Chapter Four

For the first time in his life, Drake played a dangerous game.

One with his heart.

He had never become emotionally involved with any woman—and he had had his share of them for over two decades. James had teased him over the years about being a ladies' man. How his good looks and athletic frame appealed to women of all ages and nationalities. Drake had never had to chase after a woman. Ever. They all came to him, no matter where he was in the world.

Yet he had come to this townhouse because of the Duchess of Seaton. The one woman who had seemed to crawl inside him and stay with him. And that was only after meeting her on two occasions. Admittedly, that second time he had spent several hours in her company, first at Shadowcrest and then on the journey back to London as he took her to nurse his injured friend.

His gut told him that he should not have come here today. Mr. Barnes had already informed him that James and his wife were in the country. Drake would see his friend and employer within a week and learn of when he would next sail the seven seas. But he had come to the ducal townhouse for one reason alone.

To see the woman who had continued to haunt his dreams.

Dinah Strong was fascinating to him. An elegant lady of the ton, and yet one who seemed as comfortable with him as she would be in the presence of the King of England. The fact that she had been taken with him, too, only fed the growing need within him. Need for her. When she asked him to share his knowledge of intimate acts with her, he knew he was playing with fire. Yet he'd stayed anyway. Kissing her. Touching her. Desire filling him.

Nothing good could come of this brief affair. At least for him. For Dinah, he only hoped he could gift her with the tools which would make lovemaking an earthshattering experience for her. She was a woman who had been left on her own far too long. She was still young and deserved to find happiness after being made to wed a man who had tried to treat her no better than a brood mare.

On his part, he must temper his expectations. She would be a novice, so he doubted she would affect him much physically. At least, that is what he planned. He was determined to keep his emotional distance, so that his heart might remain intact.

Because he was dangerously close to losing it to her.

Drake was aware there could be no future for them. They walked in completely different worlds. He earned his living, often doing as much physical labor as the sailors onboard his ship. Since he no longer had James' companionship, Drake had turned into a loner. While he enjoyed being in charge and all the responsibilities which came with captaining a sea vessel, he could never be a part of a crew again. He had tried to fill the emptiness inside him at various ports of call, with women whose names he would never remember and whose faces now blurred.

Embarking upon an affair with Dinah Strong was certainly playing with fire. They could never appear together outside this house. His obvious, inferior rank would have the gossips in the ton raking Dinah over the coals. He would not allow her to suffer in such a manner. He was also cognizant that she still had two daughters and two nieces to bring out to Polite Society, and was savvy enough to understand that any gossip affecting the mother would trickle down to her girls. That was the reason he had denied her when she had asked him to escort her to tonight's ball. She could not afford to be seen with him.

He resolved to be discreet. To introduce the duchess into the ways of lovemaking, enough so that when she did remarry, she would bring a bit of experience and know enough about her own body to make certain her new husband pleased her.

As for him, he would walk away from their brief time together with a heavy heart—but hopefully beautiful memories.

She rang for a maid to collect the tea tray after he ate the scones he had wrapped in his handkerchief.

"I only hope you will have room for dinner," she teased.

"I was always hungry as a boy," he shared. "I only have a vague impression of my parents and have no idea what they did to earn a living. I do remember there never being enough to eat."

"Was it just the three of you? Or did you have any siblings?"

He frowned. "I can't recall any. That doesn't mean my mother didn't have more. Where we lived, a babe was more likely to die than live."

"Oh, Drake." Dinah placed her hand on his forearm, her touch causing his heart to leap. "I am so sorry you endured such poverty."

"I know my parents did die, though I couldn't tell you how old I was when that happened. I remember trying to wake my father. He didn't move. I know my mother was sick, too, but the details are scrambled in my head. It was so long ago. I do recall our landlord coming and physically booting me out the door."

Her eyes brimmed with tears. "How awful. And here I complained to you about having to wed a duke and live in the lap of luxury."

"You went through your own trials, Dinah," he comforted. "No less than mine. Only different."

"How did you survive, living on the streets?"

"I stole when I could. Small items I could sell. I dug through rubbish, looking for anything edible. It was almost a blessing when I was taken by a sailor and forced aboard a ship. At least I had honest work to do and enough food to fill my belly."

She stroked his sleeve absently. The gesture brought him comfort, something he hadn't expected from her.

"James has told me that you saved him. That you nursed him back to health after a sailor savagely beat him."

"I did," he said softly, thinking of that long ago time and the small boy who had been brought to sea, the same as he had been. "He became a younger brother to me—and then my friend. We have spent thousands of hours in one another's company. Not just working. Oftentimes, we read the same books and discussed them as we sat on deck, staring up at the stars in the night sky."

"You like to read?" she asked, clearly surprised.

"I do. A fellow sailor taught me, and I took to reading much as I did to life at sea itself."

He mentioned some of the books which were favorites of his, and she had read several of them. They talked about books for a good hour, as if they were two old friends coming together after a long time apart.

"I must say I am surprised you are so well read," Dinah said. "I suppose I didn't think of the average sailor as a reader. Then again, you are not average in any way."

He ignored her compliment. "And I suppose I thought well-brought up ladies of Polite Society only did needlework and played a musical instrument."

"I do both—and quite well," she said saucily, causing him to laugh. "I also enjoy gardening and arranging flowers. Lyric takes after me in that respect. Georgina and Mirella are accomplished pianists, playing much better than I ever did, but they practice all the time. I do like to ride and taught all the girls how to do so. Pippa and Effie are the most proficient in the saddle. Allegra is one for long walks. She and I have enjoyed hours in one another's company, walking from one end of Shadowcrest to the other."

"You have been a shining example to all those girls. I am sorry your husband and brother-in-law did not value females."

She snorted. "Polite Society does not harbor fond feelings for females, Drake. Every man wants a male heir and plenty of spares. It is the rare man who does not mind having daughters, much less one who pays attention to them."

"It was the duke's loss, Dinah, with him ignoring you and all the girls you made together."

"You are right," she agreed. "Seaton is the one who missed out. James will be a much better duke than his father ever was, as well as a kind, loving father."

When it was time to dine, she said, "I do not see the point of us going to the dining room. It seats thirty-six. Custom would have us eating at opposite ends. I choose not to shout down the table at you. I will have Powell place us in the winter parlor instead."

She rang for the butler and gave him those instructions. Minutes later, Powell returned, telling them dinner was ready to be served.

Drake offered her his arm, and she accepted it. He liked feeling possessive of her, having her close, her hand on his sleeve. Still, he refused to allow his heart to soften toward her. He would make love to her, multiple times, showing her what she needed to know to make herself and a partner happy, keeping her at arm's length.

Because if he did let her into his heart, it would be torn asunder when he left England.

The winter parlor was a very cozy, intimate room, with a table set for two. Drake seated Dinah and then himself.

The butler supervised a footman, who poured wine for them both, while another brought a tureen, filling their bowls with a vegetable soup.

Dinah thanked the footman and then told the butler, "Powell, we can simply serve ourselves since it is only the two of us this evening. No sense in having the staff wait on us."

Drake nearly guffawed when the butler looked pained at the instructions. "Very well, Your Grace. If you are certain."

"I am, Powell. Thank you very much," she said kindly—but firmly—in effect, dismissing the butler and the other servants.

When they left, closing the door behind them, she spooned a bite of soup into her mouth. "Oh, it is so nice to eat in private. With it being only me in residence, I often take my morning and evening meals in my rooms."

"Do they always stand and watch while you eat?" he asked.

"Yes. Part of their service is to always be on duty during meals, in order to anticipate any needs. It can be awkward at times, though, especially if you wish to have a private discussion with someone."

"Never fear, Duchess. I shall serve you. I also look forward to anticipating your needs," he said, waggling his brows playfully, causing her to laugh. He liked her laugh. From such a dainty person, it was a rich, deep laugh, showing she had a side to her that he believed wasn't often shared with others.

They worked their way through the meal, dining on a cabbage pudding and roasted veal. For dessert, he was happy to see baked apple tarts.

He bit into a tart and sighed. "My compliments to your cook, Dinah. No wonder you do not wish to hurt her feelings. She is a true gem."

"I am glad you have enjoyed the meal, Drake."

"Vesta's cook gives us simple fare. Actually, we eat the same, few dishes over and over. We also take advantage of being at sea and eat quite a bit of fish. Frankly, I was happy not to see a fish dish appear at this meal."

She laughed again, causing his blood to run hot. Everything about her spoke to him.

He could not wait to drive her to orgasm.

They finished their tarts, and she rang for a maid to clear the small table.

"Would you pour more wine for me, Captain Andrews?" she asked as the maid emptied the table.

"Of course, Your Grace," he said formally. "It is quite good."

"It is French. Sometimes, I feel unpatriotic drinking it, but it was bought long ago, before our countries were at war."

The maid left, rolling the cart from the room and shutting the door.

"Would you like to move to the settee while we sip our wine?" she asked.

Doing his best to sound like a cultured gentleman, Drake said, "That would be most enjoyable."

Dinah burst out laughing. "I cannot remember the last time I have enjoyed someone's company so much, Drake."

He clinked his wine glass against hers. "I quite agree, Duchess."

They both drank deeply of the wine, and then Drake took the glass from her hand, setting it down along with his own. He turned to her, seeing the sky blue of her eyes had darkened again.

She wanted him. He wanted her. Yet he wanted to prolong their evening—and a final coupling. Instead, he would give her another lesson, one which he hoped would drive her to the point of ecstasy.

Drake slipped his hand about her nape, guiding her to him. Their lips met, and he kissed her softly for several minutes, feeling the sexual tension build between them. Then he slid his tongue back and forth across her plump, bottom lip. She easily opened to him, knowing what to expect now.

So he decided to befuddle her—and increase that tension.

He sank his teeth into her bottom lip. Not hard, but it surprised her. She made a squeak, and he licked the place, soothing it with his tongue. He nipped her again, his heart racing, and it took him off-guard when she did the same to him. The love bite caused instant desire to shoot through him, and he lifted her into his lap, his tongue sweeping inside her mouth. He tasted the wine they had shared, along with the unique taste which was all Dinah. All Duchess. Everything he wanted.

They greedily kissed, his pulse racing, his hands holding her waist, his thumbs caressing her ribcage. Dinah made little noises of appreciation as they kissed.

Then she wriggled on his lap, and he nearly spent, then and there.

Breaking the kiss, he said, "Easy, love. You moving like that, well, it does things to me."

Her eyes danced with mischief. "Good things, I hope."

"Things meant for later," he said sternly. "But I have something wonderful in store for you."

"Oh, do tell," she teased.

He smiled wickedly. "I am more about showing than telling, Duchess."

His hand slipped beneath her gown, finding a trim ankle and a most shapely calf. He moved his hand against the silk of her stocking, hearing her breath catch.

"That feels wonderful, Drake," she told him.

He laughed softly. "Oh, I have yet to begin."

Her lips parted, and he pulled her to him again, his tongue plunging deep inside her, craving the taste of her. His fingers grazed her knee and then thigh before finding the seam of her sex. He danced a finger along it, moving back and forth. Dinah stilled, breaking the kiss. He saw curiosity in her eyes.

As he pushed a finger inside her, she whimpered, biting her lip. "Are you supposed to do something like that?" she asked worriedly.

"What a man and woman do together is between them. There are no rules, Duchess. Only pleasure to be had."

"Truly?" she asked, her brow furrowing.

"Truly," he assured her, beginning to stroke her deeply.

She almost came off his lap, and he chuckled. "Easy, love. Close your eyes."

"All right," she said reluctantly, doing so.

Drake watched her face as his finger continue to caress her. He slid another one into her, and she sucked in another loud breath. Her breathing became fast and shallow as she began to move against him. He smiled, knowing this would be her first orgasm.

And he was the one to give it to her.

"Oh. Oh. Oh!" she moaned, breathing even faster.

"Move as you wish," he told her softly.

She did so as he increased the speed of his strokes. Her hips began rocking, her eyelids fluttering, sweet sounds coming from her perfect, rosebud mouth. She grew louder, and he did not want anyone listening at the keyhole to ascertain what they were up to. He covered her mouth with his, kissing her deeply, his tongue now mimicking what his fingers did.

Then she stiffened. Began rocking violently. Murmuring into his mouth. He rubbed her nape with one hand, stilling his hand so she moved against it as he held it in place.

A sigh, long, drawn-out, and a terribly satisfying sound came from her. Her eyes opened, and he saw how dark they now were. He caressed her a final time and withdrew his fingers, bringing them to his mouth and licking them.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "What are you doing?"

"Tasting you," he said matter-of-factly. "But there is another way I can do that, as well. A way you will enjoy tremendously, Duchess."

Easing her off his lap, he knelt before her, pushing her gown and the garments beneath it up, bunching them about her waist. She was bare to him, though she wore silk stockings that came to her knee, tied with tiny bows to hold them up.

Drake took off her slippers and brought her feet to the settee, planting them flat.

Her face flamed. "This is... so... inappropriate," she managed to say.

He glanced down at her and then up until their gazes met. "You are beautiful, Dinah. Everywhere. And after a small taste of you, I must have more."

He lowered his head between her opened thighs, bracing his hands on her knees to keep her from trying to close them. Her scent already filled his nostrils, and Drake moved close, inhaling deeply. Then he licked the length of her sex, hearing her cry out in surprise. Unfortunately, he couldn't be in two places at once. If any servant was listening at the door, he or she would now get an earful.

With his only aim to bring her pleasure, Drake plunged his tongue inside her. She squeaked, a sweet, charming sound. He held her knees firmly as his tongue moved in and out of her, relishing her sweet juices, causing her hips to rise and her body to writhe. He feasted on her as he never had another woman, taking, taking, taking more and more, losing himself in her.

Her orgasm erupted with a vengeance, causing her to cry out his name. He quickly moved from her core to her mouth, pressing his body against her rocking one, his tongue finding hers and mating with it. The kiss went on and on, as did her orgasm.

Then she went completely limp, her hands falling away from where they had clutched him. He broke the kiss, seeing she was completely drained.

It gave him satisfaction like none he had ever experienced.

"What did you do to me?" Dinah asked. "I went to the heavens and beyond. I had no idea my body could feel such a thing." She met his gaze. "And where you kissed me! And then when we kissed..." Her voice trailed off.

"You could taste yourself," he said. "You have a unique taste, different from any other woman, Duchess." He licked his lips. "Perhaps I should taste you again."

She shook her head. "No. You might kill me, Drake. I have already had that extraordinary feeling twice in the matter of a few minutes. I might not survive it again so soon."

He sat beside her again, slipping his arm about her, drawing her into his chest. Dinah rested her cheek against his heart.

"I had no idea something like that even existed," she said, her voice fading.

"Sleep, Duchess," he commanded. "I will be here when you awake."

He glanced down, seeing her eyelids flutter a few times before they stilled.

The Dowager Duchess of Seaton lay nestled in his arms. Sleeping with a smile on her face, one he had put there. He should be happy that he had been so successful in bringing her into such a new experience. One which she would never forget. He had felt the magnitude of her two orgasms and knew how powerfully they had affected her.

Unfortunately, he had also been affected. In a way which now ruined him.

Because Drake had fallen in love with a woman he could never call his own.