Dare to Love

by Alleigh Burrows

  Chapter 15

  After spending the morning contemplating his options, Dare decided it was in his best interest to leave. He could not risk having all and sundry learn about his past.

  He’d return to London where he would taunt some poor unfortunate sot into a fight. This would solve several problems. First, by exerting himself, he could work off some of his anger. And second, he could laugh off any rumors that arose, inferring that he was a pathetic weakling. Lord Whomever-Irritates-Me-First with the blackened eye and bruised ribs would no doubt attest that Dare wasn’t buried in the country, confessing any embarrassing secrets.

  Not to mention, if he was no longer around to remind Nivea of their discussion, perhaps some other event would catch her interest and she would put it out of her mind. Yes, that would work. He’d announce his departure at the lunch, charge back to town, beat the living daylights out of someone, and return to his normal routine.

  It seemed like the perfect plan, only to be foiled by Nivea’s stepmother a few minutes into the meal. “Lord Landis, I fear today will be a trial for you. The children have decided to host a sporting challenge this afternoon. We are all to pick sides and compete. I seriously doubt that sort of thing would interest you.”

  He graced her with a tip of the head, waiting to see where she was going with this.

  “Perhaps you would like to spend the day on the lake. It is quite a bit cooler there and the solitude can be soothing.”

  While he agreed it would have been a more attractive alternative, he preferred to escape entirely. “My apologies, madam, I am planning to depart today.”

  “Oh! I thought you were to stay through the weekend.”

  “Yes, we were counting on you for another hunt this week,” William exclaimed.

  “Surely, you can tolerate us for a few more days.”

  He cringed at Amelia’s cajoling tone. Wonderful. If he made an issue of it, he was certain to attract unwanted attention. Forcing a tight smile, Dare bowed his head in her direction. “I supposed I can rearrange my schedule.”

  “Splendid!” Then after a slight pause, she added, “Nivea does not take pleasure in sporting events either. Perhaps she can accompany you. She has always enjoyed the lake.”

  The look of surprise on Nivea’s face no doubt mirrored his own, and convinced him that she did not have a hand in this arrangement.

  Now he was exceedingly torn. Spend the day with rambunctious children or be trapped on a small craft with Nivea. Hell would be a more comfortable location. She would no doubt wish to continue yesterday’s conversation. Could this day get any worse?

  Trying to keep the frustration out of his voice, he responded. “That would be delightful. Nivea, are you interested in joining me?” He did not think she would refuse, but he’d at least give her the opportunity.

  He discerned a blush as she lowered her eyes. “Yes, I will join you.”

  As the conversation turned to other matters, Dare considered how to best address the situation. If he dazzled her with his charm, perhaps she would forget yesterday’s conversation. Or maybe he could pass it off as some twisted, ill-conceived joke. It was often noted that he had a warped and unpleasant sense of humor. Fitting, considering he found the world to be warped and unpleasant most of the time.

  Attempting to put off the inevitable for as long as possible, Dare polished off not just one plate of food, but two. Once every speck was devoured, he wiped his mouth and stood. Holding out his arm to Nivea, he flashed his most irresistible smile. “When would you suggest we make our escape?” A small herd of children were, at that moment, racing across the front hall and out the door.

  “I would imagine right now would be best. Otherwise, the little ones will try and wheedle us into joining them.”

  Shuddering at the thought, he quickly steered her to the right and they headed out the side door unnoticed.

  As they reached the dock, one little girl came streaking down the hill screaming, “Don’t you want to play cricket with us, Aunt Nivvy? It will be so much fun!”

  Nivea smiled, “Sorry, Lizzie, but I promised Lord Landis a boat ride.”

  “I could come,” she piped up.

  Good God, no. He handed Nivea into the rowboat before casting off the rope and climbing in. Putting his back to her, he grabbed the oars and nudged them against the dock.

  “Maybe next time, darling.” Nivea waved goodbye as the boat glided away.

  Little Lizzie stood there a moment, the picture of disappointment, before running back up the hill.

  “Thank you,” Nivea murmured behind him. “I love my family, but never really understood their love of sports.”

  Dare remained silent. Sports, he could understand; it was children that he abhorred.

  It would be much more tolerable here. He took pleasure in the pull of the oars, the sun on his face, and the quiet of his companion. He just hoped she would remain so and allow him to enjoy the day.

  That hope was quickly dashed.

  “I do love being out on this lake.” Nivea announced. “I remember when my mother died, I would drag William out here with me. Somehow, floating on the water under the giant open sky, she seemed closer, like she could look down and see me.” Her voice trailed off.

  Surprised, he glanced backward at her. This was not the direction he had expected the conversation to go.

  She was leaning back, hands resting on the sides of the boat, staring up into the clouds. Her lips, red and plump, were curled in a sad smile. Her bonnet was pushed back, creating a halo of sunlight shimmering around her hair. And her gown, made of peach muslin, gave her cheeks an innocent flush of color.

  That quick glimpse sent an unwanted jolt to his nether region. It was not unusual that gazing upon a woman would cause such a reaction, but he had not been able to figure out why Nivea was now causing it. He turned back, determined to keep his focus on the shoreline as it drifted from view.

  They had traveled to the deepest part of the lake and were now gliding toward the wooded side when Dare decided to resolve the odious issue at hand.

  Charm and surprise had always been helpful in gaining the upper hand. With that in mind, he drew the oars into the boat and removed his jacket, folding it meticulously onto the seat in front of him. Stretched his muscles. Pulled at the tips of each finger to remove first his left glove, then his right. And ran his fingers through his hair to re-secure his queue.

  Certain he had her attention, he spun around. Noting Nivea’s wide-eyed expression, lips shaped into an admiring O, he knew he’d succeeded. He chuckled inwardly. “It was warm. I hope you don’t mind,” he crooned.

  Caught staring, she quickly shifted her gaze.

  Now that he had her off guard, he would press the issue. Clearing his throat, he began, “Yesterday…I…”

  She cut him off before he could finish his thought. “Do not worry, Lord Landis. Your story is safe. I shan’t say a word. Unless you wish to talk more about it…”

  “No,” he barked. Embarrassed by his vehement tone, he repeated “no” more quietly. “I prefer never to speak of it again.”

  The matter settled to her satisfaction, Nivea closed her eyes, a serene smile on her face. Her thick lashes rested on cheeks warm and rosy from the sun. When she leaned back, the fabric of her dress pulled snugly over her bosom. A row of silver buttons ran between her breasts, creating delectable twin globes.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her. His gaze ran from her neck, across to her short, capped sleeves, and over the creamy expanse of skin jutting from over the lace trimming of her bodice. His blood began to pound.

  Dammit to hell, what was wrong with him? Here he was trying to ensure she did not destroy his reputation, and he couldn’t think of anything but the blasted woman’s breasts.

  Unaware of the effect she was having, Nivea abruptly spoke up. “I was sitting here wondering how you and William become friends. I don’t think he’s ever mentioned it.”

  Dare sucked in a deep breath, hoping to cl
ear his head. Unsure if she was mining for more information to help ruin him, or just being pleasant, he took his time responding. He studied her intently, but could sense no malice, no sly edge to her voice, no focused stare weighing every nuance of his response. Nothing. She was simply leaning back, idly watching the clouds overhead.

  What could be the harm in answering? It happened as his life was starting to turn around. Blessedly, his father had agreed to send him away to school, convinced he would learn the discipline needed to make him a man. At Harrow School, the regulations were strict and the curriculum grueling, but Dare found it considerably better than being at home.

  It seemed harmless enough to discuss.

  “We met at school, of course. I had been at Harrow for a week when we were given time at the stables. My father had allowed me to bring one of our finest horses, Valiant, and I was thrilled with the opportunity to ride. He was a difficult horse, hot tempered and strong. I was quite certain there would be no horse his equal. Just as I had mounted him and turned him toward the field, a pudgy boy, dressed in ill fitting clothes, hair in disarray and boots covered in mud, entered the yard. I would have thought he was a stable hand if not for the obvious quality of his boots. Always careful of my horse, I proceeded from the yard with the utmost caution and headed toward the fields. Suddenly, a black streak went tearing past me. That rumpled, pathetic excuse of a boy was atop the finest piece of horseflesh I had ever seen. I whipped Valiant into a gallop to catch him and we have been friends ever since.”

  Nivea smiled. “That must have been Captain. He was a handsome horse. William raised him from a foal.”

  “Yes, he did. He told me. There is not a man in England who knows horses better. I consult him whenever I purchase a new mount.”

  “It is his passion. I don’t understand it, but I can appreciate it. It filled a large hole when mother died. Father was so overcome, he spent virtually no time with us. William found solace in horses. He could always be found in the stables.” Her lips curled up in a gentle smile, her eyes soft at the memory.

  Dare could not help noting the sadness that hovered around her. Never very interested in delving in other people’s emotions, he was surprised when he felt the need to probe further. “And you? What gave you solace?”

  “Me?” she looked up, surprised. “I—I wrote.”

  “You wrote?” he repeated.

  “Yes. Poetry. I would sit in my room, writing my thoughts, pouring out all the angst a young girl can generate.”

  “Did it help?” He leaned forward.

  “I suppose it did—” She raised her eyes to his and blushed. From her cheeks to her hairline, she flushed crimson before returning her gaze to her lap.

  How odd. What was that about?

  Sounding more than a little flustered, she blurted out, “Do you write?”

  “What? Like poetry? God, no.” Dare sat back and tipped his face toward the sun. “I leave that to the pathetic pups who moon around ladies’ drawing rooms.”

  “Ah yes, no need for that. You merely have to walk in a room to gain a woman’s attention,” she retorted with a grin.

  He quirked a quick smile. “True.”

  They both laughed and then slipped into a companionable silence, enjoying the rocking of the boat.

  Out of nowhere, he announced, “I like numbers,” surprising both himself and her.

  He wasn’t sure why he felt the sudden need to share, perhaps because he didn’t want the conversation to lag.

  “Numbers,” Nivea repeated, waiting for him to continue.

  “Yes,” he responded, trying to find the right way to explain. “Words can be twisted…but numbers are solid. Real. And they come surprisingly easy to me. I have built a sizable portfolio with very little effort. Frankly, I don’t understand why others can’t. Even gambling is easy if you watch the cards and play the odds.”

  “I wish I had that talent. I can barely play a hand of whist without losing count of the tricks.”

  “Well, if it’s any consolation, William isn’t much better. I have had to save his skin a number of times when he got in over his head.”

  Nivea stared at him. “Really? I thought he was quite adept at gambling.”

  “God, no. Horse racing, yes, but put him at a card table and he’s hopeless.”

  She appeared amused to learn of her brother’s shortcoming. “I had no idea. I shall have to tease him about that.”

  At her tone, something shifted inside him. A knowledge that her teasing would be lighthearted, not at all spiteful. Not like his own family.

  He responded in kind. “Oh, please don’t mention it. It is quite a shameful secret, and we wouldn’t want to betray any of those would we?” His kept his expression bland, but didn’t disguise the hint of self-mockery.

  He must have caught her off guard. Her brows hovered between amusement and disbelief as she puzzled through his response. Once she decided he was joking, her lips twisted into a wry grin. She opened her mouth, as though preparing to speak, but it turned into a gasp. “Oh, no! We’ve sprung a leak.”

  She pointed down. Water was pooling at her feet, covering the bottom of the boat. Dare sprang into action. He spun around, intending to paddle back to the dock before realizing they had drifted closer to the opposite side of the lake. Grabbing onto the oars, he headed toward the woods instead. Once they reached the shallow water, Dare climbed out of the boat and pulled it onto the rocky shore.

  Chapter 16

  “We shall have to walk home from here. I hope you don’t mind,” Dare said, taking Nivea’s hand and helping her from the boat.

  “No, I don’t mind.” Quite the contrary, she was barely able to suppress the joy that bubbled inside her. Dare had rolled up his sleeves, her hand resting on his muscled forearm, sending tingles through her palm. She was near enough to him that she could luxuriate in his irresistible scent. Unlike her family, who always smelled of horse and leather, Dare emanated a clean, manly aroma all his own. She longed to wrap her arms around him and bury her nose into his deliciously firm chest.

  When he had taken his jacket off in the boat, it had taken all her will not to reach out and run her hands over his broad shoulders and muscled arms. Truly, he was the most perfectly-formed man on earth. She had forced her attention elsewhere, hoping he wouldn’t detect the desire that flashed through her. But now, touching him, she once again felt the familiar flush of warmth.

  It brought to mind some of the more scandalous poems she had composed. Recalling her tributes to his gleaming black hair, his beautiful form, his full, sensual lips, an involuntary shiver ran through her.

  “Are you all right?” He looked down at her with concern.

  Going hot with embarrassment, she dropped her eyes to the ground. “I—erm—yes, well—” Seizing on the first thing she could think of, she blurted, “This terrain is rough on my feet. I fear my shoes were not designed for tramping over stones.”

  “My apologies. I forgot ladies’ slippers are so delicate. Let us move up into the woods where the ground will be softer.” He curved his arm around her waist and guided her away from the shoreline.

  While it was infinitely better on her feet, his intimate touch didn’t help her regain her equilibrium. Having him so close was exquisite, but had a disastrous effect on her pulse.

  For better or worse, once they reached the trees, he once again tucked his hand in the crook of his arm, allowing her to breathe again.

  It was delightful, walking with him in such a manner. She could almost pretend they were lovers out for a stroll, rather than accident-prone travelers, struggling once again to get home.

  They followed an overgrown path that skirted the lake. The surface was softer, but the path was a difficult one and they were forced to climb over roots and branches. Nivea was breathless and her feet sore.

  Looking around for a place to rest, she spotted a familiar structure. “Oh, look, it’s our old hunter’s cabin. Remember when we used to play Rescue the Princess there?”


  His brows furrowed. “Do you mean Knights and Soldiers?”

  That made her laugh. “Yes, Knights and Soldiers.” As she’d suspected, their childhood game had a completely different objective in his mind. She wanted to be saved by a handsome prince, and he just wanted to wage swordfights.

  Eager for an excuse to spend more time with him, she asked, “Would you mind if we stop there for a moment? My feet are quite uncomfortable.”

  “Whatever you wish.” He led her to the cabin and opened the door. Inside, utilitarian furniture was scattered around the room. The cabin had been unoccupied for years, and all that remained were a few tables and chairs and a narrow bed, all covered in a fine layer of dust.

  “Wait here,” Dare commanded. He strode over to the bed and yanked off the counterpane. Using the fabric, he dusted a nearby chair before tossing it on the floor. Then he came back to the door where Nivea was leaning against the frame. She gasped when he lifted her in his arms and carried her over to the bed. The muscles in his shoulders felt safe and powerful under her hands as she wrapped them around his neck. And his smell…it was nothing short of divine. Sadly, the bed was only a few short steps away.

  As he placed her gently on the mattress, she flushed, overcome with both excitement and embarrassment.

  “Comfortable?”

  Breathless, she could do little but nod.

  “Good.” He drew the chair next to the bed and sat down. Unsure what to say, Nivea peeled off her left slipper and waved it at him before rubbing her tender foot. “These are totally useless for walking. Men have it so much easier with their sturdy boots.”

  “Ah yes, but they are designed so we can’t get them on and off without the help of a valet. Who dictated that dressing oneself should be a team activity? I have my boots specially made to allow me to disrobe in private when I feel the need.”

  With the tantalizing image of him disrobing etched in her mind, Nivea swallowed hard and released her foot.