He turned his head, gazing out onto the rain-soaked gardens. “Well then, I suppose you should make sure to choose your husband well, or not marry at all.”
She paused next to him, staring out onto the same damp gardens. Their conversation was becoming much too intimate yet she couldn’t seem to stop. “I’d rather marry. As a married woman I’d have my own money, my own life. I could travel where I wished.”
“Yes, if your husband allows it. But let’s face it as a wife you’d have as little say as you would a child, correct?”
His words were blunt but true. How infuriating he was! “What is your point, sir? As women we have no say at all, so we should merely give up on life?”
He grinned, a flash of extremely white teeth. “No, widows have quite a bit of freedom.”
She released a wry laugh. “Wonderful, I’ll have something to look forward to when I’m fifty. I tire of these games.”
Insufferable, hateful man, indicating her life was pointless, and she was merely a pawn, trapped. She realized, with mounting irritation, that perhaps what angered her most of all was the truth to his statement.
Frustrated, she started around him, determined to get as far away from Aidan as possible. She needed to think, and she could not think when the man was near. “Good day.”
He reached out, grasping onto her arm. Startled, she froze, her bewildered gaze on his hand, his fingers wrapped tightly around her delicate wrist. The differences between them, his brawn and her feminine weakness, had never been so apparent. No man had dared touch her so intimately.
Slowly, she tilted her head, meeting his hard gaze. Her heart hammered madly, her mouth went dry. “What are you doing?”
“Someone’s coming.” He pulled her gently toward him. “You don’t wish to be caught, do you?”
“I don’t hear anyone.”
Ignoring her comment, he tugged until they were both hidden behind the curtains, enfolded in their soft velvet comfort. She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t move while held so tightly to Aidan’s hard body. Shock soon gave way to pure awareness. She could feel every steel muscle, every cool breath he took as it brushed across her cheek, a harsh reminder of the inappropriateness of their situation. Slowly, she tilted her head back and stared into Aidan’s fathomless eye. Enraptured, she couldn’t look away…not even when the door creaked open and they were sure to be caught at any moment.
“Do you think he’ll find you?” someone giggled.
“Of course he will.” Elizabeth’s familiar voice interrupted her heady cocoon. “Isn’t it obvious he’s interested?” She sighed long and loud. “Is there anywhere to hide?”
They were the words she needed to hear. Elizabeth should marry Aidan. They were perfect for each other. Mary Ellen’s cheeks flushed. If she was caught with Aidan, either by the women in the room, or by someone strolling past the windows outside, her reputation would be destroyed. Worse, she might be forced to marry the man. Her hands grew damp. Every beat of her heart counted down the seconds toward certain exposure.
“Oh bother it, there’s nowhere here, unless perhaps the wardrobe?”
The suspense was too much. Mary Ellen resisted the urge to tear aside the curtain and tell them to leave already. The shock upon their faces would almost be worth exposure. But no, instead she was forced to endure Aidan’s hard body against hers, his cool breath brushing her loose tendrils, his lips close…so bloody close!
“It’s full of junk,” the other woman pouted. “Hurry, or we’ll be caught.”
Mary Ellen could hear the patter of their feet as they raced from the room, finally leaving them in peace. Relief should have been immediate. But Aidan didn’t let go.
“There are things that many women miss if they don’t marry,” he whispered, continuing their conversation as if they hadn’t been near to certain ruin.
Her conscience told her not to ask. Unfortunately she’d always had a difficult time listening to her conscience. “Such as?”
“This.” His lips met hers in an uncompromising kiss, a possessive kiss that took control of her mind, her senses, her body. A kiss that terrified and thrilled her all at once.
Stunned, she latched onto the lapels of his jacket, afraid her knees would give out. His fingers tightened around her arms in an almost unbearable grip. She had the feeling he was trying to hold back, be gentle. She knew she should push him away, even as she slid her hands up his chest intending to. But then he captured her hands, and she sank more fully into his hard chest, allowing Aidan to support her. When his tongue slid across her bottom lip she thought she’d die.
A tremble, hot and cold, washed over her. The roar of blood, of need, of desire, pounding through her body drowned out any noise but for the frantic thump of her heart. He released her hands but wasn’t done…oh no. Aidan boldly cupped her arse and drew her hips hard to his. Mary Ellen gasped, but the sound of surprise was lost against his mouth. Never had anyone touched her this way! She didn’t understand the aching need twisting low in her gut. Didn’t understand the little voice that taunted her, urging her to get closer, ever closer. The nervousness she felt returned. He was too sure, and she was too far gone. There...edging its way through her foggy desire was the terrifying realization that she just might let him have her completely.
Frantic, Mary Ellen tore her mouth from his. “No.”
With as much strength as she possessed, she shoved him away and pushed aside the curtains. What had she been thinking? Because of one passionate kiss she might have ruined every dream she’d ever had! She ducked under his arm and raced across the room.
“Mary Ellen,” Aidan called, but she ignored him.
With trembling hands she gripped the knob and tore open the door, but luck was not her friend. Instead of escaping Mary Ellen ran directly into Elizabeth. Startled, she drew back.
“Why, Mary Ellen.” The woman gave her a sly smile. “You look quite flushed. Whatever are you running from? Or should I say whoever?”
“Nothing.” She gripped the handle and started to pull the door closed. With Aidan’s kiss still stinging her lips, she lied. “No one.”
But the woman shoved her way around Mary Ellen and surged into the room. Resisting the urge to groan, Mary Ellen prayed Aidan had the good sense to hide. She turned. The only hiding place in the room was exposed, the drapes were thrown back, the room empty. No one was there. How very odd. Tentatively, Mary Ellen stepped inside, following Elizabeth, who was determined to see her ruined. The girl turned toward her, suspicion written plainly across her fair face.
Mary Ellen forced herself to smile. “Like I said, nothing.”
She hadn’t a clue where Aidan was, she only thanked God that he’d disappeared.
“Darling?” Meg suddenly appeared in the doorway like a guardian angel. She’d never been so happy to see her sister. “We’ve all been caught.” She strolled into the room, saving Mary Ellen from Elizabeth’s spite. “Shall we return to the parlor?”
“Of course,” Elizabeth said with an overly cheerful smile, as if she hadn’t just been planning Mary Ellen’s demise.
Close, she’d been so bloody close to being ruined forever. She must take care in the future. She had been given a reprieve, and she had a feeling she would not be so lucky next time.
Meg slipped her arm through Mary Ellen’s and led her toward the hall. “It looks like you’re the winner.”
Mary Ellen gave her sister a tight smile. “Indeed.”
She might have won this round, but she had a terrible feeling the games had only just started.
Chapter 3
Why he’d kissed her, Aidan hadn’t a clue.
Perhaps because he was a man, she a woman, and they had been enclosed in a bedchamber…alone. Whether he was merely man or animal, it was only natural something should have happened. Wasn’t it?
Or maybe he just couldn’t help himself any longer. The beast had taken over and the temptation was too great. He raked his hands through his hair, his footsteps quickening,
as if he could outrun his problem.
Or maybe, just maybe, he was merely a selfish bastard.
Aye, most likely he was a selfish bastard. He’d thought kissing Mary Ellen would ease the ache that constantly pulsed beneath his skin. But tasting her had only made his need worse. So much worse. The cool breeze and long walk through the countryside hadn’t calmed his troubling emotions and that kiss hadn’t lessened his attraction. He was losing control. Hell, he hadn’t lost control since he was a lad. What was it about her? What made her different from any other woman he’d come across? If only he knew, he might be able to cure himself of his feelings.
Not ready yet to head inside, he followed the trail into the woods near the back of the property, the leaves crunching underfoot, releasing an earthy scent. He was determined to outrun his demons, but he could not outrun the beast for it burrowed deep within. The animal was a part of him…his blood, his bones, his soul.
A low fog hovered in the woods, giving the early morning an eerie, depressing glow that matched his mood. “Perfect,” he muttered.
The path forked and he paused, relenting. He didn’t bloody well know where he was going, or what he would do when he got there. He didn’t care, he only needed to escape…if merely for a moment. When he’d arrived at the estate he’d had a plan…visit with Grayson a month or so until the country cottage he’d purchased was made livable. Then he’d retire into a quiet life.
He hadn’t expected Mary Ellen. She’d invaded his mind, wreaked havoc with his well-laid plan for docility. At night he dreamt of her. During the day he sought her out. He swore he could sense when she was near. Even now he heard her name whispered on the fog.
Mary Ellen.
He headed left and further into the woods, determined to outrun the woman, his need, the demon. Instead of evading her he wasn’t the least bit surprised when he entered a clearing and saw her sitting upon a large boulder, a book in her lap. At first he thought her a mirage, but no. Hell, deep down he’d known she was here and the animal within had led the way.
Blood roared to his ears. He couldn’t seem to focus on anything but her. He saw the slight rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. The pulse beat in the side of her neck. The auburn curl that brushed against the woolen shoulder of her gray gown. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Her scent whispered toward him.
Mary Ellen.
“Following me again, Mr. Callaghan?”
If only she knew the truth. He opened his eyes. “Merely out for a stroll, Miss James.”
She slid him a wary glance. “Do you have nothing better to do than spy on me? Silly parlor games to play? Perhaps Miss Palmer has a suggestion.”
He started slowly toward her, afraid of scaring her away, desperately needing to be near her. “Dare I believe you sound jealous?”
“Of that silly ninny?” She released a quick laugh and slammed her book shut with a thud that belied her dismissive words. “Absolutely not.” She slipped from the rock. “I’m only surprised that you find her so…intriguing.”
He leaned against a tree and folded his arms across his chest, greatly amused by the way she feigned indifference. “Intriguing? Yes, she is rather interesting.”
Mary Ellen released a delicate snort. “I have more important things to do than discuss the merits, or lack, of Miss Palmer.”
“But she is ever so interesting.” If he was smart he would allow her to leave. Instead, he moved toward her, blocking her exit. Close, so very close to her warm body. “Why, just the other day she drew me into a rather titillating discussion on whether her dress was mauve or rose. It was utterly fascinating.”
Mary Ellen jerked her head toward him. She might have been indifferent to his charm, but he knew how to pull her in. The surprise in her eyes quickly gave way to mirth. “True. Only yesterday she cornered me to let me know that my hair should fall to the left, as that is all the fashion nowadays.”
Humor and wit were the ways to get to Mary Ellen. Aidan reached out and took the curls that lay upon her right shoulder. He just couldn’t help himself. Her smile fell, her breath catching. For a long moment they merely stared at each other…remembering the kiss. Remembering how the other had tasted, remembering the scent of attraction that flowed around them.
A cool breeze swept through the room, rustling the leaves, her skirts and her hair. Mary Ellen shivered. He let the silky strands slip from his fingers and released his hold. She was not his to have. She was too frail…too human, and he was… Hell, he was too much of a monster.
She stepped back, her cheeks flushing. “Once again you overstep your bounds.”
And once again she baited him and he just couldn’t help himself. He’d kept silent far too long. “Do I?”
Her eyes sparked with ire. “What are you implying?”
He saw the way she looked at him. He could smell the desire on her even now. She wanted him as much as he wanted her and that was what taunted him most of all. But how could he possibly explain? “I imply nothing at all.” He bowed low and turned, determined to be rid of her once and for all. “I shall leave you to your reading.”
“Oh no.” She started after him, the leaves crunching underfoot warned of her arrival. “I insist you tell me.” When he didn’t pause, she actually reached out, latching onto his wrist. Her bare fingers pressed into his skin and he froze.
He lowered his gaze to her hand. Her simple touch sent his heart racing, his skin afire. The beast cried out, screaming and clawing its way to the surface. “Don’t,” he hissed.
The look upon his face must have been startling indeed for she quickly drew back. Hell, he hadn’t meant to frighten her. Never wanted to scare her, but perhaps it was best that she understood now before it was too late. Yet, as he realized that the look in her eyes mirrored the look he’d seen in his fiancé’s those years ago…his chest felt tight and the monster abated. He assumed there was a reason Meg hadn’t told her sister the truth…because they didn’t think Mary Ellen could be trusted. And if her own sister couldn’t trust her…
Damn it all, why the hell couldn’t he fall for his own kind?
“You shouldn’t have touched me,” he snapped. “You have no idea…”
A low rumble of thunder shook the forest, giving him pause. An eerie sound, almost as if a warning from the heavens. The thunder faded and the world grew entirely too quiet, too still. Slowly, ever so slowly he scanned the dark woods surrounding them.
“What?” she said, glaring up at him. “Do go on. Please don’t stop on my account. I believe you were going to explain why my touch is so repulsive.”
Good God, the woman just wouldn’t let him be. He started to turn away, intending to get as far away from her as possible when he heard an unmistakable howl, a sound that lifted the fine hairs on the back of his neck.
This time when Mary Ellen clenched his wrist it was out of fear, not anger. “What was that?”
He knew exactly what it was, but he sure as hell couldn’t tell her the truth. Her wide eyes and pale face sent his heart lurching into his throat. Oh God, she was frail, so damn frail, anything could happen to her. Frantic, he jerked his gaze toward the woods. Yellow eyes peered at him through the trees… glowing, piercing eyes.
“Shite.” He jerked his gaze back toward Mary Ellen. “Go.”
“What?”
“Go! Run!” He shoved her toward the trail, hiding her behind him.
“No! I won’t leave you!”
“Damn it, Mary Ellen, don’t be a bloody martyr. Go!”
The wolf would go after the weakest prey…Mary Ellen. He knew she wouldn’t escape unless he stopped the dog completely. Aidan moved toward the middle of the clearing. The animal would have to kill him first. Branches rattled, parting, the dog growled as he stepped into the clearing. Quickly Aidan weighed his options. Glowing eyes, black wolf larger than most, hungry…he could sense the animal about to pounce. But he wasn’t looking at Aidan, no he was focused on Mary Ellen who stood across the clearing staring a
t the wolf in horror.
“Hell.” Without thought to consequences, Aidan raced toward Mary Ellen, so fast she didn’t notice him until he was wrapping an arm around her waist and jerking her behind the large boulder where she’d been sitting only moments ago. They fell to the ground with a thud that sent a cloud of dust into the air.
Mary Ellen’s cry resounded in his ear, part surprise and part pain. He was crushing her. He rolled away and got to his feet just as he saw the streak of black fur leap over the rock. Aidan jumped at the same time, hitting the beast and taking the dog down. The animal landed atop him, all snarling muzzle and twisting limbs. Damn it all, he should have taken Grayson’s advice and fed. As it was he was so weak he could barely fight the dog. The animal threw back his head, snapping his large mouth at Aidan’s throat. This was no young pup…but a seasoned warrior. He could only pray the dog was not hunting in a pack.
“Mary Ellen, damn you, run!”
Aidan flipped the dog onto its back, shoving the animal’s muzzle to the side. It was a fight of life and death, Aidan knew it and the wolf knew it. Neither would relent. The strongest would win. Vaguely he was aware of Mary Ellen struggling to her feet. He could only hope she had sense enough to flee. It would certainly make his work easier if he didn’t have to worry about her.
Aidan shoved his knee into the dog’s sternum. The crack of ribs was barely audible over the cry of the animal. But Aidan had little time to savor his victory, he was too bloody focused on the daft woman he was infatuated with. Instead of running toward the house as he’d told her, Mary Ellen ran toward them. Disconcerted Aidan didn’t see the dog’s teeth coming. They sliced through his jacket, shirtsleeves and skin with ease, leaving behind a stinging numbness.
“Shite,” he snapped, pushing himself to his knees. He could feel the warm blood soaking his sleeve, trailing down his arm and dripping from his fingertips. He jerked his sleeve down, hiding the gaping wound but the blood soaked through the white material. Thank God he wasn’t human.