Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Phillip leaned against a tree and watched the women and children enjoying a game of croquet. So much so a few of the husbands had begun venturing over to join in. This was the third day of the party.

He had his staff keeping an eye and an ear out for anything that would be considered discontent among those there. He had made his stance clear and he would not hesitate to toss someone if they were rude to another because of race.

“Good afternoon, Lord Edais.”

He glanced to his left and hid his irritation, which never failed to surface the moment he spied Miss Asherford crossing the ground to his side.

Offering her a little bow, he returned, “Miss Asherford.”

Her light blue dress was one of the finest here but honestly, it wasn’t the dress he cared about. The one he was keeping an eye out for was lavender, and covered the body of a woman he could not stop thinking about.

Last night, after the evening meal, she had joined those gathered in the room and had gone over numbers. A few of those there had been offended at first when they’d discovered she had been there to talk that very thing she was so good at. Until the people she worked for had spoken up on her behalf. Phillip’s chest had swelled with pride as he’d watched a roomful of business-minded people, men mostly, who were set in their ways, listen to the woman he would have by his side. Even Caulfield and her brother Elonne had not been able to speak against her.

“Are you not participating in the games?”

She offered him her hand and he took it, assisting her in the final few steps to his side. Then he released her immediately.

“I do not think I am cut out for this game,” she said, fingers glancing over her chest.

“Some of the others are inside playing cards. Perhaps that is more your speed.”

“Oh, I misspoke. I am not too old to play this, just feel like there are other things I could be doing to work up a sweat. If you catch my meaning.”

He’d caught it since he’d met her.

Holding her gaze, he tipped his hat before pushing away from the tree. “I fear you are looking in the wrong place for that. I am not interested, Miss Asherford.” He began walking off. “Enjoy your afternoon.”

Elonne was out there with his children. He and Mr. Tennemin were talking as the children had abandoned croquet and made up games with their own rules. The adults continued to play with them. He didn’t see Cara, but he did see Albie Caulfield.

And Fyre.

They were walking together toward the group, but where they had come from, he wasn’t sure. Jealousy ran hot and swift through him.

Caulfield lifted his head and locked gazes with him seconds before he laughed aloud. Others glanced at them, and Phillip had to swallow the growl that threatened to erupt.

“Are you going to play, Lord Edais?”

He glanced down to see one of Mr. Tennemin’s sons standing there.

“Is there room for me?”

“Of course,” the boy said with a smile. “Lord Edais is playing and he is on my team. We have to play one the adults know.”

He struggled to hide his smirk. “How about you, Mr. Caulfield? Fancy a game?” Phillip pitched his voice to carry over those gathered, conversing. Looked like they were back to playing the game where you hit the ball through the wires with the mallets.

He watched as Fyre encouraged the man to play. Feeling obligated to extend the invitation to her, even though he wanted her far from Caulfield, he did. “And you, Miss Parker?”

“No thank you, my lord. I learned at a young age that this game and I are not friends. I am sure my brother could tell you how many times I tended to hit him with the ball instead of sending it where it should be going. I will content myself to watch.”

She was invited to sit beside Mr. Tennemin’s wife, and once she had settled on the blanket, he made sure not to stare at her like he hungered for her more than food.

Caulfield was on the other team and the game got rowdy and loud. The children and adults alike had a grand time from all appearances.

His heart approved because he got to hear Fyre laughing and cheering on the children. For a few moments he got to witness her and her brother interact in a way he’d not seen before. And as fast as it had come on, it vanished the moment Cara made her way out to the field. Her children pulled into themselves and weren’t as joyous. An unfortunate change and one the other children picked up on. Eventually, the game finished with lackluster enjoyment. Even Elonne carried himself in a different manner when Cara was around.

He didn’t like the change. The only one who outwardly was the same was Fyre. Not that there was any way to mistake the dislike between the two women, but she didn’t cower from her sister-in-law or appear frightened by her.

* * * *

By the time the sun had begun to lower itself to the horizon, all of his guests had come out to get in on the games. He’d had to set up another course as well. It had taken a bit for the children to accept it was okay for them to play with Cara out there, but it did him good to see them loosen up once more.

Even Mrs. Tennemin got up for a few whacks with the mallet. Only Fyre didn’t play. Neither he nor the children could entice her. It sat wrong with him, for he could see her desire to be included. The servants came out to clean up and to carry in the blankets and dirty dishes from the numerous finger foods that had been brought out. Everyone had begun to head inside for the evening meal.

“You have a visitor, my lord.” Keating stepped into view when he reached the door.

“Very good, Keating. Do not hold the meal on my account.”

“He is in your study.”

Phillip scowled as he watched Caulfield walk in, escorting Fyre. The man needed to get the news. That woman was off limits.

“Party not going well?” Damon’s question had him pausing as he walked into the study.

“It is going much better than I expected. Why do you ask?”

“You look like you sucked on lemons. If the party is okay then it must be that Mr. Caulfield is around your woman.”

He managed a grunt.

Damon laughed before he sobered.

“You saw something.” Phillip rubbed the back of his neck.

“Someone is testing the door. No one got in this time, but the person is here.”

The need for vengeance burned Phillip’s blood. If it was Caulfield, that would make everything better. Because then he would have a legit reason to keep that bastard away from Fyre.

“What time?”

“A few minutes before two-thirty.”

Too many people had been elsewhere at that time for him to start making a definite allegation. There were some people for sure that he could eliminate.

“Round-the-clock watching?”

Damon nodded and cracked his neck. “Are you still wanting one of us on Miss Gwen while she is here?”

“No, focus on the books. I am confident they will be the draw right now.”

“Sure thing, boss.”

“You four have all you need?”

“Yes. We are fine. I should go.”

“Keep me updated.”

“Of course.”

Phillip headed to the dining room, slowing as he neared. The sounds of conversati­on and utensils hitting plates reached him. Stealing a look about the room before he walked in, his gaze immediately landed on Fyre.

She was toward the other end of the table from where he would be. And Caulfield was beside her.

I do not approve.

Miss Asherford was up by him. He barely contained his groan.

He walked in and conversation halted. He gestured for them to continue.

“My apologies.” Phillip took his seat.

Within moments he had food before him and was engaged in conversation with Mrs. Tennemin. Miss Asherford was trying to contribute but it was little more than giggles and flirtatious comments.

The third time he had to move her hand from where it had moved up on his thigh, he noticed that Fyre watched him.

Shit!

Even with the formal dining table length between them, he could see the walls going up. Frustration welled within him. He didn’t know how else to make her understand and realize she was the only woman for him.

Not true, there was one way, but he didn’t think she was ready for him to make his interest in her public. Lucien’s words echoed through him. For the first time in his life, he struggled to do the right thing for her, not what would get him the result he wanted the fastest way possible.

He watched her curl into herself as the meal dragged on. Nothing so much outwardly, for she didn’t turn away discussion, but he could feel her retreat.

And it fucking killed him to know he was the cause. Earlier this day, she’d fallen apart for him in the bath as she’d come around his fingers, her pussy hot and gripping him like he could hardly wait for it to do to his cock. Now, by the night, she had been hurt. Again, because of him and that she had been accurate that the other woman was much more accepted to touch him in public.

One of the footmen approached him and handed him a note. He opened it and frowned.

“Everything okay, my lord?”

“Fine,” he answered Miss Asherford without much of a glance. The urge for him to holler down the table to demand Fyre look at him was strong. The moment dinner had finished he made his way to her side and waited with impatience for her to look up at him.

“Miss Parker, I know this is time away from work, but I would have you look at something if you would not mind.”

She got to her feet immediately with a nod. “Of course, my lord.”

“You know where my office is. I will be there in a moment.” As she walked to the door, he looked at the rest of them and said, “Again, my apologies. Some work has come up. We will return momentarily. Please, adjourn to the parlor and enjoy the drinks and games.”

Without giving them a chance to respond, he strode off after her to the office. Closing the door behind him, he didn’t even pause, just walked up behind her, turned her then claimed her mouth with his own.

Fyre’s mind shorted out. There were a lot of things that she wanted to say and should have said to this man who constantly tossed her world upside down. None of that mattered, not the second his lips touched hers.

All she thought about was the pleasure that owned her body. She whimpered and pushed up on her toes, desperate to get closer to him. To touch him as he’d done to her.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers, breathing just as hard as she was. At least that was something they shared.

“I am so sorry, Fyre.”

She blinked, not understanding. “For what are you apologizing?”

“Miss Asherford. I know you were watching us tonight. I do not want her.”

“What you do is your business, my lord.” She didn’t want to think any more about that woman touching this man. It pissed her off and made her want to hurt someone.

Namely, Miss Asherford.

“Really?”

The single word was low and drawn out. With a sniff, she nodded and stepped back.

“If there is no work for me to do, I should be getting back, my lord.”

A growl rumbled through the air and stunned her into freezing. Hesitant to meet his gaze, when she did, she was met by a furious pair of gray eyes.

“I will not allow you to put a wall back up between us, Fyre. If that means hauling you into my arms in front of everyone and kissing you like I long to do, then so be it. Or you can just give me a few fucking moments with the woman who owns me completely before I have to go back out to a group of people and pretend my heart does not beat wildly out of control when I look at you. Or that I don’t want to rip Caulfield’s arms off and beat him to death with them for touching you.”

“Miss Asherford is a much better choice for you.”

The growl grew louder and his jaw flexed as he continually clenched it.

“Keep pushing me, Fyre. Keep pushing and see what happens.”

She backed off, sensing how close to the edge he seemed to truly be positioned.

Fyre paused for a moment, then walked back close to him and reached up, settling her hand along his cheek. He shut his eyes and pressed into her touch. Taking the moment, she skimmed her stare down his body and noticed the hardness contained in his breeches.

Her decision was made. Good or bad. Smart or stupid. It didn’t matter any longer. While she was permitted to have this man, she was going to take every advantage allowed and indulge.

Just so I have memories of our time when it is all over.

She slid her hand down to his chest and placed her other there before smoothing them along the hard planes. Phillip opened his eyes but she didn’t hold his questioning look, instead, she watched her hands as they moved.

“One day,” she muttered. “One day I want to do this without clothing on so I can feel the heat of your skin, smell you.”

“Whatever you want, baby.”

Another glance down to the thickness there and she almost reached for it but didn’t. Moving her attention back up to his darkened gray eyes, she patted his chest.

“Books.” She had to remain focused, it wouldn’t do for her to head back out there looking rumpled.

His groan was only partially playful.

“You are going to kill me, Fyre.”

He gestured for her to lead the way and she did, aware of his large presence behind her the entire trek to the desk. Without asking, she took the chair and tried to ignore how his masculine scent pushed straight through her and set up an incredible throb between her legs.

Phillip went to where he kept his books and pulled one down and carried it to her.

“Can you make a new entry in here for me?”

Reaching for the pen, she nodded. “Of course. What for?” A thought occurred to her. “Did someone break in?”

He skimmed the backs of his fingers down the side of her face with a soft smile. “They are trying. But I want to put something in here that will make them become foolish and follow up with a bad decision.”

She harrumphed. “I would think that trying to steal from an earl would be foolish enough.”

He laughed as he sat on the edge of the desk. “Not everyone is properly scared of my title.”

“Everyone on this island is scared of you and your title.”

Phillip snorted. “Not everyone.”

He showed her the paper he wanted her to copy from. She frowned but didn’t question him.

“Name one who is not.” She didn’t look at him as she wrote.

“Easy. Gwen Parker.”

Her lips twitched as she put down the amount and finished up the line. “Just this set? Or did you want this in your other set as well?”

“Just this one. No way I sell people for real, Fyre. Please tell me you believe that.”

She placed the pen back in the inkwell and turned in the chair to better face the man who had taken a seat on the edge of the desk. Lower lip caught in her teeth, she nodded even as she reached for him.

The second her fingers closed over his cock, he groaned and captured her wrist.

“Fyre.”

There was an ache in her she couldn’t explain away. But his immediate halting shoved insecurity all over her and she froze, gaze shooting away from his.

“No, baby. Look at me, please.”

It took her a moment to swallow her embarrassment and do as he asked. The hunger in his gaze floored her.

“I cannot wait to feel your mouth around my cock, believe me, I dream about it. But that shit will not be happening here. I want you where I can take my time, where we both can explore. And that time is not now.”

“Okay.” She bit her lower lip again and he growled.

“Stop that.” He swooped in and captured that same lip, sucking it into his mouth and nipping it before he ended the kiss. “You have no idea how much that turns me on. This is my lip to bite.”

He eased off the desk and moved a respectable distance away. Seconds later there were three sharp knocks on the door.

“Come.” Phillip sounded like he always did, in control.

The door opened and she realized had he not stopped her, her mouth could have been on his shaft at that very moment. Her mouth watered with the knowledge that it was something she desperately wanted.

Keeping her eyes on the book, she looked over the entries and finally lifted her head to see Keating there. But it was those behind him who seemed far more interested in what was going on in the room. Not just her brother, but also Caulfield.

Thankfully, she still looked as put-together as when she had entered this room. Not by choice, but the earl seemed to have a much better sense of preservation than she did. And she was grateful for that.

The glare Caulfield shot her let her know he was still livid that she had dropped him as a client. It hadn’t just been him, but he had taken it that way.

“Thank you, Miss Parker,” Phillip said, even as he walked to the door with Keating. “Lock up behind you, please.”

“Of course, my lord. I will not be much longer.”

“Good, join us when you finish here.”

The door closed on those staring in and she released a sigh of relief. All she waited for was the ink to dry, then she closed the book and returned it to its spot. After making sure Phillip’s desk was spotless, she walked to the door and stepped out before turning back and locking it behind her.

Mr. Caulfield met her just outside the entrance to the parlor.

“Might I have a word, Miss Parker?”

She didn’t want to be alone with him but it would be rude to walk away. “Of course. Perhaps you could escort me to the drinks?”

That way he could say whatever was on his mind but her aversion to being alone with this man would be assuaged because they would be in a room with others.

“I was hoping to do so in private.”

“We are in private right now, Mr. Caulfield.”

His thin lips flattened more.

Keating walked into view, two footmen behind him, Davie one of them.

“Everything okay, Mr. Caulfield? Miss Parker?”

She had never thought she would be grateful to see Keating.

“Yes, Mr. Keating, thank you. Mr. Caulfield was just escorting me to the parlor.” She swallowed back her aversion and slipped her arm through his to keep him from lashing out at the servants.

Phillip’s gaze lasered onto the way their bodies touched the moment they entered the room. But he held his tongue and continued his conversation with those around him.

“We need to talk about you still working for the earl. Your brother promised you to me and I will not let him out of that.”

Her stomach plummeted at his words and it was a struggle to keep the panic from showing as she mingled the rest of the evening. Especially when all she wanted to do was crawl into the soft bed waiting for her.