He leaned closer. “How you taste.”
Before she could process his words, his lips were pressed to hers. She stiffened against the unexpected kiss not at all sure what to do.
Caleb wrapped one hand around her neck, pulling her closer, angling her head.
She relaxed under his tutelage, allowing herself to enjoy the gentle pressure of his lips against hers. She’d reveled in his kiss when he’d found his way into her bed and desired more of the same. The way he had used his tongue to probe her mouth and caressed her with his large hands had set her blood on fire. Yes, she wanted this—wanted him. Emboldened she drew on the memories of their first encounter—her first kiss—and parted her lips inviting him to delve further.
He met her desire with his own, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. He rubbed the nape of her neck adding another delectable sensation to the ones already coursing through her.
She moaned against his mouth, her body weakening as she gave herself over completely.
As suddenly as he’d brought his lips to hers, he pulled away. She looked at him wide eyed. “Why did you stop?”
He moved to the opposite side of the carriage. “If we continue, I will want all of you. I’ll wager you are sore from our previous coupling and I have no wish to cause you further discomfort.”
A pang of regret went through her. She swallowed hard, not at all sure how to respond. After a few heartbeats she opened her mouth to confess. “We did—”
“Let us not discuss the topic just now.” He reached into a pocket in the carriage door and retrieved a book. “Would you care to read aloud?”
She accepted it, opened to the marked page and began reading. Perhaps it was best to keep her mouth busy and mind distracted.
CHAPTER 4
Jane settled into Kerry house, seamlessly. The Jacobean mansion stood proudly with its triple story balcony’s along South Audley Street in Mayfair. Much to her pleasure the residence was situated near Henry and Claudia’s and not far from the Duchess Abernathy’s. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, well appointed as one would expect a Marquess’s home to be. Adding to her general pleasure, his staff was pleasant and willing to take direction from her as though she’d always been lady of the house.
Caleb had been generous and attentive as well. Upon their arrival in London he introduced her to his servants then gave her a tour of the mansion and property before leaving her to settle into her own rooms. Upon entering her new chambers she paused, taken aback by the dark color scheme.
“Oh.” She looked around from the crimson drapes to the deep red bed coverings and plush velvet chair of the same shade, most all of them accented with gold trim or tassels. She swallowed back her revulsion. “It seems someone is rather fond of the shade red.”
Caleb had the good sense to look remiss while Jane refused to speak of the obvious reason for the distasteful color scheme. These rooms had surely been frequented by his mistress. Her stomach churned at the realization and she wondered if he would continue to keep said lady bird, or be a faithful husband to her.
“Had I known I would be returning with a wife, I would have had the rooms redecorated.” He stepped beside her and placed a hand on the small of her back. “You have leave to redecorate any rooms in the house that displease you.”
Jane had no wish to upend his beautiful home and had told him as much, however, her suite of rooms was a different story. She would never be comfortable in the chambers surrounded by reminders of his rakehell ways and the women who came before her.
She had spent that first night in a tastefully turned out guest room—alone. The next morning Caleb arranged for her to choose new paper for the walls, carpets, furniture, and linens along with other fixtures and trappings for the rooms. By luncheon, workers were transforming the chamber to her liking.
Two days had passed and they’d managed to fall into a playful coexistence. They took their meals together and Caleb spent time with her in the afternoons. They had gone riding in Hyde Park, enjoyed ices at Gunter’s, and strolled through his personal gardens. In the evenings they broke their fast together, before enjoying music or literature in the parlor.
She had begun to think he never would, an idea that pained her for as much as she wished to avoid his vexation at discovering her deception she also desperately wished for a family of her own and a true marriage.
Jane strolled into the receiving parlor where Caleb lounged on a settee near a large stained glass window. One of his long, muscular legs was propped over the knee of the other, a leather-bound book rested in his hands. She took a moment to appreciate the sight of him. Tall and lean, well muscled with chiseled features and gold wavy hair. He was a magnificent sight to behold. It was no wonder he’d garnered such a reputation. She imagined every woman who came into contact with him melted beneath his touch. She certainly had.
How could she ever compete with his stable of skilled lady-birds? Her chest tightened, tears threatening.
All her life she’d been ridiculed and told how unattractive she was. Her coloring was to dark by far, her figure too curvy to be fashionable, and her stature much too short. On more than one occasion she had been told that she could not afford to be picky when choosing a husband and would be best served to set her sights low.
There would be no Duke’s, Marquess’, or even Earl’s in her future. She would be lucky to wed a baron according to her own mama. Well at least on that score they had all been mistaken.
A small victory, but one nonetheless. It was too bad mama had not lived to see her wed to a Marquess. She would have no doubt taken great pleasure in the match, despite having to eat a little crow.
Jane stepped farther into the parlor. “My lord.”
“Call me by my given name.” He said in a husky tone as he lowered the book.
“As you wish, Caleb.” She allowed a smile.
