The Duke's Blind Temptation
Page 3
Rafe stood and moved carefully toward her. His prowling steps reminded her of how a tiger might stalk his prey. Part fear and part fascination held her in place.
“Maybe you should be.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Her nerves made her snap.
“I’ll have to show you, in some way, the repercussions that might occur when a proper young lady doesn’t behave as expected by society. There is one thing I’m sure I can still do.” He moved quicker than she expected and picked her up in his arms. He backed up until his legs hit a chair, and then he sat with her on his lap.
“You’ve been asking for this. I can’t stop myself any longer.” He tipped her face up. She saw the struggle in his expression. He held himself rigid. She knew she’d never get this close to him again. Heart beating rapidly in her chest, she made the final move.
Ellie leaned forward and brushed her lips across his hard jaw. The air in the room sizzled around them. Ignoring the deadly quiet and encouraged that he hadn’t pushed her off his lap, she kissed his cheek and along his temple, and when his eyes closed, she lightly kissed each eyelid. His masculine scent filled her nostrils, and his slight stubble rasped her skin. A shiver swept down her body. A deep yearning for this man increased her determination. She refused to give up.
His body went as rigid as a statue when her tongue traced the outline of his lips, then she felt his slight shudder. His hand tightened in her hair, and his lips covered hers. She gasped. Holding her tight in his arms, Rafe swept his tongue into her mouth, insatiably tasting every spot.
Heat sparkled along her nerves. Tentatively, her tongue wrapped around his. He tasted of spice and the woodsy scent of his wine. His mouth softened as one hand slid down to settle over her breast.
She jerked against him, her heart in her throat.
“You like that? Good.” His lips followed his hand, nibbling at her ear, her throat, and kissing the curve between shoulder and neck where her pulse pounded. In her lower abdomen, a deep craving swept through her.
At first, she didn’t realize he’d opened the top of her gown until his warm hand cupped her breast and his finger circled her peak. Feverish desire seared into her. She moaned and held tightly to him.
Slowly, he lowered his head. His mouth suckled on one taut nipple. Hot desire swept through her. An ache and dampness in her lower region increased her longing for him. She hungered for something to quench the inflamed torment.
She slipped her fingers through his thick, shiny, black hair and pulled him closer. He chuckled.
“No,” she whispered when he raised his mouth. Then she realized he only moved across to her other side. One hand cuddled her right breast while his mouth suckled the left. She was going to explode, and yet she wanted more. She moved restlessly on his lap. Her back arched to give him better access.
He placed one hand under her skirt to caress her leg. His fingers trailed upward to the juncture of her thighs. He slid one finger across the soft hair and barely into her opening. The intrusion caused an unpleasant fullness. Briefly, she moved away. He paused. Then his thumb began to rub the nub at the top of her lower lips in slow, circular movements. Fire raced through her. She moaned and wriggled against his hand.
“Don’t stop,” she begged.
He raised his head and found her mouth as he continued to touch her below. His finger again slipped into her opening, farther inside her tight sheath. The pressure startled her, but then unbelievable pleasure raced through her as he moved his finger in and out. Each time he went in a little deeper, and then he added a second finger.
A ripple began to form inside her. The sensation swelled like a wave beginning to crest. A lightning bolt of pleasure sparked up her spine. He swallowed her scream with his hard kiss. Heart tripping, she held on to him as heat and pleasure flooded her body, making her legs weak. She fell limply against him.
“What just happened?” she asked breathlessly.
He leaned back and brushed damp hair off her forehead. His fingers traced the curve of her eyebrows, over the softness of her cheek, and around the edge of her lips.
“I’m an ass,” he said softly. “Nothing should have happened between us.”
Ellie’s face heated at his words.
He straightened her skirt, buttoned her blouse, and stood her up.
“There is a chair around here. Sit in it,” he said. “I’m sorry I am unable to pull one up for you.”
She moved the chair close to him and sat. “I’m right in front of you.”
He leaned back and appeared to study her.
“Can you see at all?” she asked.
“Shadows, a small amount of light, no color, no detail. Not enough to count.” He shrugged. “Pour me a drink, would you, please?”
Ellie saw the decanter and glass on a mahogany table by the wall. She walked across the room and with trembling hands poured the wine into a crystal glass. A drop of the red wine spilled on the white doily. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself before rejoining him across the room.
“Here.” Her voice cut through the silence.
She handed him the drink. “Is this how you handle problems?”
“You’re a brave little thing. You throw yourself right in where others fear to go. But I have a few questions for you. You must be around twenty?”
She nodded her head before realizing her mistake. “Yes, I’m twenty exactly.”
“And you’ve had how many seasons in town?”
She laughed halfheartedly. “I suppose you think I’m throwing myself at you because I’m an old maid. This next season will be my third.”
“And you’ve had no offers of marriage?”
She heard surprise in his voice. How would he react if he knew she’d waited for his return? That he was the only man she desired for a husband?
“Three,” she said.
“Three offers?” He raised his brow.
In spite of everything, a giggle escaped her. “You don’t have to sound surprised. I may not be a beauty like my two older sisters, but I’m not ugly.”
“How is your sister, Claudia?”
Mentioning Claudia after what had just happened made her chest ache and her throat tighten. But then this hadn’t meant anything to him. He’d experienced much more with many beautiful women. She was sure. She’d seen how they threw themselves in his path.
“Claudia is fine. She married Viscount Clark. I believe he’s a friend of yours.”
“Old Andy married? I hadn’t heard. But back to you, none of the three offers were agreeable?”
“They were all most agreeable gentlemen and, as my parents said, very eligible and appropriate for my consideration.”
“You did not agree, apparently.”
“I did not love them.” As soon as the word slipped out, she knew she’d said too much.
He laughed harshly. “Love is an overrated emotion. Most women realize that. You didn’t stop me today. In fact, you incited the incident.” He cocked his head. “I hope there are no expectations that what we just did has anything to do with love.” He frowned.
“Of course not. I just want to join in the conversation. My married sisters and friends giggle and whisper and I am left out.”
“You still can’t say anything without ruining your reputation,” he snapped.
Enough was enough. But unfortunately he was right. The folly of her actions hit square in her chest. She shouldn’t be here falling for him more and more each and every minute.
“Fine then, good-bye.” She pushed her chair back, and holding her posture stiffly, she walked to the door. Tears pooled in her eyes as she snapped the door shut behind her. What had she expected? That after one touch of her lips he’d fall into her arms? She’d been a fool.
Booth was not in sight, thank goodness. She hurried to her horse then galloped away confused, hurt, and angry.
* * * *
Rafe held his head in his hands. Damn him. His cock still pulsed with need, wanting only her.
Her sweet lemony fragrance still lingered in the room. She’d tasted of strawberries and cream. The memory of her luscious curves and downy skin would haunt his dreams.
Thank goodness he couldn’t carry her down the corridor, up the stairs, and lay her across his bed. Pain and despair ripped across his chest.
She’d made him feel again, taken him out of his protective cover, and he didn’t know what to do now. Damn her.
* * * *
Ellie couldn’t forget the wonderful feelings Rafe had aroused in her. She wasn’t able to blank him out of her mind and go on as if nothing had happened. As though mocking her, the last few days had been sunny. She wanted to go riding, but she knew her weakness would take her back to him. He didn’t want her and, as he said, didn’t need her. She mustn’t keep throwing herself at him. Plus, there was the ever-present danger of getting caught. Yet the temptation weighed on her every day.
“Eleanor,”—her mother walked into the library where Ellie tried, in vain, to read—”the weather is beautiful. I’m surprised you’re not outside.”
“I’ve been thinking about going for a ride.”
“You should. With so much rain lately, you don’t want to waste the few good days.”
Ellie glanced out the window. She feared the joy beginning to bubble inside her. A picnic lunch, a sunny day, and Rafe not that far away. Her worn-down resistance melted.
“You’re right. It’s a perfect day, and I’m wasting it.”
Ellie raced up the stairs, calling to Trudy as she went. She changed into her green riding habit then rushed to the kitchen and asked cook to help her pack a picnic lunch. After cook finished, she thanked her, took the package, grabbed a bottle of wine at the last minute, and sped to the stable.
Her mare was frisky and as ready for an outing as she was. In a short time she’d arrived at Rafe’s lodge.
When Booth opened the door, he frowned. “Miss Upton, he will be very angry. Please go home.”
“No, Booth. He needs to get outside in the fresh air. Go have his horse saddled. I’ll convince him to join me for a ride.”
“You are stubborn, Miss Upton.” He looked askance. Then added, “I’m afraid he’ll hurt you.”
“Don’t worry about me, Booth. I know what I’m doing.” I hope.
Booth shook his head but started out the door. “He’s in the dining room,” he added before he left. “The last room on the right.”
“Thanks.” Ellie marched down the passageway ready to do battle, if necessary.
The aroma of coffee, ham, and sweet rolls filled the air when Ellie stepped inside the room. Rafe, coffee cup in hand, turned toward the door.
“Booth?”
“It’s Ellie.”
He slammed his cup on the table, sloshing coffee on the white tablecloth. “Didn’t you have enough of my foul humor last week?”
“Apparently not.” She didn’t wait to be invited to join him. “The ham and sweet rolls smell divine.”
“Help yourself. And when you finish, go home.”
Ellie, ignoring his comment, walked to the sideboard and placed two sweet rolls on a plate. She’d eaten little the last few days and needed fortification to enact her plan. She sat across from him and poured a cup of coffee.
“Comfortable?”
“How did you know I’d sat down?”
He ignored her question and asked, “Why are you here?”
“Today, we’re going to start on a program to get you outside and more independent. I think it might improve your mood.”
“I don’t recall agreeing to any of your plans.”
“Just believe I know best.”
“A baby is going to teach me. I think not.”
“I’m not a baby. But you’re acting like one. Let me help you, please. Wouldn’t you like to go for a ride rather than sit in this house and frown all day?”
* * * *
With all his strength, Rafe pushed away the hopeful feeling her arrival brought. All week, he’d paced during the days and tossed and turned at night, recalling their last meeting. He’d both wanted her to return and dreaded the possibility. He’d thought this morning he might be over the worst of his longing, and here she was again, disrupting his life. Deliberately, he took his time answering her. After a swallow of coffee and the last bite of his roll, he wiped his mouth with his handkerchief.
“I’ll walk outside with you. I’m not promising anything else.”
A yearning went through him. Months had passed since he’d returned from the war. And except for their brief walk and when he’d moved here, he had stayed inside. He had nothing to lose. Otherwise, his days would continue as a repeat of yesterday and all the other days since his war injury.
Rafe wished he could see her. The sound of her melodious voice echoed in his memory. His cock twitched at the thought of her warm, receptive body. His control was gone. He wanted her, badly. He was hungry, but not for food.
“Are you finished?” he asked her.
“Yes. I’ll take your arm, and we’ll walk out the front way.”
He stood. He heard her steps as she crossed to his side. As she slid her arm around his, her fresh fragrance surrounded him. “What are you wearing today?”
“I’m wearing my forest-green riding habit.”
He heard the door open just as they got to it. “Booth, where have you been?”
“Eh, Miss Upton requested I saddle Star, my lord.”
“Ellie, you said a walk outside. I’m not dressed for—nor interested in—riding.”
“You love to ride. I’ll go with you.”
“Well, if I did try, a man, not a woman, would be my companion in case Star decided to take me for a gallop.”
She pulled her arm away. He pictured her standing defiantly in front of him with her hands on her hips.
“If you remember I outrode most of the boys in the area.”
Her cool voice made his lips curve into a faint smile. “We were much younger.”
“Are you frightened?” she taunted.
“Not of anything.” He meant it. Hell, he hadn’t even cared if he died. Not until this past week when a ridiculous flicker of hope kept trying to take hold in his soul.
“Then let Booth help you change into your riding clothes. Join me, please.”
The challenge hung in the air. He was torn between wanting to shake her hard and the desire to kiss her breathless. Instead, he motioned to Booth and turned in the direction of his room.
Chapter Four
Star’s muscles rippled under Rafe’s thighs, and sunlight warmed his face. The sense of freedom tasted sweet.
“A smile. I thought you’d forgotten how.” Her soft voice reminded him he wasn’t alone. For a second, he’d forgotten.
“Where shall we ride?” she asked.
“There’s a waterfall by the side of a small pond toward the southeast corner of my land. We’ll ride there. Watch for a crossroads in the path and turn left.”
Ellie told him what she saw as they rode along. Her keen descriptions assured him they were headed in the right direction. How had he forgotten the simple wonder of riding? Even without his eyesight, he still easily pictured how everything looked.
They took their time. He savored the smells of fresh-cut hay floating along on the breeze. Birds chirped in the nearby trees, and the creak of the saddle was like music to his ears.
Ellie’s voice broke into his reverie. “I see it ahead,” she said and dir
ected him where to turn.
As they got close, he heard the fall of water splashing into the pond. His favorite place. Mist caressed his face. He pulled on the reins, and Star stopped.
“Let’s dismount and stay here for a time,” Ellie said.
He heard her get off her horse. If he could see, he would have helped her down. He was lucky to get himself off without looking too awkward. But he was surprised at the ease of his movements as he swung his leg over. His eyes may not work, but his body remembered what to do.
* * * *
The ground was marshy near the pond, and Ellie glanced around to find a dry spot for her blanket. After spreading the cover out, she removed meat, bread, and fruit from one knapsack and then a bottle of wine and two glasses from the other.
Rafe stood at the edge of the water, his face tilted toward the falls. She wished she knew his thoughts. Sunlight danced over his black hair, and she admired his long, lean body. She so wanted him to love her. If sheer desire and determination were all that were needed, then he would.
The first time he’d come to call on her sister, envy had lodged in her heart. She’d flushed as her heart beat fast and hard whenever he looked her way and smiled. She’d realized even then he had only seen her as the little tomboy beside her two willowy, blonde, never-a-hair-out-of-place sisters.
She sighed. He’d never want to marry her. He’d eventually be a duke. He needed a wife who knew how to be a proper hostess. One who understood politics. Nevertheless, she wanted him.
“Why the deep sigh?” he asked.
“Nothing, really,” she lied.
His eyebrows rose, but he didn’t challenge her.
“Come, join me.” She went to him and led him to the blanket. “Sit. I have a picnic lunch for us.” She directed his hand to the meat, bread, and fruit. “And I have an opened bottle of wine and two glasses.” She poured the white wine into the crystal stemware and put it in his hand. She toasted him. “I hope this is the first of many outings for you.”
He smiled, and her heart swelled with joy. His lips touched the rim of the glass, and he took a sip. “Very good. How did you get the wine bottle open?”