Temptation: 3 (Timeless Series) (7 page)

“Oh?” Like quicksilver, her expression changed to one of vast amusement. Still, she quickly lowered her eyelids, clearly uncomfortable with his scrutiny.

Parker bit his cheek to keep from laughing outright. “Yes. I’m certain of it.”

“What makes you so certain?”

“Your eyes tell me so every time I gaze into their fiery depths.”

“That’s preposterous. My eyes say no such thing,” she said, dismissing the idea with the wave of her hand.

“Liar,” he whispered, leaning closer. “I bet if I could see them now, they’d be shouting.”

“No.” Shaking her head, Penny took a step away. “You speak in riddles.”

To stop further retreat, Parker gripped her chin with a thumb and forefinger, forcing her to look at him. He smiled, noting in those oceanic liquid pools what she couldn’t hide.
Attraction. “Then, how about what this tells me?” he murmured softly, just before his lips descended, covering hers.

He tamped down a raging hunger and kept his pace unhurried for one simple reason, to quell her concerns. When Penny narrowed their distance, Parker swallowed triumph. Need, want, and desire exploded inside him when her hesitant hands reached around his neck.

She kissed like an innocent angel, and God help him, he wanted more. Softening his lips, enticing her to yield all to him, his tongue slid inside her mouth. Her moan floated somewhere above him, unleashing more yearning. By their own volition, his hands found her breasts, cupping their unbound fullness. His fingers stroked and circled. Her nipples hardened into nubs and another soft moan sent a shot of lust straight through him. He groaned in pure delight.

Desperately, he fought to keep his rampant yearning in check, for he had no intention of letting her bolt. Not now when she was exactly where he’d dreamed of having her since the moment he’d spied her that first night on board ship.

He continued, leisurely stroking with his hands, and using his lips, mouth, and tongue as expertly as he could in efforts to mark her with this kiss. Branding her, so that she’d somehow remember him. Finally, before he lost all reason, he tore his mouth away. He glanced at her face and what he could see in the darkness had him closing his eyes, reaching deeper for control.

Disappointment and confusion were evident in her passion-filled gaze. The innocent look laced with the heat of desire sent another jolt of need pulsing through him. Ignoring the longing to lay her down on the deck and have his way with her, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close, gaining more control.

“Now I know so,” he whispered seconds later. His chin rested on her head; her dainty body nestled in the circle of his arms. “You’d never kiss like that if you loved another as you claim.”

She stiffened and tried to pull away, but he held her steadfastly in place.

“Please release me,” she begged, her voice barely loud enough to carry over the splash of the water hitting the boat.

Parker heard self-loathing in her tone. Recognized it because it’s what he felt for himself at that very moment. He’d promised Lucas and for one crazy moment he’d almost given in to his need to have her. For one crazy moment he’d lost all
honor.

“I’ll let you go, but not before imparting my warning. I gave my word you’d be safe from me, and I’ve no intention of going back on my promise. Be wary, Miss Penny Layton, for I only have so much restraint and your taunts have already pushed me beyond those restraints.”

“You lay the blame for this on me?”

“No. I took what I wanted just now, and I know I’m more at fault. But I only finished what you started. Leave it alone. Don’t keep pulling the tail of the tiger unless you’re willing to ride because if you don’t stop, I can assure you, you will receive the ride of a lifetime.” When she didn’t move and stood silently staring at him as if he’d grown a second head, he nodded toward the stairs. “I suggest you go back to bed. Leave me be and I’ll return the favor.”

Finally, she found her wits and scurried off as if the devil were after her. Perhaps she was wise to run, he reasoned. At that moment, he did feel much like Satan wanting to seduce an angel of God. He turned his gaze back to the water and sighed.

It would be a long, lonely night.

“Have you found her? Is that why you called this meeting?” Gerald Knightsbridge’s voice reflected his excitement at seeing
Winters again, within days of their last unsatisfying meeting.

Lady Penelope’s disappearance had grown his concern into all-out panic. Time was of the essence. Guardian or not, in less than seven months she’d reach the age dictated in her parents’ will, giving her control of her assets and greatly diminishing his power over her. He couldn’t let that happen.

Apparently his meek charge had a backbone. Surely the stupid girl would see reason. Marriage to him was an honor. Where the bloody hell was she?

“No, milord, but I’ve news,” the runner said, interrupting his thoughts.

“I don’t want news, I want the lady,” Gerald bellowed, pounding the desk, his scowl forming.

“We are making ’
eadway,” Winters said hesitantly. “She may have had help.”

“She had help?” The news stunned him. How? He’d kept her sequestered. She had no friends other than her servant.

“Yes, milord. I’m fairly confident he left some trail and if followed, it will lead me to ’er.”

“It’s about bloody time. She disappeared weeks ago. I’d begun to think I’d made a mistake in extending your deadline.” The earl eyed the man, waiting for the name. When the runner stayed silent, Gerald prodded with eyebrows raised, “I haven’t all day. Out with it.”

Winters cleared his throat. “It seems she ’ad a childhood friend. His family’s estates in Northumberland border hers.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of her estates up north.” The mine accident had detained him and allowed her escape in the first place. “No one offhand fits your description except the Duke of Wyndham, and I can’t imagine the man flitting about with a child.”

“Not the duke, milord, but a brother, some twelve years younger and the baby of the family.”

“Bloody hell.
Not a Collingswood?” Just mentioning the name filled him with rage.

“Yes, milord.”
Winters nodded. “The information checks out. Geoffrey Collingswood and the young lady are longtime childhood friends.”

“I should’ve known.” Gerald rubbed his temples, absorbing the news. “The
Collingswoods are the scourge of my existence. Have you questioned him?”

“No, milord.
I only learned of this recently. The servant who spied the two meeting in the park was greedy and easily enticed with a little more coin. Within days he provided a name.”

Gerald sighed.
“The bloody servants’ network of intelligence. Seems they know everything that goes on in the ton.”

“Servants always see more than they let on. Certainly worth following up on,” the runner said. “I kept after yours, knowing it’d pay off.
Someone ’ad to know more than he was saying.”

“Good work. But if you expect payment, find her. You won’t see another shilling until I see my betrothed.”

“I understand, milord. My men are working around the clock. I’ve dispatched several along the roads north. If anyone saw Geoffrey Collingswood with the lady, I’ll know about it in a matter of days.”

“I underestimated her.
Didn’t know she knew anyone in London other than the duke.”

“Would you like me to interrogate him, milord, or his brother?”

“No. I’ll make a personal call tomorrow morning. After my visit, Wyndham won’t sit idly by awaiting information if he’s not involved. And if he is, then my visit will spur him into action.”

“What would you ’
ave me do?”

Thinking, Gerald eyed the runner. “You position yourself outside his residence during my visit. Once I leave, wait for movement and follow. One of them will take us to her.”

“Yes, milord.” Winters bowed, bade his good-byes, and left.

Gerald heaved a sigh of relief. Finally he had some answers. He stood at the window staring with unseeing eyes as the runner walked down the street and climbed into a waiting hackney. Wyndham had overstepped his bounds. If he’d helped Lady Penelope escape in any manner, he’d pay. Even dukes were not above the reach of the law if found to be guilty of a crime.

Gerald’s confidence increased. He was her legal guardian after all. Her foolish parents had given him sole custody of the girl, much to the duke’s dismay. He also possessed a betrothal agreement, guaranteeing her parents’ support in their union. The willful chit had no choice in this.

Remembering the Duke of Wyndham’s reaction during their first confrontation after learning all of that, he chuckled softly. Gerald was certain few men made Markham Collingswood squirm and apologize so effusively or so quickly upon reading the documents that gave him lawful rights to his good friend’s daughter. Still, the man had the gall to demand certain concessions.

How those concessions chafed! Without the duke’s interference, Lady Penelope Lytton would be his wife now, her lands and title his.

He would have them. Oh yes, and he’d have her.
Soon.

~~

Markham Collingswood, the sixth Duke of Wyndham, nodded to his butler. “Find my brother. Pull him out of bed if necessary. I want him here in fifteen minutes,” he said with the air of a man used to getting what he demanded, having been taught from an early age to assume the leadership of his family’s name and assets. The duke didn’t tolerate fools easily and had little patience for incompetence.

“Yes,
Your Grace.” Putnam bowed. “Lord Geoffrey will be here forthwith.”

After Putnam left, Markham glanced back at the note in his hand. What did the earl want? He prayed his brother had gotten over his infatuation with the earl’s ward. Yet given Geoff’s moody guardedness lately, he had an idea this missive might involve Lady Penelope. After all, the two used to work up all kinds of mischief years ago, and Geoff had been in a dither for months after learning of her betrothal when her parents died.

He tapped the note impatiently. Damn, he didn’t have time for this. He was due to meet with his estate manager and this meeting would put him behind.

Twenty minutes passed before his sleepy-eyed brother appeared at the door, barely dressed and out of sorts.

Glancing at Geoff as he made his way into the room, Markham smiled inwardly. He’d interrupted his slumber.

Though very similar in build, both being tall and muscular, the two brothers were as different as night and day in coloring and personalities. Markham had the dark good looks of their deceased father, also inheriting his dynamic and bold personality. His coal-black hair, expertly cut, along with a firm jaw, high cheekbones, and prominent nose, aided his regal bearing. In contrast, Geoff’s coloring was fair, the same blue eyes and golden blond hair of their mother. He also shared her fair disposition. Nothing seemed to rile his younger brother.

“What the blazes has you so hell-bent on getting me out of bed this early?” Geoff said in a surly voice.

Or rather nothing used to rile him, Markham amended silently. Geoff had gone through a bit of rebellion since hearing of Lady Penelope’s plight.

He sighed. “Sit.” Markham pointed to the chair in front of his desk.

Noting Geoff’s defiant stance at the one-word command, he shrugged off his annoyance. His baby brother was the only person he couldn’t intimidate with simply a look or a few words and lately Geoff constantly rebelled. Although in truth, the two seemed to be more at odds since their father’s death two years ago when Markham took over the role of “parent,” something he hated. “I’ve some questions to ask before I meet with Gerald Knightsbridge.”

Surprise flitted over Geoff’s face.

Catching it, Markham sported his usual aloof, almost bored expression, which tended to be a bit misleading.
Intentionally, of course. His dark brown eyes, appearing almost ebony at times, just like his father’s, never missed much. “Ah, I see the name has sparked a reaction.”

“I don’t know what you’re getting at.”

Markham wasn’t fooled one whit with Geoff’s mannerisms all but shouting. Something churned in his brain. Somehow, his brother was behind Kentworth’s note.

“Just what have you done to irritate the man into demanding a meeting?”

“Why is it you assume I’m responsible?” Geoff asked, not bothering to hide his irritation. Being the baby of the family, the favored son, simply because of his engaging personality, he’d learned at an early age to get what he wanted out of people by using his boyish appeal to charm and cajole. No one, his father included when he’d been alive, could stay angry with him for long, except for Markham. That his older brother was the only one in his family who was immune to his ploys aggravated Geoff no end.

Markham chuckled, now convinced his brother played a part. “I’m going to find out once the man arrives, so you might as well tell me what’s what. That way I’ll have some time to come up with a strategy for dealing with him.”

“I’ve nothing to confess.”

“Don’t take me for a fool, and I’ll return the favor,” the duke stated, containing his annoyance.

“I have no idea why the earl wants to see you.” Geoff raised his chin.

“Now why don’t I believe that?” With eyebrows raised, the duke kept his eye on Geoff, causing the younger man to flinch under such close scrutiny. After a moment of silence, he asked, “Geoff, what’ve you done?”

“Nothing. You pull me out of bed at the crack of dawn to ask such questions? Really, Markham? Have you nothing better to do with your time?”

“That’s just it; I’ve too much to do and no time to waste on your silly games. If you’ve done something to have that man on my doorstep, I’ll know within the hour.”

Geoff remained mute, his expression insolent and uncooperative.

“Has this anything to do with Lady Penelope?”

Noting the pink slowly working its way from his brother’s chin to his forehead, Markham sighed. “I know she means something to you, that you used to be thick as thieves, but times change. You’ve got to let her go. She doesn’t concern you now.”

Geoff didn’t say anything for quite a while. When he spoke his voice was just above a whisper. “You’re so sure?”

“It’s out of our control. I can’t go against her parents’ last wishes. Please, Geoff, what’ve you done? Just tell me, and I’ll do what I can to help.”

Geoff’s expression was torn. His sullen silence prevailed until he finally relented. “I haven’t done anything but meet with her.”

“That’s it?” Markham prodded. “Why would the earl be up in arms over her meeting an old friend? It doesn’t make sense. There has to be more to it.”

“I may have given her a few pounds.”

“You gave her money?”

“The man was holding her prisoner and I had to do something to help. You weren’t doing anything.”

“He wasn’t holding her prisoner. The earl is her legal guardian. It’s his duty to protect her.”

“And who’s to protect her from him?”

Markham’s exhale came out in a frustrated huff. His younger brother had a point. He’d felt much the same way, but his hands were tied. Robert Lytton, the Earl of Lytherton, hadn’t been an idiot. His friend and neighbor would not place his precious daughter under the earl’s control without having just cause. Markham had to trust Robert’s judgment on this.

From all outward appearances, their match did seem like a good one. Still, Markham had done what he could to give Lady Penelope time to get used to having the man as her husband, because from the first moment he’d met the earl, his intuition told him something wasn’t right. It galled him now that over the course of these past months, his concerns had only grown, rather than abated. Oh, the earl appeared proper enough on the outside, but something in his eyes made him wonder.
And now this.

Glancing at Geoff, whose expression was now blank, he figured his brother hid much more, but he’d get nothing further from him than he was willing to tell. With this in mind, he asked, “When did you meet her?”

“A couple of months ago. I can’t see how an innocent meeting would cause any problems. We met purely by chance.”

Markham chuckled. “Good story. Is that how you want me to relay the information?”

“I’m telling you the truth. I had no idea she was in London until I happened to see her riding in the park.”

That much was probably true. Markham had kept the news of the lady living in London to himself, fearing Geoff’s knee-jerk reaction.

“We met again a week later and that’s when she asked me for help. I gave her what I could at that time and I’ve not seen her since.”

“How much money are we talking about?”

“Two hundred pounds. ’Twas a loan.”

“Good God, man.” Markham shot out of the chair. He began pacing. “That’s enough to disappear on.” He stopped and nailed his brother with a hard gaze. “Where’d you get all that at one time?”

“I was lucky at cards, and happened to have it on me.” When Markham’s focus didn’t falter, Geoff’s face darkened with red once more. His tone turned accusing. “I knew she was planning on escaping, but I’ve no idea where she went.”

“That’s it? You know she was planning on escaping, and you’ve no idea where she went?” he asked incredulously.