One Wanton Wager

by Amanda Mariel

  Alex grinned but kept his eyes hooded. “Nonsense, that was a sword you hefted with such skill. A deadly weapon, heavy and sharp, forged of steel, and don’t you forget it.”

  “If you say it is so.” The boy’s smile widened as he released another round of laughter. Henry held the makeshift sword to Alex’s throat. “Since you are most certainly breathing, I am taking you as my prisoner.”

  “Indeed,” Alex agreed. “It is only right that you do.”

  “Rise and lead the way to the dungeon.” Henry backed his sword away just far enough for Alex to move without getting poked.

  “That is enough fun for one afternoon.” Daphne came closer and placed her hand on Henry’s shoulder.

  Henry dropped his sword, glancing up at her. “Mother,” he said with glee, “did you see me slay Alex?”

  “Lord Bedford,” she reminded.

  Henry nodded his head, his expression gleeful. “Did you see how I bested him?”

  “Indeed, I did. You are a fine swordsman, but now it is time for you to return home, and Lord Bedford surely has something to do as well.” She looked to him, imploring.

  He grinned, then stood and dusted his trousers off. “On the contrary, I am quite free. Allow me to walk the two of you home.” He proffered his arm before she could argue.

  Daphne hesitated for a heartbeat. Her expression softened and she slid her hand under his elbow. Henry skipped off ahead of them as Alex led her through the castle gate.

  He placed his hand over Daphne’s where it rested on his elbow and, for a moment, allowed himself to imagine what a life with them would be like.

  He had the feeling that if he allowed himself to hope, he could embrace such a future. Then he did what he always did when such notions reared their ugly heads. Alex remembered Margaret and how he’d given her his heart only to have it shattered when she jilted him for another. As it had always done, the memory killed any fanciful thoughts he’d had and he dropped his hand back to his side.

  One had to have a heart in order to have a family and his remained in tatters. He doubted very much it would ever be whole again. More importantly, he did not want to open himself up to such a risk. He much preferred to take his pleasure where he could then move on. Things were safer that way.

  Henry pivoted around to face them as they approached the Chesterfields’ home. “Alex…,” he grimaced, “I mean, Lord Bedford, will you show me the dungeon next time I’m at Babylon?”

  The boy’s enthusiasm and tenacity warmed Alex and he smiled. “It will be my pleasure to do so.”

  “You’re the best!” Henry lunged at him, wrapping his arms around Alex’s legs. “Thank you.”

  Alex ruffled Henry’s sandy-brown hair as he stared down at the boy. His heart seemed to swell and he realized that the lad had managed to gain some measure of his affection. “You are welcome,” he said, before stepping back.

  Daphne laid her hand over her heart, her eyes soft as she smiled at them before nodding toward the house. “Go on, Henry. I’ll be up in a minute.”

  “Bye.” Henry waved then shot off toward the house.

  Alex watched him disappear, his amusement peaked once again over the boy’s antics. What he’d give to be young and innocent again. To have his heart intact and be filled with optimism. Alas, the days of his youth had long past and there would be no retrieving them.

  “You’re very tolerant of him.” Daphne pulled her hand free from his arm and angled her head in the direction her son had gone. “Thank you for that.”

  “There is no need to thank me. I enjoy his company,” Alex said, sincerity thick in his voice.

  Daphne stepped up to him, pressing her breasts against his chest and sending heat cascading through him. Then her lush lips were on his. She brushed her lips softly over his and he fought the urge to wrap his arms around her.

  When she pressed her lips more firmly to his, he fisted his hands to keep them still. Then she suckled his flesh before pulling back. And he nearly lost himself.

  Mercy, she was going to be the death of him. It took every ounce of his remaining self-control to keep from pulling her back into his arms and ravishing her.

  “Better?” she asked, her voice saucy, eyes darkened with passion.

  His mind addled with need, he simply nodded.

  “See, you get what you deserve.” Daphne gave a saucy grin then turned and strode away, leaving Alex to wonder what he’d done so right.

  The woman was a vexing combination of indifference and wanton passion, a tangle he was determined to straighten out.

  Chapter Seven

  Daphne tried to focus on her son and enjoy the warm summer day as they played in the creek that wound its way through the countryside near Babylon. The water was cool and refreshing as she waded through it while Henry attempted to capture whatever creature he came upon.

  She tipped her chin up, allowing the warm sun to touch her face, and inhaled the fresh air. Her mind roamed back to the last kiss she’d given Alex.

  His lips had been warm beneath hers—inviting and oh so tempting. She’d nearly devoured him as her body had come alive begging for more. It had been so long since she’d shared such intimacy with a man. Not since Rowland left for war.

  A part of her felt undeniably guilty. Almost like she was dishonoring the love they had shared. She sighed and glanced down the creek to where Henry splashed. Henry was all she had left of their once grand love. And he was the best parts of both of them all wrapped up in one little person. Rowland would be so proud of their son if he were still alive to see him.

  Daphne sighed, blowing her breath out slowly. Rowland wasn’t coming back. Though she believed with her whole heart that he watched over them, she knew death was final. Her mind wandered back to the last night she’d spent with her beloved husband.

  She’d laid snuggled in his arms after lovemaking, her fingers playing over the taut muscles of his chest and he’d dropped a kiss to her head before saying, “Should I not make it home, I want you to move on. Find another to love. A man worthy of you and our son.”

  She had looked up at him, her heart pained at the very idea and said, “Do not say such things.”

  “I’m serious, Daphne. Promise me you will.” Something somber and serious, had filled his blue-grey eyes.

  Daphne’s heart had nearly broken as tears welled up at the thought of losing him, but she nodded, making the promise all the same.

  Perhaps it was time she started working on fulfilling that vow. Henry did deserve to have a man in his life—a father figure at the very least—and she wanted someone to grow old with.

  Of course, Lord Bedford would not be that man. He simply wasn’t the sort and she’d not dilute herself into thinking he was.

  “Mama, look,” Henry yelled, drawing her attention. Henry held up a wriggling crayfish, victory shining all over his face. “I caught one. Come see.”

  Daphne grinned at her son as she hiked her skirts a bit higher and started slicing through the creek in his direction.

  Overcome with excitement, Henry ran toward her still holding the critter high in the air. “Can I keep him, Mama?”

  When they reached each other, Daphne took a moment to study the crayfish. She reached out one hand and trailed a finger over its hard-shelled tail. “He’s a rather large one.”

  “I know.” Henry beamed up at her.

  Daphne studied the wriggling creature. “He must have lived here for a long time to get so big.”

  Henry turned his head so that he was looking into the crayfish’s beady eyes. “Would you like to come live with me?”

  Daphne tussled Henry’s hair. “I think we should allow him to stay in the creek. It’s his home after all.”

  Henry turned his gaze on her, his gleeful expression turning contemplative. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Indeed, I am.” She stroked her finger over the critter’s shell once more. “But you can play with him for a bit before you return him to the water.”

&n
bsp; Henry’s smile returned. “I’ll call him Alex,” he declared before lowering himself to sit in the creek. He sat the crayfish on his knee and began talking to the creature as if it could answer.

  Daphne could not help but grin as she wondered how Lord Bedford would feel about sharing his name with a crustacean. She actually did laugh when she imagined him with beady eyes and feelers popping out of his head.

  “What is so amusing?”

  His familiar baritone sent a pleasant shiver through her and she spun to face him, still laughing. She inhaled a copious amount of air and sobered a fraction as he drew closer to the edge of the creek.

  “Look at the crayfish I caught.” Henry held the critter up for Alex to see. “I named him after you.”

  Alex arched one eyebrow as he stared at Henry and the crayfish. “Bring him closer.”

  With that, Daphne began laughing again.

  Alex glanced at her. “Do tell me what’s got you in stitches?”

  “I…when he told me…I can’t stop picturing you as a crayfish.” She burst into another fit of laughter. “A noble one, of course.”

  Alex joined her, chuckling as he held his hands to the sides of his head and pointed two fingers upward, wiggling them like the creature’s feelers.

  Henry reached his side and thrust the crayfish toward him. “Mama said he must have lived here a long time to have grown so big.”

  Alex dropped his hands back to his sides and smiled at Henry. “He does appear to be rather aged.”

  “Not at all,” Henry said, holding the creature closer to his chest. “He’s smart and strong is all. Like you.”

  Daphne could not miss the look of admiration in her son’s eyes as he conversed with Alex. Nor did the tender way Alex spoke to Henry escape her. Their exchange warmed her soul and she acknowledged that there had to be good in a man who treated a child with such kindness.

  Perhaps, she had judged him unfairly. She would have to rectify that.

  “What a nice thing to say.” Alex took another look at the crayfish, then grinned. “Perhaps you should call him Henry as you are also smart and strong. Why, look at the way you bested me with swords.”

  Henry laughed. “I did get you good.”

  Daphne approached the pair, coming to stand beside her son. “I’m afraid it is time for you to return to the house.”

  Henry’s brow scrunched. “If I must.”

  “You must.” The corner of Daphne’s mouth turned up a fraction. “Return Alex to the water and fetch your shoes.”

  Henry turned the crayfish toward his face and brought it close. “Stay safe out there.” Then he held it out toward her and Alex. “Say your goodbyes, too.”

  Dutifully, they bid their farewells, then watched as Henry released his prize back into the wild. He trudged from the creek and scooped up his shoes. “Are you coming, Mama?”

  “I’ll be along in a bit. You hurry up. Aunt Phoebe’s waiting for you.”

  He turned his attention to Alex. “She’s taking me riding today.”

  “Are you an accomplished rider?” Alex asked.

  “Someday, I will be.” Henry notched his chin.

  “Of that, I have no doubt.” Alex gave him a smile.

  Daphne shooed him away, waving her hands toward the Chesterfield’s house. “Run along now.”

  “Very well, Mama.” Henry turned and raced away.

  Daphne watched him as he grew smaller and smaller against the horizon until, at last, he faded from view. She stepped from the water onto the warm, plush grass. “I suppose you want your kiss now?”

  He shook his head. “No.”

  Much to her dismay, her heart tumbled at his simple reply. She could not deny that she’d come to enjoy his kisses and wanted more—even if only a few. Absolutely only a few for she needed to stop wasting time with him and start looking for a husband, but she didn’t want to ponder that now. Instead, she turned questioning eyes on him. “What do you mean no?”

  He took her elbow and led her away from the creek. “For now, I would like to sit and talk. Later, I want your kiss.”

  She shook her head, grinning. “I should have known. Not that you wanted to talk, but that you would wish to collect your due.” Flames fanned her cheeks, though why she should be embarrassed was beyond her. She’d already kissed him twice, and was quite certain they’d both enjoyed the last one.

  He pointed to a spot on the grass near a large old tree. “Sit with me.” He drew her closer to it, then lowered himself to the grass, laying back on his elbows and stretching his feet out before him.

  She trailed her hungry gaze over him, tracing the long line of his thighs before continuing over his torso to his broad shoulders.

  “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked, his tone sensual and teasing.

  She sat beside him then gave a saucy smile. “Quite.”

  His eyes darkened, becoming a deep crystalline green and she found herself quite swept away at the moment. She leaned over him, pressing her lips to his in a hungry, demanding kiss.

  Her arms went around his shoulders as she rested her weight against him, parting her lips in invitation. Passion swelled deep within her as she gave herself over fully.

  Daphne pulled back and he groaned causing her blood to grow hotter. “Hands,” was all she could utter before her lips found his again. Desperation driving her, she trailed her own over his waistcoat and up to his neck.

  “Alex, touch me,” she demanded once more, craving his hands on her body. She no longer wanted a tame kiss. No longer cared about guarding her reputation. Not in this moment when everything seemed so perfect. She only wanted him, only cared about sharing this moment with Alex. Consequences be damned.

  He wrapped one arm around her and rolled them to their sides so that they were facing one another still locked in a deep, searching kiss. Daphne slid one leg over his thigh, pressing herself unashamedly closer to him. Her nerve endings sizzled beneath his touch. Her body was fully alive for the first time in years.

  Too much time had passed since anyone had kissed her, touched her…far too much.

  Chapter Eight

  Daphne spent the next two days avoiding Babylon Castle and Alex as though they were riddled with plague. She’d come far too close to complete surrender on their previous meeting and could no longer trust herself alone with him.

  Not now that she craved his touch. Not when he fired her blood as he did.

  Worse than plain desire, or wanton cravings, she found herself growing more attached to him as a man. She scarcely saw the rogue when she gazed at him.

  Instead, that distasteful part of him had been overshadowed by the man who played with her son. The man who listened when she spoke and laughed with them. The one who worked with his hands and cared for his family.

  Heaven’s, she’d grown to see him as an honorable, kindhearted man. The sort she could easily give her heart to. She could not allow for that. Would not. And therefore, she avoided him.

  Daphne glanced around the ballroom, finding him staring at her from his position by the balcony doors. He’d been watching her ever since he arrived.

  She’d known he’d be present for the Chesterfield ball. In preparation, she’d ensured her dance card was full. Tonight, she determined to dance with as many gentlemen as possible—especially the unwed ones. Her circumstances demanded she find a husband and that is exactly what she meant to do.

  Lord Farwell bowed over her hand when their dance ended then led her from the polished dance floor back to Phoebe’s side. “I do hope you enjoyed our dance,” he said.

  “Very much, thank you, my lord.” Daphne dipped a curtsey, wishing the gentleman were a few years younger. If he were, he’d make a wonderful potential husband.

  He grinned, his grey eyes bright, then strode away.

  Phoebe nudged Daphne with her elbow and nodded toward the balcony. “He’s been watching you all night.”

  Daphne did not have to look to know who Phoebe referenced for she already kne
w. Still, her heart sank a little at the mention. Then like a moth to a torch, she turned her head toward Alex. Her pulse quickened as she watched him strolling toward her. Like a cornered fox, all she could do was stare as he drew closer.

  She wanted to move, to disappear, but her feet remained solidly in place refusing to do as she bid.

  Alex stepped up to them, took Phoebe’s hand and dropped a kiss on her knuckles, then turned to Daphne. “Have you a dance for me?”

  She swallowed past the tightness in her throat. “My card is full.”

  “Is it truly?” Phoebe asked, her golden brows arched. She reached for Daphne’s wrist then peered down at the names scrolled across her dance card. “How wonderful.”

  Daphne glanced from Phoebe to Alex. She forced a smile she scarcely felt. “Perhaps you can dance with Lady Phoebe?”

  Phoebe dropped Daphne’s wrist then grinned at Alex. “I’d be honored. And as it happens I have the next dance free.”

  Daphne should have reprimanded her sister-in-law for being so brazen but, at the moment, she would overlook anything so long as it got Alex out of her proximity.

  “Consider it taken.” He proffered his arm.

  Phoebe wound her hand through the crook of his elbow. “Enjoy your dance, Daphne.”

  “You as well.” She watched Alex lead Phoebe away, an unwelcomed and unwanted pang of jealousy struck her.

  A moment later, she too was whisked off to the dance floor. Mr. Barkley had been a close friend of Rowland’s and still kept in touch with the family. He’d not be considered as a spouse for he was too close to her departed husband, making him more like family than anything else. However, she did enjoy his company and resolved to ignore Alex as they danced.

  “Are you enjoying the evening?” she asked, attempting to strike up a conversation.

  He twirled her, then brought her back to him. “You know how I detest these things. I only come because it pleases Lady Chesterfield.”

  Daphne gave a slight nod.