Amelia froze like a statue, her fingers grazing the cold carved handle. Slowly, she withdrew her hand and turned her head. “What did you say?” She couldn’t have heard him right.
Julian cocked an autocratic brow. “If you wish to keep Alex, you must marry me.”
Her mouth went dry. “You can’t take him from me.” Could he really do that? Despair filled her. “He’s all I have.”
Julian unfolded his arms and moved forward. He didn’t stop until he stood just inches from her. Leaning down, he gazed steadily into her eyes. “No court in England would dare deny me custody, Amelia.”
“Why are you doing this to me?” she whispered, unable to prevent the catch in her voice.
He lingered for several seconds, his eyes moving down to her lips, making her stomach quiver. For a moment, Amelia thought he would kiss her. But then he straightened and announced, “I want to give my son the kind of life he deserves, like going to school and meeting friends.” His eyes turned hard, his jaw tightened. “Not mucking out horse stalls for a sixpence.”
Her eyes lowered to the large, square sapphire twinkling in the center of his dove-gray cravat. Extremely expensive, dark blue superfine encased his broad shoulders. Without doubt, it had been crafted by the best tailor in London. She envisioned Alex wearing a similar outfit in future years. After attending the finest schools.
A dream of Alex’s since he was six years old.
Bowing her head, Amelia knew she couldn’t deny her son the one thing he wanted above anything else. The opportunity of becoming a great astronomer. She also knew she could never give it to him on her own.
But Julian could.
Julian. Oh, God! She squeezed her eyes shut. How long would it take him to begin resenting her? To feel trapped in a marriage he truly didn’t want. What if one day…
Her head came up and she finished the question out loud. “What if you find someone else you’d rather be married to? What then, Julian?”
His brows sprang up, then he shook his head. “You needn’t worry, Amelia, I take my responsibilities seriously.” He paused and folded his arms. “I’ll have my solicitor put Alex in my will.” He inhaled a shaky breath, regret shimmering in his eyes. “Although Alex will never be able to claim the Kenbrook ducal title since we weren’t married at his birth, he can still inherit something from me. I have quite a fortune of my own making, not entailed.”
Amelia almost gasped. “You mean not to tell him that you’re his father?” she asked, her heart thumping wildly within her chest.
He didn’t answer right away. He just stared at her with those cursed gray eyes—eyes she could never forget, no matter how hard she tried. Nor could she forget the feel of his lips against hers, the taste of him. How at weak moments she longed for him…
Amelia looked away, lest he read her thoughts. She focused on the seascape painting across the room, calling herself a fool. A damn fool. Hadn’t losing her heart once to this man been enough? Look what it cost her. She couldn’t afford to do it again.
No. Never again.
And in that instant, Amelia made a vow. Under no circumstances would she ever fall in love with this man again.
When Julian began to speak, it took every ounce of willpower she could summon to drag her eyes back to his. “I’ve given the matter a great deal of thought,” he began, furrowing his brow. “I do want to tell Alex that I am his father.”
She opened her mouth to reply, but he placed a finger against her lips and shook his head. The contact with his warm skin kept her perfectly still, while the white-hot bolt of excitement shooting through her body kept the words lodged in her throat.
“But because there will be a lot of upheaval in Alex’s life soon—our marriage, the move to Sagemeadow, him starting school, I’ve decided to wait and tell him when things settle a bit.”
Then the cursed man moved his finger over her lips. The soft friction created such havoc within her. She wanted to pull him into her arms, at the same time, push him away. To lift up on her toes and press her lips to his, at the same time, spit in his face.
She wanted to tell him she loved him, at the same time, tell him she hated him. Instead, she listened to his voice, the hypnotic rhythm casting some sort of spell over her.
“We’ll leave here together and marry as soon as I can arrange a special license.” The pad of his thumb continued to graze her lower lip, his words soft and low. A sensual purr. “We can make this work, Amelia, but we must work together.” Then he lowered his head and settled his mouth over hers.
Her thoughts scattered like leaves in a gale. She slid her eyes shut, blocking everything out but the feel of his mouth. The silky hot skin gliding over hers. And when his tongue probed the seam of her lips, she parted them, unable to withstand the temptation.
His long velvety strokes had her knees weak. As if knowing she needed support, he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her to his stony chest, keeping her upright. It made her feel protected. And she could not resist responding to his kiss any more than she could stop her heart’s next beat.
The taste of him was exactly as she remembered. Tangy and sweet. It made her blood heat, her bones melt, and her skin tingle. She reveled in the feeling, momentarily satisfied, then was swallowed up by flames of need. The kiss deepened. One minute it was slow and sensual, the next it became hot and wet and reckless.
Suddenly, Julian pulled away, leaving Amelia limp and disoriented. She opened her eyes and blinked, trying to focus on his face.
“We will do well together,” he said gruffly, withdrawing his arms. “Now go get your belongings while I inform Alex.” He straightened and walked away, seemingly unaffected by the kiss that had cut through her defenses like a hot knife through butter.
Pressing trembling fingers against her pulsating lips, Amelia watched him leave. She squeezed her eyes shut as tears sprang to them. What a weak fool. It took only a kiss for her to pant with desire for him. How much more would it take to lose herself to him again? To be so completely in love, she’d hand him her heart on a silver salver so that he could trample on it like before?
No! No! No! She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t marry Julian.
Then an image of her son rose up in her mind. Amelia shook her head. For Alex, she’d swim shark-infested waters. For Alex, she’d walk the fires of Hades.
For Alex, she’d marry Julian Westland.
On unsteady legs, she climbed the stairs and entered her tiny room. Keeping her mind on Alex, she started packing. If she thought at all about that kiss she just shared with Julian, she’d…
“So it’s true?”
Startled, Amelia whirled around, the dress in her hands slipping to the floor. Seeing Jack standing in the doorway, she relaxed and retrieved the garment. “Is what true?” She folded the dress once again.
He stalked into the room, halting at her side. “You marrying Julian Westland,” he said with a hint of anger in his voice.
Amelia placed the dress in her trunk then began folding another. “Yes.” She needed to keep her hands busy, and not dare a peek at Jack. Undoubtedly, Mrs. Briggs hadn’t wasted any time spreading the news.
Jack moved closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. “You don’t have to do this, you know.”
“You had better make yourself scarce,” she said instead of replying to his words. “Julian will be here at any moment.”
“You can’t mean to go through with this, Amy.” He took her by the arms and turned her to face him.
Staring into Jack’s troubled eyes, her insides trembled. She shook her head. “What Julian is offering Alex—”
“What about you, Amy?” His hands tightened on her arms. “What about you?”
She took a slow, deep breath. “Alex is all that matters.”
His dark brows dipped down, then rose. “I have some money. Alex can attend any school…” his words trailed away when she started shaking her head.
“No.”
“Why not?”
She
stepped out of Jack’s hold and resumed her packing. “You know it takes more than money to gain entrance into those schools. Background and reputation are just as important.”
After several seconds of silence, she heard his heavy sigh. “I suppose you’re right about that.”
“Now go before you’re caught.”
He pulled her into his arms. “Should you ever need me, let Mr. Gunney know.” Then he kissed her cheek. “I wish I didn’t have this damn investigation over my head. I would have—”
She pulled away, not allowing him to finish. “I know.”
“Try to be happy,” he whispered, then turned and walked out of the room.
Amelia stared at the empty doorway for several seconds, her body numb. Alex, she thought, turning back to her packing. She must think only of Alex.
Julian walked from the house with gritted teeth, damned surprised he could walk at all. It was nothing more than a bloody kiss! But a kiss that he felt down to the marrow of his bones. Damn it all to bloody hell!
Increasing his pace, Julian hurried toward the stables, wanting to get his mind off Amelia and the strange feelings she brought out in him. Feelings of wanting to protect her and Alex, to keep them safe. To make them happy.
“You’re not leaving so soon, are you, Lord Julian?” Alex asked worriedly, meeting him at the door.
Julian shook his head. “There’s something I wish to discuss with you, Alex.” He glanced around. “Is there somewhere we can talk in private?”
Alex nodded. “Mr. Gunney was hurt a few days ago. He’s staying in the house until he recovers.” He shrugged. “So we’re alone.”
Julian opened his mouth, but hesitated. What if Alex protested the marriage? What then? He thought it would be easier to tell the boy without Amelia being there, but now, he wasn’t so certain.
“Lord Julian?”
Unable to stall any longer, Julian inhaled the scent of fresh hay, horseflesh, and oats before plunging ahead. “Your mother and I have come to a decision, Alex. One I hope you’ll be happy with.”
Alex crinkled his brow, stepping closer. “What?”
“We’re getting married.”
“Married? But how…when…?” The boy shook his head. “I don’t understand.”
Julian moved closer and placed his hands on Alex’s shoulders. “We were hoping you’d be happy about this.”
Alex lifted dazed eyes. “I am. I just don’t understand.” Then his eyes widened as if realizing something, and he stepped back.
“What is it, Alex?”
“Are you doing this because you feel sorry for us?” the boy asked, stumbling back another step.
“Absolutely not.”
Alex paused, his bewilderment returning. “They why do you want to marry my mother?”
So much depended on how he answered, Julian realized. Sweat broke out on his forehead. “I have come to care for you both very much.” Actually, that truthful statement surprised himself almost as much as Alex.
The child shuffled forward, looking much older than his nine years. “Give me your solemn vow, Lord Julian, you won’t hurt my mother and I’ll give you my blessing.” He halted and stuck out his hand.
Looking down at Alex, Julian swallowed. What in the bloody hell had he just gotten himself into? Seeing no other alternative, he slowly extended his own hand.
CHAPTER 11
Amelia didn’t move as the carriage shuddered to a halt. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her clamoring heart, but it continued to thump wildly within her chest. During the long, rattling carriage ride, she’d changed her mind at least three dozen times. Perhaps she should have taken Julian’s original offer of a house and a monthly stipend. Then, at least, she could have maintained a modicum of freedom. Not…not...this! Her breaths came out in short, ragged spurts, and small tremors continued to plague her body.
Dear God, what was she doing?
“Mama, aren’t you coming?” Alex asked, having already opened the door and jumped to the ground.
With a deep breath, she turned to her son, who stood in the open doorway, watching her curiously.
His soft gray eyes turned troubled. “Are you all right?”
Uncertain if she could even speak, Amelia nodded, then moved toward the door, knowing she could not procrastinate any longer. Alex assisted her from the carriage, a small frown on his lips as he studied her face. “Mama, you don’t look well.”
She could not stand to see her son worried. Hoping this would be the very last time, she forced her lips into a smile. “I am well, Alex,” she reassured him softly, then turned to the small church and gasped. How beautiful. From the gurgling fountain near the entrance to the colorful windows on either side of the honey-colored stone building, the tiny church looked something out of a fairy tale.
One of the front timber doors opened and out walked the very man who continued to plague her dreams night after night. Julian. His polished black knee boots and tight dove gray pantaloons revealed every curve of his legs, and his pure white shirt, silvery-gray waistcoat and sapphire overcoat did nothing to hide the wide expanse of his shoulders. He had to be the most handsome man God had ever created. And he took her breath away.
Feeling a bit foolish that she had intentionally picked out her ugliest gown, an old faded olive-brown thing that had once belonged to Mrs. O’Malley two decades past, Amelia twisted her fingers together, knowing her cheeks shone like two red apples.
“I have secured the special license,” he said, halting before her. He didn’t seem at all disturbed by her dress. “The vicar said we can proceed whenever we’re ready.”
As a spurt of panic assailed her, she blurted, “Where are we?”
Instead of answering her right away, Julian reached forward and took one of her trembling hands. The contact with his warm, calloused fingers sent a shooting spark down to weaken her knees. He guided her several feet from the church, where the surrounding woods weren’t so dense, and stopped. They were on a rise, she noticed, and carefully pulled her hand from his, lest her legs buckle and she tumble down the hill. He didn’t speak, he merely pointed down to a clearing in the woods below. She followed the direction of his finger and gasped.
He leaned over. “That’s Sagemeadow Hall.”
She stared at the mansion below, unable to believe such beauty existed. It resembled a castle more than a mansion with its spiraling rooftops and numerous chimney peaks in the center of a well-manicured lawn. At the rear of the house, beyond a flower garden sprinkled with colorful blooms, sprawled the largest hedge maze she had ever seen.
“Well? What do you think?”
As Julian’s warm breath grazed her ear, Amelia swiveled around and stomped back a few feet so she would no longer see the picturesque view below. She was good and furious with herself. How had he already managed to break through her defenses and make her yearn for something she could never have? A loving family with children and laughter.
Nervously, she smoothed her rough, brown dress before making a reply. “Though my prison is beautiful, it is a prison nonetheless.”
As Julian’s eyes widened, Alex called out for her from the trees to her right. Relieved, Amelia turned toward her son’s voice. “Coming!”
Julian scowled as he followed Amelia’s stiff-back march to the church. Why did it have to be the one woman on earth that didn’t want to marry him? Didn’t she realize how lucky she was? How many would kill to be in her place at the moment? By God, he was about to make her the bloody Marchioness of Amersleigh, the future Duchess of Kenbrook. Why would she act as though he were taking her to the gallows?
The kindly old vicar smiled wide as they approached. “Are you ready to begin, my lord?”
Julian watched how Amelia fought to keep her features bland. She refused to look directly at him. The way she clutched her hands tightly before her and the way her bottom lip trembled gave him pause. Was she afraid? That made no sense. Having no money, no way of supporting herself and Alex was the real cause
for fear. Surely, once she thought it through better, she would come to the same conclusion? And then he realized something else. Didn’t all brides have wedding day nerves?
Relieved to finally have the answer he sought, Julian glanced to the vicar and nodded. “Yes, let us begin.”
Twenty-three minutes later, however, Julian clenched his teeth against the urge to roar at the woman. Before the day was over, Amelia would drive him mad. Utterly insane. Not only did she look the part of a virgin sacrifice, she sounded like one, too. After a very lengthy pause in which she requested time to ponder on whether or not she would take him as her lawful husband, she finally consented. Her voice solemn, her eyes round with fear, she eventually recited her vows. Indeed, a virgin sacrifice saying her farewells before facing the terrible dragon.
And all he could think about was peeling her clothes away and ravishing her as soon as they rolled to a halt before Sagemeadow.
Julian groaned as the image of their entwined naked bodies filled his mind, but he quickly cleared his throat when the vicar gave him a knowing, reproving glare.
“I now pronounce you man and wife.”
Ignoring the vicar’s five giggling daughters sitting in the front pew, Julian turned to Amelia. Seeing her standing there, enticing him with her innocent, ethereal gaze, he had a most devilish idea. He wrapped his arms around her small body, causing her eyes to grow even wider, then he pulled her snug against him. A small gasp escaped her. He dropped his mouth down over hers and kissed her senseless. It was terrible and shameless, but he let his lips try and convey all the naughty images running through his head.
Amelia could not stop shaking when Julian finished with her. She opened her eyes, saw the sinister twinkle in his gaze, the smug smile on his lips, and grew enraged. And just as she opened her mouth to give her new husband what for, Alex walked up to them.
Julian withdrew his arms, making her even more furious that she hadn’t pulled away first, and turned to her son.
Lord Sinister (Secrets & Scandals Book 3) Page 10
