Rockwell took a step closer, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body. “And what if my dreams have changed?” he asked, his voice low and intense.
Farah’s heart raced. She wanted nothing more than to throw herself into his arms, to forget about Lucien and Courtney and the impending scandal. But she held herself back. “Have they?” she asked, searching his eyes. “Or are you just saying that because you see a rival for my affections?”
Rockwell reached out, cupping her face in his hand. She leaned into his touch, unable to help herself. “Farah,” he said, his voice rough with emotion, “you know if I thought I could make you happy, I’d suggest marriage immediately.”
Farah felt tears prick her eyes. “But your wanderlust—you said it was part of who you are. I don’t want you to resent me for tying you down.”
Rockwell’s thumb brushed her cheek, wiping away a tear that had escaped. “I could never resent you,” he said softly. “Yes, I love to travel, to explore. But the selfish part of me still wants you. And you’re right. I hate the idea of you being with any other man. And that’s not fair—to either of us.”
“I deserve a man who loves me above all else. Like Wolf loves Tiffany,” she whispered. Farah felt herself wavering, tornbetween the desire to give in to her feelings and the fear of getting hurt. “When you can give all of yourself to me, then I would consider marrying you. Not before.”
“You’re forgetting one thing,” he whispered as pulled her tight into his embrace. “You may have no choice. You might have to marry me.”
She closed her eyes and lay her head on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat. Oh, she had a choice. He didn’t know that she was financially secure. She didn’t need her brother’s money or his protection. Her adventure in Ireland had awakened the timid mouse. She’d even had the nerve to invite Mrs. Ahearn, a woman who’d been Rockwell’s mistress, to dinner while pretending to be his sister. She’d given in to passion with Rockwell and to hell with the consequences. She’d turned into a lioness who would fight for every piece of the life she wanted.
She sighed and said, “Then best we ensure Lucien and Courtney find each other again and don’t destroy us in the process.”
She gazed up at him. She drew in a sharp breath and stared at his sensual, inviting mouth. As if he could feel the sudden flare of awareness in her eyes, a low groan issued from deep in his chest and suddenly, Rockwell’s lips crashed onto hers. The possessiveness of the kiss almost destroyed her will to keep him away. Desire did not equal love. Could she make him love her?
His tongue swept into her mouth like a conquering hero, and she reveled in the taste of him. She’d missed him these past few days. Missed this connection that they undeniably had. She encouraged his ravishing and loved when his hand sought her breasts and pushed her gown down until they sprang free.
This time, it was her that moaned as his mouth left her lips to suckle one turgid nipple. Her head fell back, and he bent her over his arm to gain better access to her breasts. His thighslipped between her legs and he encouraged her to ride him. Soon she was panting with need, her climax so close…
Thankfully, Rockwell still had his head about him and heard the commotion below.
He drew back immediately and helped right her gown while she ran her hands over her hair. They barely had time to take a few calming breaths when the door crashed open and her brother stood in the doorway.
He saw Rockwell immediately…and the fact that they were unchaperoned. “What the hell is going on here?”
Chapter Seventeen
Rockwell kept hiscool while Farah unfortunately looked as guilty as sin. Her flushed face and the wisps of hair escaping in little tendrils sent a clear message that her brother was not slow in picking up on. “Blackstone, you’re home. I was told not to expect you so soon,” she said.
The duke stalked further into the room. His eyes bore into Rockwell’s, his fists clenched at his sides. “I repeat. Why are you here with my sister—alone?”
“I’m here at Lady Farah’s request. Since I found Lucien in Ireland, she wanted my opinion on how to ensure I helped her with Lucien at the ball she’s hosting in two days. What to expect from him and how best to protect him from the savages of theton,considering society knows he needs to marry, and he’s a widower with a young child. As you can imagine, he’s not too keen on stepping back into society, so Lady Farah sought my advice on how to announce him.”
That seemed to take the immediate wind out of Blackstone’s sails. “So, it’s true. You found him in Ireland. And he has amnesia?” The duke walked over and pressed a kiss to Farah’s cheek, ignoring Rockwell. “You should have waited for my return before volunteering to organize such a momentous ball.”
“I’m quite capable of organizing a ball, Blackstone. In fact, we’ve already made all the arrangements for the event. Lady Tiffany, Lady Courtney, and Lady Lauren have helped.”
His head turned away from where he was pouring himself a drink to gaze at her in surprise. It wasn’t often she answered back to her brother. “Perhaps we could relieve some of Lord Furoe’s pressure by using the ball to announce your engagement.”
“That won’t be happening. I have already declined Lord Franklin’s offer.”
Rockwell cleared his throat. “Do you mind if I pour myself a drink? I believe Lady Farah just needs to go over a few more details with me—”
“I think it’s time you left. My sister and I have things to discuss. I’m quite capable of advising her as to anything around Lord Furoe. How is he, by the way?”
Farah stepped forward as if about to speak, when Rockwell shook his head. How would she know how he was? He answered for her. “He is handling his return remarkably well, all things considered. Already he’s organized the creditors and been given some relief.”
“It’s a pity he married the Irish lass or else his engagement with Lady Courtney would still stand.”
They looked at each other. How had he heard so quickly?
Obviously, he knew what they were thinking. “I called on Wolf briefly and saw a little girl who was obviously Lucien’s child. Wolf told me of the situation. That Lucien had married in Ireland.”
Blackstone didn’t know the truth, and it was probably a good thing.
