How To Treat A Lady Part 10

aDevon!a Anthony said. aWhat brings you here? Not out of funds, are you?a aMe? Iam never out of funds,a Devon said, walking forward to greet his half brother. aIam the lucky one, remember?a aAh, yes. The one who never loses. How could I have forgotten?a aI have no idea, for Iave reminded you oft enough. What brings you to London?a aMy son, Richard,a Anthony said, nodding toward the boy who sat beside Anna. aAnna believes he cannot hear well, which is why he does not speak as he should.a Anna smiled over the boyas head at Devon. aMarcus went to consult with his man of business for the name of a physician who specializes in such things.a Devon came to stoop before the small boy. ah.e.l.lo, Richard.a Richard looked up, his eyes brightening when he saw Devon. The ladas grin revealed a shocking number of lost teeth.

Devon chuckled and ruffled the boyas hair. aI hope you grow some new teeth soon or you wonat be able to eat anything but porridge.a Richardas grin widened. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a top and a piece of string. After carefully winding the top, he yanked on the string and sent the toy spinning across the smooth surface of the table.

Devon laughed as the top neared the edge and Richard leapt to catch his toy before it hit the ground.

The door opened and Marcus appeared, a neatly written letter in one hand. Devon stood immediately.

aWell!a Marcus said, eyeing Devon with an inquiring gaze. aWhatas brought you hither?a Though not as large as Anthony, Marcus exuded a raw power that instantly made him the center of all attention. Most men responded to that air of command by unconsciously stepping back. Except Chase, of course. Chase had always had more bottom than sense.

Devon nodded to Marcus. aItas a pleasure to see you, too. And do not fear, Anthony has already ascertained that Iam not here to ask for a loan.a The hard line of Marcusas mouth softened into a faint smile. aYouave never borrowed money from me, though Iave offered time and again.a aIad rather eat a hot coal.a aWell. I can see youare in your usual good spirits.a aPerhaps. I came to ask your advice about something.a Devon glanced at Anna and then back. aBut it will wait.a Marcusas gaze sharpened. He nodded once. aVery well.a He turned to Anna and handed her a letter. aHere, my dear. A letter of introduction. If there is anything to be done for Richard, the doctor will make certain that it happens with all possible speed. He is expecting you now.a aThank you,a Anna said, smiling. She tucked the letter into her reticule and then bent to Richard, who was still playing with his top.

She touched his shoulder. He looked up at her inquiringly. aTime to go,a she said softly.

The boy nodded and rose.

aShall I come, too?a Anthony asked.

aOh no, my love,a Anna said. aStay here and keep Marcus company. It has been several weeks since the two of you have had time to chat. I will return in a trice.a She took Richardas hand and led him to the door. aBye, Devon! Will you be here when I return?a aProbably not, but I will stop by Greyley House tomorrow to visit.a aSee that you do,a she said with mock severity. aI would hate to have to travel all the way to St. Jamesas to find you.a aYou would storm Whiteas, would you?a aI would at least stand outside on the street and ask for you over and over in a very loud and disconsolate tone.a She grinned. aI daresay youad come running out then.a Anthony tsked. aAnna, pray do not threaten Devon so. He leads an exemplary bachelor life and doesnat understand feminine teasing.a Devon shook his head. aYou mistake. Feminine teasing is all I am familiar with.a Anna chuckled. aPoor Devon! I shall expect you tomorrow. Marcus, thank you once again.a She nodded pleasantly and was soon out the door, Richard following behind.

As soon as the door closed, Marcus took his place at his desk, shooting a dark glance at Devon. aHave you decided to take my advice and join me in that s.h.i.+pping venture?a aHardly that.a Devon took the chair before the desk and stretched out his legs, the lamplight reflecting pleasantly in the s.h.i.+ne of his boots. aI came about Chase.a Anthony left his place by the mantel to take a chair beside Devon. aChase? Is he still drinking himself into the grave?a aI donat know. The last time I saw him, he was indeed drunk, but that has been several weeks ago. I stopped by his lodgings the other day. It was apparent heas left town.a Marcus pulled a stack of correspondence to the center of the desk and began to sort through it. aHow long has he been gone this time?a aMore than two weeks.a Anthony quirked a brow. aAnother actress, perhaps?a aNo,a Devon said thoughtfully. aAt least, I donat think so. I believe something is wrong.a Marcus met his gaze. aWhy do you think that?a aHe didnat just pack his things and leave. He dismissed his valet completely. I donat think he means to return.a aNever?a Anthony asked.

Devon shook his head. aHe took everything of importance, even Motheras ring.a Marcus set down the papers. aAre you certain?a aI found his valet. Chase gave the man a generous settlement and told him he wouldnat be returning to London. Those were his exact words, too.a Anthony rubbed his chin. aIt could still be a woman.a aIave asked about town and he hasnat been connected with any female in particular. Not in the last month, anyway.a There was silence as Anthony and Marcus thought this through. Finally, Marcus said, aChase has been known to disappear before. Itas not that unusual.a aNo. But the visit I got from Harry Annesley was.a Anthony s.h.i.+fted in his chair, the delicate wood creaking in protest. aI could never stomach that manas presence. Why Chase allowed the man in his company, I will never know.a Marcusas gaze narrowed on Devon. aWhat of Annesleyas visit?a aI was at Whiteas. Annesley came up and asked where Chase had gone off to. He says Chase owed him moneya"a gambling debt. He flashed a marker to prove it.a aDid you see it?a Anthony demanded. aWas it Chaseas signature?a aIt appeared to be. Which is why Iam afraid something has happened.a aExplain yourself.a Marcusas voice snapped like a sail in the wind. Many people feared Marcus. There was a force behind his controlled, calm gaze. It was as if a thousand storms had been locked away, held in place only by the sheer force of his character.

Devon wasnat afraid of those stormsa but Marcusas force of character, that was something to be reckoned with. aAnnesley seemed very determined that everyone at Whiteas see that blasted note. He waved it like a b.l.o.o.d.y flag. I found that highly unusual. He also seemed determined to place the idea in everyoneas head that Chase had fled town because of that debt.a Anthony made a disgusted sound. aWhatever Chase may be, he would never flee a debt of honor.a Marcus nodded. aHe is stiff with pride, that one.a aNot to mention,a Devon said quietly, athat if Chase needed money, he had only to apply to one of us for the funds. He knows any one of us could have stood the nonsense.a Marcus absently flipped the edge of a letter between his finger and thumb. aThis does sound odd.a His gaze flickered to Devon. aWhat do you think has happened?a aI believe the note is a forgery. But with Chase gone, there is no way to verify mata"a Devon halted, a thought he hadnat allowed himself to think beginning to form.

Anthonyas brown eyes glittered. aYou believe Annesley has something to do with Chaseas disappearance.a aPerhaps. Iave put Annesley off, which has irritated him. I expect he will have to make some other move, and soon. Since Iave proven recalcitrant, I expect he will next come here.a Anthonyas brow creased. aYouare right, of course. Somethingas nota"a The door opened and Jeffries stood in the opening. He bowed to Marcus. aMy lord, pardon me. But thereas a Mr. Harry Annesley to see you. I told him you were busy, but he has been most insistent.a Marcus and Devon exchanged a look. aWell,a Marcus said softly. aThe plot thickens.a Devon nodded. It had indeed.

The door to Chaseas room slammed open, the sound echoing sharply in Chaseas sleep-filled head. He moaned and pulled his pillow over his head. aGo away, Stephen. Itas too early to talk any morea"a aItas still evening,a Harriet said. aLady Cabot-Wells just departed.a Chase reluctantly moved the pillow so that it didnat cover his mouth. aShe was a bossy old harridan.a aYou charmed her very well. Mother and Sophia believe you should tread the boards if you ever find yourself at point-non-plus.a aSorry I didnat stay long. I was so sleepy after the bath that I could barely keep my eyes open during dinner.a aI daresay you were very tired, considering how busy youave been this evening. You and I need to speak, Mr. St. John.a The tones were frosty. Chase lifted the corner of the pillow and took a good look at the woman who had just been in his dreams.

Of course, in his dreams Harriet was not glaring at him in such a way. She was usually soft and pliant, welcoming him with open arms as she told him how she thought he was the smartest, bravest, most handsome man shead ever met.

It was quite obvious no such words were going to escape her lips this evening. Chase sighed, pushed his pillow aside, and shoved himself into a seated position. aWhat is it nowa"a Harrietas gaze was locked on his chest. Chase looked down and remembered something else. When head crawled into bed, head decided he was too tired to wrest on a sleep s.h.i.+rt, so head gone to bed naked.

He supposed he should find better cover than that afforded by the thin sheet that pooled in his lap. But no. He wasnat the one who had stormed into someoneas bedchamber in the middle of the night, determined to wreak havoc and mayhem. So instead of pulling the cover up, he leaned back against the headboard. aVery well, Harriet. Whatas this all about?a As he spoke, he s.h.i.+fted slightly and the sheet fell an inch more.

Her gaze widened as she stared at his bare chest, her gaze dropping lowera lower.

Chase grinned. aYou burst into a manas private chambers and thereas no telling what you might see.a Her gaze jerked up to meet his, her cheeks flus.h.i.+ng a bright red. aThis is an emergency or I would have never entered your room.a aAn emergency? Whatas wrong now?a aStephen.a She said the word as if it should mean something. aWhat about Stephen?a aWhat did you say to him in the library before dinner?a aSay? I didnata"a Oh, yes. He had said something. Something quite brilliant. aWe talked about women anda"a What else? Chase couldnat seem to remember the particulars. aWhy?a aDonat try and act the innocent with me,a Harriet snapped. aYou know very well what youave done. After listening to you and your asinine advice, Stephen stormed over to Strickton House and attempted to abduct Miss Strickton.a Chase blinked. aHe did what?a aDonat act surprised. You gave him the idea.a aI did no such thing! What was the boy thinka"a Chase closed his eyes. That fellow on the white horse. Of course. aWhat a fool.a aYes, you are. You have ruined any chances that Stephen might have had with Miss Strickton.a That seemed unnecessarily harsh. After all, most women dreamed of being swept up on a white horse and trotted off to some castle.

Chase glanced around the rather plain room. Not that Garrett Park was a castle, but it had to be a better pile than anything Miss Strickton was used to. aIt does sound as if Stephen acted a bit rashly, but he didnat do anything all that serious. All he did was attempt to swoop her into his arms and ride with her into the sunset. Whatas the harm in that?a aMiss Strickton did not enjoy being s.n.a.t.c.hed up, dragged across a smelly horse, and then carried off like a sack of potatoes. Her gown was ripped, she lost her pearl necklet, and they had to cut brambles from her hair where she fell off the horse into a very muddy field.a That didnat sound good at all. Chase shook his head. aI hate to say this, but your brother has no finesse.a Harrietas face reddened. aFinesse? What does finesse have to do with anything?a Chase leaned back against the headboard, adjusting his pillows to a more comfortable level. aIt sounds to me as if the problem was more in the execution. As a rule, women enjoy being made a fuss of.a aYou call being abducted amade a fuss ofa'?a she asked, apparently outraged at the thought.

aNo. Being swept up on a horse like that knight fellow, Loch-something. I told Stephen that was the trick with a woman with a strong disposition, to overwhelm her with a romantic gesture.a aIs that what you told him?a she asked grimly.

aYes. Only I suggested he work his way up to it. I thought he should start with a picnic, but he apparently disagreed.a aI cannot believe that you would sit there and just admit that youa"a The words seemed to lock in her throat, for she struggled mightily before she managed to say in a strangled voice, aI hope youare satisfied now, Mr. Chase St. John. Not only has Miss Strickton rejected Stephen most cruelly, but her father came to see Mother and demanded that Stephen stay away from the entire family or they would call the constable. Mother was quite embarra.s.sed and poor Stephen! It is a scandal of the worst kind and all because youa"a aDonat blame me for all of that! b.l.o.o.d.y h.e.l.l, all I did was suggest that the boy take matters into his own hands; I never told him to abduct the chit. If you donat believe me, ask him.a aAsk him?a aAsk him,a Chase said firmly. aHe may have gotten the idea from the fact that I mentioned that Loch-fellow, but I never suggested that he do something that ridiculous. And I wouldnat.a Harrietas shoulders slumped. aYou wouldnat?a aLord, no! Do I look that wet behind the ears?a Her gaze flickered over him, once again lowering to his lap. Chase suddenly realized how intimate the setting was; Harriet and he, alone in his room. And here he was, naked and in a warm bed. His body tightened at the thought, and he had to adjust the sheet to cover his reaction.

Her cheeks heated, and she looked away, though she remained close to the bed. aIa"I suppose I should have asked Stephen to be more specific. But when he said head gotten the idea from you, I a.s.sumed the worst. Iam sorry.a Chase had to bite his lip to keep from grinning. aIf you were really sorry, youad show it.a Her gaze flew to his. aShow it?a aWith a kiss.a aIa"youa"oh! That is quite enough, Mr. St. John.a Her color adorably high, she wheeled to march out of the room, but Chase was too quick.

He had her in his arms and in his lap before she could do more than gasp in surprise.

For an instant, they simply sat there, staring at one another, heat rippling between them in hurried, urgent waves. Chaseas body was taut with need. He had dreamed enough nights about this woman. Finding her here, in his naked lap, was almost more than he could stand.

aLet me go,a she said, her voice soft and breathless.

aNo.a Her eyes sparkled with irritation. aIam sorry if I wrongly accused you. But if youad seen Stephen when head returneda"a aIad have told him to get his chin up off the ground and be a man about things.a aOh! What do you know about picking your chin up off the ground? You, with your thousands of servants and hundreds of houses?a aMore than you know,a he said, the line of his mouth suddenly grim.

Harriet paused, her irritation melting away before a sudden surge of hot curiosity. Every once in a while, she caught a glimpse of a different Chase St. John than the one usually presented to the world at large. It was almost as if beneath his arrogant, self-satisfied swagger, there was a river of emptiness, of sadness. He was a conundrum, this startlingly handsome man.

Brash and bold on the outside, seemingly interested only in himself, he was nonetheless capable of great kindness and caring. She found her gaze drawn to him; to the tempting line of his mouth, the masculine strength of his throat. To her surprise, a flash of heat burned through her. She could feel the warmth of his bared skin against her arm.

Heavens, but he was enticing. But as tasty as he appeared, he was not from Sticklye-By-The-River. And he was definitely not a part of Garrett Park. She had to remind herself that he never would be.

His gaze met hers and in that instant, something s.h.i.+mmered deep in his eyes, a sparkle that was answered in her own heart. In that moment, something changed, s.h.i.+fted, went from abstract thought to intense action.

aHarriet,a Chase murmured. Then, to her surprise, he pulled her to his bare chest and kissed her.

Chapter 20.

Love does not come in a neat package, tied with a bow, and delivered to oneas house.

Itas large and roiling, rather like a river, only noisier, infinitely messier, and far harder to control.

The Countess of Greyley to her new sister-in-law, Mrs. Brandon St. John, while knitting stockings for charity Harriet s.h.i.+vered and closed her eyes. It was madness. Sheer and utter madness.

But somehow, she just didnat care. Shead never felt such a flush of pure l.u.s.t. Had never enjoyed the delightful feeling of being desired, pa.s.sionately and intensely by a mana"by any man really. But especially not by a man like Chase St. John.

aHarriet,a he whispered against her ear, his hot breath stirring her hair. aI want you. I want to be with you.a He nuzzled her neck and murmured against her skin, aAnd in you.a Harriet bit her lip, her entire body trembling. All her life, shead been in control, had done what was right, followed the safe and sane path, taken care of others and herself. Nowa now she didnat want any of that. She wanted to bea freer. Unfettered with responsibility and cares.

aTouch me,a he whispered, his breath brus.h.i.+ng over her ear. aPut your hands on me.a The old Harriet would have refused him. It was the right thing to doa"to put an end to this lunacy. But the new Harriet splayed her hands over his chest, threading his crisp hairs through her fingers.

It was heavenly. His skin was warm and inviting, his muscles taut. She heard herself say his name ever so softly, aChase.a The name slid through her teeth, satin tied with a velvet rope. Her ability to refuse him melted with the sound.

Shead been so aggravated with him when shead first come to his room. But head been righta"Stephen was responsible for his acts, not anyone else.

Harriet suddenly wondered why Chase had even bothered to help her brother in the first place. aWhy did youa"a He kissed her, his mouth covering hers, his tongue sliding between her lips. Hot and delicious, he overwhelmed her senses, made her forget everything but the feel of him.

He pulled her closer and she grasped his shoulders, his bare skin warm beneath her fingertips. His hands roamed over her back, down to her hips, then up her sides.

Harriet moaned softly just as he cupped her b.r.e.a.s.t.s through her gown. Sensuous s.h.i.+vers flashed through her.

aAh, Harriet,a he whispered again, nipping her chin, her throat, her shoulder.

Never had her plain, rather unsatisfactory name seemed so seductive as when he breathed it through his lips like a prayer of thanks. His hot mouth left a trail of delicate fire everywhere it touched.

She tilted her head back and gave him silent permission to explore the hollows, gasping in pleasure as his breath fanned over her skin.

aMmmm,a he said in a slightly raspy voice. aYou smell of cinnamon and apples.a aIa"I helped Cook with the pies. I think theyall be very good whena"a aYou. Are. Delicious.a His lips touched her throat with each word, and a series of tremors raced through her.

His free hand found her knee and he slowly pulled up her skirts. The thin material slid along her leg, inching past her calf, until he finally slipped his hand beneath. His fingers were unnaturally warm as they skimmed her leg, her thigh.

Harriet gasped. He was bold and brazen, taking and teasing. His fingers brushed the top of her pantaloons, pus.h.i.+ng them aside until his bare fingers slid down her stomach.

Panic flared. She caught his wrist. aNo.a He looked at her then, his eyes so dark they appeared almost black. aWhy not?a Why not? She could think of a thousand reasons why not and only one whya"because she wanted him. Wanted him to touch her, to kiss her, to make her mindless with pa.s.sion. For once in her life, she wanted to lose control and just live.

Her gaze locked on his, she released his hand. aWhy not indeed.a A faint smile curled his lips, his gaze wandering over her face, touching briefly on her eyes, her nose, her upper lip. He bent and placed his lips on hers, holding still, allowing the moment to linger and swell.

Her whole body s.h.i.+vered awake. His hand slid lower then, over her stomach, down between her legs and he touched her in the most intimate of places.

She started then, jerked out of her desire-induced trance. aI caa"a He kissed her, harder and more demanding than before, overwhelming her protests, overcoming her fears. And all the while, his fingers were never still. He found her most secret place, stroking and touching her, building her desires until they burned and she arched against him, her inhibitions gone in the flash of a moment.

Heaven help her, but she was on fire. She yearned for him, ached for him deep within. He kissed her cheek with the softest of touches, his mouth leaving a damp trail as he traced a line to her ear. His breath fluttered against her earlobe and sent a deluge of delicious tremors through her.

He was slow, deliberate, his intent all too cleara" he meant to make her crazy with desire before seducing her in full.

And why not, Harriet decided. She was a woman grown. And in all her years, shead never met a man like this, one who wore his sensuality like a fig leaf on an ancient statue. She knew what was behind that blasted leafa"she hadnat lived on a farm for all these years for nothing. Nonetheless, her fingers itched to remove everything that stood between her and him, so that she could get a nice, long look at what lay beneath.

What was a true revelation was how many other weapons of seduction the man had at his disposal.

Not only were his hands roaming freely, but his mouth never ceased delivering s.h.i.+very kisses and delicate nips. His breath sent a flutter of heat down her spine. His skin burned beneath her fingertips, begging to be touched even more.

Harriet was lost. Her body tightened in response to each and every new delight. How she wanted this man.

She could feel his fingers busily unlacing her gown. And before she knew it, he was pus.h.i.+ng the neckline free, shoving it down, over her shoulders, to her waist. Mindless with the need to taste him, to feel him, she pulled her arms free of the gown, and wrapped them about his neck.

He pressed a pa.s.sionate kiss to her neck, his hands cupping, kneading her through the thin material of her s.h.i.+ft, driving her wilder.

aRemove it,a he murmured against her ear.

aWhat?a she asked breathlessly, s.h.i.+fting restlessly, aware of a deep ache within. She wanted more, needed more.

aYour s.h.i.+ft,a he said, placing wet kisses along her cheek and neck. aRemove it.a It was an order, softly made, yet insistent. Harriet didnat even question. She wanted this, wanted him. She tugged the lace that tied her s.h.i.+ft free, and somehow, she never would remember exactly how, she was soon naked and pliant on the bed beneath him. He bent over her, resting on one elbow as his mouth continued to trace a heated path from her neck to her ear and back.

It was erotic, the feel of their limbs entangled with nothing between them. Harriet ran her hands over his broad shoulders, kissing his throat, his chin.

He cupped her breast, his thumb flicking over her nipple and causing her to drop her head back and close her eyes. aHarriet, look at me.a She opened her eyes and met his gaze. He was so incredibly beautiful, his skin damp with perspiration, his blue eyes vivid, his black hair falling over his brow. Holding her gaze, he dropped his mouth to her breast and laved the peak, his hands now stroking higher, up her thigh, returning to the taut core of her womanhood.

She gasped, her head thrown back, her hair coming unbound. Chase soaked in the sight of her face as she gave herself to the pa.s.sion. Her face flushed, her eyes glistened, her face softened with wonder. No vestige was left of the plainspoken, logically bound Harriet that head come to admire. In her place was a tempting siren with lush brown hair, a kiss-swollen mouth, and eyes that s.h.i.+mmered with desire.

He had to have her. Now. Never had he l.u.s.ted for any woman, especially not an innocent. The thought held him for a moment. She was an innocent, but she was also in his bed, her face awash with pleasure, with need. Everyone at Garrett Park looked to her for their comfort. Perhaps it was time someone looked to hers.

With a renewed vow to make this moment the most incredible of her life, to show her how wonderful, how beautiful he found her, he covered her mouth with his and kissed her softly, deeply. He put every bit of himself into that kiss, mingling his soul with hers.

She responded without hesitation, opening, writhing, clutching at his shoulders. Finally, panting heavily, he broke the kiss and lifted on his elbow to look at her.

Chase couldnat move. Head known that beneath her plain gowns, Harriet was an attractive woman. But seeing her now, completely naked, her delicately made, but strongly wrought, body outlined against the sheets, was almost more than he could bear. She was beautiful, perfectly made.

Her legs were curvaceous, her waist narrow above her slender hips. Her small b.r.e.a.s.t.s were tipped with rose-colored nipples that drew his gaze and made his mouth water.

aYou are beautiful,a he breathed. aSo beautiful.a In answer, she lifted up on her elbows to tilt her face to his. Her thick brown hair flowed about her shoulders and clung to the shadowed hollows of her neck. She grasped his neck with one hand and pulled him closer, the warmth from her palm sending a tingle of heat through him.

He splayed his hands over her shoulders and arms, marveling at the seductively carved collarbone that was displayed there. She was no soft, overfed miss, but a woman of strength, of delicately made muscles and finely wrought sinew.

His body tightened almost painfully. He could no longer think coherently about anything. Anything but this woman and her creamy thighs. He had to have her. Have her and make her his. The desire to brand her, to mark her as his own and no one elseas, raced through him and all coherent thought fled at the onslaught of primitive emotion.

Chase lifted himself and poised above her, his hands tangled in her hair. aLove me, Harriet. Let me come in.a Her thighs widened and she gripped him close. Chase lowered himself into her slowly, so slowly that she stirred impatiently, s.h.i.+fting beneath him as if trying to pull him into her.

He held still, savoring his entry, reveling in the heat and tightness. Suddenly, he could take it no more and he pushed deep within.

She gasped, her eyes widening.

Chase could have killed himself then and there. She was a virgin. Somehow, in the erotic dance that had held them in thrall, head allowed himself to forget that fact.

He pulled her close and whispered softly in her ear, aEasy, love. Easy.a Slowly, she relaxed beneath him. Chase kept whispering, long strings of soft words, of warm sentiments, of heated promises. He kept his hands busy, stroking her here, soothing her mere. Within moments, she began to stir restlessly, to press against him, her pain forgotten in the onslaught of desire.

Ah yes. She was a pa.s.sionate woman. He could see it in the way her chest rose and fell, her small b.r.e.a.s.t.s puckering as if begging for a touch. He leaned forward and pressed his mouth to first one nipple, then the next, pulling gently while she gasped in pleasure.

Slowly, ever so slowly, he began to move inside her. He let her set the pace, her lithe body growing more moist, more demanding. G.o.d, but she was a sweet piece, hot and lush, more desirable than any woman head ever known. Chase gritted his teeth and fought to maintain control. It was the most erotic moment of his life, the feel of this woman beneath him. For the love of Hera, but head never experienced such a heated encounter.

How was it that a country chit completely devoid of experience could make him crazed with desire while countless women with other, far more exotic notions, left him less than inspired?

What was it about Harriet Ward that made her bolder, more colorful, more intriguing than any London-born and bred mistress?

Whatever it was, it was intoxicating. Fascinating. Scintillating. He reveled in her nearness, in the strength of her body, in the lithe grace of her form. He cupped her closer to him, losing himself inside her silken softness.

She was lost, eyes closed, gasping for breath as her body moved demandingly, hips thrusting, feet firmly planted on the mattress. She was magnificent, her unalleviated pa.s.sion pus.h.i.+ng Chase to the edges of his own control.

Suddenly, her eyes widened and she gasped, her body clenching about him, the silky tug yanking him over the edge. Chase ground his teeth, but it was too late. His body reacted before he could withdraw and he climaxed deep inside her.

For several moments they remained where they were, entangled, arms about each other, his face pressed against her hair, her legs still tight about his waist.

It was achingly sweet, that moment. And Chase, for the first time in his life, didnat feel an overwhelming compulsion to jump up from the bed and make good his escape.

All he wanted to do was stay right where he was, holding Harriet as their bodies quieted. He was agonizingly aware of her slender hips beneath his, of her breath on his shoulder, of her hair tangled on the pillow, of the smell of her silken skin.

All of it seeped through him and made him wish they could stay just like this, hidden and warm, safe and sated for the rest of their lives.

After a long moment, Harriet s.h.i.+fted against the pillows, her sigh warm on his neck. aWe must get up.a aI know.a Chase caught her hand in his and looked at it for a minute before he bent to kiss her finger where the talisman ring lay. It fit her slender finger perfectly, which was strange, for Chase would have sworn the ring was larger. He ran his thumb over the strange surface, a s.h.i.+ver of heat filling him.

Somehow, instead of looking at the ring, he found himself looking into Harrietas eyes. Drowning in the warm brown depths, the ache that was always deep in his soul, easing for a moment. She s.h.i.+vered.

aCold?a aNo. I was justa"a She looked down at her hand where the ring rested. aI must dress.a aYes.a But he made no move to get up. Instead, he kissed her fingers, first one and then the next.

A noise sounded in the hallway.