Enticing Eve: Scandalous Secrets, Book 2 (27 page)

The realization caused a lump of panic to form in his throat.

Well aware of the path on which his heart was now leading him, Tristan refused to follow.
 

Instead, he would distract himself from Lady Victoria Montgomery and all of her charms.

He poured an ample portion of whisky from a different decanter and took a hefty gulp in an attempt to blot out her sweet taste. When it failed to help him forget, he took another swallow then another. No amount of alcohol he consumed could purge his palate from Victoria and her flavorful kisses.

His task may prove to be more difficult than he had anticipated. Regardless, he would never give his heart to anyone ever again. To ensure just that, Tristan wouldn’t return until he’d gotten himself in check.

Yes, Tristan was back in command of his faculties and already formulating a plan. All was as it should be.
 

So why did he feel such a heavy sense of disappointment?

Chapter 13

Colin dismissed his valet with a nod then studied his reflection in the mirror, adjusting the white rose tucked in his lapel. Once satisfied, he checked the clock above the hearth then exited his suite. He took the stairs two at a time, eager to greet his guests.

A knock on the front door echoed through the foyer, and Colin’s heart skipped a beat. Though he hadn’t been allowed to see the wedding gown Eve created, he was certain that she would steal his very breath.

He proceeded down the hallway expecting to see his bride. Instead, he found Sebastian and Gwen speaking to his butler, causing him to halt mid-step.
 

His surprise must have been evident.
 

“You didn’t think I would miss my eldest brother’s wedding, did you?” Gwen shook her head as if he were daft.

“Well, considering I stole your twin brother’s bride …”

“You have much to learn about women,” an exasperated sigh escaped her lips as she hugged him then looped her arm through his.
 

Gwen then continued, her tone teasing, as they proceeded down the hall. “Lesson number one, dear brother, in marriage and in life is never underestimate the female countenance. We possess strong wills and will do what we believe is just. Tristan knows I love him, but I also love you. I believe with all my heart that you never meant to hurt him. Someday, he will understand that.”

“When did you become so mature?” he asked, squeezing her arm as they proceeded towards the drawing room. “I still remember that tomboy in knickers who used to traipse around in the mud.”

“She still does that from time to time,” Sebastian teased, following them down the hall.
 

Gwen glanced over her shoulder, “Hush, you. I am having a serious conversation with my brother.”

 
“Oh, yes, right,” Sebastian paused before adding, “my lips are sealed.”

By the time they reached the drawing room, Gwen had returned her attention to Colin. “Lesson number two is that you never go to bed angry.”

“Yes, right, how many edicts might there be?” Colin asked as his lips twisted into a sly smile. “Shall I fetch a quill and paper? Begin jotting this down?”

“No, there isn’t that much to remember,” Gwen chided before taking her brother’s hand in hers. She squeezed it, infusing strength as she spoke. “Lesson number three is simple. Love her with your very being. Don’t let Tristan or your feelings of guilt mar the love you share with your bride.”

“Thank you, Gwen,” touched by her kindness, they were the few words he managed to utter.
 

Gwen adjusted his cravat then stood back. “Perfect.”

“Where’s Victoria?” Colin asked.

“She sent a note for you, explaining her absence,” Sebastian removed the folded missive from his vest pocket then handed it to Colin, who unsealed it before reading Victoria’s elegant script.
 

Dear Colin,

I wanted share this day with you; however, I am unable for two reasons:

Your bride wasn’t happy with me the last time we spoke privately. Though I forgive her, I don’t believe my attendance would benefit your cause.

Also, Tristan learned of your ceremony, and I have traveled to London. I needn’t explain why as you are already aware.
 

I wish you happiness on this day and every day after. We shall celebrate the next time we meet.

Yours,

Victoria

As Colin refolded the rose-scented missive and placed it in his jacket pocket, he felt grateful. Grateful that Eve loved him, that she would be his bride, and that he would never be tortured by the fact that his love was unreturned.

Eve and her grandmother entered the room, and the mere sight caused Colin to lose his train of thought.
 

His betrothed looked radiant. Her gown of ivory lace over pale cream fabric, satin he assumed, gave the illusion of bare flesh. Lace accentuated her neck and the span of her graceful arms, while the bodice of the gown was snug and form-fitting around her bosom as well as her petite waist. Her skirts weren’t full, instead falling straight down to the floor, highlighting her height.

In truth, the dress showed no cleavage, no skin, and yet it was the most sensual gown he’d ever laid eyes upon.
 

And he couldn’t wait to peel it off of her.

Colin strode towards his bride, taking her hand in his. He then kissed the back of Eve’s hand. When he spoke at last, his voice was raw with emotion, “You are the most beautiful bride that ever breathed.”

They were the most romantic words that Eve had ever heard. Judging from the silence that befell the room, everyone else in attendance thought so as well.

“You look quite handsome yourself, Mister MacAlistair,” she said, then added with a jaunty smile, “this marriage must be fated for I see we are color coordinated.”

She was referring to his beige suit and cream-colored cravat, which was a stark contrast to his tanned face. Colin was the personification of perfection, a tanned Adonis and Eve wondered what his body would look like, feel like, underneath her fingertips.
 

Last night, her grandmother addressed the subject of lovemaking. It was obvious from the Dowager Viscountess’s fidgeting that she was embarrassed by the topic, so Eve didn’t press her for information. When their conversation was complete, Eve still didn’t know what to expect on her wedding night.
 

The only advice that her grandmother imparted was that a woman must not be timid and must feel comfortable exploring her husband’s body, as he will with her. At the time, Eve doubted she could ever do something so brazen. Now, however, upon seeing Colin, she knew beyond a shadow of doubt that she would be able to do so. Not because she felt she must, but because she wanted to.

“Does the grandmother of the bride get a hug?” Fiona teased, her silver curls bobbing about her face.

Eve watched as Colin turned his attention to her grandmother. “Who is this gorgeous creature?” he asked as he wrapped the elder woman in a tight hug. “You look far too young to be her grandmother, her sister perhaps.”

“Ha!” Fiona slapped him on the back. “You are quite charming.”

“Let me get a better look at you,” Colin held her hands in his as he surveyed her wardrobe. The Viscountess wore a gown of gold, with a halo of gold painted ivy leaves in her hair. “Your granddaughter inherited your exceptional fashion sense as well as your beauty.”

The Dowager Viscountess erupted with laughter before turning her attention to Sebastian and Gwen. “I am so glad you both could attend, my darlings. Where is Victoria?”

“My sister sends her apologies. She is in London,” Sebastian announced.
 

He didn’t elaborate, nor did he have to. Eve suspected why Victoria had traveled to London. The first reason being the argument Eve had with her. Though she felt awful about it, Eve couldn’t bring herself to face Victoria. Not yet. Not after all of Eve’s hurtful accusations. As for the other reason, Eve sighed heavily, turning to Colin with a heavy heart before whispering, “Tristan knows we are marrying today?”

“Yes,” he answered then wrapped her in a tight embrace. “Don’t fret, though. Victoria will take care of him. She gave me her word in a missive she sent with Sebastian.”

Eve thought it odd that Colin was so close to Victoria that she would write him, let alone make such a promise. So odd, in fact, that a twinge of jealousy pricked her heart like a sharp sewing needle. Albeit brief, it stung nonetheless.

Then Colin whispered three words that mattered most to her, “I love you.” That single statement made all of her imaginary daemons disappear.

A knock at the open door stirred them, and Colin released Eve’s waist but continued to hold her hand. Norris stood straight, his proud features showing no sign of emotion.

“Mister MacAlistair, everything has been prepared,” he stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for orders.

Colin nodded, not trusting his voice, his heart slamming into his ribcage. He wanted to get the ceremony over with, send everyone home, and be alone with his wife. He’d waited for three years to marry Eve, after all. But today was Eve’s day and he decided that a few more hours wouldn’t kill him.

“That’s our prompt,” Sebastian said, offering his free arm to Fiona. He then led his wife and the Viscountess out into the hall, leaving Colin and Eve alone with Norris.

The butler cleared his throat.

“Yes, Norris?” Colin turned to him.

“Mary and I wanted to congratulate you and your bride,” the frail man managed a timid grin as if feeling rather uncomfortable.
 

Colin had invited them to the ceremony, but Norris wouldn’t hear of it, still beholden to custom and the
ton’s
strict standards. “Thank you, Norris. That is kind of you both.”
 

Norris cleared his throat before shifting his weight.
 

Eve turned to Colin, her smile sweet and encouraging as she squeezed his hand. Colin sensed he was supposed to say something, or do something but precisely what he was uncertain.

Returning her attention to Norris, Eve asked “Would you like a moment alone with Mister MacAlistair? I’d be happy to meet you outside.” She added to Colin, pulling her hand away.

“No, Miss, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Norris’s cheeks flushed bright crimson, a sight to behold. The man brought his hand to his collar, gently tugging at it with his fingers. “I’m not very good at these sorts of things. Mary is much better at this than I.”

“You’re doing just fine, Norris,” Eve’s tone was as kind and encouraging as her smile. It caused Colin to love her even more for being kind to the servant who was more like a father to him than his own.

As if her reassurance was all Norris needed, the man straightened his shoulders and brought his hand from behind his back. He held a bouquet of pink and white roses and English ivy tied with a pink velvet ribbon.

“Mister MacAlistair had this made for you,” Norris said to Eve, then turned to Colin. “I hope you don’t mind that Mary and I enhanced it a bit.”

 
Colin had no idea to what Norris was referring, though the gesture was so kind, he would never mind. “Not at all, Norris.”

The kind servant handed the bouquet to Eve, who accepted it with care, like it was a precious jewel. “Thank you.”

As she inspected the bouquet, Norris explained, “Mary added a small charm to the ribbon, it’s a medallion depicting Raphael the Archangel, the patron saint of love.”

Eve reached for the medallion, touching it with the pads of her fingers. “It’s exquisite, Norris, truly exquisite.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Norris’s mouth. Eve stepped forward then, before Norris had a clue of what she was about to do, she kissed his cheek. Norris’s eyes widened in shock.
 

Eve studied the medal. “This is the sweetest gift anyone has ever given me,” her words were thick with sincerity. “Thank you so much. Please inform Mary that I look forward to thanking her in person.”

Norris’s eyes danced as if he had never received such a compliment in all his life. “If you won’t be requiring any further assistance, I shall deliver your message to Mary, Miss.”

“Thank you again, Norris,” Eve said.
 

Colin added, “Yes, thank you both for making Eve feel so welcome.”

Norris nodded, “Anything for you, Mister MacAlistair. Best wishes to you both.”

The butler exited the room, his shoulders proud while a wide grin was draped across his pale visage.

Colin returned his attention to Eve, who continued to study the medal she was given. “Do you truly like it?” he asked.
 

“I adore it,” she turned to him, placing her hand on his elbow.
 

Caressing her cheek with his thumb, Colin whispered, “Thank you for being so nice to him.”

“He’s wonderful, how could I be anything but nice to him?” she announced, and then her brow furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“You’re going to find this somewhat silly ...”