Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) (16 page)

She stretched beneath him. “So, that’s what it’s all about?” Penny whispered, interrupting his thoughts. “While it is nice, it does seem to be missing something.”

Hearing the hint of disappointment in her voice, Parker couldn’t help laughing. What irony. Damn if the innocent angel didn’t amuse him, extending his nightmare because he was bound and determined to wipe the discontent from her voice. Parker pushed up on his arms, his smiling gaze caught and held hers. “There’s more. You never gave me a chance to show you. Now that my lust has been sated somewhat, I can finish what
you
started.”

Her eyebrows rose in question, clearly not understanding. Another chuckle rumbled from his chest and he flashed a seductive grin.

When Penny bestowed on him her siren’s smile, he responded, instantly filling her once more.

“What have you done to me? Though my need has been met, I still want. Much more than I should,” he whispered as his mouth sought hers. Unhurriedly, he kissed her, gentling his lips, coaxing her, and drawing out her desire a sip at a time. Again his need spiraled. Parker fought doubly hard to keep a tight rein over his body’s reactions. He blocked
the craving to plunge wildly into her warmth and concentrated solely on bringing her to completion.

She moaned. Her hands and lips caressed. Though an innocent angel, she was a natural at lovemaking. His muscles flexed under her fingertips. He gritted his teeth, fighting the fire her touch ignited. Still, he meant to give her a release this time, so he kept his thrusts slow and drawn out. Relief swamped him when she cried out with force and he could let go as his seed burst forth in one long moment of unadulterated bliss.

When Parker could move again, he pushed up on his elbows and looked down, noticing tears streaking down her face in the moonlit room.

Her tears unmanned him. This was entirely his fault. He should never have touched her. He rolled over, taking her with him and not breaking contact, so that she was now on top.

“Shush, shush. It’s all right,” he said, not hiding the emotion he felt.

His soft words caused her tears to increase. Parker held her, letting her cry, feeling a knot in the pit of his stomach over what had just happened moments ago. Damn, what was he going to do now?

“I’m sorry, it got out of control. We shouldn’t have done that,” he whispered once her tears subsided.

“No. It was the most beautiful experience of my life. You’ll never know how tonight has changed me.” Penny lifted up and he glimpsed the honesty in her eyes. “You’ve given me new memories to take the place of those that leave me cold. Thank you. I’ll always treasure the memory of our lovemaking.”

Her avowal made him even more uncomfortable. Rolling her over to the side, he pulled out of her and went to the wash closet for a wet cloth. When he returned, in an act of servitude because she humbled him, he wiped away the signs of her virginity. He then climbed back into bed and pulled her to him.

“Get some sleep, angel,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head.

Holding Penny close while she peacefully slept, Parker lay awake, thinking of the beguiling woman he held and wondering about her past. What was she hiding? He no longer believed she was meeting her betrothed. No woman who loved another man would yield to him what she had. So that meant she was probably running from one. Well, she wasn’t running anymore because she was marrying him. He didn’t love her. He wouldn’t allow himself to love any woman again after Lady Margaret, but he craved what they’d shared together. There was no way he could let her go after their mating. Lying there now, no more than two hours after having her, he still wanted her.

“There are several ships sailing to America within days, but two are making other stops along the way and none are making port in Baltimore as Lucas’s ship does,” Markham said, after reading the missive from Jones with news about various ships and their schedules. He nodded as Geoff sat down in front of him. “I’m inclined to wait for Lucas. His ship is scheduled to be back in port in three more weeks.”

“I thought you wanted to sail right away.”

“I have my reasons, trust me.”

“I do trust you.” Geoff stood and paced, impatience radiating from him. “But now that I have your blessing, I’m eager to find her.”

Markham smiled. “If we sail with Lucas, we can keep our trip confidential. Our partnership is a silent one and he’s not in the habit of taking on passengers. Hopefully Kentworth will overlook his ship. No doubt he’s following our trail to find the lady, so no need to make his job any easier. Besides, waiting on Lucas won’t set us back much and this will work to confuse the earl, especially if we act normally.” When Geoff looked at him with eyebrows raised, he added, “Go about your usual business. Quit hiding out in the house as if waiting for news. Take interest in a few of the ladies around town to throw him off more.”

“All right.”
Geoff nodded, concentration moving to a paperweight situated in the middle of Markham’s dark mahogany desk. “I want to be married as soon as we meet up with her.”

“I expected as much.” Markham leaned into his chair and regarded his brother. “Are you planning on staying in America?” he asked.

“That was the original plan.” Geoff smiled. “With your support, we can return home after making a tour of it. She’ll reach her majority a month after I turn twenty-one. By then we’ll be married, and the earl’s power over her will be diminished.”

Markham sighed. “Somehow, I don’t think it will be that easy. We have to be prepared for his reprisals and make sure he can’t have the marriage annulled somehow. Maybe it would be better to plan an extended stay until well after her birthday and get her with child so an annulment will be completely out of the question.”

~~

“Mrs. Bowers,” Gerald Knightsbridge said to
Lytherton Manor’s head housekeeper. Lady Penelope’s loyal staff surely knew much more than they imparted. He’d already spent countless hours riding hundreds of miles to arrive at his ward’s childhood home, all to no avail. His patience had long waned.

“Do not waste my time.” He added a bit of menace to his voice in an attempt to intimidate the woman in front of him. “Nothing will let me believe you have no knowledge of your daughter Melinda’s whereabouts.” Penelope had to have had help and her maid was also missing. If he found the maid, he’d find his heiress.

Desperation ruled his actions. His ward had been gone more than a month and time was of the essence. While he still had faith he’d find the bitch, her disappearance filled him with rage.

“Now, either you tell me or I’ll have no choice but to set you out and let it be known that you stole from the lady. I can assure you,
Newgate is not a pleasant place to spend your last years.”

“You wouldn’t,” Jane Bowers cried, her confident expression crumpling. “You have no cause. I’ve worked here all my life and have always seen the manor well cared for.”

“That is beside the point,” he said with a sneer, his smile now matching the sinister tone in his voice. “I have no use for thieves. I should’ve fired the lot of you the moment Lady Penelope became my ward. Now talk or I’ll bring you up on charges.”

Jane cringed in obvious fear as he’d hoped. Her eyes blurred with tears. “Please, my lord, I’ve already told you! I don’t know where the lady went.”

“That may true, but you do know your daughter’s whereabouts and you will tell me.” His anger erupted. “Now,” he bellowed, pounding the table. He would find her, by God. He’d sail to the ends of the earth for this heiress—his greed and lust demanded it of him. Once he’d gotten his use out of her, both physically and monetarily, she’d be expendable, just like her parents. Little did the couple know they’d signed their death warrants at the same time they’d signed their betrothal agreement. He’d counted heavily on the money she’d bring to the marriage, not to mention the Northumberland mines, property they’d bequeathed to her. Gerald would never let them go.

Something in his manner must have convinced her he meant his words, because Jane Bowers closed her eyes, letting the tears fall unheeded, before whispering, “Mindy is in America.
A farm not far from Baltimore, Maryland. She went to help her sister in her time of need and for a better life than being a servant here in England.”

“Was that so hard?” His answer was more tears, which became more pronounced when he added, “You’re of no more use to me and I expect you off this property within the hour.”

“Please, I told you what you wanted.”

“Yes, and I’m sure you helped her escape. For that, I’ll make certain you won’t find work in any respectable household ever again.”

“You’re nothing but evil, my lord,” she said, brushing her tears away, her spine stiffening. “I now see why she was so quick to run.”

Gerald backhanded her, his vicious slap sending her back a step.

Jane Bowers took a moment to recover, and then she gave a throaty laugh. “You’ll never find her. Even Mindy doesn’t know where she went.” Watching the earl, her scornful laughter increased. “Ah. I see you now ’ave doubts. Good. Try as you might, you’ll never find her, my lord. She hates you.”

The woman departed the room, her laughter filling the air, fueling Gerald’s rage and mocking him. He had no one to blame but his own lust and stupidity. He’d miscalculated his treatment of her and his actions had the opposite effect of what he’d intended. How had he missed the bitch’s spunk hiding under her cowering, simpering disguise?

He’d been too hasty in giving her a taste of his needs. But he’d had a hard time resisting her lure. Bloody hell! What an understatement. The girl’s innocence had driven him to distraction. Just thinking about having her under him caused his groin to fill. Slamming his fist on the mantel, he swore. Damn the bitch. She was a curse, bewitching him with her purity.

What ate at him more? The duke’s threats had kept him from taking what he wanted while she’d been under his control. He’d not fully tasted her, yet but his desire had only grown to an all-consuming mass of want that ate away at him.

Still, he was thankful he’d not done anything that could be questioned. He’d taken great pains to ensure she came across as a spoiled, willful child with no appreciation of all he’d done, so no one would believe her. If Collingswood found her, it would be an earl’s word against hers, and the duke would have no choice but to return her. His ward had no proof of his abuse—only memories.

Soon, he’d have her and his wait would be over. The thought of using Collingswood to bring it about pleased him even more.

Turning, intent on making a swift return to London, Gerald walked briskly from the room.

The next morning Penny woke before Parker. In the light of day, her nightmare had totally receded. A continent away, Lord Knightsbridge couldn’t touch her. Thoughts of Geoff filled her mind and guilt consumed her as memories of last night followed. She’d betrayed him in the heat of the moment. Worse, she’d do it again. She’d do anything to erase the bleak images of being a powerless and helpless victim. Last night she’d been anything but the victim, she had to admit. Nestled in Parker’s arms, she felt very safe, as she’d sensed she would, but she’d paid a hefty price for such safety. Well, she wouldn’t think of that now.

Penny untangled her leg from his and sat up to study his face. In sleep, the angular lines softened somewhat, making him appear boyish. He was ruggedly handsome, so much so that she wished there was something about him besides his autocratic nature that she could find fault with. It wouldn’t do to let him think he could control her. She’d had enough of controlling men.

With this in mind, she climbed out of the bed being careful not to wake him, and padded to her trunk. She opened it and took out the necessary items she needed to dress. Once done with washing and dressing, and too impatient to sit and wait for Parker to wake, she began tidying the items of clothing scattered about the floor in disarray. She placed his trousers neatly on a chair. They slid to the floor. When she reached inside the armoire and grabbed the jacket off the hanger to place the pants underneath, something fell out of the pocket. Bending to pick it up, she spied her locket on the floor and froze in horror.

He’d found her locket and hadn’t told her? Confusion clouded her mind. Glancing at the bed and watching him for a moment, she fought to understand. Maybe he didn’t realize how important the locket was to her, but what was he doing with it to begin with? How had he gotten it from the thieves? Or worse, maybe he’d hired the men to steal it from her to scare her into staying with him. Anger rushed up, distorting her thoughts.

Clutching the jacket, she went through all the pockets only to find everything she’d placed in her bag, including her wad of American money. Unable to control her rage, she marched over to the man sleeping so peacefully.

“How dare you!” she yelled, pushing him as hard as she could. “You planned it all, didn’t you?”

Groggily, Parker opened his eyes just in time to dodge her fist. Snatching her around the waist, he pulled her off balance, with her kicking and striking out the entire time. He rolled, positioning her underneath.

“What the hell are you doing?” he asked, clearly stunned. He pinned her down, seizing her wrists with a firm grip.

She squirmed and furiously worked to yank her arms free, her eyes snapping fire.

“What’s the matter? Didn’t get enough last night? I can remedy that,” he said, chuckling and nuzzling her neck while holding her hands above her head.

“Get off me,” she cried, feeling his erection nestled in the
V
of her lower body. She froze, alarmed at how quickly her anger dissipated, to be replaced with excitement and worse—desire.

“In a minute.”
He unhurriedly spread kisses along her neck.

Goodness, he knew how to use that mouth. She melted into him, unable to withstand the pleasure it evoked on its magical journey to her ear. After he spent glorious moments kissing, sucking, biting, and tugging on it, his tongue plunged inside. Thankfully, he’d released her arms so she could touch his exquisite masculine torso.

“Do you know how lovely you are?” he whispered. “Can you feel my want?”

A low moan was her only answer.

Parker nuzzled his way to her breast that he’d somehow exposed. She arched, allowing him more access as sensations of pure bliss shot from her core ending in her soft moans, only to regenerate and begin anew.

Oh heavens, she wished he wasn’t so skilled a lover. She fought the heat building, the warmth spreading, and the yearning to have him inside her. It seemed a losing battle, especially when he added such practiced hands. One now lifted her dress to her waist, and did away with her underclothes as his fingers found her center, stroking and eliciting more sensations out of her, one after the other in wave after wave of pleasure. So much so that she thought she would die if he didn’t continue.

“God, you’re ready for me, and I haven’t even begun to make love with you,” he murmured, just before his lips found hers.

She shut her eyes tight, willing the need away. She didn’t want to be ready for him. She broke the kiss, said softly into his lips, “No,” and hated herself because she didn’t mean it. Her actions of last night were justified, but right now? How could she mate with him again when she loved Geoff? Self-loathing filled her.

Parker touched his hand to the side of her face and stroked her cheek.

“Penny?” His lips hovered inches above hers. “Look at me, sweetheart.”

She met his gaze, unable to disguise the passion roiling inside her, and noted the same mirrored in his expressive blue-gray depths.

“I don’t believe you. Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll stop.”

He gave her a choice, yet she had no choice, the temptation too strong. “I can’t,” she answered truthfully.

His mouth lowered. As if they had a mind of their own, her arms wrapped around his muscular back to pull him closer.

When he entered her, she met him stroke for stroke, touch for touch, until she found her release. Pure ecstasy spread throughout her every pore. The force of the release tormented her further with Parker not far behind, spending his seed as he shuddered violently above her.

When the sensations ebbed, emotion overwhelmed Penny, evoking tears of shame. How had she so brazenly wanted to lie with him when she knew Geoff loved her and she loved Geoff? And God in heaven, how was she ever going to be free of Parker if he could control her so easily with passion?

Parker lifted up onto his elbows and noticed her tears. “Shush,” he murmured, pulling out of her, rolling onto his side and bringing her with him. “Please don’t cry,” he whispered fervently, kissing her closed eyes. “You have to know I mean to marry you. I’ll take care of you.”

When the significance of his words set in, she sat up abruptly and jerked out of his grasp. Wiping her tears away, she said, “Heaven forbid. I can’t marry you.” She sprung from the bed and righted her clothing.

“And why not?” he demanded, his voice taking on a hard edge.

His autocratic tone could easily belong to a peer of the realm—a controlling peer, much like the duke or worse—the earl.
Her spine stiffened. “Because I told you. I’m already engaged to be married. Nothing has changed.”

Parker glanced at her, his expression a mask of disbelief. “You can’t really think that after last night.
After what just happened?”

Penny bit her lip nervously, not quite sure how to handle him. It was hard to ignore the blatant sexuality of the man, especially when he all but lounged in naked splendor, not seeming to care whether she stared or not. She took a deep breath to still her racing heart. Lord knew she couldn’t deny that she liked looking at him.

She looked away and reached deep for resolve. No! He was twisting this around. Nothing had changed. Yes, she found him attractive. But that was only because she missed Geoff.

Her golden prince entered her mind just then, changing her focus to what she’d done. The unthinkable, but he’d never know it. She’d go to her grave keeping her attraction to Parker a secret. Penny pushed the draperies aside to stare out the window, also pushing aside her shameful behavior. Other thoughts replaced those she banished, like those of her locket and how Parker happened to have her property.

Anger rose up once again and using it as a crutch, she turned on him. “Did you plan it? Did you have those men rob me to keep me with you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“My bag. My stolen property. How is it that you happen to have the contents of my bag in your jacket?” she demanded, picking up her locket and shoving out her hand, the piece centered in her palm.

The guilty look crossing his face confirmed her worst fear. He was somehow involved.

“You did plan it. Heavens, you’re no better than Knightsbridge.”

“No, I didn’t plan it. You’re damn lucky I was there to circumvent a tragedy.” He
hesitated a heartbeat. “Who’s Knightsbridge?”

“That’s none of your business,” she shouted. “I don’t recall asking for your help.”

“Then who the hell was in my arms crying her eyes out?” he yelled back. “You’re driving me to distraction with this damned independence.”

“I had the means to leave.” She pointed at him accusingly. “You held me here against my wishes.”

“Sweet Lord. Give me restraint.” He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the headboard. “I did nothing of the kind,” he said with a sigh a moment later.

“If that’s so, then how did you happen to have my things in your pockets? How am I to trust you had nothing to do with those men taking them?”

“I don’t believe this. You’re questioning my motives?” he asked, his face reddening in anger. He rose from the bed, stormed toward her, and loomed above her. “I was following you to make sure you were safe and just happen to see the entire scene unfold. I’m a trained investigator and know when someone’s being stalked, and you, dear lady,” he said, pointing a finger at her chest, “were being stalked. I just waited until they made their move and then went after them. No way was I going to give back your things to let you go on your merry way only to have a reoccurrence. You’re just too damn trusting and naive. You need to be taken care of, and I’m the one who’s going to do it. You got that?”

“No.” She stomped her foot. “You do not own me, Mr. Davis. I told you the first night we met. I’m dependent on no man and I meant it. Nothing has happened to make me change my mind. I’ve made my choice for my husband, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“So last night and this morning meant nothing?”

Sensing hurt in his voice, she looked closely at his features, trying to understand what he was saying. Maybe she’d read him wrong and he did have feelings for her—that he wasn’t only enamored of their mating. It seemed as if that was all Gerald was after. If Parker could love her, then it would mean she could trust him as she did Geoff. “Are you saying I mean something to you? That you could love me?” she tentatively asked.

“You mean something, but love’s a silly notion,” Parker scoffed, waving a hand and reaching for his trousers. Stepping into them, he added, “I’m not the loving type, sweetheart, but I will do my duty by you and see that you are protected and taken care of.”

His statement, spoken in such an aloof manner, sent a wave of disillusionment through her. No, of course he couldn’t love her. At that moment, he seemed no better than the earl, using marriage as a means of achieving what he wanted. “That eases my mind,” she retorted, hiding her disappointment in a flippant demeanor. “And who’s to protect me from you?”

Parker placed his hands on his hips and practically leered at her. “I didn’t hear any complaints earlier. In fact, you started it, lady. I’m just finishing it, as usual.” He grabbed his shirt and shook out the wrinkles.

“Humph.” He sounded so like the duke, Geoff’s older brother. Seemed all men wanted to do was control women. “Just because we mated doesn’t give you the right to control me.” She brushed past him, stilling an urge to slug him. “I’m keeping to my plans to marry Geoff and that’s final.”

“You’re marrying the duke’s brother?” Parker asked incredulously, stopping in the middle of donning his shirt. “He’s your betrothed?”

“Yes,” she admitted, none too happy he’d goaded her into revealing her secret. But having done so, she’d use it to keep him at a distance.

“Then why isn’t he here? Why would he let you sail halfway around the world alone?”

“Geoff doesn’t let me do anything. I do it on my own. That’s what I’m trying to tell you,” she yelled. How obtuse could a man be?

“You mean the duke’s brother is so enamored that he let you go off on your own?”

She clenched a fist, squelching another urge to wipe his amusement away as Parker laughed uncontrollably, holding his stomach.

“Good God, lady. You need a keeper. Does Lucas know that his business partner’s brother is your intended?”

“Argh!”
She threw up her hands. “This has nothing to do with the duke or your brother. Geoff and I are going to be married just as soon as he reaches his majority and comes into his inheritance.”

“Ah, I see. So the duke’s family disapproves of you because of status?”

Penny remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. The less he knew of her situation, the better off she’d be.

Parker’s grin didn’t die, in fact spread. “And you’ll marry your Geoff, even though you don’t love him?”

“I love him. I’ve always loved him,” she stated, jutting her chin out, daring him to contradict her. Even though she somehow suspected Geoffrey’s love might be a bit more ardent than hers. But she wouldn’t think about that now. She did love him and she’d make him a good wife.

“And marriage to me is unthinkable because I care enough about you not to let you go gallivanting around the countryside unescorted?”

Keeping her defiant stance, she nodded.