by Dayna Quince
God dammit.
He kicked a pebble out of his path and started walking. He moved in whatever direction that would take him the farthest away from Lady Lucy. Damn her. She had no right, but did she care? No. She was dead set on pursuing him.
And that kiss? It was awful yet the moment her lips touched his, eager and pliant, his body had gone rigid with arousal, his head roaring with lust. If that kiss had been any more inviting, he would have pulled her against him and shown her what a real kiss was. She was dangerous—terrifying. She should be scared of him, and yet he was running away from her.
Damn her.
His legs pumped aggressively as he climbed an upward sloping path toward the edge of the property. How had he gotten so far so fast? He stopped and caught his breath. He was shadowed in darkness, the house a dark outline against the sky with glowing windows as eyes.
He was running from a young woman and he felt absurd. He wasn’t a man who ran from things, but this…this ridiculous situation had risks he didn’t usually face. How was he going to put a stop to this?
He sighed and started back toward the house. The walk back took longer, and in that time, the cool air had calmed him. Thinking with a clear head again, he considered his options. There was leaving, but he didn’t want to leave. He was enjoying his time with Rigsby, enjoying the pastoral pleasures of the countryside. Would he really be chased away by a woman? No. Never.
He tried honesty and apparently that wasn’t enough. If she wanted danger, he would show her danger. He would prove to her that she wanted nothing he had to offer.
He reached the house and decided whether or not to return to the drawing room where she likely waited. It would be a gamble, but he was sure she wouldn’t make a fool of herself in front of her family. He decided to return and pretend the entire scene in the study hadn’t occurred. From now on, he would be in control, and he would be the one to seek her out when they could be alone and scare her into realizing that she had no business toying with a man like him.
Chapter 7
Lucy returned to the drawing room wearing a shawl and one in hand for Thea. “I’ve returned at last,” she announced as she entered.
“What took you so long?” Thea asked.
“I couldn’t find my purple wrap.”
“It’s around your shoulders,” Jonathan said.
Lucy looked down at herself. “Well, yes, I eventually found it.” She handed the spare wrap to Thea and sat beside her. “What game have you chosen for us to play?”
“We decided on cards. Rigsby doesn’t believe Lord Winchester will enjoy charades.”
“Very well. Cards it is. Where is Lord Winchester?” Lucy looked around in bafflement?”
Thea caught her eye as she stood and took a seat at the card table.
“He’s having a smoke,” Jonathan said as he poured himself a drink.
“Shall we begin without him?” Lucy moved to the card table as well and shared a speaking glance with Thea.
“I’ll go see where he is,” Jonathan departed.
“What took you so long?” Thea whispered.
“Exactly what you think.” Lucy shuffled the cards.
“I don’t know what to think. Have you been with Lord Winchester this entire time?”
“Goodness no. I truly did have trouble finding my purple wrap.”
“It was in my room.”
“I remembered that, fortunately.”
“What happened with Lord Winchester?”
“Nothing good. He called me a little girl and told me I was in over my head.” Lucy refrained from mentioning the kiss. That humiliation didn’t need to be relived outside of her own head.
Thea grimaced. “That doesn’t sound encouraging.”
“No. It was not, but that doesn’t mean I’m giving up.”
“I found him. Call off the dogs,” Jonathan said as he entered with Lord Winchester on his heels.
“Lord Winchester, we were afraid you’d gotten lost.” Lucy attempted to sound disaffected by his presence. She hoped she succeeded.
He took the chair beside her and smiled. “I did, but I found my way back.”
“Oh?” She didn’t know what to make of that smile. It was friendly and inviting. He was a master of deception it seemed.
He addressed the table in general and released her from his regard. “I took a short walk.”
“Weren’t you cold outside?” Thea asked.
“A bit.”
Jonathan dealt the cards while they chatted, and Lucy wondered what happened to Lord Winchester on this walk. He was entirely different now. Before she could sense his reserve whenever she was around, but now…he seemed open?
She took her cards and focused on her hand. She wasn’t very good at Whist. She preferred livelier entertainment than cards afforded. She didn’t care whether she won or lost, only that Lord Winchester’s gaze kept sliding her way, and the way he leaned back in his chair, broad shoulders angled her way, one leg stretched under the table invading her foot space. It was distracting. If she wasn’t careful, she might kick him, but what she kept imagining was sliding her foot along his calf. She fought the urge and fought her own inclination to look at him. He was doing something, he had to be. He was forthcoming with his lack of regard, and now Lucy would swear he was behaving like a rake on purpose. He hadn’t done or said anything remotely flirtatious—he was far too skilled for such obvious tactics. It was his aura. He was exuding sensuality and directing it her way.
Preposterous.
She threw her cards down on the table. “I don’t want to play this game,” she said petulantly.
“You just won!” Jonathan picked up her cards in dismay.
“I did?”
“Shall we play something else? It’s too early to retire,” Thea said.
“Can we play anything else?”
“Why do you want to quit when you’re ahead?” Lord Winchester said.
His voice caught her attention, quieting the thoughts in her mind. She focused on him.
“I need action, movement. Anything but staring at a hand of cards.”
Jonathan rolled his eyes. “What, do you want to play Pickled like children?”
Lucy grinned. “Yes!”
“What is Pickled?” Thea asked.
“A childish game,” Jonathan rubbed his face.
“One person hides and the others look for them. When one finds the first player, they have to hide with them until the very last person finds the hidden group.”
“Why is it called Pickled?” Thea frowned.
“Because you end up packed together like pickled fish in a jar,” Jonathan grumbled.
“Oh.”
“It’s very fun,” Lucy added.
“And not the least bit appropriate,” Jonathan added.
“Who is going to know? Is there anyone here you can’t trust to keep a secret?” Lucy needled.
“Beyond you, no. But—”
“Are you afraid you will lose your head if squished behind a chair with Thea?”
“What! No—my apologies, Thea. You are lovely.” Jonathan turned to glare at his sister.
“Are you afraid Winchester will compromise me whilst hiding behind a curtain?” Lucy continued. She braved a look at Lord Winchester. He was hiding a smile behind a fist.
Jonathan scowled at Lucy. “I’m more worried about you compromising him.”
“I solemnly swear I will not compromise Lord Winchester. Is that sufficient? May we play now?”
“I’m going to play billiards. Coming, Winchester?” Jonathan pushed back his chair.
“Come on, Rigsby. It might be entertaining. I haven’t played since I was a boy.”
Jonathan froze and stared in shock. “You want to play?”
Winchester shrugged lazily. “It might be a good opportunity to compromise your sister…or Miss Manton.”
“That isn’t the least bit funny, and I’d be worried about your intentions if I didn’t know you so well,” Jonatha
n returned.
“There you have it. Let’s relive some of our childhood magic,” Lucy added. Internally, she was vibrating with excitement. “I’ll go first.”
Jonathan relented. “Fine. Stay on this floor.”
Lucy hurried from the room while Jonathan counted. She knew exactly where she wanted to hide. She fervently hoped that only one person would find her.
She counted to herself so she knew when to expect the others to begin looking for her. Tucked behind the Chinese screen in her father’s study, she eagerly anticipated the sounds of approaching steps. She didn’t have to wait long before the muffled slide of Thea’s slippers could be heard. They paused at the entry to the study, then entered.
Lucy cursed in her head. Thea popped her head around the screen.
“Oh!” she squeaked.
Lucy sighed. “Would it be awful if I asked you not to find me so that someone else could?” Lucy raised one brow.
“Do you think that is a good idea?”
“I think it’s a splendid idea.”
“What should I do?”
“Pretend you didn’t find me.”
Thea sighed and backed out from behind the screen. Lucy listened to her steps retreat from the study.
Then it was silent. She felt him but didn’t hear him.
“If I was a bored young woman, where would I hide?” He came around the corner of the screen.
“Are you going to compromise me or did you already compromise Thea?”
“I can’t compromise two women in one night?” He filled in the small space behind the screen, crowding her against the wall.
Lucy moved to make room for him, but there was little to be had. Their clothing brushed every time they moved.
“I will make you marry her. Her family is terrible to her,” Lucy whispered.
“Will you?”
“Even if I have to hold a gun to your back.”
He held a finger to his lips.
Jonathan’s muttering could be heard from the hall.
“I already looked in there.”
She heard Thea say to him. They both moved on. Lucy looked up at Lord Winchester, not sure what to do next. Would he kiss her? This was a complete turnaround from his earlier behavior, and she wasn’t sure she believed it yet.
He bent forward bringing his mouth close to her ear. “Alone at last.”
“For the moment.” Lucy licked her lips.
“What shall I do with you?”
Lucy bit her lip. He towered over her, shadowing her in the protection of his body. She wanted to snuggle closer and breathe in more of his scent. She resisted. She wanted to see exactly what he planned to do.
“What happened during your walk? You seem…different.”
He was silent for a moment. “I changed my mind. I had intended to leave you alone for the sake of my friendship with your brother, but…why deny myself? I’ve had so many women. What’s one more?”
Lucy steeled herself. “I’m just one more woman to you?”
“One more conquest.” He nodded
She looked up into his eyes, but they were shadowed and unreadable.
“And my brother?”
“I can make more friends.”
Lucy didn’t believe him for a second, not when it came to his friendship with her brother. She’d seen too much of his kindness in her short acquaintance with him to believe he could be so callous. She held her tongue while she marshaled her thoughts.
He brought his hand to her hip.
“Carpe diem, oui?” She smiled.
She felt the hand on her hip tighten.
“Aren’t you afraid?”
“Of you? Never.”
“Why not?”
“I see the goodness in your heart. You won’t hurt me.”
“You don’t know me at all. I’ve been callous with many hearts.”
“There is always time to start anew. You could start with mine, for instance.”
He blinked slowly. “How about I start with your breasts. Such ripe fruit, begging for attention.” He trailed one finger along the edge of her bodice, teasing her bare skin. “Have you ever been touched here by a man?”
Lucy swallowed and nodded.
“You have?” He sounded surprised.
“You are not my first rake.”
“I won’t be your last, either. You’ve a penchant for trouble.”
“I noticed. I’d rather risk trouble than risk living a boring life of safe unhappiness.”
“You are naïve.”
“Perhaps.”
His finger explored the valley of her breasts.
“What libertine defiled your tender flesh?” he said gruffly.
Lucy took a shallow breath, aware of the fiery trail of his finger. She’d never understood why men fell over themselves for a pair of breasts. They were bothersome at times, useful at others, and ornamental at best. She’d been groped before, and while the experience was distasteful, it hadn’t been horrible. She did make sure Sir Granger regretted taking such a liberty with her.
“Why do you wish to know?”
He didn’t answer. He pressed his palm to her chest, over her heart. She stared up at him, trying to sense his thoughts. He must feel the pounding of her heart. She licked her lips.
“Are you afraid?” he asked.
“No.”
“Why not?” His voice was harsh.
“I want you to touch me,” Lucy whispered breathlessly.
He pulled his hand away and let go of her hip. “You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“I do.”
“I won’t be gentle. I won’t be kind. I’m not a good man.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“I know, but it doesn’t matter what you believe in that fool head of yours. I will take what I want.”
“So will I.” Lucy lifted her chin defiantly.
“Sorry to intrude.” Thea tapped on the screen. “I really must join you now.” She edged around the corner into the small space. Lucy pressed against the wall and Lord Winchester squeezed himself tightly into a corner. “Your brother isn’t very agreeable this evening. I tried to give you as much time as I could to, um…sort this out.” She looked back and forth between them.
Lord Winchester didn’t answer. Lucy could see his face now that he wasn’t towering over her. His lips pressed tightly together and his eyes had a hard glint.
“Thank you, Thea.”
Thea smiled awkwardly and kept her eyes averted from Lord Winchester.
“I give up. I’m going to bed,” Jonathan called from the hall, followed by the sound of him stomping up the stairs.
Thea sighed with relief and slipped out from behind the screen. Lucy followed, but he stopped her by grabbing her hand.
“This is your last chance to prove you’ve more brain than beauty. Tell me to leave you alone and I will.”
Thea was waiting by the door, but they were still hidden by the screen. Lucy stepped close to him, brushing her bodice against his chest. She caught his quick intake of breath and smiled. She bounced up to kiss his cheek and then darted away. She was grinning as she met Thea at the door and linked arms with her as they hurried toward the stairs.
“What is happening?” Thea whispered. “I shouldn’t have allowed you two to be alone. I don’t like this,” she panted as Lucy tugged her up the stairs.
“I didn’t ask you to do it.”
“I know, but I knew it’s what you wanted to happen. He didn’t look very pleased.”
“He’s not. He’s doing his best to frighten me away.”
Thea dragged her feet until Lucy stopped. “He seems a nice fellow. Perhaps he truly doesn’t want attention from you. I don’t like lying to your family, not when they’ve been so kind to me.”
Lucy sighed. “I’m sorry. I won’t ask you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable.”
“Simply knowing that the two of you are… What are you doing?” Thea frowned in confusion.
“I don’t know. He will try to convince me he is all wrong for me and I will do the opposite.”
“How?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea.”
“What makes you think he wants this from you?”
“Because if he didn’t he wouldn’t be so angry about it. He is fighting it.”
“Should I ask what happened back there?” They began to walk again.
“No. It was nothing to be scandalized by, but from now on, I won’t involve you so you won’t feel obligated to help me make an utter fool of myself.”
“Thank you.” Thea gave her a swift hug.
Chapter 8
Dean didn’t leave the study. He poured himself a drink and lit another cheroot before settling back against the deeply padded chair near the fire. He crossed his boots and stared at the flames until his eyes glassed over.
Damn her.
She wasn’t going to make this easy. He was done playing the rake, but if he had to do it one last time, so be it. Since leaving the Countess behind in London, he thought about taking a long holiday from the female half of his species. A bored widow was child’s play when compared to Lady Lucy. She was relentless. It wouldn’t be so difficult to fend her off if she weren’t so damned beautiful and alluring. Her skin was as soft as petals but warm and inviting. She was so confident about what she wanted from him and that he wanted her.
She was bloody right. He could taste his want. His blood hummed with it. But wanting things and having them are two very different things. He may want her, but he did not intend to have her. She was going to be sorely disappointed at the end of this farcical seduction when he left her, still a virgin, still unwed. That is unless Farris comes up to scratch, but Dean was confident the lad would fall far short of Lady Lucy’s expectations.
Lucy.
Such a simple and pretty name for a girl—woman, who contained so much more. She was bored, she was beautiful, and she was determined to ruin herself. It wouldn’t be with him.
Maybe he was exactly what she needed. A man with the experience and control to scare her into accepting her place in life. He’d give her a taste of what she wanted and then show her it wasn’t what she wanted at all.