by Dawn Brower
His actions with his wife had been deplorable. He should apologize. Liam had decided not to explore that side of their marriage until they knew each other better. He'd blundered rather badly at the sight of her in her night clothes. When he opened his eyes and got a good look at her need shot straight through him. All reason left him. Liam wanted her and he bloody hell wouldn't deny himself.
Perhaps she'd be in a forgiving mood. She'd come into his room after all—not the other way around. He would talk to her and assess the situation. Maybe he still had a chance to win her over; to make her see that being with him was the best possible option for her.
With slow and deliberate movements, Liam pulled himself into a sitting position on the bed. Every muscle in his body ached, and his eyes were dry and gritty. He rubbed his face in an attempt to remove all the remnants of sleep from his mind and body. It didn't do much to help. He needed a bath and a shave. He reached up and pulled the bell to alert his valet he needed help. He didn't move an inch while he waited for Grady to arrive.
"You need assistance, sir?"
"Yes, Grady, I feel bloody awful. Please get a bath prepared."
"Very good, sir. I will see to it immediately. Would you like a tray brought up? You missed breakfast."
"Is it really afternoon? I was hoping that the sun was just especially bright and high this morning."
"Luncheon is in an hour, sir. It's now very late morning."
"No tray then. I will eat in an hour. Maybe by then I can tolerate food." His stomach rolled at the idea of eating. How much did he drink last night? "Where is my wife?"
"Lady Marsden is in the sitting room having tea. His Grace, the Duke of Huntly just arrived. She is entertaining him."
"Is she now? Skip the bath, Grady, help me shave and get dressed. I will probably have to go intervene. Noah made a mess of things with her yesterday."
Grady nodded and started to prepare everything to aid Liam. It didn't take long to get him ready to go downstairs. Less than twenty minutes later he was dressed, shaved, and at least on the outside, ready to face the world. The nauseous feeling still sat like a heavy brick inside him, but his outward appearance gave him a sense of confidence. The only thing left for him to do was go face his wife and best friend. He hoped he could make it through the whole meeting without falling over.
Liam strolled down the stairs and walked down the hallway to the sitting room. He could hear Gemma's melodious laughter resonate through the room. He stopped outside the doorway and leaned against the wall. The room began to spin, and he needed to get his bearings before he ambled his way into the room. While he stood there, he listened to their conversation.
"I assure you, Your Grace, you have nothing to apologize for," Gemma explained.
"I disagree, but let's just say we are at an impasse and move on. As long as you don't hold it against me."
"I don't see any reason I would. You were just looking out for your friend. I can't fault you for that. I kind of like that you were willing to go to such lengthy measures. It shows how loyal you are." Gemma grinned. "Although in hindsight it may have been amusing to see how far you would have taken it. You don't strike me as someone who would betray his best friend. If I had been in my right mind, I'd have tested you myself."
"I don't think I'd have survived. I'm glad you didn't have it in you to use your wiles against me. You would have wounded me forever."
"You may be right. It's best it played out as it did." Her laughter floated through the room.
Was Gemma flirting with Noah? No, he had to be imagining things again. She wouldn't do that, would she? It saddened him to admit that he didn't know her anymore. If last night was any indication, she no longer wanted him, but perhaps his friend held an appeal to her now. No way would he ever allow it. For a brief moment, Liam was blinded as he saw red flashing behind his eyes. An unknown emotion took root. One he'd never experienced before and had trouble identifying. His pulse raced and his hand shook. Liam clenched his fist at his side and closed his eyes. He took two deep calming breaths and imagined his wife with Noah—and heat fused through his whole body, again. Gemma's amusement brought him back to reality. He needed to get in that room; had to know where things stood with his wife.
He hobbled to the opening and got a glimpse of Gemma. She sat next to Noah on the settee, her hand resting in his. A sparkle shown in her eyes, bright red curls framed her face, and a happy smile beamed on her beautiful face. She looked radiant, and Noah appeared to be the reason.
"I'm not interrupting, am I?" With every ounce of energy he had in him, Liam sauntered into the room. He refused to show any weakness.
"I see you finally decided to crawl out of bed and join the rest of the world." Gemma frowned. "I almost wouldn’t be able to guess you had gone out drinking last night. Of course, it probably helped to sleep off most of the nasty effects."
"So much concern for my health, ah… I see now the benefits of having a wife. You must care so much to harp on my actions so elegantly." Liam held his hand over his heart mocking her words. He strolled over and sat down on the chair next to the settee. "What, you didn't think to include me in your visit? No cup for me?"
"I didn't think to ask the servants to bring brandy with the tea, Liam. Forgive me for my oversight. I should correct it immediately." Scorn filled her voice.
"Good, see that you do. It's quite abysmal I don't have something to quench my thirst."
Gemma got up and walked out of the room stomping her feet each step of the way. The anger palpable on her face as her cheeks became as red as the curls framing it.
"Are you always so bloody asinine after drinking so much?" Noah asked raising his eyebrow at Liam. "Cause if so I don't recall you ever acting like an arse before now."
"Go bugger yourself, Noah. I'm not in the mood."
"Got up on the wrong side of the bed, did you?" Noah chuckled. "And here I thought you'd be glad to see me. I did make sure you made it home in one piece."
All of the laughter and amusement started to reverberate through his skull. It added a new layer of pain joining the already steady beat drumming inside his head.
"Not that I'm ungrateful, but I would prefer it if you didn't get too cozy with my wife." Liam scowled.
Noah sat back with shock on his face. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"I heard you talking—flirting with Gemma. Leave her alone." Liam crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Noah with antagonism.
"I'm going to pretend that you are not accusing me of trying something with your wife. You know I wouldn't do that," Noah said baffled.
"Do I?" Liam raised an eyebrow. "You admitted to propositioning her last night."
"Damn it, Liam. Quit while you still can. You know last night wouldn't have happened. I do not want to become your wife's lover."
"Why the hell not?" Liam asked, insulted. "You don't think she's good enough for you?"
"I don't believe you! First you get on my case because you think I'm flirting with Gemma, and now you want to know why I'm not? What the bloody hell is going on in that head of yours?"
"Hell, if I know. Perhaps you should go before I say something else completely insane." Liam scrubbed his hands over his face in disgust. "This is what she is driving me to. I'll be in Bedlam before the day is out."
Gemma walked back in just as Noah stood up to leave.
"You're not leaving, are you? We were just getting to know each other," Gemma said.
Liam noticed Gemma's face light up as she looked at Noah. He had to repress the urge to get up and punch his best friend. Noah couldn't help that his wife liked him. Of course that didn't make him feel any better; the desire to pummel him didn't diminish as he watched her face glow brighter and happier in front of the duke.
"This is your doing, isn't it?" She turned to Liam, anger replacing the joy on her face. "I thought you were close? Why are you chasing him away?"
"He isn't making me leave, I assure you. I have business to take care
of. I just wanted to apologize and make sure Liam had survived the night okay. It's time for me to take care of some other pressing matters."
"Oh, perhaps you can dine with us later in the week. I'd like to continue our discussion." Gemma smiled.
"Absolutely. Send a note as to what day and I will make sure I'm here," Noah said.
"Good. I look forward to seeing you again." Gemma grinned. "I'll send a note around later today."
Noah nodded at her and then turned back to Liam. "I will see you later. Perhaps you will be in a better mood."
"I doubt it," Liam grumbled.
"Good day, Lady Marsden," Noah said and left the room.
"What's wrong with you today?" Gemma demanded.
"Not a bloody thing. I'm just perfect. You, on the other hand, seem to like His Grace a little too much. It explains a lot actually."
"Are you still drunk?" She tilted her head to the side and scrunched her eyebrows up in confusion.
"Unfortunately no. Maybe I should be," Liam said. He stood up and walked over to her and stopped in front of her. "Or perhaps I still am, it would explain the lack of control I'm experiencing. Although I believe it's more apt to say you make me this way, dear."
"Don't blame me for your detestable behavior."
"I'm only giving credit where it's due, love."
"I'm not going to stand here and take this. I have better things to do with my time." Gemma started to leave, but Liam grabbed a hold of her hand and prevented her from storming out of the room.
"Like what? Chase after Noah?"
"I don't know where you are getting these delusional ideas from, but I am not interested in the Duke of Huntly."
"I don't believe you," Liam said as he pulled her into his arms. "But that's a matter for another day."
"Let me go."
"I can't. I will never let you go, Gemma."
He lowered his head and with a softness he didn't feel he pressed his lips to hers. She might want Noah now, but she had wanted him first. Liam just needed to remind her that she had loved him once and could again. It might take a while to get her to acknowledge it, but he had faith in his ability to duplicate that emotion within her. Gemma stood there and let him press light, innocent kisses on her lips and cheeks. Her actions made him believe she wasn't going to fight him… or encourage him.
"This isn't a good idea, Liam."
"Possibly not, but I needed to. I will leave you be for now, but Gemma you should be prepared."
"Whatever for?"
"A siege like you've never known before. I don't intend to give up easily. If you think you are going to turn to Noah you are mistaken. You are my wife, and I didn't take those vows lightly. I have never been good at sharing, and I'm not about to start this late in life."
"I told you I don't want the duke. Why can't you believe that? Never mind, I'm not going to argue with you. Believe what you want. I have better things to do."
With those words, Gemma stomped out of the room. Her face still held the red stains of anger on her cheeks or possibly a small amount could be attributed to his kiss. Liam hoped some of it could be accredited to her desire for him. That at least she couldn't fake or deny. The battle lines were clearly drawn and he intended to win the war. Gemma would belong to him in every way. In time, she would realize it too.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Gemma stormed into the library and sat down on a chair and let out a muffled scream. That man infuriated her. How dare he accuse her of wanting the Duke of Huntly! Just because she entertained him while he visited did not mean a thing. She had no designs of being anything other than his friend. After they got past his faux pas, they had gotten along very well. As she spent more time with him, she found him quite charming and personable. For a brief moment, she was able to forget her troubles and just enjoy talking with someone else. The Duke of Huntly made it possible for her to laugh and smile for the first time since she had walked into her new home.
Liam, her husband, had only caused her heartache. How had they come to be in such a place? He didn't want her, but he didn't want anyone else to have her either. He acted like a kid with a new toy. Playing with it when he wanted to and casting it aside after it no longer amused him. Although he hadn't had a chance to entertain himself with her; preventing that last night had taken all the strength she had within her. If Liam had once even pretended to love her, she would have acquiesced to his seduction.
Gemma got up and started to amble around the room. She stopped and looked at the various bookcases. Perhaps she should get a book to read… No, that didn't interest her. She had only retreated to the library to get away from Liam. Restlessness roamed through her, and she knew sitting still to read would prove to be impossible. Too much ran through her mind. She had to find a way to get Liam to agree to annul their marriage.
"Pardon me, but you have a visitor," Pemberly said.
Gemma turned to look at the butler. He stood in the doorway awaiting her instructions. Who could be visiting her? The only friend she had in the world lived across the ocean in South Carolina.
"I'm not expecting anyone. Can you tell whoever it is I'm not in?"
"Now dear, I'm not one to be turned away."
Just behind the butler, Viscount Torrington filled the doorway. His dark hair tied at the nape of his neck; his blue eyes sparkled with mischief. He had a very large frame; Liam took after him in height and build. Lily adored her father and often said she took after him in temperament, but Gemma didn't know him all that well. She didn't want to start on that journey now. What she wanted was for them all to leave her be so she could think.
"Viscount Torrington, what can I help you with?" Gemma asked. She only barely kept her annoyance out of her voice. "Pemberly, can you have Janie bring in some refreshments?"
"No need, Pemberly. I won't be here long."
Gemma raised her eyebrow at him. "Maybe I'd like some."
"Do you?"
"No, but it's rude of you to presume I didn't." Gemma shot back at him.
"You've got spirit." He laughed. "I can see why Lily likes you."
"Well the feeling is mutual, I happen to adore your daughter," Gemma said. "I repeat, my lord, what can I help you with?"
"I came to see Liam, but Pemberly informed me I just missed him."
"He left?" Gemma asked surprised. Liam was so bloody rude. She clenched her fists at her side. "I hadn't realized."
Gemma strolled over to the chair she had vacated earlier and sat back down befuddled that he had already left. He didn't believe in letting her know anything. Just decided to leave and didn't care if she might want to know. That man could drive a saint crazy with his carelessness.
"Perhaps you can answer my questions. Liam was supposed to come by and see me last night. He failed to show up."
"What?" Confusion filled her voice. "I assumed he was leaving to go to his club—which he indeed did. He never mentioned going to see you last night."
"Liam went drinking?" Torrington raised his eyebrow. "That's entirely unlike him. What happened when he went to retrieve you yesterday?"
"Oh, that." Gemma snorted. "He lost his mind."
"How so?" the viscount inquired.
"When he got there, Alfie… let's say his hands were roaming in places they didn't belong," Gemma explained. "Liam strolled in, took one look at us, and announced that he hoped my cousin wasn't doing what he thought to his fiancée."
"Well, that was part of the plan. He needed a reason to get you away from him. At least that worked well."
Stupid plan—of course, she must be too simpleminded to have been included in on the details of it. Nice to know the big broad gentlemen could take care of the helpless female. If only she could have inherited her funds sooner. Then she wouldn't have needed anyone's aide. Gemma would be in South Carolina with Lily.
"Yes, I gathered that much. I assume the contract was a scheme he concocted to help me leave without much fuss."
Maybe she could get some details out of Viscount T
orrington. Liam hadn't been too forthcoming when she asked him questions. Gemma wasn't above getting information from another source.
"I don't know what you mean. The signatures on that contract are completely valid." Torrington smiled.
He was so smug. Gemma wanted to wipe the smile right off his face. She restrained herself from acting on it. Wouldn't be good to strike Viscount Torrington—he might not react well to it.
"Yes, I know. Both you and my father wanted to betroth us several years ago. I assume you didn't fully go through with it, or I'd have known about it. Regardless, it doesn't mean anything now. Your son used the contract to convince Alfie he and I were betrothed, and I left with him."
"Good, at least you don't have to worry about his less than desirable attentions. Anything else I need to know?"
"He also decided my cousin needed to be taught a lesson. I didn't get to witness that. He wouldn't allow it. After I left the room, he took care of it."
"So far I'm not hearing anything to indicate he is going crazy," Torrington said. "I'd have done the same."
"Yeah, I'm sure you don't." Gemma smiled. "But then you didn't get the joy of experiencing it all."
"Too true," Torrington said. "I'm glad he was able to help you. I hate that Lily worried over your safety. So when are you set to sail to South Carolina?"
"I don't know." Gemma shrugged her shoulders. "He did say we'd go there for our wedding trip. He's been… strange since we left the vicarage."
"Wait, the vicarage?" Torrington's eyes widened. His mouth fell open for several seconds. He shook his head, disbelief clouding his eyes. "Are you saying you actually got married yesterday?"
Wait… they weren't supposed to get married? Did she just read him right? Why had Liam married her when that part wasn't included in the plan? A little flutter took root in her heart—hope. Dangerous, but she couldn't stop it from expanding into something full-fledged deep inside her.
"Well, yes. I thought that was the plan? Liam didn't exactly fill me in on all the details. Just said I had to go along with it, or I'd end up unhappily married to Alfie. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful I didn't have to travel down that road, but I didn't exactly want to trade one unhappy marriage for another."