The Danger in Tempting an Earl (17 page)

“I think that’s a good thing,” he said, his mouth curving slightly.

She snorted. “Do you really?”

“It can only mean that you’re affected by my incredibly masculine presence.”

He waggled his eyebrows, and Katherine almost choked on her wine as she laughed in response. “Oh yes, I’m sure that must be it.”

“Are you still wondering about that kiss I promised you?” He studied her, and as he did, she felt herself grow warm. “Judging from your delightful hue, I can see that you are. Well, the day is almost over, so it won’t be long now.”

“You see! That’s exactly what I mean!” Lucien stared at her blankly. Clearly he didn’t understand her frustration. “You return unexpectedly, dance with me unexpectedly, kiss me unexpectedly and then promise to do so again, all in the space of four days. The relationship we’ve had with each other for the past twenty-four years has been turned completely on its head. I don’t know where I stand with you anymore or what I am to think. It’s very distressing.”

The waitress returned and placed a plate before each of them. “Would ye care for anything else, my lord? My lady?”

“Not right now,” Lucien said, waving her off. “Thank you.”

Stabbing her chicken, Katherine began cutting it into tiny pieces, conscious that Lucien was watching her with raised eyebrows.

“You just don’t want to consider that you actually like me . . . in that way,” he said as he sliced a piece of his own chicken and stuck it in his mouth. “The sooner you accept that you do, the easier this will be for you.”

Katherine glared at him. He was the very personification of male arrogance at the moment. “I ought to call the waitress back,” she muttered. “I forgot to order that onion.”

Lucien watched her quietly while she ate. “You respond to me, Kate,” he finally murmured. “You cannot deny it.”

Her heart was pounding furiously in her chest. They were in public, for heaven’s sake. Their subject of conversation was outrageously inappropriate, yet it was one of the things she’d always valued about their friendship—their mutual openness with each other. She shook her head, too embarrassed to meet his eyes but determined to be honest. “No, I cannot.”

He didn’t say anything further, but he did make a sound that sounded more like a deep growl than anything else. Katherine swallowed and focused on her food. She’d confessed the effect he had on her, and she knew that there would be no stopping him now. He would kiss her again soon, and as she hastily finished her meal, she couldn’t help but look forward to it with great anticipation in spite of her fears. The only thing she had to do now was prevent them both from getting carried away.

U
pon finishing their meal, Lucien pushed back his chair and went to Katherine. He offered her his arm, which she accepted. The tension between them was tighter than it had ever been before. She’d admitted that she was not unaffected by him. He’d known this already, of course, but having her confirm it had been a boost to his ego—the encouragement he’d needed to continue his pursuit. But she’d made a valid point. If he was trying to court her, then he was doing so in a very primal manner and without the least bit of romance.

With her hand tucked away in the crook of his elbow, he guided her out of the dining room and toward the stairs. He wanted her—desperately so—but now was not the time for that. She was wary and fearful, and he would be wise to restrain himself or run the risk of losing her trust. Leading her to her bedroom door, he stood aside and allowed her to enter. He made no attempt to follow. “If you wish to invite me in,” he said, “I will kiss you, but I promise that I won’t attempt to do anything else. It’s your choice.”

Her breath shuddered a little as she looked up at him with big round eyes, the green in them bright and filled with longing. Stepping back, she opened the door a little wider. “You’ve had me rattled all day with the anticipation of it, wondering when and where you’d make good on your word. I do believe I must accept—for the sake of my nerves.”

Grinning, Lucien offered her a bow, followed her into the room and closed the door behind him. He leaned against it as he studied her. She hadn’t moved away, and if he reached out his hand, he would be able to grab her by the wrist. Instead, he straightened himself and moved toward her, his eyes on hers, and then on her mouth. Her lips were a deep rose, full and ripe for kissing. His gaze slid lower, to the swell of her breasts, the skin there glowing in the light of an oil lamp that sat on the dresser. Her breath was coming hard, her hands clenched stiffly at her sides. She was nervous—even frightened perhaps. What she probably didn’t realize was that so was he.

Raising his hand, he laid his palm against the curve of her cheek. She shivered a little and he stepped closer still, his arms embracing her as he sighed deeply with contentment. Her arms came hesitantly about his waist. By God, it felt good to be held by her. He wanted more—indeed, he longed to tear her gown from her body so he could admire her figure. It would have to wait however. For now, he simply tilted her head with his hand, his thumb brushing her velvety-soft skin as he did so. She closed her eyes and he leaned closer, carefully lowering his lips over hers. So plush.

He placed one hand on her waist and pulled her against him, her breasts flattening against his chest as she sucked in a breath. She steadied herself and tightened her hold on him, her hands splaying across his back in the most sensational way imaginable. He was hot and he was hard, but the last thing he wanted was to frighten her. So he nibbled her lip hesitantly and ran the tip of his tongue across the edge of it. Sighing with pleasure, she gradually parted for him.

Against his chest he could feel the furious beat of her heart as he swept inside her mouth, his tongue meeting hers, coaxing it to follow his lead. She did, her skill increasing with every stroke until she was every bit the passionate woman he’d always suspected her to be, her fingers clutching at the fabric of his jacket as if she hoped to somehow pull him closer. He knew how she felt—this desire to be as one—for he felt it too. She wasn’t ready, though, and he’d promised himself not to rush into anything that either of them might regret in the morning.

With pained reluctance, he reached for her hands and plied them away from him, then took a retreating step backward. Her cheeks were flushed, her lips swollen and her eyes dazed. “I will bid you good night now,” he said, backing away toward the door. The quicker he left, the less likely he’d be to change his mind and do something stupid. “Sleep well.”

“Th-thank you. You too.” She touched the tips of her fingers to her lips, her eyes not leaving him for a second. It was almost as if she’d just made a confounding conclusion.

Whatever it might be, Lucien hoped it was in his favor. He opened the door, bowed toward her and made his escape, closing the door firmly behind him as he did so. For a moment he just stood there in the dark corridor, his feet rooted to the floorboards. That kiss had been magnificent—indeed, it had been so much more. It had been a silent exchange of emotion, and his heart soared, for he knew the secret of her heart now. She wanted him just as much as he wanted her. He stared at her door for a moment and seriously considered storming back inside and tossing her on the bed.

With a groan, he spun on his heels and crossed to his own room.

Chapter 11

“W
here are we going?” Katherine asked as they rolled into London the following day and the carriage continued past Crossby House.

“To Patricia’s,” Lucien said. Katherine had always gotten on well with his sister, most probably because they were close in age. “You’ll be safe there while I pay a visit to Riley’s.”

“You don’t think she’ll mind?” Katherine asked him skeptically. “Your sister is expecting her third child, Lucien. I imagine the last thing she needs right now is to entertain an unexpected guest.”

“I’m sure she’ll appreciate the company, not to mention that I’m rather looking forward to seeing her again after all this time. Besides, I’ll return soon enough, and then we can continue on our way.”

“Whereto, if you don’t mind me asking.”

“Why, to Roxberry House, of course,” he said, as if it had been no less proper than taking her for a stroll in the park.

Katherine stared at him. “You cannot be serious!”

It was difficult not to laugh as understanding flashed across her face, stirring a blush in her cheeks. Oh, fear might urge her to push him away, but Lucien now knew that everything he’d ever dreamed of could be his, provided he went about obtaining it in the right way. His gaze fell to the lips he’d so recently kissed. God, she’d felt good in his arms—better than he could ever have imagined, and so willing . . . so responsive and bold.

He pondered the way in which she’d retreated from him in the carriage the day before. One moment she’d been lost in passion; the next, it was as if a wall of ice had slid into place. What had prompted such a sharp reaction? His words?
“You’ve no idea how many times I’ve thought of peeling away your gown so I could kiss the skin beneath.”
Lucien frowned as he focused on what had happened. She’d grown rigid—distant—her eyes brimming with pain that courted terror, like a rabbit caught in a trap with dogs approaching. He hadn’t mentioned undressing her since, and she’d been more willing when he’d kissed her the second time—lost in the moment.

“On the contrary,” he said, “I’ve never been more serious about anything else in my life.”

“But it’s preposterous, Lucien.” Her eyes darted about. “Don’t you see how scandalous it would be? Why, there are many who are already of the opinion that . . . that . . .”

“That what?” he asked smoothly. He could see her struggling with the words as if she wanted to speak them but couldn’t quite get herself to do so.

Averting her gaze, she said, “That we are lovers.”

“Ah, but we are not, are we, Kate?”

Her eyes shot toward his. “Certainly not!” Her blush deepened. “However, if I cross the threshold of your home unchaperoned and it becomes known that I spent the night, there’s no telling what the gossips will say. I don’t want scandal to tarnish my name or Sophia’s, Lucien. Please try to understand.”

He studied her closely, noting how severely her worries marred her features. Come what may, he had to do everything in his power to protect her. “Your life is in danger, Kate. For that reason alone I’ve no intention of letting you out of my sight. You will stay at my home, and since you’re a widow, whatever scandal may erupt will be minimal. Besides, I do not plan on you arriving through the front door for all the world to see. You will enter the house at the back entrance, dressed in maid’s clothing, and with a hood pulled over your head. Provided my servants keep quiet, which I daresay they will if they wish to receive the bonus I intend to give them upon your departure, nobody will be the wiser.”

“Good Lord,” Katherine murmured. “You’ve really given this a lot of thought, haven’t you?”

“Let’s just say that I am not taking the matter lightly.”

With her eyes resting solemnly upon him, Lucien registered the moment when resignation overcame her. “Very well, but only if you promise me that you will make no attempt to kiss me while I am there.”

Lucien grinned. “My dear, I could never do that. Especially not when I’m hoping to do a whole lot more!”

The carriage came to a halt outside his sister’s town house and Lucien stepped out, politely assisting a very flustered-looking Katherine so she could do the same. He’d taken a leap, aware of what he’d been risking, but he’d had no choice in the matter. It wasn’t possible for him to go on with his life without at least trying to win the hand of the woman he loved, and he’d grown weary of being cautious when instinct was telling him to be bold.

He sighed as they walked up the front steps in awkward silence. Perhaps he should have told her what was in his heart—perhaps then she’d know he’d never judge or accuse her, no matter what might have happened to put her in the state of despair she was in. He rapped on the door with the knocker.

“Welcome, my lord,” the butler said as the door swung open. “What a pleasure it is to see you again.”

“Thank you, Travis. It’s good to be back. Is my sister at home?”

“She is indeed, my lord.” Once they’d divested themselves of their outdoor garments, the butler said, “If you’ll please follow me, I’ll show you through to the parlor and let her know that you are here.”

It took no more than five minutes before Patricia entered the room, her arms enfolding Lucien in a tight, if not somewhat difficult, embrace, given her condition. She smiled broadly. “I’ve missed you terribly, you know,” she said, “but I’m so glad to see that you’ve brought Katherine along with you. She and I have so much to discuss.”

“We do?” Katherine asked, looking mildly surprised.

“Certainly,” Patricia said. “It’s been far too long since we last spoke, and now that Lucien has returned, I daresay we’ve a good topic to start on. Some tea?”

Lucien chuckled as they all took a seat, his sister already pouring from the teapot that one of her maids had brought in. Katherine’s composure was most assuredly being tested today. She looked as if she’d happily dive under the Persian carpet in order to escape. “Thank you,” she said instead.

“As a matter of fact, I was hoping that you might be able to entertain Katherine for a couple of hours while I run an errand,” Lucien said. “I know it’s a bit late in the day, but there’s an issue I wish to resolve with the utmost haste.”

“Oh dear,” Patricia said. “That sounds terribly serious. Any chance you’re willing to tell me what’s going on?”

Lucien told her while she held silent, her eyes flickering with emotion as he spoke.

“Right,” she said as soon as he was finished. She looked at Katherine. “My brother’s correct, you know. The first place these people will look for you is in your own home. I’d suggest you stay here if it weren’t for the children. I’m sorry, but I cannot risk putting them in danger.”

“No, of course not,” Katherine said. “I would never even have thought to ask it of you.”

Patricia smiled. “However, if you do as Lucien suggests, then there’s really no reason why anyone should discover your whereabouts, not to mention that I have every confidence that he will guard you with his life. Really, Katherine, you couldn’t be in safer hands.”

With a mere nod, Katherine raised her cup to her lips and took a sip of her tea. Was there a trace of embarrassment to her composure? Concealing his chuckle with a muted cough, Lucien sent a silent word of thanks to his sister and decided he’d best be on his way if he was to achieve anything before nightfall. Rising, he bid the ladies a good afternoon, offering each of them a polite bow.

“If you’d like Gray to accompany you, he’s over at White’s,” Patricia said, her smile warm as she spoke of her husband. Lucien nodded his thanks and assured his sister once again that he would soon be back. As soon as the door closed behind him, Patricia turned to Katherine wide-eyed. “Heavens! What on earth has transpired between the two of you?”

“I don’t know what you mean,” Katherine hedged, hoping to avoid the subject she knew Patricia was eager to broach.

“Is that so? Then perhaps you’d care to explain why you currently share the same hue as those roses over there and why you scarcely dared look at him the entire time he was here.”

Blast Patricia for being so astute. Well then, no point in beating about the bush so to speak, no matter how loathe Katherine was to be candid. Bracing herself, she said, “He kissed me yesterday—once in the carriage, and once at the inn at which we were forced to stay on behalf of the weather.”

Clapping her hands together with obvious delight, Patricia squealed. “Finally! Have you any idea how long I’ve been hoping for this?”

Katherine shook her head, dumbfounded by Patricia’s joy.

“Years, Katherine. Why, the two of you are obviously perfect for each other.”

“We are?”

“Of course! But then Lucien went to war, you married Lord Crossby, and well . . . I doubted it would ever work out. I’m so pleased to know that it finally has.”

Katherine frowned. “Actually, it hasn’t really.”

“What do you mean?”

Patricia’s face fell, leaving Katherine with the unexpected urge to tell her that she and Lucien were practically on the way to the altar. She couldn’t be dishonest, though, and found herself saying, “Well, I’m not so sure it’s what I want.” She sighed. “No, that’s not entirely true. Since seeing Lucien a few days ago for the first time in four years, I’ve started to think of him in a new light. It’s very peculiar and rather uncomfortable really. In fact, as reluctant as I am to admit it, I began hoping that he would kiss me—strange as that was—but then he did, and now . . . oh, I no longer know my own mind.”

“You’re clearly conflicted,” Patricia mused. “Is it because you’re afraid that if you don’t suit—though I’m positive you will—things will be awkward between you? That you can no longer be friends?”

“That’s part of it, I suppose.”

“And the other part?”

Meeting Patricia’s gaze, Katherine took a shuddering breath. She’d never told anyone of the pain that splintered her heart, yet sitting there in Patricia’s parlor with a cup of tea, she felt an overwhelming urge to confide the truth to her old friend. “If you must know, I’m afraid he’ll find me wanting, and I daresay I would not be able to bear it.”

There was a brief silence, then the rustle of fabric as Patricia rose from her seat and came to sit next to Katherine on the sofa. She took Katherine’s hand in her own and said, ever so gently and with the utmost kindness, “My dear, it’s no secret that Lucien is exceedingly fond of you. He always has been, even though I’m not so sure he realizes how aware everyone in his family is of his feelings.” She chuckled, gave Katherine’s hand a gentle squeeze and said, “What reason would you possibly have to believe that he would think you anything less than perfect?”

Katherine felt her lower lip begin to wobble as her eyes began to burn. She would
not
make a spectacle of herself by crying, yet it was becoming awfully hard to stop the tears that threatened as her throat began to ache. “Crossby didn’t approve of me,” she whispered.

“But he was so eager to marry you . . . he seemed so smitten.”

“Everything changed on our wedding night,” Katherine confessed as she wiped away a tear with the back of her hand. “
He
changed. However attentive he’d been before, he grew suddenly cold toward me, and when we . . .” She drew a ragged breath. “He told me I repelled him, that . . . that looking at me made him feel ill. Of course the drinking didn’t help, and neither did the opium. In fact, he was generally in a foul mood, and for whatever reason, he seemed to enjoy taking it out on me.”

“I’m so sorry,” Patricia whispered as she drew Katherine into her arms, “so very sorry indeed. I had no idea.”

“I did my best to hide it,” Katherine said, accepting the handkerchief that Patricia offered, “though I’m not sure I would have been able to continue doing so forever.”

Shaking her head, Patricia rose and walked across to the sideboard, where she proceeded to pour a brandy. “I can’t even imagine what it must have been like for you,” she said as she handed the tumbler to Katherine. “You should drink this—it will help soothe you.”

Katherine gave her a feeble smile. “Thank you.”

Resuming her seat, Patricia waited while Katherine took a sip of her drink. Then Patricia said, “It’s not my place to tell Lucien what you’ve just confided, but I do think that
you
ought to. You know what you want in your heart, but as long as you allow your past to fuel your fears, you’ll never be truly happy.”

“What if—”

“You can build your whole life on ‘what if’s’ and grow old with regret in the process. You have a chance to make things work between you, Katherine,” Patricia said as she smiled with devilish cheekiness. “More so now that you’ll be sleeping scandalously close to each other.”

“Patricia!”

Lucien’s sister chuckled. “Don’t tell me you’re not secretly looking forward to living beneath the same roof as him.”

The room felt overwhelmingly warm all of a sudden. “I must admit that I find it both terrifying and thrilling.”

Patricia nodded knowingly. “Consider this—Lucien kissed you because he has every intention of marrying you. If there’s one thing I know about my brother, it’s that he would never jeopardize his relationship with you for anything less.”