by Dawn Brower
“Are you?”
“What?” she asked lifting a brow.
“A lady,” he replied. Most ladies wouldn’t act as she had. He had doubts she truly was one. Her manners couldn’t be faulted, but she did the oddest things at times.
“I suppose you might not consider me one,” she said softly. “I am a mere miss, after all. My father wasn’t high born, and perhaps I’m reaching by even being in your prestigious company.”
Hell, he’d gone and offended her now. “I apologize,” he said. “I shouldn’t have made you feel less than you are.”
“Think nothing of it,” she said. The carriage hit a bump in the road and bounced the carriage. Aubriella fell forward and landed in his lap. On instinct, he reached for her and pulled her into his arms. She stared at him. “I…” She licked her lips and continued to look up at him. Killian groaned and held onto her as if his life depended on it. He had to kiss her…
He leaned down and touched his lips to hers. Fire shot down his spine and he lost all train of thought. Aubriella moaned and brought her arms around his neck. The kiss started out innocent and quickly turned toward an all-consuming passion. Aubriella sighed, parting her lips for him. He took full advantage and slid his tongue into her mouth. She sucked on it greedily. This woman had experience kissing, and he couldn’t help wondering how far that skill went. At the moment, he didn’t really care. Killian couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than in the carriage kissing Aubriella.
Killian slid his hand down her back and stopped at the curve of her waist. The urge to yank her skirts up and touch her intimately was hard to resist. He did his best to keep his wits about him, but she’d damn near reduced him to a blubbering fool with each kiss. He lifted his lips from hers and started to trail kisses over her cheek, chin and then her neck. With each touch soft moans filled the carriage, driving him over the edge.
He had to stop this before he went past the point of no return. As much as he was enjoying it, he couldn’t have her. With a groan, he lifted her and set her on the bench opposite of him once again. It was the hardest thing he’d ever done in his life.
“Why did you stop?” she asked breathlessly.
“It’s the right thing to do,” he replied. Damn his morals… “Besides, as fun as it sounds, the carriage isn’t all that comfortable for tupping.”
Her cheeks blushed a pretty pink. Perhaps she wasn’t as experienced as he’d started to believe. Kissing was one thing, giving herself to a man would be another altogether. She wouldn’t be the first woman to experiment a little bit before finding herself tied to one man for the rest of her life. Some women didn’t even let that stop them.
“It wouldn’t have gone that far,” she said defiantly.
“Wouldn’t it have?” he mocked. “I was quite close to lifting your skirts and pushing myself inside of you.” Killian winked. “What’s more, you would have loved it.” If possible her cheeks pinkened even more at his taunt. He hadn’t read the signs wrong. This woman wanted him as much as he desired her. If he were a less honorable man he’d be currently in the throes of enjoying her charms. His cock was hard and ready to push the point, but he wouldn’t do that. “Rest. We’ll be in the carriage awhile, and we won’t stop often.”
Aubriella turned away from him and stared once again out the window. She could remain silent as long as she wanted. He knew the truth. At some point in their acquaintance, they’d end up naked together.
Aubriella had been in the carriage with him for two days now. He hadn’t lied when he said they wouldn’t stop much. She’d had to beg him to stop at the last town so she could stretch her legs. Killian hadn’t kissed her again either. She wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or relieved.
“How long until we get there,” she whined and hated herself for the tone in her voice. She really disliked traveling by carriage. Why had she ever thought this would be romantic? “I’m tired of sitting. I need to walk.”
“You walked this morning,” he said absentmindedly.
“That was eight hours ago,” she exclaimed. “Won’t you need to change the horses again soon?”
The jerk grew up traveling by carriage and probably didn’t think anything of this inhuman travel method. She was seriously starting to miss her nice car back home. They’d have arrived in Manchester the same day if they had it. Stupid horses and carriage—the seats were damn near as hard as a rock at this point. No matter what position she sat in she couldn’t find any comfort. She’d kill for a nice soft bed and a solid eight hours of sleep.
“There is a town coming up soon,” he said. “Surely you can wait another hour before we stop again.”
“Hour!” He had to be joking.
“That’s not long,” he said dryly. “You act as if you’ve never traveled by carriage before.”
Aubriella almost snorted. If only he knew… What would he do if she spat out the truth. Probably detour to the nearest insane asylum and admit her. He didn’t seem open to the possibility of anything out of the ordinary. If she told him about her gifts, he’d think her even crazier.
She hadn’t attempted to read him in a while. Unless he was feeling the emotion strongly, she didn’t notice it. One of the first things she’d learned was how to shield the emotions of others. Otherwise, she would have truly lost her mind a long time ago. Aubriella closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
She expected to be hit with boredom. He was far from being in the fits of ennui though. No, this man was struggling with desire—for her. Well, wasn’t that interesting… If he wanted her, why hadn’t he tried to kiss her again? Were his remarks about sex in a carriage what held him back? It couldn’t be that bad? Oh, hell, she was feeding off his emotions. She clenched her hands at her side. His building lust washed over her in waves and almost brought her to the edge of her own need.
Damn it. She shouldn’t have started this little inquiry. It was going to come back to haunt her. A moan escaped from inside of her before she could repress it.
“What are you doing over there?” he asked warily.
“I’m trying to find my center,” she said. “You know peace, love, and tranquility.”
His bark of laughter filled the carriage. “I’m not sure those are at your core, lass.”
She opened her eyes and met his gaze. His lips were tilted upward into a knowing smile. “Well, they better be. I have to find something to help me survive the rest of this journey.”
“Relax,” he told her. “The town will be upon us before you realize it.”
“You could distract me,” she offered.
“With what?”
He hadn’t answered her questions about his father to her liking, but that didn’t matter yet. When the time arrived, she’d get him to tell her about all of it willingly. He was already too suspicious of her. “Tell me a story.”
“That’s not exactly my strong suit,” he said. “I lack the appropriate imagination.”
“I think you’re selling yourself short,” she retorted. “With the proper incentive, I believe you could be quite creative.”
He might not be able to weave a tale of adventure and enchantment, but she’d be willing to bet his hands and mouth would be magical in the bedroom—or out of it if the need be. She had to find something else to think about other than him licking every inch of her.
“Aye,” he said. “If the moment is right, I suppose I could be.”
Can he read her mind? No, he couldn’t. At least she hoped not. “What would the right moment be?” she couldn’t stop herself from asking.
“Not this one,” he replied with a hint of disappointment in his tone. His expression said more than that though. His jaw was set into a firm line and left little to argue. He wasn’t about to budge on the decision he’d already made.
“You’re not fun,” she said and pouted.
The carriage rolled to a stop. She’d been so engrossed in her conversation with Killian she hadn’t realized the time flew by. That, or he’d lied about how clo
se they were to the town.
“You’re in luck,” he said. “It appears your wish has been granted and we’ll be able to take a break here. Don’t wander far. I don’t mind leaving you behind once it’s time to leave. Changing the horses doesn’t take long.”
She stuck her tongue out. “I’ll be back in a quarter hour. Don’t leave without me, or you will regret it.”
“I live in fear of your retribution,” he deadpanned. “Lord save me from your wrath.”
Amusement flooded her so strongly it almost knocked her to the ground. It was a nice feeling, and it looked good on Killian. He’d been so broody since she met him. She’d done this for him. This moment was worth every ounce of pain she’d endured thus far.
“Now you’re making fun of me,” she accused him, holding back a grin.
“Guilty,” he said then laughed. “Run while you can.”
She had plans to make, a driver to steer in the wrong direction, and a bladder to relieve. Fifteen minutes wouldn’t be nearly enough time, but she’d make it work. The driver had to listen to her and her shortcut. Killian had to be as far away from Manchester as possible. Aubriella rather liked the overbearing oaf and refused to let him willingly head into danger. He was lucky to have her and one day he’d appreciate that. She smiled to herself and went to work.
Chapter 6
The journey to Manchester was driving him insane. Somehow, the driver had taken a wrong turn and they ended up bypassing it altogether. Killian wasn’t entirely certain how that had happened… Aubriella had been talking to him before they left and the driver had this glazed look in his eyes. Had she said something to the drive to make him go the wrong direction?
Killian scrubbed his hand over his face and sighed heavily. Every chance she’d found, Aubriella had tried to talk him into turning around and returning to Kingsbridge. He couldn’t explain to her why he was so adamantly against it. Then he’d have to explain who his true father was, and he hated even admitting that to himself.
The carriage pulled in front of an inn called the Stallion and Snapdragon. Killian almost snorted at the name. The innuendo alone was enough to make him snicker, but he kept it to himself. They had to secure rooms for the night and then they could move on to Manchester in the morning. The gathering wasn’t to happen until then anyway.
“Come, lass,” he said. “Let’s go inside and see if they have any available lodging.”
Aubriella peeked out the window and laughed. “I think I’m going to like this inn.”
He assumed she read the name of the inn and found as much amusement in it as he had. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her, but he held it in. Killian was still rather irritated with her, but wouldn’t admit that. He couldn’t prove she’d had anything to do with the driver’s misdirection, and he’d not outright accuse her of it without evidence.
Killian stepped out of the carriage and held his hand out to her. She placed her tiny fingers against his palm and stepped out. She tripped slightly and fell into his arms. He sucked in a breath at the feel of her small frame against his. He wrapped his arms around her instinctively, holding her in place.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered, a bit breathlessly. “I’m not usually so clumsy.”
He liked having her in his arms a little too much. Her softness meshed well with him, and he wanted nothing more than to take her inside and find the privacy to strip every inch of clothing off of her. When he had her alone, he could taste her skin and have her the way he’d been imagining.
“No, worries, lass,” he reassured her. “I can take whatever you throw at me.” What he wanted to do was take her… He shook the thought away and set her on the ground. When she stepped out of his arms he missed her warmth immediately. “Come, let’s go inside and check out this unique inn.”
Aubriella walked ahead of him and opened the door to go inside. Killian followed closely behind her. They were greeted immediately by a man.
“My lady,” he bowed. “My Lord, how may I be of assistance?”
Killian didn’t correct him on his assumption that Aubriella was a lady. He didn’t want to impugn her name in anyway. In truth, he should never have allowed her to accompany him on this trip. They had no chaperone and her reputation would be in tatters if word ever spread of it. In his defense, Aubriella kept him on edge, and he reacted to her instead of using the brain he’d been born with.
“We need a room for the night,” Killian said. “Do you have one available?”
“Of course,” the man said. “If you come with me, I can register you and your lady.”
Killian frowned and turned toward Aubriella. “Will you be all right while I see to this?”
She nodded. “I’ll be fine. I’m going to go sit over at that table and order some tea. Find me when you’re done.”
He nodded and followed the man to register for a room. Killian was careful when he wrote in their names. He didn’t declare Aubriella his wife, but he didn’t say she wasn’t either. Instead of outright lying he omitted her name entirely and left it at that. The man didn’t question his omission. Perhaps he’d seen men with unwed ladies enough to know when to hold his tongue.
“When it’s ready, I’ll have a serving girl show you to your room,” the man said. “If you like, you can rest on the tavern side of the inn and have a drink while you wait. Your lady has already made herself comfortable on the female side.”
Killian stared back and forth between the two sides of the inn. The Stallion and Snapdragon did its best to separate the ladies from the gentleman. One side was as delicate as an inn could be, with all the frills necessary to entice a well-bred lady. The opposite side was loud, messy, and alcohol roamed freely. The men held nothing back and enjoyed the tavern side of the inn. There was an invisible line separating the two and each side’s inhabitants did their best to ignore what was going on across it.
Killian sighed and left Aubriella to her own devices. He needed a little separation from her, and a drink did sound good. He headed toward the bar and signaled the bartender.
“What can I get for you?”
“Ale,” Killian said.
The bartender grabbed a mug and filled it to the brim, then handed it to Killian. “Let me know if you’ll be needing another.” He left to help another customer, leaving Killian to his own thoughts. Not long after that a gentleman sat next to him. He looked as ragged as Killian felt. His hair was mussed a bit and his eyes stared at everyone warily. He motioned to the bartender and ordered a drink of his own. The man took the glass the bartender offered and downed the amber liquid in one gulp, then motioned for the bartender to fill it again.
“Having that good of a day?” Killian asked him.
The man turned to look at Killian with a questioning glance. He had the look of a man who’d been to hell and back. Something Killian could very well appreciate. Aubriella was enough to drive a man to drink. This man may very well be going through something similar. He couldn’t be certain until he conversed with him a bit. Something about him though made him believe they could be friends if given the chance.
“I’ve had better,” The man replied and motioned toward Killian’s tankard of ale. “No strong stuff for you?”
“Can’t abide brandy,” Killian replied. He’d need to keep his mind about him if he were to deal with Aubriella later. “Ale is a better drink, but if I have to drink something harder, its whiskey for me. My lands border Scotland, and it’s easier to come by.” He shrugged. “Besides, I prefer a clear head, and it takes longer to imbibe a whole tankard.” He gestured toward Brandon’s empty glass. “You keep swallowing your drink that fast, someone will be carrying you out of here.”
“That’s the truth,” he agreed, then he lifted his glass to his lips to take a sip. “I needed it though. After this one, I’m calling it a night.”
“Female problems?” the man asked. Killian couldn’t resist asking.
The man groaned. “The kind that will drive a man to drink—well, debt might, but I
don’t have problems of that nature.”
Killian nodded. “I have one of those too.” He frowned and then said, “Female that is. She appeared out of nowhere and has been an albatross around my neck ever since. She’s clueless and needy.”
He was starting to believe she wasn’t as clueless as he’d originally believed though. Some of the fog was lifting from his brain, and she was becoming something else before his eyes. He didn’t want her to realize it yet though. Before he made everything clear, he wanted more answers. As long as he played the fool, she’d let more slip. In time, he’d reveal it all, but for now, even to this stranger, he had to keep up the pretense.
The man barked out a laugh. Then he said, “She can’t be all that bad.”
“Trust me, she is,” he replied. She drove him insane with the smallest smile, and he wanted to taste her lips in the worst way. Aubriella had the power to bend him to her will if she wanted. Why she hadn’t tried already. Or had she? “If I could find a family member of hers, I’d pass her off. But she claims she’s an orphan and has nowhere to go.”
He didn’t really want to let her go, but he felt he must. She should find a man who could be what she needed. Killian could never be the one to take care of her. He was a bastard and she was too pure for him to touch.
The man frowned. “That’s rather sad. At least you’re not throwing her out to the wolves. A female needs protection.”
“Aye,” he agreed. “She’s lucky my mother raised me to be a gentleman.” Killian glanced across the room and frowned, then turned back to the man, “I’m the Earl of Thornbury, but you may call me Killian.”
“Duke of Branterberry,” Brandon said. He paused for a moment before saying, “Brandon, if we’re going to use our given names.”
Killian smiled. “You sure?” He lifted a brow. “I can ‘Your Grace’ you ’til you’re blue in the face if you like.”
“I’d rather you didn’t,” Brandon replied. “I have enough of that from the servants.”