Debra Mullins (16 page)

The locket kept tapping against her shoulder.

He leaned forward and rested his mouth over the turgid nipple, then breathed hot air through the silk of her dress. She arched her back as her senses jangled and her flesh throbbed.

“I want to see you.” He tugged her bodice down, freeing her breasts, then stroking the bare, straining bud.

He cupped her plump flesh in his hand and took her aching nipple into his mouth.

A whimper burst through her lips as her head fell back, and she clung to him with fingers like claws. Tension built, piling up like logs in the river. If he kept touching her breast and stroking her down
there
, she knew she would shatter into a thousand pieces.

She squirmed against him, restless with the passion surging through her veins. She felt as if she had to do something. Get something. Take
something. Her hand slid down his chest in a silky caress, hesitated at his waist. She didn’t know what to do, how to get what she craved. Frustrated, she wiggled her bottom against his hardness.

He gave a wicked laugh. “I know what you want,” he murmured in her ear.

“I just want you,” she whispered back.

“And I want you so badly I ache from it.” Holding her gaze with his, he shifted her to the bench, though her legs still draped across his thighs. Then he took her hand and pressed it to the stiff ridge she had felt beneath her. “Do you see what you do to me? How desperately I want to be inside you?”

“Heavens.” Fascinated, she traced her fingers over the bulge in his trousers.

“Bloody hell.” He trembled and squeezed his eyes shut, then grabbed her wrist to stop her caress.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No. Too right.” He opened his eyes, not even bothering to hide the hot desire that throbbed in him.

“Rome.” She pulled her hand from his grasp and wrapped an arm around his neck. “Don’t leave me aching like this,” she whispered.

He made a choked sound of need. When she took his hand and pressed it to her bare breast, that sound became a growl. He crushed her to him, taking her mouth in a kiss that frightened and thrilled her with its savagery. He jerked at the
fastenings of his trousers with one hand, and once he’d freed himself, he took her hand and pressed it to his hard, hot flesh.

She gave a gasp that was swallowed by his kiss. Following the guidance of his fingers, she stroked the velvety length of his naked flesh, taking perverse feminine pleasure from his groans of encouragement.

“I want to slide inside you,” he whispered hoarsely between kisses. “I want to feel you around me, all that sweet wetness easing my way.”

“Oh, my.” She clung to him, utterly scandalized by his daring and yet thrilled by it, too. Had ever a man wanted her so much?

“Oh, my God!”

The strident female voice doused their ardor like a bucket of cold water. They looked up to see Lavinia standing at the entrance to their hideaway, her face stark white with shock.

Reality returned with a crash. Anna struggled out of Rome’s lap, the seriousness of her situation hitting her like a tidal wave.

“Rome,” Lavinia gasped, “what have you done?”

“Wait for me on the path, Vin.” With a few swift motions, Rome refastened his clothing.

Lavinia’s expression grew furious. “Wait for you on the path? Do you think me a child, Roman?”

“I only ask for a moment of privacy. For Anna.”

She flicked a glance at Anna, then pressed her
lips together, clearly biting back blistering words. “Very well,” she snapped. “I will wait
two minutes
, Roman!” Spinning on her heel, she stalked away.

Anna struggled to set her dress to rights, unable to meet Rome’s gaze. Tears stung her eyes. What had she done?

“Allow me.” Deftly, Rome straightened her clothing, while she sat helpless as a doll. “Anna? Are you all right?”

She raised her eyes to his. “We are ruined.”

“No, we’re not. It’s Vin. I’ll talk to her.”

“She saw—” She choked to a stop.

“I know.” He stroked her cheek. “I’ll fix this. I promise.” He leaned forward and scooped his forgotten handkerchief from the ground, then pressed it into her hand. “Dry your tears and compose yourself. I will speak with my sister.”

Compose herself?

She stared in disbelief as he rose and walked away. As if it were simple to compose herself after they had both come so close to scandal!

With trembling hands, she straightened her bodice and turned the locket around. It had opened somehow. She stared down at Anthony’s dear face and winced at the guilt that pinched her.

She had done it again, blithely fallen into Rome’s arms and allowed him to take liberties. Begged him to, even. Her face burned as she remembered how she’d pleaded with him to make her forget.

And he had done so. Quite skillfully.

Forget the pain of her grief, yes. But how could she have forgotten Anthony and her objective to bring his murderers to justice? How could she have forgotten her duty to her parents, to Haverford?

She buried her face in the handkerchief. Wicked, wanton girl! Rome had become a bad habit, like blackberry trifle. And she craved him as much as she had ever craved her favorite dessert.

“Are you mad?” From the other side of the hedge, Lavinia’s urgent whisper made Anna flinch. “How dare you seduce that innocent girl!”

“Calm down, Vin,” Rome said.

“Calm down? You lied to me, Roman.”

“I didn’t. This was an accident.”

“An accident is when you fall off a horse. Corrupting your cousin’s fiancée in the garden is not an accident, it’s just
wrong
. Have you not learned anything from Father’s mistakes?”

“If you give me a moment to explain—”

“I don’t need an explanation, Rome. I saw what I saw. Certainly more than any sister ever should! You’re just lucky it was I who found you and not some gossip.”

“You’re overreacting.”

“Hardly! Anna is missing, and so were you. Luckily, I am the only one who has put the two incidents together and came looking out here.”

“Bloody hell.”

“I should say,” Lavinia shot back. “Now we
must return her to her mother, who is frantic by the way, with some plausible explanation.”

“I will think of something.”

“
You
cannot appear anywhere in the tale we are about to tell, Roman. There are those who would point to you and say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Rome made a sound between a growl and a sigh of frustration.

“And I would be one of them,” Lavinia added.

“What?” Rome thundered, clearly outraged.

“You just tried to seduce Haverford’s intended,” Lavinia shot back. “Did you think for a moment how the consequences of that would affect you? Me? Mother? Or were you thinking at all?”

“I never intended—”

“It was stupid,” Lavinia interrupted, her tone sharp and merciless. “Anna would have been ruined, and everyone would have looked at you and seen our father’s son. How could you, Rome? You’ve worked so hard to overcome this, and you’re so close to obtaining that diplomatic position. Yet you’d throw it all away by seducing an innocent girl who is promised to another.”

“Damn it, Vin.” Rome’s voice had dropped so low, Anna could barely hear it. “I never meant for this to happen.”

“Your actions affect us all, Rome. Mother would never be able to show her face in society again if this got out. It would affect
you
and
me
,
my husband
and
his
career, not to mention my unborn child! And I will protect my family, even if it means I must protect them from you.”

“I’m sorry, Vin.”

“I’m not ready to forgive you, Rome. Now, I will take Anna back to the ballroom and avert the scandal. Lord knows I will think of something to say!”

The scrape of determined footsteps announced Lavinia’s arrival moments before she appeared in the clearing. Anna sighed and stood. Her legs shook, and her knees appeared to be made of pudding, but she remained upright. To her surprise, Lavinia did not scold her at all. “Anna, thank goodness I found you. Your mother is overset.”

“I’m sorry I worried her.”

“Well, it’s time to fix that.” Lavinia swept her with a glance that missed nothing. “You look well enough, except for your eyes. Were you crying?”

Rome appeared behind his sister and drew Anna’s gaze like a starving man to…blackberry trifle.

“She was crying,” he confirmed. “I found her here weeping and lent her my handkerchief.”

Lavinia sent her brother a look of disbelief, then snatched the handkerchief from Anna’s hand and pressed it into her brother’s. “Go away, Roman. You’ve done quite enough.”

Rome’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing.

Lavinia turned her attention back to Anna. “Why were you crying? Was it because of Roman’s
unconscionable behavior earlier this evening?”

“No.” Anna touched her locket and drew strength. “I was thinking of Anthony.”

Lavinia’s brow smoothed. “Oh, Anna, you poor dear.”

Anna nodded her thanks at the sympathy. “Your brother did lend me his handkerchief. He was trying to comfort me.”

“I have no doubt of that.” With a fierce glare at Rome, Lavinia linked her arm through Anna’s. “Allow me to take you back to the ballroom. We will tell everyone that you were undone by memories of your brother and that I was with you while you sought privacy to regain your composure.”

“Thank you,” Anna whispered.

“And as for you, Roman…” Lavinia shot him another dark look. “I would advise you to remain here until any chance of speculation has passed.”

His lips thinned in response to her scolding tone, but he gave a jerky nod and stood aside as the two ladies returned to the ballroom.

Once they had disappeared from sight, his fingers crushed the handkerchief still in his hand.

He felt like a schoolboy who had just received a whipping. Lavinia’s words had striped him like a lash, drawing blood in her righteous anger.

And she had been right. Damn it, she had been completely correct in everything she said.

Had he lost his mind? What had just happened? Had he indeed attempted to make love to Anna Rosewood in the middle of a garden— again? He must be daft to take such a chance.

Or in love.

The idea halted his thoughts like a hand at his throat. Good Lord, could it be true?

He let out a harsh sigh and stared up at the sky as if he might find answers there. But the stars only glittered back in mocking omniscience.
Did
he love her? He admired her, certainly. Was attracted to her—too much so. Was she the sort of woman he could spend the rest of his life with?

Bloody hell, yes.

Damn the sentimental poets, but it had to be true. He was in love with Haverford’s woman. What the hell was he supposed to do now?

He shoved the handkerchief in his pocket. There was nothing he could do. Anna was not free to return his affections—though from her response to his kisses, she certainly did. But where did that leave them? Clandestine meetings and longing looks across the ballroom? Anna deserved better.

Haverford deserved it, too.

He sat down on the bench where only minutes ago she had wrapped her arms around him and begged him to stop the ache. He swept a hand along the smooth, cool stone, remembering how sweetly she had given herself into his arms. She
was so responsive, so open and giving, such a passionate woman.

They could never be alone together again.

It was the only solution. Anna wasn’t meant for a life of scandal. She wasn’t meant to live in the shadows, subject to the callous snickers of those who thought themselves better. She didn’t deserve to walk through her days as an outcast, as his mother had. But that future was all he could give her.

And he had no desire to follow in the footsteps of his sire.

Yet he knew as certainly as he knew his name that if the opportunity presented itself to hold Anna in his arms again, he would not be able to resist it. And that way lay disaster for them both.

Anna deserved the life she would lead with Haverford. She would become his countess and bear his heirs and live in comfort and luxury until the end of her days. She would never want for anything—but Rome. Haverford was a much better catch than an ex-soldier with a modest income and dreams of travel and diplomacy.

Yet with Anna’s stubborn determination to pursue the Black Rose Society surrounding them, the chances of ending up alone together increased. As long as Anna believed him the only one she could talk to about her brother and about the society, she would continue to seek private moments with him. That he could not allow.

The society had proven how dangerous they could be, and he could not tolerate Anna putting her life in danger again. As much as he longed to do so, he did not have the right to protect her, and any efforts in that direction would only incite the very scandal they wished to avoid.

There was only one way to avert complete ruin for both of them. Only one way to prove his love for her. He would bring this society to its knees.

And he would begin by speaking to Haverford.

T
he day after the Severley ball saw Anna burning with determination to continue the investigation into her brother’s death.

She had spent the morning at Bond Street, the ever dour Bliss trailing behind her, going from jeweler to jeweler with the note portraying the symbol of the black rose tucked in her reticule. None of the shopkeepers had ever seen the figure. She would inquire at different shops tomorrow.

Since Rome had gone back on his word, she had taken matters into her own hands, as she had intended from the beginning.

She could not credit that she had believed him when he claimed they could be partners. She should have known better. Clearly, it was just a ploy to get her to forget about the investigation.

Had his actions last night been more of the same?

Her face burned as she remembered that he had not been the one to make the first advance. She glanced over at Bliss, who sat across from her in the carriage, but the maid stared out the window with her usual expressionless mask in place. Anna looked the opposite way to hide her blushing cheeks.

Her distress over her brother’s death could not explain why she had thrown herself at a man. Her behavior at the Severley ball shamed her. She had just wanted to forget the grief that haunted her daily, draw comfort from someone who knew the truth.

But her attraction to Rome had proven too strong, and she had willingly fallen into his arms.

Had she no care for herself? Her reputation? Not only had she betrayed her understanding with Lord Haverford, but she had engaged in wanton embraces with a man who intended to break his word to her. Attractive as he was, Rome Devereaux still acted less than a gentleman at every turn.

But given her response to him, could she actually call herself a lady?

She had come very close to disgracing herself completely. If Lavinia had not been coolheaded enough to concoct a story about Anna’s becoming distraught with grief upon hearing acquaintances discussing her brother, Anna’s mother might very well have learned the truth and been ruined and
mortified along with her daughter. Instead, her mother had been quite sympathetic and called for their coach immediately.

But how many times would there be someone to rescue her from her own folly? Sooner or later, her luck would run out.

She had crossed many boundaries since she had started her quest, and it seemed the more times she wandered into the forbidden, the more blurred the strictures binding her became. She liked the freedom she had discovered, gloried in the brief glimpses of passion that Rome had shown her.

But once she brought the Black Rose Society to justice, once she married Haverford, she would settle back into the rigid mold of a well-bred lady. Oh, she would have a bit more freedom in society as a married woman, and a countess at that. But she couldn’t help but wonder if Lord Haverford could show her the delights Rome had.

If any other man could.

Dear Lord. She had to stop thinking this way! It was bad enough she had fallen into his sensual trap, but now his sister had witnessed their reprehensible conduct. While Lavinia had successfully averted a scandal, Anna knew she must have questions.

Which was why she was on her way to the Emberly residence that afternoon with the hope of begging Lavinia’s forgiveness.

She had been informed by her mother only
hours ago that they were to accompany Lord Haverford on a trip to Kent for a house party. They were to leave on the morrow.

Mama was in raptures, for she felt the earl might finally offer for Anna in the comfort and privacy of his country home. Anna, however, could not leave London without visiting Lavinia and determining whether or not they were still friends.

As the butler admitted her to the Emberly home, she prayed she could make everything right.

Rome presented himself in Haverford’s study at the earliest hour still considered civilized. He had tossed and turned most of the night. Between his realization of his feelings for Anna and trying to get safe passage out of the country for Peter, his emotions had worn down to the raw edges of reason.

It would be a relief to turn the care of Anna over to Haverford. And it would be a torment.

When Rome entered his cousin’s study, Haverford was seated at his desk, his head bent over a missive. He glanced up as Rome entered, then hastily refolded the letter and stuffed it back in the envelope. “Good morning, cousin. Please, sit down.”

“Good morning.” As he settled into one of the leather-bound chairs, Rome glanced at the envelope Haverford tossed aside and noted it was from the Fellhoppers. “I do hope Fellhopper hasn’t run into more problems with his sheep.”

Marc threw a startled glance at the letter. “Not at all. In fact, Miss Fellhopper has penned me a letter of thanks for assisting her brother with his difficulties.” He yanked open the top drawer of his desk, tossed the letter inside, then closed the drawer firmly. “Now, what can I do for you?”

Rome took in the genuine interest on Marc’s face and felt like the worst sort of bastard. This man had helped him past some of the more formidable obstacles society had to offer, and in the meantime, Rome had betrayed Marc by tasting the carnal delights of his cousin’s intended.

It was good that he was here now. What he was going to do was the right thing, no matter how much it tore at his heart to watch Anna wed another man.

“I need to speak to you about a delicate matter,” he began.

Marc sat back in his chair, concern etched on his face. “Are you in some sort of trouble, Rome?”

“No, not really.” He selected and discarded words in his mind. “It concerns Miss Rosewood and an organization called the Black Rose Society.”

“What is the Black Rose Society, and what does Anna have to do with it?”

And what do you have to do with Anna?
Rome heard the words as if they had been spoken, though his cousin hadn’t said any such thing.

Good old Marc. Always diplomatic, always fair. Hear the facts first before judging. But Rome
caught the flicker of doubt that flashed through his cousin’s eyes. The damage Rome’s father had left behind haunted the family still, and Rome had no desire to add to it.

Somehow he must convey the urgency of the situation without hurting his cousin.

“Allow me to begin at the beginning. Do you remember Richard Brantley?”

“Yes, your friend who died on the battlefield.”

“Correct. On his deathbed, he asked me to look after his younger brother, Peter.” Marc gave a nod, and Rome continued, “Recently Peter became entangled with an organization called the Black Rose Society. They are a club of hotheaded young bloods who fight duels against each other in some sort of competition.”

Marc shook his head, a glimmer of amusement curving his lips for an instant. “I remember such games. We played them at university.”

“This has gone beyond games, cousin. They duel with swords. For money.”

The lightheartedness vanished from Marc’s expression. “Good God. All those recent deaths by sword. Are they related?”

“They are.” Rome didn’t bother to keep the disgust from his voice. “The bastards who run the organization make the members put up funds before they compete. Whoever wins the match takes half the purse, and the organization takes the other half. Worse yet, they are death matches fought at gunpoint.”

“Dear God.” Marc couldn’t hide his shock. “And young Peter is involved?”

“He wants to leave the organization, but I fear for his life.” Rome intentionally omitted mention of Peter’s recent duel. “I am assisting him in leaving the country.”

“Wise, I think,” Haverford agreed. He tapped his fingers on the table. “Have you gone to the authorities with this information?”

“I will as soon as Peter is safe. I’ve arranged passage for him on a ship to America that leaves in two days’ time.”

“I see your point. Peter is just a boy. Better he is gone before this gets ugly.”

“Exactly.”

“If you need my assistance in this matter, do not hesitate,” Marc said, his eyes going hard and flat. “Villains like this cannot go unpunished.”

“I will bring them to justice,” Rome swore.

Silence fell for a moment. Then Marc looked straight at Rome and asked, “What does Anna have to do with all this?”

Rome heard the question behind the words, saw the flash of apprehension behind Marc’s usual calm, and was glad Lavinia had stopped him in time that night in Severley’s garden. “She believes her brother was a member and subsequently killed in a duel.”

“Really.” Clearly surprised, Marc scratched his jaw. “Has she informed her parents?”

“I believe she has, but apparently they don’t
share her opinion. So she has been investigating the matter on her own.”

“What!” Marc sat straight up. “Is she mad?”

“My sentiments exactly. I have been following the trail of the Black Rose Society and on more than one occasion, I observed Miss Rosewood on a quest to learn the truth about her brother.”

“I can’t credit it.” Haverford shook his head. “She seems such an obedient, well-behaved young lady.”

“She was very close to her brother. Twins, I believe.”

“Still, there are certain standards of behavior a lady must follow.”

Rome bit back instinctive words of defense. Didn’t Haverford realize how lucky he was? “Which is why I’m here. Miss Rosewood is very loyal to those she loves, but I believe that loyalty is putting her in danger.”

“And so you come to me?”

“Yes. Am I correct in believing that you and Miss Rosewood have an understanding?”
Say no. Please say no
.

“We do have an understanding. I have every intention of asking her to be my wife.”

Though he had expected the answer, Rome’s heart plummeted. “I have done what I could to try and divert the lady from pursuing this matter. I’ve spoken to her and tried to convince her to leave such things to men, but her love for her brother keeps her focused on this path. I have
come to the conclusion that only a husband, or an intended husband, can successfully protect her.”

“You are right.” Marc seemed to visibly relax. “It is my duty to see to her safety.”

“She is a strong-minded woman,” Rome warned. “If you outright forbid her to do something, there is no guarantee she will obey.”

“It seems as if you have come to know her well.”

There it was again, that question hiding behind the words. “I have been attempting to dissuade her from continuing her quest,” Rome explained, uncomfortable beneath Marc’s gimlet gaze. “For a short while she had me believing that she would cease her actions, but the recent death of Robert Chambers has fueled her energies all over again.”

“I take it she knew him.”

“They were childhood playmates.” Marc contemplated the situation, and Rome added, “As I said, she is loyal.”

“A good quality in a wife,” Haverford remarked. “I take it you intend to bring this matter to a conclusion in short order?”

Rome nodded. “As soon as Peter is safely gone, I will see the Black Rose Society destroyed. This I promise you.”

“As it happens, I have invited the Rosewoods out to my estate in Kent, so Anna will be away from London and safe under my protection.”

“Excellent,” Rome said. Inside, his heart clenched, but he had to accept that Anna belonged
to Haverford. Unlike his father, he would do the honorable thing.

“I have also invited the Emberlys,” the earl continued.

“Lavinia is thrilled, I’m sure. Will you invite the Fellhoppers as well?”

Marc cleared his throat. “Of course. I’m certain Anna will enjoy Miss Fellhopper’s company.” He stood. “Thank you, Rome, for bringing this to my attention.”

Rome rose as well. “I just want to do what is right and keep Miss Rosewood safe.”

“Coming to me was the right thing to do,” Marc said, with a genuine smile. “If she’s to be my wife, I had better start as I mean to go on. The lady sounds like she needs a firm hand to guide her, and I can give her that.”

But can you give her love?

Rome pasted an answering smile on his face. “I’ll not keep you longer, cousin. Good day to you.”

“Remember,” Marc said, as Rome headed for the door. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“I will.” But as he left the room, his smile faded.

I had everything I needed in this world, and I just gave it away.

“You can’t see him anymore.”

Anna blinked in confusion. A moment ago, she and Lavinia had been discussing the latest fash
ions pictured in the ladies’ magazine open between their two chairs. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

Lavinia sighed. “I apologize for blurting that out, but we must talk, Anna. About the Severley ball.”

“Oh.” Cheeks burning, Anna glanced away. “I know what you must think of me—”

“Oh, no!” Lavinia leaned closer, unmindful of the magazine that slid to the floor. “I do not blame you, Anna. Really, I don’t. My brother can be quite charming, this I know.”

“I do not deserve your kindness.” Anna sucked in a breath. “I knew what I was doing. I am as guilty as he.”

“I do not think so. Rome is quite a bit older than either of us and is worldly. He could have ruined both of you in the garden that night. I’m just glad I found you in time.”

“I am expected to marry Lord Haverford. How can you not hate me?”

“I do not hate you, but I
will
caution you.” Lavinia pinned Anna with a sober gaze. “Our father ran away with the old earl’s betrothed, and we all suffered greatly as a result of the scandal. If it happened again, I don’t know if the family would ever recover.”

“I do not intend to run away with your brother,” Anna assured her. “I would never do such a thing.”

“Then what
are
you doing?”

Lavinia’s quiet question shook her. What
did
she hope to accomplish with such fast behavior? “I don’t know,” she finally admitted, searching her friend’s face for an answer. “These encounters just seem to happen.”

“They must stop immediately. Hear me in this, Anna. Roman finally has a chance at the future he has always dreamed about, but it can only happen if he remains free of scandal. These interludes…sooner or later you will be discovered. And when that happens, your reputation will be soiled beyond redemption, and Rome will never have the successful career he deserves.” She sat back in her chair. “Neither of you deserves that. You must stop seeing my brother, Anna. It is the only way to avoid disaster.”