As panic started to rise, Lily remembered her disguise. In all likelihood, Lord Lyon had no idea whom he escorted to the dance floor. Lily had made sure none of her closest companions recognized her. The thought gave her pause. She relaxed and smiled behind her mask. She could very easily enjoy Richard’s company without impinging upon societal mores. The thought was empowering and a little dangerous, which suited Lily just fine. Her beloved mother had crowned Lily spirited at birth, saying no yoke would ever harness her. Lily went out of her way to honor her mother’s words and make sure they came true.
Richard swung her around in his arms, positioning her for the waltz that was about to begin. Any other time, she’d worry about the propriety of being seen with a rake, but behind the disguise she felt protected, warm and delicate beneath his cool fingertips, a treasure to be cherished.
He pulled her closer, but not too close and waited for the first strings of Mozart to be plucked. As the music started he turned her, taking her gently around the dance floor. Their feet moved as if they’d been dancing together for lifetimes.
His thumb brushed over her hand and he heard the thud as her heart jumped beneath his touch. Richard fought to keep his smile in check. The soft swell of her breasts was clearly visible with each intake of breath, thanks to her daring costume. He swallowed hard and kept his eyes glued to her masked face, clamping down on his raging need. It would take at least a few more encounters before the lady would allow even the slightest liberties to be taken by him.
Richard knew he could always use mind control on her, but that would defeat his purpose. He wanted Lily to come to him of her own free will, the only acceptable way to ensure their happiness together. He spun her again, his chest scraping her breasts, his thighs brushing between her legs and Lily’s breath caught.
Too quickly the song ended and he escorted her from the floor, but did not release her. Instead he quirked a brow and stared down into her masked face.
“Would you care to take a stroll with me, my lady? You look as if you could use some air.”
She frowned.
“Quite within acceptable distances,” he added quickly.
Lily’s neck flushed pink and her lungs heaved in and out, sending the swell of her creamy breasts even higher. Richard wet his suddenly dry lips. His cock was hard enough to extract diamonds from the ground. Luckily his costume hid his need.
After a moment’s pause, Lily inclined her head and they began to meander. She felt good on his arm—right. They’d made it half way around the room, when they encountered the portly man Richard had observed at Josephine’s a few nights before. The short man’s eyes narrowed on his face.
Lily’s steps faltered. “F-father… it is so nice to see you.” She leaned in as if to kiss the man’s cheek, but remembered at the last second the mask and her disguise.
Richard felt what little blood his body carried drain from his already pale face.
“Lord Lyon, may I present my father, Archibald Sterling, Viscount of Devlin.” Lily swept her trembling hand forward.
The men inclined their heads, but their gazes never wavered from each other’s faces.
Lily looked from one to the other. “Do you two know each other?” Her tone darkened.
“No,” Richard said at the same time Devlin said yes.
Her father coughed, then reached out and took her hand from Richard’s sleeve. “My dear, do an old man a favor and fetch me some punch, before you get the dowagers to nattering.”
Lily stiffened, but inclined her head. “Of course, Father.” She turned to Lord Lyon. “If you’ll excuse me.”
He gave her a curt nod and smiled, despite the tension in his body.
Lily walked away, heading for the refreshments in the other room. Lord Devlin watched her retreat, along with Richard. Once she’d disappeared, the older man turned to him. His voice was a harsh whisper as he began to speak.
“I want you to stay away from my daughter,” he hissed. “She’s not your type.”
Richard felt his anger rise as he realized the man’s implication. He knew it would do no good to try to explain his actions of the other night. From the set of Devlin’s jaw he was in no mood to listen. Richard fisted his hand at his side. “You are making a dire mistake, my lord. My intentions toward your daughter are nothing but honorable.”
“I’ve seen what you consider honorable, my lord and I shall have none of it. You are a rake and a scoundrel and you’ve ruined too many good men. My friend, Lord William Longfellow is still struggling with funds thanks to you.”
Richard stomach clenched. This wasn’t about the girl after all. It was about friendship—and money. “So you’re a friend of Longfellow, I should have known.” He’d never regretted what he’d done to Longfellow until this second, but he knew in his heart he’d do it again given the same circumstances. Richard’s gaze pinned Archibald in place. “I’ll have you know I’ve never ruined a good man, only bad men who’ve cheated me or innocent and defenseless women. Are you a bad man, Devlin?”
Devlin’s face flushed with anger. “Justify your behavior anyway you choose, but you shall not cost me again.” His body trembled with rage.
“Cost you?” Richard arched a brow, unsure how he’d cost Archibald a thing. There was only one way to find out. Richard entered Devlin’s mind like a shadow cast upon stones, creeping forward inch by inch. The man was focused on the blunt his friend had been about to loan him. Richard had entered the picture, putting an end to Lord William Longfellow’s funds.
He withdrew slowly, keeping his presence cloaked. Before exiting completely he caught a glimpse of Martins in Devlin’s mind. What was Devlin up to now? Lily’s father had just unwittingly confirmed Richard’s worst suspicions. This was about money. He may wrap it in the guise of loyalty and friendship, but the bottom line was money.
Archibald blinked and shook his head as if to clear it. “You’ll find I shan’t roll over quite as quickly as my friend. It’ll take more than a few whispers in select ears to cast aspersions on my character.” Devlin gestured wildly. “Heed my warning or suffer the consequences.”
“I do not like to be threatened.” Richard smiled, for a split second flashing his fangs. “As your friend, Longfellow found out… the hard way.”
The man’s eyes widened and he gulped, but then as if realizing what he’d seen must have been his imagination, he puffed out his chest once more. “You heard me, Lyon. I shall not have you sniffing around Lily. You are not welcome to pursue her acquaintance. You are not welcome anywhere near her. Arrangements are in place that do not include the likes of you.” With that Lord Devlin spun around and sauntered off in the direction he’d sent Lily.
Arrangements? Richard felt the skin tear in his palm as his nails dug into his flesh. Despite Devlin’s warnings he had no intention of giving up his prize. It had taken him far too long to find her. Although he was certain Lily would frown upon being referred to as such.
The thought of her outraged expression brought a smile back to his face. With little recourse, Richard sent out a mind control surge to Devlin, keeping him from reaching Lily. Disoriented, he’d wander for awhile, but then would be perfectly fine within an hour or so.
Carrying two glasses of punch Lily returned moments later to the spot her father had occupied earlier.
Richard reached for one of the glasses. “Thank you, my lady.” He raised the punch in salute and pretended to drink.
“Where’s Father?” she looked around, searching the crowd. She lifted her mask just enough to take a sip of punch, but still managed to keep her face concealed.
Richard grinned. “He excused himself from my company, saying something about a prior engagement.”
From the set of Lily’s fine jaw and the color rising up her neck, Richard could tell she was upset. “The only important engagement he’d have at this time of night is at Caulfield’s with Madam Josephine.” The disgust in her voice was evident.
Richard quirked a brow. “And just how
would a lady such as you know about such a place?”
Lily slanted him a glance from beneath her gold and white mask. “Just yesterday you praised me for my intelligence. Do you now accuse me of being addle-brained?”
“Not at all, just pleasantly surprised.” Richard laughed. “But you needn’t worry about Josephine. I believe your father said he was off to find your Aunt, Lady Margaret, Duchess of Dreyer.”
She visibly relaxed.
Although for Lily to be aware of her father’s frequent visits to Josephine’s he’d have to spend an unusual amount of time at the den. Amelia’s innocent face flashed in his mind. Would Archibald place Lily in the same position given time?
For Lord Devlin’s sake, he’d better hope not. Richard knew that if her father gambled away her virtue the way he did his blunt, he’d show the man very little mercy, if any after Luc and Armand finished with him.
“Come stroll with me.”
“I’m not sure that’s such a good idea, my lord.”
Richard smiled reassuringly. “We shan’t be more than a few minutes and I promise not to bite.” This time.
They set their punch glasses down on a cluttered sideboard and continued through the crowd, until they reached the open French doors leading onto the terrace and out into the gardens. “Would you care to step out into the night air?”
Other couples strolled along the terrace, near the balustrade, in view of various chaperones, so there was no chance of creating a scandal. Lily looked back over her shoulder one last time to scan the crowd before giving her assent. Richard led her out into the cool night air. They passed several people, exchanging greetings, before continuing on.
He was familiar with all the houses in town, because he’d been visiting them for centuries. The first time he’d come to London most had not been constructed. In this particular house, Richard knew if he turned the next corner, they’d find themselves in the shadows—easily protected from prying eyes, but still within acceptable boundaries.
A sliver of a moon peaked out from behind wispy cloud cover. The smell of roses wafted in the night air from the garden below. Richard couldn’t decide which was lovelier, the flower itself or the delicate rose perfume coming from the lady beside him. He chose the latter. Richard guided Lily around the corner, where darkness closed around them. She reached up and slipped the clasp holding her mask in place.
“Why Lady Lily Devlin, I had no idea it was you.” Richard teased.
Her lips tilted into a smile and her blue eyes narrowed. “You’ve known all along it was me, even before encountering Father.” She laughed.
Richard laughed, too.
“I must confess.” His hand went to his heart and he stood a little straighter. “I did know it was you hiding your beauty behind that fiendish mask.”
Lily glanced down at the mask in her hand. “‘It is not so fiendish. I thought it rather clever.”
He reached for the mask and held it up, only a tuft of moonlight reflected against the painted features. Richard grimaced. “It almost scared the wits out of me. I’m surprised you didn’t notice me shaking during our waltz.”
He smoothed his face, trying to appear serious, but it wasn’t achievable in her presence. She brought out the goodness in him, if that was even possible. Richard reached out and captured her hand, bringing it to his lips. Lily’s eyes widened and her breath caught.
“My Lord, I do not think this is a good idea. Perhaps we should return.” She glanced around.
He did not release her hand.
“There are others nearby who could bring scandal upon my head, if by chance they viewed our exchange,” she whispered.
“I would never allow such a thing to happen.” His face hardened as he imagined anyone trying to dispraise Lily. “You have my word as a gentleman and my protection, if it is needed.”
He kissed her fingers again. Lily’s mouth parted, forming a silent ‘O’. Richard could see the confusion swimming in her eyes. She was attracted to him. He could hear her heart speed up anytime he neared. She just didn’t know what to do about it in her innocence.
His gaze traced the curve of her mouth. The temptation of those rosy lips was more than Richard could stand. He swooped in, his mouth coming down on hers in a crushing embrace. The first taste was like being catapulted to the stars. Soft and warm, heavenly bliss, her mouth was like escaping into another realm. Richard wallowed in her unguarded response, savoring her honeyed essence.
Remembering her inexperience, he calmed his movements, softening his touch. Her hands unconsciously slipped around his neck, her fingers sinking into his hair, driving her slender body impossibly closer. He stepped forward until they were within a whisper of touching. His body thrummed with need. Richard’s mouth continued to ravish her, nipping at her lower lip, tasting the sweet nectar, uniquely Lily’s.
Within moments she was kissing him back, tentatively at first and then with more confidence. Her teeth sought his lips as she mimicked his earlier actions. Richard’s cock hardened to the point of madness, driving all reason from his head. He hadn’t had anyone bite him since his change so many years ago. Her nibbles ripped away his defenses. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth and heard her gasp. It only took a few stabs until she sparred back. Her innocent exploration inflamed him. He willed his fangs to stay drawn.
Lily’s rose perfume surrounded them. Her lips were soft and pliable beneath his fevered kiss. Richard longed to draw her to him, feel her full breasts crushed against his chest. But not yet, it was too soon. He had already stepped over the line by embracing her. Gently he pulled back from the kiss, giving her swollen lips one last lick before allowing them both to catch their breaths.
It was better than he’d imagined. Like seeing the sun for the last time, her brilliance was flawless. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. He was far too cynical for that, but… She truly was everything he’d ever searched for in a woman… in a bloodmate and he planned to make her his for all eternity, if only she’d agree.
Richard banished any thought of Lily turning him away. He couldn’t imagine existing for centuries without her beauty and light surrounding him, so he purged it from his mind. He would woo her as he should, and convince her beyond doubt that they were meant to be together. Perhaps in time she would grow to love him. Richard swore he would find a way to convince Lord Archibald Devlin to grant his suit without using his powers of control.
Lily’s lungs heaved. She couldn’t seem to get enough air. Her head spun from Richard’s powerful kiss. She could still taste him in her mouth, on her skin, a spicy mint with a hint of coppery tang that refused to leave her senses. Lily had never been kissed like that before, actually she’d never been kissed at all.
Lord Martins had tried, but his clumsy groping had left her cold. Her toes were still curled from Richard’s embrace. So much so, she didn’t think she’d be able to walk back to the ballroom. Her body trembled and an unfamiliar ache had begun between her thighs that she had no idea how to assuage.
She wondered whether all of Richard’s kisses were like this, so drugging, so addictive. On the rare occasion she’d come upon a couple in an embrace they hadn’t seemed to be so breathless and disoriented as she felt now. It had to be Richard and something he’d done to her. But for the life of her, Lily couldn’t figure out what. His rakish ways had somehow invaded her wits, slipped below her defenses. Her thoughts were in turmoil as she put her mask back on.
“We’d better return before we’re missed.” His voice sounded ragged and unusually strained.
Her eyes went to his face. He didn’t appear to be as confused as she, but the urgency in his gaze hadn’t been there before. A look of steadfast determination emerged clearly written on his chiseled features. Lily smiled and extended her hand, grateful for the added support, albeit temporary.
They returned in time to join another quadrille. Richard led her right out onto the dance floor without pause, his firm arm supporting her unsteady weight. They danced one
last time, before the evening drew to a close. Lily couldn’t miss the speculative glances as Richard escorted her back to her father and her Aunt, Lady Margaret, Duchess of Dreyer.
The expression on Lord Devlin’s face was unreadable, stony. His eyes flicked to the ton surrounding them, causing Lily to look too. From the dowager’s whispers and a few arched brows, Lily realized Richard’s intentions toward her had been made clear to the whole ton by his actions tonight. If he chose to back off now, there was a very good chance her reputation would be tarnished, if not ruined. Yet, he made no attempt to hide. His actions spoke volumes. He’d claimed her, plain and simple. And despite the fabulous kiss, Lily wasn’t at all sure how she felt about that.
Chapter Four
Lily stood in the library staring out the window at the darkened lawn, her mask dangling from her fingertips. A fire warmed her back, casting ghostly shadows upon the window pane.
“I want you to have nothing to do with Lord Lyon. Do you understand, gel?” The agitation in her father’s voice grated on Lily’s nerves.
“No Father, I don’t.” Lily shook her head. “Is he not established? Does he not have title and riches greater than my own? You told me to capture the attention of someone who could return our family to their former standing. I did so in spades.”
“I gave you the names of the men who you should have been trying to tempt, but you disobeyed me. I will not have it, daughter.” He growled, shaking his head. “I’m telling you, gel, Lord Lyon is a monster. He ruined my friend Longfellow for the sheer pleasure of it, left the man without a farthing to his name. You have no idea what that fiasco cost me. He’d ruin me if I gave him half the chance.”
Lily’s eyes widened at her father’s strange comment. “Why in the world would you say that? Aunt Margaret seems to think he’s a fine catch.”
Devlin grabbed Lily by the upper arms spinning her until she faced him. “Leave her out of it.” His eyes blazed with anger and fear.
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