Ruby felt like her whole world had just burst with a riot of bright colors, the likes of which she had never known before. She looked at the man above her, and watched him as he came. Oh God! He looked amazingly sexy when he came. All sweaty and hot.
When Alec opened his eyes and his body relaxed, he immediately kissed her, and again, his hands went everywhere on her.
“Aren’t you going to rest?” she asked.
“What for?”
“Aren’t you tired?”
He chuckled. “Never.
“Oh,” she replied with a grin, closing her eyes as he continued to kiss her again.
* * * * *
Chapter 19
Alec watched Ruby open her eyes and stretch her body. She seemed content as she lay there beside him, looking out the window, a pretty smile playing on her lips.
“Good morning,” he said.
Ruby turned in surprise. She had momentarily forgotten that he was in bed beside her. The instant she saw him, and the way he was looking at her, the memories of last night rushed back, causing her to blush while her insides shuddered deliciously. She licked her lips and said, “Good morning.”
Alec gazed at the glistening lips, and his groin stirred with pleasure. Without thinking, he moved toward her and locked his lips on hers. When he lay his head back, he asked, “I didn’t hurt you last night, my lady?”
Ruby’s blush intensified as she shook her head. Alec stroked the back of his fingers over her cheek and kissed her forehead.
“Any plans for today?” he asked.
Ruby shook her head. Suddenly feeling shy, she was embarrassed by what happened last night, and quickly moved out of his arms while planting her feet on the floor. She got up before she realized she was naked.
“Shit!” she muttered under her breath while quickly covering herself with the bed sheet.
Alec laughed, grabbing her wrist as he pulled her back.
“No need to be shy, my little nymph,” he said.
She wrestled her wrist free. “I think one night with you is enough, Master Hasting.”
“Not enough for me,” he replied seriously. “Now be a good girl and come back here. Let the master kiss you until he’s satisfied.”
She pulled a face at him. “Not a chance, my good sir. Now this not-so-good girl needs a shower.” She wrapped the sheet more securely about her person, turned on her heels, and marched to the bathroom.
Alec watched her go, a sly smile on his face. Not-so-good girl, eh?
Ruby shut the door, leaned her head against it, closed her eyes, and sighed. Oh God! She couldn’t believe it! She had sex last night. Her first real sex ever! And with none other than her hot, Scottish captor.
She walked over to the mirror and stared—really examining herself.
Somehow, she looked and felt different. There was a glow about her that she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She noticed a bright spark in her eyes that made them shine like they never did before. She gently touched her fingers to her lips, remembering the way Alec kissed her, and tasted her, and how she tasted him, how he smelled and how hot he felt against her skin.
Growing pleasure erupted from inside her. God! She had to stop thinking about it this instant. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to get through the day. She rushed into the shower, trying to forget about it. But as she washed, she couldn’t resist thinking about Alec and last night, arousing her body all the more. Once she finished and wrapped herself in a bathrobe, she wondered if she should go back out or wait until Alec left. She nibbled on her lower lip, pondering what to do.
That dilemma was taken out of her hands when she heard Alec say from the other side, “Save some hot water for me, darling.” Then she heard him chuckle.
Darling, her backside! She jumped to her feet and headed out the door. Ignoring his intense gaze, she dashed into the wardrobe to find her clothes. Once she had all her stuff, she said, as she walked past him, “Plenty of hot water left, my lord.”
Returning to the bathroom, she quickly put on her clothes, added a little makeup to brighten up her face, and went back out again.
“So you finally decided to return, huh?” he teased.
Ruby folded her arms across her chest, and without saying anything, strolled out the door. Alec leaped off the bed and rushed after her. He caught her from behind before she reached the door.
“Alec!” she exclaimed.
With his arms around her and his face snuggled on her nape, he said, “The master demands a kiss.”
Ruby bit her lip and tried not to show how excited she was at the prospect of him kissing her again. She tempered her excitement by giving him a good glare and a grunt. “No.”
“Such a meanie,” he said. “But this master is going to get it anyway.” That said, he kissed her, smack on the cheek.
Ruby shoved him away and slapped his arm. “Stupid lout!” she grumbled under her breath before rushing out the door.
Alec grinned, visibly enjoying the playful courting.
Ruby was still grinning like an idiot when she reached the dining room. She spotted Brian, alone, sipping coffee, and reading the newspaper.
“Good morning,” she greeted him as she came through the door.
Brian looked up. “Good morning.”
Ruby sat down and helped herself to the toast and tea.
“How did you sleep?” Brian asked.
Ruby looked up and saw Brian searching her face. “Oh, yeah. Pretty good. How about you?”
He folded up the newspaper as he said, “Okay. Would you like to come for a stroll with me after you finish breakfast?”
Ruby nodded. He lapsed into silence as she ate her breakfast. Sometime later, as they were strolling along the bank of the pond, Brian said, “Susan doesn’t look happy. I need your help.”
Ruby turned her gaze from the beautiful scenery surrounding them to look at Brian. “Oh? What’s wrong with her?”
“I don’t know, and this may sound a bit odd. Ruby, but I really need your help.”
Ruby cocked her head to one side. “My help?”
Brian nodded. “Would you ask her what’s going on?”
Ruby licked her lips. “Perhaps it is you, Brian? Perhaps it is you she seems so worried about?” Ruby suggested.
Brian looked at her seriously for a moment. “What do you mean?”
Ruby didn’t know how she should go about explaining it. Did he not realize that Susan was doing everything she could imagine to get him back? And that she still loved him? That was why she, Ruby, was here, right? That was why—
She closed her eyes as she pondered that thought. Yes, it was because of Alec and Susan. Because Alec was willing to do whatever his sister wanted. That was the only reason why Ruby was there in the first place. The reality of it all didn’t sit well with her, and she felt her stomach churn sickeningly. But what about last night? Was it real? How did it fit in with everything? A tiny seed of doubt started to grow in her mind. Alec said he loved her last night. Was that true? Or—?
“Perhaps I am the reason. But how could that be?” Brian said.
She frowned. “Does she have reason to be upset with you? Or perhaps, afraid of you?”
Brian snorted. “Afraid? Very unlikely. Susan has never been afraid of me. Listen, Ruby, would you mind very much talking to her?”
Ruby looked up at him, trying to ignore the thought that Alec didn’t love her after all. Most likely, what happened last night, and between them, was only a game so that he could draw her away from Brian, just to save Susan from the competition.
“Ruby?”
“Yes?” she replied, suddenly very aware that tears were brewing in her eyes.
“Are you all right, sweetheart?” Brian asked, wiping her tears as they slid down her cheeks.
Ruby sniffed. She couldn’t bear him calling her sweetheart because it reminded her of Alec, who called her sweetheart the previous night.
“What’s wrong? Do you miss your family?”
Ruby caught her breath as she thought about her family. It seemed like ages since she spoke to them, or saw them. Suddenly, it fell apart. How could she believe what was real here? She was only a pawn in Alec’s game. Her world was not here. Her world remained in New Zealand with her family. All too soon, she’d be back in Dunedin, living at home with her family, going back to work at the dental clinic, meeting up with Nikita and Isabella for lunch. All too soon, all that happened here would be forgotten. All too soon, she’d never see Alec again. All too soon, Brian would ask Susan for her hand in marriage for the second time, and they’d actually get married.
Ruby finally admitted that whatever happened, she didn’t belong there. She also realized she didn’t want to get in too deep; because she didn’t want to get hurt.
She wiped her tears and made a low, bitter chuckle. “Sorry, Brian. I just really miss home, that’s all.”
“I can understand that. This is the first time you’ve been away from there.” He pulled her into his arms and hugged her.
She looked up at him appreciatively. “I think, Brian, all you need to do is talk to Susan. I know she loves you very much. She told me so. In a way, I’m glad whatever happened, happened.” Though Brian didn’t understand what she meant by that, deep down inside, she sincerely meant it. She was glad that what happened did occur. She knew that type of thing didn’t come along twice in a person’s lifetime. She was happy that Alec won, happy that Susan got what she wanted, and happy, too, that Brian had finally fallen in love with Susan again. Perhaps he never really stopped loving her in the first place.
“Why don’t you just ask her to marry you today?” she suggested. “Even now, this morning. Just ask her. Confess that you still love her; and that you want her to be your wife.”
Brian cocked his head to one side, looking at her. “And what about you, Ruby? What of you and Alec? Have you told your family yet?”
Ruby glanced away so he wouldn’t see the hurt in her eyes. “I don’t know. I think I’m too young. I mean, where is this going, anyway? Maybe it’s just a vacation fling.”
“I know Alec, Ruby. He doesn’t do flings. Not this long anyhow.”
Ruby wanted to ask him how well he knew Alec. She wondered if he knew that she was kidnapped because of him. She kept quiet, however, and said instead, “Well, maybe it is a fling to me. I mean it’s all chalked up to experience, right?”
“Ruby, what are you saying?” Brian asked curiously.
“So… are you going to ask Susan, or what?” she quickly changed the subject.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“I think you should.”
“And thanks to you,” he chuckled.
“Yes, thanks to me.” She paused for a moment. “Brian, can I ask you to do me a favor?”
“What’s that?”
“Can you take me back to London tomorrow morning?”
He looked at her, visibly intrigued. “What about Alec?”
“I haven’t told him. I told you already; it’s a fling. Please don’t tell him. I don’t want him to know. Also, I’m going to meet old friends in London. I’ll be fine,” she said hurriedly.
“Ruby,” Brian cupped her face gently. “What are you doing?”
She licked her lips and managed to smile through her tears. “Saving myself and everyone else here.”
* * * * *
Alec pressed his finger against his breastbone. Again, he felt his heart pumping loud and fast. It still ached from what he witnessed that morning.
He tried not to think about it because every time he did, it hurt all over again.
He kicked Storm on the side and the horse lurched forward, galloping off again. The faster the thoroughbred ran, the better Alec felt. He rode the horse hard for three hours straight until he and the horse were utterly exhausted. By the time he headed back to Hasting Manor, the sun was already setting. After giving the horse a good pat on the nose and allowing Bernard to take care of him, he headed toward the manor.
“Alec!” Susan called out excitedly.
Alec looked at her sister with surprise as she came running toward him before giving him a big hug. Once she finally let go, he gazed down at her with suspicious eyes.
“What are you so happy about?” he asked.
She couldn’t quit grinning. “Alec,” she began. “Brian proposed.”
Alec could only stare at his sister. “What?”
“He proposed. Oh, Alec! It’s amazing. And I have you to thank for it.” She hugged him again, harder.
Alec couldn’t help himself, so he chuckled. It meant what he witnessed that morning actually signified nothing. Ruby and Brian were just talking. A wave of relief swept over him and he laughed.
“This is great, Susan. Really, great. We have to celebrate.”
“Of course. I’ve already told Mrs. McKenzie to prepare us a fine dinner for tonight,” Susan said as they headed into the hallway.
“Good girl,” Alec said. “Now, then, I need a good shower.”
“Yes, of course you do! You smell awful.” She chuckled.
Alec couldn’t believe it. It had been a long time since he heard his sister laugh, and it sounded great. He felt great, too.
“All right, be down in a bit,” he said as he climbed the stairs two at a time.
Feeling so good inside, Alec whistled as he entered the master bedroom, and stopped short when he saw Ruby there, lying on the king-sized bed, looking out the window, and stroking Captain Snow.
The sight of her caused his insides to spark with unparalleled pleasure.
“Hey,” he greeted her.
Ruby was jolted back to reality. Looking up at him, her chest ached. She longed to hold him, kiss him, and be with him. But she knew all that would be impossible after tonight. Tonight would be the last night she’d ever spend with him.
“I’d kiss you if I didn’t smell so bad,” he said matter-of-factly.
She wanted to reply that he could kiss her all he wanted now because he wouldn’t get the chance to later.
“Then you should shower,” she said, stroking the dog’s head. Captain Snow sighed and begged for more by pushing his head against her hand, his tongue sticking out.
Ruby laughed. “You remind me of somebody.”
The blasted dog reminded Alec of himself last night, and his pride and joy. The images that she evoked piqued his pride and joy’s interest, and he had to turn away lest Ruby see how aroused he already was.
She watched him go into the bathroom, and her heart ached even more. She turned to the dog and said, “I’m so going to miss you,” then slowly and quietly added, “and your master.”
The dog jumped off her lap and onto the floor. Ruby got up and followed him out the door.
Some time later, Alec emerged from the bathroom, all clean and fresh. He was hoping Ruby would still be around, but when he saw she was gone, his disappointment lodged in his throat. Damn! He really did want to kiss her.
As he entered the dining room, Jane handed him a glass of champagne, which he accepted, taking a sip.
“Finally, we’re going to be in-laws,” Jane said teasingly. “Thank God, he proposed. If not, I don’t know how much longer this could’ve dragged on.”
Alec couldn’t agree more. On the other side of the room, he eyed Ruby, looking pretty as ever, talking to Brian. Though they were a bit too close for his comfort, he reminded himself that he had nothing to worry about. They were just friends now. Brian had already proposed to Susan. That meant Ruby was his, and his alone. His heart swelled with pride at that revelation. His little Ruby was his, all his.
He came toward her, and she stopped talking to Brian when she saw him. Brian turned to look at his future brother-in-law.
“Congratulations,” Alec said, shaking his friend's hand and giving him a manly pat on the back.
“Well, if it weren’t for a certain person nagging me, I don’t know when I’d have done it,” Brian said cheerfully, looking at Ruby.
Alec u
nderstood the meaning of Brian’s words as well as the look he gave Ruby.
“Brian,” Susan called. “Come on, dinner is ready.” She put her hands in his and led him to the table.
Ruby watched them go. Alec grabbed her hand and pulled her up. “Come along, my lady, time for dinner.”
Ruby gave him a smile and happily obeyed his order.
Ruby decided that she’d enjoy this dinner along with her company, whether she had any appetite or not. But she did enjoy it thoroughly. The food was delicious and the conversation was light, although she didn’t do much talking. She couldn’t put a word in anyway, what with Jane and Richard monopolizing most of it. When, at long last, dinner was over, Brian excused himself and led Susan out the door, heading upstairs. Jane begged Richard to take her for a long drive and he happily obliged. Alone with Alec, Ruby could feel the air sparking like an electric current passing between them.
“So, did you enjoy dinner?” he asked.
“Yes,” Ruby replied. “Do you mind at all if I go now and read in the library?”
Alec was taken aback by her request. “Nay, of course not. Go ahead.” Although he said words to the contrary, he was, in actual fact, rather annoyed. He wanted her to stay. He longed to talk to her. He was not sure what to talk about, but he really wanted to talk to her.
“Thanks,” she said, getting up from her chair. “Goodnight then.” She headed out the door. Captain Snow happened to pass her as she came into the hallway. He yapped excitedly at seeing her. She laughed and picked him up in her arms.
“So you want to be my companion for the night, eh?” she said, giving him a little pat. “Well, you’re welcome to.”
Alec watched her and the blasted dog disappear from view. He poured himself another glass of champagne and downed the whole lot in one go. The bubbles burned his throat. He sat for a wee while, contemplating what to do next.
“Master Alec, ‘ere all by yerself?” Mrs. McKenzie asked in surprise some moments later.
Alec looked up at the housekeeper. “Don’t mind me, Mrs. McKenzie,” he said, standing up from his chair. “I’ll be off now.”
Kiwi Bride: Volume 1 (Kiwi Bride Series Book 3) Page 43
