“This is damnably awkward, Ranelagh.” She ran a hand over her disheveled hair. She couldn’t help noticing that he looked beautifully point-device in superbly tailored charcoal-gray superfine.
“My apologies again. Is the baby healthy?”
A smile warmed her expression. “Yes … thankfully. But you have to go.”
“I know. I heard you and your mother were arguing about my presence.”
“Fillippo told you, I suppose.”
“If he’s the blond page boy—yes. But I had to see you.”
“My family doesn’t approve. You know that. You’re embarrassing me.”
“Talk to me for five minutes and I’ll leave.”
“I don’t need another Harry, Sam. I don’t want one.”
“Am I like him?” His dark gaze was bland, faintly mocking.
He was so damnably assured, she thought, the legions of women no doubt contributing to his confidence. “No, you’re not,” she said, peevish and ruffled, “and if you dare be smug, I’ll hit you.”
“You’re not like any other woman I’ve ever known.” His voice was ceremoniously polite. “And I wouldn’t dream of being smug.”
“I’m not sure I like the comparison.”
“Truth to tell, neither do I. I wish you were like all the others. I’d be drinking at the club right now instead of chasing after you and feeling more like Harry than I’d wish.”
“And I wish you were like Harry so I could deal with you in a rational way.”
“Nothing about this is rational.” He glanced around the room, as if in emphasis. “I had to get your direction from Leighton.”
“Oh, good. Now everyone will know.”
“They do already. My father called on me this afternoon and your name came up almost immediately.”
“Maybe he and my mother could share their complaints.”
Sam laughed and held open his arms. “Come here, darling. I have no complaints at all.”
She didn’t move. “Am I supposed to forgive your audacity and fall into your arms just like that?”
“I wish you would,” he replied, letting his hands fall to his sides. “I feel strangely lost without you.”
“Or perhaps you’re only in your pursuit-of-pleasure mode.”
He tipped his head faintly. “That wouldn’t require a visit to your brother’s house.”
He was right, of course. Any number of amusements were available in London. She sighed softly.
“I brought the baby a present.” He pulled the small gift from his pocket and smiled at her. “Does that help put me in your good graces?”
“You’re too much in my good graces,” she said. “That’s the problem.”
“It doesn’t have to be a problem right now,” he said, setting the gift down on a table. “Let me hold you for a moment. Please?”
“I shouldn’t. Someone might come in.”
“You can pretend you fainted in my arms,” he said with a grin.
“I’m sure my family would accept that fiction,” she replied, smiling back.
“Come,” he cajoled, opening his arms again, and she went to him because she loved being held in his arms, as she loved everything about him. And as he enfolded her in an embrace, she leaned into his strong body, smiled up at him, and allowed herself to enjoy the pleasure. “Your flowers were beautiful,” she said. “The nosegay is hanging from the baby’s cradle and Tina is sure you’re in love, but then, she loves love in any form whatsoever.”
His glance was amused. “Ah … an advocate.”
“I wouldn’t normally bring up the subject of love with you, but I just finished arguing with my mother for the better part of an hour, and I’m no longer in the most civil mood, and she certainly would like to know. Mother’s old-fashioned, and opposed to men like you, but then, you know that already.” She blew out a large breath. “Forgive me … I’m tired and undone and maybe half sad because the baby’s so beautiful and not mine and I shouldn’t have asked you something so stupid. But what in the world did bring you here?”
“I wanted to see you.”
She wrinkled her nose. “And it couldn’t wait?”
“It didn’t seem like it could wait.”
Her gaze was direct. “You’ve lived too long without restraints.”
He chuckled softly. “And you haven’t?”
“I don’t think I’d come calling at the house of my lover’s brother, who, by the way, said pointedly that he’s never met you and said more pointedly that he had no intention of meeting you today either.”
“When can you leave?”
“Sam! Are you deaf? Don’t you understand the damnable stir you’ve caused?”
“I understand. Really I do, but you have to sleep eventually, and I was thinking I could just wait for you outside in my carriage and when you finally feel the need to sleep, you could sleep with me.”
“In your carriage?”
“In my carriage if you wish, but I was thinking possibly at the Adelphi, or if you need to be close by, at some inn.”
“You’d wait?”
“Until hell freezes over.”
The silence was so profound after his pronouncement, the ticking of the clock sounded like a hammer on an anvil.
“I mean it,” he said softly.
“But you don’t know why.”
“Do I have to?”
Her mouth twitched into a half-smile. “I just thought one of us should.”
“I don’t think it’s a requirement.”
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, debating the ramifications if she did what he proposed. “I couldn’t slip away until very late. And even then I’m not sure,” she equivocated.
“I don’t care how late it is.”
“I won’t have time to bathe.”
“Lord, Alex.” He was incredulous. “The clerk at Aspreys is even now spreading gossip about my purchase there today. Not to mention Eddie’s at the Marlborough Club, regaling my friends with the same story. Your servants are probably laying bets on whether I leave with or without my eyes scratched out, while your family is ready to pull up the drawbridge. Do you think I care whether you bathe or not?”
“How sweet,” she said, smiling up at him. “I don’t think the world realizes how sweet you are.”
“I’m not sweet, darling. I’m obsessed.” Lifting her away, he set her down at a safe distance. “Now go back upstairs before I do something rash; you’ll be able to join me that much sooner.”
“Did I say I’d join you?” she teased.
“Did you think I was giving you a choice?” he said, not teasing in the least.
Her eyes sparkled with mischief. “You’re extremely brave in the midst of my family.”
“I think the word is single-minded.” His fleeting grin was constrained. “I’ll be outside when you’re ready.”
“Around the curve of the drive, if you don’t mind. Then I won’t have to listen to my mother’s exhortations. I’m going to tell her you left.”
“Which I will have.”
“Don’t go too far.” Alex arched one downy brow. “Stay within reach.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
She looked so damned inviting, tousled and rosy-cheeked, like she’d just gotten out of bed, that suddenly his unnatural reserve snapped. He reached out and pulled her back and kissed her with a brute, fevered urgency that ignored the risk someone might walk in. Sliding his hands down her back, he cupped her bottom and hauled her into the rigid length of his arousal. “Let me lock the door,” he whispered, lust drumming through his blood.
Wild desire flared through her body. How tempting he was, how impossibly tempting … his strong, muscled body pressed into hers, his erection rock hard and tantalizing, everyone upstairs … and for a fleeting moment she considered giving in to her scandalous need. But a modicum of reason still remained in the outland of her mind. Alecco’s drawing room was the height of impropriety for a sexual interlude. Shoving hard agains
t his chest, she breathlessly cried, “No!”
She didn’t have the strength to hold him off if he wished to dispute her refusal. He knew he could have her if he really wished. “Are you sure?” His voice was taut with constraint; he’d not been obliged to curb his lust in recent memory.
“Go,” she said. But her voice was tremulous with indecision.
“What if I don’t?”
“Sam, please … I can’t do this alone.”
Feeling as though he couldn’t breathe, he dragged air into his lungs. “How long,” he asked on a suffocated breath.
“Soon … Lord, Sam, now—if I dared …”
He dared enough for both of them, but he could see the apprehension in her eyes. He forced himself away from her. “I’ll wait … down the drive. You go first,” he said, sheer will constraining him. “Get the hell out of here.”
For a restless moment she hesitated, and his pulse leaped. Then she turned in a swirl of skirts and ran from the room.
Chapter 20
Alex ran upstairs as though she were being pursued by demons. Dashing into an empty bedroom, she leaned back against the closed door and trembled. No previous measure existed for the violence of her feelings, for the insatiable need he inspired, and she wondered whether she was capable of dealing with such powerful desire. Although, if the past few minutes were any indication, the answer was no.
She understood why Sam had come. He wanted sex, not conversation or friendship, not even casual affection. And unless she was completely witless, she wouldn’t forget that pertinent fact. Not that she wasn’t similarly inclined; this wasn’t a relationship of unrequited lust. It was passion pure and simple—or maybe not so simple after all, she decided with a small smile. She recalled his ability to bring her to consecutive orgasms. Sam’s sexual repertoire was extraordinary.
Inspired by that delectable memory, she faced the dilemma before her with less equivocation. She went to the washstand, where she splashed water on her flushed face and arranged her hair into a semblance of order. She smoothed the wrinkles from her gown, then gazed at herself in the mirror, carefully surveying her image for any evidence of Sam’s passionate embrace. Since there were sure to be questions from her family, her mother in particular, Alex would rather not give any clues that their meeting had been anything but decorous.
As if she had to explain herself to any of her family, she reflected disgruntledly, straightening the sleeves on her gown. She was financially independent, of age, and in charge of her own life. Their approval or disapproval should be irrelevant.
But unfortunately, she couldn’t so cavalierly disregard their opinions. They were her family, after all, and more important, she detested conflict. With that thought in mind, she cautioned herself to prudence. Don’t argue, she admonished herself silently as she exited her room. Be polite. She smiled as she moved down the hall. And escape as soon as courtesy allows.
“That rogue has nerve!” Euterpe cried the moment Alex entered Tina’s bedchamber, where the family was assembled. “Has the man no sense of decency?”
Knowing her mother wasn’t interested in a substantive answer, nor one that disputed her opinion, Alex held out the package instead. “Ranelagh brought the baby a gift.”
“Am I supposed to be impressed?” her mother snapped. “He can afford it with his millions.”
“Mama Ionides, come,” Tina implored, casting Alex an understanding glance. “It was very considerate of Ranelagh to bring a present.”
Alex carried the package to Tina, who looked remarkably fresh considering she’d only just given birth. Attired in a fresh white linen nightgown, her hair tied with a pink silk ribbon, she lay back against a pile of lace-trimmed pillows.
“I hope he’s gone.” Euterpe scowled at Alex. “And I’d appreciate a little support, Pandias,” she added, directing a scathing glance at her husband seated near the windows.
“Has Ranelagh left?” her father asked, his tone neutral.
“Yes, Father.” Alex handed the present to Tina.
“He’s gone, darling.” Pandias offered his wife a smile. “The problem is solved.”
“He’s a rake and a rogue, Alex,” her brother said. “Don’t deceive yourself on that score.”
“Alecco! Leave Alex alone,” his wife chided, frowning at her husband. “Didn’t the viscount drive all this way just to see your sister?”
The eldest Ionides son turned an affectionate gaze on his wife. He adored her today more than ever with their long-awaited daughter sleeping in the cradle near the bed. “I won’t say another word, darling.”
“Maybe she loves him as we love each other.”
“Tina … you’re much too romantic,” Alex interposed. “I like Ranelagh and he likes me, but we’re hardly in love.”
“Well, it might come to that.”
“And it might just as well not. Open his gift. I want to see what he brought. He said the clerk at As-preys was surprised he was selecting a present for the baby.”
“No doubt.” Her mother snorted. “I imagine he’s there more often buying some trinket for his ladyloves.”
“Then I should ask for diamonds next time I see him.”
“You needn’t get smart with me, missy. Tell her, Pandias. Tell her the man is fickle as the breeze.”
“I don’t know him, my dear. I’d not wish to make pronouncements on his character.”
“Well, all of London does. Why not you?”
“Because I don’t know him. And until I do, I’ll reserve judgment.”
She sniffed. “Don’t you care that people will talk about our daughter?”
“If people talk, I don’t pay attention. If I did, I could take offense every day. You know we’re not accepted at most of the better clubs, and any number of society engagements are closed to us. Bigotry exists, but I for one refuse to conduct myself in a similar fashion.”
“Thank you, Papa,” Alex said. “And, Mama, don’t worry. Ranelagh’s really very nice.”
“Very nice, indeed. I’m not taking issue with his niceness, which is well known. It’s the democratic expanse of his niceness that concerns me.”
“I can take care of myself, Mother. Could we please not discuss this?”
Pandias shot a stern look at his wife, and with pursed lips, she fell silent.
“Look!” Tina exclaimed. “A silver rattle … a very old silver rattle. What do you think, Alex, is it Elizabethan or Jacobean?”
The baby chose that moment to wake with a howl, curtailing any discussion of stylistic differences in silver and instantly becoming the center of attention. She was fussed over, held by everyone, admired, and praised until no longer amused by her relatives, she screwed up her little face and set up a fresh wailing.
“She’s hungry,” Tina observed, “so if you’ll excuse me …”
In short order, the room emptied of all save Alex, who remained at Tina’s request.
Lounging in a chair near the bed, Alex gazed at the enchanting picture of mother and child. She felt left out, alone, as though she were outside looking in on an idyllic world beyond her reach.
“Do you ever wish for children?” Tina asked, taking note of Alex’s pensive expression.
“I do right now. I envy you completely.”
“Perhaps Ranelagh will be the one.” Tina’s voice held a teasing note.
“Not likely. He’s the man least willing to have children, I suspect. Nor do I envision anything so outré.”
Her mouth quirked in a rueful smile. “You know I go through this passing melancholy every time you have a baby.”
“I have a feeling you just might consider Ranelagh as a possible father for your children,” Tina speculated playfully. “In your current mood, I mean.”
“He’s soured on matrimony. I think we can scratch Ranelagh as a candidate.” Alex’s brows flickered. “Even if I were so inclined …”
“You never know,” Tina observed.
“I wouldn’t bet my fortune on his walking do
wn the aisle again, and really, Tina,” Alex said in a lighter tone of voice, “I adore my freedom. I don’t wish to marry again.”
“Someday you may fall deeply in love,” her sister-in-law noted. “Not like the companionship of your marriages. But desperately in love. Then you may change your mind.”
Alex smiled at her friend. “You’re an incurable romantic, darling. But remember, I’ve never been as starry-eyed as you.”
“Ranelagh’s different though, isn’t he, and don’t tell me I’m wrong—and don’t tell me it’s been only a few days.” She winked at Alex. “You’re mad for him.”
The two women had been confidantes since childhood, the London Greek community small and extremely close, their families neighbors. They’d shared girlhood wishes for knights in shining armor, blissful true love, and any number of other romantic ideals. “I might be just a little mad for him,” Alex admitted, grinning. “He’s incredible in bed.”
Tina giggled, the baby whimpered, and after calming her daughter, Tina returned her gaze to Alex. “I knew it the minute you walked in today. I could tell you were different. He’s brought a new glow to your eyes.”
“And my body too.” Alex couldn’t help but smile.
“Better yet. I hope he didn’t really leave.”
Alex shook her head. “He’s waiting down the road.” She sighed. “I feel like a schoolgirl waiting to sneak out of the house.”
“You needn’t wait. Go to him.”
“I thought I’d stay with you until you fell asleep.”
“Don’t even consider it. There’s absolutely no need for you to stay. I’m feeling fine, and the baby is a perfect darling, as you can see,” she added, the pride in her voice unmistakable.
“Don’t rub it in.”
“Forgive me. I didn’t mean to gloat. Go to Ranelagh now and have a baby of your own.”
“Don’t put any dangerous notions into my head.” Alex grinned. “Especially when I’m feeling so deprived.”
“That’s why I said it.” Tina wasn’t above a little matchmaking for her friend, who, in her estimation, had married both times for all the wrong reasons. “I’m just saying think about a baby. You seem enraptured by the man—your excitement fairly glows. So go now, go to your Ranelagh. I’ll make some excuse to your mother. I’ll tell her I’ve sent you to the City on an errand for me. Don’t I need that lace peignoir you and I saw in Westbourne Grove last week?”
Seduction in Mind Page 16
