But Rebecca had changed his mind with a few coy words. She’d presented a challenge he could not refuse. His stomach soured. He could not sway her opinion of him if he did not spend time with her.
Ack! Could he not focus on anything but her even when he worked? He glared at his still throbbing thumb. If the chit weren’t so distracting…
He inspected his craftsmanship, opening and closing the door. It creaked, but it would do. He retrieved his stallion then secured the horse in the newly serviceable stall. One of the servants could oil the hinges later. He had a party for which to ready himself.
After entering the keep, he mounted the old stone stairs making his way up to the makeshift bedchamber. His eyes watered from the dirt and debris clinging to every inch of his person. He wiped one filthy hand across his breeches. Before he went anywhere he’d have to wash up. Thankfully he’d traveled with extra clothing. Not the most fashionable garments, but they would suffice for now. If he meant to stick around for more than a few days he’d have to expand his wardrobe.
A grin pulled at his mouth. What would Rebecca wear this evening? He quickened his pace, taking two steps at a time. Would she truly act as though he were invisible? A heated tingle spread from his head to his toes as he reached the door to his chamber. Soon enough he would have the answers he sought.
* * * *
The whisper of voices mixed with laughter bubbled from the crowded music room. Camden drew in a breath before stepping across the threshold. Rebecca wouldn’t brush him off this time. He wouldn’t allow her to.
A crush of elegantly clad gentlemen and ladies filled the space, but his gaze went directly to the pianoforte. Rebecca stood beside the instrument, her cheeks kissed with a light flush as she sang. Her voice soothed his soul, chasing away the tension in his muscles. Ah, he could listen to that sweet soprano for eternity without complaint. His pulse beat in his throat keeping tune with her song. He moved closer. She stood with one rounded hip cocked toward the pianoforte, her eyes sparkling.
“Captain Le Bec.”
A hand clapped his shoulder startling him back into the present. Camden looked over to find Lord Chesterfield grinning at him.
“I’m pleased you chose to join the party. My daughters are entertaining us for a spot.” Lord Chesterfield nodded toward Rebecca and the woman seated next to her at the pianoforte.
“They are quite talented, my lord.” Camden allowed a smile before his gaze drifted to Rebecca once again.
“They get it from their mother. Have you been introduced to my dear wife?” Lord Chesterfield surveyed the crowded room. “Lady Chesterfield is a lovely woman and I know she’d like to meet you, Captain.”
Camden lifted a glass of claret from a passing servant’s tray. Another chance to know more about Rebecca. “I would be happy to make her acquaintance, my lord.”
“I will find Lady Chesterfield and bring her to meet you.”
Camden barely registered his departure. Rebecca had his full attention. As she sang the final notes of her song her gaze brushed past him. Had she noticed him in the crush, or did he blend in with the masses? He could not have looked away if he tried.
She leaned close to her sister, the curls around her face swaying with her movements. Whatever she said to her sister was lost in the noise of celebration. When she straightened both ladies looked in his direction. Rebecca lifted one honey-colored brow at him. His pulse increased. Was she cross with him for coming, or happy to see him? Her face gave no clues. He shrugged a shoulder while searching her expression. She nodded toward the door, disappearing through it a moment later.
Camden swallowed past the tightness in his throat, glancing around the room. Had anyone taken note of her brazen invitation? By the looks of it, everyone was engaged in conversation or distracted by drinks and food. He set off across the room toward the door. Sweat gathered on his palms as he moved into the long hallway. He liked to be the one in control, but for now he had little choice other than to let Rebecca take the lead.
His shoes clacked against the marble floor as he made his way down the hall. She wasn’t in any of the rooms he passed. A drawing room, library, game room…none of them contained Rebecca. Where had the minx gone? He paused at the next door, hearing the sound of skirts rustling, and peeked inside.
Rebecca reached through the entryway, and grabbed his jacket lapel. She tugged him into the office closing the door behind them. Her green eyes blazed. “Why are you here?”
“I told you I would be attending when we spoke earlier.” He grinned. “I mean to become better acquainted with you.”
She strolled over to a large window. Her long fingers caressed the burgundy crushed velvet drapes. “You are wasting your time.”
He needed common ground. Something that interested her more than her desire to be rid of him. Something like… Babylon. “Tell me. How many times have you breached my castles walls?”
Rebecca spun to him, a light blush upon her cheeks. “What are you accusing me of, Captain?”
He could not fight his smirk. “We both know I speak the truth. On at least one occasion you strolled through Babylon’s gate.”
She placed her hands on her hips. “I came after an intruder. How was I to know you were actually the owner?”
“I do not begrudge your actions. You simply took me by surprise when you marched into my stable and ordered me from my own land.” He moved to sit on a nearby chaise. Perhaps if he looked less formidable she would soften. “How many times have you visited Babylon?”
“My actions are not your concern.” She made haste for the door.
Camden stood and placed himself in front of the exit. “Today, I found you by the postern gate. Do you visit often?” He offered a smile he hoped was friendly. “There is no need to be defensive. You have leave to enter Babylon whenever you wish.”
She blinked at him and took a step back. “I do? Why?”
“Because I believe you care for the castle.”
Rebecca’s shoulders relaxed a measure. She looked at him, silent for a long moment. No cheeky reply? He had her attention at last. A strange pull formed in his chest. “It is clear to me you mean no harm to Babylon.”
“The castle fascinates me. For as far back as I can remember, I have been quite taken with Babylon.”
“You have?”
She nodded. “The legends of your ancestors, the love they were rumored to share, I find it all very inspiring.” A genuine smile formed on her pink lips. “Have you heard of Sir Kenton and Lady Nicola’s legend?”
Merriment coursed through him at his small victory. At least for this moment he had won Rebecca over. He was not fool enough to believe the war over, but he was the clear victor of their current battle. A hollowness filled his chest at the foolish notion. His ambition had been to win her forgiveness and it seemed he had. He had no further reason to remain in her company, no reason to attend the remainder of the party. Why did he find the idea so unsettling? He should be celebrating.
“You do not have to tell me.” She reached for the door.
“Wait.”
She met his gaze. “Whatever for?”
“As enchanting as the legend is, there are no ghosts at Babylon.”
The doorknob rattled. Rebecca’s cheeks paled. She leaned her weight against the door. “Hurry, stash yourself behind the curtain.”
His heart leaped, his pulse increasing. He could not be caught alone with the lady. She would be ruined and he as well by a forced marriage. He tucked himself behind the heavy drapes. How foolish they’d been. He could not allow himself to be alone with her again. He’d not find himself saddled to a sharp-tongued chit regardless of how beautiful she was.
The door creaked open. Camden held his breath and glanced at his feet. Bloody hell! His shoes stuck out from behind the curtains. Time stood still. Any moment, whoever had come to the office would spot him.
“There you are, Rebecca. Mother and Father are looking for you.”
A moment later the
door clicked shut. Camden released the breath he’d been holding before stepping out from behind the drape. If his absence had been noticed as well, they’d have a scandalous situation on their hands.
CHAPTER FIVE
Rebecca tugged on her horse’s reins, slowing the animal as she neared Babylon’s gatehouse. Would Camden accept her apology for the way she’d behaved with him? How would he treat her once she’d trotted through his gates? Would he continue to be the man she’d spoken to last, or would he revert back to the brute she’d first met? Her stomach quivered and a chill raced through her at the thought. She should not care what he thinks of her. Still a part of her was enthralled.
Rebecca had taken note of how handsome Camden was upon their first meeting. Tall and broad of shoulder with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He was enough to make any lady swoon. Her heart fluttered at the memories.
Even when he’d spoken to her in such a rude way she’d found herself enthralled by his good looks. Then she’d discovered he was a soldier. The vexation his earlier words had caused in her morphed into a burning dislike overshadowing her initial attraction. Soldiers were not to be desired or befriended. Still, he’d managed to garner a speck of her interest.
Their meeting in the office two days past caused her initial interest to bloom. She attempted to keep Camden from her mind, but when he’d given her such generous leave to visit the castle he’d shattered what remained of her resistance. She released a sigh.
How could she despise such a generous man? Her eyelids fluttered closed. She could not, and she owed him an apology of her own. After she’d made amends for her own ill manners, she could return home and put him out of her mind like a bad memory. So long as he accepted her request for forgiveness.
She drew a deep breath and steered her mount through the opening. There would be no turning back now. Not that she wished to. Rebecca had no desire to turn around. She needed to set things right between them.
Her breath caught. Camden stood in the center of the bailey clad in nothing more than a pair of tan breeches. The muscles in his back corded, arms stretched above his head. She stared at him, jaw slack, her gaze trailing over his exposed skin, sun-kissed and glistening. Whatever he was doing, she prayed he would continue.
A loud neigh from her horse brought her back to herself too late. Camden turned around. Heat enveloped her cheeks, spreading across her neck and chest. He’d caught her ogling him. How had she let that happen? She swallowed hard. What might he think of her now? She should take her leave before anything worse could happen. Turn her mount and go this very instant. Yet she couldn’t make herself leave. The sight of him rendered her powerless.
“Rebecca.” His eyes danced. “Allow me a moment to replace my clothing.”
She averted her gaze to the old stone wall. If her cheeks got any hotter, she’d be set ablaze. She dared not look at him. Her behavior had already crossed too many lines. What had she been thinking, blatantly spying on him as she had? He likely thought her some sort of heathen, no better than a harlot come to gape at his exquisite form.
“I’m decent now.”
His deep voice unfurled a new wave of longing deep in her core. She wrapped one arm around her stomach. She had to get away from him. She should speak her piece and go before she embarrassed herself further.
He stepped in front of her, reaching for her horse’s reins. “Allow me to assist you.”
She glanced at him, met his gaze just long enough to speak. “I am sorry for the way I treated you.” The tremor in her voice made her cringe.
He gave a devilish grin. “All is forgotten.”
The amusement in his gaze made her eyes widen. How dare he make fun of her? A new kind of heat pulsed through her veins. The reprobate enjoyed her discomfort. She sucked in a shallow breath. “I…I only came to apologize for my poor treatment of you, and now I have. I’ll be on my way.”
He held tight to the reins, his gaze sweeping her face. His brows drew together.
“Please release my horse. I would like to be on my way.” She glanced at the gatehouse. Her chest squeezed.
“Are you certain you can’t stay a bit longer? Perhaps join me in a turn around the bailey? I would like to be friends.” His tone was soft and steady.
Heaven help her but he looked so sincere. What would a short walk hurt? She offered a nod. “I suppose there is no harm in it.” She slid from the saddle. He stepped around the side of the horse catching her, slowing her descent. His hands left an odd, yet pleasant, tingle in their wake when she stepped out of his hold.
“Allow me to secure your mount. I’ll be right back.”
She placed her hand over her mouth as he walked away guiding her horse to the stable. A part of her wanted to call out for him to return her mount so she could flee. Yet her stomach fluttered over the idea of spending time with him. She sighed and watched the stable door for his reappearance.
The summer sun beamed down on her, its bright, warm rays casting shadows around the castle’s bailey. She squinted, shielding her eyes with her hand. When Camden emerged from the stable she walked toward him. There was no reason to stand in the middle of the bailey waiting for him like some silly, smitten debutante, which she absolutely was not.
Camden offered her his arm. She accepted, allowing him to guide her toward the stone wall encasing Babylon. An awkward silence hung in the air between them. She could feel her pulse beating through her temples. Rebecca snuck a glance at him from the corner of her eye. “I have always wondered why the postern gate is bricked over.” Pray let him know.
“Then you do not know the legend of Sir Kenton and Lady Nicola in its entirety.”
“I fear not, but would very much like to.” She’d spent years wondering about the sealed arched entrance. “You will tell me, won’t you?” She tilted her head toward him.
“According to family tales, Sir Kenton had the postern gate sealed off after Lady Nicola betrayed him by opening the gate to his enemy.”
She tossed a glance back at the gate, her gaze roaming over the bricks. Could his tale be true? It certainly did not fit with the legend of their great love story. “Why would she do such a thing to the man she loved?”
Camden looked at her, a frown pulling at his lips. “She did not always love him. At first he was her enemy.”
“Right, of course I remember. He laid siege to Babylon, conquering the castle and taking control of her family and servants.” She offered a half smile. “I like to forget that part of the legend. It’s not a very romantic start.”
“No, I suppose it is not.” He chuckled.
“I’m glad they got past the betrayal. Leastwise they would not have fallen in love and left behind such a wonderful legacy.”
“You know, Sir Kenton was part of a long line of feared and successful knights. Every Le Bec male for centuries has fought as a feared and respected knight or soldier. It is a family tradition.”
Her gut clinched, the air freezing in her lungs. She’d been enjoying their time together so much she’d forgotten what he was. A dangerous slip on her part, for she could easily fall for him. Her mood soured, she glanced back at the gatehouse.
“Are you unwell? Your face has gone pale.” He drew them to a stop and slipped his arm around her.
She looked up at him. Lines furrowed his brow, his eyes soft. “I’m perfectly fine. The chatter of war simply brought back old memories. My brother, Rowland, lost his life fighting against Napoleon’s forces. I’m afraid I will never be able to put his loss behind me.” She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She’d never spoken to anyone outside her immediate family about Rowland’s death. Why had she told Camden?
“I’m sorry for your loss. I was unaware.” He pulled her against him.
For a moment she allowed her head to rest against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat and warmth of his body comforted her. Standing here with him, pressed against him, she felt safe, cared for. Except, she couldn’t find comfort with him. Not in the arms of a
soldier. She stepped from his embrace.
“Let us speak of something else.” She took his arm once more. “Have you explored the castle? I mean beyond the rooms you are occupying.”
He led her toward the turn of the wall that would bring them around the other side of the bailey. “I looked around a bit when I arrived, but I’ve not been in every chamber, nor have I entered the fifth floor.”
“I should like to spend some time inside. Who knows what treasures remain?”
“If it is your wish to explore the keep, then you shall.”
“Truly?” She beamed at him, her heart swelling. She’d always wanted to enter the keep but never allowed herself the pleasure. So far as she was concerned Babylon had belonged to Sir Kenton and Lady Nicola. She’d not trespass on their home uninvited. Only now Babylon belonged to Camden, and he’d invited her. “You cannot possibly know how happy you have made me.”
He brought them to a halt and stepped in front of her. With one of his heart-stopping smiles, he reached up and cupped her cheek. “I rather like making you happy.”
Her stomach fluttered. Heat fanned out from where his hand rested on her face. He rubbed his fingers across the tender skin of her neck just below her ear. Her pulse sped, and she tipped her chin up for him.
He brought his lips to hers, startlingly gentle for such a large man. Her entire body trembled with need. Her arms slid around his neck of their own accord while she rose onto her tiptoes. Heavenly. His kiss could be described in no other way.
He tilted her head, deepening the kiss. Heat engulfed her entire being. She was completely lost to the sensations consuming her. His warmth invaded her, his muscled body formed to hers, his soft but demanding lips possessing hers. A moan escaped before she could stop it, and she opened for him, giving him all she had to offer.
He wrapped his hand around her nape, palm hot on her skin. She pushed her fingers into his hair, pressing his mouth closer. He met her invitation, his tongue darting inside.
Love's Legacy--World of de Wolfe Pack Page 3
