Dashing Dukes and Romantic Rogues

by Caldwell, Christi

She humphed. “I don’t want to.”

  Will gave a low chuckle. “No more sneaking off. The next time, your punishment won’t be a simple kiss. It will be far more…involved.”

  She pressed her body closer to his. “It’s like you’re encouraging me to break your rules.”

  “Now love, you don’t want to go too far with me yet. You don’t trust me, remember?”

  Before she could respond, he gave her one last soft kiss and then disappeared.

  * * *

  Will forced himself to walk away at a normal pace when all he wanted was to dash back to Rose. Truly, he wanted to carry her to his bed. She had kissed him like no other woman ever had, with complete abandon and mutual attraction and innocent lust that had sent him reeling. The truth was, he couldn’t kiss her like that again and not claim her.

  He needed to get those jewels back and he needed to make Rose his.

  He entered the ballroom and nearly groaned aloud as the music and noise assaulted his senses after the quiet of the halls. Strictly speaking, he hadn’t been avoiding Rose, he’d been getting all the pieces in place to secure her gems. But now that he knew he’d tell her he’d been a spy, he found it more difficult to be with her and continue to keep her in the dark.

  Will just needed time alone with her, and not the five minutes he’d stolen in the hall, but some chunk of time that, if she reacted badly, he could convince her to give him a chance.

  Because he had decided that Rose was his future and he couldn’t allow her to slip away. Though he couldn’t wait too long either or lose her for lack of trust.

  “There you are,” Landon called at the same time Rose’s father stepped next to him.

  Will straightened. No one had known the truth about him for so long, it was strange to be with two men who did. “Here I am.”

  “You are quite elusive,” Reagan murmured.

  At that exact moment he caught sight of Rose skulking back into the party. “Landon,” he turned to the other man, making a snap decision. “Would you and your lovely wife chaperone Lady Roselyn while I speak with her father?”

  Landon looked rather surprised but nodded his consent.

  Will hesitated but then made his feet move. He normally didn’t allow so much emotion to cloud his decisions, especially not after the kiss they’d just shared, but he couldn’t seem to help himself.

  The two men stepped back into the hall until they found themselves in the library. Will took a seat and Rose’s father sat across from him. “Tell me you haven’t ruined her.”

  Will made a choking noise but managed to recover. “I haven’t.”

  Reagan slumped back in his seat. “I have to confess, I was hoping to speak with you this afternoon.”

  Will gave a terse node. Apparently he’d sent the entire family into fits today. “I was busy this afternoon trying to plan how I will get Rose’s diamonds back to her.”

  Reagan stared open mouthed. When he didn’t speak, Will took that as a sign to continue. “My intent is to marry—“

  “Does she know that you are, or rather, were a spy?” Reagan leaned forward his eyes narrowing.

  “No.” His chest tightened as he considered the next part. “And I wish to tell her myself, but during a private audience.”

  Her father shook his head. “Until a proposal has been accepted, I can not grant one. While I don’t give credence to rumor and I am aware your reputation was crafted for your work and embellished by the ton, the fact remains, it would tarnish hers greatly if she were caught alone with you prior to a formal agreement.”

  Will understood, he truly did. Any father would be wise to protect his daughter from the type of man he made himself out to be. And even though Reagan knew the basics of the truth, the rest of the society did not. Even still, he needed to speak with Rose alone. “Of course,” he murmured.

  But he was, after all, a spy. And the one advantage to that was that he was completely comfortable skirting the rules. He’d find a way to speak with her privately one way or another.

  Chapter Eight

  Rose had to admit that the Duke and Duchess of Landon were truly lovely. Her Grace insisted that Rose use her given name, Tricia, and seemed very content to sit on the outskirts of the party.

  Rose gave the other woman a grateful smile. “Thank you for agreeing to sit. I hope I am not ruining your evening.”

  Tricia gave her a wink as they found seats. “I dislike these sorts of things as a general rule.” She leaned closer, her eyes twinkling. “I was actually ruined at the only formal ball I attended in my first season.”

  Rose gave a gasp before she could hold it in. “Ruined? At your first ball?”

  Tricia giggled. “It’s a very long story, which I will happily tell you another time. Ryker proposed that very night, however, so I was socially destroyed and saved all in a day.” Looking over the crowd, Tricia spoke again. “My sister, Tabbie, applied herself to being a wallflower. Mostly to anger our father I think. She did marry an earl after all that, but he was a terrible rake before he met her. I suppose we’re not a family that was meant for society. Odd considering our father’s position.”

  “A rake?” Rose’s stomach fluttered with nerves. She knew Will’s reputation. The man before her did not match with what everyone thought he was or the facts that she knew. Was it possible he could be a good man if given the right circumstances? She wanted to believe it could be true. “Is he good to your sister now?”

  “Oh yes. Luke is a doting husband and I think Tabbie worried at first, but he is by her side always.” Tricia gave her a warm smile. “Ryker is perfect for me but Tabbie likes a challenge. She is intelligent and brave. I am so glad she took a chance because there isn’t a more perfect man for her. Those reformed rakes can make for committed husbands.” Then she winked.

  Rose realized her mouth was open and snapped her jaw closed. It was as though Tricia was speaking directly to her fears. “Do you have any other siblings?” Rose asked, attempting to move to a safer topic.

  “A younger brother, who is off adventuring on some ship. It is giving my father fits.” Tricia gave her another smile and Rose couldn’t help but return it.

  She was sure the current Duke of Waverly would prefer his heir to be on dry land. “I can imagine.”

  “My father has yet to learn that if he simply loosened the noose, his children would struggle against it less.”

  Rose swallowed again. She had also been rather rebellious of late. How did Tricia keep doing that? “He probably just wants to keep his children safe.”

  “I’m sure.” Tricia’s look grew more distant. “As I get older, I also worry about my brother, Teddy. If only he weren’t taking such risks. They aren’t worth it, the possible consequences.”

  Again, Rose’s insides fluttered. “Tricia, would you and your husband mind escorting me to my room? I find I am terribly fatigued.”

  “Of course.” Tricia stood, waving to Ryker. “My apologies for prattling on.”

  “Oh no, not at all. I found it fascinating.” Rose really liked Tricia and it was so nice to talk with another woman. “I hope we can spend time together tomorrow, so you can tell me more.”

  Tricia gave her a glowing smile. “I’d like that. But tomorrow, let’s agree to chat about you.”

  Rose waved her hand. “I am terribly boring.”

  Tricia’s eyebrows rose. “I doubt that very much.”

  Once back in her room, Rose wondered if she should have shared more with Tricia. The other woman had told her she’d been ruined. That her sister had married a rake. Maybe, she was the one person who could help her sort out her feelings.

  Her thoughts about Will circled back to the forefront of her mind. Part of her truly wanted to believe that he wasn’t a thief, that despite being a rake, he was capable of change. She saw so much good in him. He’d protected her, celebrated her intelligence, made her laugh, found her funny. No one had ever stirred this level of emotion, not even before her mother’s death.

 
With a sigh, she finished getting ready for bed. She wouldn’t come up with any answers tonight, and the past few days had left her drained.

  Rose thought again about some of the other things Tricia had said. Was she like Teddy? Taking too many risks for something that wasn’t worth it? Her mother’s jewels were, she thought, but then another thought pushed that one away. They were just things. How would her mother feel if she were ruined?

  And what of Will? How important was he? She was beginning to think very…

  If only she could know if he was or was not a thief. Then she could decide if a future was possible with him.

  But before she could come up with a plan, her eyes drifted closed. She was terribly tired. Her lips tingled and she touched them, wishing even more for another kiss from Will. But would wishes lead to heartache?

  * * *

  Will returned to the ballroom to find Rose gone. He knew he couldn’t go chasing after her and so he had no choice but to spend the next hour socializing in what was becoming a dreadful evening.

  Except for kissing Rose. That had been one of the most incredible experiences of his life, which was likely why the rest of it felt dull and tedious in comparison.

  Two people now knew he was a spy, or had been. He’d expected to feel lighter for the sharing, but it only made his worry more acute. What if Rose found out before he could tell her?

  Deciding he’d participated long enough, he made for the doors. Truthfully, he had every intention of climbing the trellis under Rose’s window and having a more personal conversation with her. Now that he’d decided to tell a very select group his secret, he didn’t want to wait any longer.

  “Addington,” Lord Bridgeton called as he approached. Damn it all to hell, he was the last man he wanted to speak to.

  But he had another obligation to Rose besides truth and that was to find her mother’s jewels. “Bridgeton.”

  “Fancy a walk on the terrace? I’ve news of a mutual friend.”

  Will gnashed his teeth together. “I’d be delighted.”

  Will fell into step next to the other man as they made their way to the terrace doors. The night was cooler, and it felt good to step outside. The house was built like a rectangle and this ballroom opened to the same courtyard that both his and Rose’s room faced. He could see her balcony door and a candle flickering within. If he squinted, he could almost see a shadow moving about. “How does married life treat you?”

  Bridgeton grimaced. “Delightful. Rebecca is everything I’ve ever wanted in a wife.”

  Despite his best intentions, he felt his eyebrows floating up. “She is something.”

  Bridgeton pulled out a kerchief and mopped his brow. “She is.” He stepped closer then. “I am lucky to have her, but the woman has needs beyond any I anticipated.”

  Now Will knew that his own eyebrows must be up in his hair. “Needs?” If the man started talking about the bedroom, he might completely lose his facilities. But his intuition told him that the young woman hadn’t married an older earl for the bedsport.

  “Dresses, parties, jewels.” the man’s frown deepened the lines on his face. “I can barely keep up.” Bridgeton let out a dramatic sigh. “I know you recognized the stones. I got them from our mutual friend at a steep discount. Not that they satisfied my lovely wife. But Her Grace was kind enough to suggest that the stones be held where they’d be safe, everyone can see their quality apparently.”

  A ripple of satisfaction passed through Will. Bridgeton had taken the bait. Landon’s plan was working. “Indeed.”

  “But it got me thinking.” The man looked to one side then the other, stepping closer. “If there is an entire safe worth of jewels and valuables, why not take advantage of an opportunity?”

  His teeth clenched. Damn it, Bridgeton had found the flaw in the plan. “I don’t know that that is a wise plan. Our friend always used a vast network to keep his activities private.” The marquess had used solicitors who had a network of thieves and crooked jewelers to make valuables disappear.

  Bridgeton leaned in closer still. “There must be seventy-five guests here in addition to the staff they’ve brought. I won’t take anything noticeable. Only things that won’t be missed until later.”

  Will had spent the afternoon fitting Rose’s carriage with a secret compartment so no one would find the jewels. It was simple yet time consuming. But it wouldn’t do a lick of good if he couldn’t take the diamonds out of the safe because Bridgeton planned to break into it. “What does any of this have to do with me?”

  “I thought, being so well-acquainted with Perrault, you might be able to get me the combination?”

  He pulled his head back. “Get you the combination?” It came out as a growl.

  “For a price of course. Perhaps ten percent?”

  A new plan formed. One where he’d actually catch Bridgeton in the act. It would be his farewell to his former life as well as allow him to get Rose’s heirlooms back. “I’ll see what I can do. Meet me after breakfast in the library.” He leaned in closer like he was scheming. “Wait until I am alone.”

  Bridgeton nodded. “Of course.” Then he backed and hooked his fingers in the cuff of his jacket. “Good catching up with you, old chap.”

  Will took a slow breath to keep from sending his gaze heavenward. “You too. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll take a turn about the courtyard.”

  Bridgeton turned back toward the ballroom doors. Will headed in the opposite direction until he was under Rose’s window.

  Scaling the trellis, he climbed up on her balcony and approached the doors. He lifted his hand to tap on the glass but a quick glance showed that she was sleeping soundly in her bed.

  Letting out a long breath, he stared at her, his eyes wandering over every curve and line as she lay on her side facing him. The flare of her hip, the indentation of her waist, the curve of her shoulder drew his eyes up. The column of her neck begged for his kisses as did her parted lips. He could practically feel the softness of her cheek under his fingers and he longed to untie her hair and bury his fingers in the tresses.

  She sighed in her sleep, her chest rising. His own chest tightened with an emotion he didn’t care to name, though he knew the feeling vaguely. He wanted to hold her, protect her. Will longed to love her.

  And not just make love to her. He wanted to support her, and he was sure, she would teach him what it meant to be wrapped in a cocoon of love.

  He didn’t know how long he watched her sleep. He didn’t try to enter the room, he didn’t want to wake her. She looked beautiful lying there. Finally, he climbed down and returned to his own room. As he climbed into the bed, it seemed vast and empty and he had the intense desire to have her curled into his side as he slept. Tomorrow they’d talk. He’d start with the truth about who he was and tell her how he felt. He needed her by his side. He only prayed he hadn’t waited too long.

  Chapter Nine

  Rose woke early and dressed for breakfast. She entered the dining room to find it empty. If she were honest, she’d expected to see Will again this morning but he didn’t come. She knew there would be a hunt today, had he left already?

  She wandered down the hall, trying to decide what she might do with her day. She’d come here to search for jewels and Will had taken that over for her. She realized that she trusted him to find them and returned them.

  Stopping in the hall, she had to smile. She did trust him. Though her mind had taken some time, her heart had trusted him from the beginning. Was she in love with him?

  That certainly would explain the connection between them.

  A lightness filled her chest as she covered her hand with her mouth. Did she dare to tell him?

  Just then voices, soft and low, filtered down the hall. She moved toward them, catching the deep tones of male voices from the open door of the library. One sounded remarkably like Will’s.

  There was a fern just outside the doors and she hid behind it as she turned her ear toward their sound.

&nbs
p; “The code is on the back of this piece of paper. Double back during the hunt, and enter through the back. Make sure none of the staff see you.” It was Will’s voice.

  Rose’s stomach dropped and a sick dread filled her. She covered her mouth with her hand as tears sprang to her eyes. She nearly doubled over in the hall, her hand reaching out to the wall to brace herself. Her worst fears about Will had just been confirmed. He was a thief and a liar. And to think, she’d been about to give him her heart and soul.

  “Once I have the goods, I’ll give you the finder’s fee.” Bridgeton replied. “Thanks for this.” Bridgeton added.

  Footsteps approached the door and Rose realized she was about to be caught. The hall was too long to retreat down and the plant wouldn’t fully hide her. She started to crouch behind it when her knee knocked into the plant making a loud thud.

  “What was that?” Bridgeton asked.

  “I’ll check,” Will said. Rose stopped breathing as he appeared in the doorway. His eyes swept down the hall in the opposite direction and for a split second she thought he wouldn’t see her until his gaze swung in her direction.

  She didn’t even see his reaction before he was in front of her, blocking her with his back.

  “What was it?” Bridgeton asked.

  “Nothing, of course. Likely a servant dropped something down the hall.” Will cleared his throat, his broad back completely shielding her from view. “Are you certain you want to do this? It’s risky, as I said last night.”

  “You worry too much.” Bridgeton chuckled. “It’s likely why Highwater never gave you more responsibility.”

  “Fair enough,” Will gave a deep growl. “All the same, good luck.”

  Rose barely had time to contemplate how he could sound so calm, almost bored as she hid behind a plant just behind him when Bridgeton shook Will’s hand and was gone.

  Before she’d even sighed with relief, Will spun around and hauled her against his body. “What in the bloody blue blazes were you doing?”