by Dawn Brower
"No doubt he does. I can't worry about that right now. I have more pressing concerns."
"Such as?"
"How am I going to get out of three dances with Liam? I am not going to give the ton any more reason to gossip about me. My hasty marriage is enough fodder for the gossip mills."
Just as she said the words, she spotted the Duke of Huntly arriving at the entrance to the ballroom. He was announced and made his way inside. How serendipitous… The duke wouldn't balk at standing up to her husband, and he'd no doubt readily agree to dance with her. She'd just fail to mention how Liam wanted to dance every waltz with her.
"Never mind I think I have an idea. I need to go speak to His Grace, the Duke of Huntly."
"You know him?" Pearla's mouth hung open with surprise.
"Yes. He is Liam's friend. He will be at dinner as well. You may as well meet him now."
"Really? Who else is going to be at this dinner party?"
"Only his parents. Have you met them?"
"No, I can't say I have. I look forward to it."
Pearla and Gemma walked over to the Duke of Huntly. He stopped before them and bowed. His black hair curled around his neck, and his eyes held a sadness that Gemma wished she could erase.
"Gemma, it's nice to see you here. Is Liam with you this evening?"
"He is. Were you looking for him?"
"I do need to speak with him. I stopped by, and Pemberly said he believed you were both here tonight. I don't like balls or any social occasions, if I'm being honest. I did receive your dinner invitation. I will, of course, attend."
Gemma smiled at him. He was a nice and charming gentleman. She looked over and found Pearla charmed with him and for the first time completely tongue-tied.
"Noah, please excuse my rudeness. This is my friend Miss Pearla Montgomery. Pearla this is His Grace, Noah St. John, Duke of Huntly."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Montgomery." Noah bowed.
"I'm glad you will be attending the dinner party. Pearla will be there along with Liam's parents."
"A nice intimate affair, good, I detest crowds."
"I hope I can talk you into at least one dance before you leave. I know you have pressing concerns with Liam, but I still have yet to fill up my dance card."
The duke didn't look happy at the idea of dancing. His face paled, and his lips formed a straight grim line. He looked all around the ballroom, everywhere except directly at Gemma. Pearla continued to nod her head at the appropriate times, but not once did she speak in the presence of the duke. Later Gemma would question her unusual silence, but now she had more pressing concerns.
"I suppose I can. Is it too much to ask for the first dance? I would like to leave as soon as possible. I don't want anyone to get any hopes up of my staying."
"You are in luck, Your Grace. I can write your name in for the first dance and it is about to start."
As the words left her mouth, the beginning strands of the waltz reverberated through the room. Noah hooked her hand in his arm to led her onto the dance floor. In the distance, she could see her husband enter the ballroom with a murderous look on his face. She knew she played with fire by dancing with Noah, but she was willing to get burned to get her point across. Liam thought she wanted his friend, and she didn't see any reason to disabuse him of that notion.
Just because she admitted to herself she still loved him didn't mean she shouldn't follow her instincts. Liam flat out told her he didn't have any feelings for her. Why should she believe he'd suddenly had a change of heart? Gemma needed to protect herself before she found herself unwilling to live without Liam. Loving him would only lead to her ruination. She refused to give into those unwanted emotions. All she wanted was a little distance—to be able to think clearly. Liam made her forget who she was, and she got lost in wanting him. If he believed she desired his friend perhaps she'd get some of that much needed space.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
As soon as Liam entered the ballroom after leaving his business acquaintance, he saw his best friend leading his wife to the dance floor. Never would he have guessed her intentions – had he known, he’d never have left her side. It was a total surprise to see Noah at the ball. When Noah lost his wife, his need to socialize also vanished. Without Rubina, he had lost hope and any wish to be around people. Especially around anyone that would fawn all over him because they believed he was once again the catch of the season. Liam had never envied his friend his title or properties. They came with adverse side effects.
He loved Noah like a brother, but at that moment all he wanted to do was murder him.
All right maybe that maneuver would be a tad extreme, but Liam had never before had rage coursing through his veins as it now did. He weighed his options and tried to decide what his next move should be. If he marched out onto the dance floor, he would create a scene that would forever be remembered. He didn't want to look like the jealous arse he actually was. He scanned the ballroom and saw Gemma's friend, Pearla on the outskirts watching them dance. With a plan of action in place, he strolled over to her side.
"I need your help."
Pearla jumped up, and her voice squeaked as she said, "What?"
"Dance with me."
"Um no, I don't think that is a good idea. I can tell you are rather angry. Don't be mad at Gemma, she was only trying to prevent a scandal. Dancing with her three times isn't a good idea."
Gemma must have told her that was her reason for wanting to dance with Noah. Pearla didn't realize that his wife had developed an attachment to his friend in a very short period of time. Well, if she believed that he was going to allow her to further along that connection she would soon find out exactly how wrong she was.
"Is that so? Well, it may be a little late to prevent that. I wanted to dance with my wife and I will. Now come dance with me."
"All right, but I want my objections to this to be noted. It is a bad idea."
"Duly noted and also rejected. I don't care if it is a bad idea or not, it's going to happen."
Liam grabbed her hand in his and led her onto the dance floor in the middle of the waltz. He guided her along the floor until they neared Gemma and Noah. He weaved her around the floorboards as fast as he could without knocking into anyone. Once he spotted his intended destination, he did the necessary steps to arrive there.
"Now this is what is going to happen, Pearla. You are going to switch places with Gemma. I need you to dance with Noah so I can dance with my wife. Do you understand?"
"Yes, it is a horrid plan. Please don't make me do this. I beg you," she pleaded.
"Please help me, Pearla. I need to dance with my wife."
She stared at him for several seconds. "Do you love her?"
A lump formed in his throat. God yes he did. Why couldn't he get his wife alone long enough to tell her? He nodded. "Yes"
She smiled. "I still think this is a very bad idea."
"What could you possibly have against switching places with Gemma? Most ladies would kill for a chance to dance with a duke." Liam knew she would do it. She'd have said no outright if she didn't want to help. His lips tilted into a half smile and teased her a bit."Noah won't bite, I promise. He will be a perfect gentleman. We are almost near them, be prepared to switch."
"I'm not most ladies. I have no wish to dance with any duke; in fact, I really don't want to dance at all."
Liam ignored her protestations and led her to the other side of the dance floor. Once they were next to Gemma and Noah, he twirled Pearla around until she almost collided into them. Both of them looked up in surprise, and Noah nodded in Liam's direction. He understood what his friend was after. They both did some fancy maneuvering and switched partners. Liam finally had Gemma in his arms where she belonged.
Only it hadn't been where she wanted to be.
Liam wasn't entirely sure what her motivations were. When he'd come to find her for their first dance, he hadn't expected to see her being led onto the floor by Noah. It's rocked him to h
is very core. He'd clenched his fists as spurts of heat spread through him. Now having her in his arms again he could feel that heat turn into something deeper. A longing to drag her closer so he could feel her body rubbing against his own. He wanted to brand her in every way possible. Gemma couldn't possibly just not want to dance with him because it might cause a scandal—Liam had to dig deeper. Whatever was driving her further away had to be eradicated. Letting her go was not an option he would ever entertain.
"What's this about you not wanting to dance with me?"
"I don't know what you mean. Noah offered and I accepted. He said he could only dance the first dance because he didn't like social events and had some things to discuss with you. I didn't think you would mind."
"Don't lie to me, Gemma. Your friend said you thought dancing with me three times would cause the gossip mill to start talking about us." Liam stared into her eyes. He wanted her to understand his position and how he saw the situation. "I don't give a damn what they say. They mean nothing to me. You will not do this again."
"You're taking this all wrong. This isn't something you should be concerned with. All I did was dance with your friend. That is perfectly acceptable."
Normally it would have been, but he knew how much she had flirted with Noah earlier in the day. He did not believe for a minute she had altruistic intentions. He didn't answer her because he had no words for her. Did she really expect him to believe that nonsense? Liam knew better. He had plenty to be concerned about. His wife was doing her utmost to avoid him. She didn't want to be near him.
All he wanted was to pull her close and breathe in her rose-tinted scent, skim his fingers across her silky smooth skin and feel her tremble with desire. Tell her how much he loved her—adored every inch of her.
Gemma appeared as if she couldn't wait to run in the other direction. She wanted to distance herself from him. Liam would give her anything in the world, except that. At the very idea of never seeing her again, shards of agony stabbed him through the heart. He needed to get her off of the dance floor and take her somewhere private. Tingles of sensation pooled inside him as a plan formed in his head. They needed to talk where ears were not privy to their discussion. Liam also had an unruly craving to kiss her, and that was not something anyone needed to witness. He twirled her around the dance floor until they reached the edge. He pulled her hand in his and led her away from the ballroom. Luckily, he was very familiar with the Silverton House so he knew exactly where to take her to have their conversation.
"Where are you taking me?"
Liam ignored her question. She would see soon enough where they were headed. He pushed open a door and pulled her inside. The door closed behind them with a quiet click. He turned to Gemma and reached for her. Now they could talk in private. She bit her lower lip and shook her head. Fear spilled out of her eyes, and she started to back away from him. Damn her and her need for space. Distance was the last thing they needed between them. Stalking toward her Liam decided what she needed from him at that moment was to know she belonged to him. She'd never belong to anyone else—she was his wife, the woman he loved beyond reason. Liam needed to claim her in the only way he knew how.
"Liam, what are we doing here?"
He stepped forward, grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. Once she was securely within his embrace, he fixated his complete attention on her. Gemma licked her lips and let out a breath thick with anticipation.
"You belong to me."
He leaned down and captured her lips with his. Her mouth opened, and he pushed his tongue inside. He licked hers with his as they dueled for control. A fierce heat ignited within him as he tasted her sweetness. Nothing would ever compare to her sweetness and Liam lost himself in the kiss. A soft moan filled the room. He wasn't sure if it came from him or Gemma, but it only encouraged him to seek more of her. His hands roamed over her back as he pulled her tighter into his arms. She leaned her head back and gave him better access to her sleek neck. He began to rain kisses down her throat and stopped just above her lace-encased bosom. He rolled his tongue over the top of the pearly white mounds and this time the moan that echoed through the room was hers.
"Liam, we should stop."
"No, we have only begun. I need more."
He wanted her completely naked, so she knew once and for all who she belonged to. Liam wanted to claim his wife and consummate their marriage, but she was right. This was not the time or the place to do it. Once they arrived home, they could continue where they left off. In the comforts of his bed, he would love her properly. When they were there, he would tell her how much she meant to him and that he couldn't live without her. It would be perfect and the most amazing experience of his life.
"Liam, please. Not now—No, don't stop, I changed my mind. Kiss me again."
Who was he to deny her what he wanted himself? With a newfound softness, he caressed her lips with his. As gentle as he could he showed her that he loved her with a simple kiss. He poured every ounce of what was inside his heart into that action, hoping, praying, and trusting her to realize what it meant. One of her hands roamed across his neck, and the other one rested on his hip as she tried to get closer to him. He breathed in her scent and memorized every aspect of this moment with her. It promised to be something he wanted to remember for the rest of his life.
As he made love to Gemma with his lips, he could feel her hands move from their positions. She cupped both of his cheeks with her hands and pulled away. She looked into his eyes and stared deep into them for several moments. Liam believed she was seeking an answer to a question that she desperately needed. While he pondered what that question might be something struck him from behind and threw him off balance. He fell to the ground and hit it with a small thud. The room span. Gemma voice called to him, his name echoing in the distance. Her voice seemed so far away, but he could see her blurry image right in front of him. What happened? What had struck him from behind? Who would ruin such a perfect moment? Liam struggled to remain conscious because Gemma could be in danger. In a minute, he would get up, he could do it. Blackness overcame him, and he gave into it.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Gemma watched as Liam crumpled to the floor. One minute she experienced a bliss only Liam could give her and the next she saw blood trickling down his forehead with him falling to the floor. It was the most surreal moment of her life. It couldn't possibly be happening. Gemma took a deep calming breath. She leaned over and brushed one of Liam's blond locks away from his forehead. His breathing seemed to be even. That had to be a good sign. Her hand shook as she caressed him one more time. Tears threatened to fall from her eyes, but she pushed them back. She couldn't give into such a weak and useless emotion.
Liam needed her help. If she was going to be free to get it for him, she had to take care of some unwanted business first. She stood up and clenched her fists at her side. Hatred coursed through her veins as she faced her cousin… She studied him and assessed the situation. How was she to handle Alfie? He didn't seriously think he'd get away with harming Liam. He stood off to the side and watched Gemma with an evil gleam. He held the statue he'd used to hit her husband firmly in his hands. He was tapping his hand with it in an aimless motion. He let it fall to the ground near Liam as he moved toward her. What could he possibly gain by harming Liam? Even if he killed him, that would not guarantee he could gain access to her money.
"Alfie, what are you thinking? You could have killed him!" her voice frantic as she thought about her next move. She took a few slow steps away from Liam's crumpled body. The more distance she put between him and her cousin, the better his chances were.
"I'm thinking, dear, that he does need to die."
"It won't help you to kill him. You must know that. As his widow, I gain complete control over my funds."
"As well as a good number of his too, I assume."
Gemma hadn't thought about what assets she would gain through her marriage. All she thought about was her own and that Alfie wanted he
r money to pay off his ever-growing debts. Did he see a way to get more than what she had? Of course, he did. If he could somehow coerce her into marrying him up on Liam's death, he would get whatever she inherited from him as well. He was a bloody fool because no way would Liam's father allow that to happen. Gemma continued to back away from Liam and the fool followed her, watching her every move to make sure she couldn't escape. Once she figured enough distance was between them she stopped. Liam lay still on the floor behind them both.
"You're an idiot."
"I don't think so. I am going to win, and you will help me. First, Liam needs to die."
No, Gemma wouldn't allow it. A world without Liam in it? She held her breath as the image took root inside her head. She wouldn't survive. If he died, she'd be lost. Alfie would not take him away from her. She'd just started to think it might be possible for them to have a real marriage. Liam could love her. He at least desired her. When he held her in his arms and showered her with kisses, she'd given in. She was tired of fighting her love for him. Gemma would rather stop breathing altogether than allow her cousin to kill the love of her life.
"No, wait. Think about this, Alfie. He doesn't need to die. I will give you all my money. Just leave with me now and I will make sure you get everything. I will even leave Liam and stay with you if that is what you want."
"I don't bloody want you. I just want your funds. I will take them and his. Rest assured I will enjoy you a bit before I kill you too. I plan on leaving England and never set foot in this rotten hell again."
"England isn't at fault for your foolish mistakes. Only you are. You can't run from yourself."
Alfie had clearly lost his mind. She had joked Liam had lost his when he insisted on marrying her. There wasn't any doubt in her mind her cousin truly was insane. How had she not seen it before? He would do everything he said to get what he wanted. He believed she owed him. If it saved Liam to go with him, she would, but she hoped it wouldn't come to that.