Summers, Jordan (7 page)

Richard stomach clenched. This wasn’t about the girl
after all. It was about friendship—and money. “So you’re a friend of
Longfellow, I should have known.” He’d never regretted what he’d done to
Longfellow until this second, but he knew in his heart he’d do it again given
the same circumstances. Richard’s gaze pinned Archibald in place. “I’ll have
you know I’ve never ruined a good man, only bad men who’ve cheated me or
innocent and defenseless women. Are you a bad man, Devlin?”

Devlin’s face flushed with anger. “Justify your
behavior anyway you choose, but you shall not cost me again.” His body trembled
with rage.

“Cost you?” Richard arched a brow, unsure how he’d cost
Archibald a thing. There was only one way to find out. Richard entered Devlin’s
mind like a shadow cast upon stones, creeping forward inch by inch. The man was
focused on the blunt his friend had been about to loan him. Richard had entered
the picture, putting an end to Lord William Longfellow’s funds.

He withdrew slowly, keeping his presence cloaked.
Before exiting completely he caught a glimpse of Martins in Devlin’s mind. What
was Devlin up to now? Lily’s father had just unwittingly confirmed Richard’s
worst suspicions. This was about money. He may wrap it in the guise of loyalty
and friendship, but the bottom line was money.

Archibald blinked and shook his head as if to clear it.
“You’ll find I shan’t roll over quite as quickly as my friend. It’ll take more
than a few whispers in select ears to cast aspersions on my character.” Devlin
gestured wildly. “Heed my warning or suffer the consequences.”

“I do not like to be threatened.” Richard smiled, for a
split second flashing his fangs. “As your friend, Longfellow found out… the
hard way.”

The man’s eyes widened and he gulped, but then as if
realizing what he’d seen must have been his imagination, he puffed out his
chest once more. “You heard me, Lyon. I shall not have you sniffing around
Lily. You are not welcome to pursue her acquaintance. You are not welcome
anywhere near her. Arrangements are in place that do not include the likes of
you.” With that Lord Devlin spun around and sauntered off in the direction he’d
sent Lily.

Arrangements
?
Richard felt the skin tear in his palm as his nails dug into his flesh. Despite
Devlin’s warnings he had no intention of giving up his prize. It had taken him
far too long to find her. Although he was certain Lily would frown upon being
referred to as such.

The thought of her outraged expression brought a smile
back to his face. With little recourse, Richard sent out a mind control surge
to Devlin, keeping him from reaching Lily. Disoriented, he’d wander for awhile,
but then would be perfectly fine within an hour or so.

Carrying two glasses of punch Lily returned moments
later to the spot her father had occupied earlier.

Richard reached for one of the glasses. “Thank you, my
lady.” He raised the punch in salute and pretended to drink.

“Where’s Father?” she looked around, searching the
crowd. She lifted her mask just enough to take a sip of punch, but still
managed to keep her face concealed.

Richard grinned. “He excused himself from my company,
saying something about a prior engagement.”

From the set of Lily’s fine jaw and the color rising up
her neck, Richard could tell she was upset. “The only important engagement he’d
have at this time of night is at Caulfield’s with Madam Josephine.” The disgust
in her voice was evident.

Richard quirked a brow. “And just how would a lady such
as you know about such a place?”

Lily slanted him a glance from beneath her gold and
white mask. “Just yesterday you praised me for my intelligence. Do you now
accuse me of being addle-brained?”

“Not at all, just pleasantly surprised.” Richard
laughed. “But you needn’t worry about Josephine. I believe your father said he
was off to find your Aunt, Lady Margaret, Duchess of Dreyer.”

She visibly relaxed.

Although for Lily to be aware of her father’s frequent
visits to Josephine’s he’d have to spend an unusual amount of time at the den.
Amelia’s innocent face flashed in his mind. Would Archibald place Lily in the
same position given time?

For Lord Devlin’s sake, he’d better hope not. Richard
knew that if her father gambled away her virtue the way he did his blunt, he’d
show the man very little mercy, if any after Luc and Armand finished with him.

“Come stroll with me.”

“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, my lord.”

Richard smiled reassuringly. “We shan’t be more than a
few minutes and I promise not to bite.”
This
time.

They set their punch glasses down on a cluttered
sideboard and continued through the crowd, until they reached the open French
doors leading onto the terrace and out into the gardens. “Would you care to
step out into the night air?”

Other couples strolled along the terrace, near the
balustrade, in view of various chaperones, so there was no chance of creating a
scandal. Lily looked back over her shoulder one last time to scan the crowd
before giving her assent. Richard led her out into the cool night air. They
passed several people, exchanging greetings, before continuing on.

He was familiar with all the houses in town, because he’d
been visiting them for centuries. The first time he’d come to
London
most had not been constructed. In this particular house, Richard knew if he
turned the next corner, they’d find themselves in the shadows—easily protected
from prying eyes, but still within acceptable boundaries.

A sliver of a moon peaked out from behind wispy cloud
cover. The smell of roses wafted in the night air from the garden below.
Richard couldn’t decide which was lovelier, the flower itself or the delicate
rose perfume coming from the lady beside him. He chose the latter. Richard
guided Lily around the corner, where darkness closed around them. She reached
up and slipped the clasp holding her mask in place.

“Why Lady Lily Devlin, I had no idea it was you.”
Richard teased.

Her lips tilted into a smile and her blue eyes
narrowed. “You’ve known all along it was me, even before encountering Father.”
She laughed.

Richard laughed, too.

“I must confess.” His hand went to his heart and he
stood a little straighter. “I did know it was you hiding your beauty behind
that fiendish mask.”

Lily glanced down at the mask in her hand. “‘It is not
so fiendish. I thought it rather clever.”

He reached for the mask and held it up, only a tuft of
moonlight reflected against the painted features. Richard grimaced. “It almost
scared the wits out of me. I’m surprised you didn’t notice me shaking during
our waltz.”

He smoothed his face, trying to appear serious, but it
wasn’t achievable in her presence. She brought out the goodness in him, if that
was even possible. Richard reached out and captured her hand, bringing it to
his lips. Lily’s eyes widened and her breath caught.

“My Lord, I do not think this is a good idea. Perhaps
we should return.” She glanced around.

He did not release her hand.

“There are others nearby who could bring scandal upon
my head, if by chance they viewed our exchange,” she whispered.

“I would never allow such a thing to happen.” His face
hardened as he imagined anyone trying to dispraise Lily. “You have my word as a
gentleman and my protection, if it is needed.”

He kissed her fingers again. Lily’s mouth parted,
forming a silent ‘O’. Richard could see the confusion swimming in her eyes. She
was attracted to him. He could hear her heart speed up anytime he neared. She
just didn’t know what to do about it in her innocence.

His gaze traced the curve of her mouth. The temptation
of those rosy lips was more than Richard could stand. He swooped in, his mouth
coming down on hers in a crushing embrace. The first taste was like being
catapulted to the stars. Soft and warm, heavenly bliss, her mouth was like
escaping into another realm. Richard wallowed in her unguarded response,
savoring her honeyed essence.

Remembering her inexperience, he calmed his movements,
softening his touch. Her hands unconsciously slipped around his neck, her
fingers sinking into his hair, driving her slender body impossibly closer. He
stepped forward until they were within a whisper of touching. His body thrummed
with need. Richard’s mouth continued to ravish her, nipping at her lower lip,
tasting the sweet nectar, uniquely Lily’s.

Within moments she was kissing him back, tentatively at
first and then with more confidence. Her teeth sought his lips as she mimicked
his earlier actions. Richard’s cock hardened to the point of madness, driving
all reason from his head. He hadn’t had anyone bite him since his change so
many years ago. Her nibbles ripped away his defenses. He slipped his tongue
inside her mouth and heard her gasp. It only took a few stabs until she sparred
back. Her innocent exploration inflamed him. He willed his fangs to stay drawn.

Lily’s rose perfume surrounded them. Her lips were soft
and pliable beneath his fevered kiss. Richard longed to draw her to him, feel
her full breasts crushed against his chest. But not yet, it was too soon. He had
already stepped over the line by embracing her. Gently he pulled back from the
kiss, giving her swollen lips one last lick before allowing them both to catch
their breaths.

It was better than he’d imagined. Like seeing the sun
for the last time, her brilliance was flawless. He didn’t believe in love at
first sight. He was far too cynical for that, but… She truly was everything he’d
ever searched for in a woman… in a bloodmate and he planned to make her his for
all eternity, if only she’d agree.

Richard banished any thought of Lily turning him away.
He couldn’t imagine existing for centuries without her beauty and light
surrounding him, so he purged it from his mind. He would woo her as he should,
and convince her beyond doubt that they were meant to be together. Perhaps in
time she would grow to love him. Richard swore he would find a way to convince
Lord Archibald Devlin to grant his suit without using his powers of control.

Lily’s lungs heaved. She couldn’t seem to get enough
air. Her head spun from Richard’s powerful kiss. She could still taste him in
her mouth, on her skin, a spicy mint with a hint of coppery tang that refused
to leave her senses. Lily had never been kissed like that before, actually she’d
never been kissed at all.

Lord Martins had tried, but his clumsy groping had left
her cold. Her toes were still curled from Richard’s embrace. So much so, she
didn’t think she’d be able to walk back to the ballroom. Her body trembled and
an unfamiliar ache had begun between her thighs that she had no idea how to
assuage.

She wondered whether all of Richard’s kisses were like
this, so drugging, so addictive. On the rare occasion she’d come upon a couple
in an embrace they hadn’t seemed to be so breathless and disoriented as she
felt now. It had to be Richard and something he’d done to her. But for the life
of her, Lily couldn’t figure out what. His rakish ways had somehow invaded her
wits, slipped below her defenses. Her thoughts were in turmoil as she put her
mask back on.

“We’d better return before we’re missed.” His voice
sounded ragged and unusually strained.

Her eyes went to his face. He didn’t appear to be as
confused as she, but the urgency in his gaze hadn’t been there before. A look
of steadfast determination emerged clearly written on his chiseled features.
Lily smiled and extended her hand, grateful for the added support, albeit
temporary.

They returned in time to join another quadrille.
Richard led her right out onto the dance floor without pause, his firm arm
supporting her unsteady weight. They danced one last time, before the evening
drew to a close. Lily couldn’t miss the speculative glances as Richard escorted
her back to her father and her Aunt, Lady Margaret, Duchess of Dreyer.

The expression on Lord Devlin’s face was unreadable,
stony. His eyes flicked to the ton surrounding them, causing Lily to look too.
From the dowager’s whispers and a few arched brows, Lily realized Richard’s
intentions toward her had been made clear to the whole ton by his actions
tonight. If he chose to back off now, there was a very good chance her
reputation would be tarnished, if not ruined. Yet, he made no attempt to hide.
His actions spoke volumes. He’d claimed her, plain and simple. And despite the
fabulous kiss, Lily wasn’t at all sure how she felt about that.

Chapter Four

Lily stood in the library staring out the window at the
darkened lawn, her mask dangling from her fingertips. A fire warmed her back,
casting ghostly shadows upon the window pane.

“I want you to have nothing to do with Lord Lyon. Do
you understand, gel?” The agitation in her father’s voice grated on Lily’s
nerves.

“No Father, I don’t.” Lily shook her head. “Is he not
established? Does he not have title and riches greater than my own? You told me
to capture the attention of someone who could return our family to their former
standing. I did so in spades.”

“I gave you the names of the men who you should have
been trying to tempt, but you disobeyed me. I will not have it, daughter.” He
growled, shaking his head. “I’m telling you, gel, Lord Lyon is a monster. He
ruined my friend Longfellow for the sheer pleasure of it, left the man without
a farthing to his name. You have no idea what that fiasco cost me. He’d ruin me
if I gave him half the chance.”

Lily’s eyes widened at her father’s strange comment. “Why
in the world would you say that? Aunt Margaret seems to think he’s a fine
catch.”

Devlin grabbed Lily by the upper arms spinning her
until she faced him. “Leave her out of it.” His eyes blazed with anger and
fear.