She wrinkled her nose in a charming manner. “Very well, you need not be so superior. I am well aware that I have lost far more than I have won.”
“If you are aware of such a tedious calculation, then you are no true gambler,” he murmured.
“Perhaps not.” Her eyes flashed with an enticing glitter. “Still, it has been most enjoyable. And exciting. Far more exciting than I expected.”
“You have never been to a racetrack before?” he asked softly.
“Good heavens, no. My father would not even allow me to attend the races during the local fair.” She grimaced at the memory. “He claimed that such a boisterous entertainment was unseemly for maidens and, worse, inflamed the blood of young gentleman so that they could not be trusted to mind themselves as they should.”
He regarded her delicate profile for a long moment. “Sir Frazer seemed to disapprove of a great many things. Especially those things that might bring a measure of happiness to his daughter.”
The glitter in her eyes briefly dimmed. “I suppose he thought he was protecting me.”
“There is a difference between wishing to protect someone and deliberately crushing them beneath one’s will,” he retorted in unwittingly disapproving tones.
“Not to my father’s mind.”
“Fah. He is fortunate that you did not rebel years ago.”
Her lips twisted, although there was little amusement in her smile.
“There was not much danger of that,” she retorted dryly. “As long as I can remember, I was far too anxious to prove I was the perfect daughter to offer any protest.”
His chest seemed to tighten as he thought of her desperately attempting to please a father who would never acknowledge she was good enough. The thought was enough to make him want to hit something.
Preferably the florid countenance of Sir Frazer.
“No one is perfect,” he said softly, gazing deep into her beautiful eyes. “Thank heavens. The world would be a dismal place without a few interesting flaws within all of us.”
“Indeed?” Her earlier mood of infectious enjoyment returned as she gave a lift of her brow. “And what flaws will you confess to, my lord?”
He pretended to give great consideration to her teasing question. “Well, I must admit that I dislike vegetables, and I have been known to prefer the companionship of sailors and smugglers to that of polite society.”
“And?” she prompted, not at all impressed with his confessions.
“I cannot carry a tune. In truth, I sound like a wounded hound whenever I attempt to sing.”
“And?”
“And I possess a fear of bats.”
She blinked. “Bats?”
“Nasty, dirty beasts who are forever hiding in the dark.”
“Mmm . . .” She regarded him with a determined patience. “And that is the full list of your flaws? Vegetables, bats, and smugglers?”
Well aware of where she was leading, Luce allowed his lips to curve in a boyish smile. “For the most part, although I suppose there could be a rare few who might, just might, consider me the tiniest bit assertive when the occasion demands.”
Kate gave a loud snort at his modest words. “A bit assertive? You are utterly arrogant and run roughshod over others without the least hint of remorse.”
His smile faded as he reached out to lightly touch her soft cheek. “That is not entirely true, my dear. I have taken great care not to run roughshod over you, despite the very pressing temptation. Indeed, I believe it could be argued that I have allowed myself to be readily led upon your leash.”
She blinked at his low words. “You upon a leash? Absurd.”
He raised his brow. “Is it?”
For a moment she met his steady gaze, and then as if she were suddenly discomforted by the thought of possessing such a hold over him, she lowered her eyes.
“Of course.”
Smiling wryly, he stepped closer to isolate them from the milling crowd. “I have now admitted my flaws. It seems only fair that you offer a list of your own.”
“Perhaps I have none,” she murmured in low tones.
“Ah no, my dear, fair play demands that you reveal at least a few imperfections.”
Her gaze slowly lifted, a reluctant smile tugging at her lovely lips. “Very well. I do have rather a sweet tooth and I have more than once slipped into the kitchen to filch an apple tart.”
“For shame, Kate. A pastry thief?”
“Upon occasion.” She gave a faint shrug.
“What else?”
“I fear I possess few talents. I dislike embroidery and painting and brought my pianoforte instructor to actual tears.”
He pressed a hand to his heart in teasing shock. “A Philistine.”
“And . . .”
“What?”
At his soft prompting, she heaved a sudden sigh. “And I have never been capable of following the Greek philosophy of moderation. It was never enough to be a good daughter—I had to be without fault. I could not give to charity to help the children—I had to create an orphanage. I could not merely claim my independence—I needed to run away from home and indulge in a scandalous charade.”
Luce gave a slow shake of his head. “Such determination is not a flaw, my dear. It reveals a strength of character that I greatly admire.”
A flush of color stained her cheeks at the husky sincerity in his voice. “I should think you would find it a source of annoyance.”
“Why ever would you say that?”
“Obviously, if I were not quite so stubborn, I would still be in Kent and we should now be wed. Unless you have concluded that you would do better to choose another?”
A sharp, vivid image of this woman comfortably settled in his parlor, perhaps even perched upon his lap as they warmed themselves before the fire, became branded upon his mind. He was shocked by just how right it seemed. As if it had always been there, simply awaiting the proper woman to make it complete.
Within the image, Kate’s expression was one of deep contentment.
Unfortunately, something decidedly absent at the moment.
“No, Kate, there will be no other,” he said softly, his fingers cupping her cheek. “We belong together. Today and forever.”
Her eyes flashed with something that might almost have been fear before she abruptly put a measure of space between them.
“I think the next race is getting ready to begin.”
Luce suppressed a surge of impatience. Bloody hell. He considered himself a patient man. And one who understood maintaining a consistent strategy.
At the moment, however, the strategy of bundling her onto his ship and simply sailing away held infinite appeal.
“Do you wish to make another bet?” he forced himself to respond in mild tones.
She readily gave a shake of her head. “Oh no, I am quitting while I am winning. Or at least while I am not losing quite so badly.”
“A wise choice,” he murmured, casually taking her arm.
With a minimum of fuss, he collected the winnings, and handing Kate her bounty, he led her to the black carriage he had rented for the next week.
Once settled in the luxurious interior, Kate gave a pleased sigh and turned her head to regard him with an open curiosity.
“Where are we going?”
“It is a surprise,” he informed her, lifting a hand to lazily play with a wayward curl that had fallen against her cheek. He felt a stab of satisfaction that she made no move to pull from his touch.
“You are suddenly fond of surprises,” she murmured.
“Just one of my numerous charms.”
“Oh.” She gave a lift of her brow. “You possess more than one charm?”
“I possess an endless fund, I assure you.” He leaned closer, a wicked glow in his eyes. “Of course, a demonstration of my more potent charms will have to wait until later.”
He thought her breath might have caught at his insinuating words, but her gaze never strayed from his face.
/> “What are you doing here, Luce?”
The soft question came without warning, and Luce instinctively retreated behind a casual smile.
“What do you imagine I am doing? Enjoying the delights of Brighton with a beautiful and enticing young maiden.”
Of course, Kate had proved she was not to be easily swayed by sweet words and a boyish grin. Now she merely narrowed her gaze.
“Surely you are needed in Kent? What of your family?”
He shrugged. “They are capable of surviving a few weeks without me.”
“And what of the fortune you must have?” she demanded with indisputable logic. “Surely you should be seeking another wife?”
“Perhaps I have decided to follow in your footsteps to enjoy today and allow tomorrow to take care of itself.”
“Balderdash.” She gave a disbelieving laugh, no doubt well aware his fierce sense of responsibility would never allow him to disregard his pressing duties. “I would as soon believe that pigs could fly.”
He arched his brows at her chiding words. “I am here, am I not?”
“Only because you have some purpose in mind,” she said, her expression knowing. “I may be naive, but not so naive that I do not realize you could not have given up so easily. Not at the risk of seeing your family disgraced and your business ruined.”
Luce’s fingers absently stroked the satin cream of her cheek. It was true enough. He would not allow his family or his business to be harmed. No matter what the sacrifice.
Still, seated alone with this titian-haired sprite, his thoughts were not upon his family or business.
“At the moment, my only interest is in you,” he said in husky tones. “And ensuring your pleasure. Whatever that pleasure might be.”
Her eyes darkened even as she struggled to remain impervious to the awareness prickling between them.
“You cannot put off the inevitable, Luce. You shall soon enough have to turn your attentions elsewhere.”
No, he inwardly told himself.
His attentions would not be straying elsewhere.
Not when they so clearly belonged together.
He was wise enough, however, not to set up her hackles. For the moment, she was determined to pretend she could ignore the future. And the realization that her only true hope of independence was marriage to him.
She would eventually come to her senses and he would patiently be waiting to whisk her home.
“All the more reason to enjoy myself while we are together, would you not agree?” he teased with a slow smile.
“I suppose that depends,” she retorted warily.
“On what?”
“On how you intend to enjoy yourself.”
He gave a soft chuckle. “Dinner first, and then ... who knows what the night might hold?”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Magic.
There was simply no other word for the beauty that surrounded her.
Kate drew in a deep breath as she leaned against the stone railing of the terrace. The ancient castle had been built atop the highest bluff, with a wide terrace that offered a stunning view of the vast sea and frost-kissed sky. She felt bathed in the rosy glow and at complete peace with herself.
To think she might have missed all this, Kate thought with a sigh. Indeed, until the very moment she had allowed Luce to place her in his carriage and drive away from the hotel, she had continued to warn herself she was making a dangerous mistake.
She was not a fool. She knew that he still thought to make her his bride.
But even as she sternly warned herself to return to her rooms and lock the door, she had stepped into the carriage and allowed herself to be whisked away.
And why should she not? she had argued with the voice of sense. She had precious little time left before she would have to return to Kent. It would surely be a waste to choose days locked in her chambers when she could be out enjoying adventures.
And if Luce could provide the adventure . . . well, that certainly did not mean she had to marry the man.
Hearing the soft approach of footsteps, Kate allowed a smile to curve her lips. Whatever her concerns, she could not deny that he was a master of creating a wonderful adventure. What other gentleman would have thought to arrange an elegant picnic within the picturesque ruins?
“You have become very pensive. What are you thinking?” he demanded, turning to lean against the railing so that he was facing her rather than the beauty below.
“I was just appreciating the view,” she admitted.
He arched a golden brow, his features oddly softened in the growing darkness.
“It is certainly more pleasant than London. No traffic, no choking air, no unfortunate relatives.”
She gave a slow smile. “You dislike London?”
“It is a necessary evil that I endure for the sake of my business, but I will admit a preference for the country.”
“And what of the sea?”
“It was once my haven,” he said in soft tones. “But one that is no longer necessary. Now I long for a quiet life surrounded by my family.” His lips twisted in a wry smile. “A dull dream for you, my dear, but one that I have never had the pleasure of experiencing. I find myself longing for quiet nights settled by the fire with you in my arms and your sweet scent filling the room.”
Kate unconsciously frowned, her fingers tight upon the railing. It was terrifyingly easy to imagine such a domestic scene. And worse, to imagine herself warmly snuggled next to his steady strength with no desire to ever leave.
“What of your business?” she demanded, in an effort to distract her renegade thoughts. “Surely you cannot simply abandon it?”
He lifted a negligent shoulder. “I will, of course, always maintain control of my business, but for now it is the estate that is in need of my most strenuous efforts. Especially considering my lack of knowledge of how best to be a good landlord. It will take time to discover all I need to know as Earl of Calfield.” He paused for a moment before continuing in low tones. “And the assistance of a devoted wife.”
Wife.
A shiver inched down her spine as she threatened to become lost in the warmth of his steady gaze.
With a deliberate effort to shake off his oddly hypnotic spell, she forced a smile to her stiff lips.
“So you intend to trade in your position as a pirate for that of a farmer?” she questioned in light tones. “You should make an interesting addition to the local assemblies and soirees.”
Readily following her lead to lighten the mood, he reached up to give a gentle tug on a wayward curl. “Brat. I will have you know that not all sailors are by profession pirates.”
She raised a brow in teasing disbelief. “No, only the successful ones.”
His lips twitched. “Well, at least I have always been the most civilized of pirates. And I do not think I shall terrorize the neighborhood too greatly.”
No. He would not terrorize the neighborhood, she wryly acknowledged, but he would most certainly stir it to a fever pitch. Unwittingly, she let her gaze travel over the lean form attired in a black coat and dove gray breeches. What woman in her senses would not secretly weave fantasies about the delicious earl, even in his casual country attire ? And what gentleman would not seek to ape his elegant style and commanding air?
There was a vibrant energy about him that spoke of power and a ruthless determination that would draw attention like a bee to nectar.
“A civilized pirate?” she lightly retorted. “Is that not rather like an honest thief?”
“Very well, my wench.” Without warning, his arms reached out to encircle her waist and he pulled her against his hard body. Sparks seemed to fly as their forms collided and he smiled deeply into her wide eyes. “If I am a pirate that means you are my bounty. Now, that I like very much.”
Kate discovered that she liked it very much as well.
She liked the heat that surrounded her. The scent of his male skin. The feel of his hands spread across her lower back. T
he sharp dart of anticipation that arrowed straight to the pit of her stomach.
And the deep sense of sanctuary she felt in his arms.
As if she had found the only place she truly belonged.
A sudden chill inched down her spine and it was only with an effort she maintained her impression of bantering ease.
“Ah, but you are determined to become a farmer, and no longer be a pirate, my lord,” she retorted, although her voice was revealingly breathless. “And I assure you that farmers do not behave in such a manner.”
His hands tightened on her back, a sudden color staining his high cheekbones. “Considering the fact that any number of farmers are readily producing an entire flock of heirs, I find your logic rather flawed, my sweet. Indeed, I would guess that they behave in such a manner on a regular basis.”
A rash of prickles raced over her skin.
“Luce, do not,” she muttered.
Ignoring her weak protest, he dropped his gaze to the softness of her mouth.
“Dear God, I ache to kiss you.”
Feeling oddly breathless, Kate struggled not to melt into a puddle at his feet.
“Luce, I will not be seduced into marriage.”
He growled deep in his throat. “Stop it, Kate. This has nothing to do with marriage, or dowries, or empty coffers.” His gaze stabbed her with its glittering force. “This is nothing more than a man who is desperate to taste of a woman’s sweetness.”
Kate felt his fingers tremble as they pressed into her back, and she blinked at the unexpected sense of satisfaction that filled her.
Luce did want her, she acknowledged with a sense of wonder. Beyond his cunning plans to lure her back to Kent. Beyond his need for wealth.
There was no mistaking the taut lines of his body. The rasp of his breath and the restless hunger in his eyes.
A strange sensation rushed through her and Kate caught her breath. She had never before experienced the feeling of being truly desired.
It was dangerously enticing.
Too enticing.
“Luce, you must release me.”
“Why?” His breath brushed her heated skin. “Do you find my touch revolting? Does it not please you?”
A cowardly part of her longed to agree. To tell him that she did indeed find his touch revolting. Such a confession would no doubt put a swift end to this wicked encounter, and perhaps even to his determined pursuit.
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