Velvet Embrace

by Nicole Jordan

  Wondering how Brie would react to the presence of his former mistress, Dominic grimaced. She would probably be grievously insulted, and it would be twice as hard for him even to get near her.

  The clock on the mantle chimed then, reminding Dominic of his need for sleep. Putting his problems aside, he rose and banked the fire before following Julian's example and retiring for what was left of the night.

  But his desire for Brie did not leave him. Dominic lay alone in his bed, staring at the ceiling, remembering what it was like to have her, warm and willing, in his arms. Predictably, the throbbing ache his memory inspired only made it more difficult for him to fall asleep.

  The next morning Dominic went to see John Simms, ostensibly to select one or two Arabian mares for his racing stable. While his was there, John showed him around the premises.

  Dominic was impressed, for Greenwood was obviously well run. The yard and schooling rings bustled with activity, and Dominic's experienced eye noted the excellent quality of horseflesh in the adjoining paddocks, as well as the quiet efficiency of the ostlers and grooms as they went about their work. The vast sprawl of barns had been superbly maintained, and the fences were in good repair. Even the house, an ivy- covered mansion of Ketton stone separated from the stables by a line of elms, seemed to blend in as part of the prospering enterprise.

  After inspecting the mares, Dominic followed John to a small office where they discussed terms of purchase. Only then did he mention the recent thefts in the neighborhood. When the trainer had related all he knew about the incidents, Dominic offered to handle the matter. He knew the appropriate people to notify, he said, and in the meantime he would have his own men take up the search. His coachman had had some experience in apprehending vagrants.

  "I have no objections, m'lord," John replied to his offer. "Actually it will be a big relief. My lads have their duties and they know nothing about thief-catching."

  Dominic was sitting across from John's desk in one of the hard-backed chairs that furnished the office. Leaning back in his seat, he flicked at an imaginary speck of dust on his sleeve. "I'm sure you can see," he said casually, "why I hesitate to mention this to Miss Carringdon. I understand she prefers to be involved in everything relating to Greenwood. She might be offended, were I to suggest she wasn't capable of dealing with this problem."

  John regarded his visitor thoughtfully. He had been surprised by the proposal, but he was pleased to see Lord Stanton showing an interest in Brie's affairs. In his opinion, Brie could do far worse than to ally herself with such a man. Stanton was just the sort to be able to curb her independent headstrong ways, and he seemed to understand her. John stroked his chin absently. Perhaps he would let this commanding nobleman have his way for a time and see where things led. It went against his principles to withhold confidences from his young mistress, but then Brie really wasn't qualified to handle thieves.

  Adding a silent prayer that she would forgive him, John nodded his approval. "You are right, m'lord. It's best not to tell Miss Brie. She wouldn't take it well if an outsider assumed responsibility for Greenwood's problems. Nor would she care to be indebted to you, if you will pardon my saying so."

  Dominic smiled pleasantly. "Of course. But this way is best. If your people do happen to stumble across something, you can have them report directly to me."

  "Aye, and I'll have a word with Tyler, as well. He's steward here and has charge of the farms. I think I can convince him to go along." Hearing light footsteps in the corridor just then, John looked up as the door opened.

  "John, I forgot to ask—" Brie broke off in confusion upon seeing Dominic. "I beg your pardon," she stammered as both men quickly rose to their feet. "I didn't know you were occupied, John. I can return some other time."

  She turned to leave, but Dominic caught her arm. He had been admiring the lovely picture she made, standing there framed in the doorway. Her velvet pelisse, trimmed with sable, was the color of sapphires, and the deep hue made her wide eyes appear very blue.

  He gently drew her back into the office. "There is no need for you to leave. Miss Carringdon. We have just concluded our business. John was telling me something of Greenwood's history earlier, and I am much impressed. You are both to be congratulated."

  Brie could tell his praise was sincerely meant, and she was pleased. She was extremely proud of her heritage, but she was also aware Dominic's own estates had to be immense and that Greenwood must suffer in comparison. She smiled up at Dominic and thanked him. He smiled back, making her quite conscious of how devastatingly attractive he was.

  Before she could say much else, however, one of the

  stableboys came to the door and requested John's assistance. The trainer glanced at Brie.

  "Please, go ahead, John," she said. "My matter can wait."

  Muttering an apology, he thanked Dominic for his interest in the stables, then followed the boy from the room. Brie was left alone with Dominic.

  She eyed him uncertainly, wondering about the intent look she had just seen pass between the two men. Tilting her head to one side, she arched a delicate eyebrow. "Secrets, my lord?"

  After an almost imperceptible pause, Dominic replied smoothly. "Do I detect a note of concern? I assure you it was nothing. We were discussing . . . some horses I intend to run at Newmarket in the spring. Simms was advising me on the best strategy for training." When Brie continued to regard him suspiciously, Dominic's mouth twisted in a wry smile. "Don't look so accusing, Brie. I couldn't steal your trainer away, even if I wanted to. His loyalty to you is admirable."

  Brie was surprised at his perceptiveness, since that was exactly what she had been thinking. But she wasn't entirely satisfied with his reply. The look the two men had shared had hinted at some kind of mutual agreement.

  Plunging her fingers more deeply into her sable muff, she searched Dominic's face. She could read nothing in his enigmatic expression. "I've never had cause to question John's loyalty," she said finally, "but you wouldn't be the first to try and lure him away."

  Grinning, Dominic held up his hands in surrender. "I'm innocent, I swear. At least of that charge."

  Deciding that she must have been mistaken, Brie relented. "Oh, very well," she said good-naturedly. "I believe you. I take it then that you discussed the mares."

  Dominic told her about the arrangements he had made for buying two of the Arabians, adding that they would be a welcome addition to his stables since he was after endurance as well as speed.

  "You should be pleased," Brie replied with a smile, "since you chose the best. It is I who am disappointed. I was hoping John might have convinced you to part with your stallion. You did say you might be persuaded."

  Dominic's gray eyes filled with warm light. "So I did. But I was thinking more along the lines of you doing the persuading, rather than your trainer."

  Not knowing how to respond to his suggestive remark, Brie tried to match his bantering tone. "That might be beyond my capabilities, my lord, but I am willing to try. Perhaps you would stay to dine with us and allow me the opportunity."

  He shook his head regretfully. "I should like to, but unfortunately I must return to the Lodge. Julian has invited some of his colleagues over for the afternoon, and I am already late."

  Brie was conscious of disappointment, but she extended her hand politely. "Very well, some other time then. I wouldn't want to interfere with a gentleman's sport."

  "Will I have the honor of seeing you tomorrow?" Dominic asked, taking her hand.

  "At the hunt? But of course. I wouldn't miss a meet so near the end of the season."

  "No, certainly not. And I would guess you are set on riding Julian's nag. You are very courageous."

  At the hint of mockery in his tone, Brie's chin came up. "Or foolish, you mean? Jester is not so very bad, my lord. In fact, I've grown rather fond of him. He is a . . . a special challenge."

  Dominic looked at her thoughtfully. "An apt phrase. Does it apply to men as well?"

  Brie wasn'
t as disconcerted by the question as she was by the fiery pulse that ran up her arm when Dominic raised her hand to his lips and lightly kissed her fingers. She knew he must have felt a similar sensation, for she saw desire flicker in his eyes.

  For a moment, she stood looking up at him, mesmerized by the burning intensity of his gaze. When he turned her hand over, gently pressing his warm mouth against the inside of her wrist, she quivered. The touch of his lips made her vividly recall the last time he held her in his arms.

  She could teil by the glowing flame in his eyes that Dominic was remembering, too. His gaze slid downward, stripping her bare of clothing, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. When he said her name softly, his voice dropping to a caress, Brie's heart began to race, for a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to recall what it was like to experience Dominic's total passion, to have his warm lips following the searing trail that his eyes made, for his mouth to linger hotly on her breasts while his hands slowly swept lower to torment her body—

  Brie gave an abrupt start at the disquieting fantasies going through her head. Realizing that Dominic was still holding her hand, she drew it from his grasp. "Apply . . . apply to men?" she repeated, trying unsuccessfully to keep her tone light. "You couldn't be speaking of yourself, my lord. You must know I wouldn't dare presume to challenge you."

  Dominic hesitated for a moment, as if he might press for a different response. Then he sighed, his mouth twisting wryly. "I know nothing of the kind, chérie. You have challenged me on several occasions, if I recall. But I promised not to speak of the past."

  Turning away, he threw his greatcoat over his shoulders, then picked up his gloves and hat and crossed to the door. "Until tomorrow, then?" he said, giving Brie one of those devastatingly sweet smiles that never failed to make her heart turn over.

  Brie nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She watched as the door shut softly behind him, then stood there, listening to Dominic's retreating footsteps. When he was gone, Brie sank into the empty chair, feeling unaccountably weak. Hugging her sable muff to her stomach, she rested her forehead on her knees.

  The words had remained unspoken, but Dominic had made it explicitly clear that he still wanted her. And now she could no longer deny that she wanted him, too. The attraction she felt for him was too strong to dismiss. His virile masculinity was like a powerful magnet, drawing her to him. Whenever he touched her, she felt a treacherous warmth steal over her.

  At least he hadn't kissed her this time. Usually he wound up doing that and more. But the look he had given her. . . . Brie trembled, recalling the flame in his eyes. It had made her feel so . . . so desirable, so completely a woman. He had aroused a physical yearning within her ihat was almost tangible.

  A soft moan escaped Brie's lips as she buried her face into the thick sable of her muff. Dominic Serrault was a man she hardly knew, a man who had frightened and taunted her. And yet, he had easily stripped away her defenses, exposing a passion she had thought deeply buried.

  Faith, she must be mad! She had learned from her disastrous experience six years ago that she was far too gullible where men were concerned. She had given her heart too easily then, and now she was in danger of succumbing again to the determined seduction of an expert. She couldn't even delude herself that Dominic was interested in anything but her body. There had been nothing more than desire in his eyes. She was the target for his lust, nothing more.

  Absently, Brie rubbed her cheek against the sable. The rich fur felt like cool satin against her flushed skin, and she could detect a lingering trace of Dominic's masculine scent.

  She could not yield to him, of course. She would be too likely to give in to him completely, and that hard, cynical man would not want her heart.

  Brie closed her eyes, wondering why the thought should make her so very miserable.

  She slept fitfully that night, dreaming of being chased by a devil on a great black horse. A strange white field surrounded her, and no matter how hard she ran, she couldn't reach the edge. Just as the specter caught her, the nightmarish image changed and she recognized Dominic's dark features. He gave her a mocking smile, then swept her into his strong arms and kissed her ruthlessly. When she tried to fight him, his harsh laughter filled her ears. . . .

  Brie woke with a start. For a moment she lay there, listening to the fading echoes and trying to control her trembling. She had obviously been in the throes of a nightmare, for the bedclothes were entangled with her bare legs and her nightgown had ridden up above her hips. And she felt so very strange. A thin film of perspiration covered her body, but her skin was feverish, while her breasts felt full and ultrasensitive. There was also a hot ache between her thighs that throbbed with a sort of pleasurable pain.

  Shakily, Brie pulled the covers up to her chin and lay there staring at the darkness. If was a long while before the tension in her body unwound and she at last fell asleep.

  When next she awakened, light was filtering through her bedroom curtains and someone was tapping on her door. When Caroline's maid peered into the room, Brie suddenly realized the lateness of the hour. She rose at once, not wanting to miss any part of the fox hunt.

  She washed while her riding habit was being laid out, then allowed the maid to arrange her hair into a smooth knot at her nape. When she was dressed, Brie gave herself a final glance in the mirror. She was pleased to see her eyes didn't have the deep circles under them she had expected. In fact, she thought she looked quite well. The severely tailored jacket and flowing skirt of emerald green velvet hugged her figure, accentuating the curve of her waist, while her shako hat of the same shade set off the glowing color of hair. Not even Stanton would be able to criticize her attire, Brie thought defiantly.

  When she had pinched her pale cheeks to add a bit of color, she was satisfied with her appearance. She picked up her tan leather gloves and riding crop, and went in search of Caroline.

  It was a beautiful morning foi a hunt. The weather was crisp and cool, and the ground forgiving out not sloppy. Brie could feel her spirits rise in anticipation, and even Caroline looked forward to the hunt with enthusiasm. The assembly was to meet on Squire Umstead's front lawn. After Brie had bolted down a hasty breakfast and John had brought their mounts around, the three of them set off down the drive.

  Jester behaved well during the quiet ride, but he started to prance when he picked up the distant baying of the foxhounds. Caroline, too, became a bit nervous when they arrived upon the chaotic scene. There were people and animals everywhere. Nearly thirty Belvoir foxhounds—named after the nearby castle—were running in circles, eagerly sniffing at the ground and throwing back their heads to loudly voice their impatience. Spirited horses whinnied and snorted and pawed at the ground while their riders and grooms attempted to control them. Adding to the chaos were keepers caring for the hounds, servants attending their masters, waiters passing mugs of hot mulled wine, and horsemen laughing and calling to each other in loud, excited voices. Caroline stared wide-eyed at the ordered confusion, silently blessing her own gentle mare who stood calmly ignoring the commotion.

  Brie had a difficult time with Jester, but she was glad to be occupied. She was determined not to let herself search for Dominic. Even so, her heart gave an odd little lurch when she spotted Julian threading his way toward them, for she knew Dominic would be somewhere nearby.

  Julian greeted them cheerfully as he trotted up. "Perfect day, isn't it? Dom will be along in a moment. His horse threw a shoe. It seems that his usual luck is deserting him. So, Caroline, you are riding this morning?"

  His tone sounded so dubious that Caroline raised her pert nose in the air. "Isn't that what one is supposed to do in the country?"

  Julian flashed her a boyish grin. "Well, see that you don't fall off. I don't want to be obliged to carry you home."

  "I certainly hope it doesn't come to that! John plans to ride with me, though, so Fanny and I should muddle through well enough."

  Brie listened to their conversation with half a
n ear as her eyes wandered over the crowd. Seeing a flash of color amid a cluster of riders, she paused to study a lovely blonde lady dressed in a vivid shade of orange.

  The woman was a stranger to Brie, but Caroline obviously recognized her; when the blonde broke away from her companions and rode toward them, Caroline gasped.

  The woman addressed Julian first, a cold smile fastened on her lips. "Lord Denville, how pleasant. When I accepted Lady Scofield's invitation for a few weeks in the country, I had no idea so many of my acquaintances would be in the neighborhood." Her gaze swept measuringly over Brie, then Caroline. "My word—Miss Langley, isn't it? I had heard you had to leave London for a period. And how are you enjoying your stay?"

  Caroline looked anything but pleased, but she managed a stiff answer. "Quite well, thank you. I don't believe you have met my cousin, Miss Carringdon. Brie, this is Lady Denise Grayson."

  Lady Denise acknowledged Brie with a slight inclination of her head. "Of course," she said patronizingly. "The country cousin. You must let me have the name of your dressmaker, dear. That is such a quaint riding costume you are wearing."

  Brie was so taken aback by the woman's rudeness that she made no reply. Denise smiled frostily, then returned her attention to Julian. "But where is Dominic? Does he not intend to join the hunt?"

  Looking uncomfortable, Julian murmured some reply about Dominic being along in a moment. When Denise finally turned her mount and made her way back to her own party, he let out a sigh of relief.

  Caroline, on the other hand, was irate. "Of all the nerve! Did you know she was going to be here, Julian?"

  He was still staring after the retreating figure of Lady Denise. "Here?" he replied,frowning. "No, of course not. And I doubt Dominic did either," he added under his breath.

  "How dare she criticize Brie's habit! Especially when her own shows such shockingly bad taste. All those frogs and epaulettes! And that color. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she gets mistaken for the fox, although a cat would be more like it. I have no idea what men see in a woman like that. Then again, I suppose it is obvious." She let the words hang, watching as Dominic's arrival was neatly intercepted by Lady Denise.