“May I have this dance?” Rawlings appeared out of nowhere like most rakes and degenerates and grabbed Emma’s hand before Sebastian could protest.
“I, uh…” Emma looked to him for help.
Just as he was getting ready to tell Rawlings exactly where he could go, the man spoke again.
“Miss Gates, we have danced before, have we not? Do you not recall the time in your father’s study when I taught you the quadrille?”
Sebastian clenched his fists as he fought the urge to pummel the man he used to call friend.
“Yes.” Emma’s eyes suddenly lit with fire as she accepted the man’s hand and boldly stepped onto the dance floor, never once looking back at Sebastian or anyone else.
The waltz, not the quadrille as Sebastian had assumed, began playing. Rawlings bowed, Emma curtsied, and then, they were off.
The entire room seemed to still as Rawlings and Emma danced. It was the most captivating thing Sebastian had ever seen.
She had practically ran away from him when he had offered to dance with her in London. Yet today she freely went into the enemy’s arms, not only accepting his offer but dancing in such a way it made Sebastian’s heart ache.
Her laughter teased his senses. Uninhibited it flowed freely around his ears. Rawlings hands continued to lower and pull Emma closer to his person. The only reason Sebastian did not interfere was because Emma didn’t deserve the embarrassment. He was also opposed to scandal, so he stayed firmly put as she danced in another man’s arms. And while another man, his enemy to be precise, freely held her firmly within his grasp.
Briefly Rawlings made eye contact and winked.
Emma was surely dancing with the devil.
The longest dance of Sebastian’s life finally ended and Emma was returned. Positively invigorated, or so it seemed. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes brilliant. It was as if a part of her had just awoke, and Sebastian hated Rawlings for being the cause.
****
Watching and waiting was all he was good for. The sound of Emma’s laughter made him clench his fists against his gloves.
She was his.
Plain and simple.
His plan was taking longer than necessary, but that was of no consequence. What was important was that the pawns he used continued to play their parts, oblivious to the idea forming in his mind.
A plan to make her his regardless of the cost. Yes, he had discovered long ago he would manipulate to have her, steal to keep her, and kill all those who crossed him.
Patience was not his strong suit, but for Emma he would be tolerant. Besides, once the house party was finished, it would be over with, and after all these years, she would finally be his.
****
“You dance lovely.” The fact Sebastian was able to say the entire sentence without threatening some sort of death or bodily harm to her dance partner was somewhat extraordinary.
And then all at once he felt like jumping in front of a moving carriage. Emma’s face fell. The brilliant sparkle was gone and in its place all that was left was pain.
“Emma?”
She flashed him a smile and patted him on the arm, but he could tell she worked a little too hard to look excited.
The dancing soon ended. Sebastian never offered for her hand, partially because he didn’t want to upset her. His pride was the other reason. He wasn’t sure he could take the hit of her choosing Rawlings as a dance partner over him.
“I think I shall retire,” Emma announced.
“Would you like me to escort you to your room?” he asked, but she was shaking her head and pulling away from him, from the ballroom, from everything.
Why did he feel suddenly ill? That something was amiss?
****
Emma lied, she had to. There was no other reason for her behavior. She had wanted to prove to Rawlings so badly that she was the same girl, but in all honesty, she desperately needed to show it to herself.
To prove her sins of the past had not broken her spirit.
But the sad truth was, they had.
Her parents’ rejection as well as Rawlings’ abandonment had formed her into the woman she was today.
Again, she resolved to try harder to seduce Sebastian so she could at least once know what it was like.
Her thoughts and lamenting as she left Sebastian standing in the ballroom did nothing to fight off the sickening feeling of being in Rawlings’ arms. Something too familiar, a piece of her she had long forgotten still resided in those arms.
It was painful and it brought fear like she had never known into her life. The chance of discovery and horror of rejection was again her reality. For if Sebastian found out her secret she would have no one. No prospects.
It was risky, denying all the bachelors at the house party.
But all she wanted was him. It would be the death of her.
Suddenly, she didn’t want to go to bed. She wanted to think, she wanted to race, to let her hair flow free in the wind. Looking from left to right she slipped past the ballroom going in the opposite direction of her bedroom and nearly fainted with nervousness. She hadn’t even changed into a riding habit, meaning her legs would surely be exposed when she jumped onto Boxer. Then again it was dark and nobody was following her.
Slipping past the groom proved easy, considering he was absolutely foxed and snoring in the corner. Quickly, she saddled Boxer and fed him some oats before jumping onto his back. He neighed as if sensing her need for release and then she heard a throat clear.
“Just what do you think you are doing, Emma?” Sebastian’s face was more charmed than irritated. And then his eyes scanned her exposed calves and she could have fainted on the spot.
His eyes widened as he shot her a disapproving look.
“Get off that horse this instant, Emma. I will not allow you to gallop around like some…hoyden!”
“Allow me?” Emma challenged as she led Boxer next to him. “You won’t allow me? Well, thank God we aren’t truly engaged. I would hate to be in a relationship where a man had to allow me to do anything.”
Furious, she kicked at Boxer and galloped off to the sound of Sebastian cursing her in every language possible.
Within minutes she was free of the house and moving quickly into the forest. Laughter bubbled out of her despite her irritation at Sebastian’s controlling manner. She told herself he was merely trying to protect her, but of all the things to say, did he have to demand she not ride?
Halting, she let out a sigh and then nearly fell off the horse as a sound behind her caused her to jump. Turning, she saw Sebastian’s form on another one of the horses, approaching her at a breakneck pace.
“Blast,” she cursed, then set Boxer off into a straight run through the trees, which wasn’t at all safe, she realized, as Sebastian had to continually fall behind lest he and his beautiful horse run into a tree.
“Stop this instant!” he yelled, and for some reason it made her laugh.
“Emma! This is insane!”
She didn’t see the tree in time. She pulled on the reigns making Boxer rear, sending her flying to the ground.
The only thing that seemed to be wounded was her pride and her backside, not that she could check for damages considering her skirts had flown over her head. Maybe this was why women wore special clothes for riding.
“Emma? Can you hear me? Are you alright?” Sebastian was immediately on his knees by her side frantically pulling at her skirts to examine her face.
Emma watched wide-eyed as Sebastian moved his warm hands slowly up the expanse of her exposed calves. It was her fault she was in this predicament. Foolish of her to think she wouldn’t somehow fall off her horse and embarrass herself after challenging him then taking off in a blasted gallop.
Her skirts flung over her so fast it was impossible to cover up what was now exposed for the world, or maybe just Sebastian, to see. Unfortunately, now she was drugged, actually entranced as his wicked smile caused her stomach to clench with anticipation. Now that sh
e knew what a man’s hands felt like on her legs, she wasn’t sure she would ever be the same.
His eyes locked with hers.
She was lost.
“Are you hurt?” He continued rubbing her legs, probably feeling for broken bones. Curse him for making her shiver.
“You’re cold,” he stated as he pulled her into his embrace and continued moving his hands down her arms looking for bruises.
Emma gulped when they touched her face. Almost like a whisper. “I’m fine I assure you.” Managing a weak smile she tried to pull back.
He held her in place.
“You don’t have to be strong, you know,” Sebastian said.
Oh, how untrue that statement was. “But I do.” She hadn’t meant for it to be a time of confession. If this man truly knew the reasons behind her strength, he would surely push her away.
Pulling her to her feet he managed a small curse as her knobby knees caused her to stumble into his chest. Again. Why did he have to be a duke? And why oh why did he have to be so blasted alluring?
“Sorry,” she mumbled, her eyes rested on his lips.
“I’m not,” he said, dragging her head toward his lips. The softness of his touch paralyzed her and possessed her all at once. The simplicity of the kiss both stunned and aroused her.
“Seb…” She tried in vain to say something—anything to free herself from his grasp, even though it was the last thing she wanted. It was in his best interest not to associate with her. But how she wanted him.
He pulled back long enough to look behind her, then grinning wolfishly, descended again with a blurry haze of passion, alternating between biting her lips and stealing the breath straight out of her lungs. He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, begging entry. She gave in and hoped her sanity would stay in tact, though her brain was quickly turning to fuzz.
Sebastian groaned as his tongue tangled with hers. What on earth was she doing? Part of her wanted to escape, the other wanted to throw caution to the wind and melt into him.
As her body treacherously thought of ways she could mold herself to his person, his lips left hers and began biting swiftly down the curve of her neck until she thought she might go absolutely mad.
Who knew biting could be so erotic?
Only Sebastian St. James, the “good” duke who had his fair share of wicked intent this dark night.
****
Possession. Plain and simple. He needed her more than he needed air. Pure torture enflamed him when he saw the creamy white legs peeking out from Emma’s upturned skirt. First he was horrified and angry that she had challenged him, and then panic stricken because she had fallen off her horse. Blast him for his good intentions. All he wanted to do was help and then…well he had touched her.
All was lost in that moment.
He was known for having a sound mind and body.
It was not a proud moment for the Duke of Tempest. The second he finally gave in to the temptation he had been so desperately trying to ignore for the past week.
He clung to her body like she was his lifeline and prayed to God she wouldn’t push him away.
Her soft moan only fanned the flames as his hands pulled her hair free so it draped her smooth shoulders. He cursed silently to himself. She was perfect.
Emma arched her body toward his, and he took full advantage of the opportunity and brushed his lips across the upward curve of her breasts. Slowly, methodically he leaned her against the side of the hill and edged his hands up her legs.
Not able to take it anymore, he stole another glance as he caressed behind her knees. Never had a woman’s legs looked so good. Ever.
Groaning, he only released his hold on her because he wasn’t sure what he wanted more. To kiss the girl senseless or utterly ruin her for anyone else.
A primitive possession took hold, making him furious just thinking about another man touching her. And to think, he was supposed to be setting her up with someone else during this house party.
Never would another man have her. He was still furious at Rawlings for even suggesting marriage, let alone embarrassing her as he had that night at dinner.
Mine, mine, mine.
A horse neighed in the distance. He pushed her away out of sheer habit and finally got a good look at her face. Emma’s long hair mussed around her cheeks, giving her the look of a goddess. It didn’t help that her lips were good and swollen from being so passionately kissed.
I did that, he thought smugly as he reached out to touch her cheek.
Chapter Twenty-one
Emma righted her skirts and took Sebastian’s offered hand. Words weren’t needed. Cursing herself for being caught up in the moment, she blushed when Sebastian put his arms around her waist and lifted her to her horse.
If his kiss told her anything, it was that he felt the same way she did. Confused, she wasn’t sure what it meant. Did that mean he wanted to marry her? Or was he merely attracted to her?
Doubt began to creep in, and then Sebastian’s horse joined hers.
“Think you can manage to race back without being caught? We don’t want to cause any scandal, do we?” He grinned, looking only at her lips.
“Course not,” she answered, then urged her horse into another gallop.
He soon followed only stopping at the stables. “We’ll have to sneak back in the manor.”
Emma laughed. “The angel duke knows how to sneak, does he?”
Gripping her by the waist, Sebastian pulled her into his arms and rained kisses down her neck. “I know how to do many things, Emma. Would you like to see?”
Thankful that he couldn’t see her blush, Emma pushed him away. “Cad. Now help me get back in the house before you soil your spotless reputation.”
****
Emma giggled to herself as she readied for the final ball of the house party. It had been two days since the duke’s unwelcome intrusion into her marriage plans. His kiss had caused a stir inside her soul she had long forgotten. Now she found it impossible not to smile. She hadn’t needed to seduce the duke at all. She was drunk from his touch, desperately needing more and more of him until she thought she might die inside.
They hadn’t discussed the first kiss or the second. He had only led her back to the house, tucked her into bed, and threatened her within an inch of her life to never run away from him again.
A promise she was sure she could keep.
She had been ruined.
By him.
For all other men.
He didn’t yet know the truth. The guilt was eating away at her, but he hadn’t spoken his intentions either. She told herself she would explain everything once she knew he would be hers. Until then, she would dream of his kisses.
“Emma?” A knock came at the door. Sebastian entered looking so deliciously handsome she had to hold on to her own hands lest she lunge for him and throw him onto the bed.
Apparently she was a wanton woman after only a few kisses.
She was the wild woman Rawlings said she was, only in an entirely different way than she remembered.
“Beautiful,” Sebastian said, approaching her. He kept his hands behind his back, and a guilty grin crossed his features.
“What’s behind your back?” Breathless, she tried to take a peak, but he gave her a stern look and told her to close her eyes.
She did. Within seconds she felt something cold wrap around her neck. It was heavy and most likely expensive.
“Open them,” he said softly behind her.
Sebastian was standing poised in the doorway, watching intently in the mirror as she touched the beautiful ruby necklace he had placed on her neck.
“But it’s…too expensive. It’s…”
“Of course. Would the future Duchess of Tempest wear anything less than perfect?”
Emma’s heart soared. Was he proposing?
“After all, appearances are everything. We have to make sure everyone believes we are truly in love.”
Words would not come. The room start
ed to spin. Emma leaned on Sebastian for support. “Yes, yes of course. You are correct.”
Sebastian said nothing. He merely scrutinized her as if she was a prize piece of horseflesh. Had their kisses and stolen moments days before meant nothing? Was he just being a rake of the first order? Stealing a kiss at the opportune moment? Emma mentally replayed all the times they had been together, getting sicker by the minute. Sebastian had done nothing except play the part. Yes he had kissed her and acted jealous at times, but he was still a man.
A man whose heart she regrettably realized she did not have.
“Shall we?” Sebastian offered his arm.
Blindingly, Emma reached for it and prayed she would survive the last night at the house party. It finally became clear to her. She was in love with a man who would never love her back. A man who truly was using her for his own purpose. Granted she had agreed to his adventurous little jaunt, but never did it cross her mind that she did not affect him the same way he had her.
****
He had to be sure. He needed to be sure she felt the same way about him. Yes, maybe what he had done was cruel, but he needed to know it wasn’t just temporary insanity. He wanted Emma to lust for him, to desire him as a man. The stolen kisses had nearly undone him, but what he needed more than that was possession of the woman behind them. A wild woman who would never be tamed, who held secrets he longed to discover. He wanted her.
Never claiming to be the slyest of foxes, he did the only thing he could come up with on his own, sans Nicholas. He used the necklace to gauge her feelings, to see if she would become jealous or sad.
And it worked. Brilliantly. Granted, her heart was probably clenching, imagine her surprise when later tonight he proposed to her. This time it would be real. He had sent for the ring earlier that the morning. He had also sent notice to Nicholas and Sara as well as his grandmother. All of whom would be in attendance tonight. The night he would claim Emma forever.