Tom stepped up next to her. “We’re about to dock.” He gave Loudoun a cold look, “If America suits you, you should consider staying.”
But Loudoun gave him a salute. “Aye aye, Captain.”
“I’m not the captain.” Tom crossed his arms over his chest.
“I hear you’re about to be captain of the entire fleet.” Loudoun gave him a light slap on the back. “Your family is building an empire. I owe you an apology for the things I’ve said and the way I’ve acted. I can only hope to accomplish half of what you have.”
“Don’t make me like him, Flora,” Tom grumbled, but he gave Loudoun a brief handshake.
The boat sailed into the dock, another vessel tied off on the other side.
“Tom, Flora,” Lord Maddox called. Stepping up next to them, he took Flora’s hand. “I’d like you to visit often and so I have a gift for you.”
“Oh, we don’t need…” Flora’s voice fell off as he gestured towards a newly built schooner across from them on the dock. She gasped, her hand coming to her mouth.
“What’s that now?” Gavin and Isla came to their other side, Gavin winking as he spoke. “We didna get a boat when we joined hands?”
“You got a lumber contract.” Lord Maddox waved his son-in-law off.
“It’s a beauty.” Tom grinned at his father.
“It’s ready for the honeymoon. The captain’s quarters have been made up. A light crew and food for a few days anyhow. Lady Segrave is welcome to be our guest until you return.”
Time alone. As much as Flora was enjoying her new family, being with just Tom made her shiver with excitement.
Swept up in the moment, Flora and Tom gave everyone hugs as they dashed to their new ship. Tom gathered her into his arms and sprinted up the gangplank.
He didn’t bother to stop as he strode across the deck and into their quarters.
“The crew,” she gasped. “We have to at least stop and say hello. What will they think?”
“I warned you, my love, I rarely stand on ceremony.” He set her down and began unbuttoning her gown as he kissed her neck.
“But we’ll have to face them after this trip--” she started, gasping as his lips grazed her nipple still clothed in her chemise.
“I’ll transfer them after this if it will make you feel better.” His fingers were already working the laces of her corset. Removing it, he tossed it into a corner. “But I need to make you my wife in every way.”
He began shrugging off his shirt, sending it in the opposite direction. She began unbuttoning her boots and sat on the rather large bed to kick them in another direction. “Technically speaking we’ve already… you know?”
“We’ve not consummated,” he said as his boots went flying. Then he stalked towards her in nothing but his breeches, looking rather savage. It made her shiver anew.
She scooted back as though afraid but really, excitement was bubbling inside of her. Her eyebrows wiggled. “You mean we have to do that more than one time?”
He grabbed her ankle and pulled her towards him, then worked the tie of her pantaloons, scooting them down her legs. The action pulled her flat and her hands dragged above her head. Only her shift covered her now but his hands were already sliding up her legs. “Definitely more than one time. Perhaps once a day, but most likely more.” His voice was low and rough.
She actually gasped at that. “I’ll be with child constantly.”
He had been sliding his hands up her legs, dragging her chemise with them but quite suddenly stopped. “Child?”
She propped up on her elbows. “I mean, yes. It seems a part of marriage. Did you not want them? I suppose I should have asked—“
His lips crashed down on hers. He kissed her long and hard till she was panting with desire. “Of course I want children with you. I just hadn’t considered that we might have one of our own so soon.”
And then he pulled the chemise the rest of the way up her body and shimmied it over her head. Dropping his trousers, he hooked an arm around her waist pulling their bodies together, heating at the delight of skin on skin. As he moved, he kissed her neck, collarbone, shoulders, and breasts making her gasp over and over in delight.
Her head swam with the sensation as he moved lower and when his lips came into contact with her lower ones, she bucked and cried out, the sensation was so consuming that her fingers and toes curled as her insides spasmed in pleasure.
In less than a moment, he was climbing back up her and was positioned at her opening, pushing inside of her. Her body spasmed again as his pelvis came in contact with hers.
Shaking, she cried out, “Tom!” Her fingertips pressing into his back as her body shook with release.
Unlike his careful, measured thrusts of the day before, there was no rhythm, no finesse. He lost himself inside her and she held him tight.
Groaning, he shuddered and collapsed on top of her. Flora held him tighter, breathing in his scent. She had never been more content than she was in this moment.
He pulled her close. “I never even knew I wanted this but now that it’s here, I can hardly wait to see what the future holds.”
She grinned. “Our immediate future involves this boat, alone, on the open sea. Now that I think about it, I can’t believe I let you take me on another sea voyage. The last one was near disaster.” Stroking his hair, she sighed in contentment. “But I know you’ll keep me safe.”
“Always.” He snuggled her close.
“Always.” She closed her eyes. A nap had never sounded more inviting.
EPILOGUE
One year later…
* * *
FLORA SAT at her desk in their London town home pouring over the report from her property manager.
Being in London part time had made it easier to manage her investments but the day to day workings of the estate had to be handed over to Mr. Cummings when they were in the city.
It actually suited Flora quite well. She sat back in her chair, smiling as she read about the ten piglets born on the property two weeks prior.
“What has brought such a grin to your face?” Tom asked as he strode into her office and tossed himself into a chair.
“Piglets,” she smiled wider.
He grinned, rubbing the tiredness from his face. “Birth is always something to celebrate.” Then he leaned forward in his chair. “I’ve more good news, Piper and Barrett are returning from America.”
“That is wonderful! I miss them both.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “You may have me underfoot a bit more. While Barrett said he wanted me to take on a larger responsibility, he’s Barrett. I’ll likely have half the work.”
She stood and walked around the desk, once within reach he pulled her into his lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she rested her cheek on top of his head. “You can help me with the estate. It’s growing, and I can’t seem to keep up with it all.”
“But I love that it is yours. I know how important remaining in charge was to you.” He held her close, kissing her neck.
“I don’t quite feel the same as I once did. I trust you to not dominate me or my estate and I have another piece of news which will surely change how we live.”
His lips were drifting lower towards her breasts. “My love, do you have more cleavage than you did? You’ve always been lovely, but now…”
She gave a low throaty chuckle. “You know, I think I do.”
“Perhaps we should head above stairs so that I can further investigate.”
“While you’re checking, look at my stomach too to see if it has grown any larger.” She curled further over to press her lips to his.
“Stomach?” He stilled underneath her. “Your stomach?” He stood, holding her against himself. She barely moved, his movement was so fluid.
“You’re going to be a father.” She gave him a soft smile.
He kissed her even as he swept her out the door. “I’ve got to assess this situation for myself.”
“Do you thi
nk you’ll come to a different conclusion?”
“I hope not but I’ll have to keep a daily journal to be safe.” Stopping only to give her a long, lingering, searing kiss, he then dashed up the stairs.
Many a time they had tumbled into bed after such a dash up the stairs. Flora had largely grown accustomed to it and no longer worried what the servants might think. Normally they landed roughly on the bed where they made love with frenzied passion. But today, Tom laid her gently on the bed, his hands lightly skimming down her body, his eyes sparkling with intensity.
“Is everything all right?” Her hand reached up to graze his cheek.
“I am perfect, my love.” He sat next to her. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Flora said a silent prayer of thanks for the family she hadn’t even known she wanted but absolutely needed. Tom was right. This was perfect.
TAMING A ROGUE EARL
TAMMY ANDRESEN
PROLOGUE
Atlantic Ocean, 1860
* * *
LORD LUCIUS LOUDOUN held his head between his knees and attempted not to vomit… again. At some point he must have actually died and gone to hell for the sins he’d committed in his life. There was no other explanation for how absolutely awful existing had become.
While only a month had passed, it seemed an eternity since Lady Flora Segrave had decided to marry someone else.
He hadn’t loved her. He never loved them. But she was a baroness with an excellent fortune and he was an earl in need of an infusion of coin.
The perfect match.
That is until some upstart entered the picture and swept her off her feet. And what had he done? As usual, he’d drunk himself into a stupor until it nearly killed him.
A tapping on his door interrupted his thoughts. A small voice called, “Are you all right in there?”
May. The thirteen-year-old girl was also travelling to America aboard The Destiny with His Grace, Barrett Maddox, the sixth Duke of Manchester. “Did I die, May?”
She giggled. “Don’t be silly.” She paused and he heard her shuffle her feet. “Though Dr. Thompson swears you will if you start drinking again.”
He let out a low groan. The first part of this journey he’d suffered from alcohol withdrawal but now it was seasickness that plagued him. He wouldn’t touch the drink, but part of him desperately wished for the oblivion it would provide. “I won’t start again, I promise,” he assured the girl.
“Oh good,” she chirped. “Would you like some tea and cakes? I brought you a tray.”
“Just leave them by the door.” He dipped his head lower.
“I brought a book to read you,” she offered.
“Fine,” he grumbled, glad for the company but not wanting to seem too eager. She was an unlikely friend, considering her age and the life he’d lived for the past ten years. He stumbled over to the door and unlatched it, and then stumbled back to the bed, too sick to see her into the room.
Despite being half his age, she had become his friend. She was a beacon of light in what had been a dark and dreary existence.
“Barrett will be glad to hear you’re still able to walk. He was also worried you were dead.” She set down the tray and poured him a cup of tea.
He nodded, holding the saucer and cup, to appease her, but not drinking. “Thank you,” he murmured.
“I won’t read until you drink it.” She gave him an angelic smile.
With a huff of breath, he took a sip and found to his surprise that it quieted the rumble in his stomach. He took another, and then a third. “That is good,” he groaned.
“Have a cake.” She handed him a crumbly, sugar-topped, pan-cooked slice of deliciousness and to his amazement, it tasted delightful. For the first time in a month, the nausea was gone.
With a smile, she picked up the Jane Austen novel she’d been reading aloud to him and started the next chapter. He’d not admit that he liked the book either but he knew she knew.
His eyes drifted closed but he kept listening, the lull of her voice washing over him. A full stomach, good company…for once, in a very long time, he wasn’t completely miserable.
After a half hour had passed, she closed the book. “Barrett says we’ll be docking soon.” Her voice bubbled with excitement.
He’d been so focused on leaving England, he hadn’t even asked where in America they were going. “What city?”
“New York,” she giggled.
His eyes were still closed but he could feel her bouncing. “Excited?”
“I can’t wait to see it.” He felt her still beside him. “Can I tell you a secret?” she whispered.
He opened his eyes and looked over at her. Her chocolate brown eyes danced with merriment as her adorable little nose crinkled with excitement. Her brown curls bobbed as she resumed bouncing and he laughed, her joy filling him with a lightness he hadn’t felt in a long time. “You can tell me anything.”
“Someday I want to live in America.” She leaned forward conspiratorially. “England is too stuffy.”
Live in America? Leave England and the past behind? May was definitely on to something.
21
CHAPTER 1
New York City, 1866
* * *
LOUDOUN SAT AT A GAMING TABLE, careful to keep his face schooled in a mask of unconcerned boredom. It was an act, of course.
His every muscle tensed in concentration, not that he needed to focus on the game. The other players were so far into their cups, that winning was easy.
But even after six years without a drop of liquor, it still called to him. The sweet oblivion that came with imbibing was like a ghost haunting him. Always there but never to be touched.
Which was why he rarely gambled or attended parties. Instead he filled his days with mind-numbing work. Once a layabout earl whose greatest accomplishment was receiving the best invitations for parties, he now prided himself on being one of the hardest working men on the East Coast of the United States. After he’d proved he could remain sober, Barrett Maddox, Duke of Manchester, had put him in charge of the American branch of his shipping company.
It was a demanding job, but it suited him just fine. It left him very little time for anything else, and that was how he wanted it. No drinking, no gambling, and most importantly, no committed relationships. He’d never been good at any of those anyway, and so he focused on managing and expanding Barrett’s business.
A woman, tall, blond, and willowy sauntered by, her eyes devouring Loudoun. He preferred more curves, but she was a beauty to most and she suited his needs. Once done at the tables, he’d seek her out and most likely take her home. That was the only other skill he’d ever mastered. Getting beautiful women in his bed.
Of course, it didn’t take much effort with his looks. There was never a shortage of women willing to meet his appetite.
The next round of cards was dealt, and he lifted up the corners, just barely high enough to see what he had. A pair of aces. This hand was already his. He longed to retire, head home to his New York mansion, and kick off his boots. Devour a willing woman.
But he was here for a reason. The local railroad was looking for a shipping company to exclusively do business with. Goods would be loaded from upstate and unloaded directly onto boats to be shipped to Europe.
He wanted that contract for Maddox Shipping. He wanted it for himself. It was a point of pride that he keep expanding, always expanding.
The initial round of betting done, it was time to tighten up his hand. William Wurts, owner of the Jefferson Railroad sat to his right, its chief engineer, Mason Lancaster, was to his left.
“Two,” his tone nonchalant tone called out as the dealer looked up to see how many cards he wanted replaced from his hand.
A third ace landed in his hand and now he knew he’d won this round. He raised the bet and sat back in his chair.
“Don’t know what’s happened to me tonight.” Wurts coughed and then puffed out his chest. “Did I tell you about the time I t
ravelled out west and beat a table full of professional gamblers? Confederate soldiers, meaner than mean and aces at cards. But I won.” He hooked his thumb towards his breastbone.
Mason whispered quietly next to Loudoun. “Poor sods only wanted a job. And the boss doesn’t like to lose.”
Loudoun kept his face still but he now understood. Not only did he need to gamble with Wurts to secure the contract, but he needed to lose. Which was fine with him. His self-worth didn’t come from the gaming table, it came with the contract that only Wurts could provide.
“I fold,” he called out suddenly.
Wurts smiled, slapping Loudoun on the back. “Now let’s talk business.”
“I agree,” a deep voice growled behind him. He stilled for just a moment. He’d recognize that voice anywhere.
“Barrett,” he mumbled.
Barrett picked up his glass and gave it a sniff, then set it back down on the table, giving Loudoun a genuine smile. “Lucius. Glad to see you in such fine health.”
“William, Mason, may I introduce you to the owner of Maddox Shipping, Barrett Maddox.”
“Well, I’ll be.” Wurts grinned like an idiot. “I didn’t think I’d get to meet a real live duke.”
“That’s how important your business is to us.” Loudoun gave the man a grin. Now that he knew Wurts’s weak point, he’d exploit it without mercy.
“I’d like to introduce my niece,” Barrett began.
Loudoun lifted his eyebrows because Barrett’s only brother had children younger than Barrett’s, the oldest was perhaps eight. It seemed odd that he would have brought one of them to this party.
Barrett stepped to the side and turned to pull a delicate gloved hand forward. The rustle of silk was the only sound Loudoun could hear as he stood to properly greet Barrett’s guest.
A bland smile on his face, he extended his hand in greeting, expecting to see a child. But the pale pink skirts, caught his notice first because they hung off the most delicious set of hips he’d seen in quite some time. Full and round, they were perfect for a man’s hands, especially the way they tapered into the tiniest waste he’d ever seen and then flared into a delightfully full bosom that near left him panting.
Taming a Savage Gentleman: Taming the Heart Series Page 13
