by Gill, Tamara
She could not countenance that.
“I want you, all of you, Hallie. I have since the day you offered me a ride in Surrey. Did you not feel it also?”
She shut her eyes, willing the emotions that he wrought up in her to subside. To leave and never come back. He wasn’t for her. If her lineage wasn’t enough to exclude her to be anything to him, her actions in Egypt and the son she’d borne out of wedlock certainly would put paid to that notion.
“It makes no difference what I feel. We can only ever be friends.” She started back to her room, needing to be away from him and all that he offered. To be loved by the Viscount Duncannon meant security and safety, both for her and her son. But it was a fickle dream. As soon as he knew the truth of her situation he would run for the hills. No man wanted to bring up another man’s child. Especially if that child had not been born in wedlock.
He pulled her to a stop, whipping her around to look at him. “Why are you fighting this? I know you feel something for me, so if it’s not too much trouble I’d like you to stop pushing me away. Can you do that?”
She ripped her arm free, glaring at him. Hating him for being so honest. It would be so much easier to deny him if he were not so sweet. “I do not feel anything for you, my lord. I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that is the truth.”
“Really?” he said, a sarcastic tilt to his mouth. “Why do I not believe that?” he whispered, leaning close and tempting her with his lips.
She bit her bottom lip, forcing her gaze away from his face. “You should. It’s the truth. Goodnight.” Hallie walked back to her room, the need to run almost impossible to deny. He didn’t follow her this time and she was thankful for it. She wasn’t sure she could deny him a second time. Not with her mind fuzzy with too much wine and also his own persuasive self.
His tempting words for a life with her.
Chapter 10
Hallie was late to the site the following day, a headache thumping hard at her temples. She watched from the safety of the tent as the men continued to dig, trowel, and sift through the soil in and out of the trench. She sketched some of the artifacts that had been found, and also the site itself, content with that line of work instead of the more manual-intensive jobs she would normally do.
No one wanted to see a woman cast up her accounts.
Lord Duncannon had not visited her on the site and she ignored the fact that his not being there made her stomach churn in an unpleasant way. Or it could be churning because of all the wine she’d imbibed the night before, having had several more glasses after leaving Arthur. Thankfully she’d fallen asleep and had not gone to his room to allow him to further their acquaintance.
Hallie rubbed her brow, her mind not as sharp or clear as it normally was. She would not drink again, she promised herself. No more drinking her worries into submission. She would face her fears and her life just as her father brought her up to face them. Head on and with her chin raised.
“Here you are,” a deep, gravelly voice said before a head popped between the tent flaps.
Her heart gave a jump at the sight of him, all his blond, godlike features and a smile that would seduce a nun. “What are you doing here?” she asked, standing, clutching her sketchbook to her chest as if to ward him off like paper armor.
“Coming to see if you’ve changed your mind.”
“I haven’t,” she retorted, stepping away to place the small work table between them.
He strolled into the tent, one hand idly running across the table top as he walked toward her. “Maybe you need a reminder of how very good it can be between us.”
Hallie shut her eyes, no reminder necessary. She could remember every second of their time together in Surrey. Every touch and look, the way his lips took hers, demanding and yet, soft and supple.
“I know you’re lying, my dear. Come, kiss me.”
She halted and he continued to stroll about the table, catching up to her. “Kiss me, Hallie. If after our kiss you still do not feel anything for me other than friendship, I shall never bother you again. I promise,” he said, making the sign of a cross over his chest.
Hallie pursed her lips, debating the offer. It would certainly allow her to tell him at least that his kiss did not affect her, even if it did.
“Very well, you may kiss me. Once. And that is all.”
“And that is quite enough, I assure you,” he said, quickly, hoisting her into his arms and taking her lips without hesitation.
The moment Arthur’s lips touched Hallie’s he knew what it was to feel right. The woman in his arms was his other half in this world. He was sure of it. She melted against him and he deepened the embrace, wanting to show her all that she made him feel, and she made him feel so damn much.
More than he had ever felt with anyone else. He’d known it the moment he’d touched her in Surrey she was different. His soul knew she was the one. Now, he had to convince her of the fact and his family, who would not be impressed that he was marrying a woman out of the sphere in which they circulated.
“You’re so sweet,” he said, lifting her to set her on her workbench. She gasped at the action and he took the opportunity to kiss her long and deep. His body roared to life when she kissed him back with as much passion as he remembered, spiking his need of her. It had been so very long since he’d been with a woman and especially a woman that made him feel so much more than just running through the motions of seduction.
He wanted more for Hallie. Wanted to make her happy both in these situations and in everyday life. He wanted to give her a home, security and, god willing, children.
Her hands clutched at his shoulders before slipping around his neck, pulling him close. He could feel her breasts rising with each breath against his chest and he ached to cup them. Arthur kept his hands on her waist, demanding them to stay put and not move. Not to push her too far. He needed her in his life, not to run away in fear.
Her tongue slipped against his and he growled. Damn it she tempted him like a siren’s call. He stepped closer still, placing him hard against her body. A shame they both were fully clothed. He undulated against her sex, eliciting a gasp from her. Her leg wrapped about his, pulling him closer still.
Arthur’s cock was as hard as a rod and he pushed against her sex, the action teased him and he fought not to spill in his pants like a green lad. Her raspy intake of breaths did odd things to him, and he increased his pace. Had anyone walked in, it would have appeared as if they were rutting like two wild beasts. He wanted to have her again, dreamed about it often for years, if he were honest with himself.
The sound of men’s laughter outside the tent pulled him back to his wits and he wrenched out of her arms, stepping away. She jumped off the table, holding it for support just as Bruce pushed up the tent flaps and entered, taking his cap off when he spied them.
“Miss Hallie, we’ve found another gold artifact. Did you want to have a look at it before we trowel farther into the ground?”
Arthur watched as she fought to regain her composure. She checked her hair, and then looking about, grabbed her woollen cap she was fond of wearing and, slipping it on her head, walked out the tent without a word.
Arthur leaned upon the table, taking deep, calming breaths. Damn it all to hell the one kiss he’d asked for had progressed too fast that even now his head swam. He stared after her, hoping she would not dismiss him after his slip of etiquette.
There was something between them, and he needed to find out what that was. He had a sneaking suspicion that it was something akin to what his good friend the Duke of Whitstone felt for his wife.
He ran a hand through his hair, checking his clothing before heading outside to join Hallie and her workers at the trench. Surely after a kiss such as the one they just shared she would agree that they had something special. Something that only came around once in one’s life.
Something to hold on to and not throw away, no matter the obstacles.
Later that night Hallie sat in the drawing room,
listening to Willow talk of her day and that her aunt had given her approval to visit her dig site on the morrow. All of her friends’ words were lost on her as her attention had been captivated by the very deadly and seductive Lord Duncannon, who spoke with a group of gentlemen across the room, including Baron Bankes.
After losing Omar she had sworn not to become affected or drawn into the games of men. But then, Lord Duncannon was unlike most men. That she’d known him before she left for Egypt also was a factor. Even then, when she hardly knew the gentleman, she had felt a connection to him. Lust, more than anything. Of that she was certain now that she knew what that emotion was.
And she was feeling that emotion again and more. A sentiment she didn’t want to delve into too much right at the moment. To walk that path meant risking her heart, and she wasn’t sure she could survive it breaking a second time.
She inwardly cursed at being weak. She needed to be strong, for her own moral compass and for her son. To be with a man again was a risk and she was certain that even as deadly sexy as his lordship was, he was not worth that price.
He laughed at something the baron said, and her heart skipped a beat. She sighed, maybe he was worth that price…
“Hallie? Have you heard a word that I said to you?”
Hallie turned to Willow and fought to recall what her friend had been telling her. Something about lace… “I’m sorry, Willow. I was wool-gathering.”
“You were not,” her friend retorted. “You were watching a certain blond god across the room.”
Heat bloomed on her cheeks and she shook her head, physically dismissing the idea even though her mind shouted, yes, yes she was watching him and enjoying every moment of it. “Of course I was not. I was merely taking in the guests, that is all. Lady Hayes looks very pretty this evening.”
Willow cast a cursory glance at Lady Hayes and turned her disbelieving gaze back to Hallie. “Please, even I can lie better than that. You’re slipping, Hallie. You used to be better at fibs.”
She shrugged, her gaze unnervingly slipping back to Lord Duncannon. As if feeling her inspection, he glanced in her direction, his lips twitching into a rakish grin. Her stomach clenched. Whatever was she going to do about him?
“We’re old enough to know that if you were discreet you could take a lover,” Willow whispered, leaning in close to ensure privacy. “No one need ever know.”
“No,” she said, hating the idea. “I’ve already borne one child out of wedlock, I will not do it again. I’m content as I am. I’m independent, or will be very soon and in the next few months I’ll be able to return to Surrey with Ammon and live quietly. I do not need anything to get in the way of that.”
“Of course the decision is yours, but you must see that Lord Duncannon may be worth the risk.”
“Maybe you ought to take him to your bed since you’re so very fond of the idea.”
Willow gasped, her eyes widening in shock. “It’s not me that he’s interested in, otherwise I probably would. I know my aunt wants me to marry well, but after all these years in society and no prospects I fear her dream is in vain. I’m destined to be an old maid. At least I’ll have you for company.”
Hallie chuckled. “You’re incorrigible.” She turned back to watch Lord Duncannon. He was deep in conversation with Lord Bankes about something and they both seemed absorbed in the subject matter. Probably horses or dogs.
“Have you kissed him since he’s been here? I feel like you’re not telling me everything.” Willow raised her brow in question.
How could she tell her friend after all that she’d said about his lordship that she had kissed him and some other things. Allowed him to touch her while they were both guests of the baron, to slide up against her body in the most evocative way to tease them both.
She stifled a sigh at the memory of it. It was all deliciousness and a pastime that she could get used to. Even so, there were some things that Willow or any of her friends did not need to know and this was one of them. Nothing would come of their one kiss in the tent and so it would be silly to involve her friend or get her hopes up regarding his lordship.
“No,” she lied, taking a sip of her wine. “And nor will it.”
Robert sipped his whisky and watched Hallie and Lord Duncannon trade heated glances across the room. The silly chit was hot for the man, and he too was a willing participant if he were any judge. Pity his knowledge of Miss Evans would ruin her chances with his lordship. If Lord Duncannon did not turn away from an alliance with this chit when he knew her secrets, then his family would most certainly ensure it occurred.
“Miss Evans,” he said, coming to stand beside her. “You’re looking particularly pretty this evening. Is that another gown borrowed from Miss Perry?”
Her head whipped about to stare at him and he smiled at the disdain she held in her eyes for him. Good. For he had disdain for her as well.
“It is, Mr. Stewart. How very clever of you to notice. Are you so familiar with the female attire of this house party?”
“Only when it comes to you,” he said, taking her arm and leading her away from Willow. Hallie frowned at his gumption. He smirked and continued on.
“I’m glad we’re having this moment to better acquaint ourselves. I do love to be informed, to have information about other people. It’s a little hobby of mine you could say.”
“Really?” she said, her reply bored and uninterested.
“Yes, really, Miss Evans. Shall I tell you a little story that I heard while I was traveling through Rome last year?”
She shrugged, holding her hands at her front. He glanced at her hands, wondering if that was a little tremor he could see. “Of course, if you wish it.”
He chuckled, enjoying this little game more than he thought he would. “That a certain unmarried woman from Felday had borne a child out of wedlock and to an Egyptian general. Can you imagine the scandal? Will you not ask me to whom I may be referring?”
Her skin visibly paled and she refused to look at him. “I will not ask. It seems to be of a private matter,” she replied.
Clever girl, but not clever enough. “Well, as to that I can help there,” he said, matter-of-fact. “It was you, my dear. Can you imagine such a rumor? However have you survived this long with that tidbit hanging about your neck like a noose?”
She didn’t reply and he wondered how long it would be before he claimed any reaction from her. She was a cool one, this Miss Evans, but not cool enough to sneak out of this mess. He wanted her to make a fool of herself. To appear paranoid and unclear with her thinking. She had watched his cousin die without blinking an eye. To make the educated and well-respected Miss Evans pay for her indiscretions was his sole responsibility. His family and their honor demanded it.
“I shall not tease you any longer, Miss Evans. Me knowing your secret must come as a shock, I know, but I will be honest with you as to what I’m going to do with this information, which is more than you ever afforded my cousin. You and your friend did not give his lordship a second chance.”
She pulled her arm free of his and stepped back. “Your cousin, sir? I do not understand.”
“No you would not, I suppose, but I will explain it to you. Let me just say that I know everything there is to know about you, Miss Evans. I know of Ammon and where he lives. I also know that Omar, your lover, was from a very influential and wealthy family in Cairo. I’m sure they would be very interested in knowing that Omar, their only son, had fathered a boy child.”
“You wouldn’t dare,” she said. He had to give her credit, where he thought she may succumb to the vapors or tears, she instead glared up at him, her mouth pulled into a hard, determined line.
“Oh I would. In fact I have every intention of telling everyone in London and here at this party of who you really are. That you’re nothing better than a whore who, although I will credit you with a mind, is still just a woman looking for a hard tup.”
“Why are you doing this to me?” she asked and he could almos
t feel sorry for her. She looked so very pathetic with the fear that lingered in the green depths of her eyes. How sad that as independent a woman Miss Evans was, she’d become pathetic at the first sign of a disagreement.
“My cousin, Lord Oakes probably asked the same thing, before you left him to burn to death. He did not deserve his fate and it was you and Miss Ava Knight who took his future from him. So now I will take your future from you, unless you do as I ask.”
She glanced about the room. Robert did the same, noting they were quite alone. “What do you want?” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“Money. I want what you’ll earn here at this dig and any other digs into the foreseeable future. I have a future too you see that I need to plan and work toward. You will help me in gaining all that I want.”
“But if I give you everything that I earn, what will I have left to live on? I have expenses just like you, Mr. Stewart.”
He shrugged. “Not my concern. You will do as I ask or I’ll tell Lord Duncannon and your son’s family everything you’re hiding and let the dice roll where they will. You may either allow fate to choose your future, or you can. It’s up to you.”
She stared at him for a moment and he could see her debating, weighing up what he was demanding of her. He watched her with interest, already knowing that she would agree to his demand. What choice did she have? She had no choice.
Miss Evans nodded and walked away, placing down her glass and leaving the room. He smiled. “Just as I thought.”
Chapter 11
Hallie fled the drawing room, and seeing people on the staircase and in no mood for idle chat, she headed for the back of the house and the servants’ stairs that she used often throughout the day. Tears slipped down her cheeks and she swiped at them, not wanting anyone to see her upset.
