Her heart veritably left her chest as Lord Shillington tumbled backwards, landing on his haunches. She turned to face the duke, her cheeks burning with fury. “I most certainly am not!”
Richard closed the distance between them before she had a chance to run away and took hold of her arms. “You are, and you very well know it.”
Amelia glared at him, all of her anger and disappointment threatening to overwhelm her as she searched for the appropriate words. When they did not come, she stomped on his foot. “Let go of me this instant. You have no right trying to lay claim to me after casting me aside.” When he released her, she moved to the opposite side of the fountain.
Lord Shillington regained his footing. “It seems the lady does not wish for your attention, Goldstone. Perhaps you should leave us.”
Her gaze never faltered from Richard’s handsome face as she battled the emotions sweeping through her. A stormy scowl sculpted his features as she watched. He moved with confidence, closing the gap between them while coming within reach of Lord Shillington.
She moved, positioning herself between the two lords, one hand rested firmly on Richard’s chest while her eyes meet Lord Shillington’s. “It is true that the duke is seriously misled in his assertions, but they are not entirely unfounded. I cannot accept your proposal.” She forced a gentle grin. “I am both flattered and grateful you tried to save me from my fate, but I must go to America.”
Lord Shillington looked at his feet before he glanced back at her. “I wish you’d reconsider, but as it stands, I have no choice other than to accept your decision.” He glared past her at Richard. “Shall I escort you back to the house, Lady Amelia?”
“That will not be necessary.”
“Surely it is not your desire to stay here with Goldstone.” The words seethed liked venom.
“You heard the lady, Shillington. Now see your way out before I am forced to help you.” Richard’s tone vibrated with danger.
“Lord Shillington, please excuse us. I must speak to the duke.”
His searing gaze met hers, and she nodded, praying he would leave before Richard brought harm upon his person.
“As you wish, Lady Amelia.” Lord Shillington shot another glare at Richard, then trudged down the path that led back to Abernathy House. Silence filled the air as she watched him go.
“Amelia.” Her name emanated from Richard’s mouth, causing her belly to flutter.
When she turned her head, she focused on his heated gaze, and her insides quivered. Dropping her hand from his warm, muscled chest she stepped back in an effort to collect her wits. She tore her gaze away and willed her anger back. “How dare you impose on me and throw around your will. You left me! Why are you here?” She curled her fingers into her palms.
He stepped forward and reached for her, but she sidestepped his advance. “Do not touch me. You have lost that privilege.”
He flinched, dropping his arms back to his sides. “Amelia, let me explain. I was angry--”
“The way you allowed me to explain, before you abandoned me and left me with Lord Shillington and his sister?”
He caught her off guard, wrapping her in his firm embrace and merging his lips with hers. His tender lips pressed to hers stole all of her resolve as she melted into him, hungrily taking what he offered.
Breaking the kiss, he stared into her eyes. “That is better. Now might I have a word?”
Amelia lifted her hand and brought it down across his chiseled cheek. “Nothing is better, do you hear me, nothing. Take your hands from me this--”
He smothered her words below another demanding kiss. This time, she fought the urge to abandon herself and pushed hard against his chest. He removed his mouth from hers, releasing her as he chuckled deeply, sensually.
She desperately tried to catch her breath while she fought the urge to toss herself back into his embrace.
“If you are ready to hear me out, I promise not to kiss you again.” He smirked seductively. “That is, until you ask me to.”
His final words caused her to laugh boisterously. It was not the first time she had heard them. She recovered herself, settling her gaze back on him. “That is something I shall never do.”
His irritating grin never faltered. “We will see about that.”
She leaned her hip on the fountain’s edge and took a deep breath bracing herself for his explanation. “I am listening. Speak your piece, and when you have finished, you can leave me to mine.”
He raked his fingers through his thick onyx hair before they came to rest at his side. “I arranged for Shillington to escort you back before we made love.”
“Oh, is that what we are calling it? Pray, do go on.” She arched one brow in partial amusement.
“I left because I was angry at myself for compromising you.” He stepped closer and rested one hand on the fountain next to her hip. “I barely made Leeds before posting a letter home and turning back toward London.” His gaze seemed to be searching her soul. “I have returned to make you my duchess. Marry me, Amelia.”
