“There is nothing to sort out. I said I would not go to Scotland, and I meant it. I am--”
“Obviously capable of getting yourself back to London, I know. However, like I told you before, as long as we are under the same roof, you are my responsibility. I will not have you riding alone for the better part of a day on dangerous roads with no protection.”
“Then you will have to escort me back yourself.” She batted her lashes as she gazed at him, certain he would see reason.
“It would cost me at least a day’s travel to see you back to London, and I cannot afford it. As it is, Glasgow is at least seven days’ ride--”
“You want me to travel with you for seven days? It cannot be done. My uncle has booked me passage to America. I have to board a ship in less than a fortnight. Release me.” She shoved his chest with renewed vigor.
“I will procure a chaperone in Leeds to see you safely back to London. You will arrive in time to board your ship.”
“Being alone with you in such a way, traveling for days, it isn’t proper. If you care nothing for my plans, you could at least worry about my reputation.”
A wicked grin spread across his lips before he rolled off of her; his laughter filling the air between them.
Amelia sat up and scowled at him before reaching out and slapping him on the arm. “You have no cause to laugh at me.”
He pinned her beneath his stare. “If you gave a damn about your reputation, we would not be sitting here in a most improper way. Now my dear, let us gather some food and mount our horses. We have a long day ahead of us.”
“I did not agree to accompany you.” She shrugged her shoulder, knowing she had already lost the battle.
“Must we continue on with this nonsense?” He stood up and dusted off his breeches before reaching out a hand to help her up. “It is evident that you do not have a choice, furthermore you have put yourself in this position. I am a duke, and at the moment, charged with your protection. Now I beg of you, stop being such a minx and come along.”
She nodded her head in silent defeat before placing her hand in his. He tugged her up and she came to rest against his hard body. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her. She looked up at him but made no attempt to step out of his embrace.
He brought his mouth down on hers, their lips molded together. Firm and deep, the kiss made her legs tremble as passion threatened to engulf her. Mercy how was she to safely travel with him when one kiss undid her? He ran his tongue along her lips sending a delicious longing to her core. She threaded her fingers through his hair as all thoughts fled from her mind.
He pulled his mouth away from hers and took a step back. “My apologies, I promise not to kiss you again. That is, unless you ask me to.” He walked back into the house, leaving her standing alone and breathless in the morning sun.
She watched him until he disappeared, then crumpled back onto the dew-soaked ground. His words rang in her head as she tried to make sense of her situation.Until I ask him to? What does that mean? Does he want to kiss me? Marry me? Satisfy my longing? Do I want him to?The turmoil in her mind threatened to overwhelm her. She inhaled copious amounts of fresh country air as she searched for her bearings. The answers to her ponderings would have to be figured out, but not today. Maybe tomorrow--there was always tomorrow.
She rubbed her hands over her warm cheeks, stood up and smoothed her skirts before walking into the house. There was a journey to prepare for.
* * * *
Most of the day was spent riding in companionable silence. Ever-so-often Amelia would sneak a look at the duke, but she rarely spoke to him. They stopped but twice to rest the horses and have a bit of nourishment for themselves. Richard had told her he planned to ride a full fifty miles before they stopped at an inn for the night. Her back throbbed from the exertion, and she could feel Ruby starting to strain as the sun touched the horizon on its nightly descent.
She angled her head to look at the duke. “My horse is tired. How much farther is it to the inn?”
He glanced at her, then seemed to consider Ruby for a moment before answering, “It is just past the bend.”
He returned his attention to the road. “How is your wrist?”
“It is well, thank you.”
True to his word, they drew rein at a small stone inn just past the bend. The establishment had a quaint appearance, with a lush green lawn and two tall willow trees adorning the drive. Well cared for flowerbeds were strategically scattered about. She noticed a promenade wrapping around the backside as well as a couple of benches situated among the landscaping.
“It will be best if we claim to be married. No one here is likely to know us, and we can avoid unwanted attention with the ruse. Furthermore I will be better able to protect you if we are in the same room.”
She blinked back her initial shock. “You want me to share a room with you?”
“Indeed, I do. Of course, you can have the bed, and I will sleep on the floor.”
Amelia swallowed hard as she attempted to find her words. When none came, she simply nodded her head.
“Here come the stable hands. Act naturally.” His words came out in a whisper.
“I, I--”
