“Touch me, Marcus,” she pleaded.
A low moan ripped from his throat at her desperation. Not wanting to keep her waiting, he slid his hand up her skirts, savoring the feel of stockinged legs followed by smooth flesh.
He wanted to savor the moment and take his time, but Isabella whimpered, and he knew there’d be plenty of opportunities to move slowly at a later time. The reality that she was his future only brought out a deeper need in him.
Slipping a finger inside her, he groaned to find her slick and wet for him. He took her mouth again as he set the rhythm with his hand. When she turned away, gasping for breath, he increased his pace until she cried out and pleasure washed across her features.
Pride swelled in his chest. He enjoyed bringing her to completion, and he was going to do it again. After another hard kiss to her lips, he drew back and freed himself from his breeches.
Isabella licked her lips as her gaze centered on his member. This time there was no fear in her eyes. Only hunger. A hunger he could satisfy. Right now.
With one thrust, he entered her, unable to control his groan of satisfaction at the sensation of being inside her. Nothing was better than the feeling of being surrounded by her heat. He would never get enough of this.
As he moved within her, he watched her face. The passion there was beautiful, and inched him closer to the edge. When her climax hit her, she screamed out his name.
The sound snapped something inside of him. He moved swiftly until blinding pleasure overtook him. He kissed her then, hard and long. With the heat of the sun touching his back, the smell of the grass overwhelming his nostrils, and the feel of the woman in his arms, he couldn’t imagine a more perfect moment.
Chapter 13
“It’s about bloody time that this is over.”
Raymond’s irritated voice struck Isabella as they moved toward the stable to return to Midcliffe after her last visit to Carolyn. Although she was sad to see her friend go, she wouldn’t miss the never-ending comparisons from Lady Starsen.
Although she and Marcus hadn’t had an opportunity to discuss how they were going to proceed, she was content to know they would be married, regardless. She didn’t think either one of them relished the idea of telling Henry, but it needed to be done. Her half-brother had made his opinions of Marcus very clear.
“What is over?”
“The visits to Avange Manor,” Raymond uttered as if she should have already known what he’d been talking about.
Guilt slowed her steps. “You do know you don’t have to wait for me outside. Lord Starsen made it clear you are welcome inside the manor.”
“What use would I be to you if I were shoved in the kitchen with the women pressing their ti. . . good qualities in my face? No. I’m less distracted out here with the men. Now, wait here while I get our horses.”
As Raymond collected their mounts, she studied him. The man was not much older than Marcus and rather handsome, she had to admit. She’d never heard him mention a wife or any other woman in his life. Had his duty to her been the reason why?
Once they were mounted and headed back to the manor, she realized her marriage would be a good thing for him as well. After she and Marcus wed, Raymond would be given the opportunity to find his own happiness.
“Tell me, Raymond, is there a special woman in your life?”
He shot her a grin. “All women are special.”
She rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean.”
His sigh rocked his chest. “There will be time for that later.”
“Meaning I’m the problem.”
At her words, he reined in his horse and stared at her, no emotion in his expression. “I would never call you the problem.”
Lifting her eyebrow, she pinned him with a look. “Don’t feel like you have to say such things to me. You should know better than to think I would run to my brother and tell him something you had said.”
With a shake of his head, his smile returned. “You’re right. I know you much better than to think that. Now, let’s get back to Midcliffe before the earl thinks I’ve let something bad happen to you.”
“First, I just want you to know that you will have your life back soon.”
His head tilted to the side. “I don’t know what you mean. I have a life.”
“Not really, but that will change once I’m married, and I intend to be soon.” The joy at the statement bubbled inside her, spreading a wide smile across her lips. She couldn’t wait to become Marcus’s wife.
Raymond’s horse jerked to the side, but the man deftly managed to regain control. The hard line of his mouth showed his displeasure.
“Please don’t tell me you are talking about Starsen.” His monotone voice brought unease crawling across her shoulders.
“What is so wrong with Lord Starsen?”
The stallion lurched again and, this time, Raymond closed his eyes as if attempting to reclaim control of himself. This certainly was not the reaction she had been expecting. Especially from him.
“No. You will not marry him. Neither one of us will ever speak of this conversation again, especially to your brother.”
As if the discussion was concluded, Raymond clicked his horse forward. Confusion left her sitting there, staring after him for almost a full minute before she recovered her senses. Did he honestly believe she would give up on Marcus like that?
Spurring her horse forward, she caught up with him. “I don’t believe I gave you the choice to decide on my future.”
He laughed. “You don’t need to. Midcliffe has given me enough power over your decisions. And, Starsen is off limits.”
Anger burned hot on her cheeks. Her mare whinnied, but she kept a tight grip on the horse. “Why? Why are you and Henry so against him?”
Raymond pulled to a stop again, and his serious gaze pierced into her. “Because the man’s not good enough for you. I know your brother. He won’t let Starsen have you, and I’m going to be the one to do the dirty work.”
“What dirty work?”
“I don’t want to have to hurt him, Isabella.” His eyes bored into hers. “But, I will. Make no mistake about that.”
Terror shot through her, and her stomach rolled. The grave expression on his face encouraged her to believe him. Unable to take this any longer, she flicked the reins and set her mare off at a gallop.
She knew he followed after her, but she didn’t care. Tears stung her eyes as she gave the horse her lead. Seeing became difficult as tears streamed from her eyes.
Before she knew what was happening, Raymond caught the reins, stopped the horse, and pulled her down. Sobs raked her body and she couldn’t fight when he dragged her into his arms.
The awkward feeling of him against her was strangely comforting even though he was the reason for her pain, albeit through her half-brother. Now she would never have Marcus. Would never be able to marry. The image of his smiling face taunted her in her mind’s eye. He would never look upon her like that again.
“I can’t do this, Raymond,” she whispered as she pulled away from him.
“I’m sorry. I never wanted to make you suffer.”
She pressed her lips together. If he hadn’t wanted to hurt her, he would have found a way to help her, not aide her half-brother in keeping her away from Marcus. There had to be some kind of stronghold Henry had on the man in order to make him blindly follow orders. She needed to find out what it was and break it.
“Could you do me a favor, then?” Looking up at him, she tried her best to appear helpless. “I really can’t go home right now. I can’t face Henry.”
Understanding passed through his eyes, and he nodded. “Tell me what you need.”
Part of her wanted to turn around and run back to Marcus. To take comfort in his strong arms and hear him tell her everything would be all right. However, the idea of him being hurt, or worse, clogged her throat. He had suffered enough without having to add to it. A sob lodged in her throat. She had to end things with Marcus. Now.
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There was only one place left where she could go. “I’d like to see Lady Burman. Being in her company is always a great comfort to me, and allows me to put some perspective in my life.”
“But, the viscount—”
“Is never a problem. Lady Burman is sterner than you think.”
It didn’t matter what he said, Isabella had no intention of taking no for an answer.
~ ~ ~
“Honestly, I can’t believe you let her go without securing her official acceptance,” Miss Ashford chided. “I can see she cares for you, but fear lurks behind her eyes.”
Marcus rubbed his hand across the back of his neck. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t agree, but there wasn’t much he could do about it. Isabella wanted to tell her brother her decision to marry on her own terms. Although he didn’t see a reason to wait, Midcliffe could be unpredictable.
“This is your last couple of hours here, do you truly want to discuss my inability to secure Lady Isabella’s hand?”
She laughed. “Absolutely. After all, once I’m gone, you will have no one else to seek for advice. In addition, I’ve enjoyed watching the two of you and had hoped to see the resolution.”
“And, you will. I have every intention of inviting you to the wedding.”
An indecipherable look crossed her face. “I really don’t think that is the best option.”
“Why is that? You don’t wish to come?”
“That’s not it at all. I’d love to see the two of you joined in marriage. However, I don’t think the traditional means would be the best decision for the two of you. With so many factors against you, the better plan would be to run off to Scotland.”
The thought of forgoing the wait and claiming Isabella as his wife in a matter of days appealed to him more than he cared to admit. Not to mention, it seemed something with which she would easily agree. Then, his gaze dropped down to his left leg. He couldn’t allow his relationship with Isabella to become broken, too, due to his impulsiveness.
“The idea does have some merit, but it could also lead to many other drawbacks. If we had a lengthy betrothal, any problems will come to light and we can address them at that time.”
“Or, tear the two of you apart.” She let out a long breath. “I’m sorry. Perhaps I am wrong about all this. Why don’t you begin by testing out everyone’s reactions? Tell your mother.”
A slice of dread pierced through him. His mother wouldn’t be pleased. Although the conversation would not be pleasant, Miss Ashford was right that it needed to be had.
“I don’t imagine it will be easy for either one of us.”
“I agree, but Lady Starsen should be told.”
At that moment, his mother appeared in the doorway. Marcus wanted to groan. He needed to speak with her, but now wasn’t the best time.
“I must be told what?”
Miss Ashford shot him an apologetic look before standing. “I’ll let the two of you talk. I should see to my arrangements for leaving.”
Warily, he watched his mother’s narrowed eyes as Miss Ashford vacated the room. He shook his head. The girl sure was quick to leave him to the wolves. Considering how his mother was looking at him, she would happily rip him apart.
She stood with her arms crossed. The fact she hadn’t taken a seat forced him to remain standing as well. Over the years, he suspected she did this to intentionally force him to suffer due to his handicap. It kept her in power.
“What is going on? You know I don’t like to be the last one informed of anything.”
“Sit, Mother.” He indicated the chair, ignoring her comment.
Her eyebrow rose. “I prefer to stand.”
“And, I’d prefer you sit.”
They watched each other, a battle ensuing. Although neither wanted to relent, he knew he had the upper hand. After all, he didn’t have to tell her anything at this moment.
“Very well.” She let out a breath. “I suppose I’ve been on my feet long enough today and would benefit from a reprieve.”
Once she settled herself, Marcus reclaimed his seat. He wasn’t surprised by her response, but he hated how she had to twist it to be her decision, and not at his request. It was another of her tactics to attempt to keep in control.
“That’s better.” He let out a breath. “Thank you.”
“Do you intend to drag this out? I’ve never known you to be so dramatic.”
Giving her a direct stare, he decided to get this over with. “I’ve decided whom I shall marry.”
Her eyes lit up as she straightened in her chair. “I knew asking her to stay was a good idea. Oh, Marcus, I’m so happy I could just—”
He held up his hand. “Please, allow me to finish. You have it wrong. I’m not going to marry Miss Ashford. Lady Isabella will become my countess.”
Her mouth fell open before she regained herself enough to close it. “What about the understanding you had? I thought you had made it clear to the lady that you weren’t interested.” She jumped up and began pacing. “And, what of Miss Ashford? I know she had hoped for, and even expected, an offer. Now she’s leaving and you have lost your chance. How could you do this to her?”
“Mother, Miss Ashford has no desire for an offer from me. I daresay, she is pleased to leave and have a chance to find happiness in London.”
“I don’t believe you. There’s been no official betrothal. You can still fix this. Lady Isabella will need to be let down gently, but—”
“No. My decision is not up for debate. Lady Isabella and I will be married regardless of how you feel on the subject. Considering you live here, I would prefer you accustom yourself to the idea and treat her with a deference deserved by her position.”
Her lips were tight as she glared down at him. “And, if I refuse?”
Marcus didn’t blink or break eye contact in any way. “Then, the dowager house can be readied for its new mistress.”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
Done with this conversation, he stood. “Then, test my determination. One word from you to her and it will be over. I’ll not have my wife uncomfortable in my home.”
“Yet, your mother can be? How could I have raised such a thoughtless son?”
“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, either, which is why you have the option of the dowager house. My wife shall live here with me.”
“You are making a mistake. You will never be happy with her. She’s not the kind of countess you need in order to keep your life the way we prefer.”
Anger darkened his face and eradicated his patience. “Don’t presume to know what I prefer. From this second forward, you will temper your tongue. I’ll not hear another word against Lady Isabella.”
After a hard glare, she spun on her heel and stomped from the room. That hadn’t gone well, but it could have been much worse. At least he held power over her. Midcliffe would be an entirely different matter.
As the various scenarios crossed his mind, Marcus thought of an escape to Gretna Green. Perhaps that would be the best way. Although he wanted so much more for Isabella, at the end of the day, he wanted her in any way he could get her.
Yes. The next time he saw her, they would go to Scotland.
~ ~ ~
“I’m so happy you came to see me, my dear.” Lady Burman held her hands out, grasping Isabella’s in her warm palms.
“That is good, for I really need a friend today.” Without wanting it to, her voice broke. Her tears remained much too close to the surface.
“What is wrong? Come sit and tell me all about it.”
Isabella held back her grief as she slid into the chair beside the woman she’d come to care for as a friend. The need to unburden herself caught in her throat. How could she tell the truth? But, how could she not?
“Remember the gentleman I told you about?”
Lady Burman nodded.
“Well, it seems I won’t be marrying him.” Simply saying the words opened the floodgates. Normally not one to cry, she wondered a
t her inability to control it now. However, every time she pictured Marcus, her depression only increased. Lady Burman didn’t seem to mind as she opened her arms and allowed Isabella to let her emotions run their course.
“Tell me what happened,” the viscountess said once Isabella settled. “Clearly, you love the man, but I sense he’s unworthy of that love.”
“No. You’re wrong. I have no such feelings, but if ever a man was worthy, it is him.”
The thought of someone believing Marcus as being undeserving of anything made her angry. Not only was he the kindest man, but he been dealt a difficult hand in life. He’d made the best of his situation and she greatly admired him for it. And, if she were to be completely honest with herself, she had to admit the viscountess was right. She loved Marcus.
Her heart swelled with thoughts of him. His smile gave her a reason to wake in the morning, and she would sacrifice anything in order to be with him. When they were together, she was whole.
“I don’t know what is wrong with you young people and love. When I wed, the feeling didn’t exist. I married the viscount because I was told to. Our wedding was the day I finally met the man.”
Horrified, Isabella placed her hand over her chest. “That must have been dreadful.”
Lady Burman laughed. “Not really. I had known I was to marry him since I was a babe. He was kind and eased my transition from girl to wife. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with him. And, unlike the people of today, I didn’t withhold that information from him. I just don’t understand why anyone would want to do such a thing.”
Swallowing down the lump in her throat, Isabella stared off at nothing in particular. “Sometimes the telling can make matters much too complicated.”
“But, life is much too unpredictable to wait. Look at me. My husband and I set off in the carriage to call upon a tenant. I wasn’t supposed to go, but decided at the last minute I could offer support to the wife while the men talked.”
Ensnaring Lord Starsen Page 16