“On occasion,” Lewis said. Though this night wasn’t one of those times. He was positively dreading the dance he would soon share with Grace. Not because he did not wish to have her in his arms, but because he would have to set her free afterward. Their dance would signify the end for them—there final goodbye.
The quartet neared the end of the first song and he peered around the crowded space searching for Grace. She was strolling toward him, a frail smile shaping her lips. Breathing became difficult as he watched her draw closer. Adjusting his cravat, he turned his attention back to Lord and Lady Luvington. “If you will excuse me.”
“Of course.” Lady Luvington bowed her head and Lord Luvington smiled as he nodded.
Lewis approached Grace, meeting her near the dance floor and offering his arm. As the quartet struck the first chords of a waltz, he led her out onto the polished floor. For long moments, he simply held her as they moved through the steps of the dance. His heart pounded so hard he feared it might burst from his chest as he pulled her close.
Beside them, Amelia and Richard danced, but Lewis paid them no attention. His focus was locked on Grace—on absorbing all he could of her before being forced to relinquish her. He inhaled her light floral scent and relished the heat radiating between them. A final moment of sweet torture. When their set ended he would depart the dance floor, never to be so close to her again.
Their eyes met, hers soft and warm but also so filled with emotions—longing, mischief, sadness—that gazing into them stole his breath. “Grace,” he whispered, unable to speak with more force.
She notched her chin, bringing her lips closer to his. “Yes.”
He pressed his lips into a tight flat line and shook his head. As much as he wished it wasn’t so, there wasn’t anything he could say—nothing that would fix what was broken between them.
She sighed, her gaze never leaving his. “Come to me tonight. One last time. A chance to say our goodbyes.”
Dare he indulge himself again? Would he be able to walk away? More importantly, would it be fair to either of them? His throat tightened as he turned it over on his mind.
She sucked in her lower lip, her gaze burning into his. “No commitments, no questions, only closure.”
Temptation tightened his loins, his blood heating as he searched the depths of her eyes. He was paralyzed, unable to move or speak for fear of making the wrong choice. He did not wish to cause either of them further pain. Nor did he believe himself capable of finding closure where she was concerned.
The quartet struck the final chords of the song, and Grace slipped from his arms. “Tonight,” she said before strolling away, disappearing into the crush of the ballroom.
CHAPTER 8
UNWILLING TO WASTE ANOTHER MOMENT, Grace feigned a headache and retreated to her room. She wanted to savor the night, to spend every minute she could with Lewis. She’d been confident he would note her absence and follow close behind her, but that had been two hours past.
She fidgeted with her wrapper as she paced the length of her room. She’d caught him stealing glances at her on several occasions before she excused herself. Surely by now he’d figured out that she’d left the ball. Her heart sank, for there was only one conclusion to be drawn. He wasn’t coming.
Grace paced over to the bed and sank onto it, her chest aching. She’d not have the chance to make love to him again. Never again would she feel his heart beating against hers, or feel his hands trailing over her flesh. Her throat tightened, a lone tear forming at the corner of one eye.
Jasmine nudged her, the cat's large head bumping into hers. Grace rested her hand on Jasmine's back and buried her face on the tiger's soft fur. At least she had her pet to comfort her. Not that she deserved any comfort. This whole mess was of her own making. She should not have allowed herself to hope, to dream.
Accepting her fate, she stroked her hand down Jasmine’s back. “Weeping will not get me anywhere.”
The cat angled its head, then licked Grace’s cheek as though it understood.
Grace could not help the fragile grin that formed on her lips. She gave the beast one final pat, then stood and moved to the wardrobe. Reaching in, she retrieved her nightdress. In preparation for Lewis, she was naked beneath her wrapper. Now she required proper attire and a good night's rest.
As she unfastened her wrapper, a knock came at the door. She dropped the nightdress, letting it pool on the floor as she raced to open the door. Her breath caught, heart racing as she flung it open to find Lewis on the other side.
He stepped into the room, the door clicking shut behind him.
Before either could do anything else, Grace released her wrapper. It slid down her body, leaving her bare before him. She didn’t want to talk—not now—she only wished to lose herself in him. To relish the time she had and show him how much she loved him. To steal one last memory to keep her for the rest of her days.
After a long moment, he closed in on her, one hand on the small of her back and the other caressing her jaw, lifting her chin. And then his lips were on hers, all-consuming. A thrill of pleasure went through her as their tongues met, gliding and teasing against each other.
She pulled the shirttails from his trousers and skimmed her hands along his sides, desperate to feel him.
Lewis stepped back enough to pull his shirt over his head. Her mouth went dry as she greedily took him in, all muscle, tight and corded. She trailed her gaze over him, pausing at the fall of his trousers as he worked to free the buttons.
She stepped forward, then dropped to her knees to kiss his lean, muscled torso as she slid his trousers and smalls down the length of his sculpted thighs. Trailing her hands back up his heated skin, she stared up at him, relishing the passion in his gaze. She wanted to give him everything. To sear the memory of their lovemaking into his soul.
She took his hardened length in hand, stroking her palm and fingers over the silken flesh. Her blood ignited, desire swimming through her veins as she brought her lips to his cock.
A deep guttural moan ripped from him as she lapped, kissed, and sucked until he reached for her, pulling her back to her feet.
“Grace,” he sighed through clenched teeth, before backing her against the wall and capturing her lips with his. He trailed his hand down her side, across her belly, then lower to find the curls between her legs. She trembled with anticipation as he kissed her, deep and lush.
His fingers teased her opening as she arched against him. Then he parted her, slipping a finger into her passage, and she bucked against him, desperation swamping her. He locked one arm around her waist and lowered her to the bed, trailing kisses down the column of her neck.
Pleasure curled through her, pooling in a dozen places as he took one breast into his mouth, teasing and sucking as she writhed beneath him. Moving lower he licked and sucked a trail down her belly, leaving a searing path in his wake before pushing her thighs apart.
After what seemed like both forever and only an instant, he lifted his head.
She sighed his name, ready for anything he wished to give her as she tangled her fingers in his thick hair. His fingers moved again, teased until she opened further, then he lowered his mouth, kissing her where she most needed to be touched. Her hips bucked up of their own accord as he continued to worship her. She moaned and clutched his hair, desperation driving her until her release exploded, sending her into a pit of ecstasy.
Lewis gathered her against him, pressing their bodies so tightly together that there was no space for anything else and captured her lips. She trilled her hands across his shoulders and down his arms, guiding. He rolled onto her, her legs wrapping around his hips, and thrust into her depths.
Pleasure rocked through her, building more with each thrust. He kissed and caressed her sensitive flesh as his cock slid in and out of her in long, slow strokes. Unable to bear it anymore, she began rocking her hips, increasing their motion as the need for release built ever stronger.
He rolled until she was seat
ed onto of him, then held her hips firmly as she rode out her pleasure moaning his name over and over as she took what she wanted from him. Her muscles throbbed and tightened as she screamed in ecstasy. His release filled her as she rode out the final waves of pleasure.
Grace collapsed, snuggling against Lewis’s chest, relishing the intimacy of his naked skin pressed to hers as she struggled to regain her composure. He stroked his hand over her hair, her back, and dropped kisses on the top of her head as she slowly returned to the moment.
Reality crept back in as he rolled onto his side and gathered her beside him, wrapping her tight in his arms. This was farewell. Tomorrow he would be gone. Tomorrow… No. She’d not think of it now. Tonight, she would soak him in, relishing their time together. Tonight she’d allow nothing but the moment she was in to consume her.
She stroked her fingertips against the skin of his chest and angled her head to look up at him. “Lewis.”
He gazed at her, his green eyes warm and tender. “Yes.”
“Stay with me tonight?” She asked, her heart beating against his.
He nodded then tucked her head under his chin. “Sleep well, darling.”
Grace woke to bright streaks of sunlight streaming into her room. “Lewis.” She patted the mattress beside her, reaching for him. Her heart sank at the empty space she found. She turned her head in a slow arc to peek at the empty space beside her. He had left—gone back to his life in America, and she remained behind. Nothing more than a memory.
Perhaps it wasn’t too late. Maybe he’d not yet departed. She jumped from her bed, heart racing as she flung open the wardrobe to retrieve a day gown. She tugged it on, then raced over to the window to peer down at the drive as she struggled with her laces. Her pulse increased at the sight of everyone gathered below saying their goodbyes to Lewis.
Desperation tightened its grip on her and she ran to the door, flung it open--and then slammed it closed again only to crumple back against it. What was she thinking? She could not chase after him. Her place was in England. His in America. They’d already said all there was to say. Already made their choices. She dropped her head into her hands and allowed the tears to flow.
Grace could not have said for certain how long she’d stayed like that—her face buried in her hands and her back against the door—but she’d cried herself dry by the time someone rapped against the wooden pane, pulling her back to the present. “Who is it?”
“Amelia,” her friend's familiar voice called out.
“And Eliza, along with Lady Luvington. Do let us in.”
Grace pulled in a deep breath, her eyes fluttering closed for a heartbeat before she stood and welcomed them in.
Amelia pulled Grace into a warm embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
Grace hugged her back, then pulled away.
“We are here for you,” Sarah, Lady Luvington, said as she laid a hand on Grace’s shoulder.
Eliza gave her a sympathetic look full of empathy and understanding.
Grace stooped to pick Jasmine up, then settled into a chair with the cat on her lap. “You needn’t fret over me. I’ll be fine in a day or so.” She didn’t even believe herself, but all the same, she had to try.
“Nonsense. You have always been there for us, and now we intend to repay the kindness.” Sarah said.
“None of you owe me a thing,” Grace said. “Besides, there is nothing anyone can do.”
Amelia sat beside Grace. “Tell us what happened and let us see for ourselves if there is anything we can do.”
“At the least talking it out may make you feel a spot better,” Eliza said.
Grace could not imagine that baring her soul to anyone would do anything other than make her more miserable. All the same, these women were her dearest friends. She could trust them with her life, and she well knew it.
“He’s gone,” Grace said, her voice low, almost inaudible.
Amelia frowned. “I know.”
“Did he refuse you?” Sarah asked.
Eliza paced to the window and peered out. “I’ll wring his neck myself.”
“There’s no need.” Grace shook her head. “We refused each other.”
“What?” Amelia’s eyes widened. “Why would you do that?”
Grace took a moment to sort out her jumbled thoughts. She closed her eyes and drew in a steadying breath as she stroked Jasmine’s neck. “He refuses to leave America. His life is there and mine is in England. It's the same as it was all those years ago.”
Sarah propped her hip on the vanity and turned a studying gaze on Grace. “What keeps you from leaving England?”
“I’m a duchess, I have responsibilities.”
“To whom?” Sarah narrowed her eyes slightly.
Grace said the first things that came to her mind. “My daughters, you ladies, and my home.”
“Forgive me, but that is nonsense.” Amelia grabbed Grace’s hand. “We are all settled, married, and happy. Why shouldn’t you have that as well?”
Grace looked to Eliza. “Most of you are.”
Eliza placed a hand on her chest. “Do not use me for an excuse. I could find a new position or relocate with you. Either would please me.”
Grace glanced at each woman in turn, their words circling through her mind. She could not deny that they were right, and hope along with realization bloomed in her chest. Lewis belonged with her. She loved him and he loved her. This foolishness over where they lived had to end—and she’d be the one to stop it. “Eliza, help me change into my riding habit. I’m going after him.”
CHAPTER 9
GRACE HAD RACED neck or nothing across the Scottish landscape in a desperate drive to catch Lewis along the road. He had departed Goldstone Castle about thirty minutes before she did; however, horses were always faster than carriages. She should have been able to catch up to him. And yet, she hadn’t.
“Where is he?” she muttered to herself, her gaze darting about the shipyard. He had to be nearby somewhere. She trotted along a row of carriages, her muscles tightened in anticipation as dread turned her stomach. Surely she would have crossed paths with his carriage as it returned to the castle if he’d already sailed.
Searching, she continued along the row, her gaze flickering from one conveyance to the next. “Come on,” she mumbled as she passed one carriage after another. Her heart soared when her gaze finally lit upon the familiar crest. She pulled rein and slid from her mount.
“Lewis. Lewis!” she called as she raced toward the black lacquered coach. Her heart racing, she drew closer. “Lewis, I must speak to you.”
The coachman rounded the carriage, his face drawn, and she stopped cold in her tracks. “I’m sorry, Your Grace. He has already boarded.”
She turned toward the ships, all lined up in a neat row along the docks. “Which one?”
“You cannot storm the ship, Your Grace. It isn’t safe.”
She narrowed her gaze on the coachman. “Which. One?” she demanded through gritted teeth.
“His Grace would have—”
She cared not what her nephew would have or do. She only cared about finding Lewis. When she spotted Goldstone footmen carrying a trunk, she turned and chased after them. They had to be taking it to Lewis’s ship. They would lead her to him.
“Hey, pretty lady,” a gruff voice called out to her.
Grace ignored it and continued toward the footman.
“Let me have a look at ye,” the voice came, louder than before.
“Not today,” Grace called out without bothering to glance behind her. A rough hand clasped around her wrist and jerked her to a stop.
“Is that any way for a lady to behave?” a grimly faced sailor asked as he leered at her.
Dread unfurled in Grace's belly as she tried to jerk free. “I’m busy.”
“Not too busy for a spot of fun.” The reprobate pulled her against him. “Twill only take a minute.”
Rage boiled up in Grace and she lifted her free arm, bringing her riding crop down
on the man.
“You bitch!” He brought his hand to his face. “You’ll pay for that!”
She pivoted then ran toward the docks. “Lewis,” her scream rent the air, echoing through the shipyard.
The offending man recaptured her, his arm locked around her waist. He began pulling her away from the docks. His foul breath huffing against her shoulder. “I’ll teach ye some manners.”
Grace kicked and swung her arms to little avail. “Lewis. Someone help! Lewis!”
“Shut yer mouth, wench,” the filthy man said as he squeezed her, the pressure of his hold stealing her breath as he tugged her into the shadows.
He flung her to the ground, but Grace quickly pushed back to her feet. She wasted no time in running back toward the docks, screaming for help as she went. Her heart beat ferociously against her chest and her legs burned, but she’d not stop. That poor excuse for a man would not have the chance to touch her again.
“Stop.”
She pushed harder, rounding the first dock.
“Grace, stop. You're safe.”
Lewis… She glanced over her shoulder not believing her ears. It was Lewis. Relief coursed through her, and for the first time since arriving at the docks she noticed the cool breeze on her face.
His arms came around her and she collapsed into his strong embrace. Her shoulders shook with relief as she nuzzled against his hard chest, inhaling the fresh sea air.
“You're safe now. I’ve got you,” he murmured against her hair, his hand rubbing soothing circles on her back. “It's alright. He’ll not bother you again.”
Grace inhaled, glancing up at him. “What did you do?”
“The details don’t signify. Just know that he’s no longer fit to assault anyone.”
She narrowed her gaze. “You didn’t have enough time to render him unfit.”
“It only took one well placed punch. I promise you it will be a good while before he regains consciousness.”
Grace smiled a shaky grin. “You saved me.”
He shook his head. “You saved yourself.”
Romantically Enchanted: A Twisted Fairytale Collection Page 27
