But she let her friend be as Clarissa twisted her hair in fancy twists and turns, even winding some ribbon through her thick locks. Then she helped Penny dress, gently stroking each and every garment. When she was done, the rest of the girls came in and danced around Penny, declaring her the most beautiful woman in all of England.
A knock at the front door interrupted, and Clarissa slid out of the room to open it.
Penny started down the stairs too, the girls still twirling about her.
When she reached the top, Logan already stood in the entry of the house, looking dapper in his black evening wear. Except for the bumps and bruises on his face, of course.
Natty ran down to him, taking his hand. “Doesn’t Miss Penny look beautiful? Like a real-life princess?”
Her skin once again heated, not a flattering color to go with the pale purple of her dress, she was certain of that. But she felt out of place in her fine clothing. No, that wasn’t it exactly. She wanted him to think she looked beautiful in them. Like she might belong in his world, even if her place was here. It was a fairy tale, she knew, but for a night, she’d like to pretend.
He looked from Natty back to her. The intensity of his gaze made the moisture evaporate from her throat. “She does, indeed.”
Chapter Six
Logan stared at the woman before him, barely able to speak.
He was amazed he’d been able to answer Natty at all.
Because he’d known how attractive Penny was, but dressed like this…she was devastating. His chest hurt, and he could hardly breathe.
The pale purple gown he’d chosen complimented her brown hair and eyes while highlighting the creaminess of her skin. The dress, falling just off the shoulder, accentuated her petite frame and rather ample bosom, the high natural waist showing off her figure and in a manner that stole his reason.
“Miss Walters,” he said, reaching up a hand. “Are you ready?”
She smiled down at him, soft and sweet and achingly warm. “Ready. I think.” Then she gave a little insecure laugh. “I’m not sure actually. I’ve never been invited to a duke’s home before.”
She came down the stairs and her gloved hand slipped into his outstretched one. Holding her fingers in his, he gave them a light squeeze. “Don’t worry about that. Darlington only wants to help you. He’s an ally and if he isn’t…” He smiled ruefully. “My face can withstand a few more hits.”
She made a squeaking noise, almost too quiet for him to hear but her eyes misted, and she held his hand tighter. “Logan,” she said so low, it was barely a whisper.
He heard the thank you in the way she uttered his name. He jerked his chin in response, in a manner that he hoped resembled a nod, emotion clogging his throat. He wanted to touch her. Kiss her and hold her in comfort and in desire. Instead, he looked up at Clarissa. “My groundskeeper is with me, but he’ll be staying here for the evening. He’s happy to sit on your front steps. If you’ll permit him, he could occupy your parlor. He’ll be returning tomorrow to put a fresh coat of paint on the house in order to help it sell faster.”
“Sell?” Clarissa lifted her skirts and started down the steps.
Logan raised his brows. She had on a shiny new pair of boots instead of leaving her feet bare. It made her look far older. More like a woman and less like a child.
Penny turned back toward her charge. “His lordship has raised his contribution. And I’m going to meet other possible benefactors tonight. That’s why I’m going. We may well be able to move.”
Clarissa broke into a large smile and without warning, grabbed Logan’s other hand, giving his fingers a squeeze. “Thank you,” she whispered as her blue eyes filled with tears as well.
The children began to clap and cheer, three little girls dancing at the top of the stairs.
His heart squeezed in his chest. How could he have not known helping them would feel like this? The worst part, it had been so easy. A paltry sum for him had literally changed their lives.
Shame filled his stomach as he dipped his head. He’d been so full of his own ambitions. Have the most gold, be the most successful, show every member of the ton his true worth.
He’d written to that marquess about his daughter. The man would likely reject him as others had before him. In this moment, he didn’t care.
But those pursuits had been so…empty.
Did they like him more?
Did those members of the elite value his gold or his prowess? Not at all.
But these people considered him a man of great value for six thousand pounds. And even more surprising, he valued himself.
“We should go,” he said, his voice rough and scratchy. “The Duke of Darlington is expecting us.”
Penny gave a tight nod as they crossed the room and he opened the front door, allowing Fergus into the house. He then placed a thick wrap about Penny’s shoulders to hold off the cool December air. After slipping Penny’s hand into the crook of his arm, he led her out the door and into the waiting carriage.
Evening cast the interior into shadow as she slid into her seat and he settled on the bench across from her. Silence fell around them like a blanket.
“Do you know who we are meeting this evening, besides His Grace?” she asked.
He shook his head. “I don’t.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her that they were all potential business partners, but he didn’t say the words. They made his insides twist and he tried to discern why.
He’d seen the happiness in their eyes, the gratitude. Would their feelings about him change if they knew the reason why he’d helped them?
That acquiring a gaming hell was the only reason he’d contributed to their cause. His stomach twisted even tighter.
Penny sighed across from him. “So we’re to meet unidentified men. That makes me nervous.”
That protective feeling that was always just below the surface when he was around her, swelled up in his chest. “I would never let anyone hurt you. And Darlington wouldn’t either. I’m certain of that. He seems uniquely interested in your cause.”
She twisted her hands but still managed another one of those smiles that knocked the wind from his lungs. “Thank you.”
Her gratitude tore at his stomach again. He should tell her that his interest in supporting her cause had started as another business deal. He couldn’t change that. But somewhere along the way, his intentions had become personal.
And now that he was invested, he’d see Penny and her orphans settled in a safe neighborhood with clothes and shoes and food. He’d finance them annually if he had to.
But he didn’t say any of that as the words stuck in his throat. Because they revealed so much, and he wasn’t accustomed to sharing such feelings. Not after burying them for so long. So instead he just said, “You’re welcome.”
Penny could feel tension in the air of the carriage like a palpable presence. She’d been nervous when they’d been in a carriage the last time but for entirely different reasons. Then she’d been worried about his intentions. Now, she was trying to decide if she thanked him again or just leaned over and pressed her lips to his.
Because no one had ever made her feel the way he did.
And no one had ever supported her orphans the way he had. She trembled as she considered how wonderful that was. To find a man who made her heart beat out of her chest and who helped her cause.
She didn’t expect that he’d wish to marry her. He was an earl, a member of the peerage. He’d marry a woman who suited his position.
But that didn’t mean that she couldn’t taste his lips once. Just this once. It might be the only time in her life she ever tasted such a treat and her relationship with him would be one she looked back on until her dying day.
Penny was certain of that.
Because no one person had ever made such an impact on her life.
Except her father, of course.
But somehow, Logan had become significant. The first person since her parents that she could truly r
ely on. Someone she felt made her life better, easier, took some of the large weight off her shoulders.
Leaning forward, she reached across the carriage. Her hand trembled and she knew her voice held a touch of the desperation she felt. A need to be close to him. “Logan?”
He threaded his fingers through hers and with a quick jerk, she was across the carriage, landing in his lap.
She gasped at the feel of him.
He was all muscle and angles under her. Hard edges fitting into her softness.
It was glorious. She sank into him, her arms wrapping about his neck.
His breath blew across her cheek and she inhaled his crisp, clean masculine scent. The intimacy of the moment making her chest flutter. Her heart hammered in her chest as the tip of his nose touched hers.
“Penny.”
Her name in his deep baritone started an ache deep inside her. “Yes?” she asked, her fingers tangling into the short hairs at the base of his skull.
“I’m going to kiss you now.” And then his chin tilted, and his lips pressed so lightly to hers that she wasn’t even certain it had happened. “Not because of the help I’ve given you, but just because I want to.” And then he kissed her again, just a touch harder.
“I want to as well,” she whispered against his lips. And he kissed her again, this time a firm press of his lips.
She returned the pressure, a shiver racing down her spine. Her head spun even as her body melted further into his.
In response, he slanted her mouth open and brushed his tongue along her bottom lip.
Never had she experienced anything like it. The pleasure that ricocheted through her threatened to strip all reason and sense from her mind.
He kissed her again, his tongue making a second pass and then she returned the gesture, wanting to taste more of him.
He groaned, tightening his hold. “Penny,” he said, then kissed her again. “I want—”
The carriage pulled to a stop.
He turned his head and looked at the window. “We’re here.” Then he carefully lifted her from his lap and set her back on the opposite seat just as the door to the carriage snapped open.
What? Where? His words began to penetrate the fog in her brain but that only seemed to create more questions.
What did he want? What did she want?
Her mind raced as she brought her hand to her face. She’d better decide and fast because the world, it seemed to her, had begun to move very quickly.
Chapter Seven
Penny’s hand fitted securely in his arm as they made their way up the stairs to the duke’s residence. He stood straighter, as he led her up the stairs. He liked having her tucked next to him.
Logan stared at the group assembled in the entry in greeting, muscles tensing as he pulled Penny just a bit closer.
He knew Daring, of course.
His duchess stood next on Daring’s right, a statuesque redhead with a warm smile on her lips. But she wasn’t the person who was making Logan cagey.
To the duke’s left were, not three, but four tall men. Each of them handsome in his own way. Logan pulled Penny into his side yet again.
Because they were all staring at her.
Possessive need shuddered through him. He’d just had this woman in his lap, pressed against his body.
He gave his head a slight shake.
He didn’t have a right to be possessive. He had a plan. Though that plan didn’t involve kissing her either. But he hadn’t been able to help himself. She’d looked so tempting reaching out to him. And something in her voice had called to him.
Besides, she needed protection from these men regardless of his future plans. Because they all looked like wolves who’d discovered the prize lamb.
“Goldthwaite,” Daring said, his voice calm and confident. “It’s good to see you. Thank you for bringing Miss Walters.” The duke’s gaze swung to Penny. “May I introduce my wife, the Duchess of Darlington.”
Penny curtseyed while he bowed. “Your Grace.”
The duchess held out her hand. “So good to meet both of you.”
Daring cleared his throat. “And this is the Duke of Devonhall.” He gestured toward a dark-haired man with sharp looks and keen eyes. He held an air of danger that made Logan want to tuck Penny behind him as Devonhall’s gaze took in every detail from her thick brown hair to her slippers just peeking from the bottom of her dress.
Devonhall’s gaze slid back up and Logan could swear that the other man’s eyes settled on her full lips, slightly puffy from his attention in the carriage. Damn it all to hell. Why’d he have to kiss her right before these introductions?
“Goldthwaite.” The man hardly looked at him. His gaze now fixed on Penny. “Miss Walters. A pleasure.”
Penny gave a tiny nod as she curtsied, her fingers tightening on his arm. “Your Grace.”
“And this is the Marquess of Milton.” Daring gestured to the next man in line. His dark hair fell in rakish waves, his cocky smile telling Logan that the man was used to beautiful women falling at his feet and he expected Penny to do the same.
“Miss Walters,” Milton murmured, his eyes darkening in a way that made a growl form in Logan’s throat. “I had no idea that the mistress of an orphanage could be so…young.”
A man with unfashionably long blond hair, pulled back at the nape, stepped forward. “I had no idea one could be so pretty.”
Daring cleared his throat. “The Baron of Blackwater.”
Penny nodded next to him. But his entire body tensed. Blackwater. The boy who’d made his life a living hell. But then his brow scrunched again. This was not the future baron he’d attended school with. The eyes were different. The nose. This was a different man. A younger brother perhaps? What had happened to Sirius? The boy who had tormented Logan day in and day out while he attended Eton?
The new Baron of Blackwater glared back.
Logan looked back at Penny as he pushed these thoughts aside. They were here for a purpose. Yet, he’d never wanted to work with men less.
And that was saying something because he preferred being a lone wolf as a general rule but if they kept looking at Penny like that, he’d tear them limb from limb.
He drew in a deep breath.
He was rapidly losing sight of the goals he’s set forth for himself.
The club was what he wanted. These men were the path he was supposed to take. There would be no deal without them.
When had he started caring more about Penny’s needs then his own?
“And last.” Daring pointed to the most affable on the men in line. He had warm brown eyes and a kinder smile. Somehow that disconcerted Logan even more. “The Earl of Ingrashire.”
“Miss Walters,” his deep voice rumbled through the room. “It is truly a pleasure.”
Penny’s hand relaxed. Which made Logan see red. The last thing he wanted was some other man attempting to take advantage of Penny.
Because these men would be exactly what she feared. They’d come in disguised under a cloak of help and then try to steal her favors.
Or kisses in a carriage.
He shifted his stance. Damn it. He’d taken advantage.
His chest tightened as Penny gave the other earl a smile. “The pleasure is mine.”
Daring swept his hand out, inviting them all to follow him to the sitting room just to the right of the entry. “Tell us, Miss Walters, how many orphans do you have in your care?”
Penny carefully sat on a nearby settee, Logan taking the spot next to her.
She delicately cleared her throat. “Just four, Your Grace, but I’d very much like to add more. Funding is what I need, which is why I wrote to you.”
The duchess gave Penny a kind smile. “Four is a lot. Especially if you are caring for them alone.”
A murmur went through the men.
“Alone?” Devonhall’s sharp looks sharpened.
Ingrashire gave Penny a sympathetic glance. “How difficult.”
Logan strai
ghtened, the hair on the back of his neck bristling. “Miss Walter’s difficulties would be greatly relieved if she had sufficient funds to purchase her necessary supplies and secure adequate lodging.”
Daring grinned, leaning back in his chair. “Goldthwaite is going to negotiate on Miss Walter’s behalf.”
Finally, the crowd of men looked away from Penny and at Logan. They’d mostly pretended he didn’t exist up until this moment.
“Him?” Someone murmured, hostility nearly dripping from the single word.
Penny looked at him too, a rush of air blowing across his cheek even as her brows drew together in question.
Daring waved his hand. “Forgive me. It’s too early for such conversation. For now, let’s get to know one another. After all, this is just the beginning.”
Penny stared at the men around her. There was a subtext to this conversation that she didn’t understand but she was going to. Before the evening ended, in fact.
What was this the beginning of?
And when had Logan been declared her voice?
She’d wished for help, that was true. But she’d also learned to stand on her own two feet. She’d only wanted a crutch, not to have her legs removed. She felt very much like a pawn in this room, and she didn’t like it. Not one bit.
“I’d prefer to discuss this now, actually.” She smiled, realizing she might be overstepping. She drew in a deep breath, calming her racing heart. “I hope you’ll forgive me, Your Grace. I won’t be able to properly relax until—”
The Duke of Darlington waved his hand. “I understand completely.”
Logan gave her a sharp look. “Penny,” he whispered but not quietly enough.
Several sets of brows rose at the use of her given name. She ignored Logan and the brows. He’d protected her, that much was true, but one day he’d leave her life. Now that the kiss was over, and she’d had a moment to catch her breath, she realized there had been no promises. He was still an earl and she was…an orphan.
And just as clearly, she realized, she’d wanted him to be part of her future. To help her in her life’s work. Which was absurd. He was an earl and a man with duties and obligations all his own.
Earl of Gold: Lords of Scandal Page 6
