Chapter 14

L ucy's days had fallen into a comfortable pattern since the start of the season, and that was just how she enjoyed things. Her late husband had hated that about her, but she'd never been spontaneous and didn't enjoy making plans at the last minute.

Even during the hustle and bustle of the season with its heavy burden of social demands, Lucy knew what to expect every day. She broke her fast each morning with her brother, Charlotte, and her nieces and nephews. Afterward, the children would go up to the schoolroom for their lessons and Alex would be busy with the numerous demands placed on someone of his standing.

She and Charlotte would occupy themselves with various tasks. Weekly lessons with Lady Brantford and the Duchess of Castlefield were a must, especially after Lucy discovered firsthand just how important it was to fend off the unwanted advances of men who refused to take no for an answer.

Mr. Larson had, at least, taught her that valuable lesson. He couldn't have been more than one and twenty, and Lucy had made the mistake of thinking he was just being kind when he suggested they head out to the terrace for some air. But it seemed that all men, no matter how young or old, believed widows were easy prey.

Lucy shook off that distressing thought and focused on more pleasant ones. Holbrook would be calling today for their weekly drive in Hyde Park. It was a custom she looked forward to, primarily because it provided them with a measure of privacy. Even when they were in the middle of the park, with at least half the members of the ton either strolling along the path or in their carriages, they could lower their voices and have a private conversation.

Lucy took advantage of these weekly outings to try to tempt Holbrook into providing her with another sampling of the pleasure only he seemed capable of giving her. At this point she didn't even care if they made love. One month had passed since he'd brought her to release, and she was beginning to think that perhaps she'd dreamed the whole thing.

At the very least, he needed to show her just why she should change her mind about marrying him. Give her another taste of what marrying him would be like.

The errant thought had just passed through her mind when he arrived for their outing and she realized he was winning. His courtship was tempting her to change her mind when she'd hoped he would be the one to reconsider the type of relationship they could have.

She waved to the butler before leaving to meet Holbrook outside the town house. It was still strange that she could be unmarried and yet allowed such freedom to come and go as she pleased.

Holbrook led her a small way up the street. "I apologize for being late. I had to do something very important before our outing today."

There was an edge to his tone that had her glancing sideways at him. But he looked much the same as he always did. Tall, handsome, immaculately dressed. He turned to wink at her, and a thrill shot through her.

Something was different about him but she couldn't say what.

He stopped in front of a black carriage, and she looked at him in confusion. This wasn't his open-air carriage, the one that was appropriate for riding through Hyde Park. This carriage would enclose them while a carriage driver conveyed them to their destination. It would keep them away from prying eyes.

He smiled and opened the vehicle's door. He bent to lower the step and then held out his hand to help her in.

Anticipation was a living, breathing thing inside her as she placed her hand in his and climbed into the carriage. Still, she tried to be practical. This didn't mean anything—it couldn't. Holbrook had insisted on behaving like a gentleman. Perhaps something had happened to his other carriage and he hadn't been able to procure another open carriage for their drive today.

Was this also his carriage or had he borrowed it? She ran her fingers along the red leather interior, marveling at the plush feel of the cushions. It wasn't nearly as luxurious as her brother's carriages, but it was definitely of higher quality than the one her husband had purchased shortly after their marriage. With the way he'd spent money, her dowry hadn't lasted long before they'd had to make do with more practical purchases.

"Is this your carriage? Did something happen to the other one?"

He settled into the seat opposite her, and when she met his eyes, there was something in them she hadn't seen since their first time alone together. Heat.

Surely she was imagining things. Seeing what she wanted to see.

He didn't reply, and the air grew heavy between them. Finally, when the carriage began to move, he shocked her by leaning forward and closing the space between them.

"Holbrook?"

Before she was aware of what he intended to do, his large hands settled on her waist and he lifted her. She let out a small squeak of surprise before he settled her onto his lap.

She didn't chastise him since she was exactly where she wanted to be. Instead, she leaned against his broad chest, enjoying the way he circled his arms around her to keep her in place. Silly man, did he think she'd want to be anywhere else?

"What is the meaning of such shocking familiarity, my lord?"

His eyes were almost black as he stared down at her in the dim light of the carriage. Before he said a word, she already knew she'd won.

"I've decided to give in to temptation."

The low rasp of his voice against her ear as he nuzzled the side of her throat caused gooseflesh to rise on her arms and desire to spear low in her belly.

She had a moment of sanity, remembering that what they were doing might be visible through the carriage windows. Anyone in a passing conveyance had only to glance through their windows and they'd be able to see exactly what was happening.

It was ironic that just as she was finally getting what she wanted, she felt compelled to put a stop to their intimacy.

"The windows are still open. And we can't ride through Hyde Park with the curtains pulled close?—"

He grinned down at her, and her heart dipped into her belly.

"We're not going to Hyde Park, my sweet temptress."

She tilted sideways as he reached to close the curtains of first one, then the second window. His arms held her securely in place, but she kept a tight grip on his shoulders just in case.

"We're not?" Had her voice ever been so breathy before that moment?

"No. I'm taking you to my town house."

She was filled with questions. Why had he changed his mind? She'd known pleasure at this man's hands, and that brief glimpse of everything she'd been missing all these years had only served to whet her appetite.

But Holbrook had remained steadfast in his determination that he would not make love to her unless she accepted his suit. She'd worried he would continue to keep her at arm's length as long as they weren't legally wed.

So why now?

One of Holbrook's gloved hands caressed her cheek. Their gazes locked, and she could see concern reflected there.

"If I'm presuming…"

She shook her head. "No, of course not. I was simply wondering why you'd changed your mind about the two of us being together."

"I realized that my stubbornness might cause me to lose you altogether."

His words were spoken with earnestness, but she couldn't hold back her laugh. Holbrook was delusional if he thought she was even slightly interested in any of those men who seemed intent on pursuing her.

"I'll tell you a secret, my lord."

His thumb caressed her lower lip, and a shiver went through her. "I do like the sound of that."

One small corner of her mind tried to warn her that it was unwise to place her trust in a man again. She ignored that inner voice. "I have no intention of propositioning another man."

One corner of his mouth quirked up. "That might be true today—and I'm heartened to hear it—but one never knows what the future holds. And you should know that I haven't given up on trying to change your mind. I'm still courting you."

He kissed her then, and she sank into him, drowning in the feel of his strong arms pulling her close. The hard length of his arousal pressed against her hip, telling her without a doubt that he wanted this as much as she did.

Holbrook had shown her that he knew just how to touch her to stoke her desire. But right now she wanted to show him that she was willing to share that pleasure. Today wasn't going to be about her but about the two of them. Together.

She worked one hand down to cup his hard length, and his breath hitched out in obvious surprise. She wanted to take time to explore him, unwilling to wait a moment longer, but the carriage was already slowing.

He lifted his head and stared down at her for several long seconds.

Slowly her senses began to clear, and she realized she'd almost gotten completely carried away in a carriage .

"Do you think it will be fine for the two of us to enter your town house together? I'm sure rumors are already swirling around us, but…"

"But you want to be discreet. I want that as well, which is why I instructed the carriage driver to bring us around to the mews at the back of the house."

She let out a sigh. That was marginally better. The servants would still know, but they always knew what was happening. Some might consider them invisible, but Lucy had always been aware of their watchful presence.

The carriage pulled into the small stable at the back of the house, and Holbrook climbed down first. When he helped her from the vehicle, she tried to ignore the stablehands who glanced their way before quickly looking away again.

She wondered if he made it a habit to bring women to his town house, but her mind shied away from the thought. She didn't want to know. They'd already agreed that while the two of them were together, there would be no other liaisons. She wanted to trust him to keep his word. More than that, she needed to believe he'd be faithful. She saw evidence that men were capable of fidelity in the relationships of her friends and family.

And if he wanted to see other women, they would end their affair.

A pang of something she chose not to examine speared through her at that thought.

She followed Holbrook along a paved path to an entrance at the side of the house and was relieved their arrival wouldn't be witnessed by his neighbors.

He opened the door, and she found herself on a small landing. The inner door on the other side of the landing would open to the rest of the rooms on the main floor. The stairs going down would lead to the kitchens. She was curious to explore his house, but that would have to wait for another time.

He took her hand and led her up the second set of stairs, which would take them to the bedrooms.

When Holbrook stopped outside his bedchamber, a man materialized from the other end of the hall. He didn't look like a footman, so she assumed it was Holbrook's valet.

Holbrook murmured instructions that they were not to be disturbed and then opened the door and ushered her into his bedroom.

She stood there, just inside the threshold, and took in the space. It was clear at a glance that this was a man's bedroom. The furniture was made of rich mahogany, and the fabrics were a deep blue.

His bed took up about a third of the room, and she immediately imagined the two of them rolling around in it. Surely she wouldn't be lying on one side, stiff, while he… No, she already knew that Holbrook would be far more creative in the bedroom than her husband had been.

Her gaze darted to the small sitting area to the left of the entrance—one armchair and a side table upon which were piled several books. She couldn't help but smile as she imagined him relaxing there, reading before turning in for the night.

Curiosity had her walking over to the table to examine the books. Her gaze skimmed over the two larger tomes and settled on the two novels. A Fallen Lady and A Lady Redeemed .

She picked up the latter. She'd read the first last year during her period of mourning but hadn't been aware the sequel had been released. "I didn't know you read novels."

He shrugged. "It's a newly acquired addiction. It helps that I know the author of those two books."

Her mouth dropped open, and she clutched the book to her chest. "You know who wrote this?" The novels were anonymously written. No one knew who the author was.

His smirk was maddening. "I'll allow them to make that public knowledge when they're ready. But I will say that it appears you're well on your way to learning the truth for yourself."

Her mind spun at the implication of his words. What did he mean? Did she know the author? She'd met a lot of people over the past month, but most were merely acquaintances. Aside from…

She gasped. "Was he there? During the dinner party before Alex and Charlotte's ball?" Those were the only people she considered friends.

Holbrook shrugged, but his eyes glinted. "I can neither confirm nor deny that."

His words said one thing, but the edge to his voice told her she'd guessed correctly. Unless he was lying about the whole thing. "Are you teasing me?"

His smile was genuine as he plucked the book from her hands. He turned to the dedication and handed the book back to her. "No. But I find it interesting that you assumed the author is male."

She looked down at the book.

To my loving husband, who has been a source of inspiration and support.

She closed the book with a soft sigh. "You are most vexing, Holbrook."

He laughed. "If it's any consolation, I have it on good authority that the author's identity will be revealed later this season. But I'm sure she'll tell you herself soon enough."

She crossed her arms and glared at him. "So there's no reason you can't tell me now."

He shrugged. "It isn't my secret to tell. Now put the book down and come here. We're not here for a book discussion."

She fingered the slim volume. "I haven't read the sequel."

He took the book from her hands and set it atop the pile of books. Then he wrapped his arms around her. "You can take it with you when you leave. After I'm finished with you."

The low timbre of his voice was filled with dark promise, and a shiver raced through her.

"But if you've changed your mind—if you want more time to think about this—please tell me now. I know I was being presumptuous in bringing you here without discussing it with you first."

She stared at him, his longing clearly visible in the taut lines of his face. Now that he'd given in to what was happening between them, he wanted this as much as she did. But she also knew that he was a man of his word. If she told him she no longer wanted to make love to him, he would take her home.

She trusted him. She couldn't say why. Heaven knew she'd never been able to dissuade her husband when he was intent on taking his marital rights. But Holbrook would stop if she asked him to.

"I want to be here. I've imagined this so often since you first showed me what it meant to experience desire."

He closed his eyes in relief, and it humbled her that he would put her own needs above what he so clearly wanted.

"Did you think I'd changed my mind?"

"No. But it's important that you know I would never force you to do anything. Also…" One brow lifted. "You are a difficult woman to pin down."

"You haven't pinned me yet, my lord." Images of him lying over her and thrusting into her body filled her imagination.

She'd never enjoyed the act with her husband, but he'd never given any consideration to her pleasure. Holbrook, on the other hand, had been nothing but patient with her. He'd shown her that her body was capable of enjoying intimacy with a man and had demanded nothing in return.

Well, nothing except marriage. The thought of finding herself in another unhappy marriage had always sent a wave of cold panic through her. That she'd even considered changing her mind earlier today was testament to just how much she wanted this man.

But now she didn't have to worry about taking that chance. He could show her the pleasure he'd promised, and she was almost desperate with longing.

She leaned into the strength of his broad chest. "What happens now?" Her gaze shifted to his very large bed. Mansfield had always joined her in her bedroom, usually when she was already in bed. This affair was completely different, and she didn't know how to proceed. Her pulse was beginning to race. "Should I lie down on the bed?"