Vexing the Viscount (8 page)

“No, I'm not.” He could barely move with his shaft so hard. “This is all up to you, Tia.”

Her erotic smile almost made him come. “Is it?”

He shouldn't encourage her. A sane man would stop her now before things went too far. “Think long and hard before coming any closer. I cannot promise to be a gentleman.”

She giggled softly. “I have never heard you were a gentleman, my lord.” She took a step closer. “A rake. A defiler of innocents. That is what you are.”

“Never that,” he interjected.

“A man who takes whatever he wants.” She straddled his lap and innocently pressed herself against him. “A man who knows how to pleasure a woman,” she whispered near his ear.

“Now that I am,” he said closer to her ear before running his tongue along the outer shell. “I can bring a woman to the wondrous heights of a climax several times in one night.”

She shivered. “How wondrous?”

“Too wondrous for words.” He kissed the long length of her neck until she moaned softly. “Tell me the truth, Tia. Did you enjoy that brief kiss on the dance floor? Did it excite you? Did the idea of such a scandalous thing make you wet?”

Her head fell back as he moved his lips along her jaw. “Yes,” she whispered. “I hated you for it, though.”

“Good, you should have. But no one will see us here.” He cupped her cheeks with his hands and brought her lips to his. Perhaps he'd had too much brandy because he couldn't remember the last time an innocent kiss made him react so passionately. He moved his hands to her back to press her soft breasts against his chest. The urge to rip her clothes off and take her right here was becoming the most important thing in his mind.

He should push her away. Even as he had that morally righteous thought, her mouth gaped, allowing him entrance to her mouth. It was something he took full advantage of, and with a swift movement his tongue brushed against hers.

Her soft moan undid him. Suddenly nothing else mattered except being deep inside her warmth, showing her the pleasure a woman could feel with a man. She tasted like brandy as her tongue wrestled with his for dominance. God, she would be a spirited lover. One who could give as well as take. And damned if he didn't want her now.

Unable to stop himself, he lowered her shift until those beautiful breasts were exposed to the chill in the room. He pulled away from the allure of her lips to stare at her blue-veined breasts.

“How did that happen?” she said with a giggle, looking down at her exposed breasts.

“I did it.”

“Why?”

The little slur in her voice told him this couldn't go on very long. He'd never forgive himself if he took her innocence when she wasn't able to fully give it. Still, it didn't stop him from drawing a taut nipple into his mouth and savoring the sensation.

Her hips pushed against his hard cock as she moaned softly. Dear God, he wanted to hear her moans as she climaxed. He had to stop this madness. Slowly, he drew away and stared at the wanton on his lap. Her red hair fell in curls to past her breasts. Her full lips were slightly swollen from the kisses she had enjoyed. Her eyes were half-shuttered as if she'd already come, but he knew that was just the drink.

Slowly, she lowered her head to his shoulder. “I don't think you're all that bad, Middleton.”

“Oh, I am,” he replied softly. “That and more.”

T
he sunlight hit Tia directly in the eyes, forcing a cry of pain from her. “Oh, who left the dratted curtains open?” Slowly, she cracked her eyes open and noticed it was only a slight part in the curtains that had caused the agony in her head. But the curtains that hung in Emily's guest bedchamber were pale yellow. These were blue. A beautiful dark blue velvet with gold roping along the edges.

“Where am I?”

She glanced about the room, but didn't recognize anything in particular, though it seemed strangely familiar to her. As if she'd been here before. But when?

She lay back against the bed and closed her eyes. What happened last night? She had danced with a few gentlemen, had only one glass of wine, and then . . .

“Middleton.”

Pieces of the evening came back to her. She remembered dancing with him and how he kissed her in the middle of the dance floor. Then she agreed to come back to his house, didn't she? Or had he abducted her? She shook her head slowly as pain hammered her head. Brandy. She should have known better. They came back to his study and she had several glasses of brandy. Had Middleton been a gentleman, he would have stopped her.

What happened after the brandy?

A thought niggled her mind. Something profound happened after she drank all that brandy, but what?

“Miss Featherstone, may I come in now?”

“Yes.”

Mrs. Abbott walked in with some gowns in her hands. “You have a visitor.”

“At this hour?”

“It's noon, Miss Featherstone.”

Tia sat up in bed and then rubbed her forehead. “Noon? Why did I sleep so long?”

“The viscount told me to let you sleep. That you'd had a difficult night.”

Mrs. Abbott dropped some pins on the nightstand. “Mary found these on the floor of his lordship's study.”

Tia's eyes grew large. “His study?” Memories of removing her pins and then her dress flooded her mind. “Oh God, did I . . .”

Mrs. Abbott gave a disapproving look. “Only you and he can answer that question.”

“I couldn't have. I wouldn't have done that . . . not with him!”

“You don't remember?” Mrs. Abbott put away the dresses and then pulled a green muslin out to wear.

“No, I was angry with him. We came back here and I drank too much brandy. It's all a blur.”

“Then you'd best ask him.”

“But I would remember if I lost my innocence, wouldn't I?”

The housekeeper shook her head. “I suppose you would.”

“Don't you know?” Tia knew she was starting to sound frantic. “You were married at one time.”

“No, Miss Featherstone. Housekeepers just get to call themselves as if they are married as a sign of respect.”

“Oh.”

“Now come along, you have a caller.”

“Who is here?”

“Lady Eldridge. She returned the dresses you left at her house.” She helped Tia out of bed and removed her shift before placing a clean one over her head. “You gave us all a scare leaving like that. I thought for certain his lordship was going to sack me.”

“I'm dreadfully sorry about that, Mrs. Abbott. I never imagined how it might affect you.”

“No, you didn't.”

Tia stared down at her hands. If Mrs. Abbott had lost her position because of Tia's impetuousness, she never would have been able to forgive herself. “I am sorry, Mrs. Abbott.”

“Just see that it doesn't happen again.” Mrs. Abbott draped the green muslin over Tia's head. “I cannot afford to lose this position.”

“I understand.”

“How did he find you?”

“We were at the same party.”

Mrs. Abbott laughed. “How did you get in Lady Eldridge's good graces?”

“I met her that day at the park. She wasn't terribly feeling well, so I offered to assist her. Then she offered to let me stay with her. I think she wanted a friend.”

“And she let you attend a party? You?” The housekeeper put up Tia's hair into a soft chignon.

“Yes.”

“Hmm.” She placed one more pin in Tia's hair. “You are all set. I already ordered tea.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Abbott.”

Tia walked down the stair slowly so her stomach wouldn't roil. Her head ached with every step. She walked into the salon and smiled at Emily. “Emily, I am surprised you are here.”

“Oh, Tia,” she said, then rushed to hug her. “Are you all right? You look dreadfully pale. Has he hurt you?”

“Shh, Emily.” She pulled away and sat down. “I am fine, but feeling the effect of too much brandy.”

“He got you foxed?”

“No, if my limited memory serves me, I did that all on my own.”

Thankfully, Emily reached for the tea and poured. “Here. This might help.”

The tea washed over her tongue and warmed her belly. “Thank you. And you should not have returned those gowns. They were yours and the few new ones your husband paid for.”

Emily waved a hand at her. “Nonsense. You need something to wear and my husband will never miss the money.”

“Thank you again.” Tia sipped her tea. “I suppose I am all anyone is talking about.”

“That would be true. Everyone assumes you are his mistress since many know you went home with him. It's not good, Tia. You will never be accepted in polite company.”

“I know. He did that on purpose to get me to return to the estate and my position there. I have no choice now. I'm only surprised that he didn't wake me at dawn for the drive back.”

“I heard another rumor that I thought you might be interested in hearing. There was some scrape at a gaming hell last night and they say Mr. Tavers was involved.”

“Jonathon? At a gaming hell?” Oh dear, if that were true, things might be worse for him than she imagined. “Which gaming hell, do you know?”

“The Red Door.”

Tia had never heard of such a place, but she knew nothing about the gaming hells. “Where is it located?”

“Why? You cannot go to a gaming hell.”

“Perhaps Middleton would like to know.”

Emily sipped her tea with a frown. “I see. I don't know for certain, but I heard it was near St. George's. I am certain Middleton is aware of the place.”

“I will make sure he knows.” She wasn't certain about that. But if she could just manage to find out more about this place, it might help her find him.

“If you need to leave, you are welcome back at my home.”

“I doubt your husband will want me back at his house,” Tia reminded her.

“Leave that to me.” Emily gave her a secret smile.

Tia could tell something must have happened. “Are things better between you?”

“Yes. His mistress decided to move on to another man. And since I told him I'm with child, he is convinced I am having his heir.”

“Emily, is it true that the other man you believe might be the child's father is Mr. Tavers?” Tia hated asking the question, but had to know.

“W—where did you hear such a thing?”

“From the earl. He told me he didn't want you near Mr. Tavers.”

Emily blinked back tears and nodded. “It was late June. He was so sweet, Tia. I couldn't help but fall in love with him. And he told me he loved me too.”

June. He came out to the Middleton Hall in late June. After he had gotten Emily with child. Tia blinked back her own tears as sadness and frustration overcame her. The man she thought she loved had already given his heart to Emily. Jonathon had only been giving her false praise to befriend her.

It should bother her more that the man she loved had gotten a woman with child. And yet, for some reason it didn't. She had loved him, hadn't she? Shouldn't she feel more angst? Feel a torrent of anger toward him? Shouldn't she be ready to throw herself off a bridge because she had lost the love of her life? Or perhaps she had read too many romance novels and only thought herself in love with him.

“I really must leave now. I will call on you when I can.” Emily rose and left Tia with her headache.

 

Braden stared at the papers in front of him, but he saw nothing. His mind constantly played back his interaction with Tia last evening. She was far too dangerous to his sanity. The only option was to get her back to the estate as soon as possible. If she hadn't fallen asleep on him, he wasn't certain what he might have done. He couldn't remember the last time he felt such a strong desire for a woman. If ever.

But he couldn't touch her. Not just because she was his wise woman. He had promised himself that he was done with his rakish ways. No matter how tempting he found her.

“My lord, Mr. Brady is here.”

“Thank you, Nelson. Show him in here.”

He wondered why the runner would call on him this morning. He'd already sent a note around, stating he'd found Tia. Perhaps he owed the man more than he thought.

“Good afternoon, my lord,” Mr. Brady said as he entered the room. “I have news for you.”

“Did you not get my note? I found Miss Featherstone.” Braden pointed to a chair. “Have a seat.”

“Thank you, my lord. You misunderstand, sir. I have news of your brother.”

“You do?” Braden's heart pounded in his chest. “Is he alive?”

“As of last night he was, my lord. There was a scuffle at the Red Door between Mr. Tavers and Mr. Chambers. Poor Mr. Chambers took the worst of it, from all accounts.”

“Do you know where Jonathon is now?”

Mr. Brady shook his head. “He was seen walking down Maddox Street, but that was all we have. At least we know for certain that he is in town.”

And he was alive. “Do you know what the fight was about?”

“Mr. Tavers accused Mr. Chambers of cheating. A few of the men agreed that they had seen Chambers cheat, but the man would not back down.”

“Thank you, Brady. I will go there tonight to see if anyone knows anything.”

Brady rose and nodded. “Good day, my lord. As soon as I know of anything else, I will let you know.” He hesitated a long moment. “Might I ask a question, my lord?”

“Of course.”

“How did you find her?”

Braden smiled. “Do not feel badly, Brady. It was purely by chance. She had been with a new friend for a fortnight and never left the house. You would not have found her. I only found her because we were at the same ball.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Relief flooded the man's face. “Good day.”

Braden sat back in his chair and stared at the ceiling. The Red Door. He should have known Jonathon would turn up there. And he should have told Adams what was happening with his brother. Braden was still troubled that the co-owner of the hell hadn't notified him of his brother's exploits. Adams knew he was concerned about Jonathon.

“Nelson?”

“Coming, my lord.” Nelson's quick footsteps echoed down the hall. He stood at the threshold.

“Is she up yet?”

“Yes, my lord. She had a visitor, Lady Eldridge, who left a few minutes ago. She is eating luncheon in the dining room.”

Braden's lips twitched, wondering how her stomach felt this afternoon. “I suppose I should join her.”

He found her all but slumped over at the table. Her hands shook as she sipped her tea and by the looks of her mostly full plate, she hadn't eaten much of anything. “Good afternoon,” he said in a booming voice.

“Shh,” she said, holding her finger to her lips. “There is no need to be so loud.”

“Don't tell me you have a headache.” Braden sat down with a grin.

“Do be quiet, my lord.” She stared at her tea, but made no move to drink it. “I forgot to ask last night if your arm has healed well.”

“It has, thanks to your excellent ministration.”

She started to nod and then stopped. “You are welcome. If you would like me to check it, I will do so.”

“There is no need. So,” he drawled, “are you ready to leave yet?” He had no intention of leaving London right now, but he did intend to put her in his coach and send her back to the estate.

“Not today, I beg of you, my lord.” She looked up at him with dark circles under her eyes.

“I did warn you not to keep drinking all my brandy.”

“Again . . . do be quiet. I realize whose fault this is.” She sipped her tea slowly. “And I will never drink brandy again.”

“Ah, spoken like a truly reformed woman. Perhaps you should go one better and say no spirits at all?”

“Why do you insist on talking when you know I feel dreadful?”

He laughed only slightly softer.

She bit down on her lip. “My lord, might I ask you something in private?”

Braden glanced at the footman and then nodded his head toward the door. “What is it?” he asked once the footman closed the door.

Her cheeks reddened like apples. “My mind is a little blurred from all the drink. What exactly happened after we returned home?”

He chuckled. “You don't remember. That is famous. I kept telling you to stop drinking my brandy, but you must have been feeling quite rebellious because you would not stop.”

“Yes, I know. But what
happened?
”

“What do you think happened?”

She fisted her hands. “I don't know. I took the pins out of my hair. And I only know that for certain because Mrs. Abbott told me a maid found them. Did we . . . ?”

“Did we what, Tia?”

“You know what I want to hear,” she said with a groan of frustration.

“Are you done?” Braden asked, glancing to the still untouched food.

“Yes, why?”

“One of the best ways to get your memories back is to return to the scene.” He rose from the chair and held out his hand for her. “Come along. Let us return to the study.”

Once they reached the study, he closed the door behind them. “The first thing you did was—”

“Pour myself a glass of brandy. I remember that much.”