The Danger in Tempting an Earl (21 page)

“I need you, Lucien.” She tilted her hips toward him, leaving no doubt as to where exactly she needed him most.

This was it. The moment he’d dreamed of for so long was finally upon him, and the responsibility that came with it washed over him. He had to make this good for her.

Placing himself at her entrance, he eased himself inside. “You’ll tell me if there’s something you don’t like?” His voice was tight with anxiety and the strain of holding back.

“Yes,” she murmured, rocking toward him, inviting him closer.

Pushing himself forward, Lucien reveled in the feel of having her around him—the welcoming warmth and the tightness. “Bloody hell,” he gasped, fearing for his control. It felt like a very thin thread was about to snap at any moment.

“Is everything all right?” Katherine asked, wide-eyed with concern.

He nodded, took a breath to steady himself. “It’s just . . . I’ve spent years imagining this and now . . . it feels so damn good, Kate. I don’t want to frighten you, but I don’t think I can hold back any longer.”

“Then don’t,” she whispered, reaching up and dragging him down for a kiss. “Claim me, Lucien. Make me yours.”

Primal instinct took control of his body at those words, and restraint fled. Pulling back, he drove back inside her, the movement forcing a groan from his throat. He did it again, and again with increasing speed, watching as Katherine’s eyes glazed over, her breath coming in short pants as she moved in time with his thrusts, her skin flushed and her breasts rocking back and forth with the motion. Tremors started to rise up his legs, and he knew he had to lower the pace if he was to take Katherine with him. But it was beyond his control, and he was powerless to stop it.

But then, just when he felt his climax rising, her muscles quickened, contracted, and his name was flung from her lips as she shuddered around him. Lucien followed in her wake, the rush of energy bursting through him, carrying him forward in an upward spiral until he knew without a doubt that he’d just found heaven. On a sigh of sated satisfaction, he drifted back to earth and to the soft comfort of the bed, where Katherine waited. He placed a tender kiss upon her lips before settling down beside her and hugging her body against his own. Curling to match his shape, Katherine nestled her head against his shoulder and sighed with contentment.

“Are you happy?” Lucien asked, simply to hear her voice.

“Unbelievably so,” she murmured. “Are you?”

“I can’t remember when I was more so,” he said. Allowing his hand to trail along her waist and over the curve of her hip, he placed it on top of the red mark and added, “Indeed, I feel extraordinarily blessed to have won the attention of the loveliest woman in England.”

Turning her head, she gazed at him, and he saw in her eyes such gratitude that had he been standing, it would have brought him to his knees. “I love you,” she whispered. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to realize that you wouldn’t care about the marks.”

Lucien hugged her closer, still desperate to prove that he would never judge her like that. “It’s quite all right,” he said, brushing his lips against her cheek. “You’ve been hurt and had good reason to be wary.” He hesitated, cautious about what he wanted to say next. Their relationship had progressed with startling speed and without agreeing on how to proceed after. She’d said before that she’d no intention of marrying again. What if that was still true? He couldn’t stand the thought of her rejection—not now, after everything they’d shared. She loved him though, had told him so just now. Surely that meant she wanted to be more than his lover. Didn’t it? Swallowing all apprehension, he decided to ask the question that would clarify where they stood with each other. “Kate, you will marry me, won’t you?”

She didn’t respond, and Lucien realized she’d fallen asleep. Expelling a deep breath, he closed his eyes, knowing that the matter would have to wait. Hopefully he’d find the courage to ask her again later, and he silently prayed that when he did, she’d answer him “yes.”

Chapter 14

S
tirring a spoonful of honey into her tea, Katherine sighed with exasperation and stared across at Lucien, who was happily reading his morning paper. Three days she’d been trapped inside his house, not even able to look out the window at the passersby and with nobody save Lucien for company. Not that she didn’t enjoy his company, of course, but he’d seemed very reserved lately, considering how forward he’d been before—almost as if he’d accomplished his goal, and now that he’d bedded her, his appetite for her was sated.

It bothered her, not only because she was more than eager for him to make love to her again but because she was beginning to doubt his intentions. He’d spoken of marriage with great enthusiasm before, but he hadn’t mentioned it since, though he did occasionally approach her as if he meant to say something of great importance. To her increasing frustration, he never did and would invariably end up saying something banal about the weather instead. Then he’d frown at her the way most men frowned when studying something that puzzled them, and eventually he’d give her a kiss upon her hand or her cheek.

In short, the blazing heat of a few days earlier had cooled dramatically.

Katherine sighed again. It was only made worse by the tedium of her situation. She needed something with which to distract herself from the threat that loomed and from her worries about Lucien. Her greatest fear, of course, was that he hadn’t found her pleasing after all—that the birthmarks had repulsed him and that he was too kind to say anything about it because he didn’t wish to hurt her feelings. Logic told her this wasn’t the case, considering how eager he’d been during their coupling, yet she couldn’t help but worry.

She stared at him as he turned a page of his paper. Whatever was going on inside that thick skull of his, he wasn’t doing a very good job of easing her concerns. “I’d like to host a dinner party,” she found herself saying, her voice curt and irritable.

“You know that’s impossible,” he said, lowering the paper so he could look at her, his eyes filled with sympathy. It was the last thing she wanted him to feel toward her.

“Why?” she protested. “We could have your sister and Gray over.”

“That wouldn’t be much of a party,” Lucien murmured.

She felt like flinging her teacup at him. “Even so,” she said, tempering her tone, since she knew that screaming her head off was unlikely to work in her favor, “it could be fun. We could play whist after supper, perhaps even charades.”

He studied her for a moment. “You know how concerned I am for your safety, Kate, particularly following the missive we just received from your secretary.”

The letter worried Katherine as well. Apparently there had been another fire—this time at the mill in Ancoats. It couldn’t be a coincidence that her investments were being targeted in such quick succession. After breakfast, she would send letters to the other enterprises, warning them to beware.

“Until we find the culprit behind the threats against you,” Lucien continued, “I’d rather be overly cautious than risk . . .” He winced. “I just want us to be careful. That is all.”

“And we are being. I wouldn’t be leaving the house—they would come here. I don’t see why anyone should be the wiser, when you know as well as I that they can be trusted.”

“Of course I do.”

“Then please invite them over. You cannot possibly imagine how difficult it is for me to just sit here day in and day out. You at least have the excuse of going to your club—a freedom which you’ve been taking great advantage of lately. I don’t think it’s the least bit fair.”

“I’ve been trying to gather information about Donovan.”

“Yes, I am aware. However, if things don’t change soon, I am likely to go mad.” Rising, she crossed the floor to the door. “You’ve been warned.”

“Very well. You may host a dinner.”

She turned around slowly, as if she feared that any sudden movement might change his mind. “Are you certain?”

“I understand how difficult the situation must be for you. You’ve been shot at, had your home broken into, been separated from your daughter and removed from your familiar surroundings to be locked away in a house that isn’t your own and with nothing to entertain you, except for me of course, whenever I am here, which I haven’t been often—admittedly. In my opinion, it’s a wonder you’re not mad already.”

Smiling, she walked back toward him. He set his paper aside and stood, his hand seeking hers. She accepted it. “We’ll be careful,” she promised, aware that his greatest concern was for her safety. She loved that he cared, but too much caring could also be stifling.

He nodded, his lips pressed together even as he made an effort to smile. He was worried, yet he was bowing to her wishes. He truly was a wonderful man. If only he’d kiss her now with all the passion he’d shown for her before. She remained where she was, so close to him that it would scarcely take any effort at all for him to pull her into his arms.

“Kate . . .” His voice was hoarse, and for a moment it looked as if her prayers would be answered. Commanded by the sound of her name upon his lips, she met his gaze, but where there had once been heat, there was now doubt and trepidation.

“It’s all right,” she said, pulling away from him and taking a step back, the loss of his touch stirring an ache in her chest. “You needn’t explain. I understand.”

He frowned. “Do you?”

“Oh yes.” Heaven above, she was going to die right there on the dining room floor. Her heart was breaking, and she feared she might soon cry before him if she didn’t hurry things along and get herself out of there quickly. “However, if it’s not too much trouble, it would please me greatly if we could at least remain friends.”

“Remain friends?”

“I see you disagree.” She nodded, willing back the tears that threatened to fall. “Well, I suppose that’s what I get for wanting the moon, the stars and sun. I’ll leave you to your paper.”

Turning about on her heel, she started forward, only to be halted by his hand upon her arm. “Kate,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I don’t—”

“Where is she?” The sound of a female voice echoing through the hallway came toward them, followed swiftly by the rapid clicking of heels upon the floor.

“My lady!” Mr. Parker’s voice.

“I insist on seeing my friend or if not her, then Lord Roxberry. Surely he must be able to—” Louise appeared in the doorway, her eyes widening as she spotted Katherine. Mr. Parker came up behind her with hastily spoken apologies. “My dear!” The tension left Louise’s voice as she enveloped Katherine in her arms.

Lucien dismissed the anxious butler with a request that more tea be brought in.

“Heaven above, I can’t tell you how relieved I am to find you, and in good health too, from the looks of it.” Stepping back, Louise smoothed the front of her skirts and looked at Lucien. “My lord, I hope you will forgive my dramatic intrusion, but I was so terribly worried. I went to Cresthaven to call on Katherine, you see, but was informed that she had departed for London after being attacked in her home the previous evening.”

“That was very informative of her staff,” Lucien said stiffly.

Louise smiled. “You’d be surprised how easily some tongues can be loosened, especially since the servants know how fond I am of Katherine. I left for London the next day and went directly to Crossby House, but when the staff there told me they hadn’t seen their mistress in months, I grew very alarmed indeed. The next logical place to inquire was here.”

“And I’m very happy you did,” Katherine told her. “Is Huntley in town with you?”

“Oh yes—he refused to let me travel alone. Mind you, we shan’t stay long. I promised Mama that I would only be gone for a couple of days. With Kingsborough Hall still overrun by houseguests, I really must be there to help her entertain—especially with my brother, the duke, in pursuit of Miss Chilcott.”

Katherine tilted her head. “Miss Chilcott? Do I know her?”

“I shouldn’t think so. She was not invited to the ball, but she snuck herself in anyway. Well, my brother fell for her and . . . ah well, it has become a very delicate situation, I fear. Her parents are completely opposed to any match between their daughter and the duke.”

“That sounds very odd,” Lucien said as he pulled out a chair for Louise so she could sit. She thanked him kindly and lowered herself onto it while Katherine and Lucien both reclaimed theirs.

“Yes, I suppose it does. But the duke is determined to make her his bride, so I’m sure he’ll get to the bottom of it eventually.”

“Well, since you are in town for at least tonight and hopefully tomorrow night as well, we’d like to invite you for dinner—whichever evening suits you best,” Katherine said, hoping that her friend wasn’t already engaged.

Louise smiled. “That sounds lovely. Huntley suggests we go to the theater this evening—you’re welcome to join us.”

“Thank you,” Katherine said, her eyes meeting Lucien’s. She longed to accept the invitation, but she knew she could not. “Unfortunately, the person who attacked me at Cresthaven was hired by someone, and until we find out who, I am still at risk. You know, the shot that was fired at the ball was intended for me.”

Louise gasped, her palm pressed against her chest with obvious alarm. “Oh, my dear! No wonder you are staying here.” She eyed Lucien. “I didn’t want to comment on the impropriety, for in earnest, it is none of my business, and with all the rumors . . . well, I do hope you’ll forgive me for imagining that your friendship had risen to a new level.”

Katherine swatted her friend on the shoulder. “Lady Huntley, you are just as outrageous as Roxberry’s grandmother, except you don’t have the excuse of being old and without any obligation to be discreet.”

A skinny little maid with a very serious expression entered, carrying a fresh pot of tea and a cup for Louise. Placing the items on the table, she bobbed a curtsy and left. Reaching for the pot, Katherine poured the tea for her friend, refilling Lucien’s cup as well as her own in the process.

“My apologies, my lord,” Louise said as she slid her fingertips over the ear of her teacup. “Katherine is right. I often say things I shouldn’t, and in this instance in particular I do believe I should have refrained from saying anything at all. You are only doing what is right, after all. There is no fault in that, and if Society says otherwise, well, then they can all go hang!”

Katherine couldn’t help but laugh. She looked at Lucien, whose lips were puckering with amusement. “Please don’t concern yourself on my account, Lady Huntley. I am not so easily offended.” His eyes met Katherine’s. “On the contrary, it has been an absolute pleasure having Katherine all to myself for a few days. It has given us the opportunity to become properly reacquainted.” He stood, while Katherine’s cheeks began to burn. “I would be delighted to invite you and Huntley to dine with us tomorrow if you are available then. And if you have some time to spare for Katherine right now, then I daresay she’d appreciate it. I understand she’s feeling rather trapped in this house.” His eyes darkened. “Word of caution though—nobody must know that she is here. Her life is in danger, Lady Huntley, so I do hope that you will take my warning seriously.”

“You have my word on it,” Louise replied, her head dipping in acquiescence.

Katherine watched him go, her heart beating a strange tattoo. For the first time in their lifelong relationship, she’d no idea what he was thinking or feeling. It unnerved her tremendously.

“I knew he was planning to ask for your hand,” Louise whispered. She was still half turned in her seat, her eyes on the door through which Lucien had just departed.

Katherine sighed.
This again
. “You’ve no idea of what you speak, Louise.”

“Really? From where I’m sitting, the two of you looked very domestic, discussing dinner plans over breakfast.” Katherine could feel Louise’s eyes on her, but she dared not meet her gaze. Silence spread between them until Louise eventually said, “Tell me, has he kissed you yet?”

Katherine’s head snapped up at that question. “Louise!”

Louise merely grinned. “I can see that he has. Now I’ll save you the embarrassment of asking if he’s done anything more than that.”

Good Lord, I’m going to combust!

“Instead, I’m going to ask you why you don’t look happier. He is a handsome man, Katherine, and the two of you have always been so close. Surely you can see what a perfect match he would make for you. After all, he obviously cares for you or he wouldn’t have risked scandal in order to save you. Besides, I’m sure he could find somewhere else for you to stay if he was determined to do so.”

“He wants to keep an eye on me,” Katherine said, her voice low with humiliation.

Louise chuckled. “I daresay it’s nothing more than an excuse to . . . facilitate certain opportunities—like that of kissing, for instance. He’d never have a chance to do that if you were living with his mama and grandmamma at Roxberry Hall, for instance. Curious that he didn’t think to leave you there, don’t you think?”

“I . . .” Katherine’s throat worked in an attempt to find the right words while she sorted through her muddled thoughts at the same time. “No, Louise. Coming to London with him was my idea. I wanted to be of some assistance, not tucked out of the way somewhere, for if that was the case, I ought to have gone with Sophia.” Her voice quivered a little on her daughter’s name, for she was terribly worried about her in spite of having recently received a letter from her mother, confirming that Sophia was safe.