Well, if that wasn’t going to work, Ronald had another idea that would, he was certain this one would succeed. “Ah… but a husband’s very possessive. No man likes being cuckolded by his bride, so soon after the vows have been said. What if he discovers her in the arms of another gentleman? The duke’s a very proud, arrogant man full of his own importance, it’s doubtful he’d accept being made a fool of by his wife. He’ll not tolerate it and toss her out. She’ll be so ashamed and embarrassed. It will give us the perfect opportunity to swoop in and save her, she will be so grateful and agree to anything.” Swiftly the new plan was coming together and he didn’t have the slightest doubt it wouldn’t be successful.
Allen fell into the nearest chair and stared at the other man in wary disbelief, but he knew that if he didn’t agree to go along with the plot he’d be ruined. “If you’re certain nothing would go wrong, what do you want me to do?”
“Leave it to me. It’ll take me a few days to put everything together and find the perfect patsy to use. There are several young, handsome men from good families that owe me a great deal of money. I’m sure more than one of them would be eager to be free of their debt to me.” Rising to his feet, Ronald gave a curt nod. “I’ll be in touch when everything is in place. In the meantime, keep away from the gaming tables. More importantly stay away from your daughter and her husband.”
“Anything you say.” Allen watched the other man take his leave and wished with all his heart he’d never set eyes on the sly cit, but it was far too late for regret.
In a hurry, Ronald went straight to his office, sat down behind his desk and opening his draw, he lifted out a thick file. Going down the list of names, he wrote several down, then sat back and studied them. He pictured each man in his mind and crossed off four of them as worthless weaklings. They would never do for what he had planned; besides, they weren’t desperate enough yet to control completely.
Now Wingate, Butler and Smith were in wretched positions, they were also reckless and always heavily in their cups. All of them owed him a great deal of money that they were unable to pay.
Impulsive, sotted fools who would do anything and everything for a thrill. They were all ideal for what he had planned, but Wingate was the more handsome out of the three. He would be perfect to entice any woman into a compromising position. The only thing now was to worry about was the when and the where it would take place.
It had to be in a crowded location, like a ball. He’d have to lure the lady away from her husband and that would take more thought. There could be no fault in his plans. If he was going to have any chance of destroying the marriage, there could be no mistakes.
Though there were only a few weeks until the end of the season and everyone would leave town, he couldn’t afford to act rashly. There could be no error for failure because he would probably only have one chance of succeeding. His jaw clenched knowing that even if he was unsuccessful, he wasn’t going to give up trying to claim the woman he wanted.
Lady Modesty was the key to a future full of wealth and prestige and he wasn’t going to allow it to be snatched away from him. It had taken him years to crawl his way out of the filth and poverty of his earlier life, now that he was so close to gaining it all, he wasn’t about to let it be ruined or let himself be denied, be damned if he would.
Not only had he gained riches beyond his imagination, but he also had very powerful men in his pocket. Some of the elite of society were in his debt and would do anything to gain their freedom. If he had to use every one of them to destroy the arrogant duke and the man’s marriage, he would.
It was just a pity the degenerate refused to gamble with him, but the blasted cur always sneeringly declined and walked away. The disrespect and insult still rankled, it had been a very long time since anyone treated him with such distain.
Just because the man had half a dozen or more titles didn’t give him the right to look down his nose at others less fortunate. Well, the bloody duke wouldn’t be so proud shortly, he was going to ground the man’s pride into the dust and then see how arrogant the rake would be.
A furious snarl twisted his mouth, the only reason lady Modesty had run to her betrothed was out of desperation and it was very doubtful there was affection between them. What little feelings they might have for each other would be easily destroyed and he would be there to pick up the pieces.
Ah yes, it was the perfect plan and he couldn’t see anything going wrong or interfering. If it did happen to fail, he would think of something else. He wanted the woman and nothing or no one was going to stand in his way. Even if it took extreme measures, one way or another he would possess her.
With her father in his pocket the man could be used if necessary, why risk himself when others could be coerced into doing the dirty work. He continued to come up with other schemes if this one failed because nothing was going to stop him from succeeding.
Chapter Six
Still shirtless impatiently, Killian dismissed his valet, he could hear his wife and maid in the chamber beside his own. If they were going to accomplish their goal they would have to convince everyone that this was a romantic match. To let them all see how besotted they were with each other. It was imperative that everyone thought it was a marriage based on love and that they were deliriously happy with each other. If one person had a whiff of discontent they would pounce on it, then the rumors would start flying and that he wouldn’t allow. He blew out a long breath of frustration and wondered if Modesty would agree to play her part, but then again if she didn’t the gossips would pounce.
Since coming into his title several years ago, he’d been too young and naïve, though he’d made some bad decisions, it hadn’t taken him long to mature. Since those days, he’d built a protective shield around himself and made his own rules. Only those he completely trusted did he dare to be his real self, knowing they would never betray him.
Everything though had changed; he was now responsible for someone else and had an innocent, gullible bride to shield. It was now his duty to make sure she never suffered at the hands of vindictive scandalmongers. Heaving out a heavy sigh, he knew it wouldn’t be easy protecting her, but he’d do everything in his power to see she was never hurt.
Hearing the clock below stairs chime the hour, he knew he didn’t have much time, so it was vital he pay his bride an unexpected visit. Striding across the floor, he opened the door and stepped into her chamber, he smiled when both women’s head spun around and they gaped at him.
The second thing he noticed was his wife was clothed in her underthings and nothing else. Heat and lust hit him so hard it nearly brought him to his knees. With an immense effort, he fought it down to a more manageable level. “Leave us.” He ordered the maid and with a wave of his hand dismissed her, when the door closed behind her, he lazily strolled over to his bride and placing a finger beneath her chin closed her mouth. He ignored the angry sparks starting to flame in her eyes. “If we’re going to pull this off we have to convince everyone that we are smitten with each other. They all have to believe that we wanted to wed because we didn’t want to be apart anymore.” The way she was staring at his chest made it bellow as he drew in a ragged breath.
His fingers caressed along her delicate jaw as he bent his head and brushed his mouth lightly over hers. He captured her wrist and placed her hand over his thudding heart. “I would much prefer to stay at home tonight, but it’s crucial we go out and stop the ugly gossip before it can spread.”
Mesmerized, Modesty was having a hard time following what he was saying. She tried to snatch her hand away, but it was a weak effort at best and she was having difficulty tearing her gaze away from his splendid nakedness. “You… you shouldn’t be in here. I’m not dressed and nor are you.” She stammered out the first thing that came into her fogged mind.
A chuckled rumbled out and he winked. “I’m not in the least offended. In fact, I find you’re… ah, dishabille quite enticing.” He moseyed even closer and slipped an arm around her w
aist drawing her up against him. “All day your mouth has been driving me crazy. I keep craving the taste of you.” He crooned near her ear before his lips grazed over her cheek and settled on her mouth.
Silently he applauded when without any coaxing from him, she opened willingly and he slipped his tongue inside. Her soft, erotic moan fired his blood and he grew hard with need when she eagerly started kissing him back. Unable to resist her he crushed her closer, molding her soft, feminine curves against hard masculinity.
It was so tempting to pick her p and lay her out on the bed, to disrobe her and discover the delights of her body at his own pleasure, but he ruthlessly squashed the craving. When the tight tips of her breasts brushed against his chest as she flattened herself more firmly against him, a moan rattled in his throat.
His arm tightened around her and his hand splayed over the nape of her neck. He wanted to pluck the pins from her hair to bury his fingers in the thick, silken strands, but knowing how close he was to doing just that, he pulled his mouth free and with his cheek pressed against the side of her head, drew in deep, ragged breathes.
When she started gliding her fingers over his naked chest and shoulders, he struggled to keep his ravenous need leashed. She might not be aware of it, but she had the power to bring him to his knees if he wasn’t careful. Damn, he couldn’t remember the last time he was so hungry to bury himself in a woman before.
For an innocent and oblivious to her own passion, it was a good thing she didn’t know just how much influence she had over him, he could only be grateful that she didn’t. If and when she ever did become conscious of it, he’d be in very big trouble, the warning rang in his head loud and clear.
Never once had he ever let a female slip beneath his skin and he wasn’t about to let one now, even though she was his wife. Gently grasping the top of her arms, he eased her away with a tender smile he stared into her bemused, saffron eyes. “I think we better finish dressing or we’ll be late.” Not giving her a chance to argue, he kissed her brow, letting her go he turned away strode out of the room and into his own.
Completely rattled closing the door, he leaned against it and dragged a hand down his face. What in the blazes was wrong with him, how could a little innocent have him so twisted up and scared to death. There wasn’t any reason why he should be so shaken, for blasted sakes it was only a simple kiss and nothing more.
It wasn’t as if she was even skillful at it, yet there was no denying her enthusiasm. With a shake of his head, he straightened up and huffed out a breath of exasperation. A crooked smile twisted his mouth; anyone would think he was chaste instead of the other way around. His tongue ran over the seam of his lips and he shuddered when he could still taste her drugging flavor.
God help him, he wanted her and desperately. The situation was utterly ridiculous and it was so outlandish that it was hard to believe that just days ago, they could barely stand the sight of each other. It was unbelievable just how quickly he craved her and extreme it certainly was.
Now all he hungered for was to have them both naked and driving himself into her willing body, yet no matter how much he desperately desired to be intimate with her, he couldn’t rush things. If there was any chance of them having a successful marriage, he had to take things slowly — but not that slow.
All he could do was to tempt her into offering more until all she could think about was his kisses and touches. He grimaced and heaved out a sigh. This business of seducing his bride was not only frustrating, but a strain on his nerves. He gave a short cynical laugh; if any of his friends had any idea how patient and noble he was being, he’d be the butt of their jokes for years to come.
Not that he was egotistical or selfish; he was just used to women eagerly throwing themselves at him, not that he was the least interested in any of them. Oh, he wasn’t blind or stupid, he knew most of the chits were only after snaring themselves a rich, titled husband or the more avarice ones for the expensive gifts he would shower on them. He didn’t see anything wrong in occasionally accepting what was being offered, but only with demi modes just as long as it was brief and discreet.
The married women who approached him were most definitely off limits. No way would he ever consider dallying with another man’s wife, no matter how tempting they were. He most assuredly kept his distance from the virginal chits, even though quite a few hinted at becoming his lover. He did have his scruples after all and now that he was wed, he intended to be a faithful husband.
And it was a damn good thing he desired his bride because heaven help what his life would be like if he didn’t. He knew without the slightest doubt that his honor would not allow him to take a lover. Nor could he live with the knowledge that he’d brought shame on his wife if he did.
Most married men and the ones that weren’t would scoff at his principles and call him a fool for being faithful. They all lived by the rule ‘though one might care for one’s wife there was no reason why one should deny themselves the pleasure of a mistress.’ All poppycock and one sided. It was very doubtful that any man would accept his wife having lovers on the side and he knew he would never allow it.
It brought to mind the saying what was good for the goose was good for the gander. If a husband cheated on his spouse why couldn’t she behave in the same manner? With a brisk shrug of his shoulders, he dismissed his irrational thoughts, knowing that neither his bride nor he would ever dishonor their wedding vows, well he definitely didn’t intend to. He would never countenance such an arrangement as living a life of infidelity.
A wide grin curved his mouth, his little bride would probably carve him up if he even hinted at such a proposition. Whenever she discovered some spouse being unfaithful, she never remained silent for long and let everyone know even when she knew it would cause nothing but trouble. It never crossed her mind to keep quiet, but from now on he was going to make sure that she minded her own damn business.
The very last thing he wanted was to deal with irate husbands out for blood. Thank goodness the season was almost over and now retiring to the country didn’t seem at all boring. In fact, he was quite looking forward to rusticating and with any luck; he just might be spending a fair amount of time between the sheets with his bride. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he rang for his valet to finish dressing.
***
The moment she stepped into the ballroom with her husband and they had settled aunt Lucy with her friends, Modesty was conscious of every eye in the room had zeroed in on them. She tried to look serene and pretend they weren’t being observed like bugs under a microscope. Her grasp on Killian’s arm tightened when a hoard of people suddenly surrounded them offering their congratulations, seeing the speculation glittering in their eyes she knew they were eager for any crumbs of juicy gossip. When the questions started about the sudden, unexpected and swift marriage, it took an extreme effort to hide her distaste. She held her breath, wondering what Killian was going to say.
From beneath her lashes, she gritted her teeth when he wore a smug, wicked grin, she wanted to clout him when he just gave a cheeky wink and led her away. Even to a blind man his answer was obvious and her face flushed with embarrassment. The rogue practically shouted for one and all to hear that they were intimate. Blast the blithering oaf, but she knew her only option was to play the part of doting wife, even if it made her choke.
Thank goodness the season was nearly over at least retiring to the country everyone wouldn’t be watching them waiting to pounce the second they discovered some flaw in their relationship. She was about to mention it as they reached a fairly less crowded area, instead she grew annoyed when suddenly a pack of beautiful women descended on them.
When the blasted females tried to slyly remove her from her husband’s side, her hand on his arm tightened even more. He seemed to take the hint and swept his arm around her waist anchoring her to his side while he listened to their intrusive questions. It didn’t surprise her at all that the busybodies wanted to know the how, where, and why
of their sudden marriage
What irritated her more was every one of them couldn’t or didn’t bother to hide the spitefulness in their eyes every time they glanced her way. After all, she’d claimed one of the most eligible bachelors right from under their noses. It didn’t seem to matter to them that they had been betrothed for years. When Killian was finally given a chance to speak, she held her breath as she listened to his answers.
“Ladies, Ladies, please. Suffice to say, I couldn’t bear another day without, my Modesty. We would have been wed before now, but her father kept putting up obstacles keeping us apart. Let’s just say luck was on our side and we managed to meet secretly. Of course, to keep him and everyone else in the dark, we had to pretend we couldn’t stand each other. The unscrupulous man was desperately trying to find a way to get his hands on my wife’s dowry. So, we took matters into our own hands.” Killian glanced down at his bride who was staring at him in wide-eyed disbelief, he gave a quick squeeze of her waist hoping to prevent her from giving anything away. “And as you can see, Ladies I managed to gain my heart’s desire and wed, my darling Modesty.”
My God, she couldn’t believe the drivel that came out of his mouth, as she glanced at the other women she could see that they were eagerly lapping up every lying word. Yet when they turned to look at her there was no mistaking their malice before they disappointedly wandered off. “I can’t believe they all fell for such utter nonsense.”
Killian chuckled. “I imagine most women have a romantic heart.”
“Sheer poppycock. All they were interested in was discovering the truth and hoping to find you were furious and miserable over finding yourself suddenly married to me.” His amused grin annoyed her. “They were probably plotting ways to seduce you away.”
Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke Page 6
