Scandalous Endeavors (Ladies and Scoundrels Book 1) (13 page)

SCANDALOUS ENDEAVORS

CHAPTER TWELVE

“I will not
accompany you anywhere!” Amelia scowled at the Duke of Goldstone.

“You cannot very well stay here, and I haven’t the time to take you back to London. You will--”

“I can bloody well take myself back. Your services are not needed.” She turned and ran from the room. Being back in her family home made for an emotional night; memories refused to let her sleep. It left her drained and in no mood to be told what to do, not even by a dark, sexy duke. She ran out of the house toward the field behind it. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw him chasing after her. She pushed herself to run faster.

“Lady Amelia, stop running so we can discuss this in a rational manner.” His words were very close. Her stomach tightened as she pushed herself harder.

Suddenly the duke wrapped his hand around her uninjured arm, jerking her to a halt, and caused them both to tumble to the ground. He rolled on top of her and braced himself up with his arms. Her eyes drifted to the muscles rippling through his arms before his gaze bore into hers. A thrill coursed through her veins. Her essence begged once again for that elusive something only he could give her.

Ignoring the longing, she shoved against his chest. “Get off of me this instant!”

“Not until we have this matter sorted out.” He stared down at her with mischief in his eyes.

“There is nothing to sort out. I said I would not go to Scotland, and I meant it. I am--”

“Obviously capable of getting yourself back to London, I know. However, like I told you before, as long as we are under the same roof, you are my responsibility. I will not have you riding alone for the better part of a day on dangerous roads with no protection.”

“Then you will have to escort me back yourself.” She batted her lashes as she gazed at him, certain he would see reason.

“It would cost me at least a day’s travel to see you back to London, and I cannot afford it. As it is, Glasgow is at least seven days’ ride--”

“You want me to travel with you for seven days? It cannot be done. My uncle has booked me passage to America. I have to board a ship in less than a fortnight. Release me.” She shoved his chest with renewed vigor.

“I will procure a chaperone in Leeds to see you safely back to London. You will arrive in time to board your ship.”

“Being alone with you in such a way, traveling for days, it isn’t proper. If you care nothing for my plans, you could at least worry about my reputation.”

A wicked grin spread across his lips before he rolled off of her; his laughter filling the air between them.

Amelia sat up and scowled at him before reaching out and slapping him on the arm. “You have no cause to laugh at me.”

He pinned her beneath his stare. “If you gave a damn about your reputation, we would not be sitting here in a most improper way. Now my dear, let us gather some food and mount our horses. We have a long day ahead of us.”

“I did not agree to accompany you.” She shrugged her shoulder, knowing she had already lost the battle.

“Must we continue on with this nonsense?” He stood up and dusted off his breeches before reaching out a hand to help her up. “It is evident that you do not have a choice, furthermore you have put yourself in this position. I am a duke, and at the moment, charged with your protection. Now I beg of you, stop being such a minx and come along.”

She nodded her head in silent defeat before placing her hand in his. He tugged her up and she came to rest against his hard body. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her. She looked up at him but made no attempt to step out of his embrace.

He brought his mouth down on hers, their lips molded together. Firm and deep, the kiss made her legs tremble as passion threatened to engulf her. Mercy how was she to safely travel with him when one kiss undid her? He ran his tongue along her lips sending a delicious longing to her core. She threaded her fingers through his hair as all thoughts fled from her mind.

He pulled his mouth away from hers and took a step back. “My apologies, I promise not to kiss you again. That is, unless you ask me to.” He walked back into the house, leaving her standing alone and breathless in the morning sun.

She watched him until he disappeared, then crumpled back onto the dew-soaked ground. His words rang in her head as she tried to make sense of her situation.
Until I ask him to? What does that mean? Does he want to kiss me? Marry me? Satisfy my longing? Do I want him to?
The turmoil in her mind threatened to overwhelm her. She inhaled copious amounts of fresh country air as she searched for her bearings. The answers to her ponderings would have to be figured out, but not today. Maybe tomorrow--there was always tomorrow.

She rubbed her hands over her warm cheeks, stood up and smoothed her skirts before walking into the house. There was a journey to prepare for.

* * * *

Most of the day was spent riding in companionable silence. Ever-so-often Amelia would sneak a look at the duke, but she rarely spoke to him. They stopped but twice to rest the horses and have a bit of nourishment for themselves. Richard had told her he planned to ride a full fifty miles before they stopped at an inn for the night. Her back throbbed from the exertion, and she could feel Ruby starting to strain as the sun touched the horizon on its nightly descent.

She angled her head to look at the duke. “My horse is tired. How much farther is it to the inn?”

He glanced at her, then seemed to consider Ruby for a moment before answering, “It is just past the bend.”

He returned his attention to the road. “How is your wrist?”

“It is well, thank you.”

True to his word, they drew rein at a small stone inn just past the bend. The establishment had a quaint appearance, with a lush green lawn and two tall willow trees adorning the drive. Well cared for flowerbeds were strategically scattered about. She noticed a promenade wrapping around the backside as well as a couple of benches situated among the landscaping.

“It will be best if we claim to be married. No one here is likely to know us, and we can avoid unwanted attention with the ruse. Furthermore I will be better able to protect you if we are in the same room.”

She blinked back her initial shock. “You want me to share a room with you?”

“Indeed, I do. Of course, you can have the bed, and I will sleep on the floor.”

Amelia swallowed hard as she attempted to find her words. When none came, she simply nodded her head.

“Here come the stable hands. Act naturally.” His words came out in a whisper.

“I, I--”

He held out his arm for her. “Just take my arm, and do try to appear happy about it.”

Richard handed over the horses to the stable man, and said, “My duchess and I require a room for the evening.”

Moments later, a friendly older woman showed them to their room. The woman opened a door on the second floor and waved them in. Black and white wallpaper coated the walls in a striped design that matched the chair situated by the small window. A cherry sleigh bed on the far wall called out, inviting her to lie down and rest her sore muscles.

“Your Grace, I hope this room meets your requirements. It is our best,” the kindly innkeeper said with a low bow.

“Very well, thank you.” Richard moved farther into the room.

The innkeeper studied Amelia before dropping into a curtsy. “My condolences, Your Grace.”

Amelia nodded politely, unsure of how a duchess should respond.

Richard came to stand beside her. “Thank you, we shall let you know if we require any further assistance.”

Once the innkeeper left, he placed their supplies on the floor near the door, then turned to her.

“I will go procure supper while you ready yourself for bed.”

Her cheeks warmed at the knowledge she would be spending the night in his company. “Very well, but I haven’t any night clothes.”

His rakish grin appeared sending her body into turmoil. “Then you should freshen up for now. Later, you can shed your gown. I assume even you are lady enough to have on a chemise?”

She reached for the closest object, a candlestick, and hurled it at his back as he exited the room in a storm of laughter.
The scoundrel, low-down rake of a lord!
“How dare he!”

She moved to the bed like a small child caught in the troughs of a temper tantrum and threw herself onto the mattress. Why did he make her feel so out of control? Even when vexed with him, her body was pulled toward him. She wanted to pummel him and be wrapped in his embrace at the same time. The thought startled her and she pushed herself into a sitting position. Her breath caught as the door opened revealing his return.

He breezed into their room followed by two commoners, arms laden with trays of food. They placed their burdens on a small table situated next to the chair before, turning to leave. Her mouth watered in anticipation of the feast.

Richard sat in the only chair they had. “I wasn’t quite sure what you liked, so I got a variety. I do hope you enjoy ale. It was the only option.”

“I have never had it before, but I am certain it will suffice.” She stood and walked to the table, stopping in front of it. Her gaze locked with his, silently commanding him to relinquish the chair to her.

“Oh, let me guess,” he said, a smug expression firmly ensconced upon his face. “You wish for me to move.”

“It would please me if you did, my lord.” She batted her eyelashes for added effect.

“Acting flirtatious will get you nowhere with me, my lady. All the same I shall--” A knock at the door cut him off. “Enter.”

Another commoner, whom she surmised must be in the inn’s employ, carried in an additional chair. It did not match the room, but appeared to be equally comfortable.

The intruder looked to the duke for approval.

“Very well, place it by the table,” Richard ordered, in a smooth yet authoritative voice.

With a smile the employee did as told before exiting the room.

Richard stood as the door clicked shut. “Choose your chair, my lady.”

Amelia quickly situated herself in the chair he vacated despite the fact his body left it warm. She had never occupied a recently vacated chair before, and could not help but think he had tormented her on purpose. No matter, she did not mind breaking society’s rules. He seated himself, then uncovered the food before glancing up at her, a grin spreading across his face.

She found the meal pleasurable. The ale, though different, satisfied her palate. She ate her fill while enjoying a merry conversation about their childhoods. He shared stories of his time at Eaton and the mischief he had often found himself in. She told him about her mama and papa and how they had always indulged her.

Once they completed their meal, he stepped out into the hall while she removed her dress and climbed into the bed. Her body seemed to vibrate as she pulled the blankets up to her chin. Modestly covered, she called out and gave him permission to reenter the room.

“I intend to ready myself and suggest you close your eyes until I am decently beneath the covers.” He glanced at her, a wicked look resting upon his face as she slammed her eyes shut. It did little good. Images of his chiseled body materialized in her imagination and begged for her to take a peek at him.

The temptation proved too great, and she opened her eyelids a crack. His magnificent half-bare body stood mere feet in front of her, setting off a spark of desire deep within her. She studied the curve of his hips all the way up to his onyx hair. Her body reacted powerfully, heart hammering, pulse racing, and the apex of her thighs pulsing in unison as she gazed upon his physique.

Like a person possessed, her mouth opened, the words tumbling out. “Kiss me.”

The duke turned, his gaze locking with hers. “I cannot.”

Sleep did not find her easily when Richard extinguished the lights. She tossed and turned, trying to decipher why he had refused her request. Anger and disappointment took turns consuming her, mixed with another feeling she failed to identify.

Her heart hurt with the certainty that he did not want her. He had only been interested in discovering her plan, and now...she was under his care and protection. When they reached Leeds, he would send her back to London without another thought. When had she begun to care for him?