  Before Elyssa could protest, Daniel was gone. Seconds later, she turned to the sound of returning footsteps. She turned, the smile dying on her lips as she spied a familiar young woman. "You are the woman that was in Daniel's bed. so callous and deceitfulmi l"

  "What a clever girl you are," came the short reply.

  It was a shock seeing the beautiful young lady here at the ball, and Elyssa's doubts were beginning to surface already. It was clear the woman was here to voice her claim on Daniel yet again, but Elyssa trusted Daniel's words that she was nothing to him.

  "What are you doing here?" Elyssa asked.

  "I live here." She laughed at the look of confusion on Elyssa's face. "Catherine Edmonton. Surely Daniel mentioned something about me after you found me in his bed?"

  Elyssa searched her mind for Daniel's exact words. Catherine Edmonton. Blake's younger sister. Always wreaking havoc wherever she went. Elyssa unwittingly spoke the words aloud and Catherine giggled in amusement.

  "Well yes, Daniel and I both wreaked havoc together. Both in and out of bed."

  Catherine's positively smug look ate away at Elyssa's heart. She suddenly felt lacking in appearance next to the petite beauty. Catherine's ivory gown was spectacular. Her eyes betrayed a decadence that would have taken Elyssa years to gain. A decadence shared with Daniel, and Elyssa's heart sank a bit more in that knowledge.

  "Why would he have brought me here to your home?" Elyssa asked aloud.

  A condescending snicker answered that question, and Catherine said, "Why do you think? To be with me. Why do you think Daniel is spending his last night as an unmarried man under my parents' roof? So he can sneak into my bedroom tonight."

  "Daniel will be back in just a moment. I am sure he can put your ridiculous claims to rest," Elyssa said, though the tremor in her voice betrayed the fear she actually felt.

  Stepping closer to Elyssa, the haughty smile died on Catherine's face and a look of anger took its place as she "What is it?"g">CHAPTER grabbed Elyssa's arm. "The only reason Daniel is marrying you is because of his father’s amended will."

  Elyssa's look of confusion spurred Catherine's revelation. "Your husband changed his will before he died and left everything to you. Greystone and all the money. Daniel found out but couldn't tell you. And that, my gullible Lady Fredrickson, is the only reason my lover is marrying you."

  Elyssa cried out, snatching her arm loose from Catherine. "It isn't true!"

  "I'll tell you what isn't true," Catherine rebuked. "Daniel's love for you isn't true. His desire for you isn't real. He loves me. And once everything is his again after the marriage, he will annul it and wed me."

  Elyssa struggled to catch her breath, blindly stepping inside from the balcony, needin
g to get away as quickly as possible. Her entire world was threatening to collapse and Elyssa felt she would die from the intense pain squeezing her heart. Before allowing Elyssa to leave, Catherine left her with one further thought.

  "If you don't believe me, find the will and read it yourself. It's most likely locked in a desk drawer or a safe. Marry Daniel and you will be welcoming certain heartbreak. He belongs with me, do you hear?”

  Elyssa was already out of sight, though Catherine's taunting words rang in her ears as she hurried down the corridor. Tears blinded her steps and Elyssa nearly tripped over the hem of her gown. She didn't bother retrieving her cape or gloves, only wanted to flee the horrible place. Elyssa felt like retching at the thought of Catherine's words, and although she longed to scorn the woman a liar and a fool, Elyssa knew it would be too easy to verify her accusations. What had she to gain by concocting such a lie? She had to find the will, had to prove Daniel's innocence in the bitch's petty scheme to steal him away.

  Catherine followed from a distance, making sure Elyssa left the mansion. Smiling in satisfaction at Elyssa's departure, Catherine had one of the servants find Daniel and inform him that Lady Fredrickson had left for the night pleading a horrible headache, and that she would see him two days hence at the church.

  Elyssa cried off and on the entire way home, certainty that the woman was lying alternating with the fear her life would never be the same. The trip was agonizingly slow, even though the driver was going as fast as humanly possible in response to Elyssa's curt orders. down the corridor.ed to ">CHAPTER

  She ran up the stairs into Greystone and into the study, where they'd first sat after the original reading of the will. Frantically, Elyssa opened and searched through each and every drawer and was surprised to find the original will in plain sight as she opened the top right drawer.

  Taking a deep breath and with trembling hands, she opened and read the legal document. Dropping into the chair, her fear and trepidation vanished as she read that all was as she had hoped. It had all been left to Daniel. Nothing indicated otherwise.