Page 8 of A Duchess to Reclaim (The Devil’s Masquerade #2)

CHAPTER EIGHT

“A melia, I’m so sorry,” Theo said, opening her arms to Amelia.

“You’re sorry?” Amelia’s voice trembled, “No, darling, I’m sorry. This was all handled so poorly.”

As the two of them embraced, Ophelia and Rose came around behind them, all four of them moving into a group hug.

“Tristan told me what he’d heard of us,” Theo explained, pulling away. “I really was careless in my behavior.”

“Come,” Amelia urged, leading them all to the table in the sunroom, “Let us sit and talk. Figure a way out of this awful mess.”

Dominic’s London house was vastly different from the Ellsworth estate. Like the other grand houses on the street, it was made of sand-hued stone and the light-colored painted walls inside caught all of the light through the windows.

It appeared warmer than the one in Ellsworth, but when she’d first stepped into it, her body already tense with anxiety, she felt nothing but cold pretense. It was a ruse; a way to make all the other members of ton think that Dominic was just like them. Already she wanted to venture back into the dark space of the vast monetary-like home she’d grown to love over the past year.

“First things first,” Amelia said, reaching for Theo’s hand. “How is your mother?”

Theo’s eyes grew red as her chin wobbled.

“She grows worse by the day. I missed much by escaping to Ellsworth with you. She rarely recognizes me any more.”

“What have the physicians have to say?” Rose asked.

Theo’s brows furrowed.

“Physicians,” she scoffed, folding her arms. “More like torturers. They suggest the most cruel treatments. None I suspect will actually help my mother get better.”

Amelia watched as a shiver ran down her friend’s spine, and she wished more than anything she could take the worry away. No wonder she came to me so often, she thought.

“Tristan says Dominic is looking for a better physician.” Theo said.

Amelia’s brows flew up in surprise.

“He is?” She asked.

Theo nodded.

“One he’d met on his travels within this last year, according to Tristan. It will take him some time to get here. Apparently he runs a facility in Italy. He should be here in a couple of months. If my mother is still alive by then.”

Amelia paused. She’d never known Dominic to be so kind. Not that she knew him much at all. And the parts of him that he did show her- well. They were nothing short of confusing. Saving her. Abandoning her. Growling at her. And then that kiss…that kiss so passionate that it had swept everything away from her but that aching need that had done nothing but build up in her body for the last year.

She told herself that it was because she was getting older. That, after reading romance novels for so long, her mind was yearning for what she fantasized. Part of her though…part of her felt that it was more than that. And she didn’t know whether to be curious or terrified.

Her husband was a handsome man, there was no denying it. But he’d made his disinterest in her known from the beginning. He’d done her a favor. That was all. Still, the longing to be kissed by him had been plaguing her the last two days; making it hard to even look at him.

Feeling her mood darken again, Amelia mentally shoved away her thoughts, and chose to speak of something else.

“Dominic has advised we host a party at the end of this week,” she said, picking up her cup of tea. “To alert society that he has returned.”

“Yes, we all received invitations,” Ophelia said, smiling with excitement.

“The entire ton is abuzz with it,” Rose added. “I heard people talking when I was out shopping with Mother. The Duke of Ellsworth rarely invites people into his home, so absolutely everyone is coming.”

“We can help,” Theo replied eagerly. “I could use the distraction.”

“Oh, yes, let us help,” Rose added, clapping her hands.

“I would love that,” Amelia agreed, “Dominic stated he would have certain demands for the party, but has not given them to me yet. As soon as he does though we can get started.”

“He’d better hurry,” Ophelia laughed. “It is only four days away now. How fast does he expect you to move?”

Amelia smirked.

“I know very little about my husband, but one thing I do know is that once a command is given, it is expected to be obeyed with haste.”

While Amelia laughed- though she didn’t know why, her friends gave her tense looks.

“How is it,” Theo asked gently, “Having him home?”

Amelia squirmed uncomfortably in her chair and shook her head.

“I do not wish to talk of such things,” she replied. “In fact I do not wish to talk anymore at all. Let us take a break from chatter and play a game.”

“Oh, but I only just arrived,” A lovely familiar voice rang from the sunroom door. “I want to hear all the chatter!”

Amelia and the others turned, and bright happy smiles sprung from their faces as they saw Seraphina.

“Seraphina!” They all sang in unison, rushing out of their chairs.

A chorus of giggles erupted from them as a smiling Seraphina opened her arms and embraced them tightly.

“Oh, my darling girls,” Seraphina gushed, “How I have missed you!”

“And we have missed you,” Amelia answered, followed quickly by the others.

“I am so sorry it has been so long,” Seraphina sighed as she looked lovingly to each of her friends. “I meant to come visit you in Ellsworth, but the babies needed me much.”

“Don’t ever apologize for taking care of your children,” Amelia replied quickly, leading her into the room.

After the childhood Seraphina had, she chose a different path than most noble ladies when it came to raising her children. Instead of hiring nannies and a wet nurse, she had taken over the care of her children herself; no doubt showering them with the love and attention she’d never received from her own mother, Mary.

“How are Percy and Persephone?” Amelia asked.

At the gathering they had all had a good row about whether or not Seraphina would have a boy or a girl; then God played the ultimate card and gave her both.

“Beautiful. Wonderful,” Seraphina sighed happily, “And tiring.”

She erupted into giggles and the rest of them joined her.

“They are under the care of their Aunt Leah this week while I join Hugo here in the city.”

Her smiled dipped a little and she squirmed slightly in her seat.

“I must say though, being back does not exactly fill me with excitement. Not that I am not beyond thrilled to see you ladies, but I am already ready to go home.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Amelia sighed.

Seraphina looked at her with her kind blue eyes and reached out to keep Amelia’s cheek.

“You and I will speak later of our married lives,” she promised, her eyes searching Amelia’s face.

“For now though, I can see that a game is certainly warranted.”

Relief poured through Amelia, appreciating so much that her friends could read her so well.

“Come,” Seraphina said, clapping her hands together. “What shall we play?”

“And what shall we drink?” Ophelia giggled, getting up.

Amelia tensed as her friends all cheered in agreement.

“I don’t know,” she said slowly, “Perhaps I shouldn’t. Being back in London, I feel as if I should keep my wits about me.”

“Oh, pish-posh,” Seraphina teased. “You are with your friends! There is no need for wits with us. Wine, I think. At least to start. Then some fantastic punch my cook makes. My maid knows the recipe, she shall deliver it downstairs.”

“Oh, yes,” Ophelia replied willingly, looking at Amelia with wide, pleading eyes.

“Come, darling, the rest of the week will be so tense. Have a bit of fun with us before it starts, hmmm?”

Amelia looked around at the warm, loving faces of her friends, all silently egging her on to have some enjoyment; and she couldn’t help but break into a smile.

“All right,” she conceded with a laugh, “But if you are choosing the drink then I am choosing the game. And I want to play Blind Man’s Bluff.”

A chorus of cheers and happy claps rose from Amelia’s friends, and she called for Eve to bring them all wine.

* * *

“Welcome back, old boy,” Everett boomed, sliding his hand into Dominic’s.

Dominic smirked and raised a brow as his friend drew close; a cloud of whiskey-scented air along with him.

“Jesus, Everett, I see you’ve been keeping White’s in business while I’ve been away,” Dominic teased, giving his friend a playful shove.

Everett grinned from ear to ear as he fell back into his chair, nearly toppling over.

“Of course I have,” he boasted, “It is a responsibility. And I- hiccup- take my responsibilities very seriously.”

“Obviously,” Dominic chuckled, then turned to Hugo.

He smiled wide at his old friend, amazed at the transformation he’d gone through. There was a smile- a genuine smile on his face, and there was a lightness to his air that had never been there before.

“Look at this big man,” Dominic boasted, clapping him on the back. “Tell me, how is it being a father?”

Hugo gave him a solid pat on the back in kind and waved an arm toward the empty chair at their usual table in White’s.

“Incredible,” he replied. “I’m so glad I took the time off to be with them and Seraphina. I swear the twins learn something new everyday. It’s astounding to watch them in their discovery of the world.”

“I’m happy to hear it old friend,” Dominic replied, and meant it.

Hugo’s past had been filled with nothing but darkness before he’d met Seraphina. The man had denied having feelings for her even after they were married, but Dominic had known otherwise. Not just from his little spies, but from the small changes that had taken over Hugo’s behavior. He was beyond relieved that with Seraphina’s help and love, his friend had stepped out of the darkened torment of the past and into the light of a bright future.

“I received word from that physician friend of yours,” Tristan muttered to his side.

“Your intervention is most appreciated, old friend.”

“Think nothing of it,” Dominic murmured back, and meant it.

Tristan was the most sentimental of their group, and though he’d been able to spare some feelings for his friend before, Dominic had no interest in doing so again tonight.

Dominic glanced around the full, darkened room at the clusters of men surrounding them. He spotted three of his spies. Felix, Parker, and Billy, disguised as waiters, and gave them all a subtle nod. They nodded back, and he knew that they’d have information for him by the morning. He had to gather as much as he could to stay ahead of the rumors.

“So you abandoned your lovely bride to go gallivanting around the world,” Everett slurred, pouring them fresh whiskeys, “How was it?”

“Jesus, Everett,” Tristan muttered, and Hugo rolled his eyes.

“It was exemplary,” Dominic replied, unfazed. “Much was accomplished. “How was drinking yourself into another bottle?”

Everett gave him a look of great offense and pressed his hand flat to his chest.

“I beg your deepest pardon, Your Grace, but that is not all I have done,” he answered dramatically.

Dominic, Tristan, and Hugo all looked at him with a raised brow.

“I have also kept the beds warm for many young ladies,” he went on, smiling wide. “It is a full time responsibility. And as I said earlier, I take my responsibilities very seriously.”

The three of them chuckled and shook their heads.

“I take it your steward is still handling most of the affairs of your title?” Dominic mused.

“Why not?” Everett said with a shrug, “He does such a good job.”

“You will have to grow up at some point,” Hugo noted.

“Aye, that may be true,” Everett said with a nod, “But today is not that day. Enough about me, you’re souring my drinking. Tell us about your trip, Dominic. Don’t spare the details. Don’t forget that I have invested in your abilities.”

“Here, here,” Hugo agreed, “How is our money doing?”

While Hugo’s ability to take money and turn it into more money was well known, it was Dominic who held the true talent. Hugo had once gained his investors by menace and skill. But Dominic chose a different path. Information could be turned into wealth when whispered into the right ears.

“You’re going to have a new buyer for cotton by your next harvest, Hugo,” Dominic replied, “You’ll want to expand your crops next year. Our new friend in Versailles was made aware of some unsavory business dealings with the Duke of Awsbury and no longer wants to do business with him.”

“How much expansion?” Hugo asked with anticipation.

“Double your planting,” Dominic replied, and Hugo clapped his hands and snapped his fingers with excitement.

“What about me?” Tristan asked, suddenly sounding more sober than before.

Dominic reached into his inner breast pocket and pulled out a folded stack of papers.

“You now own your favorite whiskey brewery in Dublin. I’ve already spoken to the owner of White’s, to Ezra, and a few other places in town. You’ll be their new distributor from now on,” he explained, handing Everett the deed.

“Bloody hell you are good,” Everett praised, his eyes wide with wonder as he accepted the paperwork.

“Yes I know,” Dominic arrogantly agreed, grinning, “Which is why a percentage of your sales will go to me.”

“Right, right,” Everett said hastily, clearly not caring about the cut.

Dominic loved this part of his work. Making the dots connect; cutting the strings of other connections that got in his way. It was ruthless and questionably moral, but he reveled in it.

He finished his drink, then got up.

“You’re not leaving!” Everett exclaimed. “You just got here!”

“Indeed I am,” Dominic replied, smirking.

He’d came to be spotted by the others. Now that Everett’s loud welcome had got him noticed and he’d handed his friends their information, it was time to go. He knew that the real gossip began after a person left, and that his little spies would fast at work gathering up the rumors.

“I should go too, honestly,” Hugo said, rising with him.

“Indeed,” Tristan agreed. “Theo has had enough time with her friends today, it is time I gather her up and take her home.”

“I believe they are with my wife,” Dominic stated, “You can come with me to collect them.”

“You’re all leaving me?” Everett asked, looking up at them with disdain.

“Surely there’s a wench’s bed mourning your absence,” Dominic scoffed.

“True,” Everett muttered, rising as well. “Will I see you before your party on Saturday?”

“Doubtful,” Dominic replied, “Now that I am back I have several things to put into motion.”

“Busy, busy, busy,” Everett tsked.

“Don’t worry, old chap,” Hugo teased, clapping him on the back. “One day you’ll grow up too.”

“Heaven forbid,” Everett muttered, and they all chuckled as they left.

* * *

“I hear you breathing,” Amelia called out, smiling wide.

A hiccup sounded to her left, followed by a cacophony of giggles. Blindfolded and arms outstretched, Amelia followed the sound. Without her sight the world blurred more than usual, and she stumbled, nearly falling over.

“Careful, darling!” One of her friends laughed.

The wine was good. But the punch, Amelia thought, might have been a mistake. Though it was delicious going down, the effects of it were slamming into her. Hard.

She rose to her feet, swaying a little, and took another step forward.

Something brushed against her fingertips and she jumped at it, but found purchase on nothing but a curtain.

More giggles erupted, followed by nearby gasp.

“Am I close?” Amelia called out, stretching her hands out again.

“Ummm…” Someone said.

She took another step, feeling a warmth before her.

“Um, Amelia-” one started to say, followed quickly by a severe “shhh!”

“I am getting close,” Amelia crowed, grinning. “I’m tired of being the blind man. Would one of you just stand still and let me catch you?”

No one answered, and she took another step toward the warmth.

“I’m going to catch you,” she laughed, and sprung forward.

Her hands collided with a hard, broad chest; the shape of which none of her friends bore. A moment later large hands gripped at her elbows, holding her in place. She tried to pull away, frowning, and stepped over her own feet.

“What in heaven’s-”

Her blindfold was suddenly pulled off and she squeezed her eyes against the brightness of the lights. When she opened them again, she gasped and blushed as she saw Dominic.

The barest look of amusement was shining through his otherwise hardened gaze, a dark brow raised as he looked down at her.

“Having fun?” He asked, his tone condescending.

She furrowed her brows and wrenched her arms from his hold; stumbling as she took a step back.

“I was,” she retorted. “What are you doing here?”

“I live here, darling,” Dominic replied, his tone coated in sarcasm as he said the last word.

Amelia took a look around, and blushed once more as she saw that he had not come alone. Hugo had arrived as well, his arms laced lovingly around Seraphina’s waist, and Tristan was standing beside Theo.

“You ladies have been having some fun I see,” Hugo chuckled, running the tip of his nose up Seraphina’s neck. “You had their cook make the punch.

She giggled in his arms and leaned further into her husband’s embrace; sending a shot of envy deep through Amelia as she watched the obvious outpour of affection.

“It really is the most wonderful concoction,” Seraphina giggled.

“I can see that,” Dominic said, his eyes still fixed on Amelia.

“How drunk are you ladies?” Tristan asked, looking curiously from his sister to Ophelia, to Rose. Even he had a slight grin on his face- a vast change from the deep frown he’d worn the last time Amelia had seen him.

“Oh,” Ophelia sang, plopping rather unladylike into the nearby seat cushions, “Just a few cups in.”

“Or bottles,” Seraphina muttered, and the others erupted into a fit of giggles.

Though a moment ago Amelia would have joined them in their laughter, she now stood silent; feeling strangely sober despite having ample to drink.

“Let us see you home,” Tristan sighed, helping Rose up.

“We have our carriage waiting outside,” Ophelia stated, looking at him with offense. “We are fine.”

Tristan bristled at her.

“All the same, we shall accompany you. Won’t we, Hugo?” He said after a moment.

“Indeed,” Hugo agreed, beckoning toward Rose.

“Rose, you’ll come with us. Ophelia you go with Tristan and Theo.”

“Oh, but we were playing,” Seraphina pouted, turning in her husband’s arms so she could look at him.

“And you shall play again,” he answered warmly, moving his hands up to cup her cheeks.

Amelia watched through her peripherals as her friend was kissed passionately by her husband; apparent love shining from their both.

“Will you play with me when we get home?” Seraphina slurred, and Hugo immediately chuckled.

“Without a doubt,” he answered, a sensual tone lacing his voice.

“Ugh, enough you two,” Tristan pleaded, followed by Theo and Ophelia making sounds of kissing; making it apparent that they were all really quite drunk.

Again that vile feeling of envy slithered through Amelia, and she turned away from the scene.

“Go on, let them take you home,” she said with a commanding air. “We shall see each other tomorrow.”

They all said their goodbyes, hiccuping and giggling as they did so, and the four women allowed Tristan and Hugo to lead them outside.

“Looks like being back in London isn’t so bad,” Dominic mused once they were alone.

“That’s because I haven’t been forced into society yet,” Amelia grumbled; her jubilant feelings now long gone.

She finally turned her back to him, meaning to put some space between them, but Dominic followed close behind.

“And don’t you dare judge me,” she slurred slightly, moving to pick up her half-empty cup of punch. “You smell of whiskey.”

“I’m not,” Dominic stated, grinning as he held his hands up. It only served to annoy her even more.

She stared at him as she brought her cup to her lips and took a deep swallow.

“Go away.”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because we have matters to discuss.”

Dominic closed the space between them, plucked the cup from her hands and, with his eyes still on her, downed the rest of its contents.

“Mmm,” he hummed, his tongue darting out to lap at his bottom lip. “That is quite good. And strong. No wonder you’re so knackered.”

Amelia felt her cheeks fuse with heat as she glared at him. She hated the way he’d licked his bottom lip. It reminded her of how he’d teased hers and how it presently made her entire body spark with need.

“I am not!” She protested, and Dominic chuckled.

“I am perfectly fine,” she insisted. “Go on. Discuss your matters.”

She pushed out a hand as a gesture for him to speak, but the act made the world spin again. Dominic must have noticed because he caught her waist before she could even stumble, and pulled her into his lap; taking a seat by the table. For a moment she thought of fighting him, but it felt too good, too comfortable in his embrace to break away from it.

Steadying her with one hand, he pulled a pamphlet of papers from his breast pocket with the other, and placed them on the table.

“Instructions for the party we are throwing this Saturday,” he explained, tapping them with two fingers. “I want everything to be precise. Can you do it?”

“Did I not take care of everything while you were gone?” She answered.

Surprise shone in Dominic’s eyes, but he grinned wickedly.

“Everything but your own reputation,” he retorted. “Which I must now save.”

“Well, aren’t you the hero,” Amelia scoffed, rolling her eyes.

Dominic’s hand was around her throat in a second, causing another burst of that annoying heat to soak through her skin and clear into her bones.

“Careful,” his deep voice warned.

Exhilaration coursed through Amelia’s veins. There was a whisper of threat in his tone. And instead of being afraid of it- she wanted to play with it.

“Or what?” She whispered, pushing her throat further into his hold. “You’ll punish me with another weak kiss?”

White flames erupted in Dominic’s eyes as a growled escaped his chest. The primal sound against her ears made her entire body grow weak and she suddenly lost some of her fight.

“Weak?” He seethed.

Arousal beat down on her, so intense she couldn’t speak so she only nodded.

Don’t stop, she silently begged, Please don’t stop. She hated herself then. Hated how much the man that so clearly didn’t want anything to do with her was driving her body wild. Shame curled up through her growing need. Why. Why hadn’t he wanted to at least try to be with her? Did he pity her that much?

“Let’s see who the weak one is, Amelia,” Dominic replied, his voice dipping into a sensually deep tone.

His words pulled her from her darkening thoughts, and she gasped as the hand around her throat tightened and brought her lips to his. His kiss was rough, demanding. He ravaged her mouth with his teeth and tongue, coaxing her into absolute submission. He nipped, making her gasp, then would kiss so long and languidly that she’d moan and whimper. Then more pain would erupt; either on her lips her tongue, springing tears to her eyes, then he’d her again soothe with his lips until the pain was forgotten.

Dominic sank further into the chair, letting his thickly muscled legs splay wide before he shifted her until she was straddling his lap. His hand let loose of her throat then, only to reach down between them and move the bunched up skirts of her gown away from them.

He then caught the back of her hair with a firm grip, and still kissing her demanded, “ride.”

Lost in his kiss Amelia blindly obeyed, letting her hips began to writhe back and forth against the already thick, rigid outline of his manhood. She moaned deeply at the sensation, stars bursting behind her eyes as a pleasure she’d never found lay open for her to discover.

She’d attempted to touch herself in the past. After reading certain passages in her books it had left her hot and uncomfortable; and she was aware she had a certain spot between her legs that was supposed to be able to release such discomfort. She had never found it though, and would only end up more frustrated after such experiments.

This, Dominic’s hard, pulsing length gliding over her soaked center, was exactly how what she’d tried to make herself feel. It was what she had been missing, and now that she had it, she worked at him with fervor.

“Keep your mouth on mine,” he commanded, his tone thick and vicious when she suddenly threw her head back and moaned.

Again she obeyed immediately, too caught in the fervor, and he hungrily attacked her lips again as he wrapped a hand around the back of her neck.

So intent on the pleasure spreading through her parted legs, Amelia didn’t notice the sound of ripping fabric as Dominic tore her dress from neck to navel. It wasn’t until she felt the scrape of his fingertips against her taut nipples that she realized she had been made bare, and she whimpered against his mouth in a slight protest.

“Don’t stop,” Dominic rasped against her lips, seizing her left nipple in a painful pinch. “You’re not there yet.”

His wicked words only served to heighten her pleasure, and Amelia felt herself let go completely. She undulated her hips against his, pressed her breast further into the palm of his hand. Her breath grew into short, even, needy gasps as she brought herself closer, closer to that great abyss where she somehow just knew a pool of pleasure awaited her fall.

And then…

“Stop.”

Amelia ignored it, so close to her release that her entire body was shivering, and she thrust her hips again.

Her sex didn’t find its usual purchase, though, as a vice-like grip came down on both her hips and she was pulled backward. Dominic’s lips were next to be torn away, and as quickly as she had been swept into his lap, she suddenly trembling on her own two feet; swaying from the intensity. She forced open her eyes; staring at him with utter indignation.

Dominic’s silver eyes were were so dilated that they were practically black as he peered up at her from his seat; hunger and his own need apparent on his handsome face.

Amelia drew in a ragged breath; the world coming crashing down on her all at once. She glanced down, saw the ruined state her dress was left in, and slowly brought her trembling arms up to cover herself. In a flash Dominic was on his feet; his height looming over her as he grabbed her wrists and forced them down.

“You will learn not to goad me, Amelia,” he rasped; his own need still apparent despite his dangerous tone.

She tried to speak, but her words- her thoughts, seemed to refuse to form.

He took a shuddering breath, his lips so close that she thought he was going to kiss her again.

“I may have a likeness for you,” he whispered against her lips, “But don’t ever believe I am weak. Not even for you.”

He released her then, the absence of his presence so intense that she swayed again, and left her standing in her ruined dress in the sunroom.