“Don’t go,” he whispered, his breath hot against the back of her neck.
She closed her eyes and leaned her forehead against the door. I want to be with you forever. How she ached to say the words, and yet, she could not get them past her lips to save her life.
He turned her in his arms, then cupped her face with his hands. “Break off your engagement, Katelyn. End it now.”
They were the words she most wanted to hear from him all day. “You don’t want to marry Lady Celeste?”
“Lord, no. I have been paying attention to her only because my mother has asked me to. Who I want is standing before me. I want you, Kate, and only you. I have from the first minute we met, and I want you to be my wife.”
Joy, unlike any she had ever known, rushed through her. Sinjin wanted to marry her. “But what of your mother? She would not approve.”
“My mother will come around. Just tell me that you will break off your engagement.”
“I will break off my engagement.”
His eyes searched hers, and a smile curved his lips. He lowered his head and kissed her.
Her arms slid around his shoulders and she clung to him as he kissed her, his tongue velvety soft against her own.
Locking the door, he kissed her again, slowly, no urgency at all.
He reached behind her, pulled at the lacings at her back, and seconds later the gown sagged at her waist. He helped her out of it, following with her chemise.
She kicked off her shoes but left on her stockings.
Sinjin took a step back and looked at the beauty who had appeared on his doorstep. And to think minutes before he had been frustrated beyond belief. In fact, he’d been ready to come out of his skin and was heading out of his room in order to take a long ride to clear his head when there she was, the very woman he’d been trying not to think of, standing before him.
And she wanted him. She would call of her engagement to Balliford.
He would go to his mother and tell her that he had found his bride, and that he would marry Katelyn Davenport.
He pulled Katelyn to him, savoring the feel of her soft, naked body against him. She reached out and ripped the shirt from his pants, her hands smoothing over his flat belly, the muscles contracting beneath her fingers.
He reached back behind his neck and pulled off his shirt. Katelyn smiled. She kissed his chest and went slowly to her knees.
Katelyn worked the buttons of his pants with a skill that surprised her, and pushed them down to his knees. His long, thick cock stood at attention; she grabbed the length firmly at the base and licked the purple, plum-sized head.
He watched as she took her time kissing him, licking him, sucking him. Her hands moved to his thighs, her fingers splaying there.
He reached down, cupped her breasts in his hands, and played with her nipples. Liquid fire rushed through her veins, straight between her thighs.
She became more aggressive, and finally when he could take no more foreplay, he kicked off his pants, picked her up, and strode toward the bed.
Setting her on the bed, he urged her legs apart using his thighs and slid into her welcoming heat.
Katelyn moaned low in her throat and he smiled, knowing he would never forget the sound. He took his time, slowly moving in and out of her.
She explored the planes of his back, the thick, rigid muscles moving beneath olive skin. She kissed him, for once being the aggressor, her tongue sliding along his, matching the rhythm he had set with their bodies.
He stared down at her, his eyes so intense and full of desire that she knew she’d never forget this moment. Her insides contracted as his cock slid in and out of her honeyed walls.
He came with a loud moan, not caring who heard them, rejoicing in the fact he had the woman he loved, and she truly belonged to him.
18
The following morning, Katelyn sat beside Ronald, who was at the moment placing a heaping teaspoon of sugar into his cup. They were one of seven people in the parlor, drinking tea and conversing quietly. Aunt Lillith had left to check on Marilyn, and already Katelyn was counting the minutes until her return.
“I have been thinking that perhaps we can go to London for the Season. After our wedding, everyone will want to meet you and be your friend,” he said before taking a bite of a scone.
Ronald had always made it clear that he detested town and had always talked negatively about London in particular. It dawned on her that he was trying to make her happy. Nothing he could do would ever make her happy, and now it didn’t matter because she would marry Sinjin, not Ronald.
Oh, happy day! She felt as light as air and wanted to shout her good fortune from the rooftops.
He wiped his thin lips with a napkin. “What do you think, sweet Kate?”
Sweet Kate? Since when did he use such endearments? She did not like this one bit.
“That sounds lovely,” she said, her mind a million miles away.
She once again recalled Sinjin’s words last night when he had made love to her and told her he wanted to marry her.
She had barely been able to sleep for all her excitement. When Aunt Lillith arrived at her door this morning, she had intended to tell her about her plans to call off her engagement and wed Sinjin, the man she desired with all her heart, but Ronald arrived minutes later to escort her to breakfast.
Ronald inched closer toward her, his gaze shifting to her décolletage. “I am very excited to make you my wife, my dearest heart.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “I hope you know that.”
She swallowed hard, uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was headed and the touch of his dry lips on her skin. He had never been so intimate, and she hated that he chose this moment to show her any affection.
Ronald cleared his throat loudly.
Sitting up straighter, she forced a smile and murmured, “I am glad.”
He frowned, no doubt disappointed she did not return the sentiment.
I do not want to marry you. I am in love with someone else. How tempted she was to blurt out those words, to finally get them off her chest once and for all.
Treading in dangerous waters, she managed a smile. “I am sure you are anxious to return to Rose Alley.”
He nodded and slid his arm across the back of her chair. “I always yearn for Rose Alley when I am away. I will be especially anxious to return this time, and with you on my arm.”
Oh dear. She really must talk to Aunt Lillith as soon as possible.
“I am rather tired and have a slight headache. Would you mind terribly if I returned to my chamber?”
He seemed genuinely concerned. “You are no doubt worn down from the constant stimulation.”
If he only knew…“I am sure you are right.”
“Shall I walk you to your room, then?” he asked, and she nodded.
She slid her hand around his elbow and fell into step beside him, nearly tripping over her feet when she noticed Sinjin talking to Lady Celeste and her chaperone. He stood with his back to Katelyn, an arm on the balustrade. Snug black pants cupped his high, tight ass; the light-colored shirt only emphasized the width of his shoulders, and the silver and black waistcoat defined the leanness of his waist.
At their approach, Celeste saw her and smiled, her gaze moving to Ronald.
Katelyn’s stomach coiled. Sinjin smiled, then glanced at her and then Ronald. “How are you this fine morning?” he asked, his voice cordial, his grin welcoming, and she was instantly reminded of the night before in his arms, of all the times he had brought her to climax.
“Quite well, Lord Mawbry,” Ronald said, his hold on her tightening.
“And how are you, Lady Katelyn?” Sinjin asked, his voice as smooth as silk.
“I am well.” Their eyes caught and held, and it was all she could do not to turn to Ronald and tell him the marriage was off. How she would love to see the look on Celeste’s face when she learned that Katelyn would marry Sinjin.
Ronald cleared his
throat. “I would stay and linger, but I fear my fiancée is feeling a bit peaked.”
“I am sorry to hear that,” Sinjin replied. “I hope you feel better very soon, Lady Katelyn.”
“Thank you, my lord. I am sure it is nothing a nap will not cure.”
As they walked away, Katelyn felt Sinjin’s gaze on her. Ronald said nothing at all.
When she came to her chamber door, she turned the handle, hoping Marilyn would be on the other side.
Unfortunately, the room was empty.
Ronald licked his thin lips. “May I have a kiss?” he inquired, and she impulsively took a step back, into the room.
“My lord, I am not comfortable doing so before the wedding—”
But he did not listen to her, and instead lowered his head.
* * *
Sinjin walked slowly behind the couple and lingered near the stairs as Ronald spoke with Katelyn outside her room.
The blood roared in his ears when the older man lowered his head for a kiss. It was not a long, lingering kiss, more like a peck, and an awkward peck at that, but Sinjin was not prepared for the emotions rushing through him at seeing the woman he loved share any intimacy with another man.
Even if that man was her intended.
As least for now. He had been stunned to see the two having tea together. He had nearly joined their little party but assumed Katelyn might be taking advantage of the time alone with Balliford to break things off.
Apparently, that hadn’t happened.
Sinjin waited patiently until the door to Katelyn’s chamber closed and Balliford started back down the hallway.
When the coast was clear, Sinjin started for Katelyn’s room and knocked.
Silence.
He tried again, and this time Katelyn opened the door. “Thank God it’s you.”
“I saw the kiss. I assume you had no time to talk to him.”
She pulled him into the room. “No, not yet. It is difficult to find the right time, Sinjin. I must speak with my aunt. What of you?”
“I have a meeting with my mother in an hour.”
Her green eyes widened. “What do you think she will say?”
“I am assuming she will be pleased that I have found a bride, especially a woman I love.”
“I love you, too.” She slid her arms around his neck and kissed him ravenously.
Sinjin was surprised at the intensity of the kiss, the way she tugged his shirt from his pants and reached for his cock, her fingers sliding over him.
“You are like a fire in my blood that can’t be quenched,” he said, the words sending a delicious shiver up her spine.
He lifted her in his arms and she let out a delighted yelp. Crossing the room, he flung her onto the bed and lifted her skirts. He bent down and licked her sweet slit, his tongue swirling around the tiny, sensitive bundle of nerves at the top of her sex.
Her fingers threaded through his hair, holding him there. Tendrils of fire slid through her veins, swooping low into her stomach and groin.
His hands moved beneath her body, cupping her buttocks, bringing her closer to his face. He took infinite care, tasting her, licking her relentlessly.
“Sinjin,” she whispered on a moan as climax claimed her.
She looked down at him, felt his large shaft pressing against her leg.
“I want you inside me,” she whispered.
She didn’t have to ask twice.
He crawled up her body and slid into her slick heat with a moan.
“When we marry, I may never want to leave our bedchamber,” she said on a sigh.
He smiled against her lips; then the time for talking was over as she reached for the stars, her body climbing toward the ultimate finish.
He went up on his knees, brought her legs up, and hooked them over his shoulders. She watched each thrust, his huge cock sliding in and out of her, her honeyed juices coating him. His gaze followed, too, and when their gazes caught and held, the heat in his eyes made her heart skip a beat.
They climaxed together, their cries loud, ringing out for any and all to hear.
* * *
Sinjin walked into his mother’s sitting room where they were sure to remain undisturbed.
Betsy turned to him and motioned to a high-backed chair. “Have a seat, my dear.” She removed her earrings, set them aside, and rubbed her lobes before taking a seat.
“I wish to marry Katelyn Davenport.”
Her blue eyes widened and she pressed her lips into a thin line. She wiped the corners of her mouth with her fingers. “Lady Katelyn is engaged and her betrothed is here…as well you know.”
“I am in love with her.”
“For the moment you might feel some—affection for her, and she is lovely, to be sure, but my love, you can do better.”
The words infuriated him, and he fought to keep his cool. “You are mistaken, Mother. I could not do better.”
Betsy stood so fast the chair nearly upended itself. She smoothed her hair back with a trembling hand. “I thought you had put this passing fancy behind you. Lady Celeste is—”
“I do not want Lady Celeste, Mother.”
“She is everything a man could want—”
“Perhaps, but I do not want her. I want Katelyn Davenport, and I will have her—with or without your approval.”
She stared at Sinjin for an uncomfortable minute that had him shifting in his seat.
“Let me ask you this, my dear. When you close your eyes and see your life ten years from now—do you see yourself with Lady Katelyn, or is this merely a passing fancy like all of your previous liaisons?”
“I see myself with Katelyn forever,” he said, never so sure of anything.
She paced before him, cracking her knuckles. “I can see that you will not relent in this matter, and so therefore I have little choice but to give you my blessing.”
He steadied himself for her next words.
“I will support you, but I am here to tell you that Balliford will not take this affront on his pride lightly, particularly in front of so many well-known lords and ladies. Perhaps Lady Katelyn can wait until the end of the party to break the news to him.”
Shocked it had been so easy, Sinjin nodded. “As you wish, Mother. We will be very happy together, Mother. Katelyn will be a wonderful wife and mother…just as you are.”
“Do not think to flatter me, boy,” she said, with the hint of a smile playing at her lips.
“Thank you, Mother—for your understanding.”
She made Sinjin nervous when she remained quiet.
She took a deep breath. “Well, then I suppose there is only one thing for me to do.”
His stomach tightened as he waited for her next words. “Which is?”
“Invite Lady Nordland to tea.”
* * *
Lillith took a seat at the small table by the window. She had been escorted from her room to the opulent suite of her hostess, and now the Lady of Rochester waited patiently as a servant walked slowly toward the door and shut it behind her.
“My son tells me that he wishes to marry your niece.”
Lillith did her best to hide her surprise and excitement. She knew Katelyn had fallen hard for the rake, but Lillith had only dreamed the man would ultimately marry her. In this case, she was glad to be proved wrong. “I am delighted to hear the news, Lady Rochester.”
“So you approve?”
“Very much, my lady.” Lillith cleared her throat. “I want my niece’s happiness, and I know she cares deeply for your son.”
Lady Rochester nodded. “And yet she is still engaged.”
“That can be rectified.”
“Indeed, and tell me, Lady Nordland, how do you think Lord Balliford will take the news?”
Lillith cleared her throat. “Badly.”
A dark brow lifted. “I feared you might say that.”
“He has paid my sister handsomely for Katelyn’s hand already.”
“I will pay him double,” Lady Roches
ter said, her tone matter-of-fact.
“It is not a matter of money in this case, Lady Rochester. I have watched Lord Balliford with Katelyn. He desires her, and already considers her his possession. He is an odd man, and I do not trust him.”
“He will call Sinjin out.” It wasn’t a question.
Lillith nodded. “I am afraid so.”
For the first time since Lillith had met Betsy, the other woman showed weakness. Lillith could see fear in the other woman’s eyes before she quickly looked away, but only for an instant. “Perhaps Katelyn should wait to break off the engagement until Sunday, right before they are set to leave.”
“I think that is wise. I shall speak with Katelyn, plan the time and place of such a meeting, and I will let you know.”
Betsy nodded. “I will tell you, Lady Nordland, that I have fought the idea of this marriage from the very beginning. But my son assures me that his happiness depends on this marriage, and far be it for me to deny my son anything, particularly his future. Please, for both our sakes, try to convince Lord Balliford that I will be very generous if he will go away quietly. No one need know the circumstances.”
She did not want a duel to take place, and Lillith did not blame her. It was impossible to know the outcome of such an event, and Lord help all of them if Balliford won.
“I shall do my best, Lady Rochester.”
Betsy nodded. “I am counting on you, Lady Nordland.”
19
Ronald felt his cheeks turn hot as his footman stood before him, staring down at his boots.
“I am sorry, my lord. If—”
“That will be enough. You shall be compensated for your trouble. As always, do not repeat what you have seen or heard to anyone, is that understood?”
“Of course, my lord.”
“Thank you, George. That will be all.”
“Yes, my lord.” The man bobbed his head, and opened and closed the door behind him.
Ronald took a deep breath. All morning Katelyn had been acting strangely, refusing to make eye contact, and when he had kissed her, she had barely been able to hide her revulsion.
Sinjin Page 14
