Kate sat in the carriage, rattled by the events of the evening. Now, she was forced into close proximity with the one man she dreaded seeing the most. While Ethan seemed concerned about her welfare, he kept his distance. There was no warmth in his eyes. During the party, she had caught him stealing glances her way. She had done her best to ignore the piercing gaze of his stormy green eyes; eyes that years ago had gazed upon her with love.
As much as Kate wanted to tell Ethan the truth about everything, she could not. She had lost him, and there was no way to get him back. No amount of explaining could undo the years of heartache.
The carriage pulled up to her parents’ home. A footman opened the door and gasped at the sight of the coachman inside. Ethan explained that the coach had been prey to would-be thieves. The footman took Giles to his room, while Kate led Ethan into the house. She assumed there was no point in arguing with him to leave. Ethan had always been stubborn, and she knew when not to challenge him.
As they walked down the hall, she was aware of him just a few steps behind her. She smelled the faint scent of sandalwood from his cologne. He was handsome in his dark, royal blue, fitted jacket, and his finely tailored trousers. His golden tresses had darkened slightly over the years and resembled the color of a lush wheat field at the height of summer. Kate chastised herself. She had to remember where she was and that someone had attempted to hurt her tonight. There was no question in her mind that she had been the intended target of the bullets.
No matter what transpired in the next few minutes, Kate would not allow Ethan to be involved in her affairs. The faster he left, the sooner she could figure out her next move. Above all else, she had to protect Robbie.
Kate entered the study and poured herself a glass of bourbon. The warmth spread through her body with the first sip. It gave her the liquid courage she needed for the impending conversation.
Ethan watched her from his position by the fireplace. The tension rolled off his shoulders in waves and he clenched his jaw. He was like a caged beast ready to spring at the slightest baiting. Kate sat in a chair and met Ethan’s questioning countenance. If she spoke too soon, Kate worried she might tell him everything or lose her nerve and cry, which was the last thing she wanted to do. She had to be strong; she couldn’t let Ethan see the unease or panic that lurked just beneath the surface.
Ethan broke eye contact and sighed, “Do you want to tell me why the hell you were shot at tonight?”
The cold emptiness in Ethan’s voice chilled Kate to the bone. It was as if someone had thrown a bucket of cold water on her. He was a stranger to her now. All the years apart had changed him into someone she did not recognize. The man standing in front of her was not the boy she had loved. His emerald eyes, which had once sparkled with mirth, were now filled with anger. His tone spoke of faint annoyance as if being here was beneath him. Very well, she would give him the same courtesy.
“It is as you said to the footman, just thieves in the night.”
Ethan chuckled and stared her down. “I am not in the mood for games, Kate.” He moved closer to her. “Now, tell me the truth.”
All the anger and frustration that had been pent up for so long exploded. Kate had been on edge for the last few months. Now, on top of everything else, Ethan wanted to interrogate her; it was too much. She jumped to her feet and closed the distance between them. For once, she would not allow a man to dictate to her.
“What right do you have to give me orders or demand answers? Until tonight, we have not spoken to each other in five years. I don’t need your help, Ethan, nor do I want it. I am a grown woman, not some smitten, innocent girl easily placated.”
Ethan’s eyes glimmered. “You always were stubborn.”
Kate spat, “And you were always lazy and spoiled All you wanted in life was to gamble the night away with your friends. You never had any ambition in life, but I cared for you despite your flaws.” She had not meant to bring up the past, but now it was out in the open.
“So, I should thank you? I suppose I should also thank you for caring for me so much that you spread your legs, behind my back, for Nathan Montgomery.”
Kate slapped Ethan across the face. Her hand stung from the impact.
“How dare you speak of things you know nothing about. I do not care to hear
any further insults, so I will ask you to leave this house. Good night, my lord.”
Kate marched toward the door, but Ethan caught her arm. She scowled at the man, and her muscles tensed for another attack.
“Kate, please, forgive me. I’m a bloody bastard. I shouldn’t have said such things.” He rubbed a hand over his face in frustration. “You were right about me. I didn’t give a damn when I was younger, but things have changed for both of us since then. I want to help you, Kate. Please believe me.”
She wanted to believe Ethan but didn’t know if she could trust him. Even if he could help, Kate didn’t want to put him in danger. If anything happened to Ethan, she would never forgive herself. It would be better if he left. Perhaps, if she made Ethan angry enough, he would leave. At the moment, he didn’t look as if he would go without a fight.
Kate sneered, “After all these years, I’m supposed to run to you? I’m sorry, Ethan, but I have little faith that you can help me. Life must be dull in London if you want to help a widowed lady with a small child. I’m sure there are more favorable pursuits waiting for you in town.”
Ethan moved closer to Kate and gazed into her eyes. She melted from the intensity of his stare. Damn her weak resolve. He leaned in and kissed her. It was barely a whisper on Kate’s lips, but it was enough to rekindle a flame that she believed long extinguished. Funny, she did not recall closing her eyes, but when she opened them, Ethan’s face was mere inches away. He seemed to wrestle with his emotions, but he never took his eyes off her.
Ethan cursed and drew her in again. Kate held on to his arms for support, afraid her legs would give way. The possession of his embrace swept her away. Her pent-up frustrations, combined with her long-repressed desire for him allowed the flood gates to open. With a single kiss Ethan had broken down her defenses.
Kate felt helpless to fight it. Her hands rubbed up his arms and broad shoulders to encircle his neck. Ethan stepped closer, their bodies touching as he leaned down to claim her again. The taste of his lips was so familiar, even after all these years. Unlike their encounters from the past, there was no fumbling of inexperience. No, they were older, and they knew what they wanted. Kate never wanted the kiss to end.
Ethan weaved his fingers through Kate’s hair, tilting her head to deepen the embrace. She followed his lead. He barraged her with kisses, then nibbled his way down her neck. Kate sighed and savored the sweetness of his taste on her lips. It had been so long since she had felt like a woman. So long since she had felt safe enough to let her guard down. The desire to cry out in relief, and surrender to what she felt in Ethan’s arms, was strong. But what about Robbie and their attacker? This was no time for lost love. Suddenly, the gravity of her situation came crashing down on her, and Kate couldn’t breathe.
AUTHOR NOTES:
Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review on Amazon, Goodreads and/or Bookbub. It’s much appreciated.
I love hearing from readers. You can follow me on Facebook at “Laura Shipley”. You can also follow me on author central on Amazon, Goodreads or BookBub. You can also contact me through email at [email protected] or visit my website at thelaurashipley.com
Special thanks to my wonderful husband who is always around and ready to give me all the IT support I need. Also thank you to my editor Kim Eisman who helped make this book possible.
About the Author:
Laura Shipley is the author of Her Heart’s Desire and The Dukes Embrace. She is currently finishing the four-book series, Romancing Intrigue. She makes her home in Pennsylvania with her loving and supportive husband and two children. When she’s not weaving stories filled with romance and adventur
e, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching horror movies, and reading novels from many genres. You can learn more about Laura, her fascination with forensic TV shows, and all her upcoming works at thelaurashipley.com or https://www.facebook.com/TheLauraShipley.
The Way to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 1) Page 16
