by Glenda Diana
“Whatever for?”
“I've promised all my dances to my husband ... or my new father.” Thorton looked from Blake to Roger. In return, Blake tightened his arm around her. It pleased her when Roger puffed up his chest and gave her a roguish smile.
“I've never heard of such a thing,” Hillerman sputtered. “Is this some rule your ... husband created to make sure you stay at his side?”
Using her lace kerchief, Lady Martha touched her husband's arm. “I think it best if you moved this conversation elsewhere. You are drawing too much attention. I won't have you ruining my party, Beau.”
Hillerman turned cold blue eyes on his wife. “Go flutter about the room, Madame, and leave me in peace. What I say or do is no concern of yours.”
With a nod at the Bradleys, Lady Martha walked away.
Thorton's eyes narrowed. How could the man treat his wife so rudely? Obviously the type of man who cared nothing for others, only himself.
A slight stirring went through the gathered crowd. Lance Wellsbrough and Alan Garrick came forward. After a few meaningful looks, the crowd moved off to find other entertainment. Lance gave Blake a nod, then he and Alan stood guard a few feet away. Thorton, most grateful for their intervention, made a mental note to thank them later.
Hillerman didn't seem to notice his audience had dispersed. “So, the great Baron of Stonecrest has set down rules for his wife?” Beau's gaze ran over Thorton. “How amusing. Of course, I can see the need. A man like you must-”
Thorton held up her hand, stopping him in mid-sentence. “I suggest, sir, you remember to whom you are speaking. I'm sure you didn't intend to allow your temper to lead you to dangerous ground.”
“I know exactly to whom I speak. I don't need a country chit to remind me. The Baron might instill fear in others with his looks, but I'm not in the least bit faint-hearted.” He licked his thick lips.
Now Thorton knew why the Hillermans’ party was ranked so high ... Lord Hillerman was the entertainment. The fabulous ton didn't want to miss what the detestable Lord might say or do. Again, Thorton tried to get control of the situation. “Lord Hillerman...”
“The only ones who need fear the Stonecrest Beast are young maidens,” Hillerman continued recklessly. “We've heard the rumors of him roaming the countryside in raging madness ... the only way he could get a woman.” He laughed.
Blake and Roger came forward at the same time. Thorton latched hold of their arms in a puny attempt to stop them. She scowled at their host, wanting to knock the pompous man on his large arse. What he needed was a good set down, and she was just the person to give it to him. But this glorious deed might have one disturbing setback ... Blake would be furious. Well, it just couldn't be helped.
“Sir, I beg you to pay attention,” Thorton stated in a sensuous voice, gaining his full attentiveness. “I shall say this only once, so please listen.” She altered her tone of voice, blasting him with her full temper. “I will not hear my husband referred to as a ‘Beast.’ Understand? Shall we talk about terrorizing? About rape? One hears the most interesting things in the country. Things hidden in London's alleys are prime news to us country bumpkins. Like the tidbit about a merchant's daughter being kidnapped, raped, and left for dead by a certain member of the ton.”
Hillerman swallowed hard. “There are many girls who meet such a fate, whether they be rich or poor.”
“Sad, but true. Seeing how she lived through her torture, the girl's father decided it wasn't safe for her to remain in London. Do you know where she is?”
Beau Hillerman's face drained of color.
“A most interesting description she gave. Do you know who it reminded me of? Shall we talk about other tidbits? There's a rumor you are investing a good deal of money into a shipping expedition that promises to bring back a fortune in cargo.” She stared at her victim and felt no pity.
Hillerman's face went from pasty white to blotchy red in the space of a heartbeat. His hot gaze turned to Blake. “Could you not find a tame woman?”
Blake gave him a humorless smile. “She has a way with her claws, does she not?”
She also had a way with words, Blake thought. He wanted to know how his wife discovered these tales, since he was positive she had not heard them through the country grapevine.
“What's wrong, Lord Hillerman?” Thorton countered, not caring for his snide remark. “Does it bother you that a simple jade knows your business? Perhaps you should pay closer attention to your affairs.”
“You little...”
“Perhaps you should thoroughly research projects in which you invest.”
Thorton sensed she had said too much. But unfinished, she gave a silent prayer for deliverance.
“Before we leave your gracious company, I'll make one point clear. Other women may find the need to escape their husbands’ attention and flutter about. I do not. Why should I look elsewhere when everything I need and want is here beside me?”
Thorton gave Hillerman a look of dismissal and faced her husband. She shivered at the coldness she saw in his eyes. Taking a steady breath, she smiled. “A most fascinating evening, was it not?”
“Most. We managed one whole dance before you made a scene,” Blake answered harshly, meant for her ears alone.
“I'd love to go home now,” Thorton whispered, stepping closer to him.
Blake placed her hand on his arm and held it there. His steps were so hurried, Thorton felt as though her feet barely touched the floor. Blake came to a sudden stop as he nearly collided with Lady Martha.
“Please, just one moment,” Lady Hillerman softly pleaded. She took Thorton's hand and squeezed it. “You, my dear, are truly something. I have wished for years to see someone put Beau in his place. You have my thanks and my faithful friendship. If there is anything I can ever do for you, let me know.”
“Sanctuary would be nice,” Thorton murmured.
Lady Martha sent a startled look to Blake.
“I was teasing, Madame,” Thorton said, forcing a smile.
“Yes,” Martha whispered. “I had the footman retrieve your cloak. He's waiting by the door. I'll see you soon, my dear.” Casting a quick, knowing glance at Roger, she hurried off.
Lance and Alan stood near the entrance. Blake groaned, but gave no indication of stopping.
Alan smiled. “A pleasure to see you again, Baroness.”
Thorton smiled at both men, hoping her embarrassment did not show. “I wish to thank...” Her words ended on a sigh as Blake yanked her through the doorway, grabbing her cloak from servant.
Blake did not dare speak. In truth, he did not know what to say. He was furious, but wasn't sure with whom. It didn't help matters that Roger was laughing like a loon, and had been since Lady Hillerman thanked Thorton for insulting her husband.
Women!
Once they were in the carriage, Roger quieted his laughter long enough to light the lamps. He returned Blake's scowl with a smile. “By God, did you see Hillerman's face? I thought for a moment it would keep getting redder until he burst into flames.” Roger slapped his knee. “Was it all a fabrication or was there actually a young girl?”
“It was real enough,” Thorton said softly.
“How did you find out?”
“The girl is at Rosewood. Her father asked if I could help, so I did. She's being taught the art of cooking. A nice young woman, considering what she's been through.”
“Martha told you,” Blake stated.
“Wives don't hear about such indiscretions. And even if they do, they don't broadcast it. It would do her as much damage as it would Hillerman.”
“Martha is different from most women ... she would know.” Blake shook his head. “She said you've been corresponding for years.”
“It was rude of you to walk past your friends. You didn't give me a chance to thank them.”
“They did not need your ‘thanks.’ They were too busy laughing at us!”
“Did Martha tell you about the cargo Hillerman's investi
ng in?” Roger seemed overly enthusiastic regarding Beau Hillerman's decline.
“I own it.”
Roger's smile faded.
Anger boiled in the pit of Blake's stomach, but he wasn't sure from where his anger grew. Was it her conduct? Her admission of ownership to this ship? What other surprises did she have in store for him? He hated to think of the possibilities. But of one thing he was certain ... they should've stayed at home. They should've never come to London.
As soon as the carriage stopped before their townhouse, Blake assisted Thorton down and told her to join him in the library. She was beginning to hate that room. Every time he felt the need to lecture her it was from behind a desk. Once again he had his protective shield around him. But he had every right to be angry with her; she had overstepped the bounds of what was considered appropriate.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Numerous times she had fantasized about her first soirée, but not once had she imagined an evening in perdition. How childish to have fantasized about romance and passion. She wanted to point out that she was not the only one to blame for tonight's disaster. Lord Hillerman deserved some of it. If he had not been such a pompous ass, she would not have had to retaliate. Was Blake blind? Did he not realize she had been defending him against the overbearing Lord?
She handed her cloak to Griggs, not daring to look at him or Roger. One glimpse of their faces would likely make her cry. Taking a deep breath for courage, she started down the hall.
Roger patted her shoulder in an awkward show of affection. “Do you want me to go with you?” At the negative shake of her head, he sighed and lowered his hand.
She paused outside the library door, bowed her head for a second, then lifted her chin. Her back became ramrod straight as she bravely entered the lion's den. She wasn't at all surprised to find Blake seated behind his imposing desk, just another barricade he placed between them. Sighing, she sat down on the edge of a chair facing him.
“I must congratulate you,” he started. “You know yourself rather well, while I, on the other hand, seem not to know you at all. You most assuredly, do not know proper behavior. We will be the talk of Town.”
His cold voice cut through her like an icy wind. She raised her eyes. She desperately wanted to cry, to throw something at his thick skull, to shout that she was sorry. Instead, she swallowed, trying to dislodge the lump in her throat. She wouldn't beg and grovel.
“I informed you of that before we left Stonecrest.” She was amazed at how calm she sounded when her heart was breaking. “As far as being the talk of Town, we were the moment we arrived in London.” It was the slight, mocking lift of his brow that brought her to her feet. “If you wish to speak to me, come to this side of the desk and do so. I will not be treated like an errant child addressing a parent. Talk to me as a husband to a wife!”
“If you want to be treated as an adult, act like one. The show you put on tonight was that of a spoiled child.”
Thorton gasped. How dare he sit on his throne and judge her? “Do you see me as a child?” At his arrogant nod, she gave him a cold smile. “Remember that when you climb into bed. It makes one wonder what kind of man you are.”
She left the library, slamming the door behind her with such force the walls trembled. It was a fine mess he found himself in, Blake thought as he poured a glass of brandy, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes. He wondered what his chances were of falling asleep and not waking until his time with Thorton was over. Not likely, he deduced.
Over and over the scene in the ballroom played in his head. By the time he pulled free from his thoughts, the sky outside the window was beginning to pale. The nearly empty brandy decanter was proof of just how long he had sat there.
“You are a fool!”
Blake's bloodshot eyes raised to his father. Griggs was standing behind Roger, nodding in agreement.
“Mind your business. Both of you!”
“It is my business. I'm the reason she's here.”
“Don't remind me. I had a quiet life before she came, before the damned contract.” Blake picked up his glass and stared at the amber liquid. It reminded him of Thorton's eyes when her passion ran high.
Was he a fool? Had he overreacted? But why had her actions bothered him so much? He wasn't sure.
“What's wrong, boy? Did it hurt your male arrogance to have her defend you in front of those people? The same people who showed not a fig of respect for you?” Roger advanced on his son. “I was damn proud of that chit. And here's something else ... I was jealous! Not many women would embarrass themselves for the sake of their men. Your mother, God rest her soul, would not have. Instead of wallowing over some imaginary wrong done to you, you should be upstairs begging forgiveness.”
Roger slapped the top of Blake's desk with the palm of his hand before spinning around to make a grand exit ... unfortunately, Griggs was standing behind him. Roger muttered a few words as he pushed the servant out of the way.
Blake grabbed his throbbing head when the door slammed. It was a demeaning thing to have to admit, but he could not deny it. He was a first-class fool. The best he could hope for was that Thorton would overlook his flaws and forgive him.
He got unsteadily to his feet, wondering how much he'd have to grovel for her divine forgiveness. He also wondered just how big a fool he would appear if he rushed to her. Did it really matter? Was his pride more important than his newfound harmony with her?
Damn, he seemed to be confused about everything. How had he gotten so attached to this woman who was supposed to be his enemy? Was her game one of treachery? Could he actually believe the sweet, honeyed words that fell from her lush, ripe lips?
One thing he was most certain of was the need he felt. The need to hear her soft voice call his name, to feel her gentle touch and touch her in return, to taste the honeyed texture of her skin. And one need overrode all others ... he needed her, only her.
Blake stopped at the base of the staircase. His breath lodged in his chest when he saw her standing at the top. Her white nightgown was like a beacon beckoning to him. Before he could gather his sluggish thoughts, she started down, taking each step almost hesitantly.
She stopped on the bottom step and gazed at him. The redness around his eyes and the strong smell of alcohol told her he had been as miserable as she had. She gently caressed his bristled cheek. “I'm sorry.”
Her words, the words he should have spoken, seemed to melt over him like hot lava, burning through him and setting his heart aflame. He rubbed his face against her palm before kissing it. His arms came around her and he buried his face into her fragrant neck.
“You've no need to be sorry. I'm the one who acted the fool.”
Her fingers glided up into his hair. “I should have held my silence. I let my temper overrule my tongue. I ruined our first party and I apologize.”
“I've never...”
Thorton laid her fingers to his lips. “Will you come upstairs? Will you let me hold you? Touch you? Will you make love to me?”
Oh, God, he thought, as he swung her up into his arms, cradling her to his chest. He was doing the unthinkable, falling in love with his number one adversary ... his wife.
Chapter Eleven
Thorton stretched out on the bed and watched Blake pull on his clothing. Her gaze ran over his magnificent body. Last night, she had planned on telling him her long-kept secret. That was before she had seen him, had touched him, and before Blake had taken control of the situation by carrying her to their room. Before the sun arose, he had made love to her again and again. His lovemaking had gone from tender, to powerful, then to gentle.
How could she chance him looking at her with scorn or distrust after the night they had shared? Thorton knew she was in a difficult spot, but she wanted to hold close to her the memories of their passionate night, to cherish them just a while longer.
“Come on, you lazy wench. The sun has been up for hours. The staff will begin to gossip if we don't show our faces soon.” Blake lea
ned over and gave her naked rump a firm smack.
“We should pretend sickness and stay here. You could again instruct me on correct behavior. I do so love the way you teach.” Thorton wrapped her arms around his neck and brought him down on top of her.
Blake moaned against her mouth. “You have a delicious mind.”
“And you, Baron, have a delicious body. Remove those clothes and return to bed.”
“You are a scandalous piece of baggage.”
“I know. I need your guidance, your strength, your direction. Let us not end this enchantment.”
“You make saying no nearly impossible.” Blake rocked his hips against hers.
Thorton clutched him to her. “Then don't say no.”
“You'll have to let go so I can remove my garments,” Blake panted, trying to get up.
“I'll undress you.”
“Like you did last night?” He laughed. “It took hours to remove all of our clothing.”
“In case you haven't noticed, Sir Knight, I'm already naked. It should only take half as long to get you in the same condition.”
“The hell it will.” Blake was just about to rip off his clothing when a loud knock sounded. “What?”
“Sorry to disturb you, sir,” Griggs spoke through the heavy door. “Lucas has returned and asks that you and the Mistress join him downstairs.”
“We'll be down later.”
“He says it's important, sir.”
Blake laid his forehead against Thorton's. “Can I shoot your guardian?”
“No, but I just might box his ears!”
“We will finish this later, Madame Wife.”
“Yes, Sir Knight.”
“Sir, what should I tell him?” Griggs’ voice interrupted.
“Tell him we'll be down in a few minutes and his news had better be good.” Blake sat up and straightened his clothing.
Thorton sighed with true regret.
“I wondered where Lucas had gotten off to. I haven't seen him trailing behind you in the last couple of days. He reminds of those faithful hounds men brag about at the clubs. Has he always been this way?”
“Lucas is not a dog. I resent the fact you should refer to him as one. He's my guardian ... but most of all, he's my friend.”
