Belong To Me (book 4) (The Fielding Brothers Saga) (17 page)

He lifted his gaze full of defeat and stared into her eyes. “I don’t know, my dear.”

“Have you asked your brother, Nicholas? He’s wealthy, and I’m certain he would help you out.”

Ian shook his head. “I am not going to ask Nicholas, and definitely not Gregg. He has just invested in a newspaper and doesn’t need to worry about me.” He scrubbed his face. “I mucked up my life and I will be the one pulling myself out.”

“Ian?” she asked, cautiously. “Is that the reason you wanted me back in your life? Did you know you were running out of money, so decided to bring me back so I could help?”

Anger crossed his expression, but she didn’t regret the question. The mere idea of him cuckolding her had plagued her for days.

“Do you really believe that? What do I have to do to make you trust me?”

She shrugged. “Just be honest with me for once.”

“Honest with you? What are you talking about?”

Her temper teetered close to the edge of exploding, but she forced herself to remain calm. His answer was vital to her decision about staying with him, and she couldn’t put off knowing any longer.

Straightening her shoulders, she met his angry expression. “Just tell me if you want me for my money or not.”

* * * *

Ian’s heart pulsated with anger as he paced the floor. Charlotte’s question shocked him, and his mind literally numbed. He couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry. How dare she even think that? The fact remained, she didn’t know him or she would know the question was totally absurd.

She lifted her stubborn chin higher and didn’t cower beneath his scowl. “Just answer the question. And while I’m thinking about it, I’d like to know if the reason you decided you wanted me was because you knew this was going to happen, and by some slim chance, thought I would be your cover up?”

Once again, shock vibrated through his body, and his mouth gaped open. This time, numbness didn’t affect his tongue. He stopped his pacing and threw her a glare. “You really have an overactive imagination. I cannot believe you’d even think that. But let me tell you, I’m not the kind of man who thieves or am I the kind who’ll use a woman for her money. I started taking on responsibility right after my uncle died and Nicholas forced me to become a man.” Ian paused for a breath. “I also want you to know I’m not the kind of man who runs away from the law. If you believe such a thing then you have wrongly judged me.”

His breath came in heavy pants as her expression changed. The longer he stared into her eyes, the softer her face became. Would she finally believe his words?

She swung her legs off the side of the bed and stood. She slipped her wrapper on before moving in front of him. Sighing, she raised her eyes to his. “Ian, please excuse my doubtful behavior.”

His temper subdued.

She shrugged. “I cannot help myself. It’s true, the reason I’m this way is because I don’t know you.” Lowering her gaze, she continued. “I hate to keep bringing this up, but if you had only stayed with me, things would be so different.”

His hands gently grasped her shoulders and her eyes met his. “Charlotte? Can we forget the past and start over? I hate having all these doubts between us.”

Uncertainty crossed her amber gaze. “I don’t know, Ian. You really hurt me.”

“You really hurt me, as well.”

Her brows drew together. “I did? Pray, how did I accomplish such a feat?”

“You tried to control my life. You set out to have me as your husband no matter my feelings. Your father even threatened me.”

She hung her head. “Yes, I was very selfish. I couldn’t lose the opportunity to get away from my suffocating father.” She glanced at him in desperation. “You were my only hope.”

Her confession surprised him.
“And now?
Do you still feel the same?”

She backed away, releasing his grip. “I dare not answer that, Ian.”

“I think I already know the answer, my sweet.” He grinned. “You can get any man you choose. Of course, you are still married to me, so maybe you will not accomplish that task as easily as you’d like.”

She laughed as a blush stole across her face.

He leaned against the bedpost. “Charlotte? Can we begin again? I’d really like you to get to know me. What do you say? Will you give me another chance?”

“Yes,” she answered softly. “But will you do something for me?”

He grinned and moved to her, sliding his arms around her waist. “I’ll do anything your lovely heart desires.” He placed a small kiss on her exposed neck.

She giggled. “Ian, I’m being serious.”

“So am I.” He kissed her neck again, this time closer to her ear.

Pushing with the heels of her hands, she moved him a few inches away from her. “Ian, look at me.”

He did and was amazed how beautifully her eyes sparkled. “Yes, my love?” He hadn’t meant to use that endearment, but he saw the effect it had on her and was pleased.

She let out a small gasp, and her body relaxed into his embrace. “Ian, I—I—” She swallowed hard. “I’d like you to give me some time also. I promise I shall try really hard to turn my thoughts around and get to know you better.”

The longer he stared into her eyes, the longer he had the urge to kiss her. Of course, ever since the night he’d kissed the Devil-woman so passionately, he’d dreamed about kissing those heart-shaped, rose-petal lips again. She might not want it, and she might try to push him away, but he had to feel her lips on his. He pulled her closer slowly, and then covered her tempting mouth with his. Her body stiffened, so he gently moved his lips across hers, pleading, begging, and yes, even seducing her. Thankfully, it didn’t take long before she melted in his arms.

It was a kiss he’d cherish forever, and when she willingly responded, excitement tore through him. He pulled her closer until she’d wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Sighing, she clung to him as their mouths tasted and enjoyed, and hope of a better future blossomed in his heart.

Her participation spurred him to a higher passion and made him turn the kiss urgent, and she responded to his wild eagerness. Her warm
body felt wonderful up against him, and holding her in his arms made him want
to protect and comfort her—forever. It was heaven the way her lips moved across his, and yet it was pure torture knowing she would stop him if he told her he wanted more.

She turned her head, breaking the kiss. “Ian? We have to stop.” She breathed heavily.

“Why?”

“Because it’s too soon.
I don’t want to rush things.”

She was correct. He didn’t expect her to jump right into his arms after all that had happened. Courting her was the best way to win her trust and her affection. He sighed heavily as his face nuzzled her neck. “Yes, I know.”

Gently, he stroked down her back. She sighed and remained in his embrace until he finally stepped away.

A blush covered her cheeks as she lowered her gaze to the middle of his chest “Ian, I—I need to get dressed. Will you please leave so I can make myself presentable?”

He moved away from her and to the door. “You’ll always be presentable to me, no matter what you’re wearing.”

He walked out the door grinning from ear to ear, his heart bursting with happiness once again. It pleased him that they were starting over, and he promised himself he wouldn’t muck things up this time. But staying in this castle bothered him more than he dared to admit. There were too many secrets here. He knew things about Lord Thatcher that she wouldn’t like. She obviously thought highly of the beast, but he must protect her from the mystery.
At all costs.

* * * *

The large stone castle loomed dark, mysterious, and forlorn. Shadows whispered of secrets, of events best forgotten, and hinted of dangers unseen. But those shadows said nothing about the love and safety Charlotte needed most. Looking back, it was a whirlwind of events that had led her here, and it was the mystery surrounding the castle and its beastly master, which had beguiled her the most.

The morning sun peeked through the slit in the curtains and touched her face. Charlotte took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet, fresh perfume of blossoming flowers and rich green leaves. Outside, little white cotton puffs of clouds dotted the bright blue sky. The sun’s warmth spread throughout her body and made contact with her heart. Joy nearly caused her heart to leap right from her chest.

She and her wayward husband would start their life together anew and put their painful past behind them. Through their new discovery, they’d see if they really did have a future together. His kisses already stirred desire deep within her. Could she forget he’d left her to seek out a different life? And would he forgive her that it was her own selfishness that had forced him to leave her in the first place?

Charlotte’s maid helped her slip into a short sleeve blue day dress with a square neck and tight waist. Clara pulled back Charlotte’s hair and tied it with a matching ribbon. Before a full-length mirror, she turned one way and then another, inspecting her attire to be assured all was in place. She brought the bulk of her hair forward and over her left shoulder. Her complexion was white and illusive pink. A shimmering gray flecked in her amber eyes and her long hair was a rich, glowing brown. She smiled. Thanks to the generosity of her new friend, Lord Thatcher, she and her husband had decided to take advantage of the seclusion the castle offered by getting reacquainted with each other.

Once she left her room, she called for O’Toole. “Would you please gather the others and take on the task of cleaning the remaining rooms?”

“Of course, Mistress.”

Lighthearted, she practically skipped along the stone path to the back of the castle. As she turned the corner, the vista caused her to stop in her tracks. It was magnificent, from the rolling green lawns to the bed of water bordering the land. The scent of wildflowers filled the air, and she closed her eyes and breathed in the heavenly aroma.

When she opened her eyes, she noticed Ian standing near the castle’s far wall. He had his back to her and didn’t seem to know she was there. Casually, he leaned against the elderly stone wall, wearing coffee trousers and a beige shirt. The fabric stretched across his wide shoulders, yet tapered to his narrow waist. He turned slightly and she looked at his silhouette. Regal nose and strong chin aimed upward as though he soaked up the morning sunshine, which glinted off his dark brown hair.

She watched him in silence for a long moment, drinking him in. It thrilled her to know all she had to do was snap her fingers and this man would be hers. The magnetism that made him seem so self-confident urged her to be near him. But she fought the overwhelming need to let go of her insecurities and trust in her husband. She had to be certain. Her heart could not take another rejection.

Yet the question still remained. Did she really want a relationship? Hopefully today, she’d discover for herself what she truly wanted, and if it was indeed his heart—she prayed she’d gain it soon.

When she stepped out of the shadows, he spotted her. His wide smile and extended hand welcomed her closer. His gaze was as soft as a caress, and nearly as affective. Tingles fluttered in her stomach. He was so incredibly good-looking and she reacted so strongly to him, to his touch, his smell…the very nearness of him. Doubts were dispersed at the tenderness of his long stare.

She wanted to love him, but she didn’t want him to know. Not yet. He placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles then hooked her fingers around his elbow. They walked along before his eyes caught hers.

“What’s amiss, my dear?”

“Nothing.”

“Tell me, Charlotte.” He stopped and faced her.

Shrugging, she said, “I have the feeling you still think of me as your troublesome child bride.”

“How should I think of you?” His voice softened.

“Think of me as a woman. How would you like it if I thought of you as a boy worse as a rogue, or a thief?”

His eyes blazed, and he roughly gripped her shoulders. Before Charlotte knew what was happening, his arms encircled her waist, his head lowering. His mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss of exploration. The kiss was so erotic and sensual that her hands clung to the heavy sinews of his back, pulling him closer as they deepened the kiss. Never before had she wanted to move from his arms, but then he thrust her from him.

He smiled. “Now, was that the kiss of a mere boy?” Without any further ado or seduction, he proceeded with their walk.

She kept in step alongside him, her heart aching due to the jumble of emotions beneath her breast.

“All right,” he began, “if we are going to begin fresh, let’s start the right way. I will no longer think of you as a child, and you will not think of me as your wayward husband...or rogue, as you so eloquently put it.” He gave her a significant lift of his brows.

Charlotte let her mind relax as she gazed into his mesmerizing brown eyes and listened to his sultry voice.

“So, what is it you’d like to know about me, my dear?” His eyes twinkled.

Charlotte smiled. How could she resist him? She could probably ask him anything and he would be truthful, but suddenly her mind went blank, and all she could do was
stare
at him and inhale his spicy scent. “You’re not going to believe this, but I can’t seem to think of one question. Why don’t you tell me anything you’d like?”