Love's Guardian

by Dawn Ireland

  She couldn’t let that happen. If rapiers hadn’t worked, then she’d have to outmaneuver him another way.

  To do that, she needed to study her enemy. Where had he been the last eight years? From the little information she’d gleaned, he’d kept to himself. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, rumors of his exploits with women were legendary among the Ton. The gossipmongers in the Gazette were forever coming up with a new love interest for him, not that she believed anything in those columns.

  Eleanor came up behind her, rested her hand on Alex’s shoulder, then blurted out, “I hate to ask, but do you think you could curtail your riding and fencing while Lord Worthington’s here? Maybe watch your language?” Her cousin’s refined features appeared drawn. “It would be for your own good.”

  Alex stood and faced her. “You know me better than that. I’ll not pretend for his benefit.”

  “It wouldn’t be for his benefit. There’s no need to make him think worse of you than he already does.” Eleanor clutched her skirt in both hands, a sure sign she was upset.

  Alex opened her mouth to respond, then realized the futility of trying to change her cousin’s mind. They’d had this discussion many times before. People often mistook Eleanor’s gentle nature for a weak will, but stubbornness ran in the family. She stepped forward and pried Eleanor’s hands from her skirt, then clasped them in her own. “Stop worrying. Everything will be fine. I’ll find a way.”

  A tremulous smile appeared on Eleanor’s lips. “No one knows what changes Lord Worthington will make. All I ask is that you do your best to get along with him.”

  Her cousin seemed so forlorn, Alex didn’t have the heart to argue any longer. “I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.”

  Eleanor gave her a brief hug. “Things will work out, you’ll see.” She turned back before she reached the door. “If you’d like, I’ll tell him you’re resting till dinner.”

  “Actually, I’m not coming down for dinner this evening.”

  “Alex.”

  “I need some time to think things through. I promise, I won’t continue to avoid him.”

  Eleanor sighed. “I’ll tell him you’re unwell. But sooner or later you’re going to have to deal with him.” Her cousin gave her a quick, sympathetic smile, then left.

  Alex resumed pacing, reliving every moment she’d spent in Declan’s company. He thought he had absolute power over her, but he was wrong. Somewhere, somehow, she’d discover the weapon that would prove most effective against him.

  The wind whipped through Alex’s hair, tangling her curls. They would take hours to comb out, but she didn’t care. Right now, she wanted to feel the morning mist on her face and the power of her horse as they sped across the meadow.

  Spears of sunlight filtered through the fog, promising a beautiful day. Why couldn’t it have been gray and overcast to match her mood?

  Dredging up memories of Declan had been painful and fruitless. She hadn’t discovered a single weakness she could use to force his hand. The only surety was the bleak future that awaited her.

  She’d been so confident yesterday, yet he’d defeated her easily. To make things worse, she’d walked straight into his arms. Her cheeks burned at the memory. Why couldn’t she shake the feel of his arms around her, or her insane desire to explain how she felt? It’s not as if he’d care. He’d probably laugh at her fears. Her hands tightened on the reins. Nothing made sense anymore.

  At the edge of the meadow, she slowed, guiding Blade along the tree line at a trot. He sidestepped at the sound of an animal in the undergrowth, so she reached down to give him a reassuring pat. They were both a bit jittery this morning.

  The quick rhythm of hooves pounding the earth drew her attention in the direction of the manor. A huge black stallion bore down on her. The rider, dressed in black, created the illusion that horse and man were one.

  Declan.

  With a sigh, Alex shoved aside a wayward curl that insisted on finding its way across her mouth. She really wasn’t in the mood to match wits with him this morning, but it seemed he wasn’t going to give her a choice.

  She’d initiated the contest, now she had to live with the consequences. Grandfather had warned her about thinking things through before she acted. He was right.

  As he drew closer, she could see Declan’s scowl. She squared her shoulders and reined Blade to a standstill.

  His stallion came to a halt several feet from her horse. “You weren’t at dinner last night.” His calm voice was at odds with the tension in his jaw. “We missed you.”

  Alex dropped her gaze. “I wasn’t well.” She toyed with the bracelet on her wrist, refusing to look up. Lying always showed on her face.

  “May I ask what you’re doing so far from the manor, alone, dressed like that?” He might have been asking how she liked the weather. His voice seemed conversational, pleasant.

  She raised her head to meet his frosty blue gaze. “I’m riding, as I do every morning.”

  Declan’s face became grim, and that damn twitch was back. He appeared upset, in spite of his casual tone. Why?

  “I don’t have to play the lady on my own estate.” Alex swept the hair away from her face and held his gaze, refusing to back down from his regard. “And I prefer to ride alone.”

  Her solitary rides had never been a problem before. Not even her grandfather had feared for her on manor property. “If you’re worried about me, don’t be. I know this area. Besides, I’m always armed.” Alex patted her boot, drawing his attention to the hilt of her dagger, barely visible above her scuffed leather boots. “Nothing’s going to happen on my own land.” She turned her horse and started away from him.

  “No!”

  His pleasant facade snapped, like a ship ripped from its moorings by the wind. “I don’t care what you have done in the past. From now on, someone will accompany you.”

  Her back stiffened. Was she to be a prisoner in her own home? In his present mood, she doubted Declan would be reasonable. Alex didn’t want to argue with him, but it seemed inevitable, unless she left.

  At a slight urging, Blade shot across the meadow. Where she went didn’t matter, as long as it was away from him. They’d discuss what she could, or couldn’t do, at another time.

  Within moments, he was at her side, his stallion easily overtaking her mount. He hauled her off Blade’s back and swung her around to face him. She tried to back away, but his arm locked around her, forcing her tightly against his chest. Alex managed to look up so she could breathe, and wished she hadn’t.

  Everything seemed different, more intense. The horse stopped, but anger, outrage, and anticipation spun thru her at an amazing pace. The moment hung in the air, like a gull in flight. Damp earth and heated horseflesh mixed with the smells of a new spring day. Declan’s eyes reminded her of blue crystal under his thunderous black brows, yet it wasn’t fear that made her search his gaze. There was something compelling in the way he looked at her.

  His breath warmed her face, making wisps of her hair dance around her forehead, as his unyielding body pressed against her.

  He leaned forward, his ice blue gaze narrowed. “This is what could happen.” His mouth came down hard on hers. At first, the pressure was painful. His hand tangled in the curls at the nape of her neck, holding her head immobile. Her whole body tensed, as she tried to twist away. Then, without warning, he softened the assault on her lips, until small sounds escaped from the back of her throat.

  He still held her captive, but the seductive movement of his mouth against hers made her question her wish to be free. What was he doing to her?

  Desire stabbed at Declan as he ran his palm against Alex’s silky hair. Her soft moans vibrated against his lips, causing him to harden. The honeyed taste of her mouth blended with the scent of vanilla floating on the spring breeze.

  He teased her lips with the barest of caresses, while he dropped his hand from her neck to her shoulders. Her body felt warm, soft, and he suspected her skin would feel s
moother than the silk garment beneath his palm. The need to touch her without the thin barrier overwhelmed him.

  While still exploring her mouth, he leaned back slightly and loosened her shirt from her pants. He shouldn’t be doing this, she was his ward for God’s sake, but his infamous control seemed to have taken this moment to desert him.

  His movements freed her arms, which wrapped around his shoulders as if she would never let go. It was all the encouragement he needed. He wasted no time letting one of his hands wander under her shirt, while the other caressed the back of her neck. He could feel the firmness of her flesh as it stretched over her ribs, sloping to the curve of her waist.

  Her hands kneaded his shoulders, and the leather saddle creaked as she tried to draw him closer.

  His fingertips slipped upward over silken skin until he cupped one full breast. Thank God her manly attire allowed such easy access. His thumb and forefinger gently tugged on the hardening tip.

  With an indrawn breath, she jerked backward, breaking the kiss. She stared at him, her eyes huge, then twisted back and forth, trying to free herself from his grasp. Unfortunately, she only succeeded in thrusting the lower part of their bodies closer together.

  Declan bit his lip, his arousal almost painful where it rubbed against her. He grabbed her wrist, then lowered her arm between them, noting her rapid pulse under his fingertips.

  Shaken, he removed his other hand from under her shirt, then raked it through his hair. She had every right to be upset, but he wouldn’t apologize. If he had been a highwayman intent on rape, the consequences would have been much worse.

  “We must be making progress.” Declan tightened his hold on her wrist when she tried to break away. “At least you didn’t reach for your dagger.”

  “Let go of me.” Alex tried to pry his fingers loose. Her eyes wild, she reminded him of a hare he’d seen once, trapped by a pack of hunting dogs.

  “You’re despicable. Why can’t you leave me alone?” Alex stopped struggling, but bitterness edged her voice. “Of course, if you left, the courts would find another guardian.” She gave a laugh devoid of joy. “I’m sure my cousin Luther, Viscount Addington, would volunteer. Even you’re preferable to him.”

  He felt her shudder. “Well, I’m glad to know I’m not last on your list.” Before she could guess his intent, he reached over, removed her dagger, then slipped it in his boot, next to his own. “Just in case,” he remarked, and let go of her wrist.

  Freed, she scrambled from his horse, as if pursued by wolves. She whistled to Blade, who grazed nearby, then jumped into her saddle and wheeled around to face him.

  “Alex, listen to me,” Declan said. “It’s not safe for you to be riding astride dressed like that. For your own sake, I’m asking you to reconsider. A lady wouldn’t act this way.”

  “You want me to act like a lady?” Alex tossed her curls, the sun picking out the copper highlights. “Then I suggest you start acting like a gentleman.” A slight tug on Blade’s reins, and they were off, racing back toward the manor.

  He let her go. She was right. What had possessed him to practically attack her? The women he knew in London considered him a devil because he wouldn’t allow himself to become enamored of them.

  He’d never met a “Lady” he liked, until now. Why couldn’t Alex act like the other women of his experience? He’d found the Ladies of the Ton tedious, at best. They were all the same, interested in fashion, gossip, and what male they could catch in the matrimonial noose. If it weren’t for his damn title, he’d happily settle for the occasional mistress, and avoid married bliss.

  In trying to teach his ward a lesson, he’d learned one. She was too much of a temptation to have around. Aside from Alex’s beauty, he admired her spirit and determination. If this kept up, he might actually come to like her. God forbid.

  A mental picture of his mother’s portrait came to mind. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to eradicate the memory. No matter how appealing he found Alex, he would not fall prey to his father’s sin.

  He shook his head, then turned Knight back toward the manor. The only solution was to marry Alex off quickly. She wasn’t going to like his decision. Thank heavens the little hoyden didn’t know she had weapons that would be much more effective than her dagger.

  Chapter 3

  Alex leapt off Blade’s back before the horse had come to a halt, then flung the reins at John. The propensity of the groom’s straw-colored hair to stick straight up exaggerated the look of surprise on his face.

  “You’ll not be rubbin’ Blade down?” John’s mouth hung open. “But ya always...”

  “Not today,” Alex called over her shoulder as she headed toward the gardens. She lengthened her strides on the well-worn paths edged in boxwood. Spring flowers, not yet in bloom, created a haze of new green everywhere she looked, but she didn’t stop to admire the beauty her mother had designed.

  Her dismal thoughts were like the tangled climbing roses whose barren abundance overwhelmed the statue of Pan looming before her. Alex crossed to a stone bench at Pan’s feet, sat down, and hugged her arms to her chest.

  What the hell was she going to do? Her face grew warm remembering how her arms had brazenly encircled Declan. She had wanted his kiss, relished it.

  Bringing her hand to her lips, she felt the tenderness and swelling that were physical proof of her wantonness. Why had she responded to him like that? Lord Duprey’s kiss had been a mere parody of what she’d felt when Declan had kissed her. How did she expect to gain control of her life, if she couldn’t even control her emotions? She had to find a way to convince Declan to return to London and leave her in peace.

  As if her thoughts conjured him, Declan appeared, silent, like some dark spirit, intent on destroying her world.

  Every muscle in her body tensed. He hadn’t given her time to come up with a plan.

  He just stood there, looking at her. She kept her gaze riveted on him. Handsome, detached, untouchable: all those descriptions fit.

  “What do you want?”

  He raised one finely arched black brow and inclined his head. “We never finished our conversation.”

  “Maybe you didn’t.” She clasped her hands in her lap, trying to show composure she didn’t feel. “I have nothing further to say.”

  He crossed to the bench. “May I sit?”

  She didn’t want him that close, but he’d do what he wanted anyway. “As you wish.” She moved as far from him as possible. His smirk told her he’d noticed.

  He pinned her with his gaze. “About the kiss.”

  She looked down. “We don’t need to discuss that.” Her voice sounded strained. “You made your point.” Her errant hair insisted on blowing across her face, so she tucked it behind one ear with a sharp movement.

  The silence stretched between them like a solid entity. She could hear the wind in the rose canes overhead, the dry rustle fraying her nerves. Why was he bothering her if he wasn’t going to talk?

  Alex focused on the dirt she’d just discovered under her thumbnail. “What did you want?”

  “Look at me.”

  She scraped at the offending soil with her index finger.

  Declan slid across the distance between them and grasped her chin with his fingers. She resisted, but he gently brought her around to face him.

  “You and I seem to differ on how you should live your life.” She started to interrupt, but he held up a hand to stop her. “As we can’t agree, I suggest we find someone else to watch over you.”

  Her sentiments exactly. Would he really just return to London, and she’d never hear from him again? Damn the sinking feeling in her stomach. This is what she wanted, wasn’t it? Alex clenched her fists. “I can take care of myself.”

  He gave her a tolerant smile, disbelief evident on his handsome face.

  She took a deep breath. “If you think this is best, may I at least choose who controls my life?” There were several friends of her grandfather’s she could ask, maybe Lord Ellington.
She liked him.

  “That’s exactly what I had in mind. I’m glad you’re going to be agreeable.” Declan’s genuine smile momentarily made her forget what they were discussing.

  He stood and walked away, but he’d gone only a few paces before turning back to her. “I imagine we could leave for London in a week or two. I still have a few things to clear up here.

  “London?” Alex shook her head, all at once suspecting she’d missed something. “We don’t need to go to London to find a replacement.”

  “For your grandfather’s sake, I want you to have many men to choose from.” He gave her a wry smile. “I have to admit, I’d like you to make your selection and marry as soon as possible, but I realize these things take time.”

  “Marry?” Alex couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

  “It will be the height of the Season, so choosing a husband shouldn’t be too difficult.” Declan shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll find someone to your liking.”

  The man was daft. “I’ll not do this!”

  Declan seemed perplexed, then his brow cleared in understanding. “Ah, you’re afraid you are too old.” He studied her with an assessing gaze. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she saw admiration on his face.

  Abruptly he turned from her, his voice strange, deeper than before. “I don’t think you need worry about your age. Most men will find you attractive enough.”

  Clearly, he wasn’t one of them. Alex bristled, forcing her voice to remain calm, despite the stab of hurt. “I’m going to say this again, so even you can understand. I don’t wish to marry, at least not now. You can’t force me.” She reached for her dagger, only to remember he had it.

  He raked his fingers through his hair. “You will obey me in this, Alexandra. It’s the best solution to an intolerable situation.” He strode to the bench, towering over her. “Aside from the guardianship, I won a wager in which you agreed to follow my wishes.” He held her gaze, the assurance in his voice scraping up her spine like the tip of a knife. “Have you forgotten?”