by Sandy Loyd
She gaped. “I can’t remember when I’ve seen more beautiful sapphires.”
“So you like them?”
“Of course. What’s not to like?” Penny fingered the pieces with reverence.
“Then try them on,” Parker urged. When she shook her head reluctantly, his grin stretched. “I’m thinking of getting them for my sister. She’s fair like you, so if you try them on, I can get an idea of what they’ll look like.”
“All right.” Penny took the earrings from the jeweler and put them on. She glanced in the looking glass and added the necklace, presenting her back to Parker.
He fastened the clasp, before capturing her gaze in the glass.
“They do bring out my eyes.” She turned to him and smiled. “Are your sister’s eyes like mine?”
“Similar.” Shaking his head, he said, “But somehow after seeing them on you, I don’t think they’d do for Catherine.”
“That’s too bad. They are beautiful,” she said wistfully. “There are other pieces here, if you’re looking for a gift.” Penny took the jewelry off and laid the pieces on the velvet pad the jeweler had placed on the counter.
She then roamed through the shop, looking at other displayed items while Parker talked quietly to the proprietor.
With his business clearly concluded, she ambled in his direction.
“Well, shall we continue?” He offered an arm, as well as a brilliant smile.
Penny nodded and after placing her hand in the crook of his bent arm, they walked out of the store.
“So, tell me about Catherine,” she said, after traveling half a block. “Mindy said you had sisters. Is it her birthday? Is that why you’re buying her a present?”
Parker halted and gave her an amused look while patting her gloved hand. “How about this? I tell you about my family, only if you tell me about yours.”
“I have no family left, so I don’t have much to tell,” she countered, fighting to keep a straight face.
“Then you can tell me how is it that you’re such good friends with a duke’s brother.”
“Which I might answer if you tell me something about yourself.”
“You’re evading again.” He laughed. “I think you should tell me first. That way I can be sure of getting an answer.”
“Oh no,” she said, unable to keep the teasing quality out of her voice. “I know nothing about you and you already know too much about me.”
“Not true. You know Lucas and I are brothers.”
“That’s all, though.” Her half laugh rose up. “How many sisters do you have?”
“Three. Rebecca, Sarah, and Catherine.”
“Where do they live?”
“Catherine lives with my mother, who lives on my farm. Rebecca and Sarah are both married and live in neighboring towns with their husbands.”
“I take it Catherine is the youngest?” she asked, only too glad he answered her questions without making her reciprocate.
“Yes, she’s the baby.” No one could miss the warm affection in his voice.
“Any other brothers besides the captain?”
Parker stiffened. For a brief instant pain flashed in his eyes before he schooled the look and shook his head. “No. Just Lucas and me.”
“I didn’t mean to pry,” Penny murmured in an apologetic tone, noting the change in his demeanor.
“How could you know I had two younger brothers who died tragically?”
Penny stopped and gripped his arm. “I’m sorry. I understand what’s it’s like to lose someone you love.” She waited a heartbeat and added, “It might help to talk about it.”
“Oh?” He eyed her a long moment before shrugging and looking off at a distant point. She’d begun to think he wouldn’t say anything when his sad voice filled the air around them. “My father and two brothers were killed in a senseless accident.” He clenched his fist and his expression became as hard as granite. “I can never remember their deaths without thinking about why it happened. Though Henry Sterling didn’t outright cause the accident, his negligence did nothing to prevent it, either.” He ran a hand through his hair and met her gaze again, his now mirroring pain. “Greed killed my father and brothers—a love of profits over a love of humanity. Since leaving England, I can’t seem to push the memories away.”
“I’m so sorry,” Penny said softly, squeezing his arm, trying to add comfort, now sensing a kinship with him because they shared a deep sorrow.
Parker grunted, but added nothing more to the conversation. They meandered toward the hotel, both lost in their thoughts.
Minutes later, his voice rang out. “I’m hungry. What about you?” When she nodded, he asked, “Would you like to stop in one of these restaurants, or would you prefer the hotel dining room?”
“The dining room is probably more convenient.” Penny shrugged, glad they weren’t going back to their room so quickly, especially after his earlier confession, which left her more torn than ever. She glanced up to see his mood had lightened. As disconcerting as it was, his warm gaze made her heart race.
He held the door while she entered the hotel dining room. All remnants of Parker’s pain had dissipated and he was once again the charming, entertaining man she’d come to rely on. In moments, they were seated. A waiter greeted them pleasantly.
Any remaining uneasiness with Parker fled as he regaled her with story after story of his sister Catherine and her unruly behavior.
“We’ve lost all hope of finding her a match,” he said, finishing up with Catherine’s last debacle with her suitor from Baltimore.
“Well, a good match isn’t always what it appears to be,” Penny stated, thinking of her own situation.
Something in her tone must have given her away, because Parker’s expression changed slightly. Eying him warily, she thought, Uh-oh, I’m doing it again. If I’m not careful, he’ll have all my secrets out and I’ll be back under the earl’s control in no time.
“Why would you say that?” he asked, picking up her gloved hand. He kissed it and eyed her intently. “Are you running from your intended, perpetuating a lie? Is that why he let you sail across the ocean alone and unprotected? You think to hide in California?”
“No,” she cried, alarmed at how close to the truth he’d come. She chewed on her bottom lip nervously as a streak of fear raced through her system. Covering her trepidation under a nervous laugh, she withdrew her hand. “Why are you so concerned? I’m fine. Surely once I leave, your duty to protect me will be over.”
“I see. And you need no protection?”
“No. I can take care of myself.”
“And that’s why two men were able to abscond with your bag? Because you were taking care of yourself so well?”
“That was just a minor setback and could’ve happened to anyone.” She wouldn’t believe otherwise.
“It’s never happened to me or anyone I was protecting. If you were mine, I would never let you roam the countryside by yourself.”
Despite feeling safe under his protection, she stiffened. Just like a man to make such an autocratic statement. One who thought he owned women. Of course in her world, men did. Men like Geoff and her father were rare. “I don’t belong to you or any man, so it’s a moot point,” she said, before going back to her food and remaining silent.
For the rest of their meal, their jovial mood of the afternoon had fled to be replaced with one of guarded reserve.
~~
Parker heaved a heavy sigh as they walked back to the room, wishing he didn’t care about Penny’s secrets. Though he’d tried, he couldn’t stop the vision she’d presented in the jewelry store from invading his thoughts. The blue sapphires had highlighted the creaminess of her pale complexion while bringing out the blue in her eyes, and too many times over the course of the evening he’d wondered what she’d look like wearing only the jewelry without clothing. He had to quit thinking such things.
Outside their room, Parker cast a glance at her and sighed, noting a closed expression.
Hell, maybe it was for the best. With her demeanor shut tight, his own lust died somewhat, making it easier to be around her without wanting to wipe that impish grin off her face with kisses, as had been his most pressing daydream much too often during the last few hours.
He held the door open, allowing her to go ahead of him.
It would be a long, long night.
“It’s still early. Would you care for a game of chess?” Parker asked.
“I’d love one.” She smiled, but remained silent as he set up the board.
The two played for over twenty minutes with neither saying a word.
“I was only trying to help, Penny,” he finally said, no longer willing to put up with the depressing mood in the room.
Seeing her stunned expression when she glanced up at him, he shrugged. “Don’t you think it’s a little silly for us to be so formal when we’re sharing a room?”
Penny’s spine straightened. She inhaled deeply and met his gaze. “Mr. Davis—”
“It’s Parker.” When she opened her mouth to argue, he reached over and placed a finger to her lips. “Shush and make your move.”
He chuckled at the annoyed barbs her gaze tossed at him. “We’re friends. As such, I expect you to call me Parker from here on out and I’m going to call you Penny,” he said, not giving her a chance to say what he knew was on her lips. “I promise not to pry into your personal life, but I can’t let you go off by yourself. Will you come home with me and forget going to California for the time being? You can help my mother and Catherine with their duties on the farm.”
“We’re friends and you’re not going to pry?”
“Yes, if you’ll you agree to come home with me.” Relief swept over Parker at her nod. “Thank God you’ve come to your senses.”
Penny’s lips flattened into a straight line. “Just remember. You don’t own me. I’m only doing this because I feel it’s the right thing to do, especially since I don’t want to sell my mother’s jewelry.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Parker chuckled, moving his knight into position. “Check.”
“Oh, you think you’re so smart. My mind wasn’t on the game, that’s why you trounced me so easily,” she said.
“Make your move, so we can end this game and play another. I rather like playing a better adversary. Your distraction wasn’t much of a challenge.” He flashed a smug smile, only too happy to have convinced her to his way of thinking.
Later, after another long game that finally ended in a stalemate, the room filled with tension. Penny stood and flitted about, nervously going from space to space, too preoccupied with whatever she focused on.
“Will you stop?” Parker finally said, annoyed that she seemed ill at ease. “I’m not going to ravish you, so you can relax.”
She froze and a heated blush stole up her face. “I didn’t think that.”
“Then why the blush?”
If eyes could kill, he’d be dead, given the look she sent him. Grinning, he patted the divan next to him. “Come here.” When her expression turned skeptical, he laughed. “You need to trust me. You can’t trust me if you’re afraid of me.” He patted the seat again. “So come here.”
Penny rolled her eyes, before flashing another irritated glare. “I don’t think that’s going to help. I need air.” She continued her pacing.
Chuckling, Parker rose and walked toward her, moving in slow motion as she took reflexive steps back, but was hampered from retreating farther when she hit the wall. With purpose, he gripped her arm, tugging her with him to the settee.
He sat and gave her no choice but to follow.
“See?” He bit his cheek to keep from laughing at her stiff posture. If he laughed at her discomfort now, she might never forgive him. “There’s nothing to fear. Relax.” His hands slid up her arms in a soothing manner. “Remember, we’re friends.” He nodded, indicating the bed. “You’ll be safe over there, and I’ll be right here.” Parker kissed her forehead and pulled her closer. “I gave my word. Do you trust me?”
He smiled when he felt her nod. Eventually, her stiffness ebbed somewhat and he leaned away, his grin growing. “See? Nothing to fear.” Another blush stole up her face. Suddenly he couldn’t breathe. Lord, would she ever stop looking at him like that? When she did, it was hard to remember his promise.
Dropping his hands, Parker straightened and cleared his throat.
Penny smoothed her dress, glancing guiltily at her lap.
“Damn,” he whispered, standing. The lady’s innocent gestures were too much to bear. He raked a hand through his hair, keeping his focus on the floor. “Maybe it would be best if I went for a walk to give you a chance to get ready for bed. I meant my words. You have nothing to fear from me, Penny.” He strode across the room. “I’ll be back much later in order to give you plenty of time to fall asleep.” He stopped at the door and nodded. “Good night.”
Once outside the room, Parker leaned against the cool wood. Good God, he’d come so close to kissing her, especially after catching her blush, leaving him no doubts about her thoughts. Invitation to taste her lips was written clearly in her eyes and more than anything, Parker wanted to accept her invitation.
He headed toward a saloon, needing a drink. Hell, he needed the whole damn bottle.
Chapter 11
“No,” Penny cried. “Please.” She’d awakened from a sound sleep to find he’d invaded her bedchamber. She tried to cover her nakedness, but her wrists were bound to the bedposts. “Why are you doing this?”
And like that first time, no matter what she said or how she begged, it did no good.
“You can’t fight, my dear, so you should just enjoy it.”
“No. I won’t. Please. Leave me be.”
“You’ll get used to my touch. I’ll make sure of it.” A menacing laugh laced with cruelty filled her ears, letting her know he took pleasure in her fear.
She looked around. Oh, dear Lord. Somehow he’d found her and she was back in London at the earl’s townhouse, where he’d forced her to endure his depravities.
“Once we’re married you’ll be under my total control, never to escape me. Then I can enjoy all your charms, and not have to worry about what I do.” He loomed over her, stroking her suggestively. “That bastard Collingswood won’t be able to protect you then. You’ll be mine! Mine to enjoy as I want, for as often as I want. Do you hear me?” he asked, whispering in her ear before licking it, then biting it, hard, causing her to clamp her eyes shut and move her head back and forth to avoid his lips and teeth.
She tried harder to ignore his touch and pretend it didn’t bother her. When she felt his manhood rubbing against her, getting closer to the juncture where her legs met, she couldn’t bring them together because her legs were spread, tied to the lower bedposts. Her nightgown was pushed above her breasts, baring her skin to him. She tugged on the restraints, crying out louder in fear. “No. Stop. Please stop,” she yelled, finally breaking down in tears.
Though he didn’t actually invade her body, his movements as he pleasured himself revolted her. She averted her gaze as much as was physically possible, not wanting to see what he was doing. Once satisfied, he got up to leave and cruelly grasped her chin, forcing her to meet his demented gaze.
“You’re mine. And no one will dispute the fact. All of your father’s lands are mine, as well as his wealth. I’ll hunt you down to the ends of the earth to find you and when I do, you’ll never escape again. Do you hear me?”
His threat as well as the crazed look on his face sent a surge of terror through her.
“Please,” she whimpered as her tears increased.
~~
Penny’s shouts pulled Parker out of a sound sleep. For a moment he wasn’t sure where he was, but he quickly got his bearings. He was on the settee in the hotel room and Penny was in the throes of a bad dream as more of her cries rent the air.
He reached for the shirt he’d taken off in order to fall asleep in the stuffy room, but it lay forgotten a
s her increased yelling had him rushing to the canopied bed barely visible in the moonlit room.
“Penny, wake up.” He gave her a gentle shake. When she only offered mewing pleas, he shook a little harder and said a little louder, “Come on, sweetheart. Wake up. You’re having a nightmare. It’s all right, you’re safe.”
By the time he did wake her, she was crying uncontrollably. He sat on the edge of bed, pulled her into his arms and let her cry.
“Shush,” he murmured, stroking her as he would a small child. “You’re safe.”
“Hold me, Parker,” Penny said, shivering. “It seemed so real,” she eventually whispered.
“There’s nothing to fear.”
“I know. You’re my friend and I trust you.” She stopped shivering and her breathing evened out. “I feel safe with you.” She snuggled closer.
“Nothing can hurt you now. I’ll make sure of it.” His embrace tightened. He kissed the top of her head.
“Thank you.” She let out a long sigh. “I can’t imagine why I’d have such a bad dream.”
“Do you want to tell me about it? Sometimes voicing your fears helps. It always did with my sisters when they had bad dreams.”
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s too horrible and not something I can share.”
Since she seemed calmer, he didn’t pry further. He held her a bit longer, watching as she closed her eyes. Eventually, her board-like rigidity dissolved and she sighed, her breaths becoming long and deep. When he thought she slept, he moved to disentangle himself from her.
Penny grabbed his arms, stopping him with a strong, panicked grip. “Please don’t go.”
He sat back down, positioning himself fully on the bed, lying prone and taking her with him. Parker closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of having her right where he wanted her.
“Remember that night you kissed me?”
“Yes,” he replied warily, stiffening.
“Kiss me again.”
He almost choked as her fervently whispered plea sent a signal directly to his groin. Loving nothing better than to shower her with kisses, he could only stare into the darkness with her in his arms, grasping at the little bit of control he had left.