His mouth reluctantly left her lips, trailing hot kisses down her jaw and onto her neck. She arched her back as his warm lips kissed the sensitive spots of skin hungrily as if he would devour her. His head eventually dipped to her chest where he used his teeth to grasp the neckline of her shirt and ripped it away, exposing her ivory shoulder.
His eyes managed to look both reverently and hungrily at her exposed skin before he bent to kiss her shoulder with tenderness. “So, so beautiful,” he groaned as his fingers tightened on her wrists.
“Now, Levi,” she begged, feeling so consumed with passion she was afraid she'd burst.
“I can't take what isn't mine,” he admitted, though he made no effort to stop kissing her shoulder.
“I am yours,” she confessed airily. “I always have been, and I always will be.”
“But you belong to Lord Whitworth.”
“Legally maybe, but my heart never will.”
Levi finally stopped kissing her. He slowly let go of her wrists and slid from atop her. “I want more than just your heart, Lydia.”
“I can't offer you more, Levi, you know that. But I am here, now, offering you everything I do have. Won't you take it?”
His fingers reached out and trailed slow circles down her silky shoulder. “You have no idea how desperately I want to.”
Lydia, feeling as if she were going to lose him, sat up and reached for his body. Her hands slipped beneath his un-tucked shirt and splayed across his rippled abdomen. Heat pooled in her belly as she felt his muscles clench beneath her touch. “I want you, Levi Worthington, and I'll take you any way that I can get you.”
She thought she'd won when he cupped her face in his hands and pulled her lips to his. He kissed her with more hunger than he'd ever done before, engaging her tongue in a dance only the two of them knew the steps to. Her hands slid behind his back, and she pressed her body into his.
He surprised her by breaking the kiss suddenly, his breath coming out in short, labored spurts. “I can't do this,” he admitted painfully.
Her eyes rounded like saucers. “Why not? Don't you want me?”
“More than you'll ever know, my love, but I want you honorably.”
She pulled her hands angrily from his stomach and crossed them across her chest. “Quit speaking of honor, Levi. We both know you have none.”
Her words were like acid, burning him with their touch.
“Unfortunately, that was true in the past, but I vowed to your father I would not let that be true going forward. I've been a fool to wrong you like I have, Lydia, and I vow I will never do so again.”
Pain filled her heart. “You don't want me?” she asked with desperation as her emotions caused her throat to ache.
“Not like this,” he admitted sadly.
She turned from him abruptly, pulling her shirt up to cover her shoulder. “Take me home, Your Grace.”
“Whatever you wish, Miss Phelps,” he intoned sadly.
Suddenly she remembered that she couldn't go home, not if she wanted to keep her whereabouts a secret from her parents. She sighed angrily then said, “Nevermind, take me to the Whitworth residence.”
“Why do you wish to go there?” he asked, and Lydia thought she could detect a measure of desperation in his voice.
“Because if you don't want me, surely my fiancé does,” she bit out acerbically, knowing she was being unfair but the pain in her heart prompted her to want to retaliate.
“Lydia, this isn't wise.”
She made as if to leave the carriage. “If you don't take me there, I'll find a way there myself.”
He reached out and placed one hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “Very well, if you wish it, I will do it, but I must warn you that Lord Whitworth won't be home yet.”
She shrugged his hand off of her shoulder. “Then perhaps Lady Sophia will be. It's truly her I wish to speak with anyway.”
He smiled in relief, and she wanted to slap him. Instead, she mumbled, “I hate you, Levi Worthington. You've brought me nothing but unhappiness.”
He stared at her for several long seconds, and despite her feelings of anger, she couldn't manage to pull herself away from his gaze.
His face softened as he reached up and placed his palm on her cheek, rubbing it tenderly with his thumb. “Emotions are experienced in the extremes. You cannot hate so deeply if you have not loved with the same ferocity.”
Lydia inhaled sharply. “What are you trying to say?”
“You only claim to hate me to hide the fact that you love me—passionately, wildly, and deeply.”
She shook her head so violently; it caused his hand to drop. “I'll never admit that,” she spat out angrily.
“Then neither will I.”
Stony silence filled the carriage as well as Lydia's heart. Why did Levi have the power to provoke her in ways no one else could? She felt ashamed for offering all of herself to a man who simply refused her. She would never allow it to happen again.
Suddenly the carriage jerked violently to one side, thrusting Lydia out of her seat. Levi deftly caught her and placed her back down before exclaiming, “What in tarnation is going on?”
Lydia slid to the window and ripped the curtain back so she could glance outside and inhaled sharply as she saw a black, unmarked carriage coming towards them at an alarming rate.
Levi noticed it too. “What is that fool trying to do? If he's not careful, he's going to run us off of the road.”
He reached up and tapped loudly on the ceiling of the carriage, indicating to his driver to stop before they were harmed, but just then the carriage was pulled violently to the other side of the road, throwing both Levi and Lydia out of their seats.
The wild ride continued for several minutes, causing Lydia to forget her earlier anger and humiliation. She was frightened by what was going on and wondered what sort of outcome was to be had.
Finally, the carriage jerked to a stop, and she breathed a sigh of relief, though it was short lived. Soon, the carriage door was being thrown open as a man in a dark cloak burst inside. Lydia hid behind her hands as she cowered in the corner, hoping Levi would protect her from the intruder.
“There you are,” the man hissed as he moved to pull Lydia to him.
Levi inserted himself between Lydia and the man. “Don't you dare touch her.”
“I've been sent to retrieve her and see her to safety.”
Lydia looked up and got her first good look at the man. The street lights were burning bright, thanks to the lamplighters, allowing his face to be illuminated enough that she could make out his familiar features.
“Lord Coldwell?” she gasped as she recognized Alexandra's step-son at once. “What are you doing here?”
“I've come in search of you.”
Confusion marred her brow. “But why? Who has sent you.”
“Yes, under what authority have you come?” Levi asked stiffly.
Samuel sighed impatiently then glanced heavenward. “I was sent to find you when it became apparent you'd disappeared from the fight.”
“How'd you know I was there?” Lydia blurted out, puzzled by the fact that he'd known her whereabouts and had seen past her disguise.
With his back still to her, Levi growled, “I told you-you were foolish to go. When will you ever learn?”
“Look,” Samuel interjected, sensing the pair was about to engage in a battle, “it's getting late. I must return Miss Phelps home before anyone learns of tonight's events and her absence from the Whitworth residence. I've been instructed to take you to my father's house.”
“But that's preposterous. How will that do any good? The Whitworth's believe I am sick in bed in their guest chamber.”
“And who, precisely, has instructed you to do this?” Levi asked, protective anger lacing his words.
“I do not have time to explain everything. We must get you to Grosvenor Square.”
Samuel reached around Levi's body and attempted to grab Lydia, but Levi snatched his ar
m and pushed it away. “I will take Miss Phelps home.”
Even in the bad carriage lighting, Lydia could see Lord Coldwell's gray eyes flash with annoyance. It was clear he didn't like being defied. The annoyance didn't last long, however, and soon his face had returned to an impassive mask of indifference. “Very well, do as you wish. Return her to the Whitworth residence where you can be responsible for either sneaking her inside undetected or making up a plausible story for her absence.”
It only took a moment for Levi to grasp the fact that either alternative was not a true solution. His shoulders slumped as he asked, “Can you guarantee to aide her without bringing further scandal to her name?”
“Of course, that is why I was sent after her tonight. I have connections that you do not.”
Levi turned towards Lydia and said, “He will help you.”
“What if I don't want to be helped?” she retorted angrily. How come the men in her life always thought they could rescue her? “I am perfectly capable of returning to the Whitworth residence on my own, thank you very much.”
Both men looked at her as if she were daft before sharing a look between themselves.
“Lydia, when will you ever learn that you can't do everything alone?” Levi asked, a bit exasperated.
She wanted to stick her tongue out at him, but managed to refrain. “When will you ever learn that you do nothing but cause problems in my life?”
Samuel quickly interjected, “When will you both learn that fighting like children solves nothing?”
His words made Lydia feel a bit contrite. She sank back into the seat; her arms folded dejectedly across her breast. “If you will allow me,” she began a bit more gently, “I will take care of myself.”
“No,” Samuel replied firmly, in a tone that broke no argument. “You can't return without Lady Sophia. As fate would have it, she's currently awaiting your arrival at my father's townhouse. If you are done being stubborn, I will take you to her at once.”
Levi sat down next to her, his legs spread out so far she suddenly felt overcome by his nearness. “Lydia,” he urged, trying to sound more gentle, “Lord Coldwell is right. You can't return to the Whitworth residence without Lady Sophia, or more problems will ensue. Go with him. I trust he'll take care of you.”
“I don't trust that anyone will take care of me. Besides myself, that is.”
Both men spoke at once.
“You can trust him.”
“You can trust me.”
“I trust no one,” she said adamantly.
Levi grasped her shoulders and shook her gently. “Lydia, you are the most stubborn, infuriating woman alive. Stop being so foolish.”
“Stop being so overprotective of me, Your Grace,” she seethed between tightly clenched teeth. “I am not, nor have I ever been, your concern.”
She had to turn her head away when she saw his rich, brown eyes fill with pain. Good, she thought. Hopefully he is just as miserable as her.
“Come with me, Miss Phelps,” Samuel urged authoritatively. “My carriage is waiting.”
Lydia took a few seconds to let her stubbornness wear off enough for her to do as Lord Coldwell bid. Finally, mostly because she no longer wanted to be around Levi, she arose and said, “Very well. Let us be on our way.”
Without a parting glance, Lydia slid past the two men and alighted from the carriage without assistance. She heard a few quiet, mumbled words exchanged between Lord Coldwell and Levi before Lord Coldwell was at her side, grabbing her elbow protectively and leading her to his carriage.
The ride to Grosvenor Square was short and silent. Lydia suddenly felt exhausted and wished desperately for the night to be over. When they finally arrived at Lord Emberson's townhouse, the window facing the street was illuminated with light, giving it a warm, welcoming appearance. Lord Coldwell helped her out of the carriage and escorted her inside.
The warmth that enveloped Lydia upon entering the townhouse took the chill from her body but did nothing to thaw her hardened heart. They entered the drawing room where Alexandra and her husband were standing by the hearth talking to Lady Sophia who was sitting regally in one chair, still dressed as a boy, though she'd removed her cap, allowing her golden locks to flow freely down her back.
Upon seeing Lydia, Lady Sophia smiled then rushed to her side to envelop her in a hearty hug. “Oh, Miss Phelps, you are safe.”
“Yes,” Lydia squeaked, feeling as if Lady Sophia's tight embrace was going to kill her. “I am.”
When Lady Sophia finally pulled back, she held Lydia at arm's length and frowned. “I told you to stay where you were. I returned to find you gone and panic seized my breast. You have no idea how concerned I was. What if something awful would have happened to you?”
“Well, it didn't. As you can see, I have come to no harm.”
Behind her, Lord Emberson shared a look with his wife before stepping towards Lydia and saying, “You have a penchant for foolishness, Miss Phelps. My wife has shared many stories with me where I was stupid enough to believe her the instigator of the tomfoolery between you two. It would appear that, perhaps, it was you behind the madness all along, not her.”
Lord Emberson's scolding made Lydia feel small. She hung her head in shame and mumbled, “I cannot seem to help myself.”
Alexandra quickly came to her defense. Standing at her side, she rubbed her back gently as she spoke to her husband, “Lydia doesn't mean to be foolish, Aaron. She just likes to have a grand time, that's all.”
“Well it isn't a grand time if you end up dead,” Samuel interjected passionately, causing all of them to whip around to stare at him.
“Don't be so dramatic,” Lady Sophia chastised, glaring at Lord Coldwell angrily.
“I'm not being dramatic, Lady Sophia, I'm being realistic. You never know what harm may befall you when you choose to go to places of ill repute. The warning is not for Lydia alone, my lady, it is for you as well.”
“I will go where I please,” she spat at him.
Lydia stared at the pair, wondering why it seemed as if they were arguing about something else entirely.
“Someone should inform your father of your attitude.”
“You wouldn't dare,” she hissed, her hands balling up into fists at her side.
Lydia watched with amusement, glad that the attention had been taken from her.
“It's not safe for a woman to be acting as a—”
Lady Sophia stood on her toes, and cut him off with a loud scream. All heads turned to look at her.
“Whatever is wrong?” Alexandra asked as she rushed to the girl's side.
Lady Sophia's hand shook as it reached out and pointed to a spot behind Lord Coldwell. “I just saw a mouse run across the rug.”
Alexandra's face paled. “Are you certain?”
“I'm positive,” Lady Sophia's said.
Both Lydia and Alexandra began glancing around nervously. Alexandra looked squarely at her husband and said, “Let us remove to your study while the servants search the entire room. I will not be satisfied until that rodent is found.”
Lord Emberson laughed. “Don't be so dramatic, dear. It was only one mouse. There are probably dozens living in each one of our residences, unbeknownst to us.”
Alexandra shuddered. “Why did you say that? Now I won't ever be able to fall asleep.”
One dark brow rose wickedly on Lord Emberson's forehead. “That's quite alright, my dear. I know plenty of nighttime activities that are far more enjoyable than sleeping.”
Lydia watched as Alexandra's face bloomed with color. Her breast filled with jealousy as she witnessed the intimate exchange between the couple.
Beside them, Lord Coldwell rolled his eyes. “Please, Father, I do not wish to hear this. Let us take care of the matter at hand so we can all retire for the night.”
“In your study,” Alexandra urged, her voice firm and unrelenting.
“Very well. Let's remove ourselves to my study.”
By the time Lady So
phia successfully helped Lydia sneak back into her house, they were both exhausted beyond reason. They stripped themselves of their disguise and burned the clothing in the fireplace before they each retired for the night in their respective bedchambers.
Lydia was so tired from the night's events she slept far beyond what was considered normal, even for London hours, and didn't awaken until late afternoon. When she did, she was startled to find Lady Sophia sitting in a chair by her side.
“What are you doing here?” she asked her friend, as she rubbed the last remnants of sleep from her eyes.
“I've been waiting for you to wake up for an hour now. I was beginning to grow worried.”
“How long have you been up?”
Lady Sophia glanced at the timepiece sitting on the mantel. “I've been up since dawn.”
Lydia startled. “What? Whyever would you awake so early? Especially after the night we had?”
“I had things I needed to do.”
“Things that could not have waited until you got a decent amount of sleep?”
“I don't require much sleep,” she admitted almost proudly.
“Truly? How odd.”
“I find it quite convenient, actually. It allows me to get a lot done while the rest of the world slumbers away.”
Lydia stared at Lady Sophia, with her smooth skin and golden hair. The woman exuded confidence but also had an air of mystery about her that intrigued Lydia. “What sort of things?” she pried.
With the flick of her hand, Lady Sophia said dismissively, “Nothing too interesting, let me assure you. Now, before the doctor comes to check on you, there are some things I need to tell you. About last night.”
“Yes?” Lydia asked, curiously.
“You must speak of last night's happening to no one, especially not my brother. He can never know that we were at the boxing match. Understand?”
“He has secrets of his own. Surely he would be sympathetic if he were to find out.”
Lady Sophia's warm, blue eyes turned to ice. She grabbed Lydia's hands and clasped them tightly as she hissed, “You will not breathe a word of it to Gilbert. Do you understand?”
The Duke's Dastardly Mistake (Unlikely Pairs Book 2) Page 10
