Chapter 14

Saturday evenings during the Season at the Phoenix Club always felt subdued after the potent excitement and bustle of the assembly the night before. Ada enjoyed the quiet, however. It was unlikely she’d be called upon.

This was the night she typically went to the ladies’ library to find the book she would read over the next week. She’d just replaced her last book on the shelf—the one she’d started before going to Stonehill and inadvertently left here. It was another romance, and she couldn’t help but think that Max would find fault with it.

Instead of scowling or otherwise reacting with disdain, she smiled. Even when he’d been insufferably aggravating, she’d enjoyed their banter.

She wondered where he was tonight. Was he in the library on the other side? Sipping Irish whiskey, perhaps? Or was he already abed where nightmares awaited?

Now, she frowned. She hated to think of him struggling. And she wasn’t around to help him.

Except she was around…

“Miss Treadway?”

Blinking her reverie away, Ada turned from the bookshelf to see one of the footwomen standing with her hands clasped. “I’ve a message from a gentleman. I forgot to ask his name.” Pink crested her cheeks.

“That’s all right, Joanna. Is there a problem?”

“He said he needed your help and would meet you in your office. He’s waiting there now.”

“You let him into this side of the club?” Ada couldn’t imagine how Joanna had come to encounter him in the first place, unless she’d needed to fetch something from the men’s side.

“He was already here—downstairs. I told him he shouldn’t be there. He said he’s staying on the men’s side.”

What was Max up to?

“Thank you, Joanna. I’ll take care of this.” Ada stalked from the library and went to the backstairs. If he was in her office, he’d discover that she also lived there.

She went into the apartment, but found the main room, which included her desk, a table, and a seating area, empty. “Max?”

He appeared in the doorway to her bedchamber, then leaned his long, lithe figure against the frame. “You live here.”

“Yes.”

“You failed to mention that last night.” He perused her lazily and thoroughly, making her feel as if she wasn’t wearing any clothing. “I have to ask why.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” She licked her lips, too aware of how attractive he was and how much she wanted him. There was something different about him tonight. Dressed in dark blue with a light blue waistcoat, he made her mouth water with desire.

“I’m not sure it is.” He pushed away from the doorframe and moved toward her. “Perhaps you’d enlighten me?”

Ada’s heart began to pound a steady, hungry rhythm. “I thought it best for both of us if you didn’t realize we were sleeping under the same roof.”

“You didn’t want me asking you to sleep with me again.”

“I didn’t want to have to tell you no.” More accurately, she didn’t think she could have. “You make resistance difficult.”

He smiled slowly, seductively, and Ada couldn’t breathe. “I’d apologize, but I feel no remorse about that.”

“You’re not being at all fair,” she croaked, her body quivering with need. He’d stopped a foot away from her, and she took the respite to grab hold of what little sanity she currently possessed. “What is wrong with you tonight?”

His brow pleated. “Something is wrong?”

“Not wrong. Different. You are behaving in a wholly unusual manner. You’re flirting.”

“You don’t like it?”

“You are making resistance nearly impossible.”

His gaze dipped over her again, setting her entire body aflame with want. “I like impossible.”

Ada was moments away from abandoning all restraint and sense. She fought to keep them talking. “Did something happen tonight?”

“I went out with Dougal and Lucien. We went to the Siren’s Call. Do you remember me telling you about that?”

“I do, the not-brothel. How was that?”

“It didn’t go well, and I came back here. I realized I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to enjoy myself. The damned past keeps rising up. I’ve since decided it might be best if I could pretend the last five years hadn’t happened. Just for tonight.”

She saw a brief battle in his eyes, as if he were reconsidering his decision, or perhaps his ability to forget. She stepped toward him, finding it imperative that he win this battle, that he spend a night in which he would not be burdened by all that weighed upon him. “How can I help? I was told you needed my assistance.”

He just stared at her, and she wasn’t sure he was winning the fight within him.

“What would you be doing if it were five or ten years ago?” she asked. “We could return to the Siren’s Call. Or go someplace else.”

He shook his head. “Five or ten years ago, I’d be right here shagging you.”

Oh God.She nearly threw herself into his arms.

A knock on the door interrupted them completely, momentarily disorienting Ada. She ought to have been thankful. Instead, she wanted to murder whoever stood outside.

“Ada, are you in there?”

Bollocks, it was Evie. Ada gestured toward her desk and urgently whispered, “Hide under there!”

Max scrambled to do her bidding. When he was stuffed underneath, Ada took a steadying breath and went to the door.

Opening it, she summoned a bright smile. “Evie.”

“Is everything all right?” Evie stepped into the room, forcing Ada to move aside. “I heard there was a man up here and that he required your help.” She looked about, her gaze lingering on the doorway to Ada’s bedchamber. Ada should have sent him in there to hide under her bed instead.

“Ah, yes.”

Evie turned to face her. “It was Warfield.”

Ada spit out an explanation without forethought. “He just wanted a plate of food sent up. I told him I’d take care of it. He’s gone back to his room now.”

“Why didn’t he just ask a footman for that on his own bloody side of the club?”

Shrugging, Ada said, “You know he can be difficult.”

“Men,” Evie muttered.

“Indeed,” Ada agreed with a nod.

Evie cocked her head. “It’s odd that he came in search of you. Is there something between you?” Again, she glanced toward the bedroom.

“We’re friends. He’s, ah, uncomfortable here in London, I think. I’m familiar.” Ada would have believed that argument. She hoped Evie would.

“I’m glad you’re his friend. It sounds as though he needs one.” Evie started to turn toward the door. “Are you coming back down?”

“In a bit. I remembered there is something I need to take care of.” Ada went to sit behind her desk, hoping that if she looked busy, Evie would leave.

“Always working,” Evie murmured. “I’d tell you not to, but I know it makes you happy.”

“Yes.” Ada nearly jumped from the chair as Max’s warm hand closed around her calf. She fought to remain still as he caressed her through the thin layer of her stocking.

“I’ll see you later.” Evie let herself out, closing the door behind her.

Ada looked down at Max crouched in the keyhole of her desk. “What on earth are you doing? Were you trying to announce your presence?”

He pushed her chair back with his other hand and came forward, but stayed on his knees. “I was not. I’m afraid, unlike you, that I couldn’t resist. Shagging might be out, but when you said I wanted a plate of food, I came up with another idea, if you’re amenable.” He skimmed his hand up her leg, sliding from the back of her knee to the top of her thigh.

She could imagine what he had in mind, and what remained of her resistance fled. “Oh.” That was all she could manage to say.

He used his free hand to lift her skirt, settling it atop her lap. “Does that mean I may continue?”

“Yes,” she rasped.

“Splendid.” He slid both hands under her gown and clasped the tops of her thighs. “Open your legs.”

Ada didn’t need to be told. She parted for him and slumped down slightly, moving her pelvis toward him.

He pushed her dress up to her waist, exposing her flesh to the air and his gaze. “So lovely,” he murmured as he stroked her folds.

Pressing her head back against the chair, Ada sucked in a breath. He teased her, his fingertips gliding along her sex and rubbing her clitoris. She closed her eyes and focused only on his touch.

His tongue replaced his fingers, and she arched from the chair with a soft cry, desperate for more. He guided her legs to his shoulders and cupped her from behind. Then he buried himself between her thighs, his lips and tongue savagely devouring her.

Ada moaned and lost herself in him. This wasn’t a new experience for her, and yet it was unlike anything she’d ever known. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her, and she knew she’d never have enough of him. Pleasure soared inside her, and she clutched his head, her fingers digging into his scalp. She thrust up, moving against him without care or shame.

He held her backside, his hands massaging her while keeping her steady in the midst of her abandon. She felt wild, untamed, glorious. Suddenly, his thumb was against her clitoris once more, and sensation exploded within her. Muscles clenching, she cried out over and over again as ecstasy pummeled her body.

At some point, she fell to earth, her body becoming aware of the seat beneath her and the awkward set of her head as she slumped against the chair. His fingers continued to stroke her sex as the last of her orgasm faded, leaving her replete and quivering.

He stood, and she managed to push herself up to a sitting position. “That was lovely,” he said, moving to the settee, where he sat down and crossed his legs.

She noted the stiff line of his erection and wanted to return the favor he’d just bestowed on her. “I’m grateful your evening went awry.” Her voice was harsh and scratchy, likely because she’d been making all manner of inhuman noises. She hoped she hadn’t been too loud or drawn attention. It was unlikely anyone was on this floor at this time of night, particularly when members were in the club. Although, Evie had just come up here… Ada shook that thought away.

“I am too,” Max said. “You’ve an insufferable boor at the Siren’s Call to thank for that.”

“I’m glad you went, even if it didn’t turn out the way you’d hoped.”

“I’d say this evening has turned out much better than I imagined. I actually finished a meal for once.”

Ada clapped her hand to her mouth and goggled at him. He was positively indecent, and she loved every moment of it. “Well, if that’s what it takes…” She shrugged. “Are you sleeping any better?”

“No, but I suspect tonight will be different.”

Ada knew she would sleep wonderfully and was glad he would too. Perhaps they ought to do this every night he would be in town. But she feared he wouldn’t be staying long. “Are you leaving Monday after you see Prudence tomorrow?”

He stretched his arm along the back of the settee. “I was considering it.”

Since he didn’t sound as though he’d decided, she pressed her advantage, hoping she actually had one. “Will you stay one more day at least? Then we can go to Vauxhall Monday evening. It’s so lovely this time of year.” When he looked away, she added, “With its size and myriad walkways, it’s easier to avoid people than, say, at a ball. You’d get to enjoy a social outing without having to deal with intrusion, or much of it anyway.”

“That is somewhat alluring, I’ll admit.” His gaze met hers. “You’d like me to go?”

“Please?”

He took his arm from the settee and stood. Ada leapt from her chair and met him in the middle of the room. “As it happens, one of the reasons I came to London was to see you,” he said softly. He kissed her, his lips moving over hers gently before his tongue slipped into her mouth.

Ada splayed her hands on his chest, feeling his heartbeat, and angled her head to kiss him more deeply. He tasted of heat and her, and desire sparked within her anew. If it had ever truly faded.

He pulled back and kissed her forehead. “Thank you for a memorable evening. Good night, Ada.” He let himself out, and Ada stared at the door for a long time.

Yes, it had been a most memorable evening. Probably because she finally acknowledged that pesky emotion she’d been trying so desperately to ignore and avoid. That her feelings for Max were quite strong and ran very deep. She was tumbling hopelessly in love with him, whether she wanted to or not.

Hyde Park bustled with children running about, birdsong filling the air, and the scent of summer flowers dashing by on the breeze. Strolling in the park was yet another thing Max hadn’t done in some time. And he wouldn’t have done it if he wasn’t meeting Prudence.

Which wasn’t to say he didn’t appreciate the beautiful surroundings. Perhaps he was just too wrapped up in last night.

It had felt so wondrous to let his guilt and sadness go, if only for a little while. Why had he not done that sooner?

Because he’d been too far gone, too deep in his own despair. It had taken a persistent woman with an annoying penchant for making him feel things he hadn’t felt in a long time. And for making him smile and laugh. For making him want to smile and laugh.

Watching her face last night when he’d flirted with her had given him more joy than he’d had in years. He hoped he’d be able to do it again.

Max stood near the Ring and watched for his half sister. After a few minutes—he’d been early—she came toward him, her blonde hair mostly hidden beneath her bonnet, her flower-printed skirt moving as she walked with purpose.

“Good afternoon,” he said when she approached. He glanced about. “Are you alone?”

“Yes. Ada thought this meeting should just be the two of us. Should I have brought Bennet?”

“No, I only mean that you don’t have a maid.”

“Our household is still rather small,” Prudence said. “I suppose we can afford to hire more people now, but I don’t particularly need a maid. I wasn’t raised like you.” She spoke matter-of-factly, without disdain or judgment. “As a viscountess, I should probably have a companion, but I don’t, and furthermore, I don’t particularly care what anyone thinks of that, least of all you.”

He liked her. “Would it surprise you to know I don’t have a valet?”

“Yes, actually. Why not?”

“When I returned from Spain, I was ill for a long time. There was no need for a valet. I’ve considered hiring one recently—very recently. Since coming to London, actually. My hair could do with a trim. And I should probably have someone to oversee my wardrobe.” He glanced down at his five-year-old costume.

“So will you hire one?”

“I don’t know. I’m still hesitant. It seems unnecessary. I’m also not accustomed to having people that…close.”

“I see,” she murmured. “Shall we walk?”

He started along the path, and she fell in beside him. “It’s interesting that you came to me in search of employment instead of telling me you were my half sister and demanding money.”

She looked straight ahead. “I don’t feel entitled to anything. I wouldn’t have asked for the dowry either. In fact, that was Lady Peterborough’s idea.”

“Your mother.”

“Yes. Although, it’s still difficult to think of her that way. She may have birthed me, but she hasn’t been my mother.”

“I understand.” Max suddenly decided he did want an audience with the countess. He went back to something Prudence said. “You really needed that dowry. Lucien tried to tell me so, but I didn’t care.” Grimacing, he wished he could go back and behave differently that day. “Honestly, if you or Glastonbury had come and asked, I might have given it to you. Which isn’t to make excuses for myself.”

“Good. I appreciate someone who takes accountability for their actions.”

“Is three thousand pounds enough?” he asked.

“It is,” she responded firmly. “I refuse to accept more. I have pride, and I value my independence. Or I did before I married Glastonbury. Now, as a wife, I suppose I’m entirely dependent.” She shook her head. “That isn’t fair. Bennet treats me as a partner.”

“He sounds like a good husband. I’m glad for you.”

Prudence paused on the path and turned toward him. “Why did you want to meet with me today?”

Max looked into her green eyes. “You resemble him—our father. It’s very strange. I thought I was utterly alone after my brother died. There are no cousins or far-flung relatives.”

“So if you don’t wed and have children, the title will die.”

“Yes.”

“Then I suggest you marry,” she said drily.

“The title means nothing to me.”

Her brow creased, and she cocked her head. “But it bothered you to be alone?”

He opened his mouth, then closed it again, not quite certain how to respond. “I loved my father and brother very much. I also loved my mother.” He swallowed and stopped himself from mentioning Lucia. Her death had been devastating, and losing his father and brother so soon after had broken him.

“Did you want to meet with me to see if you still felt alone?” She started walking again, and Max joined her. “I’m trying to understand. Like you, I was also alone after my parents died. I expected to be that way forever, especially after you refused to even hire me. I was very fortunate to run into Lucien that day. He completely changed my fortune.”

Max thought of Ada and how Lucien had apparently helped her too. “He seems to be everyone’s savior.”

“It sounds as though that might aggravate you,” Prudence said softly.

“He can’t help himself when it comes to saving people.” Max knew that firsthand, and now began to wonder why Lucien was like that.

“I would think that’s a good thing,” Prudence mused.

“To answer your question, I wanted to see you because you are the only family I have. I wish my father hadn’t been unfaithful to my mother, and that I could speak to him now and ask him why.”

Prudence cast him a sideways glance. “Perhaps you should talk to Lady Peterborough.”

He was glad she suggested it. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. Do you think that’s a good idea?”

She shrugged. “It couldn’t hurt. I didn’t particularly want to confront her, so I will understand if you don’t. I find that sort of thing—confrontation and the potential for emotional outburst—uncomfortable.”

Yes, Max liked her very much. He certainly felt a kinship with her. “Then why did you do it?”

“It’s complicated, but I felt I had to. I was in a…bad situation.”

“Can I help?”

She smiled at him. “You are giving me a dowry. That is all the help I need.”

Max didn’t particularly understand, but he wasn’t going to probe further. Ada would have asked more questions until she discovered the heart of the matter.

“You’re smiling,” Prudence said. “You don’t seem to do that very often.”

Only when he was with Ada. Or thought of her, apparently.

“I haven’t had much cause for happiness recently.” Until he’d met Ada. Could he stop thinking of her for one moment?

“Because you’re too busy being surly?” There was humor in her voice, and he appreciated that. There was definitely something sisterly about her tone.

“My housekeeper would say so. I didn’t think I was doing it on purpose, but I think I might have been.” He exhaled. “Like you, I prefer to avoid emotional entanglements.” Especially since… Well, since he’d hurt so deeply that he never wanted to feel anything again.

“I can’t help but notice you seem to have had a change of heart since Ada visited you. I know her rather well and can imagine the influence she might have had on you. Did she perchance talk you into this?”

“She took me to task for my treatment of you, but I decided to come here after she left. She did, in fact, have an impact on me. She made me see what I’d been missing, namely the people around me, people who depend on me. That includes you.”

She looked offended. “I do not depend on you.”

“No, but you could. If you wanted to.”

“Are you suggesting we behave like family?” She sounded as though she were stuck somewhere between disbelief and sarcasm. He couldn’t blame her.

“I’m saying we are family, whether we want to be or not.” He took a breath, his heart picking up speed. “And I think I might want to be.”

“You surprise me, Warfield.”

“I surprise myself.” Since Ada had lifted him from the abyss, he found he didn’t want to fall back in. Perhaps more anchors would prevent that from happening. “You should call me Max.”

“Then you must call me Prudence. I’ve never had a sibling. You had your brother, so I hope you don’t mind me relying on you to show me how to act.”

“You may not want to do that,” he said, shaking his head with a slight smile. “I’m not sure I remember how to be…close to people.” He couldn’t quite believe what he was revealing to her. It hadn’t been his intent, and yet he couldn’t seem to stop himself. But he would—there was no way he would expose his past or the horrible things he’d done.

“Then we’ll move slowly. How about we start as friends?” She sent him a tentative look.

“I’m so sorry for the way I treated you.” He paused and offered her his arm.

She took it, curling her hand around his sleeve. “I’ll be here for you. If you need me to be.”

“Thank you.” Somehow, he breathed more easily, as if a burden—at least a small one—had been lifted.

“How long will you be in London?”

“I’d thought to leave tomorrow, but Ada—Miss Treadway—convinced me to stay at least one more day. She’s dragging me to Vauxhall tomorrow night. You should come.” He glanced toward her, but she was looking straight ahead. “If you’d like.”

“That would be lovely. I’ll speak with Bennet. We’ll be returning to Somerset in the next week or so. A night at Vauxhall would be nice.”

“Then I’ll look forward to seeing you.” The words felt odd coming from his mouth, but he meant them. He hoped this indicated he was truly able to move on, to leave the past behind.

She didn’t want to be in love with him.

Ada turned to her side and scowled into the darkness. Worried Max might try to come to her apartment, she’d had dinner with Evie at her house in St. James’s. Indeed, she’d lingered as long as she dared, and upon returning to the Phoenix Club had hurried up to her rooms without stopping.

But Max hadn’t come. Much to her annoyance, she was disappointed as well as relieved. Last night had been so wonderful. She’d felt certain she’d have to turn him away tonight. Because she must, no matter how much her heart craved his companionship.

Frustration bubbled inside her. Not with anyone or anything but with herself. She ought to have known better after her experience with Jonathan.

Foolishly, she’d thought age had given her wisdom or at least the ability to behave differently. It had done neither, it seemed, for she threw the covers back and slipped from the bed. Donning her dressing gown and slippers, she took a candle and left her apartment, making her way quietly to the cabinet at the end of the corridor.

It wasn’t really a cabinet. Once she was inside, she found the lever that released the false back which was actually a door leading to another, identical cabinet.

Now, which chamber was his? She’d seen every inch of this club and if she had to guess which room Lucien would have given Max, she would say it would be the largest, which was situated in the back corner overlooking the garden.

Creeping as silently as possible, she slowly traipsed to the far corner. Then she stood outside the door and frowned.

Why was she hesitating?

Because she shouldn’t be here. He hadn’t invited her. Neither had she invited him the previous night, but he’d been in her apartment anyway.

She’d ask him about his meeting with Prudence. Yes, that was an excellent reason for coming to see him well past midnight.

Before she could stop herself, she knocked. A moment later, the door opened, and Max pulled her inside.

“I knew it was you.”

“That’s a relief. I can’t imagine who else you’d be expecting at this hour.”

“I should think that would be obvious.” His brow arched. “A courtesan.”

She wanted to argue, but she knew that occasionally, certain gentlemen—friends of Lucien’s—had assignations on this floor. She was not in favor of it since the Phoenix Club was not that kind of establishment.

Narrowing her eyes, she took in his dressing gown and the exposed flesh at his neck. “Did someone offer to arrange that for you?”

“No. Should they have?”

“I would hope not, but I don’t have a say in all that goes on here.” She set her candle down on a table situated against the wall. Pivoting toward him, she clasped her hands in front of her and flexed her arms briefly. Anxiously. “I came to, ah, ask you how your meeting with Prudence went.”

“I was hoping I might see you. I wish the men’s club wasn’t only open to women on Tuesdays.” He gestured to the seating area that dominated the small antechamber.

Ada avoided looking toward the door to the bedroom as she perched on the settee. “Perhaps you should stay another day so you can experience that. It’s my favorite night of the week, actually.”

He sat down beside her—closer than he had when they’d shared a settee in the library at Stonehill, but not close enough for her to touch him. It was both a blessing and a curse. “I had the same thought. That would also allow me to see Lady Peterborough. I plan to send her a note tomorrow requesting an interview.”

“I’m surprised you want to see her.”

“Prudence suggested it, but I’d already been considering doing so. I have questions.” He frowned into the distance.

“Then you should see her. It sounds like you’re having a most productive trip.”

“I suppose I am. I like Prudence, but then I expected to since she is your close friend. I think we will get on well, actually.”

Ada beamed at him. “I’m so happy. For both of you.” She couldn’t wait to talk to Prudence about it. Hopefully, she’d be able to see her tomorrow.

“Thank you.” He looked at her with a solemn gravity that tempered her joy, but not in a bad way. She could see how much this meant to him. “You’ve moved me in ways I thought impossible.”

Oh dear. He was being irresistible again. But then, she didn’t think she could see him any other way. She was absolutely in love with him, and if she didn’t run now, she would be caught in the web. If she wasn’t already.

She jumped to her feet. “I’m glad to hear things are going so well.” She forced a yawn, putting her hand in front of her mouth. “Now, I must get to bed. I’ve an early morning, and we have an exciting evening tomorrow.” How was she going to manage that? Strolling the dim, romantic walks at Vauxhall with a man who made her heart practically burst from her chest? Not to mention the way he made her body thrum with desire. As it was doing at that precise moment.

He stood. “You’re leaving?”

“I think I must,” she whispered.

“Probably.” He sounded resigned. “Would you stay if I promised we would just sleep?”

She wanted to. So badly. She also wanted to return the favor he’d shown her last night.

But no, she could exhibit restraint. She’d already determined that she’d learned from her past mistakes, and she would demonstrate that she wouldn’t repeat them.

“I’ll have to leave very early,” she said.

His eyes lit with warmth. “Just like Stonehill.”

Except that last night. “Let us sleep, then,” she said firmly. “Sleep.”

A few minutes later, she climbed into his bed, making sure to keep at least a foot between them. Sleep, however, did not come easily.