But his persistence had paid off, for LordAlabasterGregory had been arrested the moment they returned to London. Relief had swept through Hunter as the vile creature had been carted away.
At long last it was over and he was finally home.
As the footmen took his trunk away, the fine hairs on the back of his neck rose, right before he heard the gasp. He slowly turned to see a vision in a white nightdress and robe, frozenmid-way onthe stairs. His throat went dry, for his little vixen had matured quiteadmirablyduring his absence.He could see her feminine outline quite clearly, and the red hair that had haunted his dreams since he’d leftwas even lovelier than he remembered.
But even though he’d paid a great deal of money to keep her safe while he was away, that didn’t give him the right to assume authority over her now, even if his body mightdemandotherwisein spite ofthe changes that time and maturity had wrought.
He bowed slightly. “Miss Welton.”
Instead of offering the same solemn greeting, she surprised him by rushing down the rest of the stairs and launching herself into his arms. “I’m glad you’re back,” she whispered against his chest. “I missed you.”
Hunter hesitatedbuta moment before he put one arm around her, the other one cradling the back of her head. He closed his eyes at the soft, warm feel of her body pressed up against him. He’d yearned for this almost as much as his own country.
Although his time in India had been a rather enlightening experience, he had yearned for things that only England could provide, like Yorkshire pudding and stag hunts—and this woman. Even though he had known Miss Welton a brief time before he’d left her, she had made a lasting impression on him. He had seen her smile in every woman’s face, her blue eyes in every wave of the ocean, and her hair flowing in the breeze in every crowded street he’d traversed.It was her letters that had kept him afloat during the most trying of times.
She pulled back to lift on her tiptoes and kiss him lightly on the lips. It was a simple, yet modest welcome, but one that caused Hunter’s blood to rush through his veins and his cock to throb with anticipation. However, he forced his urges aside and gently set her away from him.
“That is the best homecoming a man could have, but I fear wewillhave totalkat lengthin the morning. I need a bath, some food,and a good night’s rest.”
He thought he saw disappointment cross her features, and yet, shepasted on a smile. “I’ll see that it’s taken care of right away.”
She rushed off and Hunter couldn’t help butchuckleat the simple sight of her bare feet.Theseventeen-year-old girl he’d purchased all those years ago was still present and that was enough of a reminder to erase the amusement from his face and climb the stairs with a heavy trod. He’d vowed to never treat her as ill as his sister had been treated at the hands of Lord Gregory. A woman was to be cherished and adored, not treated as though she was put on this earth merely to slake a man’s lust.
He walked through the door of his chamber where the footmen were already filling up the copper tub. He removed his jacket and tossed it over the side of a chair, allowing his waistcoat and cravat to follow. He stared at the discarded items and realized that he would have to employ a valet again. However, after years of fending for himself, it was odd to have servants wait on him once more.
But apparently his return in the middle of the night had aroused everyone, for not only did a maid bring in a silver tray, but the butler followed her with a deep, respectful bow. “Your Grace. It’s good to have you back in residence after such a long absence.”
“Thank you, Matthews.”
He gestured to Persephone who had just entered. “You will be glad to know that Miss Welton took good care of things while you were gone. She also has a particular head for business that increased some of your holdings.”
His gaze took in her proud, beaming grin. “I never had a doubt. I knew she was remarkable the moment we first met.”
After all the servants took their leave, Hunter was left alone with his mistress. He lifted a brow at her. “Was there something you needed?”
“No.” She walked forward slowly. “I just thought you might need help washing your…” Her lashed fluttered. “Back.”
Bloody hell.This woman was going to make him lose his mind the first night he was home. “I can manage, thank you,” he returned evenly.
He turned away, hoping that would be the end of it.
“Idon’t mean to be a pest, but after all this time, Ifeel as if I owe you…somethingforall you’ve done for me.”
Hunter hung his head and reluctantly turned back to face her. She looked so unsure and lost in that moment that he couldn’t help but walk over to her and lay his hands gently on her shoulders. “Everything I’ve done for you was a gift freely given. There were no strings attached, only a simple bargain.”
She visibly swallowed. “And I have done as you asked.” Her blue eyes were wide and direct. “I am still chaste.”
Heaven help me.He reached up and lightly caressed her cheek. “Then you have fulfilled your part. You don’t have to lay with me to feel as though payment is required upon my return.”
Silence, then, “But what if I want you to take me to your bed?” she whispered. She reached out and put her hand on his chest, directly over his pounding heart. “You’re my savior, the man who saved me from a dark fate at the hands ofsomeoneyou claim was acruelmonster. I’ve been alone for so long, anticipating your return where we might find joy in each other’s arms. Will you deny me that single pleasure?”
Hunter closed his eyes against theinvitingvision in front of him. She would easilytemptthe restraint of a monk, but he must not give in. He would not become a vile man like Lord Gregory. For the past five years he’d survived by taking himself in hand and he would continue to be celibate, no matter how enticing Miss Welton might be.
He shook his head. “Please, don’t ask this of me. I have made a vow to myself to abstain from sexual acts. I’ve seen the path that others have taken in order to satisfy their lust,and I will not be a slave to my own desires. I will not treat you like a rutting animal.”
She shook her head.“Iknowyou, Hunter. I have lived vicariously through your letters. Each one was as important to me as the air I breathe. Through the years, I’ve come to know the man behind those enchanting words. You would never treat me with such disrespect.”
He shoved a hand through his hair and spun away from her. “You will not change my mind. Ishallstand firm.”
