She moaned as he gently tugged down her bodice and bent to take the sensitive tip of one of her breasts into his mouth. He gently circled her nipple with his tongue as he began to lift up her skirts. She began to tremble with need when he touched her aching core.
“It feels so good to touch you again,” he crooned next to her ear.
Triana didn’t reply; in truth she couldn’t, as he began to draw delightful little circles around her womanly nub. The friction instantly fanned the fire in her belly into a raging inferno of heat. She knew she was close to that wonderful feeling; the pressure building just as it had that day in the parlor.
“That’s it,” he whispered in her ear. “Give yourself to me. I want all of you.”
He inserted a finger into her slick passage, and she gave a sharp cry of ecstasy, as the spiraling tension inside of her abruptly broke free. She clung to him as her body shook with wave after wave of pleasure, all while he murmured soft words of encouragement and praise.
His eyes were smoky as he looked at her in the aftermath. He tenderly kissed her cheek, and then took a step back. “We’d better get you home before I forget that I’m an honorable gentleman.”
With her body still humming delightfully, Triana nodded, although she would have liked to know just how dishonorable he could be.
***
After hailing down a hackney, Gabriel helped her inside. They made their way back to Hyde Park in silence and without incident. Triana snuggled deeper into Travell’s cloak and leaned back against the seat as a weariness she wasn’t sure she’d ever felt before overtook her. But then, it had been a rather eventful night. From rescuing Travell at the docks, to the fear of suffering the same fate of capture, and that blissful encounter with Gabriel, it was a lot to take in.
She must have dozed off at some point, for all at once Gabriel was gently waking her. Blinking, she sat up and realized they were nearly back where they had started. He walked with her to the tunnel entrance, giving her a light kiss on her hand and a brief bow before he slipped off into the night.
Triana stared after him until his figure was no longer discernable from the shadows surrounding him and then slowly made her way back through the secret passage, until she was pushing open the bookcase to the study.
There, she found her brother pacing the floor of the study. “Triana, thank God,” he breathed. As he enveloped her in a hug, she tried not to let guilt overwhelm her, for while Travell had been concerned for her welfare, she had been experiencing joy and wonder in Gabriel’s arms.
Triana turned away, finding it hard to meet her brother’s eyes. “Where’s the other agent?”
“Logan went back to interrogate our traitor. I was going to join him, but first I wanted to make sure you made it home safely.” He eyed her closely. “I thought you might have gotten back before me. Did you and Gabriel get separated?”
She shook her head, feeling the telltale signs of a blush beginning to warm her cheeks. “No. We just went a different direction.”
She feared that more questions would be forthcoming, which she wouldn’t know how to answer, so she gave Travell back his cloak and started for the door. “It’s been a long night and I’m tired. We’ll talk in the morning.”
She ignoring the slight narrowing of his gaze and climbed the stairs to her bedroom. Triana peeled off the scandalous, red gown; shoving it in the back of her wardrobe, praying her maid wouldn’t happen to come upon it before she could get rid of it.
She slipped under the covers, and soon, she found the deep, restful sleep that had eluded her for so long.
***
The Duke of Chiltern was not so fortunate.
While Gabriel’s body was screaming for a mixture of release and exhaustion, he found that his mind was too preoccupied with thoughts of Triana when he reached his townhouse. The sun was starting to break the horizon when he made his way to the library and poured his first brandy of the morning, feeling as though he were in some sort of daze.
He brooded over the fiery, amber liquid, and couldn’t help but think it was rather ironic that after all this time of running from love — pushing women away so that he wouldn’t get too close; so he didn’t have to care — that he’d still managed to get struck by Cupid’s arrow.
But he knew he was lost ever since he’d first handed Triana his damned handkerchief. Even then, he hadn’t been able to resist her.
He stared into the dying embers of his fireplace, contemplating the glowing ashes as he let his mind wander. For years prior to his untimely return to London, he’d always had an objective; a path he’d carefully laid out for himself. He was an agent for the Crown. Period. His existence had been precise and just how he liked it. No complications. He didn’t care for surprises or bumps in the road.
Of course, that didn’t mean he’d never lived life on the edge. In fact, he’d been quite a rogue in his youth, but once he’d left England behind, that sordid lifestyle had diminished. The only reason he’d played the rebel at all had been to get his father’s attention. But now the old codger was dead — and he was duke.
It still didn’t seem possible. While Gabriel had never been ignorant of the fact he would eventually hold the title one day, it had never held the least bit of attraction for him. Chiltern Hall was the one true love of his father’s life; one Gabriel had grown weary of repeatedly competing with. An only child whose mother had died when he was but a baby, Gabriel had only one desire growing up — to earn the respect of his sire. Time after time he had tried, but he just never seemed to measure up against that three-story, prized possession. Finally, he’d quit altogether and stood up to the lord of the manor the only way a frustrated, seventeen-year-old boy on the cusp of manhood knew how.
He’d failed to impress the old man with intelligence or any number of virtues a young man might possess, so Gabriel went wild. Feeling trapped and despondent within his own existence, he found the life of a rakehell suited his rebellious nature. The more daring and notorious his stunts were — such as the time he’d run naked and intoxicated down Pall Mall, or when he’d lifted a courtesan’s skirts in broad daylight, against a tree in Regent’s Park — the more he craved the excitement and scandal.
But he was a grown man now, and while the thrill of being a spy still held much appeal, for it had been his lifeblood for so long — the meaning that had kept him afloat — he had to wonder if it was truly enough anymore. Perhaps it was time to move on and allow his past to rest in peace — and his father along with it.
For it was the only way he could move forward with Triana.
If he was lucky enough to win her love.
Chapter Twelve
Triana tried to shield her sleep-deprived eyes from the bright sunlight that suddenly poured through her window. Peeking through her fingers, she watched as her ladies’ maid, Genevieve, bustled about the room, laying out everything her mistress would need to start the day, including a muslin day gown in pink that she pulled from the wardrobe.
“What time is it?” she asked on a groan, putting the pillow over her face.
The other girl didn’t even pause in her task. “’Tis nearly one o’clock, my lady. We must hurry.” Confused by the maid’s somewhat harried manner, Triana felt a frown pull at her forehead as she lifted herself up on her elbows. “Am I missing something? I’ve stayed in bed longer than this when returning home from a ball.”
“Oh no, my lady! Your mother just asked that I make sure you were presentable for when your betrothed comes to call. Lord Eastbury is to join you and the countess for tea.”
My betrothed.
Triana fell back against the pillows and stared at the ceiling, willing herself not to cry — or scream. After all the chaos from the night before, she’d almost convinced herself that her forced engagement was nothing more than a bad dream. But with the new day, so came the bitter reality, and while she would have preferred a good dose of castor oil rather than subject herself to a single moment in Eastbury’s licentious company, sh
e knew her mother would not allow her to ignore her summons.
Not to mention that within a few short weeks, she would have to endure tea with Eastbury for the rest of her life — among other things.
The permanence of her bleak situation settled like a stone in the pit of her stomach. Who knew what would happen once the vows were spoken? She didn’t know Eastbury’s character. Perhaps she was expected to become some meek, docile wife who cared for a brood of children, while her husband went off gallivanting with his mistress. Or perhaps he was the type of man to beat his wife into subservient submission.
If only she could look at the union like Ro had encouraged her to do, it would make things so much easier to bear. But her dear friend didn’t know Triana had already given her whole heart to another man and passed the night dreaming about being in his arms.
With a resigned sigh, Triana threw back the covers. Once her ablutions were complete and Genevieve had pulled her dark hair up into a simple, yet elegant chignon, Triana knew she was presentable enough, even for her mother.
She descended the stairs with a slow tread, in no way eager to await her betrothed. But when she heard the low murmur of male voices drifting out of the parlor, she paused with her hand on the railing. She cringed, thinking that perhaps Eastbury had arrived early, but as she continued downstairs and stepped across the threshold, her pulse began to thunder wildly. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the man standing by the mantel.
Gabriel glanced up when she entered and she was immediately caught in his spell.
“Hallo, Tri.”
She started at the sound of her brother’s voice. She hadn’t even noticed his presence in the room until then.
“I trust you remember the Duke of Chiltern?” he drawled with a mirthful twist to his mouth.
“Yes… of course.” She stammered, before turning back to Gabriel, where he continued to stare at her with that hypnotizing, silver gaze. “Good day, Your Grace.”
His steps were slow and calculated as he walked, as if he were some predator who had finally cornered his long awaited prey. Bringing her gloved hand to his lips, he lightly placed a kiss on her bent knuckles, the action making her feel a bit lightheaded. “Good day, Lady Triana,” he returned deeply.
It wasn’t until Travell cleared his throat that Gabriel released her. In truth, she had no idea what was going on, but as her mother chose that moment to enter the room, any explanations would have to wait.
“Triana, as Lord Eastbury is due to appear shortly, I thought it best we have a chat before he arrives—” Amelia abruptly stopped, her shrewd gaze alighting on the newcomer. “Oh, I… didn’t realize we had a guest.”
“Ah, Mother, there you are!” Travell walked over to her. “I was just about to look for you, but since you saved me the trouble of doing so, allow me to present, His Grace, the Duke of Chiltern. As we’ve just recently renewed our acquaintance, I suspect we shall see a bit more of him in the coming days.” Turning to Gabriel, he said, “Your Grace, may I introduce the Countess of Trenton?”
As Gabriel bowed over her hand and murmured a greeting, Amelia could only stare at him in open-mouthed astonishment. Whether it was simply because she was recalling all the rumors surrounding this man and her daughter, or because she was in shock that such a high ranking, esteemed member of society had suddenly crossed her threshold, was uncertain.
But as the initial shock wore off, Amelia gave a stiff, but polite greeting. “Your Grace, what a compliment you have given us by paying a call.” She shot a quick glance at her daughter, and added, “Is the Marchioness of Westchester with you?”
The duke simply smiled. “I’m afraid not, Lady Trenton.”
“I took the liberty of asking the duke to join us for tea,” Travell said cheerily. “Seeing as how Eastbury is due to join us at any time, I felt it was the perfect opportunity for all of us to get reacquainted.”
“Of course.” Amelia’s lips pursed as she turned to her daughter. “Triana, perhaps you might go to the kitchens and inform cook—”
Triana could tell by her mother’s tone that she was being dismissed, but Travell quickly interjected, “Actually, Mother, there was a rather pressing matter I needed your opinion on. Perhaps we could discuss it on the way to the kitchens?”
Triana nearly applauded his quick thinking. He’d smoothly maneuvered it where their mother had no choice but to accept his offer or appear rude, so the countess reluctantly followed her son out of the room, but not without giving Triana a meaningful glare upon her departure.
Once they were gone, Gabriel remarked dryly, “Your mother seems… pleasant.”
Triana snorted. “Thank you for putting it so delicately.” She turned to him and became serious. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow.” But it was the sudden glimmer in his gaze that gave him away.
Triana clenched her fists. “I thought it was too risky to allow your friendship with Travell to be out in the open.”
The teasing suddenly left his eyes as he said, “I don’t think our association really matters at this point, but even if it did, let us worry about the consequences. Taking care of problems is what we do.”
“You shouldn’t be here.” She sighed heavily. “And I certainly don’t want to be the cause of any more trouble.”
A muscle worked in his jaw. “I’m afraid it’s a little late for that. After last night, you could be in real danger if someone recognizes you.”
She shook her head. “No one could have known who I was in that disguise.”
“You’re right, of course. There’s probably nothing at all to worry about,” he returned mockingly. He grabbed hold of her shoulders, his eyes flashing with that silver fire. “But then, what if you’re wrong?” He released her and paced to the mantel, where he ran an agitated hand through his hair.
Suddenly it all began to make sense.
“So that’s why you’re here? Because of your honor?” Triana’s emotions began to bubble up inside of her. “In that case, you can leave, because I don’t want to be just another responsibility for you and my brother.”
Gabriel set his hands on his hips. Tilting his head to the side, he stared at her in disbelief. “Surely you don’t believe that all of this is just to satisfy some gentlemanly code of conduct? God, Triana, can’t you see by now what you mean to me?”
A pin could have dropped in that moment and Triana would have heard it, the silence was so deafening. “What are you saying?” she whispered.
“Triana, I…” But any admission he might have made was cut off by the announcement of the earl’s arrival. With obvious reluctance, Gabriel fell silent as Triana’s grinning intended stepped into the room.
However, Eastbury’s smile abruptly faded as his gaze landed on the duke. “Your Grace,” he said stiffly, obviously remembering the last time they were in this room and how they had nearly come to blows. “I didn’t realize you were joining us today. How… delightful.”
Triana could tell the earl was doing his best to contain his annoyance, although she knew he was intelligent enough not to blatantly ignore a higher ranking peer of the realm, no matter how irritated he might be with his presence.
Gabriel’s voice was equally cool as he murmured a simple acknowledgment, but the twist of his lips was anything but cordial. “Eastbury.”
After that, the room became thick with tension, and for the first time in her life, Triana was thankful for her mother’s swift return. “Ah, my lord, right on time.” Amelia gushed upon seeing her future son-in-law, instantly bringing the smile back to his face. “Shall we have a seat?”
“Indeed.” The earl nodded and glanced at Triana when he took a seat on the settee. It was obvious he intended for her to join him there, and after a quick glance at her mother, who apparently expected the same she sank down beside him. Her mother sat in a chair to their right, while Travell, upon his return, sat next to Gabriel across from the couple.
The teacart arrived shortly t
hereafter, carrying a plate of cinnamon scones and raspberry tarts. Lady Trenton asked Triana to serve, and as she carefully poured and passed out the delicate china cups and saucers, she tried not to flinch when Eastbury attempted to hold her hand a bit longer than necessary when she handed him his set. Sitting back down, Triana glanced over at Gabriel to see if he had noticed, and judging by the murderous glare he shot the earl, it was obvious that he had.
The conversation remained on neutral ground for some time, with much of the talk being about the weather and current politics, as Eastbury consumed most of the tarts. After a time, he gave a delicate pat to his rounded stomach and glanced at Triana. “I say, it would do my constitution good to get some air. Would you accompany me for a turn about the garden, my dear?”
She dreaded the thought of being alone with him and the advances she’d no doubt have to fight off, so she was pleasantly surprised when Gabriel spoke up. “Wonderful idea, Eastbury. I believe I shall join you.”
Triana had to hide a smile in her teacup at the perturbed look on the earl’s face, and she could have sworn her brother covered up a snort of laughter with a suspicious cough.
“Capital.” Eastbury slowly stood and would have offered Triana his arm, but Gabriel was there first.
With a wicked gleam in his eyes, he asked, “Shall we?”
Without a single second of hesitation, she slipped her hand through the crook of his muscular arm. Gabriel shot a look over his shoulder. “Are you coming, Eastbury?”
Triana had to smother another grin upon seeing that Eastbury’s ruddy cheeks were more pronounced than usual.
The moment they stepped outside, Gabriel leaned down and whispered in Triana’s ear, causing wonderful gooseflesh to scatter all over her body. “I do believe Eastbury is rather aggrieved by my presence, although he might as well get used to it. I plan to be around quite often.”
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