Scandalous Scoundrels

by Aileen Fish

  Where could he be?

  “Trust me, you couldn’t be more beautiful if you tried.” Noah leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “What’s troubling you?”

  She had been so lost in her own thoughts that she hadn’t heard him approach. Rubina bit her bottom lip. The truth on the tip of her tongue—she swallowed it back. This wasn’t the time. Without all of the facts, she couldn’t spill her innermost fears.

  “I’m not sure I’m up to company tonight.”

  Truth… The idea of spending time laughing with friends was the last thing she needed. Damian’s whereabouts was her biggest concern. She should have gone looking for him sooner. If she had…

  “Maybe my gift will help lighten your spirits.”

  Rubina turned. He held a black velvet box in his hands. “What is it?”

  She could guess. It must be jewelry of some sort.

  “Open it up and see.” He handed her the box.

  Her husband shouldn’t be giving her gifts. She didn’t deserve them… With hesitation she opened the lid. Inside was a brilliant diamond and ruby necklace—matching her gown to perfection. How had he known?

  “It’s beautiful…” Her hand flew to her throat. “How?”

  Noah’s smile lit up his whole face. Rubina sucked in a breath. He was so handsome and he looked…happy. She hadn’t seen a true smile on his face since she returned. Her heart lightened a little at the joy in his eyes. It might not solve all of her problems, but for the moment it was enough. She could give him this night. Tomorrow was soon enough to worry about her brother. Damian could be deep undercover. He’d surface when he had information. These were the things she told herself to get through the hard moments.

  “You have your secrets,” he replied. “Let me have my own.”

  Rubina’s lips tilted into coy grin. “All right. For now, caro.”

  She touched the necklace lightly. It was so beautiful.

  “Here, let me put it on you.”

  Noah lifted it off the crushed black velvet and placed it around her neck. The ruby teardrop nestled above her chest. Her husband didn’t know how appropriate his gift was. The teardrop was a good representation of all the pain she suffered without him. She’d have to look at it for the present it was. There would be no more tears filled with pain—instead, they’d be full of joy. The ruby would be her reminder of all the good things to come.

  “Thank you,” Rubina whispered.

  Noah kissed her cheek. “I would do anything for you, Ruby. Remember that when you look at this.” He let his fingers roam across the diamonds and rested briefly on the ruby. “Our future holds so much promise. I look forward to spending it with you.”

  Rubina fought back the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. She stood and turned toward Noah. She wrapped her arms around his waist, rested her head against his broad chest, and held on tight.

  “Are you all right, Ruby?”

  “I’m fine. I just wanted to hold you for a moment.”

  She started to step back, but he wrapped his arms around her. He brushed her back with the palm of his hand. “I could get used to this.

  She lifted her head and stared into his warm brown eyes. “What?”

  “These impromptu moments of affection.” He smiled. “Keep this up and we won’t need a whole two weeks.”

  Rubina wished she could end the charade now. She didn’t need two weeks to know what she wanted. She’d always wanted Noah. Stupid Paolo… This would end—and soon.

  “We should go, or we’ll be late.”

  Rubina stepped out of his arms and headed down the stairs. She didn’t turn to see if her husband followed. Noah wouldn’t be far behind. He’d been open and honest with her since he made his deal. He wanted her, and he’d follow her wherever she led. Soon she’d be doing the same.

  “Is the carriage ready?” Noah asked the butler.

  “Yes, Your Grace.”

  Noah nodded and helped Rubina into her pelisse. They exited the townhouse and stepped into the carriage. Liam and Gemma didn’t live to far away. Soon the carriage stopped to drop them off. Rubina took a deep breath. She’d need all the help she could get to make it through the evening. Tomorrow, she’d figure out what happened to her brother. Tonight was all for Noah.

  “What’s on your mind?” Noah asked as they approached the entrance.

  “I was wishing for a wonderful evening. It’s been a while since I’ve had a pleasant one.”

  Understatement… Paolo had made her life miserable. She loved Noah, but since her return, their relationship had been quite strained. Not his fault—but it was still the truth.

  “Everyone should be here. I know Lily and Gemma will do everything they can to make it enjoyable.”

  The door swung open. “What are you two doing standing on the door step. Come in already.”

  Viscount Torrington held the door open. Noah’s mouth hung open in surprise.

  “Why are you answering the door?”

  His eyebrow rose mockingly. “Are you giving me lip, boy?”

  “I would never.” Noah smiled. “Where’s Pemberly?”

  “There’s been some disaster in the kitchen… Gemma is having fits. He’s following Liam around, intervening where he can.” Torrington laughed. “My son has turned into an idiot since he found out she’s carrying his child. It’s rather amusing to watch.”

  “Liam is in the kitchen?”

  “He is wherever Gemma is.” Viscount Torrington motioned for them to come inside. “Hello, Rubina. It’s lovely to see you again.”

  They stepped inside as he shut the door behind them.

  Rubina smiled. “It’s been too long.”

  “Oh, there you are.” Lady Torrington strolled into the foyer. “I thought you were going to get Liam.”

  “Soon enough, dear.” He kissed her cheek. “Someone had to answer the door.”

  Rubina watched their interaction. That is what she wanted with Noah. The love they held for each other filled the room. No one would doubt the affection they had for each other. They were a lovely contrast. Pia, Lady Torrington, stood next to her husband with such grace. Her blonde hair so fair it was almost white and her husband’s as dark as sin. Thor, Viscount Torrington, only had eyes for her. Someday, when people looked at her and Noah, they would see something similar.

  “I apologize.” Lady Torrington approached them. “Liam can’t seem to let Gemma handle anything on her own these days. Please, join us in the sitting room. Lily and Rand are already inside.”

  Noah nodded. “I can go and find Liam if it will help.”

  Torrington patted him on the back. “Not at all. I will go and get him.”

  “Come with me.” Pia gestured to them. “Lily has been waiting for you to arrive.”

  The viscount went in the opposite direction.

  “Finally,” Lily exclaimed. “I thought you’d never get here.”

  She grabbed Rubina’s hand and led her over to the settee. “So have you told him yet?”

  Her gaze shot up to her husband. He was in a deep conversation with a dark haired gentleman. “Is that your husband?”

  Rubina had never met Lily’s husband, Rand.

  She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Handsome devil, isn’t he?”

  “I…”

  How did she answer that? He was indeed handsome, but to her, Noah would always be the best looking man in the room.

  “Oh, I know that look. You love your husband, but surely you can appreciate a fine piece of male flesh still.” She waved her hand. “Rand was such a gentleman when we met. Wouldn’t make love to me until we said our vows. It was so frustrating.” She smiled, her eyes glazing over for a few seconds. “It was worth it in the end. His patience is what made me love him even more.”

  Rubina bit her lip. She understood, more than she was willing to admit. She was going through something similar with Noah. Why he felt the need to have this moratorium on making love she didn’t know, but she respected
him even more for it.

  “Rand is rather handsome,” Rubina admitted. “But you’re right. Noah is the only one for me.”

  “So, have you told him?”

  “What?” She tilted her head. What was Lily asking?

  “About the baby?”

  “Oh…” She shook her head. “No. I told you it’s too soon.”

  “When we left, you were so sad. You said that you were losing him.” Lily glanced at Noah. “From what I can see that man only has eyes for you. Are you going to tell me what’s going on?”

  Could she trust Lily?

  “I can’t speak of it.” It wasn’t a good place to divulge secrets. “There are too many ears here.”

  “I understand.” She nodded. “I will pay you a call tomorrow. We can speak them. I will bring Gemma.”

  “Did I hear my name?” Gemma sat down on a chair near the settee. “Liam is driving me mad. Someone put him out of his misery.”

  Lily laughed. “Men are such babies. He doesn’t know what to do with himself. Have pity on him. He can’t help it.”

  Ruby didn’t have experience with this…bonding. She’d only begun to get to know Lily before Paolo abducted her. Gemma was a mere acquaintance.

  “What is he doing?” Rubina asked.

  She should know what to expect once she told Noah she carried his child.

  “What isn’t he doing?” Gemma blew out an exasperated breath. “He hovers, he orders, he tells me he loves me every day.”

  “That…doesn’t sound too bad.”

  “Just wait. When Noah realizes you are carrying his child you will understand. It’s almost as if Liam thinks if I breathe too hard I’ll break. I’m pregnant not an invalid.”

  Lily patted Gemma’s hand. “It will get better. Wait and see what happens after the baby is born. He’ll have something else to focus his attention on.”

  “One can only hope.” Gemma rolled her eyes. “In the meantime, if Liam doesn’t stop, he might find himself tied to the bed for the rest of my pregnancy.”

  “Gemma, love.” Liam leaned down and kissed her lips. “If you wanted to get creative, all you had to do was ask. I’m open to suggestions.”

  Gemma glared at her husband. “Be careful where you tread. I’m still mad at you.”

  “Don’t stay mad long.” He grinned wickedly. “What fun would that be?”

  “Hmmph…” But no one was fooled by it. She loved her husband too much.

  Rand and Noah joined them. Rubina’s gaze met her husband’s. She wanted this. All of it and everything that came with it. Noah smiled at her. It was almost as if he’d read her mind. He was saying so much with that look. Say yes, Rubina. If she gave in and admitted it all she could have him and friends too.

  “Dinner is served,” Pemberly announced.

  Noah helped Rubina up. Everyone headed toward the dining room. He leaned down behind her and whispered in her ear, “Has the evening met your expectations so far?”

  His breath was warm against her ear. She shivered as tingles of energy flowed over her body. Yes. Yes, it had… But Rubina was selfish. She wanted so much more than this. She wanted to turn into his arms and beg him to take her home. Noah was hers, and she wanted to claim him once and for all. If only…

  “I can think of only one thing that would make this better.”

  “What?”

  “Another time, caro.” She smiled. “I will tell you in explicit detail what I want to do at the end of an evening such as this.” Rubina turned in his arms and spread her hands across his chest. “But you don’t want to do anything close to what I have in mind for several days.” She let her hands slide under his dinner jacket. Just a little tug and she could roam her hands against his warm skin—she held back the urge. She stared up at him and licked her lips.

  His breathing was ragged. “You’re correct.”

  “You know where to find me when you change your mind.” She stepped out of his arms. “Dinner’s waiting.”

  She left him standing in the middle of the sitting room. Rubina didn’t look back as she headed toward the exit. If she did, she’d be dragging him out of Liam and Gemma’s townhouse, demanding he take her home. They both wanted each other. Why they fought it… Rubina still didn’t fully understand her husband’s motives.

  “Rubina,” he called after her.

  She turned around and sucked in a deep breath. He looked so…decadent.

  “Yes?”

  He strolled to her side and looped her arm through his. “This isn’t over.” Her husband leaned down and whispered in her ear. “I will have you again, and when I do…”

  She looked up into his eyes again. A mistake—heat flooded through her.

  “I will know all your secrets,” he promised. “What’s more, you will willingly give them all to me.”

  Rubina was afraid he was right.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sunlight streamed through the window of his study outlining the parchment on his desk. He cupped his mouth with his hand as worry filled him. Noah picked up the note that Marcus had sent him and read it over again.

  Your Grace,

  We need to meet in person. I know what happened to your wife. I will be in the tavern awaiting your arrival. Come with all due haste. It could be a life or death situation. There is some serious criminal activity afoot.

  Don’t waste time,

  Marcus

  Noah folded the missive and put it in his pocket. He walked out of his study and ran into Liam, almost knocking him to the ground.

  “What’s the rush?” Liam grabbed onto the wall to steady himself.

  “I need to go meet Marcus. He has news.”

  Liam nodded. “I will go with you. I’m admit to being rather curious. By the way—I did ask my father about him. He was closed mouth. Makes me wonder now what the man did for him.”

  “I don’t know if I want to know.” Noah shook his head. “But I trust your father’s instincts about people. He hasn’t survived this long dealing with fools.”

  “You’re right about that.” Liam grinned. “I’m sure his years as a pirate served him well.”

  “Let’s go. Marcus’s note indicated it was important I meet him. I don’t want to waste any time chatting here. Not with my wife’s life at stake.”

  Liam nodded and followed him out the door. “My carriage is out front. We can take it and save some time.”

  “Good idea.”

  Noah gave the driver instructions where to take them. They got inside for the quick trip to the tavern they previously met Marcus at.

  “Did he tell you anything in the note?”

  Noah shook his head. “Not much.”

  He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to Liam, who whistled.

  “This doesn’t sound good at all.”

  Noah was worried. A sick feeling filled his gut after reading Marcus’s words. What could Rubina and Damian be involved in? It had to be bad for the man he hired to be concerned. He didn’t seem to get stressed out about much. This had to be incredibly serious.

  Noah clenched his hands into tight fists. No one was taking Rubina away from him ever again—he would not live in that hell for the rest of his days. He was finally starting to feel alive again.

  Rubina was his.

  “Whatever it is, I will face it. If it means keeping my wife safe, I will kill the devil himself.” Noah’s lips were a firm tight line. “Nothing and no one will ever take her away from me again.

  Liam nodded. “I will help you in any way I can.”

  “I know.” Noah tilted his head. “I appreciate it.”

  The carriage came to a stop. They got out and headed toward the tavern. They saw the same buxom waitress that flirted with them the first time.

  “Did you two have a change of heart?” she asked. “I’d be willing to take you both on at the same time. Just say the word.” Her lower lip lifted into a sexy pout.

  “No, we’re here for Marcus again.” Noah dismissed her.


  “He isn’t here.”

  Noah’s head whipped around. “What? Where did he go?”

  She shrugged. “He hasn’t been by in days.”

  “That seems…odd.” Liam stared at Noah. “What do you want to do?”

  Panic settled into his gut. Why would he send him the missive and not show up to their meeting? Something was wrong…

  “Let’s go back to my place. We can figure out what to do from there.”

  They turned to leave as Marcus stumbled into the door. He held his side as he limped over to them. He gasped for breath and almost fell at their feet. Liam reached out and steadied him.

  “What happened to you?”

  “Duca d’Sordillo.” He groaned. “He means business.”

  “Who is that?” Liam asked. “It sounds familiar.”

  Noah paled. Damian had mentioned his name on one of his visits—before Rubina returned home. He had been courting her before she met Noah. The man had offered for her, but Ruby turned him down. She never said why. Damian mentioned her father wouldn’t have approved either way. He had some nasty business dealings, and there were a lot of rumors surrounding him. If he was involved it couldn’t be good, and it might explain why Rubina was so afraid. It had never occurred to him that he might be. Why would it? Noah had won her hand and married her. How obsessed was the duca with his wife?

  “Is he in London?”

  Marcus nodded. “He is here to take Rubina back to Italy.”

  “I don’t understand…” Noah looked around the room. “Perhaps this isn’t the best place to talk. You need medical attention. We can go back to my townhouse, and I will send for a doctor.”

  “Brilliant idea, Your Grace.” He shook his head. “Only one problem with that. Rubina is at your house and every person the Duca d’Sordillo wants to get his hands on will be in one place.” He coughed hard and a drop of blood fell on his lips. “No, take me to a room upstairs. I keep one here. I will tell you everything there. Don’t worry about your wife. My men are still keeping an eye on her. No one will get to her inside your home.”

  Noah and Liam helped him up to this room and laid him on his bed.

  “Your wife—as you know—did not go down with the ship she supposedly died on.”