The thought of him discovering that she had said it filled her with a sort of nervous dread, but it was silly. The only person she’d ever admitted it to was her father and he’d warned her never to use it again. Clearly he knew how much it would wound Stone and he’d never repeat it.
Still, she wondered if she might just confess. Perhaps it wasn’t an issue at all, but the way he’d talked… she was worried he would be upset if he ever found out. In her heart, she’d always know what she’d thought and what she’d said.
She worried about it all through breakfast. She still ate in the dining room rather than the kitchen and her father joined her shortly after she’d arrived.
“Should we pack our trunks this morning?” he asked after his initial greeting.
Dread filled her chest. Had Stone found out and asked them to leave? “Pack?”
Her father crinkled his brows. “To move into the cottage? Remember? You’d prefer to have your own space wouldn’t you?”
She’d forgotten about moving to the cottage. She couldn’t very well change her mind now no matter how much she’d rather stay here with Stone. Looking back, she’d been rather dreadful about staying here instead of returning home. And she’d accused Stone of being selfish. “Of course.” She cleared her throat. “Have you spoken with Stone this morning?”
He shook his head. “No, I came to breakfast first, obviously.”
How silly of her. Of course he hadn’t. And what was more, she shouldn’t have spoken with Stone either. Certainly not in the garden at midnight. “I’d like to accept his marriage proposal. I know he hasn’t made a formal request to you but—”
“This is wonderful news,” her father crowed. “I’ll speak with him about it today.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him not to mention that she’d referred to Stone as the devil but why would her father say such a thing? And so she only nodded.
She needed to pack, but she wanted some time to organize her thoughts and so she decided to go for a walk along the cliffs.
Returning to her room, she changed into sturdy clothing and then made her way back to the front entrance. But as she came down the stairs, she heard the butler speaking with someone. “Yes, miss. If you’ll just have a seat. I’ll tell him you’re here.”
The butler turned and Eliza made eye contact with a young woman. It was one of the widows from the miners’ funeral. Her eyes lit up as soon as they landed on Eliza. “I know you. You’re with his lord.”
Yes, I am. But for how long if he finds out about what I thought about him? “Can I help you?”
The girl thrust her baby forward. “My little Rose is sick. I tried to call the doctor but he don’t come to my neighborhood and the healer that’s there can’t help her. I’ve already tried. I didn’t know where else to turn.”
Eliza winced even as she wrapped her arm around the other woman. “I’m Eliza and you’ve come to the right place. What’s your name?”
“Becky,” the woman sniffled.
“Becky, let’s fetch the doctor.” She began leading the woman into a nearby salon when Stone appeared before her. She hadn’t seen him since last night and her breath caught at the sight. He was so amazingly perfect. What if she lost him now? “Her baby is sick. I’m sending for the doctor.”
Stone gave a nod. “Of course.” He turned and barked an order for the doctor and another for food to be brought up. Within minutes the house scurried with activity.
Eliza grimaced to herself. How could she have ever thought this man to be bad? He was everything a provider was supposed to be and more. She leaned in to softly whisper in Becky’s ear. “Don’t you worry. Lord Alban will do everything he can for your child.”
Becky gave a tremulous nod.
The doctor arrived in hardly any time at all and Eliza spent the next day tending the sick child with her mother. It was an infection of the lung and only time would tell if the baby would survive. Eliza was hopeful though. The doctor had also been able to decipher that Becky’s milk had dried up, likely due to everything that had happened. But with the child getting nourished from a wet nurse, it was far more likely that little Rose would make a recovery.
Because of the widow and the baby, she and her father had delayed their move to the cottage once again. Though she was excited to live there, she was also happy to stay near Stone. For three days, Eliza cared for the child until her fever finally broke.
Eliza dragged herself back to her room, certain she could sleep for a week. She thought of her night snuggled against Stone and wished she be snuggled against him again. Eliza hoped that her father and Stone had discussed the details of the engagement. She wanted to be near him now. Her worry had receded. He’d never know that she’d thought him the devil at first and besides, she’d been completely wrong.
Entering her room, she found a candle burning on her dressing table. A small box sat next to it. She flipped the lid open, and an emerald ring sparkled up at her as it nestled in silky fabric. No note accompanied it, but she knew it was from Stone. A soft smile lit her face as she looked at it.
“Do ye like it, lass?” Stone’s voice filled her ears and she whirled about to see him reclining on her bed.
The last three days had numbed her fears and it was without any reservation that she launched herself toward him.
He easily caught her in his arms and before she could do a thing, he’d turned them both so that she was under his weight, pressed into the mattress. His lips covered hers and his breath filled her lungs. It was more than she had hoped for and yet not nearly enough. She wanted more of him.
She didn’t say this out loud but he seemed to understand—or he felt the same way—because his hands were on the buttons of her dress. As the fabric peeled away he tugged at her overskirts as her fingers fumbled with the buttons of his shirt.
Somehow, they managed to strip off their clothing, all the while kissing. Only in her chemise, Stone ran his hands up and down her body. She arched into him, wanting his touch.
She ran her hands over his bare chest, loving the feel of his muscles rippling under her touch. When her fingers reached his hip, she brushed them across his skin to his pulsing member.
He lifted her chemise until it was pooled about her waist, then he mirrored her touch, brushing her delicate folds. She moaned as he slipped a finger inside, then another. Pushing her chemise higher still, he broke their kiss to take one of her nipples in his mouth.
Her insides threatened to explode as need ricocheted through her. She ground against him, searching for more, for release, when he removed his fingers.
A protest filled her mouth, she wanted that lovely pressure back but then something much larger pressed against her opening. Before she could worry, he was inside her, stretching her beyond what she’d thought possible. The pain was sharp and intense, but he swallowed her cry with a kiss.
Wrapping her arms tighter about his neck, she held him against her as she slowly adjusted. He held still but she could feel the tension in every muscle.
“Stone, are you all right?” she whispered against his lips.
She heard his intake of breath. “Yer asking me? I should be asking you.” He gave her a long, slow kiss as he withdrew from her body. Despite the pain, she missed the feeling of him inside of her. But as he slid back in, she heard his deep groan.
It didn’t necessarily feel good but it didn’t hurt so much either and by the third time he filled her, it had started to feel…pleasant.
And then it was so much more than pleasant. Moving together, a tension built between them until it exploded.
Eliza slowly floated down, her limbs tangled with Stone’s. Her head now cradled on his chest. She decided as her eyes drifted closed that she never wanted to sleep any other way again.
Chapter Thirteen
Stone woke the next morning with Eliza curled firmly into his side. Blast, the woman was glorious. He wanted to wake with her tucked against him every day. It filled him with a warmth he hadn�
�t dreamed possible.
He slipped from the bed and retrieved the box sitting on the table. Then he settled himself next to her again. Cracking open the lid, he took the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. Amazingly, she didn’t stir. The green stone sparkled against her ivory skin and pulled at the strings of his heart. He liked seeing her wearing his ring. Eliza was going to be his wife. She was his to care for and to love.
He did love her. He wouldn’t be in her bed right now if he didn’t. Surprisingly, he realized that just lying with a woman sounded hollow. Likely why he hadn’t bothered to do it. But this connection with Eliza, it was something he’d never expected and he couldn’t imagine being without it.
He watched her sleep. He was tempted to wake her, but he she’d been working round the clock and she needed her rest.
Trailing his hand down her spine, he gave her a soft kiss on the temple. Better to let her sleep. They’d have all the time in the world for talking and planning.
Rising back out of bed, he slipped on his clothes and out the door. He had a great deal to do but he’d find her later.
He returned to his room and dressed for the day then went down to the kitchen to eat. He had food and a bath sent to Eliza.
As he sat with his family, he lounged back in his chair, his body relaxed. They were going to be all right. He’d care for them with Eliza’s help. His brother’s would marry and they’d fill this house with children. It wouldn’t replace his parents, but it would be a different family that was equally loving.
Blair gave his arm a push. “What’s gotten into ye this morning?”
Stone grunted in response. Blair, as his next youngest brother, was always stirring the pot.
Blair gave him a glare as he narrowed his eyes. “Yer awfully quiet, even fer ye.”
Stone didn’t have the vitriol to punch his brother’s arm or that’s exactly what he would have done. “I’m the same as always.”
Blair shook his head and tapped William. “He’s quiet this morning.”
William gave Stone a long look. “Not quiet. Peaceful.”
All eyes turned to him then. Even little Delia’s.
Matthew gave him a long look. “Ye smiled this morning too. When does he ever smile?”
“Is that what ye think of me? I just walk around full of hate and ill will?” He gave his brothers a fierce look.
“Do ye think the rest of the world understands how sensitive he is?” Reginald gave a chuckle. “Ye just seem happy, brother. And it’s nice.”
Stone sat back. Was he sensitive? He supposed giving up on women after one bad experience might qualify him as a touch extreme but he was how he was. And they were right. At this moment, he was happy. “I’ve asked Eliza to marry me and she’s accepted.”
There was silence for a second and then the room erupted into cheers and hoots as his family jumped up from their chairs and slapped him on the back.
Stone shook his head. He hoped Eliza knew what she was getting into with the lot. His brothers were a nosy bunch.
But thoughts of her made him smile again. He wanted to crawl back into her bed and into her arms. They needed to marry soon. But for now, he’d go upstairs and ask her to join the family down in the kitchen. For the first time in a long time, he was happy. He drew in a deep breath. It happened so infrequently, he had this vague worry that at any moment, it would all end.
Eliza woke feeling as though she’d begun a new life. And this one was full of hope and love. Her body ached a little, but her heart had never been lighter.
Stretching slowly, she found a hot bath waiting for her. Washing up, she dressed and left her room. Rather than going straight to breakfast, she made her way to the widow’s room to see how the baby fared.
After knocking softly, Eliza entered the room to find Becky rocking Rose in a chair by the window. “Everything all right?”
Becky gave Eliza a warm smile. “It’s good. Little Rose slept and ate all night. The cough is even diminishing.”
Eliza crossed the room and gave Becky’s shoulder a pat. “I’m so glad to hear it.”
Becky looked back out the window. “Rose and I can leave today. Thank ye fer—”
“You’ll stay.” Eliza gave her shoulder a squeeze. “We’ll figure out when you leave later but for now, you and Rose can stay.”
Becky gave her an uncertain look. “His lord has been very kind, but I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Eliza shook her head. “You’re not overstaying. I’m sure Stone will agree with me.”
For the first time, Becky’s eyes drifted to the ring on Eliza’s finger. “Yer a very lucky woman.”
“I am,” she replied. But not because of the beautiful stone that sparkled on her finger. She was fortunate to marry a man who truly cared about people. “Do you have a home to return to?”
Becky gave a nod. “I’ve a cottage. And thanks to Lord Alban, the rent is paid.” The girl paused, looking up to Eliza. “I won’t be a nuisance. If I could have a few days to have the provisions restocked, it would mean the world.”
“Of course,” Eliza gently touched the baby’s head. “I’ll help you.”
“You’re a saint.” Becky grabbed at her hand.
Eliza nearly laughed aloud. She highly doubted that. Stone on the other hand, might be worthy of such praise. He was better than any man she’d ever met.
It was that thought that repeated over and over as she made her way to breakfast. Her father was already there and his eye, unlike Becky’s, was immediately drawn to the ring.
“Good morning, Eliza,” he called down the table. “When did you receive such a gift?”
Eliza tried to keep from biting her lip. She couldn’t very well say, when Stone spent the night in my room. But she could tell part of the truth. “I found it sitting on my dressing table when I returned to my room last night. Who do you think it’s from?”
Her father chuckled. “Congratulations.” He stood and began walking round the table. “I’m very happy for you.”
“Thank you, Papa.” She met him and gave him a hug. “I’m sorry I was so difficult when we first arrived. I was still grieving and honestly angry about mother’s death. I didn’t realize Stone was different.”
Her father nodded in sympathy. “I understand and I’m glad you came to realize that Stone is not the devil.”
“I’m not.” Stone’s deep voice rumbled from the doorway. “And I am honestly disappointed to even hear the word fall from your lips, Allister.”
A sick dread settled in the pit of Eliza’s stomach.
Her father turned toward Stone. “You know I don’t think that of you, I never have. You’re a man of the deepest integrity.”
“Then why say it all? Who thinks that I am the devil?” And then Stone’s gaze swung to her.
His body was as hard as the stone he was named after. Its angles more defined by the tension that oozed from them. But his eyes. They revealed a deep hurt that made the wind whoosh from her lungs.
“Stone.” It came out as a plea.
His lips curled. “Don’t say it like that. Like you deserve to be forgiven.”
She reached for the back of the chair. Somehow his words were worse than his eyes had been. He wouldn’t forgive her. “You know I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t even know you. I was angry and hurt.”
“I am angry and hurt,” his voice bellowed over hers and she winced. Straightening her spine, she tried to walk toward him. Somehow, she believed if they touched, it would all be better. Their connection would be renewed. But before she had a chance, he turned on his heel and left.
Eliza watched him go and tried to decide if she should chase him or let him go. If he had time, surely he’d see reason.
But his story about the other woman who’d called him the devil filtered back into her thoughts. He had hardly known her and it had taken him years to be intimate again. Dear lord, she’d ruined everything.
Chapter Fourteen
Ston
e stormed through the castle, wanting to break something. How could Eliza think that of him? After all they’d been through and all they had done?
Did he call off the engagement? But that made his insides storm all the more. As much as he detested that she’d called him the devil, to never see her again…well that sounded like punishment for both of them. But could he forgive her?
He didn’t know.
Though a mountain of work waited for him, he bypassed his office and went outside. Walking along the cliffs he didn’t stop until he reached the spot where Eliza fell. It made his heart twist to think of her down in that hole, in the cold water.
Walking on, he arrived at the cottage. Opening the door, he stepped inside. He thought of undressing her, of warming her. The woman was under his skin.
But he couldn’t just pretend he hadn’t heard her words. Because since he was a child that was the one name that had cut him to the bone. No one who loved him would ever use it.
Leaving the cottage he wandered about, trying to sort out his feelings, numb the pain and the loss. Because that was how it felt. As though he had just lost his future.
At some point it began to rain, the sky growing dark, but he paid it no mind.
He’d circled back to the cliffs. Not that he noticed the view or the point at which the sky was dark, not from the rain, but from the night.
He hadn’t eaten since breakfast, but he felt no hunger. Only an ache of loneliness. He should have known a woman would never love him. He was too hard. Perhaps it would be best to let her go before she well and truly broke his heart.
He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn’t hear the footsteps behind him until someone was next to him. He looked over to see Blair’s profile in the moonlight.
“Brother,” Blair grunted.
Stone drew in a long breath. “What are you doing here?”
“Honestly, I drew the short straw.” Blair answered, staring down to the river. “Though I am fairly certain William rigged the draw.”
Scottish Devil (Brethren of Stone Book 1) Page 9