That didn’t mean he couldn’t intervene now.
Jogging across the street, he caught up to the trio before they were able to disappear inside. Grasping Lexie’s other elbow, he said, “I’m terribly sorry I’m late, my dear, but London traffic and all that.”
The look of surprise on her face quickly melted into relief, and he could think of no other compliment that he could have received. Unfortunately, that sentiment was not reciprocated by the earl nor Lady Devonly, who both glared at him as if he were the interloper, rather than the two of them conspiring to keep him separated from Lexie. They would soon discover that he didn’t take defeat lightly.
He smoothly took the lead with Lexie, keeping her snugly against his side.
“How did you know we were going to be here?” she whispered as her chaperone and Lord Lindley fell slightly behind.
“I didn’t. It just happened to be a lucky coincidence.”
“A lucky one, indeed.” She sighed heavily. “I was hoping my aunt would desist with her insistence that I wed the earl but she will not be abated. This entire tea was staged for his benefit, I’m sure of it.”
This information did not set well with Dominic. “I wonder what benefit she would have to see you as the Countess of Lindley? I would think she would be ecstatic with the title of duchess instead.”
Lexie rolled her eyes. “She claims it’s your dark reputation. She doesn’t trust you.” Her gaze traveled up and down his chest. “Honestly, I can understand her hesitation.” She scrunched up her nose. “But that won’t stop me from pursuing you.”
He chuckled deeply at that. “I love how possessive you are of me.” He would have loved to continue their flirtatious banter, but he knew their solitary time was running short. They were already being shown to a table. “Can you meet me tonight?”
He could almost see the wheels turning in her mind. “That depends. Where?”
“Make your way to the mews behind your aunt’s house at midnight. I will arrange the rest.”
She lifted a brow. “A secret rendezvous. How delightful.”
Dominic knew she would be the death of him, but he still couldn’t seem to get enough of her. “I wish that were true, but there are things of import we need to discuss.”
She gave a mock sigh. “Pity. I was looking forward to being ruined.”
Dominic nearly groaned, stopping himself just in time. “You will come to regret those words someday,” he promised.
She gave a slight shiver, and he eagerly awaited that day more than ever. He could easily fantasize about all the ways he would have her begging his name, but he reluctantly pushed those details aside as he faced off with the earl and his faithful cohort. As he met the vehement glare of Lady Devonly, he could only wonder at the reason for her hostility toward him and the way she defended the earl’s cause. There had to be another reason other than Dominic’s reputation as the reluctance for her niece to marry him, especially now that her father had given his consent to the match.
He reminded himself that it wouldn’t matter how much she disapproved of their union, for once the banns were read, they were as good as joined in matrimony.
He looked at Lexie and a thought occurred to him. He hadn’t ever asked her to be his. It had just been assumed after the marquess had offered his blessing. She didn’t seem to mind that he hadn’t gone the romantic route of falling down on one knee and professing his undying devotion. But although he wasobsessed with having her in his bed and admired her fortitude, Dominic wasn’t sure that he would go so far as to say he was in love. That was a strong sentiment that he had never taken lightly because he knew that once those words were spoken, nothing would ever be the same.
And it wasn’t always a good thing.
Lexie had been dreadingthe tea after Lord Lindley’s arrival, but with the impromptu addition of Dominic, she quite enjoyed herself. Her aunt, however, was highly displeased and couldn’t keep her opinions to herself as they returned home.
“The nerve of that man to intrude in such a way!”
Although she knew she ought to placate her aunt, Lexie was annoyed by her aunt’s refusal to accept the duke when she had just promised her earlier that morning that she would say nothing further on the matter. Then again, that was likely because she knew the earl intended to meet them and she believed she might yet have her way. “He is my intended, Aunt Bonnie. If anything, the earl was the one who was encroaching.”
Her aunt’s mouth fell open. “He is the sole of propriety, unlike Cuthbert who has likely not known a day of modesty in all his years.” She shook her head. “A disgrace to the English nobility.”
Lexie held her tongue as her aunt continued to rant on about the wonderful qualities that Lord Lindley possessed and how evil the duke was in comparison. By the time they arrived at the townhouse, Lexie retired to her room under the guise of a megrim, but it wasn’t far from the truth. She wasn’t sure how much more of her aunt’s haughty demeanor she could withstand. Perhaps Dominic had some relation she might stay with while they waited to marry. Surely such a situation would be preferable to her current one.
At least she had that evening to look forward to. She waseager to see Dominic again already. It was as if she couldn’t get enough of him. He was quickly becoming as essential as the air that she breathed and the blood that ran through her veins.
And his fiery kisses…
Her stomach did a little flip, wondering if he would allow a brief tryst. She certainly approved.
The afternoon passed with devastating slowness, but after dinner, her aunt eventually retired for the evening and Lexie did as well. At least, that was what she had led the older woman to believe. Instead, she donned the same light blue gown she’d worn earlier that day, but instead of the pelisse, she opted for a dark cloak. Without a bonnet, she raised the hood to cover her light curls and quietly made her way down the servants’ stairs to the kitchens at the back of the house just as the clock in the foyer struck the midnight hour.
She ensured that she hid a key under a specific rock near the back door in case one of the servants was roused in the middle of the night. That way, if she was locked out for some reason she could get back inside.
