Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny)

by K. Young

  "I told you I'd be stopping by to check on you ladies today."

  Kristen nodded. "Well, I'm fine. Perhaps you should go check on Mel. I'm sure she would be delighted to see you."

  Derrick's brows shot up at the dismissal. He took a step closer to her, but however uncomfortable she seemed to be, she didn't step away. He remembered her standing her ground in the cave, too. He rather liked that she wasn't so easily intimidated.

  "Why is it you never turned me over to the authorities?" He asked.

  “Truth be told I hadn't thought of it, but now that you mention it “

  She didn't get a chance to finish her sentence as he closed the distance between them and gathered her in his arms so quickly she didn't know what was happening until it was too late. He pressed his lips to hers softly, but firmly coaxed her lips to part for him.

  As soon as they did, his tongue delved into her mouth, tasting her sweetness. He thought he might die from the bliss right there. He had never tasted anything so sweet. So many sensations bombarded him at once that he had trouble focusing on what he was doing to her. He began to wonder who was seducing whom.

  Kristen's mind swam with the delicious effect his kiss had on her. She couldn't move, even if she wanted to, she was so drawn to him. He brought his hand up to the back of her neck and then pulled it through her hair, knocking the pins from her coiffure until it all cascaded down her back. He continued to kiss her, thoroughly holding her attention. She wasn't even sure she was breathing, but then, she wasn't sure she needed to breathe with a kiss like that. Pure liquid heat shot straight to her toes and she felt them curl in pleasure.

  Derrick thought he would certainly lose what little he had the minute he touched her hair. It was as soft as he imagined and he couldn't deny himself the feel of it. He ran his fingers through it as he continued to kiss her. His tongue teased hers, inviting her to respond. His experience eventually won out, and her tongue sought his in his mouth. The moment her tongue crossed over, he gently sucked on it, not wanting to let go and his hand came up to her breast to began a gentle kneading. When he could feel the hard nub of her nipple through her dress, he switched hands and went to work on the other breast, his mouth never leaving hers.

  Kristen was lost to the sensations. She experienced emotions she never knew existed and wasn't sure what to do. All she knew was that she wanted this, needed it in a way that didn't make sense, but knew was pointless to deny. A small niggle at the back of her mind said there was a reason not to continue this madness, but for the life of her, she couldn't remember what that reason was. Her body tingled where he touched her, her heart was racing, and a strange warmth was unfurling in her belly. She arched her body into his instinctively and purred in satisfaction when she heard him groan. He deepened the kiss and Kristen was lost in a feeling she couldn't rationalize.

  Derrick was close to losing control. He wanted to take her now, but he knew it was too soon. But, Christ, he had never wanted anyone as badly as he wanted her now. Still, he put a lid on his overwhelming passions. For all of her fiery passion, she was still an innocent and he had to keep that in the forefront of his mind. This was a fact that would normally mark her as off limits to Derrick, but she had branded herself to him in those caves and he would make her his. He wanted to feel more of her, see what other pleasures he could evoke from her. He slid his hand down from her breasts, over her belly to her legs, and rested his palm at the peak of her womanhood.

  Kristen moaned in pleasure, a sound that excited Derrick all the more. She vaguely remembered there was something she was supposed to do, but like the reason she shouldn't be doing this, she just couldn't recall the details. Not wanting the exquisiteness of the moment to end, she didn't think about it. She let herself be free to enjoy each new sensation Derrick's fingers elicited. When he pulled away from her lips, the loss was devastating and she almost cried out. But, then he moved his lips to her neck and the cry lodged in her throat. She tilted her head back and gave him full access to her neck. He found the tiny pulse at the base of her neck and gently lapped at it before running searing kisses up her throat and coming back to her mouth once again.

  Lost in his own pleasure, Derrick pulled her dress down just below her breasts and moved from her mouth to the tip of one of her generous mounds. His tongue circled and lapped until it was a hard nub, and then he turned his attention to the other one, ensuring that each breast received a fair amount of his focus. He suckled and blew gently, nearly driving Kristen mad with a need she didn't understand. Again, though, he came back to her mouth, drugging her with his kisses. Her knees grew weak and she leaned into him, fitting him perfectly.

  Derrick groaned as his manhood stretched painfully against his breeches and he knew he should stop before he took her right there in the garden. This wasn't what he wanted for her first time, though why he should care, he didn't know. The place had never been a concern before, but it bloody well was now. So, he reluctantly tore his lips away from hers, but kept his hands on her body, hoping she wouldn't stop now.

  “I believe we should stop, sweetheart, before we do something you will regret.” He looked down at her and smiled. She looked perplexed, and her frown made him want to keep kissing her.

  The heady pleasure was still clouding Kristen's mind. She didn't want it to stop, didn't understand why he had stopped kissing her. But, as reality came crashing in around her muddled head, anger quickly took its place.

  “You bastard! How dare you?! Do you have any idea what you could have done? Does the word 'no' mean anything to you? I do not welcome your attentions Derrick. You would do well to dance attendance on someone who does.” She yelled as she jumped away from him.

  “Well, you weren't saying 'no' a moment ago, and I'd wager a guess that you were indeed welcoming my attentions.” He said, staring at her breasts for she hadn't pulled her dress up to cover them and they were a wicked temptation, bouncing around as she moved away from him.

  Kristen followed his gaze and looked down at herself to see what he was staring at and gasped. She yanked her dress back up to cover herself and then turned her back on him.

  “Oh, come now, I wasn't done looking.” He teased.

  Kristen blushed a furious shade of scarlet. She couldn't believe she had allowed this man to seduce her, knowing what she needed to do in order to protect herself. What would have happened if he hadn't stopped? She wasn't entirely sure she would have stopped him.

  “I think it prudent that you leave, Lord Shane.” She said, turning back to face him. “And how the devil did you get in anyway?” She demanded hotly.

  “Well, which is it to be? Answer your question, or leave? And by the by, I thought we'd dispensed of formalities, Kristen. Or have you forgotten my name?”

  “You know perfectly well I haven't forgotten your name, don't be obtuse.” She glared at him and crossed her arms over her chest defensively.

  Derrick smiled. He loved the way her eyes lit up when she was angry. “Well, my apologies then. Now, as to me getting in here, Mel let me in. She seems to approve of us spending time together.”

  Kristen made a sound that was remarkably close to a snort, but covered it with an incredulous sigh. “She means well, but she's a hopeless romantic. Seems to think a rake is the best husband to have, so long as you catch him good and proper, you see. If the lady catches his heart, then he turns his life around and so on. She thinks because she made one fall in love with her, it's the same for everyone. Personally, I think once a rake, always a rake.”

  “You wound me, madam. A circumstance I'm sure means nothing to you since you have already left me for dead once.”

  He was purposely trying to get a rise out of her, but in this, he would be disappointed for she didn't take the bait.

  “I knew you would be fine as your crew was close at hand."

  "Are you really so cavalier with all lives, or just mine?" He teased.

  Kristen arched a brow. “Well, it was certainly good of you to call upon me, Lord Shane.
I don't wish to detain you further as I'm sure a bounder like you has many such ladyloves to call upon.” She lifted her skirts and made to walk around Derrick.

  For some reason, her dismissal frustrated him. He grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving. Kristen noted that her skin burned with need where his fingers lay, causing that damnable unfurling in her belly again. She tried to jerk her arm back, but Derrick's grip wouldn't allow it.

  “Madam, when you're keeping me from something, you may depend upon my telling you so.” He said softly.

  “My lord, I was trying to be polite. Allow me to rectify that and be blunt. It is time for you to take your leave.” She returned frostily.

  “Tell me why you're looking for a husband when you can so obviously take care of yourself.” He demanded.

  “It's none of your concern.”

  “But I am very concerned. I must know.” He smiled.

  Kristen narrowed her eyes. “Well, then I suggest you get used to disappointment. I don't make it a habit to share my personal life with someone I barely know. Now, good day, sir.”

  She yanked her arm from his grip and walked back into the house. Derrick grinned and followed close behind. He had never been more aroused or stimulated by any other woman. There was an air about Kristen that he found fascinating, and he felt compelled to protect her and keep her safe. It was odd because he hadn't been lying when he said she could take care of herself, but still. The male in him was antiquated that way. No, she wasn't like other women. Anyone else would have been putty in his hands, and would have turned to tears to get their way. That she refused him made him want her all the more.

  He thought it might be worth it to brave the masses of the social whirl if for no other reason than to discomfort the lady. He was almost certain she had been assure that he never showed up to any of the balls thrown during the season. Oh, he still received his invitations, every hostess in town hoping he would attend just so they could be the on-dit for the rest of the season, but he never attended. Until now, that was.

  As they came to the foyer of the house, Kristen pointed him to the front door as she turned in the other direction entirely. He laughed with delight, a sound that made Kristen tingle. It was warm and genuine, something she hadn't expected from someone like him. Nevertheless, she kept her present course and could only hope he wouldn't follow. And, he didn't. He had already ascertained that she and Mel would be attending the Laurer's ball that evening, so he let her believe she had gained some ground for now. He would see her that night and make sure she knew he wasn't going anywhere.

  ***

  The rest of Kristen's afternoon was spent in Mel's library reading. Kristen loved to read and hadn't had much time for it lately. She hoped that when she married, her husband wouldn't object to a room full of books. As she lay comfortably on the couch, Mel walked in and shook her head, laughing.

  "I swear, Kristen. You are the most ungirliest girl I've ever met."

  "Surely that's not even a word." Kristen teased.

  "Well, if it's not, I'm making it one. It describes you to the letter."

  Mel walked over to the couch where Kristen was sprawled out and moved her feet so she could sit down. Mel smiled at Kristen a moment, but then turned serious.

  "You know, it's important that you appear the lady tonight, even if you don't like to act so." Mel said gently.

  "Who says I don't like to act so?" Kristen asked, hurt that her friend thought her so unrefined.

  "Ah love, please don't take it to heart. But, you Viking heritage is somewhat obvious in this regard."

  Kristen scowled. "I wasn't raised as a Viking, Mel. I do know how to be a lady."

  "I know you know how to be a lady, but you were very much raised as a Viking, Kristen."

  "That's ridiculous." Kristen replied defensively.

  "Really? How many other women of the ton do you know that can brawl with a man and take him down? How many do you know that speak as though they were raised by pirates. You're darling just the way you are, but tonight you need to be a little more English."

  "It's just so bloody boring, Mel. I don't see how you can stand to do this every season. I, for one, don't see the point. Either the gentleman will like me or he won't. Besides, I'll probably have to offer the marriage to him anyway, and he'll be quite interested in the money more so than myself so my hoyden ways will not matter in the least.”

  “Kristen! What are we going to do with you? You've got to at least make an effort. Don't you want a match for love?”

  “I'd like to know what love has to offer that's so bloody good.” Kristen replied stubbornly.

  Mel sighed. She knew this would be difficult, especially for Kristen. She wanted to stay unmarried ever since her mother had told her about her real father. To Kristen's way of thinking, her father had simply abandoned her mother to face a new life all on her own, pregnant and forced from her home. Mel suspected there was more to the story than what Marie had shared, but it wasn't Mel's place to suggest it. Still, if her friend had any hope of being happy in marriage, Mel had to make her see that she did at least need to act like a lady.

  “Kristen, if you present yourself to society as less than a lady, then that is how you will be treated. You will receive plenty of offers, but not the kind you will be wanting. Understand?”

  Kristen blushed, fully grasping Mel's warning. It wasn't that Kristen couldn't be a lady, she was perfectly trained in all areas expected of an English lady, it was just that she never had any reason or desire to be so prim and proper. She could be independent, if not for her stepfather. Again she cursed that man for every breath he took. But, she knew Mel was right. If she wanted to receive the right kind of offers, she needed to be more ladylike. As she resigned herself to a state of boredom until this marriage ordeal was complete, a thought struck her. Perhaps if she were more ladylike, Derrick would leave her alone.

  That had merit, if for no other reason than to thwart him altogether. Served him right for the dirty trick he played earlier. She smiled her bright smile that turned men to mush, an effect that Kristen certainly wasn't aware of.

  “Very well, Mel. I'll behave the lady until this is sorted. But, I'll not be attending every ball we receive an invitation to or I'll not be responsible for my actions.” Kristen warned.

  “But, the more balls you attend, the more likely you are to meet eligible gentlemen.”

  “Time is of the essence. I'd just as soon get this over with.”

  Mel was appalled at Kristen's nonchalant attitude about getting married. She knew her friend was putting a brave face on it, but she was certain Kristen was terrified of winding up in a loveless marriage to someone she despised. As it was well past time Kristen settled her wild ways and started a family, Mel thought this couldn't come at a more perfect time.

  And, whether Kristen admitted it or not, Derrick Shane was perfect for her. As a younger sibling of the duke, he held lesser courtesy titles, but between them they'd have enough money to live more than comfortably. Guy had once told Mel that Derrick probably had more money than the king of England himself. Derrick was rather shrewd that way. And, he was perhaps one of the few men of Mel's acquaintance that could handle Kristen's peculiar behavior. Indeed, Mel was very much hoping those two would sort themselves out. Chapter 12

  When the time came to get ready for the evening, Sarah was there to help. Kristen chose a dark blue velvet gown, a color that made her eyes stand out vibrantly, and fitted her exceptionally well. Kristen had to hand it to Mrs. Tisdale. She may be a bit prudish, but she was positively brilliant with a needle and some cloth. Kristen would most certainly stand out amongst the innocents because they always wore pastel, but on this she wouldn't budge. She would act the lady, but she would wear what she pleased, and what pleased her tonight was to wear her very best dress. She hoped that she would be able to come away with a solid list of prospects during her first ball. Perhaps then they could skip the next several.

  But, the look wasn't complete withou
t the appropriate accessories. Sarah helped Kristen with her new sapphire necklace, matching earrings, and bracelet. Once the baubles were secured, she piled Kristen' hair up in a loose coiffure with soft curls cascading around her face. The effect was dramatic and stunning. Even Sarah was speechless for a moment. When Kristen looked in the mirror, she smiled. But, she had no time to waste, so she thanked Sarah and made her way downstairs.

  As Kristen descended the stairs, she heard a male voice that made her stop cold. She gripped the banister so hard she thought it would surely crack with the pressure. What the devil was Derrick Shane doing here again? Hadn't she made herself clear that afternoon? She had been told he abhorred the London scene, so she didn't understand why he was there. Unless, of course, it was merely to exasperate her. She could see him doing that, too, the odious man.

  The thought of turning around and fleeing to the confines of her room was tempting, too tempting. But, it was also cowardly, and her mother raised her never to back down. Besides, what better way to test her theory than to ply her ladylike charms on the one person she thought would certainly run in the other direction as soon as she did? With that thought planted firmly in her mind, she continued down the stairs as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

  Derrick watched her descend the last several steps and his chest felt tight, as though something extremely heavy was lodged upon it. Gads, but she was beautiful. Her dark gown fit her slender body perfectly, pronouncing her curves in all the right places, and her hair was done up in a loose style rather than the tight chignon, which was currently in fashion. Her complete disregard for the rules and the current fashions only served to endear her to him all the more.

  “Good evening, Kristen.” He bowed formally. “I had hoped to have the pleasure of escorting you and Mel to the ball this evening.” He smiled, daring her to refuse him.

  To his utter surprise, she played the part of the gracious lady. Just when he thought he had her figured out. This woman was a never ending surprise.

  “Why thank you, my lord. I believe that would be lovely. It is very kind of you to offer.” She smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes.