Secrets Vol 2 Read online

  "I am quite well, thank you."

  "You cannot travel without sustenance. Cook said you returned your tray untouched."

  A slight smile touched her lips, making the lower one fuller, more luscious. Justin stared at the tiny dimple by her mouth.

  "I am not in the habit of taking salt in my tea," she said, her voice mild.

  "Salt?" His brow furrowed, then cleared. "Hellfire. Your pardon, Miss Wilder. Your next tray will be properly prepared." He strode to the wall and pulled the bell cord. When a servant came to the door, he directed, "Tell Cook to send up a fresh tray for Miss Wilder. I shall inspect the tray myself."

  The servant paled and fled.

  24 Bonnie Hamre

  She thanked him with a dignified nod of her head. "Once I have my breakfast, I shall leave."

  "No." The wind gusting around the corners of the great house gave Justin his excuse. He strode to the window and yanked the velvet drapes open. "Do you see?"

  Obediently, she leaned forward. He noted the gap at her neckline and stared. His cock swelled in response to the downy cleft between her breasts. He forced himself to look away and gestured at the window.

  Snow fell heavily and steadily as though it would never stop. Ice-encrusted panes obscured the view to the snow-covered gardens. The cold swept off the window in waves. His breath condensed on the pane, damp mist screening the colder air outside. He shivered and drew the curtains together.

  "The storm is worse." He returned to warm his hands at the fire. "It is foolhardy to take the child out again in this weather. You were fortunate last night, but you might not be again. Depend on it—you may be here for days, yet."

  "Oh, no! I must leave. Emmy—we are not safe..."

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  Chapter Four

  "Safe from what? From me?" he demanded harshly. He didn't like the way she raised her hand to her mouth, or the way her eyes widened as she stared at him over her fist.

  "You?" She dropped her hand. "Should I fear you?"

  If she knew what he was thinking, she'd run. Justin recalled how her hand had rested on his bare chest and tugged at his hair last night. Heat rose in him as if she stroked him again. She would do that before she left his house, he vowed. This time, she would be awake and aroused.

  "Give me your aunt's direction," he ordered after a moment. "I shall send word that you and the child are well."

  "You do not understand." She toyed with the embroidered edging of his fine linen sheets.

  He tore his gaze away from her long, slender fingers plucking at a loose thread. His body tightened at the thought of those cool fingers on his heated body. Would she welcome him, or curl up in maidenly fear and cower before his advances?

  Or would she perhaps be passionate, adept at pleasing a man? Would she keep him hard for hours, controlling his erection until he was wild for her? Would she take his sac between her fingers and caress his balls even as she took his rigid cock into her mouth? Painfully engorged, he visualized her shapely mouth on him and swallowed hard.

  What had she been saying? Oh, yes, something she claimed he wouldn't understand. "Explain it then. What frightens you?"

  26 Bonnie Hamre

  She stared at him for a long time, as if deciding what she could tell him. At last, she ventured, "My older sister was married to Colonel Sir—a soldier in Wellesley's army—"

  "Why do you not call Wellesley by his title?" Justin interrupted. "Surely you know he was elevated to the peerage? He is the first Duke of Wellington."

  She shrugged that off as unimportant. "My sister died several months ago. It was her last wish that I take Emmy to our aunt, to be raised and protected by her."

  "My condolences," he said automatically. "But why your aunt? Surely she is elderly?" When she nodded, Justin continued, raising the question that most concerned him. "I do not understand your role in this. Why do you not undertake the care of your niece yourself?"

  "I shall have the lion's share. As you noted, my aunt is in the autumn years,"

  "Why should the child's father not raise her? After all, if he is a knight, a member of Society—"

  She shuddered. "I see I must explain more fully. The tale is not pleasant."

  She looked up at him, then down at her hands. The fingers gripped the sheet so tightly that the knuckles shone white. Tempted to go to her, to offer comfort, he forced himself to stay where he was.

  "My sister's husband, my brother-in-law, is fully occupied with the army. He would have to leave Emmy in the care of his household staff."

  Justin saw nothing wrong in that. "Most children are raised by nannies and tutors. I was," he added when she made a deprecating face. "I don't believe I turned out so badly."

  Justin forced himself to stand still under her inspection. She studied his face, her gaze lingering on his eyes, his mouth, then dropped to his torso. He watched her take his measure, her gaze dropping to his legs, to his booted feet. When she looked up, he caught her gaze, searching her face for her reaction to him.

  Snowbound 27

  What he saw pleased him.

  A faint blush stained her cheeks before she dropped her gaze. She twiddled with the coverlet. She moistened her lips. "Be that as it may, my sister did not wish Emmy to be raised by servants. In addition, she wanted her to be in a more...loving home."

  Justin's gut tightened. "You are telling me that your brother-in-law abused your sister? You are afraid he will do the same to you?" Unexpected rage spilled through him at the prospect of anyone inflicting harm on Sarah.

  Her gaze shot upward. "I did not say so!"

  "Your actions speak for you. Why else would you risk a journey in this weather?" When she refused to answer, he bent to her. "Was the storm a more acceptable hazard than facing your brother-in-law—that nameless colonel?"

  "I cannot answer that."

  "You do not have to. Do not protect that man."

  "I protect only Emmy," she cried. "You must understand that. I will not allow him to take her from me. From my aunt."

  Justin heard her impassioned tone. He did not stop to consider his abrupt about-face. Admiration for her determination and bravery pulsed ' through him. "You set yourself quite a task. Your niece is how old?"

  "Four months."

  "Just so. Four months and you propose to shield her from her father for how many years?"

  Her mouth firmed. "Until Emmy reaches her majority, if need be. That man shall have no chance to mistreat her."

  Justin smiled, the one he used before issuing a challenge. The one stalwart men backed away from. "You will give me his name." His voice was even, as icy as the climate. "I shall see that he does not harm anyone again."

  "That is very kind of you, Mr. Stowe, but Emmy and I cannot allow you to do any more than you already have."

  "Not kindness."

  28 Bonnie Hamre

  Her gaze flicked to his, questioning him. "As soon as the weather clears, Emmy and I must be on our way."

  "And where exactly is it that you go?"

  She hesitated. "St. Albans, or close by."

  So she didn't want him to know her exact destination. Very curious. The mystery she presented him was almost as compelling as the alluring sight of her slim, supple body in his wide, comfortable bed. Or as relentless as his desire, made more urgent by her interest in him.

  Justin rose and paced before the fire. "Does your brother-in-law, this 'soldier' you refuse to name," he asked with contempt, "know where you are?"

  "How could he?" she answered reasonably. "Even I do not know where I am."

  He smiled at that. "Is he in the country?"

  She inclined her head. "I believe so. He requested compassionate leave from the Peninsula."

  "Hmm." Justin thought. "So he's with the army in Spain. He will be returning there?"

  Sarah lifted a shoulder. "I do not believe he would want to resign his commission, not after he distinguished himself at Ciudad Rodrigo "

  "Even a bully must have his moments."
Justin narrowed his eyes as a plan unfurled in his mind. "Does he know by which route you travel?'

  "He must. There cannot be very many roads from his house to my aunt's residence."

  "We are a sufficient distance away." He pulled up a chair and sat.

  Leaning forward, elbows on his knees, he held her gaze with his. It

  pleased him that she returned it with a steady intelligence. "The

  soldier does not know that you and your niece were in an accident.

  All he can find out is that you have not yet arrived at your aunt's

  home. Do you agree?"

  "Well, yes, that certainly appears to be logical."

  "Then, since you have no prior connection with me, with this house, how could he know to look for you here?"

  Snowbound 29

  Her eyes widened. "You suggest that Emmy and I remain here?" She dropped her gaze under his satisfied look. "He could make inquiries along the way. Maybe someone in the village could tell him about the wet nurse." .

  "I should be delighted if he did appear on my doorstep."

  She blinked at his harsh tone. "But you just said—"

  "Whatever happens, Miss Wilder, you will be safe here." He paused, distracted again, this time by the sight of her small, pink tongue as she moistened her bottom lip. He could imagine any number of better uses for it. He closed his eyes, shutting out the vision of that tongue on his bare flesh. Heat raced through his veins; his groin tightened. He glanced down at his trouser buttons, certain they'd pop from the strain.

  After a moment, he managed to continue. "I shall notify your aunt that you and the child are well and enjoin her to secrecy."

  "But if you can send a message to my aunt, why can Emmy and I not depart?"

  Because I want you here. "Miss Wilder. A man on horseback can ride through places a carriage cannot. Even to St. Albans, or close by." He watched the color stain her cheeks as he stressed her inexact destination. "A man can slog through snow drifts that would stop a woman and child. Think of your niece, Miss Wilder," he coaxed. "Think of Emmy."

  Her mouth pursed. "That is the first time you have called her by name, Mr. Stowe."

  "Is it?" He reflected. "Perhaps it is because I have now assumed protection of you and her that—"

  "A moment, sir! I have not agreed to this plan of yours."

  "Why the hell not?" He stopped abruptly at her shocked expression. "Your pardon, but why not?"

  "You are unaccustomed to having your wishes questioned, Mr. Stowe, but you have forgotten my sister's husband. When he does not find Emmy there, he will search for her." She worried at her bottom lip.

  30 Bonnie Hamre

  "My aunt may not be able to withstand his methods of questioning."

  Justin frowned at the implication. "Your aunt has no male servants?"

  "None younger than she."

  "Very well. I shall send some of my more robust footmen. They

  will safeguard your aunt as necessary."

  She swallowed. "Why are you doing this, sir?"

  "You may consider it part of the hospitality of my home."

  "You are too modest, sir. I see that my gratitude discomfits you."

  Her small, knowing smile singed his backbone. "Say no more, I pray you."

  "There is still one more thing. Are you married, Mr. Stowe?"

  He recoiled and forced down the knot in his windpipe. "No." His tone was adamant, a warning to her. "I am a bachelor, Miss Wilder. Content to stay that way."

  "Oh, dear." She chewed on her lip. "Then I cannot remain in your house."

  Justin tore his attention away from the Up he wished to nibble. "Why the devil not?"

  SNOWBOUND 31

  Chapter Five

  She flashed him a puzzled look. "Surely you comprehend the reasons."

  "We face a quandary." Justin cleared his throat. "My household at the moment is entirely male. Oh," he exclaimed with some relief. "I forgot the wet nurse. There is another female in the house. You see, the proprieties are satisfied."

  "It is not as I would wish." Her soft, pensive voice almost brought him to his knees. He studied the tilt of her head, the considering look in her eyes, the way she nibbled at her bottom lip. The neckline of his nightshirt had slipped, revealing the delicate curve of her collar bone. He stared. Under his gaze, her nipples pushed against the fabric. He clenched his fingers together.

  "Still..." Blushing faintly, she looked away. "Perhaps, just this once, we could allow the realities of the situation to overcome the niceties. For Emmy's sake, of course," she added hastily.

  Justin swallowed hard. "For Emmy's sake," he managed. His heart thumped in his chest.

  A knock at the door interrupted his gratification. A footman entered with a tray, placed it over Sarah's knees and hastily departed as Justin glared at him.

  Sarah looked at the closing door. "You should not remain here, Mr. Stowe "

  "Are you frightened of me, after all?"

  She held his gaze with her own. He noted the pulse beating at her throat, the way her breathing quickened. Her eyes darkened.

  32 Bonnie Hamre

  She swallowed. For a moment, there was nothing but the connection between them. Justin's chest expanded as he fought for air.

  She moistened her lips. "No."

  Justin almost smiled as he examined the contents of her breakfast tray and poured chocolate into the single cup. "It appears to be edible."

  Her hands shook as she took a small sip, then licked a drop from the corner of her mouth. "Delectable."

  Justin longed to taste her, to explore the warm, sweet recesses, to curl his tongue around hers. He imagined the slick, soft texture, her unique flavor and felt heat race through his veins. Would she lick and suck his yard the same way, eagerly, avid for every last drop, every last sensation?

  He took a roll from her tray, buttered it and added a spoonful of blackberry preserves. He popped it in his mouth. She watched, that tiny dimple forming in her cheek, as he chewed and swallowed. The bread stuck in his throat when she tilted her head in question.

  He swallowed quickly. "Your pardon, Miss Wilder. I am hungry."

  "Then you had better go see to your own breakfast."

  He winced at the asperity in her tone. He gestured to her breakfast. "There is enough for two."

  He settled on the bed beside her and took another roll.

  His hip rested against her thigh. Her eyes widened. She edged away, but caught by the tray over her knees, could not move far, "Really, sir. I insist you leave."

  He studied her. Anyone looking on would not take her for a woman intent on his title. Seeing her en dishabille, still in bed, an onlooker would take them for lovers. They would be, he vowed. Soon,

  She touched her throat. "This is most improper, sir."

  "No doubt, but I suspect none of the gorgons at Almacks are hiding behind the curtains to peep out at us."

  Sarah looked disconcerted for only a moment. "I pay no attention to that sort of thing. It is enough that I know you are here."

  "But no one else does." Justin gave her his most engaging smile,

  SNOWBOUND 33

  expecting her to soften and smile back.

  She did neither. She handed him the tray and pointed at the door. "You are obviously more in need of this than I."

  He laughed and replaced it over her knees. His knuckles brushed her thighs. He felt her tense at his touch, her muscles stiffening and yet he swore he felt a tremor, the slightest fluttering of muscles held too long in check.

  He read her hesitancy, her unease, and yet, simmering in the depths of her eyes, he read curiosity. Her innocence lit her face with a delicate warmth.

  Cautioning himself to go slow, to do nothing to make her retreat, he deliberately slowed his motion, easing his fingers across the satin comforter covering her. The rasp of his fingers over the glossy fabric sounded loud in the sudden, tense silence between them. He heard her catch her breath.

  He lifted his gaze fr
om the tray, moving slowly, indolently up her bosom, lingering oh the sight of her nipples peaking under his study, then past the pulse at her neck, and her slightly parted lips to her eyes, wide open and fixed on his.

  This close, he saw the golden flecks in her brown eyes. Hints of spice hid in the warmth, as if waiting for the right man to find and reap their treasure. He responded immediately to the challenge.

  Her breathing quickened, tiny gasps that echoed the way her heartbeat made the nightshirt pulsate over her breasts. He flicked a glance at the small vee of ivory and pink skin exposed in the neckline of his nightshirt. At this distance, he noted the shadow between her breasts and saw the way the globes trembled as she breathed. He inhaled, drawing in her soft fragrance, then let his gaze rest on her lips.

  Rosy, luscious, the bottom lip slightly fuller than the top and quivering as she moistened it with the tip of her small pink tongue.

  He bent over the breakfast tray and finished the job for her. He touched her lip with the tip of his tongue, then eased it across her bottom lip. She gasped, stiffened, and shivered, but she didn't move

  34 Bonnie Hamre

  her head away. He pressed his lips to hers.

  Her lips were soft, more tender than a budding rose, and moist, as though dew-kissed. Under his, they grew warmer and tremulous.

  He withdrew only an instant, just long enough to slant his head the better to savor her mouth, but she whimpered at the loss. Immediately, he took her lips again, harder and more possessively this time. He rubbed his lips against hers, testing both her willingness and the texture of her lips.

  Both pleased him. He touched her lips with his tongue again, teasing and questing, until her mouth shyly parted and he felt for the first time the intimacy of her tongue. She tasted of heat, of sweet chocolate and the summer taste of blackberries.

  He all but groaned.

  Lifting the tray, he set it down on the floor beside the bed. He sat on the edge and took her face in both hands. "Sarah?" he murmured, just before he captured her mouth and cut off all speech.