Page 9 of A Simple Scandal (Millionaires of Mayfair #3)

Eight

I t took every ounce of Grace’s willpower not to react to Dane flirting with Athena. She forced herself to inhale deeply five times. That was usually enough to calm her thoughts, but every nerve seemed to be on edge tonight. Once she had Athena safely back with Marbury, she’d take a walk. She would clear her mind if she could be alone.

She forced her expression to stay pleasant. It was easy to infer that they enjoyed their dance together based on the many smiles and grins they shared. They made a striking couple. Everyone in the ballroom noticed them on the dance floor. Dane’s movements to the orchestra’s music resembled a premier ballet in Paris. Every step perfectly synchronized to the music.

Grace turned to Marbury before Athena reached his side. “My lord, I have an emergency I need to attend to.” It wasn’t a lie per se. He didn’t need to know that she was desperate for a quiet place where she could take a moment and lick her wounds, which begged the question of why she was upset. She had no hold on Dane. Her job was to help him and nothing more. “I shan’t be gone from the ballroom for over a quarter of an hour. Will you keep Lady Athena company? Perhaps you could ask her to dance.”

“Of course.” Marbury’s gaze never strayed from his ward, who was making her way to his side. He watched her like a hawk about to pounce on an unsuspecting rabbit. “It would be my honor to attend to Athena while you’re gone.”

Dane let go of Athena’s arm as soon as they had reached Marbury’s side. “Thank you for the lovely dance.” He bowed politely.

“I hope the future allows us to share another.” Athena dipped a deep curtsey.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Grace didn’t wait another minute as she turned and found the quickest exit to the ballroom.

A footman stood by the doorway. “My lady, may I offer you my assistance?”

Grace smiled politely, but it felt like having a tooth pulled. Or, at least, she imagined. If only she were alone, she wouldn’t have to play the Governess tonight. “Thank you, but I only need some air.”

He nodded. “If you walk to the long gallery, there’s an exit to a private terrace that overlooks the formal gardens. It’s quiet and cool.”

Grace nodded her appreciation and walked straight ahead. The din of the ballroom grew softer as she entered the long gallery. It was a large rectangular room that ran the length of the home. It was more like a library than a portrait gallery. Bookshelves lined the wall opposite the bank of windows. For the first time all night, the knot of tension in her neck relaxed. She rolled her head and took a deep breath.

Dane had hired her to find him a wife. Lady Athena Webster would make a perfect partner and duchess. Even still, it felt like she was stabbing herself in the chest every time she looked at them. It was childish and petty, but when she gazed upon them, she couldn’t help but think that she could have easily been Athena if only things had turned out differently.

It was no use crying over something that might have been. She had to look toward her future. This was her life now. She also had to accept that her earlier life had been built on a facade of untruths and illusions.

As she turned the latch to one of the French doors that led to the terrace, a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. “Come with me.”

She would recognize that deep voice as smooth as whiskey anywhere. “What are you doing?”

“Having a private conversation with you.” Dane opened a door to a small anteroom and then waved her inside.

As soon as she entered, he closed the door. The glow from the lanterns of the formal gardens and terrace bathed the small room in soft light, giving everything an ethereal glimmer. As she glanced around the room, it was apparent it was a game room with a gaming table and four chairs. A large clock shaped like a birdhouse hung from the ceiling. Pink and green striped wallpaper covered the walls. Struck by the feminine beauty in the room, she sighed softly. This was a haven for Lady St. Albers. Then and there, she would sketch the room when she returned home. Though she’d never be able to afford such a luxury, she could appreciate its beauty by drawing it and then painting it.

“That sounded like a sigh of pleasure.” Dane stood so close she could feel his warmth surround her. “I’m glad I have that effect on you.”

“That wasn’t about you. I like the room.” She clasped her hands in front of her.

He used his acting abilities and stumbled as he brought his hand to the middle of his chest. “You wound me, Grace.”

“Are all men’s self-esteem this fragile, or is it only yours?” she quipped.

He chuckled and stepped closer. He lifted his hand to stroke her cheek, then slowly lowered it. “I like your smile. It’s real and makes your beauty shine,” he said softly.

“Thank you,” she murmured as she turned to look out over the formal gardens.

“Where were you going?”

“I needed a bit of fresh air. Things were growing stagnant in the ballroom.” She didn’t add that her life was also growing stale.

“Are you happy, Grace?”

The deep timber of his voice vibrated in her chest. Would her body ever quit reacting to him? Probably not. The sooner she found him a wife, the better for all of them.

“Well, my happiness isn’t what’s important tonight. It’s yours. How did you find Lady Athena? Is she someone you might desire as your duchess?” She practically choked on her words, but she faced him. Her breath caught at the sight before her. The lantern’s light caressed one side of his face while the other was cast in shadows, much like her life. She always considered herself a happy person. She experienced joy in her days, but sorrow and worry were her constant companions during the long nights when hours felt like days.

Nor did those constant companions warm her bed.

He tilted his head as if she were a puzzle he was trying to solve. “She’s pleasant. But honestly, these young ladies remind me of children.”

“You’re not answering my question,” she pressed. “You hired me to help you, but I can’t if I don’t know what you want. These women, especially Lady Athena, are the most highly sought-after in society.”

“Hmm, these highly sought-after women are like sweets,” he murmured as he bent toward her and lowered his voice. “Boys prefer sweets. Men prefer something more substantial and succulent with a boldness that will stay with them long after the meal.”

“They’re not wine, Dane.”

He laughed, and she smiled in response.

“Here’s my answer.” He lifted his hand again and cupped her cheek. “I’m happy if you are. Your happiness is important to me.” He leaned near until the distance between them was a hair’s breadth. “Tell me what would make you happy.”

To keep from whispering you , she chewed on her lower lip. His gaze locked on her mouth. She swallowed hard as he lowered his lips to hers. She closed her eyes, waiting for his touch, waiting for his kiss, waiting for him. Hadn’t she been waiting for him her whole life?

When his lips barely touched hers, she shivered in anticipation. Without thinking, she clasped his evening coat and pulled him near.

His mouth trailed up her neck, kissing her gently, almost reverently, as if she were something precious. He trailed his lips across her cheek. Careful of the pearl drops she wore, he nipped the soft skin of her ears. “It pleases me that you still have the jewelry I gave you. I’d shower you with jewels if you let me.”

Without any shame, she pushed closer. Where she was soft, he was hard. His arms wrapped around her, and he held her tight. Her skin felt as if it were on fire. Her breasts were heavy, and her nipples yearned for his touch. The hard length of his erection prodded her stomach where she ached for him. All of him.

She sucked in a breath when he pulled her tighter. “Shall I continue? Tell me yes, Grace,” he begged softly. “Holding you in my arms like this is all I’ve thought about.”

“Yes.” It was the only word she could utter. When his mouth met hers, she wanted to weep. Little did he know, he was all she thought about as well. He deepened the kiss, and she moaned in pleasure. This is what she’d craved over the years. Him. And only him.

A knock sounded on the door. Instantly, Dane pushed Grace behind him, shielding her from whoever interrupted them. Stunned, she couldn’t think or act. But Dane reached for her hand and held it.

“Who is it?” he called out.

“Your Grace, pardon the interruption, but Lord Ravenscroft and Lord Trafford were looking for you. They asked me to find you so they could say goodbye.”

Grace’s heart pounded with such force that she thought it would break through her ribs.

“Only I would have bloody knaves as brothers-in-law.” Dane pulled her into his arms, and she buried her head into his chest. His embrace offered comfort and protection. “No harm has been done, Grace,” he whispered, then kissed the top of her head. He lifted his head and raised his voice, never letting go of her. “Tell them I’m busy. They can call on me tomorrow.”

“Very well, Your Grace. I’m sorry I interrupted you.”

“I’m sorry too,” he murmured. “It’s not every day that I have Grace Webster in my arms begging for my kisses.”

She pushed away from him and straightened her dress. “If memory serves me correctly, you were begging me.”

He winked like an utter and absolute rogue. “I’m not ashamed to say it either.” He shrugged and offered the telltale smirk that made him look like a boy who emptied the biscuit jar.

What was she thinking? She couldn’t be meeting Dane alone. She was supposed to be finding him a wife, not allowing him to kiss her senselessly. “You leave first. Then I’ll leave.”

“What are you going to do?” he asked.

The air still shimmered between them with the energy they’d created from the kiss. “I’ll say goodbye to Marbury and Athena, then I’ll have one of the footmen call for Theo.”

He flinched slightly. “You can’t. I sent Theo home. I thought you...could come home with me.”

“What?” she asked incredulously. “Have you forgotten all sense of propriety?”

He stared at the floor and rubbed the back of his neck as if seeking the answers to her questions in the rug beneath them.

“Even though it appears that way, I haven’t.” He raised his gaze to hers and smiled sheepishly. “You visit Ardeerton House alone, and there’s no scandal.”

“Society knows I’m friends with your family and aware of my position. Nothing is scandalous about visiting in broad daylight and arriving in my carriage.”

“But in my defense…”

This was beyond the pale even for him. He’d made a unilateral decision while deciding to do something scandalous without considering the ramifications. If anyone saw her leave with him, they would likely assume Dane and she were stealing away for an assignation or something equally outrageous.

“Grace.” He let out a long, painful sigh. “I merely wanted your company tonight.”

She wanted to laugh and cry simultaneously because the sad part was that deep down, she wanted that, too. But she had to think of her livelihood and desire for her future. She could not jeopardize that for Dane’s kisses, no matter how devastatingly sinful and seductive they were.

Even if she was desperate to be held by him once more before she let him go forever.

Dane stared out the carriage window, not noticing anything. It was a better view than facing a bewildered Honor and a livid Grace. Trafford sat beside him, shoulder to shoulder.

What an abysmal end to a surprising yet enjoyable evening. Somewhere along the way, Dane misplaced his sense of honor and decency. What was he thinking when he’d decided to take Grace home with him? His blasted cock thought it was in charge and not his rational mind, which seemed to have taken a holiday without giving proper notice. He didn’t realize that his solitude had become so dire that he’d made reckless and irrational decisions. Perhaps the footman he had fired for spreading gossip about him hadn’t exaggerated when he had divulged that Dane had been careless in business because he had been distracted. But it wasn’t true except for one caveat. He was distracted by Grace.

This was entirely unlike him. He’d always prided himself on making decisions based on logic, not emotion. But ever since Grace had come back into his life, he hadn’t been himself. After Pippa had moved out, he’d become worse. What was he thinking when he had asked Grace to help him find a wife?

He feared if he examined his reasons too closely, he’d discover something appalling. He couldn’t control himself around her. All he could think about was making love to her.

“Whoa,” the coachman called out as the carriage slowed to a halt.

As soon as the carriage door was open, Grace took her leave of Honor and Trafford and didn’t spare a glance his way. She took the footman’s hand and exited. Dane sat for a moment, paralyzed with inaction. At the sound of her voice thanking the footman, he stood and exited the carriage as well.

“Allow me to see you to the door,” he murmured as he took her arm.

“That won’t be necessary, Your Grace.” She tried to tug her arm free, but he held firm and leaned close.

“Show me some of your renowned grace and mercy before you rip my heart in two,” he whispered in her ear.

With a frown, she reached for the front door latch.

He stilled her hand. “Grace…” He maneuvered his body so no one could hear or see her.

“Good night, Pelham.” She kept her gaze glued to his chest. “Thank you for the escort.”

“You have my deepest apology and remorse,” he blurted out. “I behaved abominably.”

“I accept your apology.” She still wouldn’t look at him. “Don’t blame yourself exclusively. I was a willing partner.”

He tilted her chin until their gazes met. “I want to help you. For instance, about your dowry?—”

“Is none of your business.” Fire and fury flashed in her eyes.

“It seems I’m making a habit of offending you by asking about your dowry and asking you to come home with me.” He softened his voice with affection and offered her his biggest smile, hoping to defuse the situation between them. For the world, he didn’t want to upset her. But he had, and his chest ached with that knowledge. “Please let me help.”

“Let me make this perfectly and utterly clear. Firstly,” she said primly, just like a governess, as she held up one finger. “My dowry and inheritance are not your concern.”

He narrowed his eyes. Unfortunately, he would make it his business whether she wanted him involved or not. The overwhelming need to protect her wasn’t new to him. He’d always felt this way about her until that bloody day they met on the field. Afterward, he’d purposely kept his distance until Pippa invited Grace to Pelham Hall to help Honoria navigate London. Then, his need to protect roared back to life. Yet that instinct wasn’t anything like what he felt for his sisters; they were family.

But Grace? She was his.

“Secondly,”—she held up two fingers as she swallowed hard—“we both agreed our pasts stayed in our past.” Her voice wobbled on the end.

His chest swelled with hope and a bit of pride, just like any man would when he discovered that the woman he wanted and found undeniably attractive was affected by him.

She let out a breath as if her lecture was exhausting.

“Is that all?” he drawled as he winged an eyebrow.

“You arrogant man, no, it isn’t,” she hissed as she lifted three fingers. “Thirdly, we’re not courting.” She hmphed, emphasizing her point. “We’re not together.”

He couldn’t resist sending another volley her way. In the most dramatic fashion he could muster, he perused the area around her and the entry of her house. He looked behind him at the carriage. Honor and Trafford were nowhere in sight, and the coachman tended to the horses.

“Darling,” he murmured with a chuckle. “There’s no one else in the vicinity, so I surmise we’re together.” He leaned near. “And you are fully aware of that fact.”

“Dane,” she said with exasperation. “You employed me to find you a wife. You’ve gone out of your way to impede my efforts.” She bit her bottom lip, the same one he’d been sucking on at the soiree. “Why are you trying to make our working arrangement something different?”

He opened his mouth to respond, but no thought came to his rescue.

She glanced at her feet as she shook her head. “I don’t know if we can continue this way.” Gradually, she lifted her gaze to his. “I plan to reflect on tonight’s events, and you should also. We’ll see if we can find a path forward.”

“I shall, Grace. Is it naughty to say that I cannot wait to hear your thoughts…when we’re alone again?” He took her hand and brought it to his lips. “Good night, and dream of me.”

He descended the steps with a lightness that he hadn’t felt in years. At the bottom step, he turned around. “Grace?” He waited until she faced him. “Just so you understand me, I shall be dreaming of you.”

He didn’t wait for her reply so he could escape whatever barb she’d wing his way. As soon as he ascended the carriage steps and knocked on the roof, the carriage lurched forward.

“What was that about?” Honor said as she scooted closer to Trafford, who had his arm around her.

“Nothing. Merely a difference of opinion on how the night went,” he replied. “Trafford, are you interested in going to the club?”

His friend shook his head. “I’m interested in going home with my wife.”

Dane smiled slightly. Both of his friends preferred to spend their time with their wives. Who wouldn’t? His sisters were two of the most brilliant and vivacious women he knew.

He was intimately acquainted with another who was equally brilliant and vivacious.

Lady Grace Webster.

When his coach pulled up to Honor and Trafford’s home, he said good night and leaned back in the carriage as it returned to Ardeerton House. What exactly did Grace mean that he needed to reflect on what they were doing? He could reflect on a specific truth all night. He wasn’t the only one lost in their kiss. The way she moaned and pressed herself against him displayed the same type of hunger he experienced. He hadn’t felt this way about a woman since… her .

“For the love of heaven,” he murmured to himself. He bent forward and rested his head in his hands. Whatever this was, whether it be a headache or an epiphany or something else, he knew his life would never be the same.

And the reason was Grace Webster.

There was only one woman he wanted to spend time with.

There was only one woman he wanted to warm his bed.

The only one he wanted as his wife and his duchess.

The best way to convince her was to get her alone at Pelham Hall. She had always loved Amesbury. But how could he convince her to leave her charges in London?

The carriage halted in front of the door of Ardeerton House. His loyal butler, Ritson, was waiting for him to arrive home.

“Good evening, Your Grace.” Ritson bowed. “And how was the evening?”

“Enlightening,” Dane said as he gave his hat and clothes to the footman inside the door. “Will you have my valet come find me? We’re headed to Pelham Hall.”

“Oh?” Ritson’s eyebrows nearly touched the top of his head. “You’re not going to finish the Season here?”

“It won’t be necessary,” Dane said confidently. “Everything I need is in Amesbury.”

He only had to find a way to whisk Grace away from all the distractions of London.