Hell, he enjoyed the conversation too. When was the last time anyone had actually cared so much about the details of his life? Comforted him over the death of his brother?
“What happened?” she asked, her voice soft and soothing and so damned tempting.
He was perched on a cliff ledge for fuck’s sake, but he’d never been closer to sharing his secrets. “I was in love with a girl and I thought she was the most beautiful, kind, and pure woman in all the world.”
She sucked in her breath. “I sense that there is a but coming.”
“But,” he started, looking back at her over his shoulder. “She tossed me over for another, at-the-time titled man.” He drew in a ragged breath. The last part of the story clogging his throat.
She paused and he stopped too. “Someone you knew?”
He gave a slight shiver. “Oh yes. I knew him.”
She pressed against him, her body touching his arm as he drew in a ragged breath. “Who was he?”
Her body felt so good but he was reminded, as he talked about how touch was so often a false promise. He slid away from her touch and turned to finish traversing the path. “My brother.”
“Luke,” she said, her voice louder. “You’re leaning too far out, step back from the ledge.”
Adrianna’s heart pounded in her chest. If it had been one of her sisters close to the edge, she wouldn’t have been worried, but this man had nearly fallen off her balcony the night before and he’d not survive a fall from this height.
And then there were his words. His former love had married his brother? She tried to picture Luke choosing one of her sisters for his wife. Her chest contracted, her heart thumping painfully in her chest. My goodness, that would hurt and they’d only shared a single kiss.
He slid to the side and her breath rushed out though her blood still rushed in her ears. “Better?” he asked, as he took the last several steps to return to the path.
“Much,” she said, stepping off the ledge. “Though you frightened me half to death.” She attempted to relax her fingers, which were currently clutching the cats as if they might run at any moment, despite the fact they were curled half asleep in her arms. “Back to our conversation. Just to be clear, your first love married your brother?”
He hesitated. “I found out on the night I’d planned to propose. In fairness to her, she might not have known I was about to ask, but we’d done far more than was socially acceptable and I thought the offer was a foregone conclusion.”
Her stomach flipped over and if she weren’t holding the cats, she might have hugged him. “That is so terrible. How could she do that to you?” How could a woman be physical with one man and then marry his brother? It defied reason as far as Adrianna was concerned.
He shrugged. “That’s the catch with society. Everyone is vying for the best position, the most connections. She was a perfect lady, of course she had to take the offer from the current earl. The spare would never do. It was expected by everyone, even her family and especially herself. I knew she cared what the rest of society thought. She took pride in being socially successful. In retrospect, I should have realized that I was her secret and not the man she wanted to marry but—”
She squeaked as a dawning realization hit her. “She’s your sister-in-law then and your brother died and now you’re the earl.” He was family with the woman who’d betrayed him.
He turned back to her, his face grim. “Yes. Tawdry, isn’t it? I likely shouldn’t tell you this but she attempted to rekindle our relationship after my brother’s death. For me, it made everything so much worse.”
Worse? “That is absolutely awful.” She leaned down and kissed Mittens, and then started walking toward the house. “You called her pure, but honestly, I don’t see it at all. That viper has a black heart.”
He laughed. Not a joyous sound but a grim passing of noise over the throat. “True. But how would I trust that another woman wasn’t the same? In every way she’d seemed so perfect.”
They’d reached the kitchen door and she opened the split-panel, setting Mittens and the first kitten inside. Her lip twisted down as she considered her answer. “I do see your point.” Reaching into his arms, she started to remove the two cats he held. He quickly let go of Jinx, but with Socks, he resisted for just a moment before he handed the little black-and-white bundle over. “She’ll be looking for a home soon.”
He scowled at Adrianna. “You’re not suggesting I take a cat?”
She kissed Socks’s little nose before she carefully set the tiny kitten in the kitchen. “Perhaps I am. If you can’t open your heart to a woman, and I’m not certain I blame you, maybe you should start with something smaller. She likes you and you like little Socks too. I can see it in the way you hold her.”
“How did you know she liked me?” Luke asked as he rubbed his face with his hand. Did he want to open his heart at all? Even a relationship with a cat frightened him a bit, but then again…the affection had been nicer than he’d imagined.
“Cats are simple. If they like you, they cuddle up to you. Sure, they’ll swipe at you now and then. But that’s just their nature.”
He cocked a brow. “I suppose that’s true. And women? Will they swipe at a man too?”
She couldn’t quite keep the smile from her face. “Oh, most certainly. You shouldn’t let a little swipe deter you.”
He moved closer and her breath caught in her throat. “But if they like you will they cuddle up to you right away?”
She swallowed down that breath. “I suppose they do.”
“But women are far more complicated than cats. How will I know that she won’t betray me later when a bigger, better male comes along?”
Adrianna tapped her chin, mostly to buy time. She wasn’t certain she knew the answer he sought and somehow, she sensed her words were terribly important to him. “I don’t know. Which is my problem in life really. I’m only eighteen and I’ve only ever lived here in Seabridge Gate and people are reasonably honest and straightforward. I’ve no idea how to navigate the bigger world or the people who say one thing and mean another.” She closed her eyes. “Sometimes I worry that when we travel to London, I’ll never keep myself and my sisters safe. Or even if I successfully aid them, I won’t know how to help myself.”
“You’re right to worry about London.” His fingers brushed her elbow. “Keep sharpening your sword, you’ll need it.”
“Sharpening? I think I’ve proven my blade quite dull. Despite my best attempt to push you away yesterday, here you are still in Seabridge Gate.” She dipped her head, letting the brim of her hat cover her face.
“Shouldn’t you allow your father to worry about all of this?” He pulled her closer, wanting to protect her too despite himself.
Her chin tilted up as he dipped back to keep the brim of her hat from swiping his face. “My father?” She shook her head. “I love him dearly, but he isn’t equipped for the job. Just think about what you’ve seen in the past two days. I’ve been alone on the beach with you. Ophelia had a secret picnic last night. He’s far too trusting of everyone and he’s forgotten that the rest of the world isn’t like here.”
“And so you’ve decided you need to take up the roll?” He’d leaned closer, his own face dipping under the wide brim, which created an air of intimacy. Which likely explained what she said next.
“I like to think that I’m the toughest, strongest, most worldly Moorish sister but if I can’t even get one lord desperate to leave my village, how will I keep my sisters safe?”
Chapter Eight
Luke tried not to laugh. He really did. But her concern was so…ridiculous. She was so young. The responsibility shouldn’t have been hers in the first place. His chuckle bubbled from his chest, a welcome relief from their earlier conversation. “Adrianna. Please.”
She gave his chest a bit of a shove. “Are you poking fun at me?”
He shook his head. “Perhaps a bit. But your worry is just…”
She stood straighter
, her shoulders tossed back, her chin angling up. Oh, she looked incredibly tempting in such a pose. “Silly?”
He reached out and stroked her cheek again. “Yes. But not for the reason you think.”
She jerked away. “You think I’m naïve and foolish and—”
“Adrianna,” he started. “I think you are exceptionally lovely, perhaps the most perfectly beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’ve got wit and charm and spunk and the only reason you feel insecure is because you haven’t had a proper chance to test out your skills. But I guarantee if you make it to London, you’ll both keep your sisters perfectly safe and have a line of suitors begging for your attention.”
“Oh.” She covered her mouth, color rising in her cheeks. “That was the loveliest compliment. I…” But she stopped as she heard someone whistling a merry tune from down the path. “Oh no. That’s Papa.” She started pushing him from the door, her hands splayed out on his chest. “You have to go.”
“Why?” he asked, enjoying her discomfort. “I was only helping to find your sister’s cat. And besides. You yourself told me that he was unlikely to think ill of anyone. I’m sure he’ll—”
She tsked, shoving him around the corner. “You know very well that we can’t be caught alone together. Not even my father will stand for that.” He stopped moving, and her hands slid lower to gain leverage. Even with the threat of marriage looming if her father found them alone, this was quite fun.
“Fair enough. The problem, though, is that our conversation had only just begun.”
The whistling grew louder and Adrianna pushed harder. “If you don’t go, I’m darting into the kitchen and leaving you out here alone. Then my father can think you’re lurking about.”
He grabbed her arms and pulled her closer. Her violet scent wrapped about him. “I’ve just had a marvelous idea that I’d like to discuss with you.” If experience was what she needed, he might be able to help with that. And help himself too. Being with her was clearing the fog he’d been in for so long.
She stilled in his grasp, tilting her face up toward his and, this time, knocking his with the brim of her hat. “Idea?”
“Meet me at the top of the path at ten tonight,” he whispered and then as quickly as he’d grabbed her, he let her go. Turning, he made his way back to the road to head into the village. It looked as though he’d be staying in Seabridge Gate for one more day, anyhow.
He’d have to tell Dashlane and Craven, though they’d all planned to go their separate ways regardless. But still. And he’d need to ask Mr. Moorish permission to use the cottage for another day. Then he smiled. That was the perfect excuse to return to the Moorish house later this evening.
He started whistling to himself, a merry tune that hummed from his rusty lips. It sounded terrible, his lips unused to the activity but somehow, it made his chest lighter as the sound passed his lips.
Then he stopped. Sharing with Adrianna about his past had made him feel lighter, freer than he had in some time.
Just as he started moving again, Juliet and Dashlane made their way toward him. Neither Craven nor Bianca were with them.
“I just don’t know where that silly cat could have gone,” Juliet said, her arms swinging wide in the air. “But I’ll have you all over for dinner as a thank you for helping us search.”
Dashlane frowned, running a hand through his hair. “That’s very kind, Miss Moorish, but not necessary.”
“Miss Moorish,” Luke called, smiling just a bit, knowing what his friends had been through and what they were being trapped into. “Mittens has been found.”
Juliet gave a loud clap. “Oh thank goodness. And her kittens?”
“All safe.” He winked at Dashlane. “So there is no need to have Dashlane or Craven over for dinner.”
Juliet frowned even as Dashlane sighed, his shoulders hunching in relief. “See, Miss Moorish, I’ve done nothing, really.”
Juliet clutched his arm. “Oh but my lord, you’ve been so very helpful. I must insist that you come for dinner.”
Luke shrugged. Apparently Dashlane wasn’t escaping from Seabridge Gate’s noose. And neither was he but he couldn’t be ceased to care. One more day in Seabridge Gate would do him some good.
Adrianna forced her body to stay still. Her sister, Cordelia, was playing a lovely piece on the pianoforte that Adrianna should be listening to rather than pacing. Besides, her family had been giving her strange looks all evening.
She was jumpy. She knew that. But a woman didn’t get her first kiss every day. And then there had been the intimate conversation they’d shared. Luke had told her about his past and they’d held one another and she’d shared her worst fear and…
Another wave of heat spread across her cheeks. She held them in her hands. Why did he wish to meet? He’d said they had more to discuss and she agreed. She didn’t understand what all of this meant. If he’d only kissed her, Adrianna might have considered his behavior that of a rake, but telling her about his first love? That felt deeper, more intimate.
Not that she needed any promises from him. Honestly, she’d been happy just to share their kiss, she’d learned a great deal in that moment and he’d been so tender.
Butterflies danced about her belly and she shifted again as Cordelia’s piece finally ended. Juliet turned to her father. “As I was saying. They helped us find Mittens. We took up their entire morning and I really think we should invite them to dinner.”
Her father looked over to the Duke of Rathmore, who sat on the settee with Ophelia.
Rathmore frowned. “I’m not certain another dinner is a good idea. After all—”
“Oh but,” Juliet started again. “They’ve done us a favor and besides.” She clasped her hands. “We have to properly celebrate your engagement. Doesn’t a dinner party sound like a fabulous way to honor your impending nuptials?”
Ophelia shook her head. “Speaking of that, his Grace has invited his cousins to join us here in Seabridge Gate. Is that all right, Papa?”
“Of course.” Her father nodded. “We’d be more than happy to host them.”
Juliet huffed, a tiny sound that everyone seemed to hear as they all turned to look at her. “We can still host a small party in honor of Ophelia and His Grace.”
Ophelia shook her head. “Oh no you don’t.” She sat forward, pointing at Juliet. “I don’t want anything to do with those men. They are certainly not coming here under the guise of my engagement. You’ll have to concoct a better reason.”
Adrianna bit back a smile as Juliet spluttered. For once, she and Juliet were in agreement. Well, Adrianna didn’t give a whit about Dashlane or Craven, but she’d like Luke to return tomorrow night. She didn’t know if they were building toward something or not, but spending time with him was the only way to find out. Was he the rake she’d first thought or was there more happening between them? “I think the dinner is a good idea.”
Her father turned back around. “Really? You didn’t appear all that impressed with Lord Crestwood last night.”
She clasped a hand over her stomach as it flopped about. That was true. But Cordelia answered for her. “Adrianna is using Crestwood to sharpen her claws. She’s going to be ready to beat off all the rakes of London when Papa finally takes us.”
Rathmore nodded. “Now that is an endeavor I can get behind.”
“You don’t care for Crestwood?” her father asked Rathmore.
“Not particularly.”
Yesterday she’d agreed entirely with His Grace. Today, irritation at Ophelia’s fiancé made her skin bristle. “Regardless, we’ve an opportunity here to socialize with the sort of men we might meet when we finally go to London for a season. We shouldn’t squander this chance.”
Bianca perked up at that. “I quite agree.”
Adrianna turned to her sister. Bianca had been unusually quiet all evening. “Thank you,” she answered, cocking her head to assess her sister.
Papa nodded, stroking his chin. “I’ll extend the invitation myse
lf. Since these men are here, it does seem like it’s our duty to entertain them and…” He raised a finger. “It is a unique opportunity for you girls.”
“Papa.” Bianca’s hands fluttered. “When do you think we’ll go? I know this season has already begun but perhaps next year?”
“Probably, lamb.” Her father smiled. “You girls are getting older. It’s time to begin preparing.”
Juliet clapped her hands while Adrianna slumped in relief. She was glad her family wasn’t aware of her changing feelings on the subject of Lord Crestwood. Somehow she didn’t quite trust them or perhaps she didn’t quite trust Luke yet.
But then she remembered that kiss. The way he’d held her close, the feeling in her chest when he’d told her about his past. Deep down, she felt they had a connection. Was she right? If she wasn’t, she’d have to rethink all her beliefs about herself and her abilities as a person. Which scared her tremendously. How would she ever find her future and help her sisters if she couldn’t figure out one single lord?
Chapter Nine
Luke lifted his full pint of ale but didn’t bother to bring it to his lips. It was likely warm anyhow.
He glanced about the table and realized that neither Dashlane or Craven had touched their drinks either. Around them, the Swan’s Neck Inn buzzed with activity. He shifted. He’d known these two men for the better part of five years, but he realized when they weren’t carousing, they had very little to say to one another.
In fact, he hardly knew them at all. “I think I’ll be staying in Seabridge Gate for another day or two.”
Dashlane flicked his gaze up to Luke. “Really? I plan to leave first thing in the morning. I can’t spend another day chasing after cats.”
Romancing the Rake: Seven Regency Romances Page 14
