Rapture's Tempest (29 page)

Jim held himself back with an effort as he watched her approach him.

“Now, it’s your turn,” she said, her voice husky with desire.

“For what?” Jim couldn’t take his eyes from the glorious sight of her in the soft lamplight. He wanted to throw her on his bed and have his way with her, but he waited, excited at the prospect of what she might do next.

“You are beautiful, you know.” Her tone was serious, surprising him.

“Men aren’t beautiful—” he started to protest, but her hands were suddenly on him, distracting him from all thoughts, save one.

Standing before him, she was caressing his chest, eagerly pushing his shirt and jacket off in the same movement. Jim, unable to deny himself any longer, lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed.

Shedding the rest of his clothes, he joined her there. Their lips met in an ardent kiss as they moved together as one.

It was after midnight when they finally made their way back to the Montgomery house. Neither had wanted to leave the haven they had found on board the steamer, but they knew it was necessary. In just a few more weeks, they wouldn’t have to part at all….

Jim didn’t trust himself to say a quick good night to her inside, so he kissed her in the shadows on the front steps and watched until she had disappeared indoors. Once he was certain that she was safe, he left, eagerly anticipating their time together the following day.

Delight was halfway up the stairs when Martin came out of his dimly lighted study.

“So, you finally got home,” he sneered.

She wanted to go on up to bed but his next words stopped her.

“You bitch! All the while I thought you were so pure, you were giving it away to Westlake like a common slut!”

“Martin, we have nothing to say to each other. I’m going to bed.” Delight was frightened, for she knew Martin wouldn’t be so openly bold unless her mother had long since retired for the night.

“I’ll wager, from the look of you, that you just got out of bed,” he said caustically, and he let his gaze run over her knowingly.

Delight gasped at his crudity and ran on up the steps as the sound of his mocking laughter followed her. She didn’t feel protected again until she had bolted the door behind her.

Martin listened to her rapid running footsteps and smiled widely. The little whore…soon he would be the one receiving the comforts she could give. A mental image of himself lying between Delight’s legs and pounding into her submissive body sent a surge of heat through him, and he extinguished the lamp in the study before making his way quietly up to the third floor and Sue.

“What are your plans for the day?” Clara asked Delight as they relaxed together over breakfast.

“Jim’s taking me for a ride in the country.”

“You’ve certainly got the perfect day for it; the weather’s warmed up a bit.”

“Spring’s almost here, and I’m glad. I’ve had enough of cold weather and snow.”

“I think everyone begins to feel that way this time of year,” Clara smiled. Then, looking up at the sound of footsteps, she greeted her husband. “Good morning, darling. Did you sleep
well?” She had been aware that Martin had come to bed late, so she had not awakened him when she got up.

“Just fine, Clara.” Martin came to her side and kissed her cheek before joining them at the table. “Delight, you look lovely this morning.”

“Thank you,” Delight murmured, wanting to avoid all contact with this hateful man.

“Are you going out again today?” he asked. The undercurrent between them was antagonistic, but Clara seemed not to notice.

“Yes, I have plans with Jim,” Delight said shortly.

“I hope you don’t find yourself too bored when he leaves later this week.” Though his words were spoken conversationally, the expression in his eyes was hard.

“I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She refused to let herself be drawn into an exchange with him. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s time I started getting ready.”

“Of course, dear. You go right ahead.”

Martin watched her go, his gaze lingering on the sway of her hips as she left the room. With an effort, he turned his attention to his wife, who was sitting patiently across the table from him.

“She’s become quite a woman, hasn’t she?” Clara remarked obliquely.

“Yes, Delight has grown up.” Martin did not want to discuss Delight with Clara.

Delight made her way hurriedly up to her room. She was eager to be gone from this house and Martin’s obnoxious presence…

With Rose’s help, she donned a comfortable daygown suitable for a trip in the country. When she heard Jim’s buggy pull up, she went down to meet him.

“Good morning.” Delight’s smile was bright as she looked at the handsome man who would soon be her husband.

“Good morning, love.” His voice was deep with affection as he kissed her cheek. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, just let me get my cloak…” Putting on the wrap, she said good-bye to her mother and Martin.

“Have a good time,” Clara called as they disappeared out the door. Turning back to Martin, she was surprised to find him staring out the front window. “Is something wrong, Martin?”

“No,” he denied quickly, hiding the rage he was experiencing behind the facade of easy grace he’d perfected. “I was just watching them drive away.”

“Would you like to go for an outing in the country today?” she suggested, hoping that they could spend some time alone together and just enjoy each other’s company. It seemed as if they’d had little time to themselves since her illness.

“No, not today,” he answered curtly. “I have some work I need to catch up on…” Without another word, he strode from the room, leaving Clara to stare thoughtfully after him.

Wade handed the missive to the young lieutenant. “See that this is delivered to Captain Clayton right away.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Report back to me.”

He smiled as he watched the soldier rush to do his bidding. Rank did have its privileges. Then, frowning in thought, he leaned back in his desk chair. As soon as he had word that Mark had reported for his unexpected duty, he would head for the Westlakes to see Dorrie.

Wade didn’t have to wait long, for the lieutenant was prompt in returning with the news that the message had been delivered, and it was only a few minutes later that an outraged Mark Clayton showed up.

“What is the meaning of this, MacIntosh?” he stormed.

“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” Wade answered coolly.

“These sudden orders for me to report for duty. I’m scheduled to be off all day today.”

“Sorry about that, Captain, but your ser vices are needed here,” Wade informed him coldly.

“MacIntosh…”

“That’s Major MacIntosh to you, Captain, and don’t ever forget it again. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a social call to make…” Smiling wolfishly at Mark, Wade got his hat and left.

Feeling totally frustrated, Mark stalked to the window to watch Wade ride away.

“We have to make one more stop before we go for our ride,” Jim told Delight as they rode away from her home.

“Oh? Where’s that?”

“To pick up our chaperone,” he grinned.

“Our chaperone?” She was taken by surprise. She had hoped to spend the entire day in some country hideaway making love to Jim; so the news of someone’s joining them did not sit well with her.

“I think you’ll like him.”

“Him?” Now she was intrigued.

“I stopped by to see Marshall for a few minutes this morning, and Renee gave me a very stern lecture on your reputation and how I needed to protect you from unsavory gossip. So, we put our heads together and came up with the idea of a chaperone.”

“Wonderful,” she grimaced. “I was looking forward to being alone with you.”

“So was I, but Renee’s right. A day in the woods with me, and your reputation would be in shreds.”

Delight looked thoroughly crestfallen, and Jim couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t look so forlorn. We’ll be married in a little over two weeks.”

“Right,” she sighed. “Keep reminding me of that, all day. All right?”

“I most certainly will,” he agreed, pulling her closer to his side.

“So, who’s the mysterious protector of my virtue?”

“Roger,” Jim grinned.

“Roger?”

“Absolutely. He loves going to the country,” he said as he
reined in the horse in front of Marshall and Renee’s. “Do you want to wait here while I go get him? It shouldn’t take a minute.”

“Fine.” Delight was amused.

It wasn’t long before the sturdy little boy came running from the house to climb easily up beside her. “Hi!”

“Hi, yourself.”

“I’m glad I get to go with you. We’re going to have a lot of fun, aren’t we, Uncle Jimmy?”

“We sure are.” Jim joined them in the small carriage he had rented for the day and they were off. “Where do you want to go?”

“Cedarhill!” Roger exclaimed. “I haven’t been there since last summer.”

“It’s a long drive…” Jim tried to suggest something else.

“Please?”

“Delight? Did you have anything in mind?”

“No, Cedarhill sounds fine to me. I’ve never seen your family’s country home. I think I’d like that.”

“All right, but it’ll take a while to get there.”

“That’s fine. You drive and Roger and I will sit back and enjoy the scenery.”

“Cedarhill it is, then.” And Jim turned the carriage in the direction of the country estate.

The trip to Cedarhill went smoothly as they chatted and generally enjoyed being together. Listening to Jim and Roger, Delight couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to have Jim’s son. The thought made her smile.

“That’s a bewitching smile, darling,” he said, for her ears only. “I just wonder what’s on your mind?”

“You’d be surprised….”

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” he grinned, and then was distracted by Roger’s shout that he’d finally spotted the house in the distance.

Turning up the drive, they tied up the horse and buggy out front and went inside.

Louise, the maid who lived at Cedarhill all year round, was delighted to see them. “This is wonderful!” She greeted them excitedly hugging Jim and Roger. “I never get much company this time of the year.”

“Louise, I’d like you to meet Delight de Vries. Delight, this is Louise. She rules Cedarhill with an iron hand.”

“I do not,” Louise argued with Jim affectionately. “I just like to keep things running smoothly.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I hope we haven’t disturbed you by stopping by like this.”

“Nonsense!” She ushered them toward the kitchen. “Come in and get comfortable. I’ll make you some lunch.”

“That sounds great!” Roger followed her enthusiastically.

“We’ll be along shortly. I’m going to show Delight the rest of the house.”

“You know where Roger and I will be,” Louise called.

“I think I’d like to show you the upstairs first….” Jim said thoughtfully as he took Delight’s cloak and hung it up with his coat. Then, directing her up the steps, he led her down the long, wide hall with its highly polished floor and brilliantly colored throw rugs to the last bedroom on the left.

“Is this yours, by any chance?” Delight asked, her tone sultry.

“I do believe it is.” He opened the door for her.

She entered ahead of him slowly, taking the time to admire the pure masculinity of the bedroom. Delight’s gaze was drawn to the heavy, four-poster oak bed that dominated the entire room.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured, going to run her hands over the intricate carvings on the massive headboard.

“I would love to see you lying on it right now…naked.” Jim vocalized his deepest yearnings, and Delight felt the heat well up inside of her.

“I’d love to be lying on it…waiting for you to come to me.”

The temptation to lose themselves in a stolen moment of passion gripped them as Jim took her in his arms and kissed her
fiercely, his hands possessively caressing her soft curves. But the reality of their situation kept them from letting things go too far. Smiling ruefully, he stepped away from her and headed back out into the hallway.

“I think we’ve seen enough bedrooms for now….”

“I suppose you’re right.” Her voice reflected her disappointment and frustration. “Did Louise say something about lunch? Maybe food will take our minds off our other cravings.”

“Maybe, but I doubt it. I think I could live on your love.” Jim stopped in the hall to pull her to him and then pressed tender, quick kisses on her neck. A shiver went through her at the touch of his lips, and he sighed, reluctantly letting her go.

“Lunch?” Delight managed, trying to get control of the wild emotions Jim always aroused in her even with his lightest touch.

“Lunch,” he nodded, turning with her to start back downstairs.

It was mid afternoon when they thanked Louise for her hospitality and climbed back into the carriage to begin their return trip home. Roger’s stimulating presence hadn’t left them a quiet moment all day, and Delight was surprised to find that the time had passed so quickly.

Settling back in the buggy, she prepared herself for the bumpy ride back. Roger, who was exhausted from the day’s busy activities, curled up beside her, and Delight put her arm around him so he could rest more easily. Within a few moments, the child was sound asleep. Jim glanced at them and smiled tenderly.

“Madonna and child,” he said softly, and she smiled serenely back at him.

“He’s a sweet little boy. I hope we have a son just like him someday,” she murmured.

“So do I, love. So do I.”

Dorrie had been more than a little disappointed when she received the hasty message that Mark had sent her informing
her that he’d been called back to duty and that he had to cancel their date for the afternoon. She had been looking forward to being with him again…especially after their explosive embrace Friday night.

Dorrie’s thoughts had been confused all weekend as she had tried to sort out her feelings for Mark. What had happened between them had been so unexpected that, initially, she had found herself denying it. But the memory of his fiery kiss had haunted her continually, finally forcing her to admit the truth to herself. She loved Mark Clayton. The revelation astounded her.