Moonlight & Mechanicals (20 page)

“Can I catch a lift with you?” Piers asked. “I’d like to stop by home and unpack. I’ll catch back up with the others at supper.”

Wink watched Liam as he left with Piers beside him. Somehow, she needed to find a way to go to him tonight. But how, with four watchful siblings in the house?

* * *

“So how was Cambridge?” Liam settled into the hack across from Piers. He’d spent more on cabs today than he usually did in a month but honestly it was a nice change from walking everywhere.

Piers shrugged. “All right. I keep trying to get my tutors to pick up the pace, but they insist on going slow as tortoises. Mostly I keep myself from dying of boredom by reading.”

“What, no sneaking out to chat up barmaids?” Liam remembered that activity fondly from his own university days.

Piers flushed and looked away. “Not often, at any rate.” Then he cleared his throat. “But it’s not my love life I wanted to talk to you about. It’s yours. What are your intentions toward Wink?”

Liam burst out laughing. “All three of you in one day. Unbelievable.”

“Oh. Sorry about that.” Piers shrugged. “So? What did you tell them?”

“That whatever happens, Winifred and I will sort out between us, without any interference from helpful brothers.”

“Do you love her?”

Liam gaped for a second. Neither Tom nor Jamie had asked that question. In fact, Liam had rather determinedly not asked it of himself. He paused to consider his answer. “I don’t know. I’d always assumed I’m not capable of that emotion.”

Piers just rolled his eyes.

Liam forgot about the young man across from him and gave a hard look at his own psyche. “You know, I suppose I do.” He spoke slowly, testing out the words as he said each one. Hell, of course he loved her. Otherwise he’d have never given in to her the previous night, never risked his friendships and his bachelorhood. “I don’t know that it changes anything, though.” Being in love wasn’t a solution. All that was going to do was make it even harder for him to walk away.

“For what it’s worth,” Piers said, “I think it changes everything. Most importantly, I think you need to tell her that.
Then
the two of you can sort things out.”

Liam drew in a deep breath. Should he? Would confessing his emotions only hurt her more when he left? Furthermore, what if she didn’t love him? She’d talked about desire at length but never mentioned the other. Wouldn’t he look like a fool, telling her he loved her if she was only in it for the passion? His temples throbbed. “I think I’ve had all the lessons and lectures I can cope with for today. I’ll take yours under advisement.”

“Good.” Piers nodded and looked out the window as they pulled up in front of Hadrian House. “You know, you really ought to buy a steam car. You’d save a fortune on cabs.”

Chapter Eleven

Liam ate a hearty meal and watched the antics around him with a fond smile. Supper at Hadrian House that night was a raucous affair. Dorothy and Miss Julian presided over the table, while the Wapping Five as Liam would always think of them, enjoyed a noisy reunion. Tom’s earlier words echoed in Liam’s mind. Did they really consider him family? Moreover, what had he ever done to deserve it? As if to underscore that line of thought, a single fresh pea bounced off the end of his nose, generating a chorus of mirth.

“Who did that?” He looked around at the five laughing faces as the others all turned to Nell, who stared up at the ceiling with an exaggerated air of innocence.

The quiet one was the culprit. Everyone looked to Liam, waiting for his response. What would he do if she were actually his sister?
Ah.
With a grin, he picked the pea off the tablecloth and carefully tossed it into Nell’s half-empty glass of wine. “There. Turnabout is fair play.”

Everyone, even Nell and Dorothy, laughed. A little more of Liam’s carefully constructed defenses slid away.

“It’s so good to have you all home,” Dorothy said. “Now that you’re all so grown up, it’s rare to see you together like this.”

“The last time was at Vivi’s christening,” Nell said wistfully. “In February.”

Liam remembered that, having gone up to Northumberland to meet the youngest Hadrian. In fact, he was one of the baby’s godfathers.

“Before that was last summer.” Piers took a bite of roast mutton. “At Geneva’s wedding.” A round of nods confirmed that. Liam had missed the older MacKay girl’s nuptials up in the Hebrides.

“But Liam wasn’t there.” Jamie shot him a reproachful look. “Or at Christmas, either. Mum was disappointed.”

Wink undoubtedly had been too. Liam winced. He’d never meant to hurt Caroline’s feelings, and he still had no idea what to do about Wink’s.

“And I missed the Yuletide celebrations as well.” Tom wrinkled his nose. “Hopefully this year I can avoid a mission right on the holiday.”

“It’s only natural that we all go our separate ways as we get older,” Wink said. “But I’m glad you’re all here now.” She smiled at all of them, but her gaze lingered on Liam.

“Here, here.” Tom lifted his glass and quirked an eyebrow at Liam. “To family.”

Ah, hell.
They’d claimed him and he wasn’t going to throw away a gift like that. “To family.” Liam echoed the toast and drank along with the rest—even Nell, who managed to avoid the pea in her glass.

After the meal was finished, Nell went off to a party with Dorothy and Miss Julian. Wink suggested a billiards tournament, but Tom shook his head. “All the lads are going out to carouse for a while. Care to come along, Liam?”

It sounded like fun, and for half a second, Liam was tempted. He had himself just about convinced to let his guard down with this lot. Then he looked over at Wink and shook his head. “I’ll stand for the male gender in the billiards match, if you don’t mind. Wouldn’t be fair to leave your sister here on her own.” While it would be torture to spend time alone with Wink and not touch her, he was afraid if he went, she’d follow them.

Each and every one of her brothers winked at him. As the other males made their exit, Wink rolled her eyes and laughed. “It’s a conspiracy.”

Liam scratched his chin. “Did they really just arrange it for us to be here all alone?”

“Except for a dozen or so servants, I’d have to say yes. Actually, there aren’t that many others in the house, since several of the staff have been given the evening off, including my lady’s maid.” She walked over and looped her arm through his. The sweet scent of her hair made his body come to full attention. “Well, Liam. You showed me your bedroom. Would you like to see mine?”

“You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?” He tried to cling to his honor. It would be bad form to ravish a friend’s daughter in the friend’s own home. Wouldn’t it?

Wink tsked. “I have far better uses for you alive, Inspector. Didn’t we agree last night that our adventures were only beginning?” She came up on her toes and kissed him.

Of course he kissed her back. He was only a man, after all. She tasted of wine and apple cobbler and cheddar cheese, but mostly of warm, sultry woman.

“Come on.” She took his hand and tugged him toward the stairs. “Aunt Dorothy and Nell will only be gone for a few hours.”

Liam probably ought to object further, but he found he simply didn’t want to. As he’d told her brothers, she was old enough to know her own mind. He laced his fingers through Wink’s and followed her up the stairs. She paused just a moment to order George to stay down in the parlor. Then she led him up two flights and down an ornately plastered hallway.

“Nell and I share a bath, so be sure not to leave any evidence in there,” she said as she drew him into her chamber. “Aunt Dorothy’s room is across from mine. The boys are at the other end of the hall, while Mum and Papa’s suite is a floor below, along with the nursery.”

Liam looked around, expecting to see machines and tools scattered about, but all he saw was a pretty room, not too frilly, but with a decidedly feminine flair in the yellow rosebud wall paper and white lace curtains. The furnishings were of polished rosewood, sturdy but elegant, with their surfaces cluttered by papers, books and feminine toiletries. Low bookshelves flanked either side of a carved mantelpiece, filled with a hodgepodge of volumes. The yellow satin counterpane had been turned down to reveal crisp white sheets. Wink paused a moment to lock the door, then returned to the center of the room beside him.

“I keep my workshop out in the carriage house.” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “So you needn’t fear finding a spanner in the bed or a screwdriver underfoot.”

“Good to know.” He stroked a finger down the side of her cheek. “Since your maid is away, shall I play the role?”

She gave him a shy nod and turned her back. “This gown has hooks. It’s the only dinner dress I have with a high enough neckline to cover the bite.”

Liam undid the first several hooks down her back and peeled away the aqua-colored silk to reveal the healing puncture marks on her shoulder from his teeth. He kissed them gently. “I should apologize again,” he said.

“No. I told you I enjoyed it.” Her skin, even on the back of her neck, pinkened. “I’m still not sure I understand why your fangs emerged, but I love knowing I bring out your wild side.”

He couldn’t tell her it was how a werewolf marked his mate. Instead he said, “It’s just a werewolf thing.”

“That’s fine. In fact…” She turned to face him. “I’d like to see you change, if that’s permitted. I want to know all of you and your wolf is an important part of who you are.”

Overwhelmed by the intimacy implied by that request, Liam fumbled the next hook. “I don’t think that’s appropriate in the bedroom.”

Wink shrugged, causing her gown to slip off her shoulder and reveal the fine straps of her chemise—silk this time. “This might be the only place we ever have complete privacy.”

“All right.” Unable to deny her, he finished unfastening her gown and helped lift it over her head before laying it neatly across her dressing table. Then he undid the strings of her outer petticoat and hoopskirt, which both fell to the floor, where Wink kicked them carelessly aside. Liam picked those up and folded them as well. She still wore several layers, but seeing her in her underclothes was nearly as intimate as having her nude. He nudged her toward a soft velvet chair beside the window. “Have a seat.”

She did, reaching down to remove her shoes while she watched him disrobe. Liam folded each garment as he removed it and placed them on the chair beside her cluttered writing desk. He tucked his socks into his shoes and slid them under the chair before removing his last two garments—his trousers and smalls. When he stood naked and aroused before her, Wink licked her lips, making his erection swell even further.

“Go ahead,” she said. “Though you have to know you’re impressive as a man.” Her hooded gaze and rosy cheeks told him she was nearly as aroused as he was. She folded her hands in her lap and gazed at him steadily.

Liam drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. Silently he reached for the other part of him, felt the wolf’s essence begin to suffuse his human form. His skin tingled with the beginning of the shift and he opened his eyes, wanting to see her expression as she watched. Hopefully this wouldn’t horrify her to the point of rejecting him. At least if it did, he wouldn’t have to worry about hurting her in the future. His joints popped as bone and muscle reshaped itself. The fleeting pain came and went while his jaw elongated and his vantage point shifted lower, even as his vision improved. Liam kept his gaze locked on Wink, now that he was fully wolf, waiting for her reaction.

Through it all, Winifred, his amazing woman, smiled, maintaining eye contact without a flinch. When the change was complete, she said, “You’re beautiful. May I touch you?”

He inclined his head and padded over to her, brushing his face against her knee.

She plowed her fingers through his ruff and dropped her face to press a kiss on the top of his head, then rubbed her cheek along his. “Thank you.”

Liam stepped a couple feet away and shifted back. Wink stood and flung herself into his arms. He held her close, his face buried in her hair. “You’re not horrified? I didn’t frighten you?”

“Why would I ever be afraid of you?” She tipped her head back so he could see her smile. “I told you before, silly. I know you’ll never hurt me.”

“I did last night,” he murmured between soft, drugging kisses. “Are you sore?”

“No.” Wink brought his hands up to the front fasteners of her corset. “I didn’t bleed much—just a few drops. I’m not in any pain today.” She spoke so matter-of-factly about things proper girls weren’t even supposed to know. Was it any wonder he loved her? She’d have made a magnificent wolf.

“I didn’t get to the chemist.” His breath was shallow and choppy as he peeled away the rest of her clothes. When she stood there in nothing but stockings and garters, he groaned.

“In the drawer beside the bed. I stole some from the boys’ bathroom.” Her hand moved down to a garter and he growled.

“Leave those.” He’d remember the sight of her in just her stockings for the rest of his life. Now he wondered just how experimental his little firebrand could be. “Put your hands on the bureau and face the mirror.”

Her eyes widened, but she did as he said, leaning over the dresser with her delectable bottom pointed at him. It was all he could do not to spend then and there. With haste, he withdrew a French letter from the drawer and tied the sheepskin sheath over his penis. Then he stalked up to Wink.

“Watch the mirror.” He lowered his mouth to the side of her throat, sucking lightly on the spot where he’d marked her the day before. She quivered under his touch, moaning when he used his hands on her breasts. He watched over her shoulder, entranced by the sight of his darker fingers trailing over her fair skin and peach nipples. “You have freckles on your shoulders.” He hadn’t noticed those in his dimly lit room the night before.

She didn’t respond. He could see her fight to keep her eyes open as her arousal deepened.

He ran one hand down her flat belly to her mons. “Spread your legs a little and lean on the bureau more.”

She complied instantly, her backside brushing against his erection. Liam tested her, found her wet and ready for him. He positioned himself at her entrance and pressed inside.

“Oh.” Her eyes flew open and she met his gaze in the mirror. “That’s…nice.”

The angle allowed for deeper penetration and Liam nodded. He kissed her neck again, and used his fingers on her clitoris as he stroked in and out. It wasn’t long before she cried out his name and convulsed around him, her tight muscles milking his erection. His own climax speared through him and he shuddered helplessly as he poured himself into her heat.

As soon as he could catch his breath, Liam lifted her and carried her to the bed. In the messy, feminine bathroom next door, he flushed away the condom and returned to her with a damp washcloth. After cleaning her, he allowed himself a little while to just lie there, wallowing in the afterglow and the feel of her, all soft and sated in his arms.

How had he ever thought he could live without her?

Didn’t she deserve to know how he felt about her? Moreover, wasn’t the decision about trusting him hers to make? She wasn’t meek and helpless like his mother. Wink was a fighter, and she’d protect herself and any children they might have.

By marking her, he’d claimed her as his mate. She ought to know what that meant.

After a long while, Liam gathered his courage to tell her he loved her. Her brothers were right. He was done running. When he lifted his head, she gave a little purr and buried her face more deeply into the pillow.

Damn. She was asleep.

Liam didn’t know how much longer he had before the others returned, so he climbed out of bed, tucked the covers around her and dressed. On impulse, he pulled the pouch he often wore around his neck out of his waistcoat pocket. It contained a silvered penknife, a few pound notes and a collapsing wooden stake, along with the flash powder. Pinned to the inside was his personal talisman, a small gold brooch in the shape of a wolf. It was the only thing he had of his mother’s.

He kissed Wink’s on the forehead and left the brooch on her bedside table, hoping she’d understand. Then he collected his coat, hat and walking stick without disturbing any of the servants and made his way home. Tonight, at least, he’d be able to sleep. With the races just two days away, it might be the last he’d get in a while.

* * *

Monday, Wink woke early and refreshed. She didn’t have a twinge of soreness this time, despite having lied to Liam about that the night before. The fib had been worth it, though. She stretched luxuriously, feeling the smooth linen sheets caress her bare skin in a positively decadent manner.

Well.
It was a good thing her maid didn’t come into the room to wake her. Libby had learned years ago that Wink was far less crabby in the mornings if she woke to her alarm clock rather than a human. After living in some dodgy circumstances, she simply didn’t like the idea of people walking around her when she was asleep. She glanced quickly at the empty side of the bed. Thank heavens! Liam had apparently managed to get up and leave without waking her last night. Forget wolf, the man must be light-footed as a cat. That would come in handy if they continued to sneak around like this.