Summers, Jordan (18 page)

He kicked up the team and turned them for Lily’s home.
After depositing her at the door with a gracious bow, Richard set out for his
house to pick up his other carriage. Hurley waited. They changed out the horses
and then proceeded to
Covent Garden
. Following Lily’s
lead, he decided it was time to let Rose go. He no longer needed her services
and would make do with a quick bite on the street. He would be wed in eight
days. His bride would then take care of all his needs… he hoped.

Afterwards he’d pay Lily one final nocturnal visit.

Chapter Eight

An hour later, Hurley maneuvered the team to the front
of Caulfield’s. The night was cool and a dense fog had begun to form, shrouding
London
like a thick cloak. Richard
slipped from the carriage and inside the gambling den. He made his way past the
gamblers and up the stairs in search of Rose. Tonight the house smelled like
stale cigars and cheap perfume. Richard ignored the odor and continued down the
hall to Rose’s room, grateful that he’d been able to avoid Josephine.

Upon reaching Rose’s door, Richard rapped lightly. The
silky voice that belonged to her called out from the other side beckoning him
in. He entered the familiar room and closed the door behind him. She stretched
out upon her bed wearing an ivory silk robe that tied at the waist. The thin
material did little to hide her many charms. Richard gazed upon her protruding
nipples, then shifted uncomfortably in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort
in his breeches.

He’d been hard as nails when he’d left Lily and his
erection still hadn’t gone down. Rose’s gaze flicked from his face to his cock
and back again.

“Is there anything I can do for you, my lord?” Her
tongue slipped out wetting her lower lip suggestively.

Richard swallowed hard. He was tempted, so tempted to
get a modicum of relief, but he’d held off this long, so he could hold off a
while longer. “I’m here to settle our accounts.” His voice sounded as if he
gargled stones.

Her brows furrowed for a moment, then rose to her
hairline. A smile played at the corners of her mouth. “You’ve done it.” She
leapt from the bed and rushed toward him, arms open wide. “You have finally found
her after all these years.”

The moment Rose’s arms embraced him, the door to her
room flew open, shattering the joyous moment. Richard and Rose turned in
unison. Lord Archibald Devlin stood in the dim hallway, mouth agog. His face
held shock, but for a moment, before slipping into a deep scowl.

“I’ll be with you in a moment, Archie,” Rose called
out, her silky voice dropping an octave.

Devlin’s face turned to stone. “Don’t bother. I want
nothing that has touched that… that man.” He held out a shaky finger, pointing
it at Richard. “Thanks to your engagement, Martins has damn near ruined me, you
greedy bastard,” he hissed, then turned on his heel and stomped away.

Rose continued to stare in his wake. “I’m not sure what
that was all about, but I’m sure he’ll get over it. He’s been a regular
customer on and off since before his wife passed away.”

Richard released the breath he’d been holding. His
heart sank as he considered the view Devlin had been given. Rose pressed
against him, her lush breasts practically spilling from the robe; her legs
clearly outlined against the silk, along with the curve of her ample rump. The
embrace was innocent, but that’s not how Devlin saw it, considering he was in a
brothel. No way Archibald would believe he was there as a friend. Richard’s
only hope for now was that Archibald reacted like a gentleman and kept his
mouth shut around Lily.

“What’s wrong?” Rose asked, staring up at him.

Richard dropped his hands from her and turned to close
the door once again. “The man who just walked in on us is my intended’s father.”
Richard stared down into her face. “I thought you weren’t going to entertain
other gentlemen while I was here.”

“That wasn’t other gentlemen, it was only Archie.” She
shrugged, clearly not understanding the fuss. “Surely he knows a gentleman in
his prime, such as yourself, has his needs.” Rose rubbed her hands over Richard’s
cock her eyes glowing in anticipation.

Richard stopped her movements. “He knows and
understands, but I’m not so sure Lily will understand if he mentions my needs
to her.”

Rose’s mouth formed a silent ‘O’ and her frown
deepened. “He wouldn’t do that, would he? Not when we’re both so close to
getting what we want.” Fear gripped her voice. She wrapped her arms around her
waist. “Would he try to take away your happiness, because of me?” Tears sprang
into Rose’s green eyes.

Richard stepped forward and squeezed her hand. “Nothing
would be done because of you, Rose. His reasons are his own.” You are as good
as out of this hellhole.

Rose wiped at her eyes with her sleeve.

“That’s why I came here tonight.” He paused. “I wanted
to say goodbye and settle our agreement.”

Rose smiled. “You know I’ve wanted this for you.” She
sniffed. “You deserve happiness more than anyone I know. You’ve helped me and
others without asking for a thing of import in return. If that lady of yours
can’t see how wonderful you are… well then, she doesn’t deserve you.” Her chin
tilted defiantly in his defense.

Richard smiled and brought her hand to his lips. “Thank
you for all that you’ve done for me, my friend. I shall not forget it.” He
released her. “And to prove it, I’ve set up a trust for you. If you so desire,
you can leave this place tonight and never return.”

Rose stood across from him staring, her eyes the size
of tea saucers. Her mouth had dropped open as if to speak, yet she uttered not
a sound. After a few moments, she began to shake, then peals of laughter sprang
forth, filling the quiet of the room.

“My lord, you have been kind enough throughout the
years, it is not necessary to set up a proper fund. Honoring the contract is
all I desire.”

He stepped forward, closing the small distance between
them. His hands framed her face, pushing aside her copper curls. “You have been
friend and confidant to me, when you could have—”

Rose leaned back out of his grip. “I would never have
done that. Unlike some people, I honor my agreements. Besides you’ve given me
gifts and pleasure throughout the years.”

She leaned in until her lips were near his ear. “I’ll
let you in on a little secret,” she whispered, then pulled back to peer up at
him. “Even if you hadn’t had any blunt, I’d have still serviced you.” Rose’s
smile lit up the room.

Richard laughed. “Well now you don’t have to service
anyone, anymore, unless you wish it.”

“I’ve been thinking about retiring to the country,” she
mused. “Perhaps find me a

gentleman of my own.”

“I think that’s a fine idea.” Richard removed a card
from his coat pocket. “This is the information for your accounts. It’s
available whenever you desire. I also took the liberty of purchasing a manor
home for you in
Sterling
,
Scotland
outside of
Edinburgh
, as per our
agreement.” He crooked a brow, then winked.

Rose gazed into his face. “Bless you,” she said, her
voice cracking with emotion. “Thank you for showing me that not all men treat
their vows carelessly.”

Richard started to leave, but Rose stopped him by
placing her hand on his sleeve. He turned back and arched a brow. She loosened
the collar of her robe exposing her ample bosom, and then pulled her hair back.

“Once more for old time’s sake… ?” She arched her neck,
so that Richard got a good view of the vein throbbing there.

He breathed deeply. The scent of her blood beat him,
triggering his hunger. His fangs sprang into place and he growled. “Rose, you
are too good to me.”

Richard stepped forward and accepted her gift, knowing
this would be the last time he’d ever see Rose.

* * * * *

Lily paced back and forth in front of her hearth for
over an hour after readying herself for bed. The same niggling thought had been
eating at her ever since Richard deposited her on the doorstep. All the
kissing, stroking, and embracing had been similar to what she’d experienced in
her dreams. Her reasonable mind told her there was no way Richard could have
been in her bedchamber night after night, but his touch told a different story.

No matter how she’d tried to convince herself she’d
imagined things, Lily could come up with no other conclusion. Richard had been
here. She worried her hands as she turned and faced the bed. The fire at her
back warmed her skin through the thin gown. Its glow sent shadows flickering
along the walls, reminding her of long ago childhood nightmares. A chill
slithered up her spine, despite the temperature. Lily rubbed her arms, trying
to ward away the sudden unease. Her gaze fastened on the sleeping draught
sitting on her mahogany bedside table.

Did she dare take it again?

Part of Lily begged her to imbibe, just so she’d get to
experience the dream again. But the other half knew what she should do. Lily
continued to stare at the tonic for what seemed like hours, yet only mere
moments past. Mind made up, she half emptied the draught into the chamber pot,
then undid her robe and laid it in a chair. Lily got into bed ignoring the
seductive lure of the glass beside her. Tonight she would let the fates fall
where they would.

* * * * *

Lily peeked out from beneath her lashes as Richard
entered her room, just like he’d done every other night over the past several
days. Her bed curtains were drawn back making him clearly visible as he stood
by the window. Lily lay tucked under the covers as usual with the glass at her
bedside. He approached on silent footfalls.

He neared the side of the bed where her head lay and
stroked her golden curls. She prayed he didn’t realize she was awake. Lily
murmured and then sleepily opened her eyes. The second she took in the nearness
of his handsome face, her breathing sped up and she licked her lips. Richard
groaned following her pink tongue’s darting movement with his gaze. This man
did things to her no one had before. Then reality struck.

Lily’s heart slammed against her ribs, trying to break
out. As she feared—this was no dream. Richard stood in front of her, warmth
exuding from his face, stroking her hair like a lover would. Her mind raced,
but then she realized that’s exactly what he’d become, her lover—even though
they hadn’t actually made love to her knowledge. No, she admonished. She would
have remembered that, sleep draught or not. Her dreams had been far too vivid
and now she knew why.

Inside Lily debated her plan of attack. She should just
rise out of bed and demand an explanation. Richard reached over and palmed her
breasts, plumping them. Lily’s skin prickled then heated, her nipples jutted
and began to throb. She sucked in a surprised breath. Even though he’d done the
same thing to her earlier in the carriage and in her dreams, everything had
changed the moment he crossed the threshold.

They were now in her bedchamber where the lines of impropriety
had been all but erased. As far as the ton was concerned, her virtue was
probably bordering on non-existent after she’d allowed Richard to parade her
around at the balls.

Could the gossips have discovered their encounters?
What if Richard had been seen entering the house tonight… or all those other
nights?

Lily considered the implications, like she deliberated
everything else, with a level head. Despite her body’s wanton displays she
could still reason. If the ton already considered her lost, then she might as
well be hung for a sheep and skip the lamb altogether. Lily arched up, weaving
her hands around Richard’s neck and through his mahogany hair, coaxing him
toward her. He did not resist. His lips came crashing down upon hers, ravenous.

Her body responded immediately, like flame to oil,
increasing in intensity. Lily felt moisture flood her channel. Richard’s hands
kneaded her breasts, teasing her nipples with his thumb and forefinger until
she feared she’d go mad. She broke the kiss and tore at his clothes.

“Give me a moment, my love. I will remove the coat for
you.” Richard proceeded to remove his coat, shirt, and cravat, then laid them
on a chair near the hearth.

Lily stared transfixed as if truly seeing him for the
first time. In her dream, she’d looked upon his wide muscled chest, but now
without any impairment he was magnificent, perfect in every facet. Hard planes
and marbled ridges carved out his abdomen. He had a light sprinkling of hair
between the flat disc nipples and a darker vee leading like a secret pathway
past a vicious scar into his breeches. Heaven help her, Lily wanted to see
where that trail ended.

In her dreams, he’d always been careful to leave his
breeches and Hessians on. Why, she wasn’t sure. Had he been protecting her
virtue? Surely not. Tonight she decided to see if she could coax him into
removing the final items, revealing the whole man, the one she’d only caught
glimpses of on their carriage rides. He moved closer. Lily ran her hands down
his chest, taking care to trace every rib, scar, and indentation with her fingertips.
He flinched, nostrils flaring, when she reached the vee she’d been fascinated
by.

She fluttered her eyes, attempting to appear slightly
disoriented. Too much so and he’d back away. “Richard I want… “ she croaked. “I
want to see all of you.” The performance she put on could have shamed the
finest courtesan. Lily felt like a woman possessed, especially seeing the way
Richard’s eyes lit up as she coaxed.

Richard gulped, staring down at the siren who surely
led him to his death on the shores. Her tousled golden hair gave her a wanton
look. Her lips were swollen from the ferociousness of his kiss. Her chest rose
and fell with each bated breath she took, giving him an unimpaired view of the
swells of her full breasts. He told himself he needed to protect her virtue and
that she really didn’t know what she asked of him, but those excuses weren’t
holding up tonight. He’d tasted her willingly in the carriage and now here she
sat before him all but begging for his cock. How could he tell her no?