Loudoun couldn’t help it, a grin eased across his face at the thought of being happily wed to May. “So if I offer for May, you’ll accept my suit over Rutland’s?”
“Only if you promise to visit England often.” Barrett cleared his throat. “I don’t jest. May is like my daughter and I must see her as much as possible.”
Loudoun gave a nod, relief near making him weak. “I’d prefer a country estate over a London town house for the second residence. Are there any nearby you for sale?”
“You have properties already.” Barrett raised one eyebrow.
“Do you find them to be close enough to your holdings?” One corner of Loudoun’s mouth tipped up.
Barrett gave a grin. “I’m sure we can find something nearby that will be suitable.” He stood then and crossed the room to shake Loudoun’s hand. “I keep losing my very best employees to marriage. But then again, a new generation of Maddox will be ready soon. We’ll have to make do.”
Loudoun stood too. “I’ll return to England with you to meet the rest of her family, but is it possible to marry before we leave? I find I don’t want to wait.” He wasn’t lying, but it would be best not to disclose that a child could possibly be on the way.
Barrett raised an eyebrow. “I’ll allow it. But I won’t help you when you face Chris and Alex.”
Loudoun straightened. “I’d rather face a whole army of men then cross an ocean without first making May mine.”
Barrett’s other eyebrow lifted. “I understand.”
A rustle behind him made him turn. May stood in the open doorway. “I was wondering where you two were. Have you had breakfast already? I find I am famished this morning.”
Loudoun’s body tightened with desire at the thought of why she was famished this morning. She looked so lovely in a simple morning gown with her hair loosely coifed. He could only pray that Barrett was correct and they would be happy together. Because he couldn’t be without her.
Today he would purchase a ring for her as a token of his commitment and affection. Tomorrow they’d begin planning the wedding.
15
May looked from Barrett to Lucius as she stood in the doorway. Something had just happened. Both men were shifty, fidgety, not making eye contact. What were they not telling her?
“Would anyone care to join me?” she asked, since they hadn’t answered her query.
“For what?” Barrett asked.
Loudoun simply stared at her intently.
She gave an exasperated sigh. “For breakfast.”
“Of course,” Loudoun finally answered. “Let me escort you.”
Barrett cleared his throat. “I have a great deal to do and I’ve already eaten.” Then he sat back down at the desk.
Turning, she started down the hall but within seconds Loudoun had caught up to her, his hand snaking around her waist. The other clasped her hand as he whisked her down the hall into an empty sitting room.
As soon as he snapped the door closed, he pulled her against him kissing her with a passion she hadn’t thought possible before breaking fast. It filled her with heat and excitement.
“Barrett has consented to our match.” He spoke between kisses.
“You asked him already?” she gasped. As soon as her mouth was open, his tongue licked across her lips to touch hers. She groaned with need.
“I love it when you make noises like that,” he whispered as he kissed a trail to her ear.
Her mind was becoming clouded. But there was a doubt niggling in the back of her thoughts and she needed to grasp it and voice it before it was too late. “Lucius, I am thrilled. But I have to ask. What has changed? You were adamant you wouldn’t marry.”
He pulled back a little and, taking her hand, led her back to the door. “We should get you something to eat.” He kissed her temple. “I told you last night. I want you and I can’t deny it anymore.”
That statement bounced around her thoughts all morning. There was something wrong with it, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.
A box arrived from the dressmaker’s. Bringing it up to her room, she pulled out the white gown she had ordered as a threat to Loudoun. She should have known then what he needed was kindness.
She’d have to try it on. What would Loudoun think when he saw her in it? Would he be overcome with lust? Would he declare his undying love?
In that moment she understood. She had murmured over and over the words of love as he had touched her. Kissed her. He’d only said that he wanted her. Heart pounding clutched the dress to her chest. What if he didn’t love her, all the while she was mad about him?
He told her his greatest fear was that he wouldn’t be able to give her enough? Was this what he was referring to?
She’d told him he was wrong. But what if he wasn’t? What if he never grew to love her and she gave away feelings that he never returned. Her heart twisted painfully.
Leaving the dress on the bed, she headed for the garden at the back of the property. She needed time to think before it was too late.
Stepping through the door, she began walking toward her favorite bench, the one she’d been using to read while they stayed.
Her head dropped to her hands. There was no choice to make really. She loved him, she sworn patience and she didn’t want to be married to anyone else.
But it made her ache a little to think about.
Sitting up, she took a ragged breath. She had to remain positive. Those feelings would come in time if she just loved him.
But she had no more thought it when arms wrapped around her, and a hand clamped around her mouth. Trying to scream, the sound was completely muffled.
Twisting, she searched for more men, sure the assailants from before had returned. But she saw no one and turning her head, she caught the profile of the man behind her. William Wurts Junior.
“Hold still now,” he gasped in her ear. His strong arms locked tighter around her. “I’m sorry about this but my father wants you in the family. He’ll be able to get what he needs out of the duke that way.”
She tried to protest but his hand muffled her words.
“You’re beautiful.” His lips were pressing to her ear. “I’m sure we can make a match work.”
She fought harder then as he started pulling her through the back gate towards an alley. A carriage came into view, parked with a driver sitting above. He looked petrified as his eyes landed on them.
Knowing if he wrestled her into that carriage, she’d never get away, her movements became frantic.
The elder Wurts stuck his head out the door and gave them his slimy smile. “Relax, my dear. We simply need to speak with you. Something your guardian would not allow.” He winked at her. “We thought it might be less frightening this time if we came for you ourselves.”
This time? The attackers’ words came back to her then. She’d been so focused on the fear she’d forgotten that they’d referred to delivering her to someone. Wurts had been behind it the entire time.
“He still won’t.” Loudoun growled from her right.
And then he was on them and his fist connected with Willy’s face. The man staggered and she was sure they would both fall but Loudoun spun her out of his arms and was carrying her at lightning speed back into the garden bellowing for help.
She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight as servants began pouring out of the house. “Send word to the police,” he barked. “Find His Grace.”
Before the maid had even moved, Barrett came barreling out of the house. “What has happened?”
“Wurts and his son tried to steal her through the back gate. I only just arrived to find them.”
“Hold off on the police,” Barrett bellowed and he sprinted through the gate, motioning for a few of the stable hands to follow.
Loudoun stared after them for a moment, but she buried her head in his shoulder. “Stay with me.” She wanted to touch him, be near him. An understanding settled over her heart. Maybe he’d never tell her he loved he
r. But every time she needed him, he was there. Whether he was saving her or offering for her hand in marriage.
“Are you hurt?” he murmured gruffly.
“No, just frightened,” she replied.
He dropped his forehead to hers, capturing her lips in a kiss. “I’ll see that they pay for this mistake.”
“They were behind the last attempt too. Wurts admitted as much.” She shook her head. “To think I actually considered marrying him.”
He made a guttural noise deep in his throat. “I will tear him apart with my bare hands.”
She shook her head and then leaned her forehead against his chest. It didn’t matter when she was next to him like this. Here, she was safe. “You’ve done enough. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t come.”
He whisked her into the house, swinging her into his arms. “It was pure chance.” He captured her lips again.
HE’D NEARLY LOST HER. His heart was still hammering in his chest. The other night, he’d been following, her, closing the gap. He’d seen the men stalking her and he’d, in turn, stalked them.
But today, he hadn’t seen Wurts coming at all. He’d simply come around the corner, on his way from the jewelers no less, to see Willy trying to stuff her into his carriage.
He’d like to have pounded his flesh several more times, but his fear had overridden his anger. Just getting her to safety had been all that mattered.
“I’m so fortunate to have you.” She kissed him as he put her feet back on the ground while still holding her in his arms.
The feel of her body sliding against his had his body humming with need and he pressed her closer to him. “No, love. I’m lucky to have you. I couldn’t--”
The door swung open. Barrett walked through, growling at Loudoun as his eyes raked up and down their embrace. “The Wurts are in your study. Shall we?”
Loudoun gave a nod. “I’ll escort May to her room then meet you there.”
Barrett frowned but nodded as he turned and left.
Five minutes later, he entered his study. William held a bloody cloth to his nose as he stood to the side while the elder Wurts sat in front of the desk.
Barrett, rather than being behind the desk, had stationed himself against the back wall. Loudoun raised his eyebrows, but for the first time since Barrett arrived, he took his seat behind the desk. The message was clear. He was in charge of this interaction, both on a personal and business level.
“I want you to tell me why I shouldn’t have the police here to arrest you.” His voice was deadly quiet as he allowed his eyes to do most of the talking.
Wurts senior cleared his throat. “William is so smitten with Miss Stanly that he had to try--”
“Try again,” Loudoun growled. William certainly found her attractive but not nearly as much so as the gaming tables. This was not about love.
“Are you accusing me of lying?” Wurts had paled but he held his ground.
Loudoun narrowed his eyes. “Even in America, our position within the peerage affords us luxuries other men don’t have. In this interaction we will be given the benefit of the doubt. Start giving me actual answers or I will beat them out of your son. Nothing would give me greater pleasure.”
William looked over the top of the cloth he was still holding to his bleeding nose. “No one is more aware of the position you hold than my father.”
“Ahh, I see. You hoped to tie your business and your family to His Grace’s so that you might enjoy the same benefits.” Loudoun looked both men up and down, his lip curling in disdain. “You’ll give us the contract. We will receive an increased margin of profit and in return, the police will not be involved. If you ever step in the same room as Miss Stanly, I will make sure that you don’t walk out of it.”
“What profit margin do you have in mind?” Wurts’s voice shook a little as he spoke.
“You’ll receive the papers this afternoon. I expect them back on my desk by this evening. If I don’t, the police will be by to personally collect them.” Loudoun wanted to toss them both in jail, it’s what they deserved. But, it would not be in the best interest of either him or Barrett, and most especially not May. He didn’t want her introduction to her new home to be as a witness for a kidnapping trial.
Wurts gave a nod and Willy continued to hold his nose. Both men rose, and Barrett stood, escorting them out the door.
He returned shortly. “Will it bother you if I have a drink?”
“Not at all,” Loudoun answered truthfully. Now that May was his, the urge to drink was completely gone. It had been May he’d craved all along.
Barrett looked at him. “You seemed to be struggling for a bit.”
“It turned out that what I wanted all along was May. She was what I craved. Now that I have her, my ship has righted, so to speak.”
“I’d say I would be worried for you but May will never give you reason to doubt. She has picked you and that girl is as loyal as she is stubborn. She should have been born a Maddox.”
Loudoun grinned. “You’ve made yourself a wonderful family. Thank you for allowing me to join it.”
“Seven years ago, or now?” Barrett winked at him. A most unexpected gesture. “I wouldn’t have helped you if I didn’t think you had true merit. And that made you family then.”
Loudoun swallowed. He realized that all this time, Barrett had been like a father to him too, much the way he’d been to May. “You’ve done so much for me.”
“I know you’re smart enough to see people for what they are. If you open your heart to the ones who are good inside, no matter what is on the surface, you will see how much your own life benefits. I have gained so much since I let Piper into my heart. You, May, my other friends, they only make my life better. Remember that, Loudoun. You remind me so much of myself. If you can really let them in, there is so much that will be returned to you.”
He swallowed. He knew it was true and he believed that he must open his heart to May, if no one else. “Thank you, Barret. I will do my best.”
16
Loudoun waited till the house was quiet. He needed to see May, hold her in his arms. He needed to slip his ring on her finger, and he wanted to do it privately.
Striding down the hall, he headed for her room, a grin lighting his face as he saw candlelight flickering under her doorway. She was awake.
He knocked softly and then called her name, “May.”
In seconds, she had the door open, grinning at him as she threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into the room.
He managed to close the door behind him with one hand as the other arm wrapped around her waist to crush him to her chest. It had only been a few hours since they had been at dinner but he ached for her company, her smell, the feel of her pressed against him. “I couldn’t stay away.”
“I’m glad you didn’t,” she murmured against his lips. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, sweetheart. When I am here with you, I know you’re safe. I’m afraid after we’re married, I might not let you out of my sight.”
She giggled against his lips and then gasped as his hand travelled down the small of her back to grasp her bottom and hold her close. “What will we do with all that time together?”
His other hand started pulling up the hem of her night rail, his fingers tickling the bare flesh of her legs, travelling from her calf to her knee and up her thigh. “There are so many possibilities.”
She pulled back then, as his hand was reaching the apex of her thighs. “I know there are many women who admire you…” she trailed off looking away.
He cocked his head to the side as he assessed her. “What does that have to do with anything? No women are trying to kidnap me.”
But she moaned rather than answer as his finger lightly brushed the delicate folds of her flesh. He longed to plunge into them but her pleasure had become more important than his own.
“It’s difficult to argue with a truth like that.” Her breath hitched as he increased
the pressure. “But what if you grow tired of me?” And then she truly pulled away, putting a few feet between them as she leaned against the bed post.
“Oh May,” he whispered coming up behind her, kissing her neck. “I’ll never grow tired of you. I love you. You are everything to me.”
She twisted to look at him then, hope and love shining in her eyes. “Do you mean it?”
“Of course, I do, my love.” His hands pulled the hem of her night gown back up. “Let me show you how much.”
His hand wrapped around the front of her and as one began to fondle her still covered breast, the other reached under her night rail to cup her mound. She moaned then as he used the heel of his hand to place pressure on her sensitive bud with slow circles.
Slipping one finger inside her, he continued to work her as her body tightened around him. But he wasn’t done yet. Slowly, he bent her over the bed until she was on her hands and knees, night rail up around her waist. Then he began to lick her as his fingers moved in and out. Her moaning grew loud and fast and her muscles clenched around him till she shattered for him in a way that had him pulsing with need.
Before her body could even calm he was unlacing his breeches and grasping her hips, and he thrust into her. His hand came around to once again work her nub as her body pitched against him and he knew neither of them would last for very long.
As she cried his name his own climax broke through him and they collapsed in a heap onto the bed.
He pulled her close and as she nestled into his side she murmured, “I love you too. Always.” And then she was asleep.
* * *
IN THE EARLY morning rays of the sun, he woke, knowing he needed to slip back to his room. He thought about waking her, but she looked so lovely sleeping there. Her hair tumbled around them both and her face was soft in her sleep. Slipping out of her arms, he placed a light kiss on her temple. Then, reaching into his discarded jacket, he pulled out a box. Setting it under her outstretched hand he slipped on his clothes and headed out of the room.
MAY WOKE REACHING FOR LOUDOUN, only to find him gone. But in his place sat a box. Curling her fingers around it, she sat up and flipped open the lid. A sparkling diamond ring met her gaze along with a note carefully folded up and tucked in the back.
Taming a Rogue Earl: Taming the Heart Series Book 6 Page 10
