The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series)

by Jernigan, Brenda

  “Damn man,” Jewel swore again for the dozenth time. Why did she keep thinking about him?

  He was probably arranging for that Captain Lee to take her away, but she had a surprise for him. She would be leaving, but on her own terms.

  Jewel was sure she’d seen Lee before. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, and for a moment her back ached as if it had been struck. Draining the remaining brandy, Jewel felt the warmth in the pit of her stomach. A light drizzle began to fall. Soon the clouds would let loose the raindrops they had been holding all day.

  She should go in, but she couldn’t pry her fingers away from the railing as the drizzle mixed with her tears.

  “Where are you Adam?” she said into the cold, wet night.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Adam’s breath caught in his throat. Through the double doors of the bedroom, he glimpsed how the wind molded Jewel’s thin white gown to her body, accenting every lush little curve. She appeared as an alluring apparition cloaked beneath a mane of long black hair that whipped about her face. Letting his breath out slowly, he tossed his greatcoat onto the chair beside the door. His jaw tightened, but his desire flamed. The little fool stood in the cold wind, staring out into the darkness.

  In no time, he’d crossed the room. “This is a damn good way to catch your death!” he snapped, grabbing her by the arm. “I don’t want you sick and near death like the first time I laid eyes on you.”

  Stunned at first, she didn’t speak. Was he really here, or had she just conjured him up by merely thinking of him? It must be the damn rum—no brandy—she thought, her brain as murky as the darkness surrounding them. His fingers tightened when she didn’t speak. Now she knew Adam was really here ... in front of her . . . holding her . . . confusing her with his closeness.

  “Did you hear me? Are you trying to cause your early demise?” Adam’s eyes were as stormy as the night, and still she had no idea how he truly felt.

  “Would you care?” She jerked her arm from his hand, stumbling backwards. “I—I think I’ve definitely had too much to drink.”

  Adam steadied her. A bolt of lightning flashed overhead. He placed his hands on her face and tilted it up until he could look into her eyes. Those rose-red lips were definitely made for kissing. His gaze caressed her pink cheeks as her eyes spat fire at him. Such a temptress!

  Suddenly another bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, and Adam drank in Jewel’s beauty. Thunder rumbled all around them, but neither of them moved. Adam didn’t bat an eye because a more urgent storm brewed within him. “You’ve been in my brandy again.”

  “And what if I have?” Her eyes had grown as black as his, a smoldering fire burning deep in their depths. “I’d have saved you some, but I expected Colette to warm you tonight.”

  He chuckled. “You’re jealous.”

  “I am not!” she insisted, turning her head away.

  But he knew better. Purposefully he reached to turn her around. An exasperated sigh left his lips. “I’m only going to say this one more time. The lady means nothing to me. Do you hear me, Jewel?” Finally, she nodded, and he could see tears glistening on her eyelashes before one escaped down her cheek. He reached up to wipe away the glistening drop. He saw the hurt in her eyes. The knowledge stirred him more than he cared to admit.

  He slipped his arms with infinite care around her, then brushed her face with his lips. “Are those tears for me?” he whispered, placing a light kiss on her brow, the tip of her nose, and finally her moistened lips, where the taste of brandy still lingered. “I want you, Jewel. I have tried to stay away from you . . . God knows I’ve tried, but I can’t.”

  Adam felt her tremble. He tightened his grip, pulling her body close to his chest. She melted against him, her thigh resting against his manhood. Sensual chills ran up his back.

  Jewel’s heart beat wildly within her breast. Dazed with pleasure, she kept hearing his words. He wanted her. Pleasure and anticipation coursed through her, yet a part of her still hesitated. What exactly did he want? Did he want to marry her? Did he want to stay with her for always? Her mind whirled giddily. She told herself to be careful, but her body seemed to know what it wanted. She clung to him. She grew hot—no, cold—no, both. And then time stood still.

  His hot, wet mouth caressed her earlobes, then pressed tender kisses down her neck. She shuddered beneath his subtle seduction. His lips produced a warm, tantalizing blush that covered her body with fever and produced the most unusual yearning for something more. Should she stop him? Did she want to? Her heart yearned for his touch. She wanted to be held and protected in Adam’s arms. Hadn’t she always wanted this?

  “I need you, Jewel. Don’t send me away tonight.” Adam’s raspy voice choked with emotion as he buried his face in her hair and held her tight against him. Almost as if he were afraid of losing her.

  Jewel pulled back and looked into his passion-filled eyes. If only she could read his thoughts. If only she knew how he felt about her. But he did want her. Burning desire made her weak. She didn’t trust her voice as she nodded her head in response to his request.

  “Are you sure?” Adam asked. Again she nodded her head, though she really wasn’t sure at all. But she knew Adam would never hurt her.

  Casting caution to the wind, Adam crushed Jewel hard against his body, cursing himself for wanting her with his very soul. He lifted her up into his arms and started across the room. He didn’t stop at her bed, but headed straight for the master bedroom. This night might be the only night they’d have—one night that would have to last a lifetime.

  She stood beside his bed with a vague uncertainty in her eyes of what she should do next.

  But he knew.

  He reached out and untied the pink ribbons that fastened her gown at the shoulders, then watched as it slid to the floor, leaving her body exposed to his view. She gasped and tried to cover herself, but he caught her arms and whispered, “Don’t.”

  He rubbed his hands down her arms. “Your skin’s so smooth, sweetheart,” he murmured as his gaze took a slow journey over every inch of her frame while he drank in her beauty, a sensual smile coming to his lips.

  Shyly, Jewel started unbuttoning his shirt, surrendering to the stormy splendor of his wonderful kisses. “I believe you once said I was a goddess.” She tugged at the last button before pulling open his shirt and pushing it from his shoulders. Her palms glided over his bronzed skin. She caught the faint smell of musk, and couldn’t resist brushing her lips across his chest. His every muscle tightened, and he shuddered.

  Adam growled passionately. “Yes, I did. A goddess from the sea.”

  Outside, the full fury of the squall raged—just like the storm that had brought Jewel to him. But tonight the violent winds were mild compared to the inferno that brewed within his body.

  Somewhere a shutter thumped against a wall. The rain lashed Briercliff. And the roar of the angry waves drifted through the open doors, and became music to them as it pounded the coast, releasing all its pent-up energy.

  A flash of lightning illuminated the glistening bodies of the two lovers as they came to know each other. They sank down in bed. Caressing, touching, sharing themselves as they never had with anyone else. Jewel and Adam were caught in their own whirlwind, seeking a release that only they could provide.

  Tonight, Jewel belonged to him, and after this night she’d never remember another. His kisses grew bolder. Her lavender fragrance engulfed him—a scent he’d come to know well.

  Adam stared down into her infatuated eyes as he tenderly brushed a strand of dark hair from her cheek. He wanted to memorize her high cheekbones, her cute nose, and most of all her parted, moist lips. He might be leaving soon, but a part of her would be his tonight.

  The same thought ran through Jewel’s mind. Tonight she would become one with Adam, hoping he wouldn’t soon forget her. She spoke with her eyes, wanting him to understand the unspoken words she’d never get to say.

  She slipped her hands around his ne
ck, drowning in this new world of sensuality. Her breasts were crushed against Adam’s chest. His dark, curling hairs rubbed the tips of her nipples into firm, taut peaks. Reaching over, she laced her fingers through Adam’s dark hair and pulled his lips to within her reach. She gazed deep into Adam’s mesmerizing eyes, finding a burning passion that she was going to quench.

  The storm whipped at the drapes. Another bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, shedding its light on their flushed bodies.

  “I’ve never desired someone as much as I do you.” Adam’s admission sounded more like a growl just before he captured her lips. This time his kiss was different . . . hungry . . . urgent. His tongue plunged into her mouth, mating with her tongue. Soon their kisses matched the fury of the storm, becoming hotter and bolder as the fire between them built to a boiling point.

  Adam’s hands glided along Jewel’s silky thighs before moving back to her ripe breasts. Trailing kisses down her neck, he lowered his head until he found her rose-tipped nipples, where he licked circles around the tight nubs. Her skin held the luster of creamy satin, and it felt smooth against him. He captured one trembling peak in his mouth, teasing it to the hardness of stone. She gasped as his other hand continued its path with agonizing slowness, parting her legs and finding the tempting flesh she offered him. With a little coaxing, she parted her legs, and his fingers slid through the curls down to her moist warmth. God, she was tight. He groaned. He could wait no longer. His hunger consumed his self-control.

  He had to have her—Now!

  Spreading her legs further apart with his knee, he positioned himself above her and drove deep inside her warmth. Too late he felt the tearing membrane as Jewel stiffened in his arms and cried out in pain.

  “Christ! Why didn’t you tell me?” Adam groaned out, feeling stupid that he’d rushed. If he’d known, he could have made it so much easier on her. Now he felt the pain as much as she did. He lay very still, even though his body demanded more. He throbbed, wanting to take all of her.

  Jewel had been a virgin. All his other doubts vanished. There had never been another man. And he’d kill any man who would dare try and take her from him.

  “It hurts, Adam,” she cried, bringing him back to the moment at hand. Tears trickled down her face.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I didn’t think. But trust me, the pain will ease in a moment.” He kissed her tears away, giving her time to adjust to his size. Nibbling on her lips, he whispered, “You’re mine, sweetheart, now and for always.”

  Slowly, he started to move, feeling her tightness surrounding his manhood. He shivered. She was driving him crazy with desire. He moved with the rhythm of love, building, driving, and finally consuming them both with a white heat that demanded satisfaction.

  Jewel cried out with fulfillment. Slowly, she floated back down to earth on a cloud of contentment. There had been too much brandy, and too many new emotions for her tonight. Drained, she felt sleep beckon to her. Wrapped in the warmth of Adam’s arms, she felt a sense of peace and safety claimed her. “I love you, Adam,” she murmured just before sleep claimed her. But sleep had already claimed Adam, and he didn’t appear to have heard her softly spoken words.

  The hinges rattled on the bedroom door. “Who the hell is doing that infernal pounding?” Adam growled, jerking awake from sleep. He felt Jewel snuggled next to him in the dark, and pulled the cover up over her.

  The insistent knocking again brought his attention back to the intruder. Sitting up, he bellowed, “Who the bloody hell is it?” Jewel stirred beside him.

  “Surely, you wouldn’t shoot me on sight, ol’ boy,” Jonathan said, coming in with a candle. “I know it’s early, but before you go barking at me, I have to talk to you about Jewel.” He walked up to the comer of the bed.

  Adam was sitting up, shielding Jewel with his body as he lit a candle by the bed. She was hidden well and Jonathan hadn’t seen her. He started to pace back and forth.

  “This better be damn good, Jonathan. What time is it?”

  “Five in the morning, and I had one hell of a time getting here with this storm, but what I heard couldn’t wait.”

  Adam glanced out the window, observing the rain pelting the windows. He also noticed Jonathan was still dressed in his evening attire.

  “1 overheard Captain Lee tell Colette he was planning to pay you a special visit today. It seems his ship is anchored at Land’s End, and it would be most convenient to whisk Jewel away.”

  Jonathan had Adam’s interest now. “Are you sure?”

  Annie chose the moment to stick her head through the open door. “What’s goin’ on in here? I be hearin’ such a ruckus that I hurried up the stairs and canna find Jewel anywhere. Have ye be seein’ her?”

  “Damn,” Adam swore, rubbing his chin. Hell, why didn’t they just invite the whole bloody household into his bedroom?

  Jewel lay perfectly still, afraid of detection.

  “I’m too late,” Jonathan said. “Damn! I knew I should have gotten here earlier.” He threw his hands up. “Now what are we going to do?”

  The commotion in front of Adam was becoming quite comical. “Silence!” he roared, realizing he wasn’t going to get rid of either of them. “If both of you will just calm down a minute, I happen to know Jewel’s whereabouts.” Adam moved aside so they could see her hiding behind him.

  Annie gasped, and her eyes grew as round as saucers before she turned to give Adam a disapproving look.

  Jonathan laughed. “Sorry, ol’ boy. Didn’t know. Good morning, Jewel.”

  Adam turned to Jewel. Her face was absolutely scarlet as she clutched the blanket up under her chin. She didn’t bother answering Jonathan. She merely nodded.

  “The fact still remains, Adam, we need to get her away from here. And fast,” Jonathan reminded him.

  Adam’s mind had already been working on that particular problem. “Annie, pack Jewel's things and prepare a hot bath. We’ll go to the Wind Jammer. Jewel will sail with me.”

  “Are ye goin’ tae marry the lass?” Annie asked.

  “No, there isn’t time.” Adam frowned.

  “Well, ’tisn’t proper for a youn’, unchaperoned lady tae be a travelin’ with ye alone . . . just not right.” Annie shook her head.

  “Jesus, Annie, the damage has been done!” Adam didn’t want to argue the point. He wasn’t too sure of anything, only that danger was lurking near.

  Jewel moaned after that statement, pulling the covers over her head. How embarrassing!

  “I’ll marry her,” Jonathan suddenly said.

  “The hell you will!” Adam’s powerful voice rang out, silencing everyone.

  Jewel cleared her throat and managed to find her voice, sliding the blanket down to her chin. “I’m sorry to be putting you both out.” She looked at the men accusingly. “But I wouldn’t marry either of you if you were the last men on earth!”

  Adam looked over his shoulder at Jewel, then back at the other two. This conversation was fast heading in the wrong direction. He sought to end it. “Annie, pack your bags, you’re coming with us. Now, does that satisfy everyone?”

  All three nodded their heads.

  “Good! Now that we’ve wasted precious time, I suggest everyone get moving. Jonathan, ride ahead and tell Derek what’s happening. At the first break in the storm, we’ll set sail.”

  When they were alone again, Adam turned his attention back to Jewel. Rolling over, he placed his arms on either side of her head. “I’m sorry, sweetheart, for the intrusion.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ve ordered you a hot bath to soak in.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’ll be sore after last night, and the bath will help,” he gently explained. “Did you mean what you said?”

  She blushed again. “What do you mean?”

  “You really wouldn’t marry me?”

  “Are you proposing?” Jewel’s brows lifted.

  “No.”

  A slight smile touched her lips. “Then I guess you
’ll never know.”

  Adam looked down into liquid brown eyes, trying to discover his answer, but this time she’d shut him out.

  Leaning down, he kissed her. When he finally pulled his mouth from hers he said, “We have some unfinished business to be settled at a later date.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  After hurriedly packing her things, they were on their way. The coach moved with haste down the well-trodden road. Jewel pushed back into the red velvet seat, thankful for its warmth on such a stormy day. The murmur of Adam’s and Annie’s voices became the only sounds she heard while she rubbed the top of Duke’s head, which he had propped lazily in her lap. The puppy lay on the seat to her left, and Adam claimed the other side. Jewel smiled down at her pet, glad Adam had agreed to let him come on the trip.

  Watching the raindrops run down the coach window, Jewel wondered about their decision to brave the storm instead of waiting until the weather cleared. Though the wind howled outside the carriage, it didn’t seem to hinder their progress.

  Jewel caught glimpses of the English countryside through the rain. What she had thought of as home these last few months slipped quickly past her, and she wasn’t sure exactly how she felt. A part of her was sad, yet she knew she had to find the secret to her past—and she hoped the answers would be forthcoming.

  The vehicle swayed, and Jewel reached instinctively out to clutch Adam’s arm. He pulled her closer while never missing a word of his conversation with Annie, seemingly unaware of Jewel’s presence.

  The pressure of his arm around her brought back memories of last night. His warm breath as he whispered her name. The feel of his strong arms as he’d held her tenderly. She had tried to put everything from her mind, but somehow it kept sneaking back into her thoughts. Did last night mean Adam loved her and wanted to marry her? He was taking her with him. Yet he had been given little choice since Lee had interfered. Jewel wondered how Adam felt.