A Dangerous Temptation
Page 43
Rafe paused near the door. Sybil and Charles had disappeared. “Why?”
“Why what?” I asked, forcing my attention to my brother. As much as I hated to think of the girl’s rather rude awakening when she met her fiancé, it wasn’t my problem to deal with. I had more pressing issues.
“Don’t play stupid, Will. It doesn’t become you.”
I sighed. Why did I allow Charles to take advantage? It was a question I was currently asking myself more and more often as of lately. “You know why.”
He shook his head. “The man saved your life once from a charging bull when you were children, no less, and you believe you owe him for eternity. Hell, I still think he merely tripped and fell into you, throwing you off balance. It’s not in Charlie’s nature to save anyone.”
And I agreed, not that I would admit as much. But it wasn’t the true reason. Charles was the only one who knew the truth about our father. My cousin had known for years and had kept quiet. That was worth something. Wasn’t it? Not that I would explain to Rafe. My brother would murder me then and there if he knew that the truth had slipped from my drunken lips one evening while Charles and I had been visiting the local pub. I hadn’t been drunk since, and that had been three years ago.
“You, my dear brother, have a soft spot for those in need,” Rafe said. “Admit it, you feel sorry for the man.”
If only I was so compassionate. No, it was pure self-preservation that kept me at Charlie’s side. If he wasn’t my cousin, I’d merely threaten Charlie with bodily harm if he told. That’s, no doubt, what James would do. Of course James wouldn’t have told him in the first place.
“Don’t be insane, you know I despise picnics.”
“Yes, rather nasty affairs.” Rafe shook his head. “Oh, Will, you are much too honorable.”
I laughed. He knew better. “There is no such thing as too honorable.”
He moved to the same mirror where Charlie had preened. “Indeed, there is. Men were born to be selfish. Look at babes, they would kill their own mother, suck them dry, if given the chance.”
“Good God, man, please do not tell me you’re honestly demonizing babies.”
He straightened his cravat. “All I’m saying is life can be a rather miserable affair, so find joy when you can. Especially you, of all people. Your time is limited.”
“I’m going into the military, I’m not dying,” I muttered defensively.
“Same thing.”
I watched him go, unsure if I should feel disgust, or amusement. One month. One month and I’d be in France, far away from the shallow confines of London society. I took in a deep breath and relaxed against the chair, attempting to ease the pain in my neck that Rafe and Charlie had left behind.
They might have been able to drink and whore their way around London, with all the happiness of a child on sweets but I needed more. I needed…a purpose. I’d made a promise to my mother that I wouldn’t break. I would be the honorable one.
I lifted the book that rested beside me and studied the volume. War Tactics. Was I boring? Charles and Rafe seemed to think so. After the traumatic childhood we’d experienced, boring had been a welcome relief. Besides, what did it matter? In one month I’d be doing something useful for England. Fighting enemies. Protecting our lands. Making a name for myself. Nothing boring about that.
“Sir,” the butler appeared. “The carriage has arrived.”
“Already?” I snatched up my glass and took another deep drink, needing the fortitude. All I had to do was be a welcome host, escort them inside, have a maid show them to their chambers. I was so very good at being the gentleman. So very good at pretending.
I moved down the hall and out the front door. I didn’t miss the paint flaking from the walls. The crumbling brick. Worn carpets. The estate was old and in disrepair. It needed the money she would bring to the marriage. But what would his fiancé get in return, other than a crumbling mansion and philandering husband? A title. I supposed that was enough for most.
The carriage rolled down the drive, a garish thing of black and gold. I cringed. Americans. The coach stopped. I pasted a pleasant smile upon my face as the footmen raced forward. Her father stepped outside first. A big, burly man with a mustache. His shrewd gaze scanned the estate, missing nothing. He knew where his money would go.
The mother was next. A pretty thing, which boded well for her daughter. Her narrowed gaze went immediately to me, like a hawk after prey. No doubt she thought I was Charles. I’d have to dissuade her of that thought immediately. Not for the first time, I was thankful to be a third son.
Taking in a deep breath and steeling my reserves, I was just about to start down the stairs when she appeared. My steps faltered. In that moment, everything faded but her.
Lillian.
The bonnet she wore was crooked, giving her an innocent, if slightly disheveled appearance. Two auburn curls had escaped from their pins and lay across her chest. She wore a green gown of the highest fashion, nipped in at a narrow, elegant waist. A stunning form, Charles would be happy about that at least.
But it was the book she clasped that truly caught my attention. She could have held sewing, drawing materials, knitting…instead she carried a book. I had the sudden, intense desire to know what she read.
Then she tilted her face up to the estate and nothing else mattered. The only sound was the roar of blood through my veins, the sudden and fierce beat of my heart. A brilliant green gaze caught mine and held.
A rush of heat surged through my body, pooling at my cock. The heady, dizzying whirl of desire that I could not deny. I’d always taken care to keep my emotions buried. What the hell was wrong with me? And even as I fought to regain control, one word whispered through my thoughts.
Mine.
My lungs seemed to shrink. I couldn’t draw breath.
Mine.
The attraction I felt was completely uncalled for and utterly dangerous. Yet, in that moment I knew, much like I’d known I would be a soldier the first time I’d seen them marching through town when I’d been all of five years of age. I knew.
She belonged to me.
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L.R. Olson writes historical romance, contemporary and new adult. You can find out more about
her work and sign up for her newsletter at www.LROlson.com
Other Books by L.R. Olson:
Historical Romance:
A Dangerous Temptation
A Dangerous Deception
A Dangerous Liaison
New Adult Books:
The St. Clare Series:
Seduction: Prequel, Free
Redemption: Book 1
Deception: Book 2
Salvation: Book 3
The Terminal Series
Terminal 19
Adult Contemporary:
The Southern Gents Series:
For Hire: Book 1