Embracing the Knight

by Langston, Jenn

  Ian appeared to have lost his footing as he slid down to sit on the bed, his eyes closed. “Don’t say things like that.”

  The raspy sound of his voice made her smile. Clearly he wanted her to do it, too. Although she had no idea how, she was determined. Moving toward him, she pushed him back on the bed and climbed on top of him before he could regain his balance.

  “Claire? What do you—”

  She silenced him with her mouth. At first he remained motionless, but as she pressed herself down against him, he groaned and took her face in his hands, deepening the kiss. She ground her body against him again as excitement poured through her. Mad with desire, she wanted more of him. As she rubbed against him a third time, his answering growl furthered her frantic need.

  Ian’s hands snaked around her waist, pulling her closer to him, and a moan escaped her lips. Almost immediately, he rolled them over until he was on top of her. Rejoicing that he didn’t pull away, she wrapped her legs around him.

  Thinking became difficult as he trailed his mouth down her neck and his hand moved up her leg. This wasn’t exactly what she expected to happen, but she wouldn’t complain. Her body burned for him and she would give anything to have his hand move up another inch or two.

  Suddenly he let out a long-suffering groan, then rolled off of her. She tried to clutch him to her, but he was stronger, and didn’t remain in bed long enough for her to reclaim his attention.

  “You shouldn’t be here, Claire.” His eyes were wild as he looked anywhere but at her. “I told you. I’ve lost my control.”

  Pulling herself up to a sitting position, she glared at him. Clearly, he had somehow found it. “I don’t mind you losing it in the least.”

  “I know you don’t, but I can’t take your innocence.”

  Anger heated her cheeks. If he could only remember that night near a month ago, they could be enjoying themselves right now. Actually, she amended, they would probably be wed at this point. The whole situation made her ill.

  “Don’t let that hold you back.” She crossed her arms. “It isn’t an issue as I’ve already lost it.”

  Ian froze as his mouth fell open. “Impossible. You didn’t even know how such a thing was accomplished a short time ago.”

  “Yes, but I’ve been educated, remember?”

  Hurt passed through his eyes, but he quickly closed them, effectively hiding his feelings from her. She wondered at it.

  All this time he’d been avoiding her because of her maidenly barrier, but now it was lifted. There was no reason he should be upset by it.

  “Who did this to you?” When he opened his eyes she saw fury had taken over. “The truth. Now.”

  She stood as her anger burned to match his. How dare he demand answers from her? If he wanted the truth, he would have to remember it for himself.

  “I don’t owe you an explanation.”

  “Yes, you bloody well do. If a man forced himself—”

  “He didn’t force himself. I think it was an accident.”

  “That kind of accident doesn’t happen,” he ground out.

  She rolled her eyes. “Maybe that wasn’t the correct word. I meant to say it was unplanned.”

  “That doesn’t change the fact that it shouldn’t have happened.” His hands were clenched so tight his knuckles had turned white. “Tell me who did it to you. Was it this new gentleman you been talking to?”

  Brushing out her skirts, she lifted her chin. “I didn’t tell you this so you could get angry or question me. I never should have said anything.”

  As she moved toward the door, he caught her arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  She jerked away from him. “Anywhere but here. I really don’t like you at this moment.”

  Keeping her head held high, she marched from the cabin. After mounting her mare, she tore through the forest, intent on getting away. Unfortunately, the speed didn’t matter. After all, he hadn’t followed her.

  Ian was a bloody fool, and she was done with him.

  Chapter 16

  Ian crunched through the fallen leaves in the garden, wishing he hadn’t sent the invitation to Lady Ellie two days ago. Now, she was clinging to his arm while rubbing her breasts up against him every chance she got.

  “What about that one?” she asked, once again reaching across his body in an attempt to pummel him with her assets.

  He gritted his teeth. “If you would permit me to get my mother, she could tell you all about the specimens in the garden. I’m afraid my knowledge in that area is limited.”

  Her eyes darted over her shoulder to where their mothers walked together. “I have no wish to disturb their time. Our families do get along rather well.”

  He inclined his head, unwilling to offer a reply on the subject.

  “I was very surprised to receive your invitation the other day. May I ask what has changed your mind?”

  Leading her to a bench, he stood as she sat. At this vantage, he could see even further down her dress. Training his gaze on the foliage, he took a deep breath. He couldn’t marry her.

  Life would be miserable with a wife whom you couldn’t trust. Besides, he didn’t want her. He wanted Claire.

  “Since my mother lacked the time, I thought it gentlemanly to offer myself as an escort in her stead.”

  Her smile grabbed his attention. Something calculating shone in her eyes. “Thank you for your thoughtfulness. I can only guess at your mother’s schedule. No doubt she has her hands full with Miss Ashford.”

  Ian stiffened. “What do you mean?”

  “Only that Mr. Avery has chosen to spend quite a bit of his time at Dailey. I daresay it’s not the baron who has caught his notice.”

  Clasping his hands behind his back, Ian resisted the urge to let his emotions show. Either the girl was intentionally trying to get a reaction from him, or there was something going on between Claire and the man.

  The thought of Avery sliding his hand over Claire’s thighs as Ian had done only yesterday made his jaw tighten. If Avery was responsible for Claire’s ruination, he’d personally see to reprimanding the man.

  Suddenly, an image of Claire lying on the couch in a ripped gray gown came to mind. Her sensual, pouty lips were parted as he sank himself inside of her. Coughing, Ian tried to clear the pictures from his mind.

  He shifted his position as Lady Ellie looked at him expectantly. The constant thinking about Claire in such a state needed to stop. Perhaps it had simply been too long since he’d lain with a woman. The problem was, he didn’t want just anyone.

  “Are you all right, my lord?”

  As he cleared his throat, he pulled himself back to the present. “I’m sorry. My mind simply got away from me. So, what do you know about Mr. Avery? Is he a decent gentleman?”

  “Very fine. They say he’s come down to visit the Duke of Demoon. Although he never speaks of the man himself, I understand he is a cousin and residing at the duke’s castle.”

  Ian pressed his lips closed at the mention of the duke. Demoon had been most affected by the fire which had been set to consume the previous duke’s body. Ever since the scarring of his face, not many people had seen the young duke. And in recent years, he apparently never ventured out of his castle.

  “It’s nice to know the duke has friends.”

  “Yes, and I imagine once Mr. Avery and Miss Ashford are wed, the duke will gain another.”

  Ian swallowed his rage at that statement. How could Claire even think of marrying Avery when she’d come to him at the hunting cabin not even a full day ago?

  She must not have any feelings for the man. Although relieved at that idea, he was also angry. She wouldn’t marry him, but she would put herself in a loveless marriage with the man who had forced himself upon her.

  He wou
ldn’t stand for it. The time had come for him to talk to Gordon. As her brother, he deserved to know what was going on with Claire.

  It took nearly an hour before he managed to disentangle himself from Lady Ellie’s clutches and ride to Dailey. Upon his arrival, he learned Marcus had come for a visit. Although surprised, Ian was pleased to see his other friend.

  Entering the study, he returned the wide grin from Marcus. “How great to see you,” Ian greeted. “What brings you to this area?”

  Marcus grinned as he clapped Ian on the back. “It’s been ages since I’ve left Starsen, so I decided it was past time to remedy that.”

  With brows raised, Ian surveyed his friend. The fire when they were children had stopped Marcus’s wanderlust. Since then, Ian hadn’t known his friend to travel without good reason. This change in his behavior was odd. “What is the real reason?”

  Marcus’s lips drew in a tight line as he glanced at Gordon. “My mother sent me. She was discomforted by Gordon’s abrupt departure. She wanted me to come and extend an invitation for him to stay at Avange Manor.”

  That was definitely interesting. Gordon shifted in his chair and Ian opened his mouth to ask what was going on when the gray material of a gown caught his eyes. Claire’s dress, the one that had been haunting his fantasies, was draped over the back of a chair. The only thing that registered in Ian’s brain was the splotch of dried blood staining the back of it.

  Without a word, Ian moved toward the dress, fear clutching his heart. He silently prayed he wouldn’t see what he knew would be there. The sound of rushing water pounded through his ears.

  As he reached toward the garment with unsteady hands, he vaguely heard Gordon’s voice telling him to stop. He couldn’t listen. He had to know the truth.

  Flipping it over, dread stabbed his chest as he broke out in a cold sweat. The gown had been ripped down the front. The image of Claire lying there, waiting for him, one glorious breast poking out of the ruined fabric invaded his mind.

  He grasped the back of the chair and lowered himself down to it. Could it be true?

  Bile rose in his throat along with reality. That was why she was so angry with him. He had forced himself upon her. Somehow, this was so much worse than finding out it had been another man. In truth, he was the monster who should be taught a lesson.

  His body rocked and swayed. Had he gone mad? He blinked to clear his thoughts.

  Ian finally saw Gordon standing beside him, shaking his shoulder. He pulled himself to his feet and allowed the ruined fabric to fall back to the chair.

  “I know exactly what you’re feeling.” Gordon’s sympathetic tone did nothing to comfort him. “When her maid found the gown hidden in the bottom of the trunk, she brought it right over to me. I’ve spoken to Claire, but she refuses to tell me anything.”

  Facing his friend, Ian took a deep breath. “I think it was me.”

  Gordon’s head reared back. “What? How can you not know?”

  “I was drunk, and—”

  Pain exploded along Ian’s jaw.

  “You bastard!” Gordon moved to get in another punch. “She’s my sister.”

  Ian closed his eyes, waiting for the well-deserved punishment, but it never came. Cracking open one eye, he caught Marcus restraining their friend.

  Touching a finger to his swollen lip, Ian glanced down to see blood. Gordon sure knew how to throw a punch. He sucked in a breath. This pain was small compared to what Claire had undoubtedly gone through. For what he had done to her, he should be enduring much worse.

  “Calm down, Gordon.” Marcus’s tone betrayed the effort it took to hold off Gordon, as well as keep himself upright without his cane.

  “Let him go,” Ian ordered. “Not only is it his right, but I deserve this.”

  “As far as I’m concerned, that remains to be seen,” Marcus said.

  “Not from where I stand,” Gordon retorted, fury darkening his face.

  Marcus yanked on Gordon again, pulling him back. “At least your sister isn’t with child.”

  Gordon’s wide eyes settled on Ian, who could only stare. Both fear and elation washed through him. Then, a warm feeling settled in his stomach at the idea of Claire carrying his child. He desperately wanted that life with her.

  “I don’t believe she is.” Ian’s voice emerged thicker than he intended. “At this point, someone would have discovered. Or she would have said something to one of us.”

  “Let’s sit and discuss this like civilized men,” Marcus suggested.

  With one last glance at Claire’s gown, Ian reclaimed a seat on the sofa. Ian, I want you. The words drifted through his mind as more flashes emerged. All of this time, he thought he had been recalling a dream when it had actually been real.

  “If you took her by force, I’m going to kill you.” Gordon shook out his fist.

  “I didn’t. I may have been drunk, but not that far gone.”

  “How can you be so sure? She certainly has been doing her best to avoid you lately.”

  Ready to end this inquisition, Ian got to his feet. “I didn’t force her. The Lord knows I’ve had plenty of opportunities to be with her, and I’ve held back. I would never harm her. You already know I love her.”

  “Perhaps the lady is avoiding him due to his lack of finesse . . . or maybe it’s his lack of skill.” A devilish smile curled Marcus’s lips. “The poor girl had to withstand his drunken rutting.”

  Gordon laughed as Ian’s defensive stance stiffened. Ian glared at Marcus, but Marcus shot him a look of warning.

  Returning to his seat, Ian took deep breaths. Silently, he thanked Marcus. He was only trying to defuse a potentially volatile situation.

  “We’re all friends here,” Gordon pointed out, his eyes resting on Marcus. “And the presence of alcohol awards a certain amount of forgiveness. However, everything hinges on what happens next.” His attention moved to Ian. “So, I ask you, how do you intend to rectify this situation?”

  Both pairs of eyes fixed on Ian. He sighed. “I haven’t been aware of the truth of my actions long enough to have developed a plan of attack. At this point, I can offer you nothing in the way of assurance,” Ian admitted.

  “Why not?” Gordon ground out. “My sister deserves better. More than to be used by you, then discarded.”

  “Ian, there is only one course of action required.” Marcus appraised him with disappointment in his gaze.

  “Yes, and it’s one I would happily take, but she won’t have me. I’ve asked her a number of times.”

  Marcus leaned forward in his chair. “Maybe you should try asking differently. Women don’t want to hear that you will marry them because you ruined them. They need more than that. And they deserve it, too.”

  As the three men sat in silence, Ian realized what he needed to do. He didn’t want to live a life without Claire, plus he had ruined her chances at finding another match.

  “Where is Claire?” Ian stood.

  “She’s been in the drawing room with your mother. Why? What do you intend to do?”

  “I’m going to give her another chance to agree to marry me. If she refuses, I’ll drag her, kicking and screaming, to Gretna Green.”

  Claire forced a smile as she bid Mr. Avery a good day. He was very kind, but not for her. Honestly, she was beginning to think no one fit that description. Deep down inside, she always had known she would end up alone. For as long as she could recall, she had wanted Ian. No one else would do.

  “I think that visit went rather well,” Lady Knightly observed as she let out a sigh.

  “Then you like him? I got the impression you didn’t approve.”

  “I have no quarrels with Mr. Avery. I simply don’t believe he is the one for you.”

  Claire laughed. “I couldn’t agree more.”

&nb
sp; With a wide smile, Lady Knightly nodded. “I’m glad to hear it. You need someone who can offer a woman so much more.”

  “My lady, before you continue, I must tell you something.” Claire cleared her throat, knowing this wouldn’t be easy. “My sister will be coming out next season, and I believe your efforts will be better spent on her.”

  “Don’t be silly. By then, the gentlemen we are discussing now will be unavailable. I daresay your sister will have a whole new batch to choose from.”

  “But, she will be eighteen in a month.”

  “What is this about?”

  Pulling at the lace on her sleeve, Claire concentrated on the fabric in order to avoid meeting Lady Knightly’s eyes. “I no longer have a desire to marry. My brother will take care of me until my dowry can be passed into my care.”

  The woman pursed her lips as she watched Claire with narrowed eyes. “And, what happens when those funds are gone? How do you suppose you will support yourself then? Is your dowry that substantial?”

  Claire swallowed. “I don’t know.”

  “But, you’ve done your research on how much it would require for lodging and to establish yourself in a house?”

  The questions brought a wave of shame. Claire hadn’t considered anything in her future besides the lack of a husband. Her throat grew thick. Would she be able to live out her days, a spinster on her own? Most likely, the burden on her family would last until her dying day.

  “What am I to do?”

  With a comforting hand on her back, Lady Knightly soothed her. “Don’t despair, my dear. Just tell me what you have against marriage. We can make this right.”

  Dropping her face into her hands, Claire let loose her frustration. She couldn’t think straight, could no longer fight the fight, could only lean on the truth. “I want to marry for love. If he doesn’t love me, it’s not good enough.”

  “But, that will come later. Most marriages are for connections, but they turn into more—over time.” Lady Knightly’s voice was soft and sure.