by Lauren Smith
“Drake. Drake where are you,” she called out, her voice echoing through the grand home.
She turned to the butler as she mounted the staircase. “Where is he?”
“Miss, this is most improper. I must insist you leave at once.”
“Rubbish.” Brooke took the first few steps then turned back. “If you won’t help me, I’ll search the house until I find him.”
“His Grace is not expecting company. I must insist you cease this most improper behavior,” The butler strode toward her. “Where is your chaperone?”
Brooke turned her back to him and raced up the stairs calling out for Drake.
When he appeared at the top of the stairs clad in nothing more than a silk robe, she froze.
Drake stared at her, his gaze curious. “Brooke, what are you doing?”
“I tried to stop her, Your Grace,” the butler said from somewhere behind her.
Drake waved his hand in dismissal. “It’s quite alright, Sedrick. You are free to retire for the evening.”
Brooke turned a smirk on the butler as he bowed to Drake.
“As you wish, sir,” he said.
She waited for the butler to fade from view before climbing the remaining steps.
Drake’s gaze never faltered as she progressed toward him until she stood directly in front of him. Once there, he reached out a hand and laid it on her arm. “Is something the matter?”
Brooke shook her head.
“Then what is this about?” Drake asked.
Brooke’s heart hammered as she stared into his curious eyes. “I cannot get you off my mind. The way you touched me yesterday, the way you spoke.” She stepped forward, bringing her chest to his and tilting her chin up. “Kiss me.”
“I thought you would never ask,” he whispered as he leaned closer.
Heat seared her soul when he pressed his flesh to hers. Brooke wrapped her arms around his shoulders and leaned into him as he slanted his lips over hers.
Drake scooped her into his arms. Cradling her, he strolled down the hall, his lips never leaving hers. Their mouths pressed together, hungry and demanding.
He turned into a fire-lit room then sat on a settee, bringing her to rest on his lap as he deepened the kiss. His tongue slipped into her mouth, swirling, tasting, exploring.
Brooke craved more. She wanted his touch, wanted to feel his skin on hers. Wanton desire raged within her, causing her nerve endings to tingle and blood to heat.
She brought her hands to his chest and pushed his robe open so she could explore. He started to pull back, and she captured his lower lip suckling and teasing the flesh.
Drake sank back into the kiss, the desire he felt for her driving him half mad.
Brooke trailed her hands over his warm skin. A guttural moan ripped from his throat as she slid her hands lower to find his erection.
He captured her wrists, pulling his lips from hers. His gaze held an unspoken question as well as a need that matched her own.
“I want this. I want you,” Brooke brought her lips to his throat, kissing and suckling the smooth skin. “All of you. I always have.”
Drake released her wrists, then flipped her over on the settee coming to rest above her. He gazed deep into her eyes and asked, “Are you sure?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything,” Brooke said.
Drake found her lips, giving her a deep kiss before trailing them down her neck to nip and suck at the delicate flesh.
Brooke pushed his robe from his shoulders, kissing the skin she revealed as he worked to free her from her gown.
He pushed her bodice down, revealing her breasts then captured one hard peek in his mouth.
She moaned with pleasure as he suckled and kneaded the tender flesh. Her skin burned with need when he trailed his hands lower, pushing her gown down past her hips.
Brooke tugged him back toward her, bringing her lips to his, desperate to kiss him more.
He met her demand with one of his own, kissing her passionately, driving her closer to the edge. Pressure built between her thighs and she squirmed against him needing something more. “Drake,” she sighed.
He deepened the kiss as he slid his hand between her legs. In another moment, Brooke felt the gentle slide of his fingers against her damp center. “Yes,” she moaned as he pressed one finger into her. “Oh, Drake.”
She thrust against his intrusion the pressure building as he continued to kiss her. She was surely mad for what she was doing, but she could scarcely stop it. Her body begged for all he could give. Her skin tingled and core pulsed as she kissed him harder.
Drake pulled his hand away and brought his head up to gaze down at her.
She whimpered at the lose of his touch and reached for him, desperate to pull him back.
He nudged her legs apart and pressed is cock into her, filling her, stretching her.
“Ouch.” Brooke cringed at the Sharpe burst of pain.
He froze a look of horror clouding his gaze. “I…forgive me. I didn’t…I’m sorry.”
The pain faded as quickly as it had come on, and she said, “No regrets, Drake. Just love me.”
Brooke wrapped her arms around his shoulders and brought her lips to his.
The pressure rebuilt as they kissed, and she soon found herself desperate with desire once more.
She moved her hips, encouraging him until they were moving in unison, both taking as well as giving.
Stars burst behind her eyes as wave after wave of pleasure crashed through her until she called out his name, her core caught in a flurry of spasms.
Drake thrust into her, taking his own pleasure as he gave her one last hungry kiss.
Replete, he rolled off of her, then gathered her against him.
Brooke’s body pulsed, her breaths coming in pants as she listened to his heartbeat. Lovemaking proved to be far more enjoyable than she’d ever imagined.
“Brooke,” he said.
She nuzzled her face against his chest. “Yes?” She asked on a breathless sigh.
“Marry me?”
The words snapped her back to reality, sending ice through her veins.
Marry him? Why?
Because they’d made love?
What the devil was wrong with him? She pushed herself up on her elbow to stare incredulously down at him. “No,” she said, her voice firm.
Drake narrowed his eyes, his forehead creasing. “Why ever not?”
“Because I have no wish to marry,” Brooke said as she left the settee then bent to scoop up her gown.
“Why?” Drake pressed.
“Because I don’t believe in love and happily ever afters,” the hard edge in her tone surprised her, but she’d spoken the truth.
“I will make you believe. Give me a chance.” Drake’s voice was soft and smooth.
She pressed her eyes closed. Why couldn’t he leave well enough alone? Anger ignited within her as she turned back to him, peering.
Why did he have to ruin what they’d shared by proposing? It was insulting when she knew he had his cap set on another.
Anger ignited her insides erasing all traces of the euphoria she’d felt moments ago. Make her believe in love, would he? The cad!
She squared her shoulders, her back stiff and peered at him. “What about the lady you have your eye on? The one you told me about in the park?” She challenged.
Drake stood and stalked toward her, reaching her in two long strides and capturing her face between his hands. “That lady is you.”
“You are only saying that because you think you ruined me. The truth is I ruined myself.” She stepped back then tugged her gown on, covering her body. “I’m not sorry, and nor should you be. I got exactly what I wanted.”
“Brooke, listen to me.” Drake reached for her, but she stepped back before he could reach her.
She glared at him, her chin held high. “Don’t ruin what we shared by saying anything more.” She turned and raced from the room.
Chapter 6
B
rooke paced the length of Narissa’s office. How she wished Narissa was here. She was at sixes and seven’s and in desperate need of counsel. She’d fled Drake’s home and come to the club in need of someone to talk to. Alas, Narissa had gone home for the evening. Hannah, too, was absent.
There were plenty of ladies on the gaming floor, but none she could confide in. Brooke stilled at the sideboard, then reached for the brandy decanter. Not bothering with a glass, she brought the crystal decanter to her lips and took a copious gulp.
Bloody hell, what had she done!
Her heart stung as she replayed the night’s events through her mind. How could Drake propose to her now? Why hadn’t he come for her years ago as he’d promised he would?
The blasted man made love to her, then insulted her all in the same night. What the devil was wrong with him?
She took another long drink, then went to the sofa by the window, and dropped onto it. What the devil was wrong with her? She should be pleased, thrilled, walking on clouds.
She should be more than happy. Elated, that’s what she ought to be feeling. She’d gotten what she wanted, after all. Drake had made love to her, and she had gained the experience she’d longed for.
Given what they’d done, it should not surprise her that he proposed marriage. It was the honorable thing to do. Perhaps that was what grated her the most.
He didn’t honestly want her.
Brooke swirled the brandy in the decanter, took a swallow, then leaned her head back against the velvet upholstery.
None of it signified. She’d set him free by rejecting his proposal. Tonight she would drink to her misery, and tomorrow, she would get on with her life. Everything would go back to the way it was before.
The door opened, and Brooke jolted upright, her gaze colliding with Narissa’s. “I thought you’d gone home?”
“I had,” Narissa said, shutting the door behind her. “Ace sent for me.”
“Whatever for?” Brooke asked.
Narissa strode across the room, coming to sit beside Brooke. “He said you were in a bad way.”
“I don’t know what would give him that impression.” Brooke brought the brandy back to her lips.
She was pleased to see Narissa but genuinely baffled as to why Ace sent for her. It wasn’t unusual for Brooke to be at the club, even at this late hour. And she often spent time in Narissa’s office alone. It was her great escape. The one place she could come without worrying about how others saw her or what they might think.
Narissa gave a weak smile as she reached for the decanter. “Perhaps he took note of the shadows under your eyes.”
Brooke allowed Narissa to take the brandy from her.
“It looks as though you’ve been crying, and you’re positively disheveled. What’s happened?” Narissa asked, her gaze soft with worry.
“The duke happened. Him and my own disastrous behavior.” Brooke leaned back, releasing a sigh.
“I’m afraid I do not understand. Why don’t you start at the beginning?” Narissa suggested.
Brook reached for the brandy, but Narissa moved it out of reach. “Tell me what happened?” Narissa insisted.
“Oh very well.” Brooke interlaced her fingers on her lap. “We were close as children and made a pact that when we were grown, he would come for me. We were to travel the world together and have grand adventures. At the time, I fancied myself in love with him.”
Narissa grinned. “And do you still love him?”
“I’m not sure I ever did. I don’t believe in love. It was the fanciful dreams of a young girl.” Brooke blew out a breath. “Though, I’ll admit that for years I dreamed he’d come and take me away. I anticipated the adventures we’d share and looked forward to spending my life with him, but he never came.”
Narissa narrowed her gaze, studying Brooke. “He’s here now.”
Brooke shook her head. “He’s too late. Besides, he did not come for me.”
“How do you know? Did he say as much?”
“Just the opposite, in fact. He proposed.” Brook snatched the decanter from Narissa and brought it to her lips.
Narissa frowned, and said, “I’m most confused. If he did not come for you, then why would he propose?”
“Because I seduced him,” Brooke blurted.
Narissa stilled, her gaze locking on Brooke’s, eyes wide. “Dear lord. You did what?”
“You heard me right. When I left earlier, I went to the duke’s residence and seduced him.” Brooke stood and paced across the room. Her mind racing. The more she said, the more confused she became as well.
She was certain he did not want her, but if he didn’t, then why had he called on her? Why had he been pleased to run into her on Bond Street? And why had he bedded her?
Brooke’s mind circled back to all the reasons he could not want her. For Heaven’s sake, he’d told her himself that he had his mind set on a lady. A lady—not her. He’d not come back for her as he’d promised, and he’d not attempted to court her.
But he had proposed.
She released a frustrated sigh and pivoted back to Narissa. “Just yesterday he told me he had his sights set on a lady. He told me too that he’d come to London for a wife. He did not ask for my hand. Not until after I seduced him.”
Narissa went to the sideboard and sat the crystal decanter down before turning back to Brooke. “So, you believe that he asked out of honor rather than a desire to wed you?”
“Indeed, he did, and it’s most insulting.” Moisture began collecting in Brooke’s eyes, and she cursed herself for it. The last thing she wished to do was cry over the man.
Narissa came to her and wrapped one arm around her shoulders. “It is clear to me that you have feelings for him. Perhaps you should speak with him once you’ve had a chance to rest.”
Brook shook her head. “I desire him, it’s not the same.” She wondered why it pained her to speak the words. “My feelings will soon fade.” The first tear trailed from her eyes.
Narissa wiped it away, offering a weak smile. “Perhaps, but don’t you owe it to yourself to be sure?”
“I am sure. Desire often confuses people into thinking they are in love. Once that desire fades, they are left miserable.” Brooke shook her head. “That won’t be my fate.”
“You are not your parents, Brooke,” Narissa said, patting her hand. “I assure you, love is real. Seth and I are but one example of it.” She met Brooke’s gaze. “If there is a chance that you love him, you owe it to yourself to find out if he loves you too.”
Brooke’s heart thumped harder as she considered her friends’ words. What if Narissa was right? What if Drake genuinely wished to marry her? Brooke closed her eyes. What if the feelings they once shared were indeed alive and well? What if it had been love?
No. She shook her head. He’d not subject herself to more pain. He’d failed her once, and she’d be damned if she allowed him to do so again.
She turned to Narissa. “He only proposed because he thinks he ruined me. In reality, I ruined myself,” Brooke said. “I’ll not be shackled because of it.”
Chapter 7
A maid bustled into the breakfast room, holding a large floral arrangement. “Where would you like them, my lady?” She asked.
Brooke need only look at them to know they’d come from Drake for who else would send her lavender and roses. She caught herself grinning like a fool and bit her lower lip. “Over there is fine.” She pointed at a mahogany table.
The maid dipped her head, then moved to the table and set the bouquet down. “They are lovely,” the maid smiled.
“That will be all,” Brooke said, dismissively. She had no desire to discuss Drake or his gift with anyone, least of all a housemaid.
Once the maid left, Brooke strolled over to the bouquet and inhaled its fresh floral scent. Memories of a girl and boy playing in a lavender field filled her mind. She’d been so happy with Drake then. But those were the days of her youth and the fanciful dreams of a girl. Everything
was different now.
She sighed as she made her way back to the table. Why wouldn’t the dratted man leave her alone? She’d set him free, he should be grateful.
Frustrated and no longer hungry, Brooke settled onto a chair and reached for the morning paper. She scanned the columns finding nothing of interest, then set it aside and reached for the gossip rag that had been beneath it.
Her breath caught as she read the headline.
The Earl of N’s notorious daughter Lady B has outdone herself.
The headline was printed in bold lettering and left no question as to what lady it would be gossiping about—she was lady B! Her pulse sped as she read the column.
Lady B spent several hours at a gentleman’s private residence. It is reported that she arrived around the ten o’clock hour and did not depart until after midnight. One need not speculate much to discover what a scandalous lady would be doing alone at a duke’s residence. All the same, I am quite certain the ton would love to hear Lady B’s explanation.
Brooke’s stomach rolled at the implications. By lunch, everyone in London would know what she’d done. Father and Mother would demand she accept Drake’s proposal—assuming he still wished to make an honorable woman out of her.
She’d rather be ruined than forced into marriage. She had more than enough courage to withstand the storm and little need for a good reputation. In truth, she’d damaged that years ago. She’d not start regretting it now.
Good lord, what was she to do?
“His Grace The Duke of Grafton,” the butler announced.
Bloody perfect! Brooke tossed the paper aside and stood as Drake strolled into the room.
She waited for the butler to leave before meeting Drake’s gaze. “Why have you come?” She demanded.
“We have much to discuss,” Drake said, stepping further into the room. “May I?” He indicated the table.
She ignored his desire to join her and said, “We have nothing to discuss.”
“On the contrary,” he said, moving to stand beside her. “We are splashed all over the morning papers and no doubt on the tongues of all of London.”
“You are a duke. It hardly signifies what anyone says. You will be fine.”