Because of their engagement, they had more freedom spending time together without having to worry about the dowagers’ tongues wagging. Lily let out a ragged sigh. Tonight she’d tell Richard the truth. Give him the opportunity to honorably back out of their engagement, no matter the scandal.
Lord Lyon arrived as the sun set exactly seven days later, having impatiently passed the time at Caulfield’s, Watier’s, and his home. He’d seen Rose only long enough to seek nourishment, avoiding physical contact by planting delicious memories in her mind of things that hadn’t happened. He still felt guilty for deceiving a friend, but couldn’t bring himself to touch her now that his feelings for Lily had solidified.
Richard placed his calling card on the side table after being welcomed inside by Sims. He removed his gloves and held them in his hands waiting for Lily to make her entrance. The roses he’d sent were scattered throughout the entry and in the parlor. The house smelled like a horticulturalist’s dream, fragrant and sweet. He’d become so accustomed to their nocturnal visits, tasting and savoring Lily’s succulent essence, that the mere fragrance of flowers triggered an erection.
At that thought, Richard looked up in time to see Lily sweeping down the staircase in a lavender silk gown, her skin paler than normal. She wore the garnet necklace and the ruby and diamond earrings he’d sent her. The cut of the gown was daring, giving glimpses of the tops of her creamy globes. Every breath she took vibrated the satiny skin.
Richard wet his lips, his mouth suddenly dry. She was a vision with her blonde curls and lovely face. If he managed not to rip the gown from her body, it would be a miracle indeed. She approached him warily. Richard hid a triumphant smile, giving her all the time she needed. It was the least he could do under the circumstances. In his excitement, he’d acted inappropriately. It would not happen again.
Lily reached the spot he was rooted to and held out her hand in greeting. “Lord Lyon, it’s so nice of you to call upon me.”
Richard pressed her fingertips, bowed, and planted a kiss on the back of her knuckles. Her eyes widened in what appeared to be surprise, before quickly schooling her expression. Richard fought the smile that threatened to break out across his face. It wouldn’t do to show his relief that she wasn’t immune to his touch.
“My lady, the honor is all mine.” He placed her hand upon his sleeve, preparing to guide her out to his carriage.
“Wait.” She stilled his movements. “I thought perhaps, with my maid Tildy present, we might take our leave in the parlor for a change.”
Richard smiled and quirked a brow. “As you wish, my lady. I’m here only to please you.”
Lily’s fingers trembled beneath his touch as the words left his mouth. Richard liked having her physically aware of him. He may have missed six days of formally courting her, but the nights had been their own private Gomorra filled with passionate moans, skin on skin, and delicious release. It got harder and harder to resist the call of her blood, and Richard’s cock had been in a constant state of arousal as he fought the nightly urge to join with her.
He escorted Lily into the parlor, sitting her on a chaise near the fire. He took a seat in a chair opposite and noted the entrance of her maid, Tildy. She slipped into a corner chair at the end of the room, trying to be discreet.
“My lady, you wished to see me.” He prompted, curious as to what was on her mind.
“Yes, my lord. I wish to discuss our engagement.” She waved in Tildy’s direction and the maid scurried out of the room.
Before Richard could ask, Lily spoke. “I’ve sent Tildy for tea. I wished to have a moment alone, despite propriety.”
Richard inclined his head. He’d like nothing more than to have Lily alone for hours, days, months, perhaps years, as long as she was naked and spread wide beneath him. He was too jaded to hope for an eternity. “What is it you wished to discuss?”
“I wanted to be certain of your intentions.” Lily glanced at the fire.
“You jest, right?”
She looked back into his face, which remained impassive. “No, I’m quite serious.”
“I thought I’d been perfectly clear about my intentions,” he forced out.
Lily arched a brow. “You’ve been clear to everyone but me, I fear.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means that I’ve heard not one word one from you directly stating your intentions nor your… feelings.” She all but murmured the last word.
Had Richard been mortal he wouldn’t have heard her whispered request. As it was, he’d heard everything a bit too clearly. She wanted him to declare himself right here in her parlor, despite the fact that the banns had already been announced.
Richard shifted uncomfortably. He’d hoped to avoid this part, instead showing her with deeds and actions how he felt about her. Obviously, it wasn’t enough. Richard knew in his heart she deserved to hear the words that were so difficult for him to speak. But so be it, if she longed for the words he’d give them to her.
“But before you do so I think there is something you ought to know.” She tugged at the sleeves of her gown. “I’ve spent my life being brushed aside. I cannot bear the thought of my marriage being more of the same.” She paused. “You probably see me as someone who can be easily manipulated.”
“That’s not true, my lady.”
Lily held up her hand, halting his words. “It’s true I’ve allowed my father many liberties in the past, because I’ve had little to no choice. But hear me when I say no one will manipulate my heart. Not now. Not ever. So if that is your intent, then I ask, no I beg, my lord that you leave me now and never return.”
“My lady, I have done many things I am not proud of, but taking you for granted is not one of them.”
Lily stared at him for what felt like an eternity, looking as if she attempted to discern the truth of his words by mere concentration. “Very well.”
Tildy entered the room pushing the tea trolley before her. Her gaze went to Lily’s face, then Richard’s before widening. Unsure what to do she paused before continuing further in the room. Tea was served quicker than Richard had ever seen it done so in proper society. Tildy curtsied once they each had a cup, and then excused herself from the room to go in search of the other cakes she had forgotten.
Richard and Lily were once again left in silence. The fire crackled and popped, giving off plenty of heat. One of the bouquets of flowers sat on a side table, perfuming the air. Richard set his teacup down and rose to his feet, dropping to one knee before Lily. The cup she held started to rattle from her fingers trembling, so he removed it from her grip before continuing.
Lily jumped to her feet, pulling him up with her. “My lord, before you say something you might regret, I think it’s vital that you know one more thing… I am without dowry.” Her face flushed, glowing pink.
Richard paused, but for a moment. “Are you certain of this?”
“Quite certain, my lord.”
“Well then I see no alternative.”
Her heart clenched. “I understand.” Lily nodded, trying to blank her expression.
“No, I don’t think you do.” Richard reached for her arm and guided her back into the seat. He dropped to one knee once more. “I have no need of your dowry and I shall say nothing that will be regretted in the light of day. What I want is infinitely more precious.” He reached for her hands and brought them to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss to each. “Lady Lily Devlin, you would do me great honor if you’d agree to be my wife.”
Tears filled Lily’s eyes. She’d longed to hear those words pass from Richard’s lips, even though at the time she had not known it. In her wildest imaginings she’d had him propose over and over, yet the real thing easily overshadowed her dreams.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he bit out, his voice unsteady.
Lily pulled her hands free and searched for a handkerchief, waving him away once she’d found it.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Richard
frowned, concern written all over his handsome face.
“I’m sorry. I suppose I’m being silly.” She sniffled. “I just hadn’t anticipated the impact of your words.” Lily tried to give him a smile but it turned out to be watery.
Richard reached for her hand. “Lily, though I’ve known you but a short while, rest assured you and you alone, hold my heart. There is no one else in my life.”
Lily beamed at his confession. “Truly?”
Richard smiled. “I truly want you to be my wife, if you’ll have me.”
Lily jumped up from the chair and threw herself in Richard’s arms. “I’ve waited a lifetime to hear someone say those words to me. I’m glad that it was you, my lord.” She pressed her face into his chest before drawing back to look in his eyes. “I can no more deny my feelings, than deny myself air.”
Richard kissed her tenderly, before whispering, “I know,” against her lips. “Do you think you might forgive my impetuousness in announcing the banns before securing your acceptance and perhaps find it in your heart to call me Richard?”
Lily laughed. “But of course, my l—Richard.”
Tildy cleared her throat before stepping into the room, giving them just enough time to separate for propriety sake. Lily glanced her way to mouth thank you and saw tears floating in her maid’s eyes. Obviously, Tildy had already overheard her good news. Lily smiled and beckoned her forward. Apparently, she’d been unable to locate more cakes on her trip to the kitchen. Lily laughed and squeezed Tildy’s hands before sending her back to her post in the chair.
When her maid had settled, Richard turned back to Lily. He grasped one hand and brought it to his mouth, pressing a kiss to her palm. Lily quivered beneath his touch, as desire filled her.
“Would you care to go for a ride?”
“I’d love to. Give me time to ready myself.” Lily slipped her fingers from his grip and strode out of the parlor. Tildy jumped up immediately following in her wake.
A quarter of an hour later, Lily appeared in the doorway to the parlor dressed for an evening ride. Richard escorted her out of the house and into his waiting carriage, cloaking her from prying eyes. He seated himself behind his team and guided the carriage out into the cobbled streets; past the fine houses of high society, to the relative peace of the wooded park. Upon reaching the gates he pulled over and helped Lily up onto the driver’s bench. They rambled along the worn trail, enjoying the sounds of London as night enveloped the city.
Carriages traveled the busy streets taking people to the various balls and dinners happening in the haut ton. Church bells pealed in the distance. A few gentlemen strolled down the street unaware of the black carriage sitting in the darkness amongst the trees, their resonant voices boisterous while not in the company of ladies. Lily listened to the click of their canes as they disappeared into the night. The strange murky stench that was London assailed her senses, wrapping around her like thick porridge on a cold winter’s morning.
Lily turned to the man beside her after the men passed by. Richard’s black eyes flashed red in the moonlight as he gazed upon her face. A fierce look of raw desire and hunger swam in his ebony depths. The first time Lily had seen that look, it had frightened her. Now she found it strangely reassuring, although the intensity of his presence at times disconcerted her.
But as the weeks since they first met passed, she found herself drawn to his fire, fanning the flames sparking just below the surface of his civility, unable to resist the pull that started at her feminine juncture and spread throughout her entire body. He was temptation incarnate and soon she’d know him by a far more intimate name—husband.
Would he live up to the man in her dreams? There was no way of knowing.
Because of the promise he’d made to himself, Richard tried to prevent Lily’s thoughts from entering his mind, but they flowed like an unchecked river bashing at his defenses. To stem the flow from trickling further, he dove in capturing Lily’s lips in a piercing kiss. Savagely he drank from the melliferous sweetness of her mouth, until her mind blanked. Her heart’s staccato beat kept time with his throbbing need. Richard nibbled at her lower lip, then stormed in as she opened, plundering her bounty with his own thunderous need.
She’d admitted she loved him. Would she feel the same once she learned the truth? Richard wanted to believe with all his heart she would, but deep down he wasn’t sure. Perhaps the time had come to move their intimacy up a level. She was his love, his life—his world. Without her his existence bordered on futile.
Lily moaned against his fevered invasion. Richard pulled back, breaking the kiss, his breathing, as ragged as her own as he fought to slow his racing heart. With shaking hands he picked up the leather ribbons and guided the team deeper into the park, off the trail. When he’d found a suitable spot he tethered the pair to a nearby tree, then handed Lily down.
“Shall we stroll or would you care to take shelter within the carriage?” His hand enveloped hers, taking care to be gentle with her dainty bones.
Her eyes, swimming with passion, glowed bright in the moonlight. Her cheeks flushed as she stared in the distance, then back at the unmarked carriage. Lily trembled.
“Perhaps, we might finish our talk within the confines of the carriage,” she suggested demurely, rubbing her arms as if she were cold.
Richard stilled Lily’s hands, lifting one to his mouth. He heard her heart trip, then begin to beat frantically. “Please forgive me for being so inconsiderate of your needs.” He escorted her to the transport, held the door open and assisted her into the carriage.
He wasn’t about to let her know he knew her thoughts, as if they were his own, understood her wants, even though she herself did not. And he hadn’t even read her mind, yet. Well, at least not purposely…
It was not for a lady to express those sorts of things to a gentleman… outside of the bedroom. If she wanted to feign being cold he was more than happy to play along. He wanted nothing more than to share a few intimate moments with her out of the public eye, with her awareness engaged.
Lily sat on the seat, nervously straightening her skirts. The smell of rich leather surrounded her, attesting to the fact that the carriage interior had been recently oiled. Her heart raced in her chest as Richard climbed up and slid in beside her. She couldn’t believe how brazen she’d been last night.
Like it or not, Richard’s influence rubbed off. Nervously she pressed the curls at the side of her head, examining them with her fingertips. In the quiet darkness of the carriage, her breath sounded thunderous to her own ears. She had to calm down. He was just a man. She was just a woman. It was only a few dreams. Except it was more than that and Lily knew it.
Her mind filled in the gaps of that simple analysis. He was a very virile and handsome man who had the reputation of being a complete rakehell. In her dreams he’d been insatiable in his eagerness to bring her pleasure. He also now held the title of fiancé and in a few days time would become her husband. The thought had Lily fanning her face with her hand. She had no idea how she’d survive the marriage bed, if the dreams turned out to be anywhere near reality.
“Are you all right, my dear?”
Lily turned to him, trying to see his expression in the dark. The angle of the moonlight gave her only a glimpse of his sinful mouth, with those firm lips and flashing white teeth. She gulped and faced forward again.
“Quite fine. Why do you ask?”
Richard slid his arm around the back of the seat, but did not touch her. “You seem a little flushed. Is it something that I said?”
“N-no,” Lily squeaked.
He tipped her chin with one finger until she again looked in his direction. “Perhaps you are recalling the last time we found ourselves alone in the back of my carriage..?”
Lily’s lips parted. The carriage hadn’t been what she’d been thinking about, but it was now. “I’m not sure I understand your meaning.”
Richard leaned forward until his face rested but mere inches from hers. His breath
lazily caressed her cheek. “Perhaps you’d like me to refresh your memory.”
He didn’t give her a chance to answer. His mouth came down upon hers, greedily. Grazing and coaxing, surging and skimming, the kiss blistering. Lily found herself treading familiar waters. The pulling at her mouth was answered in kind by the aching between her thighs.
Need scorched her, drove her to press her hands into his chest, sliding them up the solid wall of muscle that constructed his chest and around his nape. Weaving her fingers through his hair she pulled him forward, closing the tiny gap between them. The second her soft breasts made contact with his taut body, Lily was lost, like every other night when they had done this in her dream. Reality merged with fantasy. She felt the buttons slip from her pelisse as Richard swiftly stripped it from her body. She let her arms drop long enough for him to pull it off and toss it onto the bench across from them.
Richard wasted no time undoing the buttons of her gown. He slid the material off of her shoulders and to her waist. He tugged at her chemise until he’d bared her breasts, and then his mouth was upon her nipples, drawing and laving. Lily’s body exploded with sensation, raw savage need gripping her. Her rosy peaks engorged, stabbing out for his seeking lips. He circled one then the other, tasting, weighing, and palming her fullness. It was better than the dream, so much better—and yet the same. His touch, his kiss, the subtle stroke of his hand, everything seemed similar.
Was that possible?
With a scrape of his teeth across her nipples, Lily brushed the troubling thought aside and wriggled trying to get closer to the drugging heat he created with his marvelous mouth.
The last time he’d touched her it had been amazing, but that had been with his hands through her chemise, now he was using his mouth—skin on glorious skin. Lily didn’t think she’d be able to take much more. Her nipples tingled. His hands roved freely over her breasts, kneading and stroking. Lily arched beneath him, whimpering in pleasure. Dizzying warmth radiated throughout her body. She needed more. The cleft between her legs ached, demanding attention. In her dreams, he’d touched her there and she’d exploded into a million shimmering lights.
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