The door closed and he pivoted around to face her. “Has your father always been so self-involved?”
“Always,” she answered, her mouth tugging down at the corners. “I’ve consoled myself on more than one occasion that it isn’t just me. He makes an emotional attachment with no one. Not one person. It’s like he isn’t able to understand other people’s needs, only his own.” Her mouth pinched. “The first summer we didn’t return to visit the ocean, I studied him instead. He never even noticed me watching him.”
His heart sank like a stone in his chest. “That is heartbreaking.”
Her mouth pinched and she stepped closer. “Let’s not discuss him any further. We’ve more pressing matters. Why is our wedding so soon?”
He shrugged. He couldn’t tell her that he had a powerful need to have her close to him. Such a confession would reveal how difficult letting her go was going to be. “It seemed prudent to finish this deal before Marksman had the opportunity to make a counteroffer.”
She lifted an eyebrow. “That does make sense.” She shifted closer and placed her palm on his chest, directly over his heart. “Will we stay in London after we’re married?”
“No,” he answered, trying to keep his breathing regular but his heart sped up. “It’s nearly summer. We should get your cottage underway, don’t you think?”
She flexed her fingers massaging his chest. “How long will the cottage take to build?”
As long as he could make the process last. He knew he needed to stay away from her, but somehow, he didn’t want to let her go…ever. “Well, we’ll need plans, a builder, and materials. Might take a year.”
Her other hand came to his neck. That was when he realized, at some point, his fingers were about her waist. “A year?” As she slid her hands up to his shoulders, her chest touched his. “We’re going to live together for an entire year?”
“At the very least until you conceive. And then if it’s a girl, we’ll have to…,” But he didn’t bother to finish. Her mouth was so close and it only seemed right to seal their engagement with a kiss.
Chapter Fourteen
Annabelle looked at her two bags as they were loaded into Luke’s carriage. After the confrontation with her father, they’d decided it best that she stay with Chloe and Fin until the wedding ceremony.
He handed her into the carriage and then spoke with the driver before climbing in himself.
“Do you think?” she started, looking out the window. “Do you think this is the last time I’ll ever see the house again?”
“If you want it to be,” he answered, reaching across the carriage to hold her hand as the vehicle began to move. “Does your childhood home hold any sentimental value?”
She shook her head. “My mother and I lived by the sea. I didn’t come to London until after her death.”
He paused, then moved across the carriage to sit next to her. “Where did you live?”
“In her family home in Dover. My father sold it, of course. But that was the house I loved.”
Wrapping an arm about her shoulders, he skimmed kisses along her temple. “You’ll have to show it to me.”
Somehow, his words eased the ache. It had been such a long time since she’d discussed anything involving her mother. She rested her head onto his shoulder. She missed her still. “The new owners might object.”
“I doubt it. There are some advantages to being a marquess.” His chest hummed with the vibration of his voice.
“Good point.” She looked up at him. “I should like very much to show the house to you. It was my home and my mother was my heart.”
“Mine too,” he answered, his face growing dark. “Though your parents were smarter just to live separately. Mine tried to stay together and our home became a daily battleground.”
Oh dear. That made so much sense. “And that’s why we should live apart?”
He frowned. “I suppose.”
Leaning up, she placed a soft kiss on his lips. She could press, but she’d rather not right now. Sitting together in the carriage, she simply wanted to be close to him. To feel his heat and touch the hard muscle that made her feel so safe.
The intensity of the kiss increased, each stroke becoming more insistent until she found herself in his lap, their bodies pressed together as their tongues danced.
Here and now, she didn’t want to think about the future, or what it held. She only wished to live in the moment, the feel of him crushed against her.
Speaking of…something hard insistently pushed into her behind. She wiggled slightly, testing its size and shape and he let out a loud groan. She had to confess that not only did desire skitter along her skin but her natural curiosity peaked. She knew of male anatomy of course. But books rarely replaced field study and now was the perfect opportunity to conduct some experiments. She swirled her hips again, the length and hardness growing under her yielding flesh.
His fingers bit into the softness of her hips, guiding her movements. “Annie,” he choked out and dropped his face into the crook of her neck where he began to trail kisses along her neckline of her dress.
She stuttered in the movement of her hips when his lips skimmed the top of her breast. And when he dipped his tongue under the fabric and the bumpy flesh of his tongue dragged across her soft nipple, she let out a small cry of pleasure, curling her fingers into the strands of his hair.
He continued exploring her tender flesh until she forgot all about her need to experiment on him. All she could remember was the pleasure building inside her.
He reached for the hem of her dress, sliding the fabric up her thigh as he moved his mouth to lick the other breast.
Then he found the slit in her pantaloons and skimmed his fingers along her skin, making streaks of pleasure explode inside her. He started a rhythm much like she had with her hips moments before and she moaned into his mouth. “Luke,” she gasped, trying to catch her breath. “I didn’t realize that it would be so…” Consuming, painfully exquisite, altering.
“I know, love,” he whispered never slowing his rhythm. “Let it take you over the edge.”
And then she did. She cried into his mouth, and he swallowed the noise. The tension gave way to a blissful heaviness in her limbs. Her head rested on his chest just as his own member throbbed against her backside.
Annabelle lifted her head again. “I have a question.”
“Of course,” he said kissing her temple.
“Can I do to you what you just did to me?”
* * *
Luke closed his eyes, his entire body turning to granite. Could she touch him? He’d like to beg her. Plead with her to touch him. But a man’s anatomy wasn’t nearly as soft or pretty. In fact, he’d imagine it was rather intimidating. And right now, his only goal was to actually get her to the altar. Best not to frighten her off quite yet. “I don’t need you to—” He stopped because she’d scrambled off his lap and slid her knees down to the carriage floor as her fingers worked the fall-front breeches open. She was surprisingly adept at the rather complicated front. “How are you so good at that?”
“I’ve always had nimble fingers,” she said, her voice matter of fact, pulling the fabric open and pushing it down his hips.
He knew he shouldn’t, but he lifted off the seat to help her. She freed his cock, and then sat back on her heels, assessing his anatomy with a long stare. He swallowed. “Annie, you needn’t do this. We can wait. I—” Bloody hell, he’d die if she left him now. Somehow, her marrying him had become the most important event of his life.
“It’s bigger than I thought,” she whispered, reaching out a finger and running it from tip to base. His hips jumped of their own accord. “And softer. Almost velvety.” Then she wrapped her hand around it and gave a gentle tug.
“Yes,” he groaned as his eyes half closed.
She repeated the movement then changed it slightly. “Do you like this better? How about this?”
Good God, she was studying him. Figuring out his preference
s with a series of experiments. Pleasure pooled in his member. Why was that so bloody amazing? “Yes,” he pushed out.
Then she leaned closer. “How do you taste?”
Never had words said by a woman filled him with such desire. They were both innocent and erotic and as her tongue darted out to lick the tip of his manhood, his sack tightened, near ready to explode. “Annie. Oh, Annie,” he cried as she pulled more of him into her mouth.
And then he lost his ability to think, speak, reason as she finished him with her hands and mouth. Hauling her up his body, he clasped her to his chest. “Love,” he groaned hoarsely. “Say I didn’t frighten you off forever.”
She gave him a tender smile. “On the contrary. I have several more theories I’d like to test.”
A raw laugh ripped from his throat. “I’m happy to be your subject.”
He pulled her tighter against him, burying his face into the crook of her shoulder. For as long as he could, he’d keep her by his side. The thought of letting her go sliced at his stomach but he pushed that thought aside. He’d always known this was going to break his heart. He’d do it anyway.
“I think we should go back to my house before I take you to Dryden’s. We need to arrange ourselves so that we’re not so disheveled.”
She shook her head. “I’m not going.”
“To my house?” He crinkled his brow. “It’s quite nice. I can assure you.”
“No. I’m not going to Chloe’s. We’re to be married in two days. I’ll stay with you.”
“But…” He stopped. People were going to talk about their rushed match. And they’d leave to the countryside very shortly. What did it matter that she stayed? “Don’t you think it best that we keep some measure of respectability?”
She shrugged. “As long as you marry me, what’s the point?”
He kissed her lips. He wanted her to be right. In this moment, he felt closer to her than anyone else in his life. How was he ever going to leave her?
Chapter Fifteen
Annabelle stared out the dark window of her new bedroom suite, less sure of her decision to stay with Luke than she had been this morning.
He’d introduced her to the staff as his wife. They had looked surprised but had covered their shock with friendly smiles. He’d excused himself for most of the afternoon to conduct business. She had the feeling that he was working on all the documents necessary to make his arrangement with her father legal.
She’d been free to explore his London home. Which was less of a home and more of a…mansion. Her father’s house could fit into the ballroom. She knew this because she’d measured the space in paces and calculated an estimate of its size.
Once she’d done a cursory search of the house, she’d read, had a meal, and then opened up the book she was making with her friends, and began her own entry. Dipping her pen into the well of ink, she’d started.
Dear Reader,
I regret to inform you that despite my best efforts to find a rake with which to research, I have failed. The one man I pursued in hopes that he would lend insight, turned out to be the most honorable man I’ve ever known. At this very moment, he is preparing for our marriage so that I might escape the clutches of my father and realize my dream to research sea creatures. I’m afraid my rake hunting has drawn to a close.
While I don’t have much insight to provide at this time, I have analyzed the data the ladies before me have collected.
Annabelle continued on, discussing some of the trends she’d noticed.
Then she finished her entry by saying:
My soon-to-be husband and I plan to live our lives separately after such time as a child has been conceived. While I doubt very much that I should have any opportunity to research rakes while we live together, when I am on my own, perhaps I shall have the opportunity to meet one.
In addition, I have another friend who plans to take up our mantel of research on your behalf. In the meantime, I hope you find my observations useful.
She carefully dusted the ink, allowing it to dry as she wandered to the window. Luke had sent a missive that dinner would be at eight o’clock. She had a few dresses that would suffice, though he’d seen both at the two events they’d attended. She sighed, wondering when her appearance had begun to matter quite so much. Touching the frame of her window, she pressed her cheek to the cool glass. She supposed that was the trouble with falling in love.
A soft knock pulled her away as a young woman stepped into the room wearing a smart uniform. “Good evening. My name is Elizabeth and I’m here to help you get ready for dinner.”
Annabelle had grown used to attending herself, but she supposed this was part of her new life. “Thank you.” She smiled, excited to see Luke again. She didn’t regret her decision to stay but today had been an odd one, to be certain. “I have to confess that I mostly attend myself.”
Elizabeth gave her a sideways glance. “Your father is a baron?”
“Yes, just not a very good one,” she answered, moving away from the window.
Elizabeth gave her a grin. “Well not to worry. You’re in safe hands with me. Let’s start by laying out your clothes.”
An hour later, she was transformed into a true lady. She’d always been a lady, she supposed. But her hair had been artfully arranged and her nose held the exact right amount of powder. She studied her reflection in the mirror. “You were right, Elizabeth. You have most excellent hands.”
“Thank you, my lady,” she answered.
Annabelle started down the hall, making her way to the dining room. As she made her way down the wide center stairs, she heard Luke’s voice coming from a room just off the main hallway on the second floor. “My apologies for your daughter’s situation. But I cannot marry her as I’ve never even met her.”
Annabelle stopped mid-step. “Of course you met her. You kissed her at the Braxton’s ball,” a woman near yelled, her shrill voice ringing in Annabelle’s ear.
“I left the ball early, well before your daughter was discovered. A fact Lady Braxton can confirm,” Luke answered. “The next time you try to blackmail a man, Lady Chase, I would suggest you get your facts straight first.”
“My apologies, my lord.” A male responded, his voice much softer than the woman’s. “We’ll not trouble you further.”
Annabelle lifted her skirts and darted back up the stairs, so as not to be seen. Hiding in a shadow, she watched them pass down the hall and to the first floor. The woman was a head taller than the man. He whispered in a hiss, “How could you attempt to blackmail a man without doing proper research? Now our daughter is ruined completely.”
She ducked her head down. “Don’t be absurd. Colin will marry her. I just wanted to try for a bigger fish. I only chose the marquess because everyone would believe ill of him.”
The husband hissed. “Except for the fact he wasn’t at the party.”
“It was worth a try,” she sniffed.
He replied, but Annabelle couldn’t hear anymore. Still, she waited until Luke came out of the office before she started down the stairs again. “You had visitors.”
He stopped and held out his hand to her. “I did.”
She slipped her hand into his. “How did it go?”
He let out a long breath. “I wish I’d been able to spend more time with you today, but at least the business is over and done with.” He tucked her hand into his elbow. “It’s time for us to focus on our wedding.”
Her pulse skipped as she looked up at him. “How were you able to get a license so quickly?”
He winked. “Another advantage to being a marquess.”
“I see.” She drew in a breath. “There isn’t time to have Penny, but I’d like Caroline and Chloe to attend.”
He gave a nod. “Of course.” Then he squeezed her hand. “We’ll have a breakfast here and then we can set out for Kent. You’ll likely have to live with me in Dover while we get your home sorted but we can, at least, start.”
She gave no reply, her lips pr
essing together. She should be happy. They were getting married. Somehow, she wasn’t. She didn’t want to have him for a little while, Annabelle wanted him forever.
* * *
Luke tightened his grip on Annabelle’s hand. He didn’t want to go to Kent. But this was the bargain he’d made and he knew sending her to her own life was for the best for both of them. Besides, now was not the time to worry. Now, he was getting what he wanted…Annie.
He steered her into the dining room, and they ate a lovely meal, the conversation quickly turning to her friends. He listened with rapt attention, realizing that he’d stumbled upon a rare group of women who were outcasts but who had somehow given them a greater understanding of themselves. “So all four of you planned to live together after you finished the book on rakes? You thought you might use your status as fallen women to provide clarity for others and then disappear into the countryside?”
“Well, I don’t know that Kent is really disappearing. We weren’t going to America. But I guess we thought if we were already ruined, we may as well use that status to provide clarity for others.” She didn’t look at him, her fingers fiddling with her napkin. “As a scientist, I have a unique ability to study behavior.”
“I know. I’ve seen your journal.”
She blushed. “After what Caroline went through, I want to help women make better choices.”
Then it occurred to him. She’d been writing in a very similar book earlier today. Obviously that book was not about the study of oceanic life. They were on Mayfair Street. A doubt niggled in his gut, though he couldn’t quite define it. “You’ve given up on the pursuit of the book, haven’t you?”
She pushed her chair back, rising from her seat, and came to stand next to him. “We’ve one more matter about the wedding to discuss.”
He frowned. “What’s that?”
Her hand reached out to touch his shoulder. “Do we wait for our wedding or do we try to make your heir now?”
The Wicked Wallflowers Page 27
