“Ye have my word,” he answered, pulling her close again.
The moment that Minnie disappeared, Exile started up the stairs, looking for a quieter sitting room. “Why did Minnie just leave us alone?” Diana asked as they entered a lovely room.
Exile sat, pulling her into his lap. “She kens that tonight the normal rules dinnae apply.”
Her nose brushed his and a tingling shot straight to his groin from just the light touch. “They don’t?”
“No.” He grimaced, a look of exaggerated pain. “I was shot while protecting ye.”
She leaned back, looking down at him, her lips pressed tighter. But she couldn’t quite hide her smile. “A tiny wound if ever I saw one.”
He stroked her cheek. “Ye told Lady Abernath yer secret. She can use it as a weapon against ye.”
Diana shrugged. “Funny thing. I don’t care what she does with the information. I guess I never did. I believed I wasn’t worthy of anyone’s love because of what I’d done. It was always about me.”
Exile shook his head. “How can ye be so damned intelligent?”
She dropped her nose to his again. “Let me tell you, if I am so smart, that you aren’t responsible for your cousin’s death.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “Saving ye tonight, in some strange way, makes me feel better. Like I lived when he died to do some good in this world. All this time, I felt like he should be alive and I should be dead because he deserved it more.”
Diana took several ragged breaths. “You’re a fine man, Callum. I wouldn’t love you if you weren’t. Stop trying to live the life he would have chosen and follow your own destiny.”
He stopped and looked deep into her eyes. The words were so simple, but they rang with a truth that took his breath away. This whole time he’d been so focused on how Ewan would have been Earl, who Ewan would have cared for and helped. “I…”
“Everything all right?” Minnie asked, entering the room. She didn’t even blink at the fact Diana was in his lap when she sat across from them. “I didn’t want to ask before, but what happened tonight?”
Exile listened as Diana relayed the events of the evening, Minnie gasping a number of times. “So Lady Abernath is still at large?”
Diana nodded. “And Grace and Ada are in even more danger than we imagined. Abernath isn’t just bad, she’s unhinged.”
Minnie nodded. “We have to tell our parents the full extent of what’s happened. If we don’t…”
“I know.” Diana looked in Callum’s eyes, her own scrunched in pain.
He stroked her cheek. “Ye should go to bed. It’s been a trying evening.”
Bed? Sleep was the last thing she wanted but then he raised his brows giving her a side stare. Suddenly Diana realized he wasn’t actually discussing sleep. “You’re right. I am exhausted.”
Emily walked back in the room. “Exhausted? Don’t go to bed yet. I was so worried and I’ve hardly even seen you.”
Diana sighed. Her sister was right. She’d been so wrapped up in the situation with Lady Abernath and, honestly, her feelings for Callum, that she’d barely seen her sister since she’d returned from her elopement. “How are you feeling?”
Emily shrugged. “Good overall. A little tired and a bit nauseous.” She touched her belly.
Diana glanced at Emily’s belly too. Her sister was pregnant. Soon she’d have a baby of her very own. Why did that sound so wonderful? She’d never considered that. If she didn’t marry, she wouldn’t have a child. Well, she supposed she could. Her gaze strayed to the man who had just slid her from his lap and tucked her into his side.
Then she thought of Harry. Not that she would ever be the horrible mother Lady Abernath had been, but still. The child’s future was unknown. She nibbled her lip.
“How do you think Malice and Cordelia did, taking a child with them on their honeymoon?”
Emily shrugged. “They were going to visit Malice’s family.” Her hand held her chin. “But why did they take responsibility for Lady Abernath’s child again?”
Diana’s gut clenched. She’d likely made a mistake. “Well, he didn’t have anyone else.”
Emily looked to Minnie. “Are they taking him to family then? I know why he can’t go back to the countess, but why is Cordelia responsible for someone else’s child?”
Minnie shrugged. “I think Harry reminded Malice of himself.”
Emily nodded absently. “How old was the boy?”
Exile squeezed her waist. “I can’t recall.”
But Jack chose that moment to walk back into the room.
“Jack,” Emily called. “How old is Harry?”
Jack stopped, turning pale.
“I think he was four,” Minnie said, and then she too sat up. “Which would mean…”
The room filled with a breathless silence and Diana didn’t dare move. Emily turned to her husband. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Minnie had both her hands over her mouth.
Jack took a single step toward her, his hands up. “He doesn’t look anything like me, or Daring, he…”
But Minnie let out a gasp as she stood.
Emily stood too, her eyes welling with tears. “You lied again when you promised you wouldn’t.”
“I didn’t lie, I—”
“Get out,” Emily said, pointing at the door. “I don’t want to see you ever again.”
“Emily,” Diana started, reaching for her sister.
“Stay out of it,” Emily barked, sounding far more like Diana might.
Diana snapped her lips closed. She didn’t blame Jack for not sharing. But Emily’s trust in her husband had been hanging by a thread.
Jack took another step toward her. “Please. Love. I had no idea until a few days ago and…”
“A few days?” Her voice rose with every word. “You’ve known for a few days and you didn’t tell me?”
“I don’t know anything,” he answered, trying to shuffle even closer, but Emily planted both hands on his chest and pushed him backward.
“What’s wrong?” Daring said as he walked in with Bad behind him. Vice had already kicked up his feet as though he’d bought a ticket to the theatre.
“You.” Minnie pointed an accusing finger at her husband. “You lying piece of dung. I’m going to have your—”
“What the bloody hell?” Daring stalked over to his wife. “Minnie, what’s happened that you’re so angry—”
Minnie brought her hand down across her husband’s cheek. “How could you not tell me?”
Daring held his face, but red skin peeked out from under his hand.
“They know about Harry,” Jack said quietly.
“The four of us need to talk.” Daring reached for his wife’s arm and began pulling her toward the door.
Jack tried to do the same to Emily but she ripped her arm from his grasp. “I’m not talking to you about anything ever again.” Without warning, he swept an arm under her knees and picked her up.
As the two couples left, Bad and Vice jumped up to follow. “Let’s listen at the door,” Vice said in a loud whisper.
“Good idea,” Bad answered, slapping the other man on the back. “This is better than the club.”
Diana started to rise to follow too. She was worried about Minnie and Emily, but Callum’s hand held her in place. “They’ll be fine. The child isnae Daring’s or Jack’s. Minnie and Emily will see that in time.”
“What shall we do, then?” Diana asked, turning to look at him. His eyes had darkened as he stared back.
“Well, considering I have a wound on my arm that’s yet to be bandaged, I’d love yer aid and I didn’t really fancy climbing through yer window anyhow.”
Diana pressed her lips together. “I should say no.”
He leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. “I can’t leave ye alone. No’ tonight.” He brushed his fingers down her cheek and over her neck. “I just want to make sure no one tries to hurt ye.”
Her insides tingled.
How could she say no to that?
Chapter Sixteen
Exile half carried Diana to her room, his body taut with anticipation. He didn’t plan on making love to her. He just wanted to hold her in his arms, feel her heart against his, and know for certain that she was safe.
That was enough.
But then she leaned into his neck, placing a feather-light kiss against his rough skin and his breath halted in his chest, everything inside him tightening. Damn that felt good.
“Diana,” he rumbled, squeezing her tighter. “That feels too good. Ye cannae--”
“Can’t?” she whispered close to his ear, her breath sending tingles careening down his skin. “Why not?”
“I want to be a gentleman. I—”
She laughed then. A throaty little chuckle that made his cock swell. “You’re coming to stay in my room. How is that gentlemanly?”
“It isnae” he growled back. “But it could be.”
Diana pointed toward the right. “That way.” Then she tightened her hands around his neck. “So why was I going to leave my window open?”
“I…” He swallowed as she gestured to a door. Flinging it open, he stepped inside, then quickly closed the large wooden door and locked them in. “I want to feel yer heartbeat against mine. Feel yer breath and ken ye’re safe.”
She stilled, except her hands, which slid to his cheeks. “That is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
Without thinking, he dropped his mouth to hers, giving her a kiss meant to be a promise but somehow, the touch grew and intensified until they were both panting for breath.
“What did ye think tonight would be?” he finally raised his head to ask.
Her eyes were half open and her lips pouty and swollen as she stared back. “I thought you would make love to me.”
He groaned and kissed her again. Damn, he wanted to. More than he could say. But tonight was not the night. First, he didn’t have to ask to know that his rescue had softened her. Made her more receptive. And he could justify making love to her because he had every intention of marrying her. But, the man he wanted to be would not take advantage. And honestly, he didn’t want to elope like Jack and Emily, because Diana wound up pregnant. Their wedding would be in a church with her entire family in attendance. If he were going to alienate the only family he had left, he would not push away hers too. “I would like nothing more.”
She quirked a brow as she rose up on tiptoe to kiss him again. Without thought, he squeezed her waist tighter, pulling her body against his. When she slid back down on her heels, her voice was playful. “Then I suppose we don’t have a problem.”
He cleared his throat. “Just one.” Sliding his hands up her back, he felt the large rip in her dress. There was no saving the garment. Rather than undo each button, he gave a tug, the bodice giving way and falling open. “I won’t leave ye with a child out of wedlock.”
Her mouth tightened. “That had occurred to me too. I will miss having a baby of my own.”
Exile scrunched his brow as he worked the sleeves off her arms. “I think we’ll have plenty of children.”
Diana shimmied the gown down over her hips. “How do you figure that? Didn’t you just say you didn’t want to impregnate me?”
“Tonight,” he answered. “Once we’re married, I’ll spend endless hours accomplishing the task.”
“Married?” Diana, now in her corset and chemise took a step back. “Did you say married?”
“Yes,” he held her face. “Is that a problem?”
“Problem?” Diana couldn’t think the words let alone speak them. “Is marrying you a problem?”
Exile squinted at her, cocking his head to the side. “Ye’re right. That was a lousy way to ask.” Then he dropped down to one knee, reaching for her hand.
Her heart thudded in her chest so loudly, she could hardly hear. “Diana Chase, would ye do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“I’m dressed only in a corset and chemise,” she whispered back, her hand covering her chest.
He grimaced. “I ken I wish I’d asked ye when ye were sitting in the garden out on the terrace of a fancy ball.”
She shook her head. “I don’t care about traditions.”
He gave her a soft smile. “That’s one of the things I love about ye.”
“I just didn’t expect you to ask. I thought this would just be for tonight. I—”
“Are ye complaining?” he asked.
She shook her head, too overwhelmed to answer right away. “No,” she squeaked.
“Are ye going to say yes?” He stood, clasping her other hand.
“Yes,” she answered again.
He gave her hands a firm squeeze. “Tomorrow I’ll ask again in front of yer family. But I wanted ye to understand tonight what I am thinking.”
Her mind began to work again. Part of her was tempted to ask what had changed. Why he hadn’t wanted to marry her to begin with but she didn’t want to ruin this perfect moment. And so, rather than ask, she stepped closer, her chest just touching his, their hands still laced together. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“Good,” he answered and then he kissed her again.
This kiss set fire to her blood and made her ache in places she didn’t even know existed as his mouth took hers over and over. She barely noticed as the strings of her half corset gave way and the garment fell to the ground.
Not breaking their kiss, she tugged at the ties of his shirt, yanking the garment free. When he winced, she finally broke their kiss. “I forgot about your arm. I am so sorry.”
“No’ to worry, love,” he answered, pulling the cloth up over his head. Then with his uninjured arm, he lifted her off the ground and carried her over to the bed.
She ran her fingers through his hair, loving the copper that glinted from the strands. One candle burned next to the bed, its light catching the flecks of red.
He lay her down on the mattress, then grabbed the hem of her chemise to skim the fabric up her thighs even as his lips kissed a path down. Diana wiggled out of garment and sent it sailing onto the floor as she lay in nothing but her stockings before him.
“Diana,” his voice was hoarse as he trailed a hand down her body. He cupped one breast, then the other, lightly tweaking her nipples in a way that made her gasp and arch for more. “Ye’re so lovely. It almost hurts…” He trailed off, dropping his mouth to one breast.
A moan ripped from her lips as he sucked in the sensitive flesh, causing it to peak.
But he didn’t stop there. Lower and lower he kissed, raising shivers and sighs of delight to fall from her lips until he dropped his mouth to her most intimate parts. Then no sound came out at all as her body spasmed in pleasure.
But he didn’t stop with just one touch, over and over, he ran his tongue along her flesh, causing pleasure to build inside her until she thought she might burst from it.
She’d been with a man, she knew that. But the experience had been nothing like this. Callum was everything to her. She could think of nothing else as her body fell over the edge, crashing into an abyss of pleasure.
Chapter Seventeen
Exile wanted to roar his own satisfaction as he listened to her moans of pleasure. Giving had never been so satisfying. He meant to keep his promise. He’d not risk impregnating her tonight, but giving her pleasure like that was all the satisfaction he’d need. He’d remember this night for the rest of his life.
His boots and pants were still on and he sat up to take the damned things off. He’d like to hold her close. He was certain she’d fall instantly asleep after what she’d just experienced, but instead she slid to the floor, still clad in nothing but stockings. “Was that your solution for making love to me without actually making love?”
“It was.” He grinned as she slid off one of his hessians. “Diana.” He looked down at her dark hair and eyes as she looked up at him. “Diana, I love ye so much.”
“I love you, too,” she answered sliding off the other boo
t. “Now lay back.”
“Why?” he asked, tensing a bit. What was she going to do? But as her hands slid up his thighs, he began to understand. “Diana.”
“Have you done this before? Does it work for you the way it did for me?”
His mouth went dry. “It works,” he hissed.
She began undoing the complicated falls of his trousers. “Can you teach me?”
His cock already straining, he nearly exploded. “I have a feeling ye’ll know what to do.”
Sure enough, the moment she’d pulled his trousers down one of her delicate hands wrapped around his staff. His head fell back as his vision blurred. “Feck,” he moaned.
She gave a small tug, making his body clench. “Do you like that?”
“Yes,” he hissed as she moved her hand. Then, sweet Jesus above, she dropped those petal-soft lips to the head of his manhood, raining kisses upon it until she slid him into her mouth.
He nearly died of pleasure as he twisted his hand into the silky strands of her hair. She responded by taking more of him into her mouth.
His throat went dry as she slid back up his shaft. “If you weren’t so large, I could take more of you—”
His free hand stroked her cheek. “That’s perfect. Do it again.”
She did, over and over, taking him into her mouth until he couldn’t think, barely breathe. Reaching down, he pulled his staff from her mouth as he convulsed in pleasure. Diana nibbled her lip as she looked up at him. “Why did you pull it out of my mouth?”
He blinked back, barely able to string a thought together. “The seed. It doesn’t taste…” The words died as she leaned down and licked his stomach.
“I like it.”
Dear Lord. He was never letting this woman go.
She slid up his body, curling into his side. “You were right. I am exhausted.”
Grabbing the blankets, he covered them up. “Then let’s sleep. We’ve a big day tomorrow.”
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