A Stolen Season (17 page)

She yanked the cravat from his neck and ripped open his shirt buttons while Eric untied the back of her gown. He pushed the soaked material from her shoulders and the chill afternoon air kissed her skin.

Sarah broke the kiss and looked down at the light shift all but separating her body from complete nakedness. She pulled at the ties and let the garment gape at her chest, careful not to expose her scarred arm.

Eric met her gaze, his breathing as rapid as her own. His gaze scorched her, as his hand slid over her waist to cup her breasts. Sarah bit her lip and prayed for patience.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said. Eric pulled her against him and took her lips in a searing embrace. Sarah wondered if it would always be like this between them. As if they could never get enough, be close enough, to one another.

Eric grasped her hips and lifted her onto his lap. His hands traveled down the back of her legs, and pulled the dress along with them. Sarah wiggled off and stood as best she could to step out of her gown altogether.

She watched as Eric as ran a hand through his hair. “Are you not going to do the same, my lord?”

Eric leaned against the squabs and pulled off his breeches. Sarah took a calming breath when he threw his shirt across to the opposite seat. His chiseled chest, the six pack abs leading down to his hard, engorged heat now noticeably jutting against his stomach made her quake. Sarah licked her lips and straddled his legs, the cool velvet seat soft beneath her knees.

Eric gasped when she rocked against his rigid flesh. His hands bit into her hips and Sarah lifted off him before impaling herself on his manhood.

His cry broke free at the contact. He was so warm, so amazing, and so good. The fact she loved him seemed to heighten the experience, make everything more … more everything.

Eric growled and kissed her neck and Sarah rasped her fingers through his hair.

“I love you, Sarah.”

Eric’s declaration. His plea tore at her heart.
I love you, too,
she whispered in her mind. More than any words or actions could ever say. Yet, Sarah remained silent.

Eric sighed, a sound close to pain and laid his head against the squabs. Sarah kissed his ear, and he moaned, a sound she could never get tired of.

“Yes,” he said, his hands running up her back.

Need roared between them and their joining became frantic. The carriage rocked beneath them and the storm outside, the rising river fell away, forgotten, as they pushed each other to the brink of bliss.

Eric drove forcefully into her, and she moaned. The delicious slide to orgasm came quickly, and Sarah clasped his shoulders as she leaned back while her release overtook her.

Distantly she heard herself moan his name before he, too, fell over the edge and tumbled with her into bliss.

Eric pulled her into his embrace and kissed her. “You’re a remarkable woman,” he said, pulling the blanket about her shoulders.

Sarah sighed and cuddled into his heat. Her heart crumbled into her chest. If only that were true.

Sarah awoke with a start when the carriage jerked forward. She sat up and pulled the blanket about her shoulders before glancing outside.

The day appeared clear, save for a few darkish clouds spotting the sky. Sarah heard Eric’s voice and she froze, before sighing with relief when she realized he was the only one speaking to the horses.

She looked down at her naked body, then set about finding her clothes. She squealed with surprise when the carriage door opened.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

Sarah rubbed her eyes, fairly sure she made the least beautiful person at that moment. “Good morning,” she said, cursing the blasted blush that stole over her cheeks.

“Get dressed, my love, and I’ll return you home. The water has receded enough to safely do so.”

Sarah nodded. “Just give me five minutes.”

Eric leaned in to kiss her lips, and Sarah dropped the blanket as his hands clasped her waist and pulled her into him. Her nipples brushed against his damp shirt, sending delightful pain to her core.

He growled. “Dress, and quickly, before I debauch you again in the carriage.”

Sarah threw him a saucy grin. “I wouldn’t complain.”

Eric patted her bottom and set her back on the seat. “My little minx. Dress. I have to try to limit the scandal my actions last night have caused. Although I’m not sure if we’ll escape unscathed if my mother has her way.”

Sarah grabbed her dress as the door closed and shivered when the damp material touched her skin. At least she wouldn’t have to wear it for long once they arrived at the house.

Once dressed, she stepped from the carriage and stretched. The damp gown and slight wind sent goose bumps across her skin and she reached inside to grab the blanket.

Eric stood before the river, silently watching the abating waters. “I’m ready,” she said, coming up to him and sliding her hand down his back.

He looked down at her, his face troubled. “Everyone will expect us to marry now that we’ve spent a night alone, Sarah.” Eric turned and clasped her hands. “Have you thought about my question at all?”

Sarah nodded. “I know what you’re saying, but last night, with the storm and dangerous situation, was unavoidable. Surely they wouldn’t expect such a thing. Should you have been stuck here with Lady Patricia, would you be declaring your betrothal today?”

Eric ran a hand through his hair. “The family and my honor would have demanded it, and so, yes, I would.”

Sarah stepped back. “Even though you say you love me?”

“I would have no choice, to save her reputation. And I will not have yours ruined, either. You will marry me, Miss Baxter.”

Sarah narrowed her eyes. “I will not.”

Eric stormed off toward the carriage and climbed up on the box. “Best be getting in the carriage, Miss Baxter. We’ll discuss this when we’re home.”

Sarah glared but followed his order. Damn the man. And damn the blasted weather. She should have swam across that stupid river and left him here. Sarah flopped onto the squabs and crossed her arms. They would not make her marry a man just because she spent the night with him, or because he made her body burn with every look and touch. And if they thought they would force her into something against her will, they had another think coming.

• • •

Eric looked at the road ahead and waited for Sarah to climb into the carriage. What was wrong with the chit that she didn’t want to marry him?

He was wealthy, titled, and in love with her. He was a much sought after bachelor in town. Yet Sarah continued to evade his offer of marriage.

Why?

The carriage door slammed and Eric took a calming breath. He picked up the reins, tapped them over the horses’ rumps, and started the short drive to his estate.

The carriage entered the gates, and Eric spied Anita and Lord Stanley standing on the front steps. He steeled himself for the coming confrontation over the previous night, and Sarah’s ruined reputation. Well, he had no qualms in marrying the woman; it was the woman herself putting up a fight.

He pulled the carriage to a halt.

“Eric. Sarah. We were all so worried about you,” Anita said, rushing down the stairs and opening the carriage door. “Come inside, we have baths prepared for you in your rooms.” She paused and met Eric’s gaze. “The storm was so ferocious we’ve not slept a wink for worry.”

Eric climbed down and helped Sarah alight. He ground his teeth when she pulled away from his hand and stepped out unassisted.

“Ferocious but fast moving it seems,” he drawled, signaling for the groom to take the horse and carriage away.

“Even so, what a frightening experience for you, Sarah,” Anita said, clasping her hand.

Sarah smiled. “I’m fine, do not worry, Anita. Just a little tired. May we go in now so I can have that wonderful bath you mentioned?”

Anita fussed and called out directions to the staff. Eric watched Sarah’s lithe form walk into the house and turned to meet her brother’s cold stare evenly.

“Lord Earnston, your mother, Lady Earnston, and I request your company in the library when you’re refreshed,” Lord Stanley said.

Eric nodded. “I’ll be down shortly.” And there it was. Society’s rules and strictures about to crash down onto his and Sarah’s shoulders. Eric ambled to his room and sent word to Sarah to meet him in the library before luncheon.

He looked at himself in the mirror and fussed with his cravat. The image of Sarah’s naked form, her nimble hands pulling the cravat from his neck assailed him. His body roared with need and possession.

He left the room and went downstairs. Walking through the foyer, he heard raised voices from the library and quickened his steps.

His mother paced the floor, her face a picture of disgust. His grandmamma, on the other hand, remained seated, looking more relaxed than one ought in such a situation. Richard and Sarah merely sat on settees, their sober expressions giving little away.

“What is going on here?” Eric asked.

“What, indeed.” His mother came over and poked him in the chest. “How could you, Eric? How could you keep Miss Baxter out all night when you’re all but betrothed to Lady Patricia?”

Eric fought to keep his temper in check. He met Sarah’s less than amused visage and silently sent her his strength. “There was never an understanding between myself and Lady Patricia, as you well know, Mother. And as for keeping Miss Baxter for an evening, it was either that or risk her life. She is home now and no harm done.” Eric didn’t miss Richard’s raised brow at his declaration.

“You must marry, and that is all there is to it,” his grandmother declared almost cheerfully, picking up her needlework.

“Out of the question,” Sarah spoke up. “I will not be forced into a marriage solely because I was caught in the rain with a gentleman.”

“I heartily agree with Miss Baxter,” his mother said, nodding.

Eric inwardly groaned. “Sarah, think of your reputation.” Her jaw set in a stubborn line and Eric looked to her brother for support. Why wasn’t the man saying anything?

“I have spoken to our guests, Eric, and under the circumstances they have agreed to keep Sarah’s name safe from any scandal. There is no reason for you to marry, unless something happened last night.” His mother raised her eyebrows in question.

Eric swallowed.

“Nothing happened,” Sarah said. “We were soaked through and sat in the carriage the whole night freezing. First light, Lord Earnston hitched the horses and brought us home. End of story. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going for a walk.”

His mother stood and grabbed Sarah’s arm. “Not so fast, Miss Baxter. I knew there was a reason I did not like you from the moment we met and I think it’s about time I explain my reasons why.”

“Don’t you ever speak to Miss Baxter like that again, Mother.” Anger pumped through Eric’s veins at his parent’s rudeness. “I apologize on behalf of her ladyship, Sarah.”

“Let her speak. She has obviously something to say,” Sarah said, her visage unreadable.

“You see, Eric, I have come across some very interesting information back in London that I asked my lawyer look into. In fact,” she paused, “I wonder why any of us didn’t do this sooner. But then, people usually take what others say as truth.”

Sarah lifted her chin yet her face paled. “And what truth is that, my lady?”

His mother smirked and motioned toward a letter she held in her hand. “I’m just curious if you’ve ever heard of a book called
Debrett’s
, Miss Baxter?”

Sarah nodded. “I have, my lady.”

“I should have looked up your brother the moment I met you. Why, he’s not even a baron is he, and never will be. In fact, there is no record of your family in England at all, and I can prove it.”

“What are you talking about, Mother? Sarah?” He looked to her but found her staring at Richard, both pale and, if he wasn’t mistaken, worried. “What is this all about, Sarah?”

“Yes, Miss Baxter. Please do us all a favor and explain who you are?” his mother said.

“I’m so sorry, Eric,” she said, before fleeing the room.

“Excuse me.” Eric chased after Sarah to the terrace. He looked over the balustrade and spied her running toward the maze.

He ran after her, calling out her name, but Sarah kept walking without a hint of acknowledgment.

Eric ground his teeth and pulled her to a stop just inside the maze’s entrance. He turned her to face him, and at the sight of her tears, he would sooner have a knife thrust in his stomach. Not knowing quite what to do he pulled her into his arms.

“Don’t, Eric. I don’t deserve your love.”

He shushed her and kissed the top of her head. “Why would you say such a thing? You do deserve to be loved and loved by me. It is my choice, Sarah.”

“You don’t understand.”

Sarah tried to pull free from his grasp, but Eric tightened his hold and kept her against his heart. Where she belonged. “Then explain it to me. Because you are right, I’m at a loss as to why my suit is abhorrent to you. Or why my mother is making up such ridiculous lies.”

Sarah gasped and pulled back. “Your suit is not abhorrent to me, Eric. It is in fact the opposite. But I cannot marry you.”

Pain tore through his chest. “Ever?”

Sarah paused and bit her lip. “I need to be honest with you.”

“Well then, for God’s sake, hurry up and tell me what is going on.”

• • •

“You have something we want.” At his befuddled and increasingly frustrated expression, Sarah knew she could only rip off the truth like a bandage from a wound — quickly.

“The peculiar your brother treasured is mine.”

The murderous rage began to shake Eric as the ramifications of her statement broke over him. He pushed her away and ran a hand through his hair. Sarah noted his fingers shook and his face paled. The love she once read in his visage was replaced with a cold mask of hate. An emotion he should feel for her above any other.

“And you were willing murder and sell yourself like a whore to get it back?”

“If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me. You need to return it to me, my lord, and leave it at that.”