Chapter Fifteen

Caleb couldn’t believe the relief he felt when the still, cloaked figure moved again and strode purposefully toward the house.

He immediately moved to the library, knowing it would be more comfortable for her, sensing that she’d admire the room. She seemed the sort to enjoy a book.

And tonight, he’d find out if his guesses about his siren were correct. For as much as he wanted to bed her, he intended for tonight to be about more than that.

Sending word to the kitchens that he’d be requiring a tray for two in the library, another thing that would surely baffle the staff, he entered the library, took a seat in one of the overstuffed chairs by the cavernous fireplace, and listened avidly for footsteps.

After an interminable time, he heard them, and he rose to his feet just as Havers entered, the siren at his heels.

He didn’t need to see her face to know it was her.

She was the only one welcome in his home this evening.

He dismissed Havers with a nod then turned his attention to her.

She lowered the hood of the cloak then smiled tentatively at him, but it was enough to make him feel like he’d been warmed by the sun.

If anyone could hear the romantic nonsense his mind spouted when she was around…

“You came,” he said by way of greeting.

“I did,” she answered simply. “In truth, I was rather afraid that you’d invited me to one of your – ah – soirees,” she continued, her cheeks flushing. “I wouldn’t – that is to say, I shouldn’t like to, to engage in –“

Watching her struggle to explain herself awoke that odd protectiveness inside him and with it, a healthy dose of shame for the life he led.

“Siren, the only person I want around tonight is you. And the only one I want seeing you like that is me.”

Her cheeks flushed a deeper red.

He loved that he could make her blush.

“Thank you,” she said shyly, as though selfishly keeping her to himself was some sort of favour. “I know that you are used to much more ah – adventurous evenings.”

There was that shame again.

He didn’t like the feeling any more than he liked the idea of her at one of those adventurous evenings she spoke of.

In fact, the idea of her in his ballroom surrounded by the men who frequented his parties made him feel ill and viscously jealous.

“I have no interest in anyone or anything outside of you, sweetheart. I find my taste for risqué parties has dissipated rather dramatically in the last few days.”

Her eyes widened, the silver depths reminding him of a full, summer moon.

He wanted to see her in the moonlight. In the open air. Just the two of them.

And he determined right there and then to make it happen.

Deciding it was high time to give her a proper greeting, Caleb prowled forward and wordlessly removed the cloak from her slim shoulders.

Her dress was different to the one from the night before but equally drab, and he was reminded of his desire to see her in satins and precious jewels.

Ugly though the garment might be, however, he knew what lay beneath. And her clothing had never been able to disguise her beauty.

He reached out and smoothed his knuckles along her heated cheek before cupping the nape of her neck and pulling her toward him, lowering his head and kissing her in a way that left no doubt about his happiness that it was just the two of them.

He felt her immediate capitulation and rejoiced in it. The fire between them roared to life immediately and inevitably.

He was a base enough creature to delight in her passions belonging to him and him alone.

Before he could get good and carried away, a subtle knock sounded on the door, and he reluctantly pulled away, smugly enjoying her dazed look when she opened those incredible eyes.

He moved her toward the chair he’d been occupying before calling for the maid to enter, knowing that she wouldn’t want his servants to see her face.

Dismissing the young girl, he carried the tray to the table between the armchairs himself.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, while he poured them both a glass of claret and handed one over.

She frowned at the tray before moving her gaze up to his.

“My lord,” she started but stopped when he raised a brow. “Caleb,” she began again, reaching out and taking the glass. “What is all of this? I thought that you, well, that we –“

He probably shouldn’t find her stuttering as endearing as he did, but Caleb couldn’t help it.

“You thought I’d ravish you the second you walked in the door?” he supplied helpfully, as he took the chair across from hers. “Believe me, I was tempted. But I want us to talk. I thought we could have supper and get to know each other properly before all the ravishing.”

She blushed fiercely, as he’d known she would, but didn’t look displeased by the idea.

“What would you like to know?” she asked as he uncovered a simple repast of meat pies, cheeses, and breads. Cook had even supplied his favourite blackberry pie.

“Your name?” he asked hopefully.

She sighed and placed her untouched wine on the table.

“No,” she answered. “Not my name.”

Caleb felt a twinge of disappointment but shook it off.

He would find out who she was eventually. Even if it took him months. In fact, the longer it took the better, as far as he was concerned.

In the back of his mind, he was questioning his own behaviours.

Months? Did he expect or even want to still be seeing her months from now?

Yes.

The answer came to him, swift and unwavering. He knew, without being able to put his finger on why he knew, that he would still want her as much months from now as he did this evening. Possibly years from now.

He stopped those thoughts in their tracks.

Deciding not to push the issue, he filled a plate for her and handed it over.

“Very well,” he conceded. “Not your name. Yet.”

She opened her mouth, no doubt to argue, but Caleb ploughed on without giving her the chance.

“You came in here the other night after a charge of yours. You’re a governess, then.”

It wasn’t a question, but she would know what he was asking.

He wondered if she’d trust him enough to open up to him.

Last night she had, but Caleb knew from experience that physical intimacy was a lot easier than the emotional kind.

She stared at him wide-eyed for an age before sighing.

“Why do you want to know?” she asked bluntly.

“I don’t know,” he answered, equally bluntly. “I want to know you. As much of you as you’re willing to share.”

“Is that how these things usually go?”

He quirked his lips.

“What things?” he asked.

“Well, your – your assignations.”

Caleb couldn’t say why irritation flared at her question. Not with her. With himself. Because the truth was that, no, he’d never particularly bothered getting to know the women in his life beyond a surface sort of acquaintance. And he hated her knowing that about him.

“No, Siren. This is different.”

“Why?” she asked frankly.

Good bloody question Caleb thought.

“Because you’re different,” he answered, simply and honestly.

She sipped on her wine, her eyes turned toward the fire, and he wondered if she’d answer him or if she’d just leave. Maybe all she’d wanted was a sexual liaison, no strings attached. He’d spent most of his adult life wanting the same thing, so he could hardly judge her if that were the case.

It would hurt like the devil though. That much he knew. He just didn’t know why it would hurt him.

“I’m not used to this,” she suddenly said. “I have – very few people in my life with whom I converse about anything important.”

“How can that be?” he asked.

She smiled slightly. No doubt at the incredulity in his tone.

“I’ve lived in a very small world. Something a marquess will find strange, but there you have it.”

“Yet you are well educated. And no doubt you are Quality. But I haven’t seen you before. I wouldn’t forget a face like yours.”

“I hardly think we would have moved in the same circles, my lord, given yours would be like something out of The Inferno.”

Caleb laughed aloud at her sarcastic remark, marvelling at her sharp mind. He’d never been kept on his toes by a woman before, by anyone really. And he was surprised by how much he was enjoying the experience.

They talked a while longer, eating, and drinking wine. He watched as she visibly relaxed before him, watched her smiles come more readily, her laugh sound more frequently.

Though she was careful not to give away her name or tell him for whom she worked, she gave away far more of herself than she meant to, he was willing to bet.

Whatever or whomever had caused her world to be small, it had resulted in a lack of trust in people, and men specifically. If he were to guess, he would say titled men in particular.

And it was a crying shame. She deserved a life filled with love. Not secret, sinful assignations with a man like him. A blackguard, who didn’t deserve her smiles but wanted them nonetheless.

Perhaps more surprising than her openness was Caleb’s own. He found himself telling her about his mother, a woman whose name he rarely spoke in this house. He always felt vaguely uncomfortable, not wanting to sully his mother’s name by having it bandied about this Inferno, as his companion had so eloquently put it.

But he wanted to talk about his mother with her. He wanted to talk about the good things in his life. It was only when they were talking that he realised he didn’t have very many good things to discuss. And he wanted to.

The longcase clock in the corner of the library struck the hour, interrupting a comfortable lull in their conversation, and Caleb was shocked to see how much time had passed.

All day he’d been anticipating bedding her. Yet, he’d sat here for hours just getting to know her.

She looked toward the clock, too, and her eyes widened. She hadn’t noticed the passing of the time either then.

“I hadn’t realised the time,” she mumbled. “I really must take my leave.”

Caleb stiffened as disappointment lanced through him.

“You can’t stay a little longer? I confess, I’m enjoying our conversation more than I expected to.”

He watched as some internal battle took place within her. He could tell from her ever-changing expression.

Finally, she squared her shoulders, and he just knew she was about to say something blunt again.

“So, that’s all you wanted this evening then? Conversation?”

Well, she certainly didn’t disappoint!

Was it his imagination, or did she sound disappointed by that?

Caleb allowed his gaze to roam over her, feeling the now familiar stirrings of lust.

“Did I say that?” he drawled. “I want a hell of a lot more than conversation, Siren.”

He reached across to grab her hand and pull her into his lap.

“Maybe we’ve talked enough for now.”