Page 19 of For a Scandalous Wager (Breaking the Rules of the Beau Monde #3)

CHAPTER 18

A fter Evelyn left Rochester to see Winn, she was given a room where she cleaned up for her visit—a visit her father had thought she’d been on for a week. Rochester had not come to say goodbye, or more likely, Winn had not allowed it. But she put that aside to sit with her new sister-in-law, Adeline Markham, sharing a light dinner in Adeline’s boudoir.

“Addy, you’re radiant,” Evelyn exclaimed to her dearest friend, who would make her an aunt in the next month or so.

“I look as if I ate the whole goose,” Adeline said.

The mention of a goose made her long for a home that wasn’t even hers. She’d spent a week with Rochester, had grown comfortable in his home, and felt as if she belonged there. Certainly, she belonged to him even if he had refused to completely compromise her. Now, she wondered what had become of Rochester and Winn’s encounter.

What she did find when she arrived at her brother’s home was a note addressed to her from her father. Of course, he would assume she had been at Winn’s the whole time. The note alarmed her. It told of how her father looked forward to her returning home where she would meet her soon-to- be betrothed, that her future was looking bright, and that she should consider her trousseau. He even suggested Adeline’s help with some light planning.

“Winn tells me there may be a wedding soon.”

Completely distracted, Evelyn asked, “Whose?”

“Yours, silly. What is your baron like? Dashing? Handsome, I imagine.”

“I wouldn’t say he’s dashing. Handsome enough, I suppose, but not dashing.”

“Why do I have the feeling you aren’t agreeable to the match?” Addy watched her closely, skepticism written in the lines of her forehead and the grounding undertone of her voice. “Are you not excited?”

“Excited isn’t the word for how I feel,” she prevaricated. “I’m still stunned, and I’d rather talk about you.” With a spark in her voice, she squared her shoulders and folded her hands.

Adeline readjusted her seat, one hand on her growing belly and the other flat on the chair. She looked uncomfortable, and Evelyn knew she was further along than most expected.

“We shouldn’t be sitting in these hardwood chairs. Let me help you to bed or at least to the well-cushioned sofa.”

Addy pointed to the sofa as she grunted, lifting her hips off the chair first and looking as if she’d slide right out and onto the floor. Evelyn rushed to aid her. With a hand supporting Addy’s elbow, Evelyn helped her stand, and as she did so, reality set in. The emotion of seeing her friend in such a place, and imagining her own mother similarly excited, gave her joy. She’d never considered those months her mother carried her prior to birth. The event had always been associated with such sadness and guilt, but now she saw it for the miracle it was.

Without thinking, she pressed her hand to Adeline’s belly, imagining the joy her mother must have felt carrying her. Her father never blamed her, and perhaps this was why. He’d seen his wife living out the joy of motherhood with a look toward the future. Evelyn was that future. Her father wanted to see her happy, thriving, married.

“It’s so remarkable, Addy, this little life inside you. I can’t believe my nephew or niece is right here in the room with us. What’s it like?”

“A hiccup at first. A little tickle right here.” She moved Evelyn’s hand just below her navel. “And then those little butterfly wings become thumps.” She moved her hand to the side of her belly. “And then jabs and the sensation of rolling. I think this is the head or the bottom, according to the doctor.”

At the top of her stomach was a round knot, and as Evelyn cradled the small bump in her hand, she felt a wave under Adeline’s skin. Evelyn snatched her hand back and then returned it, but the babe had settled. She felt her face stretched with a full smile, and her eyes wide open with wonder.

“Winn is beside himself.”

“I can imagine. He’s so worried for you,” Evelyn said without thinking. “I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me. I’m certain there’s naught to worry about.”

Addy gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. “Help me sit.” When they were comfortable, Addy continued, “Winn worries too much, but I want you to know that I’m not worried at all, so don’t treat me like a fragile bird. I can handle it. This must be difficult for you, and that’s all right if you wish to say it. We’re friends, Evelyn, good friends, close enough for the truth.”

Evelyn nodded and smiled a thank you.

Addy brought Evelyn’s hand to her cheek. “I think this is harder for you and Winn than it is for me.”

Tears burned Evelyn’s eyes, not because of the baby or Winn, but because she wanted so badly to confide in her friend. She needed it. “I didn’t come here to upset everyone.”

“So why don’t you tell me what’s really happening since you’ll never convince me that you’re overjoyed to marry a man you hardly know.”

Evelyn brushed a tear from her cheek. “I don’t know him at all, and I’m in a real pinch.”

“Then it’s good you came to stay with us for a while. You’re welcome for as long as you need. I’ll make certain Winn doesn’t cut your visit before you’re ready. Truly, it’s a comfort to me. I can use the diversion.”

“The truth is that I’m in love with someone else, and no one knows of it. Not yet.” Addy cocked a brow when Evelyn shyly looked at her.

“Does Rochester know?” Adeline asked tentatively.

Evelyn looked away, nodding her answer.

“And does he return it?”

Evelyn nodded again, her heart beating a pang of despair. “But Winn forbids me to speak of it with you.”

“Winn knows?” Adeline looked aghast.

“I believe he does.” She raised her eyes to meet Addy’s. “Rochester brought me here.”

“Alone?”

“Two footmen and a driver,” she said cheekily. “So, yes. Alone. Papa thinks I’ve been here for a week.” Evelyn had the good sense to grimace because the conclusion was obvious. “When I left Rochester in the drive, Winn had him by the collar, both watching me disappear into the house. And you can’t tell him, Adeline. Winn will kill me if he knows I told you anything, which just means that Rochester won’t be invited to stay even the night.”

Addy smirked. “Well, isn’t that a case of the pot and the kettle? Winn should understand because he’s been there himself.” She paused to sigh, pulling her mouth to the side. “Evelyn, your brother is an idiot sometimes.” She said it with such force that Evelyn burst with laughter.

“And now he’s yours forever, you poor lamb.” Evelyn patted her hand with mock sympathy, laughing all the while. And Addy joined her. Her family had grown in such a lovely way, and she wanted that for herself. She wanted it with Rochester.

They spent hours catching up on the Season’s amusements like how Clover and Evelyn had played billiards and how they’d outsmarted Lord Cumberland. When it was time to retire, Evelyn smiled all the way to her room, thinking about the billiard game and her wager with Rochester, which only reminded her why he refused to consummate their union and why he wouldn’t marry her. She’d as soon run away with him and live as his paramour than live without him. The trouble was she knew that he wanted that, too. This stubbornness had more to do with a deeper trigger than just impropriety.

A candle guttered In the hallway, the dark night a backdrop in the window at the end of the long corridor. The night rail Adeline loaned her hung over her left arm like a waiter’s cloth, and she would be forever thankful for the few extra items Mrs. Hawke had given her.

Candlelight preceded her into her room while a low burning fire lit the interior with dancing shadows. She shut the door, a smile on her face until she looked to her left and caught the eerie glow of a man leaning against the bedpost. When she stopped short, he uncrossed his arms.

“Dalton?” she asked hesitantly. It had to be him.

“Who else?” came his strong, soothing voice, a gentle, erotic balm to her soul.

A mist of tears stung the backs of her eyes, and her stomach dropped. The ordeal, the scorching trail of love they’d shared this past week, caught her by surprise. This beautiful man had rescued her every time, so why should now be any different?

“Why the tears, Goose?”

Her heart squeezed, thumping erratically, overwhelming her very breath. She stuttered, “Why are you here?”

He walked forward as his warm hands squeezed her upper arms and drew her to him. Without a word or warning, his mouth crushed hers. She folded into the familiar contours of his body, her arms sliding around his neck and the taste of salty tears on her tongue. He kissed her as if they hadn’t seen each other in an age.

“Are you stealing me away again?” Hope rose in her chest. His paramour, his mistress, elopement, she’d do it all for him, with him.

“No,” he answered. “But if speaking sense to your father doesn’t work, pack a bag, sweet.”

“And you came here to tell me that?”

“Not exactly. I came to consummate the marriage before the wedding.” His smile was wicked but also full of compassion and promise, and she recognized it as love.

Her mouth parted with wonder at his determination. “Truly?”

“Isn’t that what you wanted?” He brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.

She nodded, a trifle dumbfounded and more than a little nervous. Her eyes searched his face and lighted on his mouth. Under her thumb, she felt the swell of his upper lip, fuller than usual. He grimaced with a soft grunt but didn’t pull away. “You’re hurt.”

“Not much.”

“Who hit you?” As if she needed to ask.

“That would be your brother, love.”

“The clodpoll. What was he thinking?”

“Everything I told you he would. He took me to task, and although we ended on agreeable terms, he didn’t wish for me to stay and possibly upset his wife. I don’t doubt he’s still a little angry. You are his younger sister, after all.”

“Well, I suppose we can be grateful for his abiding love for Addy. But I fail to understand his anger with you. Did you tell him you love me?”

He chuckled, a wry, wicked twist to his bruised lip. “Do you really think he was in the mood for a deeply serious conversation? I hardly had time to beg him to listen, yet I didn’t fight him back.”

“Why the bother not?”

“Do you not know me by now? Have I failed you yet?” He tilted his head.

“No.” Raw emotion melted her heart.

“I deserved it, and Winn deserved the opportunity to seek retribution of a sort. He’s coming around. I’ve no worry of that, but your father is another matter.”

“But you’ll try?”

“Yes, my love. I will try.” His palms cradled her cheeks as he kissed her softly. “But first, I shall guarantee his compliance,” he said, scooping her up and carrying her to the bed.

A nervous laugh bubbled as he lowered her to the mattress. “After all our encounters, this one scares me the most.”

“It should. It’s rather permanent,” he said, shouldering out of his coat. He watched her intently while nimble fingers loosened his cravat, then expertly popped the buttons of his waistcoat.

She sat up, facing away from him, and pointed to the buttons down her back. “Your assistance, please.” The bed dipped where his knee rested near her. One, two, three, he released the buttons, pausing to kiss her neck, his warm breath near her ear.

“You know what I remember of you the most?”

Locks of her hair tickled her bare shoulders as she shook her head.

“You lying on the sofa at the club in my unbuttoned ruby waistcoat. One breast revealed, the other barely hidden, and the taste of you on my lips.”

Bending her head back, she looked up at him, and he kissed her forehead.

“You’re like a painting, a work of art my mind returns to a dozen times a day.”

Her throat bobbed, and she pulled her dress down to her waist, fighting with his hands to unlace her stays and giggling as he bit her shoulder. When the laces were undone, she brought herself to a kneeling position, removed the stays, and pulled her chemise over her head. She smiled wickedly over her shoulder while she wriggled out of her dress, pulling the fabric under her bottom.

Suddenly, he was bending over her, pushing her onto the bed, her bum pressed against his hips. “Little minx, God, I love you, Evelyn. What a lucky man am I.” He nipped her ear while his hand slid up the back of her thigh, cupping her bottom before he slid his palm around her hips and traced a finger, gently parting her legs and rubbing the sensitive crest while the world fell away. He placed a finger inside, and she moved her hips against it. This was a familiar game with him. Taunting and teasing and wonderful.

“Not this time, love,” he whispered feverishly against her shoulder. “Don’t come yet.” His wet fingers slid up her stomach and over her breasts.

She sat back against him, her dress still under her knees, but her body completely bared to his lover’s touch, fingers caressing and rolling her nipples while she gasped. His head bent over her shoulder, his teeth nipping her skin. She stretched a hand around his neck, and the other she put between her legs.

He chuckled, a throaty growl while she continued the rhythm he started.

“I can’t stop, Dalton,” she gasped, rocking back and forth. “Don’t ask me to stop.”

He pressed a hand over hers, molding his body over hers, and she rode his finger and hers until the world parted, the air thinned, and her breath pulsated while she came around them both.

Rochester held her back against him, his fingers drowning in her, his heart beating wickedly hard. “You’re so beautiful. So damn beautiful.”

Evelyn pushed him back and hurriedly untangled herself from the mounds of fabric, throwing her dress onto the floor. She knelt in front of him and gripped his shirt, wresting it out of his trousers. She kissed his chest, and he watched in amazement as this woman, who had admitted to being nervous moments ago, now ran her hands down over his hips and tugged on his trousers, frustratingly pulling at the buttons at his fall.

They both kneeled facing one another, Evelyn bent over her task, and if he weren’t so utterly aroused, he’d have laughed with the joy of watching her eagerly remove his clothing. Her warm, smooth palms worked around him, her fingers rubbing his stiff cock until he was painfully hard. He could have come in her hands as he’d done before, but not tonight. He pulled her erotic grip away. And stood to finish removing his clothes.

“Sorry,” she said sheepishly. “Too carried away?”

“Never too carried away, darling. But I’ll never make it if you keep torturing me.”

She bit her lip, a smile tugging at the corners. “I didn’t make it, did I?”

“I’m hopeless against your pleading. Tell me what you want, and it’s yours.” He crawled over her on the bed, her butterscotch hair a forbidden mess of curls on the pillow.

“I want what you want.” Her eyes turned serious, and all play left her voice. “And only what you want, Dalton. If this isn’t it, then we’ll finish another way.”

He pressed a knee between her legs. “I’ve wanted you this way all week, Goose.”

She giggled. “I like it when you call me that.”

“My adorable, lovely little goose,” he said as he covered her mouth with his. He drove his tongue into her, eliciting a moan. When he touched the tip of his cock to her, she opened for him, bringing her thighs around his hips and moaning into his mouth. He played the excruciatingly complicated game of yes and no. Now and wait. Until he was so hard with need and his heart so full of desire that he pressed himself beyond playing.

Her arms wrapped tightly around him, and he could feel her anxiety. She pressed her forehead into the crook of his shoulder, and he felt her nod. He heard her hold her breath.

“Look at me, Evelyn.” She obeyed, her brows drawn together. “Breathe. I’m not here to hurt you.”

She nodded again.

“I just want to love you.” He kissed her longingly, hovering over her, not moving until her body relaxed, her thighs softened, and he eased himself deeper and took her with a sudden thrust. Her legs tensed, and she gasped. They stayed that way for what felt like minutes. “That’s about as done as it can be. We can leave it at that, and it will be better next time.”

She pushed his shoulders back, his cock hard inside her. “Is that what you think I wanted? I want you. All of you. Don’t let me scare you away, Dalton Rochester. Show me everything. Hold back nothing.”

“Thank God,” he said with a wry grin. “I’m dying.”

She laughed, then sucked in a breath as he withdrew an inch and then pressed himself back deeply inside her. Each time, he retreated farther until he was gliding in and out, pulled into her warmth until he lost all sense of time and place. He groaned, holding her hips under him, teaching her his rhythm until his life poured out of him with the same pulsating ecstasy as she’d shared with him.

With his forehead on hers, he rested on his elbows. She kissed him, wrapping her legs fully around him. “You’re mine forever, Dalton. You hold back that wickedly delightful cock from me again, and I will hunt you down.” She eyed him sternly, her soft lips working at a determined resolve, but he just laughed at the farce.

“I promise that you won’t have to hunt me down. I plan to comply with all your erotic demands from henceforth.”

“From henceforth,” she repeated like a vow.