“I’m not unhappy. Just confused. I’m worried for your life, and I don’t like keeping the truth from my brothers about what it is you’re doing. There are parts of you I admire—your compassion for the children. And more parts I don’t understand—parts I think you’ve locked away. And now you’re leaving.”
“I’ll be back.” The words were a low, husky promise. “Maybe you’ll miss me while I’m gone.” His hand slid down her arm until his fingers were laced with hers, and he leaned to press a soft kiss to her mouth.
When he pulled back, she stared at him helplessly. Her lips tingled. She heard his low chuckle before he turned away to lock the cottage, and it drove her to a decision.
Once, in jest, she had promised he’d find love, and a Chase promise was never given lightly. She would bring back to life what another woman had killed; she would make him believe in love once again.
Accomplishing that while avoiding his bed was not going to be easy.
But then, worthwhile things rarely were.
Twenty-Six
TRICK EASEDthrough the bedchamber door and closed it quietly behind him. He carried the candle to the bedside and set it on the table by Kendra’s head, where it would illuminate her face.
She looked angelic in sleep, her long, dark lashes feathery against her sun-pinked cheeks, her bright hair tumbled on the pillow, glistening in the candlelight. When he bent and kissed her on the forehead, a faint smile curved her lips, then faded away.
Something softened in his gut. She was more compassionate and forthright than he’d expected, this new wife of his. And distressed. Responsibility for that fell squarely on his shoulders, sparking his guilt along with tender feelings he’d long since learned to suppress. But he had much to hide, and good reasons for doing so. At least for now.
As soon as the job for King Charles was completed…
He felt so close to uncovering the truth. Were it not for this summons from his mother, he would soon have this behind him. Maybe, without secrets between them, he and Kendra could begin to establish some sort of trust.
But first things first. He undressed swiftly, checking off the list in his head to make sure he’d taken care of everything before he left for Scotland, a journey that might take a month or more, up and back with time spent there.
Letters of instruction to the various people who ran the estate—done.
A purse of gold for Compton to see delivered to Mrs. Jackson at Caldwell Manor—done.
A note to King Charles explaining the delay of his mission—done.
While his staff had been scurrying about, readying to leave—because a duke, no matter his personal preferences, didn’t travel unattended—he’d checked a dozen tasks or more off his private list. Everything, in fact, but the one he’d have found most pleasant…teasing his bride into willing submission.
From all evidence, Kendra had been busy as well. Goods for tomorrow’s party were stacked neatly against one wall. A pile of colorful folded fabrics would make unique togas and doubtless thrill the wee wearers. Small baskets overflowed with sweets and treats that would make the recipients think they had died and gone to heaven. Or Olympia, in this case.
How clever his new wife was.
He blew out the candle and crawled into bed, cuddling against her sleep-heavy form. Slipping an arm about her waist, he pulled her closer, inhaling the faint lavender scent of her freshly bathed skin. Flickering light from the fireplace danced over her face and brought out golden glints in her dark-red hair. Brushing soft curls from her face, he leaned up to kiss her cheek.
She shifted, emitting a tiny moan that brought a smile to his lips.
He kissed her ear.
She stretched beside him like a contented cat, with a low-pitched purr to match.
What time was it? Three in the morning? Four? No matter, he wouldn’t waste these last hours with her by sleeping. He rolled her over and kissed her full on the lips.
“Mmm,” she breathed into his mouth. Her arms entwined around his neck, and her lips opened beneath his. He swept his tongue inside. Lord, she tasted so sweet.
He nibbled her lower lip, feeling her truly awaken. Her breathing changed, and her mouth answered his, making his pulse speed, the blood rush faster through his veins. He’d never had a woman affect him so, not even…
Nay, he wouldn’t think about her. After all these years, whatever had brought her to mind? She was long out of his life, and Kendra was here instead.
Sweet Kendra, writhing beneath him now. She was the only woman he wanted. He moved to caress her breast through the pristine white night rail she wore—then stopped cold.
He was man enough to be patient, and he’d been patient so far. He’d ruin everything by moving too soon.
Her eyes fluttered open, a question in their fathomless depths. She reached a hesitant finger to touch his bottom lip, the sensation as light as a whisper.
