Seduce Me Please

by Nichole Matthews

  With wide eyes raised to his, Piper rose to her feet with a soft swish of silk, running her hands down her skirts to smooth any wrinkles that may have appeared.

  He stood, his amber eyes ablaze, holding her fan dangling from his index finger.

  Her hand shook as she raised it to snatch the fan from him.

  He placed his index finger on her lips.

  She momentarily closed her eyes and allowed the strong emotions swirling around them to wash over her. She never wanted to forget this moment. She would carry it as a treasure with her always.

  As they were returning to the ballroom, Piper groaned when she noticed Lord Perceval talking quite animated with Miss Harris. “Blast,” she muttered under her breath.

  “An admirer?” Graydon inquired with a smirk as they drew closer.

  She gave a small shrug, and quirked her eyebrow. “Of a sort. I try to stay out of his way. He’s not my cup of tea, but I truly do not want to hurt his feelings.”

  “We can always turn around and circle the ballroom once more,” Graydon suggested.

  With shoulders back and her head held high Piper smiled. “I cannot avoid him forever,” she muttered. “No matter how much I would wish to.”

  “Well done,” Graydon responded in a whisper and squeezed her hand. “Talking to you has been…quite enlightening.” Bowing, he took possession of her hand and kissed it, a wicked twinkle in his eyes. “I look forward to our next encounter.” Turning to her companion he inclined his head, “Miss Harris, Gideon.”

  Graydon raised his brow as he turned to Parker.

  “Chester,” Parker interjected. “I’ve heard that you have a cousin visiting from Devonshire.” He glanced at Rockwell before continuing, “I don’t believe I have met him before. A George Smith, if I’m not mistaken. You should bring him round to the club as a guest.”

  Chester stammered as his eyes swung towards Piper, “Y-y-yes Ash. He is in London for only a few days. Very young, not doing much. Just a little sightseeing, that’s all, nothing too strenuous. I don’t believe he will have much time for the club. He will be leaving in three days’ time.”

  “No!” Graydon breathed rather dramatically. His hand pressed firmly to his chest. “Surely your cousin can spare a few extra days to tour Tattersall’s,” Graydon suggested. “I would be delighted to have the two of you accompany me a week from Monday,” he added, a stark challenge visible in his eyes. “I know any young lad would be quite interested in seeing all of that prime horseflesh.” He flashed a sly look at Piper. “In fact I won’t take no for an answer, I insist.”

  “Capital.” Chester flushed under the interest. “I will talk to him immediately. I’m sure he will be in rapture over the invitation.”

  “I’m sure he will be over the moon,” Graydon drawled with a wicked grin.

  Looking at Chester through widened eyes, Piper gritted her teeth. “Chester, don’t we have plans for Monday next?”

  “Of course, of course,” Chester waved his hand dismissively. “We can postpone surely, Piper. I see you all the time. How often does one get to attend Tattersall’s with such an expert on horseflesh as Rockwell?”

  Piper’s heart sank. She rolled her eyes with frustration, blowing out a breath of consternation. Great, one outing and Chester has already forgotten their ruse. “Yes, but you haven’t even asked George if he would like to attend with you yet.”

  “Who wouldn’t want to attend?” Chester asked in confusion. “Especially at the express wishes of Lord Rockwell? He would have to be a dunderhead.”

  Lud! Piper groaned audibly, nervously playing with a fold in the fabric of her white gown. “I’m sure he must be,” she muttered.

  Graydon bit back a chuckle when he spied the annoyance that flashed in Piper’s eyes. Just as I suspected, Portland definitely didn’t come up with this little scheme. He has all but forgotten that his cousin is a fraud.

  “If you will excuse me,” Graydon said, acknowledging all in her group with a polite nod of his head. Grasping Piper’s hand he raised it to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. His heavy-lidded eyes lowered fractionally, almost in abject pleasure when his lips met her hand, his thumb absently rubbing sensuous circles over her the pulse point of her wrist.

  She could feel the warmth of his breath through her glove and the pressure of his firm lips sent ravenous tingles of desire straight to her toes, making them curl in her satin slippers. “À bientôt j’espere.”

  “My lord,” Piper managed to reply, staring after him with a perplexed look on her face. Her heart was pounding, blood thumping through her veins. She suddenly realized that the flurry of activities she had been using to fill her days over the past few years, including her literary group, were just poor imitations of what life had to offer. For suddenly she felt truly alive.

  “I know you are fully aware of his reputation,” Miss Harris interrupted her dazed musings. “A reckless hedonist; remember the rumors from last season? Seymour mentioned it at our picnic this summer.”

  Glancing at Miss Harris, “Fah, yes I am fully aware of the rumors that circulate carelessly throughout the ton.” A look of censure on her face, “You know as well as I that half the rumors that we hear have no basis in truth. Take for example what we heard about Parker last season.” With her brow cocked. “Surely you don’t place truth in those rumors as well?”

  “Of course I don’t! You know that I believe your brother to be an honorable man, but I do not know anything about Lord Rockwell personally. What if the rumors about him are true? I just want you to take care.”

  “I would never deliberately put myself in harm’s way.” Piper’s eyes wandered around the ballroom, stopping when she spied Agnes Darlington, her dearest friend striding towards her. She was dragging one of their new acquaintances with her, Miss Kate Waverly. “Oh look, Agnes and Kate are on their way over.”

  Agnes dressed in her usual gray attire and scraped back hair, caused Piper to shake her head in wonder. No matter how hard she tried, she was unable to induce her friend to change her mode of dress. She was out to prove a point. Men were only interested in outward appearances. She was determined to find a man who would choose her for her true self without first capturing his attention with a tempting package.

  “Oh my goodness, Piper!” Agnes’ eyes were aglow with excitement. “We saw you walking out to the garden with Lord Rockwell and had to come and see you immediately upon your return.” Her words came out on a breathy sigh. “I wager you were all fluttery inside.” She leaned in to whisper for Piper’s ears only, “Did he make the connection? Did he mention anything about the literary club?”

  Agnes of course, had been fully apprised of Piper’s masquerade and thought the whole situation dangerous, but exciting. “He didn’t say a word! He looked at me with a…I don’t know…strange look in his eyes, but nothing more.” She giggled into her white gloved hand. “He did remark that Parker mentioned my desire to begin a literary club and he actually appeared interested.”

  With a frown. “Truly? Maybe he isn’t exactly what we thought?” She grinned widely. “How very intriguing.”

  Glancing around to insure their privacy, Piper leaned towards Agnes and whispered, “I must speak with you privately later tonight.”

  Agnes giggled, linking her arm with Piper’s. “This sounds titillating.”

  “Dear heavens.” Suddenly Kate grabbed Piper’s hand her brow puckered. “Do you know that attractive gentleman in the gold waistcoat to your left? He is staring a hole straight through you, Piper.”

  Covertly looking about the room, Piper allowed her eyes to graze over the gentleman in question. She plied her fan gently to conceal her speech, “I’m sure I’ve never seen him before, but he is definitely looking our way. Are you certain he is not looking at you?” She grinned with a sparkle of humor in her eyes. “Perhaps he is longing to dance with you, Kate?”

  “Then you are quite mistaken,” Kate said with a wide grin. “His eyes haven’t left your fi
gure all night. You’ve obviously done something to intrigue him.”

  “Well, I cannot imagine what that might have been?” Piper shuddered. A chill inched down her spine at the intensity with which he stared at her. Dismissing the prickle of unease, she turned to Agnes linking their arms. “Now where is your rogue of a brother?” She smiled. “Rhys is supposed to be my next partner?” She looked around. “Oh good.” She smiled. “Here he comes now.”

  Graydon prowled around the ballroom, watching each movement she made. Stalking his prey. He watched as she paired with an elegant gentleman. He was not jealous. In fact, he knew it to be completely impossible, particularly at his age. His whole attitude was laughable. But for the life of him, he could not tear his eyes from her. He watched as she twirled down the room in the arms of Darlington. A perfectly acceptable gentleman. Not a thing wrong with him at all.

  He quickly drained his whiskey and handed his empty glass to a passing footman before exiting the premises.

  …………………………………………..

  They were back in Piper’s cheerful bedroom, their faces scrubbed and both tucked neatly into Piper’s large canopied bed.

  Oh, God, what am I going to do, Agnes?”

  Agnes stretched her arms high, yawning behind her right hand. “Firstly, have a much needed rest.” She snuggled more deeply in the high stacked quilts, hiding yet another yawn behind her right hand. “Then we can talk more intelligently about whatever has you so distraught in the morning when we are refreshed over nice warm pots of chocolate.”

  Piper groaned. “But he kissed me!” she exclaimed with a shaky little laugh.

  “He did what?” Agnes sat up, disturbing the blankets, staring at her dearest friend in astonishment. “I cannot believe you didn’t tell me this immediately?”

  “He kissed me.” Piper blushed. “And it was everything I could have dreamed it would be.” A faraway look still in her eyes.

  “Let me get this straight in my mind,” Agnes said. “Rockwell, one of the most notorious rakes in the history of London…”

  “I’m sure you exaggerate,” Piper interrupted.

  Agnes continued, “…kissed you, Piper Peregrine, in the garden during a ball that could be called nothing less than a crush and not a single person was there to witness it?” She finally exhaled her pent up breath on a whoosh.

  “Of course there were no witnesses!” Piper cried, then paused. “You are quite right.” She slumped against her pillows, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “I didn’t think of it that way. Not a single witness.” A wistful expression crossed her face momentarily. “I obviously didn’t plan this tryst very well at all, simply deplorable preparation on my part.”

  Both ladies flopped back on the bed, laughing until tears ran down their faces. Feeling all the better about their day’s accomplishments.

  And Piper knew she would dream of his lips pressed firmly to hers all night.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  I am being drowned in a sea of trouble.

  Piper’s journal

  10 July

  RACING OVER THE SANDY TRACKS OF ROTTEN ROW AT AN UNGODLY HOUR, at least according to her brother Peyton, was Piper’s idea of heaven. She loved London and disliked London all at the same time. The parties, teas, breakfasts and musicales were fine, some even quite entertaining, but she loved the freedom of the country. No one cared what she wore or what time she arose in the morning…this could all be so tedious.

  Piper tapped her heel to the glossy flank of her chestnut, Annabelle and took off, leaning low over the mare’s neck, she let her stretch out in an easy gallop over the lush green field that was shrouded in a low-lying fog that lent an air of mystery over the ground. Due to the unfamiliar ground, she kept the reins taut. At home she would have preferred to ride astride in breeches, but in Town she was forced to ride side-saddle.

  Annabelle flew, hooves pounding away across the clearing, clumps of dirt flying out behind them. Clear tinkling laughter escaped her lips as a true feeling of freedom erupted from her soul. The crisp clear morning greeted her with a rush of stinging air that almost burned her cheeks. She breathed in the smell of the damp green earth and sighed out a puff of cold air that misted in front of her face. The giddy feelings that enveloped her had not dwindled one smidgeon from the night before.

  Piper reined in her horse, glancing behind her as she felt the ground shake, then heard the thunder of hoof beats racing across the open field. She watched as an uncommonly dashing rider raced towards her on horseback. His great coat flew behind him as he sped across the ground, horse and rider as one. Exhilarated from her own run, she slowed her mare to a more sedate walk, squinting to watch the distant horse and rider move fluidly across the uneven ground. Her heart lifted when she recognized the rider as Rockwell. Surprised that he would be up so early especially if he kept to such late hours as the rumors would have you believe.

  Reining in his magnificent grey hunter, he cantered beside her mare, doffing his hat graciously, “Lady Piper.” He smiled; the early morning breeze ruffling his golden locks. “What a pleasant surprise to meet up with you two days in a row, and so ravishing this early in the morning. I am a great admirer of magnificent horse flesh and your mare is beautiful.”

  Piper threw back her head and laughed a throaty, earthy sound. She inclined her head, with lively blue eyes and replied, “Good morning, my lord.” Unable to hide her grin after such an exhilarating gallop, she stroked her mare’s neck lovingly. “Her name is Annabelle.”

  “Indeed.” Graydon’s brow rose high on his forehead. “We have more in common than I thought.” He chuckled softly, his eyes lit up with humor, hesitating, then replied, “My mother’s name is Annabelle.” A long, slow smile curled his mouth as he surveyed her. “One never knows what life may bring your way.” He said lightly.

  “Fancy meeting you here, as well. I find myself quite surprised that you would venture out so early. I’ve heard tales that you prefer to be shrouded in darkness. I was beginning to harbor fears that you might be a vampire, had I not witnessed your daylight outings with my own two eyes.”

  “Vampire? I find I have more enjoyable interests then drinking someone’s blood. A fine tumbler of brandy will suffice. And all I can say, don’t believe everything you hear. I ride early most mornings, even when I am in London. Now that I know you ride early, I will doubly make cetain that I am always here.” He smiled lazily at her sitting his hunter effortlessly, hands crossed on the saddlebow. “I saw you racing across the field, you’re an excellent rider.” He was enchanted by her nose pink-tipped due to the cold. He exhaled with a visible puff of air. “I fear ‘tis a mite chilly this morning.” He slowly moved his mount closer to her.

  “Yes, ‘tis a bit nippy.” Piper blinked, realizing her gaze was locked on his golden stare, laughing as she pointed to the visible puffs of air before his mouth. “Oh look, you are a fire-breathing dragon.”

  “First I am a vampire and now I am a fire-breathing dragon? What a ravenous beast you must believe me to be.” Graydon laughed loudly, gently tapping her nose with his gloved index finger. “Then your charmingly reddened nose must have been scorched by my fierce dragon’s breath.” His eyes filled with more than just lazy appreciation.

  “I must remind myself to hold my tongue.” She shivered at his touch, and then chuckled. “I love to ride. It’s one of the things I miss about the country.” Studying the views she felt an odd sensation.

  Graydon was impressed with the comfortable ease at which she sat her mount. He loved to ride hell bent for leather. It cleared the cobwebs; he was pleased that she obviously felt the same way. Her mulberry velvet riding habit hugged her contours, emphasizing her tiny stature. He was always amazed at how small some women were. He normally found himself attracted to soft, voluptuous women. But there was something to be said about a delicate female. They have a way of making a man feel powerful and he was definitely feeling something… powerful.

  Graydon looked around for a mo
ment. “Are you out here alone?”

  Glancing over her shoulder, she pointed to a lone rider barely visible over the rise, the fog a perfect cover. “No, my groom, Hartley is following behind.” She wrinkled her nose charmingly. “He gives me a little leave to run.”

  They ambled along for several minutes when Graydon asked, “So what other interest keeps lady Piper occupied? What do you enjoy besides glass painting and organizing literary clubs, and giving Corinthians a run for their money?”

  “I am interested in the heavens, the sun, the moon, and the stars.” She sighed. “I have always wanted to have an orrery. I am determined to have one commissioned.”

  He cut her a strange glance. “Mind boggling,” he said quietly as a rather indulgent grin spread across his face.

  “I’ve heard there is a superb example owned by a peer here in London. I hope to find out who he is.”

  “I’ve seen it.” His tone was quietly nonchalant. “I actually know of an exquisite example of an orrery not far from here. It’s actually quite striking.”

  “Truly?” Looking at him in surprise, “I’ve been studying the solar systems and stars and the zodiac signs. I’ve heard there is an orrery that is even adorned with precious stones. Can you imagine? I would love to see it. I’m sure it’s absolutely beautiful.” She broke into an utterly beguiling grin. “I am stunned that you even know what an orrery is, my lord? Normally I receive confused stares when I mention it, not that I mention orrery’s all the time, mind you, but everyone’s eyes appear to glaze over when I attempt to explain to them how fascinating the mechanical workings are.” Piper swallowed a groan as she realized she must be boring him to tears. “I’m completely envious!” The longing was apparent in her voice, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. “Perhaps I might be able to view it one day?”