“Perhaps a bit tattered about the edges but not in shreds, I trust,” he assured her. “You, on the other hand, look as if you might shatter into a dozen pieces any moment.”
She swallowed heavily. “I have been very worried.”
Adam gave a click of his tongue, realizing that the dastardly Morrows were not entirely to blame for Addy’s highly strung nerves. His own rigid lectures of propriety and respectability had clearly added an additional burden.
He silently cursed his priggish arrogance. Gads, he should have been smacked in the head.
“Addy, you cannot allow yourself to become so agitated,” he urged firmly. “It has taken me days to ease that strain from your countenance. I do not wish it to return.”
“But there is no telling what my parents might do next,” she burst out, not willing to be easily consoled.
“Do not concern yourself with your parents. I will ensure they do not trouble you again.”
Amazingly she appeared far from reassured by his promise. Instead she gave a sad shake of her head.
“Not even you can control my parents, Adam. They cannot help but create scandal. It is simply their nature.”
That was true enough, he reluctantly conceded. Lord and Lady Morrow sought excitement the way a drunkard sought the bottle. No amount of threats or pleas would halt their foolishness.
It was obvious that he would have to take drastic measures to put an end to their bothersome presence in Addy’s life.
“Trust me, Addy, I will handle the situation.”
Something in his voice must have alerted her to his grim determination and the faintest hint of a smile touched her face.
“I feared that you would be furious.”
Adam briefly recalled the unflattering words he had muttered beneath his breath as he had attempted to extract his father-in-law from the cloakroom.
“I am furious with Lord and Lady Morrow,” he replied in all honesty. “But not with you, Addy. You have done nothing but try to halt your parents’ antics. A task I do not envy.”
Her features twisted in a revealing grimace. “No one would.”
“True enough.” He chuckled, his fingers moving of their own will to smooth the worried line between her brow. “Now enough of those frowns. I wish to see a smile upon those lips.”
She studied him with a searching gaze. “You are not going to seek a lawyer and have this marriage put to an end?”
Adam felt a stab of surprise at her soft words. Dear heavens, surely she was not that uncertain of him? He would cut off his arm before he would allow her out of his life!
Clearly she needed to be reassured to the depth of his feeling for her. He gently framed her face with his hands.
“On the contrary, Addy. I am convinced that this marriage is just beginning.”
“Just beginning?”
“We have spent far too much time at cross purposes,” he said, recalling the barren early days of their marriage. “Neither of us was willing to forego our pride long enough to admit that we would be better served to work together.”
He was thankful that a faint hint of amusement banished the lingering shadows.
“You do possess a lion’s share of pride.”
Adam arched a dark brow. “You have no small amount yourself, my dear.”
“Me?”
“Yes.” Before he could restrain himself Adam lowered his head to snatch a brief, blood-stirring kiss. “You.”
With a faint sigh she arched toward him, her soft curves setting off all sorts of fireworks within him.
“Nonsense,” she breathed.
Adam stiffened as lilac temptation curled about him. Blast. His control had been severely strained over the past few weeks and he no longer trusted himself to be able to restrain his hungry body.
He needed her so badly he trembled with the effort not to sweep her into his arms and override any lingering doubts.
“Addy,” he at last croaked.
“Yes?”
“It is very late.”
“So you have said,” she retorted, not seeming to take his hint.
“Do you not think you should return to your chamber?”
Shockingly she pressed herself even closer to his stirring body.
“Do you wish me to return to my chamber?”
His teeth were clenched so tightly they hurt. “You know what I wish.”
“No, actually I do not.” Her hands slowly rose to stroke down the lapels of his robe. Adam’s heart nearly halted as he thought of those hands against his bare chest. “What do you wish?”
His gaze burned a path over her upturned countenance. “To have you in my arms.”
Her hands moved until her arms were boldly encircling his neck.
“Like this?”
“Addy.” His arms convulsively encircled her waist, his blood rushing at a dangerous pace. “Do you know what you are doing?”
Her head moved forward to place a kiss upon the skin revealed by the opening of his robe.
“Pleasing you?” she whispered.
Adam nearly dropped to his knees at the fierce pleasure that exploded deep within him.
“Gads, yes,” he moaned.
Her head tilted back as she offered him a seductive smile. “What else do you wish?”
The dam burst as white-hot desire poured through him. He could wait no longer and with a swift motion he had swept her off her feet and headed for the large canopy bed.
He had given her every opportunity to flee.
Now she was about to discover the true meaning of being his wife.
* * *
Addy awoke with a warm glow of good will.
For long moments she lay with her eyes closed as she tentatively probed the deep sense of happiness that filled her.
It was odd.
Yesterday had been a disaster.
First, her mother’s ridiculous admirers battling in the salon, and then her father making a drunken scene among Adam’s friends.
She had spent the day in a tangle of dread and humiliation. She had been certain that Adam would be furious with her, so she had paced her room until his return. Then she had heard him preparing for bed and gathering her shaky courage she had forced herself to confront him.
She had gone to his chamber and ...
The sudden memories of what had occurred next made her heart jump and a blush rise to her cheeks.
She knew without a doubt what it was that had left her feeling as content as a cat with a saucer of cream.
It had been a night of wonder.
A night of magic.
Suddenly nothing seemed to matter. Not her parents and their ridiculous behavior, or her suspicions that Adam might desire a more experienced lady. Not even the vague sense of fear that she had surrendered herself so completely to her husband.
She was utterly happy for the first time in her life.
With a decidedly gloating smile, Addy pushed herself to a seated position and gazed at the pillow next to her. Although the bed was disappointingly empty, she could still see the imprint of where Adam had laid his head and smell the scent of his sandalwood soap.
Running her hand over the indent in the pillow, her thoughts were distracted as the door was pushed open to reveal Adam carrying a large tray.
He looked impossibly handsome attired in a deep blue coat and black breeches. Her heart tripped as he gave her a lazy smile and crossed to the bed.
“Good morning, my dear.”
Expecting to feel at least a measure of embarrassment for her eager response to Adam’s caresses, Addy was rather startled to find she experienced nothing more than a warm glow as he sat on the bed and placed the tray across her legs.
“Breakfast in bed,” she murmured, glancing at the numerous plates upon the tray. “It seems rather decadent.”
He moved until she could feel the heat of his body through the thin sheet and offered her a wicked smile.
“I could have thought of far more decadent means of awa
kening you this morning.”
A delicious thrill shot through her. “Adam.”
He chuckled as he reached out to begin filling a plate with the vast array of food.
“What do you desire? Strawberries? Eggs? Ham?”
“Yes.”
He arched a brow. “Yes, which?”
“Yes, all of them.”
“What a glutton you are this morning.”
“I am hungry,” she retorted.
The silver eyes turned to a devilish smoke. “I wonder why?”
That tingle of anticipation returned at the obvious invitation in his expression, but even as she considered sweeping the tray out of their way Addy was struck by a sudden, unwelcome thought.
“Oh.”
“What is it?”
“I completely forgot my parents.” She heaved a rueful sigh. “They must be expecting us downstairs.”
Pressing the plate into her hands, Adam regarded her with a hint of wariness.
“Actually, they are not.”
“You have spoken with them?” she demanded in surprise.
“Yes.”
His guarded manner warned her that he was attempting to hide something from her.
“What has occurred?” she demanded.
He paused before giving a resigned shrug. “I had hoped we could enjoy breakfast before we spoke of your parents.”
Addy steeled herself for the worst. When it came to her parents, absolutely anything was possible.
“Tell me.”
“I requested that they pack their bags and leave,” he said in clipped tones.
Expecting to hear news of some new disaster, Addy gave a blink of surprise.
“What?”
Clearly misinterpreting her confusion for anger he heaved a heavy sigh.
“I am sorry, Addy. I realize that it was high-handed of me to toss your parents out of the house without even discussing the matter with you, but frankly I could not bear another day.”
“I do not blame you, Adam,” she hastened to reassure him. “It is a wonder that you endured them as long as you did.”
“I did not ask them to leave for me. I did it for you.”
She searched the features that had become so dear to her.
“Why?”
His expression abruptly hardened at her soft question. “Even the most senseless gentleman could realize that they were making you miserable.”
Addy slowly smiled. It was still an astonishing sensation to realize that anyone would care for her happiness. It would take time to accustom herself to the knowledge.
“They are trying on one’s nerves,” she agreed.
His hand clenched on the sheet. “I can bear a few brawls in my salon and even rescuing my father-in-law from my club, but I will not allow you to worry yourself to death.”
A dangerous tenderness clutched at her heart as she regarded his set expression, a tenderness that was precariously close to love.
Swiftly Addy attempted to distract her willful thoughts.
“How did they take your announcement?”
As she had hoped, his expression lightened and a hint of amusement entered the silver eyes.
“Your mother screeched that she would not be parted from her beloved daughter while your father muttered something rather uncomplimentary about stiff-rumped bores.”
Addy shuddered even as she gave a sudden chuckle. She had no doubt her parents had given a masterful performance. No one could outdo the Morrows when it came to tragic scenes.
“I am sorry.”
“I am not.” He startled her by saying in satisfied tones, “It gave me the opportunity to inform them that I consider their treatment of you selfish and utterly unacceptable. They are not to return until they are capable of treating you with the respect that you deserve.”
She regarded him in admiration. His courage was clearly remarkable.
“Dear heavens, my mother must have been swooning.”
“She did attempt a brief faint, but when I left her upon the floor she gamely rose to her feet so she could continue her lecture on the evils of leaving her daughter alone in the clutches of such a coldhearted blackguard,” he said dryly.
“I almost wish I had been there to witness the scene.”
He shook his head at her teasing words. “No, you were far safer here. Your mother launched half a dozen figurines across the room when she realized I was not about to relent. It was sheer luck no one was injured.”
Addy’s heart froze in dismay. “Oh no, not the Dresden!”
“No, they were a few of the ones we received from Aunt Clara. No great loss.”
She breathed a faint sigh of relief. She would not put it past her mother to destroy a priceless collection in a fit of pique.
“Thank God.”
With an air of determination Adam reached for a strawberry from her plate and pressed it to her mouth. Instinctively Addy bit into the ripe fruit and savored the sweet tartness.
“Let us forget your parents,” he urged, reaching for another strawberry. “We shall instead concentrate on how we intend to spend our day.”
Allowing him to feed her, Addy gave a faint shrug. She was too lazily content to trouble herself with thoughts of the day ahead.
“What do you wish to do?”
Without warning Adam waggled his brows in a wicked motion. “Surely you know better than to ask me what I wish?”
“Really, Adam” she protested, even as her heart somersaulted with excitement. He had suddenly become incorrigible and she discovered she did not mind a whit.
He laughed as he reached for a napkin to wipe his fingers.
“Actually, I thought we might take a stroll.”
Addy couldn’t halt her surprised glance toward the window. Even from this distance she could see the sky was overcast and a heavy drizzle was falling.
“But it is raining.”
He slowly smiled. “I have a mind to see you barefoot in the rain once again. Unless the proper Mrs. Drake is too stuffy for such a delightful pastime?”
Her eyes glittered at the subtle challenge and she set aside the tray as a reckless pleasure raced through her.
“Mrs. Drake will never be too stuffy,” she assured him with a bold smile.
Leaning forward he claimed a heart-stealing kiss.
“Thank God,” he whispered against her lips.
Chapter Fourteen
The ball gown had been delivered earlier that day.
Pulling the delicate concoction from the tissue, Addy had been initially delighted by the shimmering bronze satin embroidered with pearls. Cut off the shoulder it possessed tiny puff sleeves and a dark bronze ribbon encircled the high waist.
It was not until her maid had actually slipped the gown over her curves that she realized just how revealing the neckline had been cut. Even worse, the sparkling diamond necklace that Adam had given to her drew immediate attention to the vast amount of white skin exposed.
Leaning forward Addy anxiously studied her reflection in the mirror. There was nothing precisely indecent about the gown, she tried to assure herself. Most, if not all the ladies would be wearing similar attire. Many with necklines far lower than her own. It was only that her curves were rather generous that made her feel so exposed.
That and the fact she had become accustomed to gowns that would have suited the most prudish governess, she reminded herself.
Absently arranging a raven curl that had been artfully arranged to brush her temple, Addy drew in a deep breath and slowly turned to face her waiting maid.
“Oh, Mrs. Drake, you look beautiful,” the girl obligingly cried as she pressed her hands together.
Addy self-consciously raised her hands to the neckline. “You do not believe it is cut too low?”
The maid gave a shake of her head. “Not half so low as most ladies will wear.”
“Still . . .”
“It is lovely,” the servant firmly insisted, her hands placed on her hips as if prepared to p
hysically restrain Addy from choosing a more modest gown.
Addy smiled ruefully. “I do hope that Adam agrees.”
“You hope that Adam agrees to what, my dear?” A dark voice drawled from the connecting door.
With a jolt of surprise Addy turned to watch her husband stroll toward her. Her breath was sucked from her lungs at the magnificent sight of him in formal attire. The stark black was a perfect foil for his powerful form and elegant features. Even the gray eyes appeared to glitter with a brilliant silver sheen.
Dark, dangerous, and utterly thrilling.
And all hers, she thought with smug triumph.
Intent on one another neither noticed as the maid dropped a hasty curtsy and moved toward the door. Nor did they catch sight of the girl’s cheeky grin as she escaped from the nearly tangible electricity in the air.
“Good evening, Adam,” Addy murmured, vibrantly aware of the manner in which his gaze narrowed as it swept over her elegant form.
“Another new gown?”
Although his tone was mild, Addy discovered herself stiffening in a defensive manner. For some reason it was important that he not condemn her choice out of hand.
They may have come a vast distance over the past weeks, but there was still a vulnerable part of her that needed to know he truly trusted her. That he could allow her to be herself and not some shallow image of his perfect wife.
“Yes.”
His gaze lingered upon the plunging neckline. “It is very... delectable.”
“You do not approve?” she demanded in flat tones.
Perhaps sensing her tension, Adam abruptly lifted his gaze and offered her a wry smile.
“Addy, if I had my way you would be muffled from head to toe each time you left this house. It is a gentleman’s tendency to desire to keep his wife’s loveliness to himself.”
Her chin jutted upward to a stubborn angle. She had endured a stomach full of proper gowns, she told herself, conveniently forgetting her own doubts upon the decency of the gown.
“I will not go to the ball muffled from head to toe.”
He gave a slow shake of his head. “No, you shall wear your new gown and no doubt be the most beautiful woman in the room. I do, however, reserve the right to bloody the nose of any gentleman I catch ogling you.”
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