by SpursFanatic
She scooted closer to him. “No, but I have been busy reading that library you bought me. It has been quite… informative.”
His voice sounded choked. “There were books in there on… this sort of… education?”
She hooked her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. “Oh yes, and I had you in mind as I read every word.”
He cursed low and shot up off the bench. “I’m sorry, Tarin. I’ll be right back.”
“Rafe…” She stood to block him. Finding he had already freed himself, he hesitated a second before guiding her hand to his hard length and showing her how to please him. It was titillating to pleasure him, just as arousing as it was to experience fulfillment herself.
He dropped his head back and groaned as she felt him spill on their hands. Tarin kissed his throat.
“Forget courtship. Marry me, Tarin.”
She smiled against his skin. “Yes, Rafe.”
Chapter 12
His body still thrummed several minutes later when Rafe entered the ballroom. He had left his incredibly enchanting fiancé safely ensconced in one of the toilet rooms the Cabots had set aside for the lady guests. After doing their best to make themselves presentable again, they shared a few kisses that nearly melted the soles of Rafe’s boots before he came in search of his mother. While Tarin had thoroughly immersed herself in their intimacy in the garden, she did not condone Rafe helping her redress in such a public setting.
Using his size to quickly maneuver through the throng of people, Rafe found his mother with a group of Brahmin ladies. Feeling unusually boisterous, Rafe greeted them with an impressive array of gallantry and good humor that was sure to please his mother. The proud gleam in her eyes warmed his heart. It amazed him the small things that pleased her.
Excusing himself, he pulled his mother aside.
“What is it?” Joy was evident in his mother’s voice.
“Tarin needs your help.” Taking her by the elbow, he guided her into the foyer and down the hallway.
“What has happened? Is she unwell?” Her voice now held a note of concern as she kept up with his long strides.
“She’s fine.” Stopping, he discreetly knocked on the toilet room door, hoping Tarin was inside alone. When she asked them to enter, he knew all was clear.
Standing before the mirror, Tarin’s gaze met Isabel’s in the glass. Her cheeks flushed deep red. The bodice of her dress was twisted, the top of her corset visible above the misshapen fabric. Her hair was in slight disarray, the strand of diamonds hanging limply on one side. His future wife had never looked more beautiful.
“Tarin!” Isabel rushed to her. “What happened?”
Rafe didn’t think it was possible for Tarin to blush more, but she did. Her eyes met his in the mirror. She raised a brow as if asking ‘well, are you going to explain?’
He just grinned.
“Rafe Sutherland! Tell me you did not dishonor this poor girl.” Isabel glanced back and forth between them.
His mother’s cheeks were flushed, too, but Rafe guessed for an altogether different reason. Clutching her by the shoulders, he smiled down into her blazing brown eyes. “Mother, Tarin has agreed to be my wife.”
Catching her breath, his mother’s eyes widened to the size of powder kegs. She studied him, as if looking for sincerity, before she glanced back at Tarin.
Tarin smiled at her in the mirror. “I hope we have your blessing.”
Squealing, Isabel slapped him on the arm before she pulled Tarin into a tight hug. “Oh, Tarin. I could not be happier.” Isabel pulled away to stare at her. “I cannot imagine a woman more perfect for my son. Nor one I could love more.”
Tears filled Tarin’s eyes. Rafe’s gut tightened. He didn’t think he would ever get used to seeing Tarin cry.
“You have no idea how much that means to me.” Tarin hugged his mother again.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Rafe studied mother and soon-to-be daughter. He had never considered the importance of a mother figure for Tarin. His mother had always wanted a daughter but had never conceived one. Perhaps, there was a silver lining in this bargain, after all.
Isabel pulled away to stare back at Rafe. He could see the gears turning in her head.
“Oh, you must make the announcement tonight. The Brahmin’s most beautiful debutante and my son, the national hero - it will be the biggest news to hit society in years.” She looked back at Tarin. “Has Henry been told?”
Shaking her head, Tarin met Rafe’s gaze. “No, Rafe was going to speak with him while you helped me… pull myself together.” She gave a small smile.
“Well, get going,” Isabel cried, as she tried to usher Rafe towards the door. “Henry has been looking for you all evening, besides.”
Rafe wasn’t budging until he got another kiss from his fiancé. He still couldn’t believe she had agreed to marry him. Of course, with her consent was another set of worries to contend with. But, he wasn’t going to dwell on them tonight. Tonight, he was the luckiest bastard in the world and he was going to enjoy it.
Leaning forward, he kissed Tarin soundly on the mouth. “I will talk to Henry and find you inside.” He raised her gloved hand to his lips.
Tarin bit her lower lip as she stared at him through lowered lashes. There was enough heat in her vivid green eyes to start a fire. Rafe almost made his mother wait outside.
“Son, if you do not move, the evening will be over.” His mother took him by the arm and led him to the door. “Now, go find Henry.”
#####
The card room overflowed with smoke and rowdy male laughter. Waving his hand in front of his face to clear the air, Rafe searched the room for Tarin’s father. He was surprised to see Beau at one of the tables, considering the number of women at the ball. Rafe gave him a brief nod before continuing on.
He found Henry on the far side of the room having a drink with William Adams, one of the legislators. Rafe gritted his teeth. With the news of the petition signatures going to the State House, Worthington was most likely trying to discourage Adams from voting for Gregory’s college. Rafe intended to counter his opinion.
Walking up, Rafe greeted Henry before introducing himself to Adams. When the man said he was honored to meet him, Rafe made a point of mentioning his support for the college. Henry’s eyebrows nearly fell into his glass.
Rafe didn’t care. He was marrying Tarin, not Henry. And he would do whatever he could to ensure her happiness. If that meant going against Worthington’s wishes, so be it. They had an agreement and Rafe would fulfill his side of the bargain within weeks, if not days.
“Sutherland, a word please.” Henry excused them before he steered Rafe towards the balcony.
Rafe stopped to collect a glass of rum from a passing servant before continuing on. Henry stood at the far end, his shoulders stiff.
“What in blazes are you up to, man?” Henry turned to him, his green eyes glittering. “I thought we had an agreement.”
“We do,” Rafe replied, doing his best to remain calm. He told himself he needed to let the man vent. Henry’d had over an hour to build up this gust of hot air. Rafe figured he’d have to let it out one way or another.
“You have not visited Tarin in a week’s time, you arrive tonight with a woman on your arm, and you did not come to me when I sent for you earlier this evening. It does not appear we have a bargain at all.” He leaned towards Rafe, pointing a finger at his chest. “And what is that blasted medical library you bought her? I told you I wanted to discourage her interest in the college. I cannot get her away from those books.”
Rafe smiled to himself. The minx had been reading up on reproduction and thinking of him the entire time. He was the luckiest bastard.
Glass in hand, Rafe crossed his arms over his chest. “Were it not for that library, Worthington, I don’t think Tarin would have agreed to marry me tonight.”
Staggering back a step, Henry’s eyes widened. “You jest.”
Grinning, Rafe shook his head. “Mot
her is hoping you will make the announcement tonight.”
A slow smile split Henry’s face. When he stared up at the sky and shut his eyes, Rafe thought he was either sending up a prayer of thanks, or moments from shouting with joy.
Henry’s gaze turned somber when his eyes met Rafe’s again. “I knew you were the right choice.”
Digging into his pocket, he retrieved a small pouch. Fingering it, he shook his head. “I never could make her mother happy.” He gave Rafe a penetrating stare. “Don’t make the same mistake.” He held out the pouch.
Setting down his glass on the railing, Rafe took the pouch from Henry’s grasp. Inside was an extravagant emerald ring with a stone the size of a small boulder. The ring alone could put Sutherland Shipping back on track.
“That was her mother’s wedding ring. It would mean a lot to Tarin, and I, if you would honor Jane by using it as a symbol of your fidelity.”
Rafe nodded as he returned the ring to its pouch. A sudden whiff of roses assailed him, catching him off guard. He was so used to the scent in Tarin’s company that he looked around expecting to find her in their midst.
When he saw only men, he frowned. “I would be honored. I know Tarin will be pleased.” He placed the pouch inside his coat pocket.
Nodding, Henry looked away. Rafe thought he saw the sheen of tears in Henry’s eyes, but could not be sure.
“She is all I have, Rafe,” he mumbled, his grip on the railing white-knuckled.
An unexpected weight settled in Rafe’s chest. Would a man involved in underhanded dealings reveal himself to Rafe in such a light? Show a vulnerability to someone he was trying to destroy? Worthington had entrusted Rafe with his daughter, his confessed ‘sole reason for living.’
Suddenly, doubts bombarded Rafe as that new set of worries tried to push their way into his good mood. He refused to dwell on his scars, or the consequences should their bargain ever be revealed to Tarin.
Clapping Worthington on the shoulder, Rafe turned him around. “With this marriage, Henry, comes me and my family. And, with God’s blessing, grandchildren. Tarin is not all you have. As a matter fact, you may never get a moment’s peace again.”
Henry laughed. “But I will lose my physician. Kent will not be pleased.”
Rafe stilled. Worthington had given him the perfect opportunity to question his relationship with Kent. “That is all he is to you - a physician?”
Frowning, Worthington pulled his head back. “Yes. What other relationship could we have?”
Studying Worthington’s face, Rafe searched for sincerity. Henry seemed genuinely perplexed. “Business dealings, perhaps?”
“Business?” Henry questioned, eyebrows raised. “How could you ask such a thing when I have already revealed to you his desire to buy Sutherland Shipping and his desire to marry my daughter?” He lowered his voice. “Let’s get one thing clear, Sutherland. If you are to be my son, there will be complete and utter loyalty. I had assumed that went without saying.”
Worthington questioned his loyalty? Hands on hips, Rafe said, “I am loyal, Worthington. I just want your assurance that you will be the same.”
Puffing out his chest, Henry’s face turned red. “You insult me. I would not entrust my daughter to you, otherwise.”
Rafe gave a curt nod. “Very well. Once this wedding is past, you and I will have a talk. In the meantime, be wary of Kent.”
#####
“Oh Tarin, I am just beside myself with excitement.” Isabel squeezed Tarin’s arm where it looped through hers.
Tarin smiled, a nervous energy droning through her body. She was quite excited herself. So excited it frightened her. How could someone be so happy?
They made their way towards the ballroom, with a plan to stop at the punch bowl before anything else. Tarin’s throat was parched and she knew she would need her voice once her father made the announcement. She and Rafe would be surrounded by congratulatory guests the rest of the evening.
“I am still trying to get used to the idea, Isabel.”
“It will be real enough once we start making wedding plans.”
They turned into the dining room and nearly ran into Dr. Kent.
“Randall!” Isabel stopped short. “How nice it is to… run into you.” She laughed.
In a suit of black satin, with a royal blue vest and white cravat, Dr. Kent once again epitomized the height of men’s fashion. His honey-colored hair was combed back from his face, his jaw freshly shaved.
“My stars, don’t you two look fetching,” Dr. Kent exclaimed, his mouth turned up at the corner.
His gaze trailed over Isabel briefly before his eyes scanned Tarin quite thoroughly. His eyes held a definite male appreciation that made Tarin shiver uncomfortably.
“Thank you, Dr. Kent.” Tarin tightened her hold on Isabel.
The older woman glanced at Tarin with a frown before turning back to Dr. Kent. “Yes, thank you. Where are you headed – the card room?”
“Actually, I was going in search of Tarin.” Hands in his pants pockets, he turned from Isabel to Tarin. “You received Samuel’s note that he is taking the petitions to the legislature on Thursday?”
The petition signatures. She had forgotten about the good news in all of the excitement of her engagement.
“Yes, I did. It’s wonderful news.”
“How marvelous,” Isabel chimed in. “It is certainly an evening for celebration.”
“Yes, I hope to make it even more so.” Kent’s eyes on Tarin were filled with hidden meaning. “Isabel, do you mind if I have a word with Tarin?”
No! Please, don’t leave, Isabel. Tarin knew he had courtship in mind but she didn’t dare say anything about her engagement until her father made the announcement.
Tarin hoped her eyes relayed her plea to Isabel. However, when the older woman offered to get their punch and walked away, dread settled in Tarin’s stomach like a lead weight.
Escorting her into the hall, Dr. Kent stopped beside a credenza and cornered her against the wall. Tarin stepped aside to give herself room.
He frowned. “I can guarantee legislative approval, Tarin.”
“You can?” she asked, eyebrows raised. “Have you received word of enough support to vote it in?”
Shaking his head, Kent’s smile was wily. “No, but I can buy the votes. All I need is a ‘yes’ from you.”
“A ‘yes?’ From me?” That dread clenched her stomach in a tight grip.
He stepped closer. Tarin swallowed. She thought he might kiss her.
“Say you’ll agree to marriage and I’ll push it through.” He trailed a finger down her cheek. “For you.”
Gasping, she grabbed his hand and shoved it away from her face. Kent pulled his head back, clearly shocked.
How dare he try to blackmail her! She had been so blind. All of these years she had considered Dr. Kent a respectable physician. Now, his true colors had come to light and she did not like them.
“And if I say ‘no?’ What then?” Squinting her eyes, Tarin fisted her hands in her skirts.
He glared down at her, hands in his pockets. “Then do not be surprised when the college is not approved.”
Squaring her shoulders, Tarin lifted her chin. “Do you think you are the only man in Boston with political connections?”
His laugh was bitter. “Tarin, we both know your father disapproves of this college. Do not play that card with me.”
She glared down her nose at him. “I was not referring to my father, Dr. Kent. Do you think you are the only one with secrets?”
Turning away, Tarin started down the hall. Anger made her hands shake, her steps rigid. Stopping, she turned back to him. “By the way, Dr. Kent, in case you are unsure, my answer is ‘no.’”
Reaching the dining room doorway, Tarin stopped short when Kent’s cold, low voice reached her ears.
“You will regret that decision, Lady Worthington. No one refuses me... No one.”
Whipping her heard around, she saw Dr. Kent wal
king in the opposite direction. A chill raced through her as she recalled the menace in his words. Was he capable of true harm? Would he carry her rejection that far?
“Tarin! There you are.” Isabel approached, cups in hand. Her smile soon turned to a frown. “What is it?” She looked past Tarin’s shoulder into the hallway. “Did Dr. Kent upset you?”
Unwilling to allow Kent’s threat to ruin her evening, Tarin waved away Isabel’s concern. “I am fine,” she replied with a grin. “Just thirsty.” Taking the glass from Isabel’s proffered hand, she sipped voraciously.
Tarin could tell by the crease between her brows that Isabel did not believe her. But, she was not going to concern herself with it now. Soon, they would both be surrounded by joy and the conversation would be forgotten.
Entering the ballroom, the two of them looked around for Rafe and her father.
Isabel leaned close. “We must find Rafe before your jilted dance partners catch up to you.”
Oh no. Tarin had not considered that. Leaning up on her toes, she craned her neck. Spying her betrothed on the opposite side of the dance floor, relief immediately flooded her body.
Rafe was so handsome in his dark evening clothes with his equally dark hair curling at his nape. His nearly black eyes sparkled with laughter, his dimples shining in the cheeks of his tanned face. He was literally the most handsome man she had ever seen.
And he wanted her. No other. A thrill raced down her spine.
With his family and friends around him, Rafe stopped all conversation when she and Isabel approached. The wide smile on his face told her he was genuinely happy to see her. Tarin let out a deep sigh as he raised her gloved hand to his lips.
With his gaze studying her closely, Rafe’s smile slowly vanished. Turning her from the group, his voice was low when he spoke. “What is it? What’s happened?”
Blast. She thought she had hidden it well. “Do you have rum in that glass?” She nodded at the tumbler in his hand.
Handing it to her, she set her punch glass aside and drank from his.
