Dare to Love

by Alleigh Burrows

  Nivea sat in her chair, dazed. Never could she have pictured a family such as this. How was Dare capable of even the slightest glimmer of humanity growing up as he did? She could not fathom the insults, the yelling, the sheer hatred, smothering all hope of kindness.

  Dare stood there, rigid…broken even, and her heart clenched. Pushing back her chair, she circled the table.“Dare? Are you all right?”

  Black unfocused eyes turned to her. It took a moment before he crooked a very shaky grin at her. “I have had better days. Although, to be honest, I’ve had worse as well.” Grabbing her arm, he said, “Come, let’s take a walk. I feel the need to clear my head.”

  She followed him outside, surprised to find the sun shining overhead. It was quite incongruous to the mood inside. She walked by his side without a word, letting him gather his thoughts. As they passed through the garden and into an orchard, the leaves rustled softly in the cool breeze.

  Finally situated far enough from the house, Dare stopped and turned to her. “Darling, I know we’d hoped to leave today, but I can’t go now. I must speak to the doctor. I promise you, tomorrow we will leave here, regardless of the outcome. Then we can marry, if you’ll still have me.”

  His tone was so grim her heart almost broke. “Of course I still want to marry you. More now than ever.” Squeezing his hand, she was shocked to find it cold and stiff. She cast a quick glance at the house, before pressing it to her lips—warming his skin as she soothed her soul. “You can join our family and never give yours a second thought.”

  “Truly? I…I thought for certain you would run from here and never look back.”

  She laughed. “Well, I will most assuredly be running, but not without you.”

  “You are not scared that I will become like them? That their misery will become ours?”

  Oh, he looked so forlorn, she could hardly stand it. She threw her arms around him and pulled him close. “My darling Dare, just the fact that you worry about it, makes half the battle won. You have spent time with my family and know how life can be. Have no fear, with love comes happiness. We will be fine.”

  He turned his eyes to hers, and she saw the terror lurking within. But she held his gaze, willing him to understand. To believe. And the walls began to crumble. Hope appeared and his entire being relaxed. A smile began at the corners of his mouth and then echoed in his eyes as they crinkled in joy.

  Suddenly she found herself twirling in the air. Dare was laughing and spinning and kissing her soundly on the lips. “Yes! My darling Nivea, I think you are right. I can put this behind me and become the man I should be. The man you deserve.” He put her back on the ground but did not stop kissing her. He trailed his lips down her jawline to her neck and heat flared in her belly.

  “I’ve missed you,” he murmured. “I can’t wait to make you mine. Forever.”

  How wonderful those words sounded. She reached her arms around his waist and pulled him close, craving his warmth, his scent. Him. When she looked into his handsome, precious face, she could see desire echoing in his obsidian eyes. Brazenly, she glanced around. Could they?

  He laughed. “Not here, my love. Not now. Let us go back, finish with my father, and go home.”

  Oh, how she loved the sound of that. She would finally have a home of her own. With Dare.

  Walking back toward the house, hand in hand, she marveled at the beauty of the day. Near the garden wall was a clump of flowers. “Oh look, forget-me-nots. How odd that they would bloom this late in the season.” Reaching down, she plucked one and handed it to Dare. “Keep this with you. Perhaps it will give you serenity with your family.”

  He took it and solemnly placed it in his pocket.

  “I love you,” he said simply and escorted her back into the house.

  Chapter 46

  Nivea sat in her room, idly twirling her pen as drops of ink splattered the blank parchment. Although she had thought to compose a poem, no words emerged. Her emotions were too jumbled to formulate thoughts. She longed to be home again, to begin the next chapter in her life with Dare. But all she could do was wait.

  Taking out a clean sheet of paper, she began writing her name like a silly schoolgirl. It was a name she had practiced long ago, and now, her dream would come true.

  Nivea Landis, Marchioness of Raynsforth

  Lady Landis

  Adair and Nivea Landis

  Was it even possible? She wriggled with joy. Hearing a tap at the door, she balled up the paper and stuffed it into the drawer. “Yes?”

  Emma entered, carrying a tray. “I have brought you some tea and biscuits. Would you like me to place them on the table?”

  “Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you.” She crossed over and selected a biscuit from the plate. Taking a nibble, she asked, “Is there any word on the marquess? Has he…?” She paused, unable to finish the question.

  Emma poured the tea and handed her a cup. “Oh, no, the doctor said he’ll not die today. I heard a footman say Satan don’t want him yet. He is enjoying the show on earth far too much.”

  “Emma!”

  “Beggin’ your pardon, miss. That’s just what I heard.”

  Nivea tried to hide her smile as she sipped the tea, but was certain she failed miserably. After all, she pretty much felt the same way.

  “Will we be leaving soon? I don’t care too much for this house,” Emma whispered with a nervous glance, as though someone might be eavesdropping.

  Nivea agreed, but thought it prudent to keep that to herself. “Yes, we should be leaving first thing tomorrow.”

  “Very good, miss. I’ll begin the preparations.” She gave a quick curtsey and closed the door behind her.

  Nivea carried her cup over to the window and sat down to watch the fading sun. A carriage was proceeding down the driveway, presumably taking the doctor home. A few moments later, a figure on a horse went streaking from the stables and across the field.

  Dare.

  Bowing low over the neck of his horse, his hair blowing in the wind, he was the picture of unrestrained energy. Powerful, masterful, and utterly enticing. A surge of desire ran through her, and Nivea knew she could not spend another night apart. She needed to be with him, feel his skin against hers, revel in his kisses.

  She giggled. Maybe, even discover another of his intriguing tricks.

  She gulped down her tea and rang for Emma. Once she appeared, Nivea yawned loudly and announced, “Today was such an emotional day, I think I will retire early. Please prepare my things and then have the rest of the evening to yourself.”

  Her maid did not suspect a thing. She helped her into her night shift, gathered up her clothes and tray and, after bidding her good night, left the room.

  Could she really do this? Could she be so wanton as to sneak into his room?

  Yes.

  Before she could change her mind, Nivea quickly donned a robe and scampered down the hall. Darting into his door, she smothered a scream.

  “Oh! I—I—” She flushed to the roots of her hair.

  His man, Jackson, was standing at the dresser, arranging Dare’s cravats. Appearing startled for a second, he recovered, gave her a courtly bow and said, “Good evening Miss Horsham. I can see you wish to leave Lord Landis a note before retiring. I will not interfere.”

  She looked at him, confused, but he continued to assemble Dare’s wardrobe. “You may compose your missive at his desk and he will find it upon his return. Please give me a moment while I prepare his bath and then I will adjourn for the evening.”

  He walked into the adjoining room, moving around for a few moments before whispering to her from the doorway, “Milord has been much improved since your appearance. I am quite grateful for the change. Have a good evening, miss.” Then she heard a door click and he was gone.

  Well, that was quite unexpected. Nivea sat on the bed, listening to her heart pound furiously in her chest. Would he be back? Should she stay?

  Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, she smelled…Dare. H
is delicious scent permeated the room. It was on his clothes, in his bed.

  Yes, she would stay.

  Unwrapping her robe, she began to climb into bed when she felt the sash slither down her leg. It was silky and smooth and gave her an idea. Feeling delightfully wicked, she pulled the ribbon from the robe and eyed the headboard. Oh, yes, there were handy little pigeonholes in the woodwork. She threaded the sash through, tied a loose knot at either end and slid her wrists through the openings.

  Dare was in for quite a surprise.

  Nivea startled awake. She was lying in a strange bed, bathed in shadows. It took her a moment to remember where she was. In the next room, she heard Dare yell for Jackson. He must have finished his bath.

  She squirmed in anticipation. Hopefully, he would not be mad finding her here.

  “Jackson!” he bellowed again, but there was no answer. Accepting that his manservant was not coming, she heard him muttering obscenities as he toweled off. He stormed through the door, his face cloaked in anger. Until he saw her.

  The look in his eyes was precious. She saw them change from anger to surprise to desire in a heartbeat. Wearing nothing but a robe, water glistening on his hair, he was a sight to behold. He stopped in the doorway and a smile curled up his face. He leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms, as though lounging in a ballroom. “Well, this is a pleasant surprise,” he purred.

  Her skin tingled in anticipation and her heart stuttered. “You said some very nice things about me today. I thought you might deserve a reward.”

  His eyes widened. “A reward, you say? Just for being nice?” Then his expression turned wolfish. “Exactly how nice was I?”

  She held up her arms, showing she was tethered to the headboard. Feeling absolutely decadent, she cast an alluring smile his way. “I would say, the way you defended me deserves a very, very big reward.”

  His eyes went dark. There was a brief moment when he paused, perhaps to consider the wisdom of his actions. And then desire overcame all reason. He was by her side in a flash and she felt the full weight of him covering her, warming her, and soothing her.

  “Oh, Nivea, you cannot imagine how much I have ached for this.” He nuzzled her neck, inhaling deeply. “I could bear anything as long as I knew I could lose myself in you once the day is over.”

  The feel of his warm skin against hers was intoxicating. She felt herself grow wet and he hadn’t even touched her yet. Then he began to kiss her neck, run his tongue along her jawline.

  She shivered. “Oh, Dare, I have missed you too.”

  He stroked her bare arms, stretched over her head. “I see that you are at my mercy. I wonder what I should do with you.”

  The seductive tone sent another shiver through her. She watched as he ran his gaze over her body, halting at her legs. Noting the predatory look in his eyes, she squirmed.

  “Oh, my dear, I think it is time to introduce you to another one of my tricks.”

  She giggled nervously. “I was hoping you would say that.”

  He raised an eyebrow in surprise and then smirked. “I see I am going to enjoy having you as my wife, Miss Horsham.”

  He stood up and let the robe fall from his shoulders. She quivered at the sight of his lean, muscled body. The dark hair on his chest swirled around his nipples, growing faint around his stomach and then thicker between his legs, where his desire was evident. She barely had time to lick her lips before he lay down, covering her with his warmth. Starting at her finger tips, he proceeded to kiss his way down her wrists, forearm, and elbow. She giggled when he reached the inner part of her arm and twisted away, her wrist slipping from its restraint.

  “Oh, you’ve escaped. That won’t do at all.” With a devilish grin, Dare captured her hand, stretched it over her head, and retied both her knots.

  “That’s better,” he said, with a light tug. “Now, where was I?”

  She shivered as he skimmed his hand down her arm, throat, and breast. Being wicked was delicious fun.

  She strained up to increase the pressure of his hand, but he had other ideas. He slid down farther, kissing her stomach through the fabric of her shift. Lower still, until he was sitting at the bottom of the bed. Running his hands up from her feet, he nudged the virginal white fabric up her thighs, exposing her womanhood. The fiery look in his eyes wiped away the flare of embarrassment. But when he dipped his head toward her inner thigh, she almost changed her mind. Surely he wasn’t going to…

  “Oh!” she squeaked. He had flicked his tongue across a sensitive spot high on her thigh. She tried to squirm away.

  “Now, now, my dearest, don’t turn bashful.” He ran a finger from her breastbone, down her stomach, through her navel, and stopped just between her legs. “You trust me, don’t you? You know I will give you pleasure.”

  His ebony eyes burned through her. She licked her lips in nervous anticipation, but nodded.

  “Good girl,” he purred.

  Edging his finger lower, he delicately rubbed the sensitive bud between her legs, and she arched her back with delight.

  “That’s right. You want me to touch you. Now I will give you a different sort of touch and you will crave it as much as I do.”

  He dipped his head and licked her wetness. The first time he kissed her, she was too surprised for the sensation to register. But after she felt him press and swirl his tongue around her most sensitive area, she flamed with desire.

  “Oh, Dare, that is…wonderful,” she panted, “do not stop.”

  He chuckled. “I won’t, my dear,” and returned to his work.

  Nivea writhed with need. She tugged at her arms, wanting to touch him, run her fingers though his hair, hold his head in place to ensure he did—not—stop.

  Pinned as she was, she could only arch her back and press more firmly into his mouth. He kept up the onslaught, sucking, licking, teasing her until she couldn’t breathe.

  He lessened the pressure, nuzzling against her thigh.

  “Please.” She thrust upward.

  “Soon, darling. Very soon.” Even his voice sent her pulse racing.

  He shifted his weight and pressed her hips back onto the mattress. Once she was still, he slid his hand under her shift, up her ribs, and gently pinched at her swollen nipple.

  Exquisite agony.

  He licked her once more and then squeezed again.

  Oh God, she was quivering like a new foal.

  He palmed her breast, reverently kneading her skin and allowed her to catch her breath. “Are you enjoying this?”

  She whimpered.

  “You have been a very patient woman and I think you deserve a reward as well,” he cooed. “Are you ready for your reward?”

  She nodded so hard, the bed shook.

  With a wolfish grin, he tweaked her nipple, sucked her swollen nub, and drove his finger into her center. And she exploded into blazing bits of light.

  He continued to lick her through the spasms of pleasure until she could take no more. Keening softly, she pulled away from him. While her body was still sending aftershocks quivering through her, he reached above and untied her hands.

  “I want you to touch me,” he urged. “I want to feel your hands on me. Wrap your arms around me, my love, and heal me.”

  Tears pricked her eyes as she stroked his back, running her hands over his scars.

  “I need you, now, my love.” He nudged her legs apart and drove into her with one thrust. Her skin was so sensitive, the contact was almost painful in its pleasure. Giving her time to adjust, he buried into her neck, kissing and nipping at her skin. When she pressed against him, he raised up onto his palms and began to move. He loomed above her like a magnificent satyr. His hair, luxurious as black silk, fell down around his face. His jaw, firm and strong, was clenched in concentration. And his eyes, black, intense, penetrated her very soul. They were one.

  She ran her fingers down his check in a tender caress. “I love you.”

  He smiled and kissed her finger. “I love you,
too. Now and forever.”

  “Now and forever,” she repeated.

  He dropped down, covering her body with his heat, his delicious scent. She kneaded his muscles, slicked with sweat. Roiling and rubbing his manhood against her womanhood, she groaned with pleasure. The sound spurred him on and he increased the tempo, sending shivers through her body.

  Pumping, pulsing, pounding into her, he brought her closer and closer. Almost there. Almost there…and then with a burst of pleasure, she cried out.

  He covered her mouth with his to swallow her scream and then shuddered to completion.

  They both laid there panting, their chests heaving from the overwhelming exertion. “Good God, woman,” Dare finally choked out, “you are going to kill me.”

  In a voice heavy with sleep, she managed to mumble, “Hopefully not until we have tried out all your tricks.”

  He gave a strangled laugh and then drifted off to sleep in her arms.

  Chapter 47

  The next month was a whirlwind of activity. True to her word, Amelia took over the wedding plans, inviting the guests and dragging Nivea to endless dress fittings. “Darling, you must have a trousseau for your new husband. He will be a marquess someday. You must be attired appropriately.”

  Nivea loved her stepmother, and tried to be patient, but it was exhausting. “Surely, I have enough clothes now. We’ve been to every modiste in London.”

  “And they have designed some marvelous creations for you, don’t you agree? You’ll be the envy of the ton.”

  That was pushing it a little far. Yes, the clothes were nice, but they would still be worn by her. If she was to be envied, it was for the man she had somehow convinced to marry her. She still could not believe it.

  In public, he played the cordial gentleman, as though scared to show his true feelings. But every so often he would catch her eye, and his lips would curl into a sultry smile. His eyes would darken, and heat would flare between them. It wouldn’t be long before he would sneak up on her, tug her into a quiet corner, and kiss her senseless.