Chapter One

Near Bordeaux, France

1841

The small figure on the horizon caught his attention. The sight gave him good cause to smile. His pulse quickened. Wheat blond hair, bleached lighter by the summer sun, flew behind her in shimmering waves as she rode toward him. Sunlight caught the strands then held onto them, flexing within the components, changing colors, dazzling to his eyes. Her bright skirt clung to her long slender legs, molded them to perfection. She was careless in her flight through the vineyards, racing with the wind, heedless of hidden danger. At the moment, she leaned against the neck of her horse. Soon she would pull the mare to a stop in front of him. Her hair would spill around her shoulders. Just as the princess she was taught to be, she would hold herself aloof. While her body calmed from the reckless ride, she would breathe in huge gulps of grape scented air. To his delight, her breasts would move beneath the fabric of her peasant blouse. He wanted her as he wanted no other woman.

Christian Deschanel loved to watch Starr Maxwell, studying all the ins as wells as the outs of her personality. Perhaps he knew her better than anyone. The enthusiasm which she greeted each new endeavor left him breathless with captivation as well as passion. An undeniable urgency filled him with each new visit. His fascination with the young woman had gone on for years while he waited for her to grow up. She charmed him, the sensation deep…all consuming. The time had come for him to make good on his feelings. Starr should learn how much he wanted her for his wife.

The things she did with unbridled enthusiasm…all intrigued him. The young woman was a free spirit who could wind his heart around her little finger if he allowed the small possession.

When she stomped the grapes in the fall, he would see the sleek muscles of her lower legs…sometimes higher to view her thighs. The swims in the nearby river wearing only a shift, there were the wild cross-country rides through the grapes…all left him breathless with desire, hungry to taste her sweet essence. As she grew older, the sights he witnessed would leave him in a semi-aroused state. This was one of those air sucking times. He both feared for her and admired her in the same beat of his heart.

Good God, he’d known her since she was ten years old. She never failed to see the positive side of life. He liked that about her. She was never a negative thinker. Starr always was able to bedevil him with her innocent antics. When she was younger, she would follow him around like a puppy dog. A bit of a nuisance, he would find her under foot more often than he wished; instances where he smiled with fondness on her mischievous ways. Other times when she interrupted something she had no business seeing. While he decided one day she would be his, he wasn’t celibate. There were women in his life…until now. Starr was old enough to be courted. From this point forward there would be no one else in his bed.

As predicted, she pulled up, dust billowing around the hooves of her horse as she reigned in, halting her mare. When she slipped a leg over the unsaddled mount, he caught the length of her leg, bared from her endeavors. Breasts heaving, she pushed her wild mane of hair away from her face. Her grin was a delight to his senses. She waved a scrap of paper in her hand as if he would know what was written there.

“What is it that has you racing across the countryside to talk to me? You should slow down, you know. Take time to enjoy the day. Sip a real breath of air. Your horse doesn’t need to be ridden into the ground.” Christian couldn’t help but gaze fondly on the young lady standing in front of him. He supposed in time she would gift him with the contents of the letter. Right now, he was consumed by her unleashed passion, the wild déshabillé of her person.

She tilted her chin a bit higher. Her wide grin, coupled with simmering fire in her clear blue eyes, gave her face the look of an ill-behaved street urchin. There were times she could be that way. Times when she delighted in shocking him.

Christian turned to the two men who were working alongside him this afternoon. “You can go home now. Seems we’re done for the day. Starr has news she wishes to share. Need private time with her.” Christian turned back to her. “Don’t you, Starr? Have news?”

He slipped his arms through the sleeves of his white shirt, shrugging it on, thinking a bit of modesty wouldn’t be underrated. She’d seem him shirtless more than once. He didn’t bother to fasten it or tuck in the tails. Resting his hands on his hips, he waited for her answer. For a few breaths she turned from him. Gazed over the rows of grapes. He could be patient with the little minx. Time spent with her was always a study in patience. She loved the dramatic. At times she could be the princess of drama.

Whirling, her skirt billowing around her slim ankles while her top floated free from her shoulders at the sudden movement, she met his gaze. Her eyes sparkled with some news she was bringing to him. She was pleased with whatever was written on the piece of paper. Again, Starr waved the message in the air, seeming to think he would understand the information she was withholding. He didn’t have one notion about the significance. She would explain soon. Patience was not something she was noted for possessing. He would give her all the time she needed.

Maybe he was the irritated one. “Don’t have all day, Starr. What’s got you racing the wind to tell me?” Christian sent her an indulgent smile. “You interrupted a work day. Though I’m not a man to complain. Love talking to you.”

After her small giggle, she decided to make him wait longer. “Guess…you must have some notion about what’s got me so excited. I keep forgetting to breathe. I’ve been waiting for this almost a year now. If you think hard, you will know. You should be thrilled for me.”

A guess was on the tip of his tongue. The thought turned his stomach sour, cramping his belly. If his assumption was correct, this was opposite to all his plans. “Nope. Don’t have a clue. Tell me.” He ran his hand down the horse’s nose. Swept his fingers along the mare’s neck. “You should walk her.” He held the reins in his hand, doing what he suggested, walking the animal. This was the way life happened with Starr. She was a spoiled daughter of rich, yet hard working parents. She had near royalty in her family. The Duke and Duchess of Richmond were her aunt and uncle.

Unable to wait any longer, seemed she decided to gift him with the information he asked for. All in one moment, his life caved. “I’m going to London, Chris!” Starr blurted with urgency as well as excitement. She jumped up and down, twirled in an excited circle, her skirt flaring around her ankles. “It’s time. It’s finally time. I’m going to fall in love with a duke or a marquis. We’ll get married. Will be happy for the rest of our lives.” She held the paper to her bosom. Let out what seemed to be a dreamy puff of air.

At her words his heart lodged in his throat. His dream plummeted to the depth of hell. When the invitation to come for a season, or at the very least six months of balls, didn’t appear when she turned seventeen, he thought the invite was not going to materialize. Now…well now she was eighteen. Here it was, the nightmare he’d been dreading. Ever since he could remember she wanted to fall in love with a titled man, an aristocrat.

Furious with himself, as well as Starr, he waved his hand in the air, “You are going through with this nonsense? Why not look for love here in France? You want a man with a title so bad you are willing to give up on love?” He asked her to help himself keep from showing his true feelings. “So, any man with a title will do?” he couldn’t keep the sarcasm from his voice. She was too young to know her feelings. Too innocent to be able to tell a man who was using her for his own ends from a man who loved her. She was wealthy beyond measure. Her father owned two prospering wineries, the one here in the Bordeaux region and one in Tuscany. In London, unless The Duchess took care with her, she would be an easy mark for any man’s lying tongue.

Her shoulders squared. The small chin tilted up with defiance. Starr retorted. “I can fall in love with a duke just as easily as I can a peasant. I’m not going to give up on my dream. Besides, falling in love with an Englishman is a high priority. Don’t wish to spend the rest of my life in France.”

Her callous words hit him in the gut. He didn’t believe she would prefer London over this beautiful countryside. Christian understood her words were meant for him. Yes, she thought he was a peasant. He would never tell her anything different. He had enough money to keep her in the same lap of luxury she dwelled in now. Wanting Starr had always been a high priority for him. Now that she was old enough to court, she was leaving to pursue idiocy. Leaving would be Starr’s folly. A huge mistake to pursue when she could fall in love with him. He’d always thought she was at least half in love with him. Could he have been so wrong?

“You think so?” He lifted an eyebrow in disbelief. She was young. Starr was the spoiled daughter of a rich man. She’d been given everything in her short life that she wanted or asked for. The fact she was being allowed to go to London for a small season, shouldn’t surprise him. In truth he’d suspected a trip was in the wind. Her father, Logan, had alluded to it some time ago. Logan had been against the tour. Eveleen wanted her daughter to experience all the fanfare of a season in London. Said Starr needed to witness the world. Here in the countryside, she was too sheltered. Starr was a true innocent. She had a lot of growing up to do.

“I know so,” Starr flaunted the words back in his direction. Made a little face at him. “I will fall in love with a rich duke or marquis. You’ll see I’m right. I’ll be a duchess or a countess. You’ll see!” She finished by sticking her tongue out at him. At her sides her little hands were balled tight into fists. In defiance, her brows were drawn together. He appreciated the way she looked. Even in her anger, Starr was beautiful.

Crossing his arms over his chest, he leaned against a post. His fury with her stupidity battled with his need to explain how life worked. Life was never so simple. He wasn’t about to show her his true feelings. Letting her grow up was important. Nonetheless, he wasn’t about to risk losing her to some English dandy looking for extra money. “I hope you get everything you desire.” His words were true. He hoped she’d come to see him in the light of a possible husband, her heart’s desire.

“There must be something you want. What do you wish for, Christian?” she asked, changing the topic as she walked toward him. Once again, she flashed her beautiful smile his way. Her eyes questioned. She was sincere in her query.

He’d have to answer her to the best of his ability. Beneath his ribs, his heart did a little shuffle. The movement pained him. Changing his mind, he cleared his throat not intending to tell her anything about his real wishes that she was part of. Given time, she would discover what he wanted, all he desired out of life. While he regained the land his family lost during the revolution, he still needed a woman who would stand firm by his side. A woman who would be faithful unto him. Not only did he gain the land, he was also able to reclaim his title, something she coveted. At the outbreak of the revolution, his grandfather had been in London courting his soon to be wife. Because his wife was the only child of a duke, on marriage to her he became the new duke. Not only did he have a French title, he was also the heir to a dukedom in England. Starr would never discover his truth until she fell in love with him and they married. He needed to be loved because of who he was not what he could bring to a marriage. Perhaps he’d wait until they had children to explain to her she was an English duchess as well as a French countess. Titles…they didn’t mean as much as the character of the man who possessed the sought-after label.

Christian had his sights set on this woman. He coveted her for a few years. Her daydreams revolved around an imaginary man with a heading at the beginning of his name. He was real flesh and blood, possessing an abundance of love to give to this woman as soon as she settled down. He imagined she needed time to test her wings. Needed to fly.

“What do I want?” The question she posed was good. He supposed he could share a little about himself. With his arms spread wide, he motioned to the land. “This…this is what pleases me. In addition to this land we stand on now, my vineyard, a loving wife…children… That’s all I need to make me happy.” Giving more away was not his intention. If he could toss up enough roadblocks in her path, he meant to keep her from finding the titled man of her dreams. Starr would be his. There was no question in his mind. She would come to love him.

“Well, of course, you’re happy here growing your grapes, making your wines. You and my father are cut from the same cloth. He always likes to grow things. In England he has his orchids. In France and Italy his wines.” With her finger she tapped him on the chest, confronting him. “Don’t you wish to find love?”

“Seems I mentioned a loving wife,” he told her with no inflection to his tone. He recalled the words even if she didn’t. Yes, he wanted her love. Needed her as his wife. He acknowledged the fact. She was far from ready to settle down to this life while also becoming a wife. Children would follow. Space coupled with time to grow into her beauty would need to be well-guarded. To some English fop, Starr would be easy prey.

“That sounds mundane. A loving wife,” she repeated. “Do your words mean…in love? So in love you can think of nothing else but the woman? I need to find a love such as that. Wish for what my parents have. Love.” She had stardust in her eyes. Seemed she was delving into feelings she understood little about. One moment she wanted a duke, the next she expected love. The two might not travel hand in hand. Unbeknownst to her, they would if she fell in love with him.

“Yes.” Christian didn’t mean to elaborate on the topic. Instead, he studied the play of emotions flitting across her young, impressionable face. He pointed out a few facts to her. “I wish you luck in your attempts to tame an aristocratic dandy. What if the man is a wastrel? A womanizer? A gambler? The man could go through your fortune within a year. What would you do then? Run home to your parents?”

She snorted her answer. “Men with titles after their names are not all dandies. Take Ash, my cousin, you’ve met him. He’s not a dandy, far from it. Ash will be a duke one day. He’s a marquis now. He works for the government just as Uncle Drake did so long ago. He takes chances. A couple of years ago, he worked undercover in Paris.”

“Agreed. Ash is no dandy. Still, he’s not looking for a wife. The only reason he will be at the débutante balls you attend is to lend support to you. Your aunt Ella will insist he put in an appearance at each and everyone. When he’s accomplished what she asked, he will be off with his friends to seek his own pleasures.”

“I know. I will have other cousins with me too.” She fluffed her skirts. Looked at him from beneath her long, sooty eyelashes. When she lifted them, he saw into her eyes, “I’m all left feet when it comes to dancing.”

He barked a short laugh. “Now your description of your feet is a bit of nonsense I don’t believe for a heartbeat. All left feet, you say? That bad? Why do you say that? I’ve never seen you stumble.” He didn’t understand why she’d lie about being awkward.

Starr was not clumsy. Everything she did was done with fluid grace. Her body moved with suppleness. He couldn’t imagine her failing at dancing.

“My last dance instructor threw up his hands in exasperation. He told me I’d never learn. At the time of the lessons, I didn’t wish to be in the stuffy room. Needed to be out riding. Will you teach me?” She flirted with him. Batted her long, sooty lashes. Tossed all her hair off to one side.

He understood Starr was trying to defuse the disagreement between them. If he gave into her wishes, this scenario might not end the way she hoped. Wrapping Starr in his arms might lead to other things that could never be undone. “Can’t be accomplished in one try.” If she wanted him to hold her in his arms, she didn’t need to use the guise of dancing. She could ask.

“Dance with me.” Her smile tempted. She held out her arms as if he’d walk into them.

“Are you issuing a command?” he asked, thinking of holding the small woman within his embrace. Wanted to press her against the hard, needy planes of his body. Wished to teach her what a man wanted from the woman he loved.

When she bristled, her breasts pushed forward as she straightened her back and shoulders. The sight was one he could admire with ease. If she knew his thoughts, she’d run in the opposite direction. He let his gaze slide the length of her body. Lingered at the gentle swell of her breasts, the soft curve of her hips the sweet length of her legs.

Wished…

Longed for what he couldn’t take…

“If it was a command, would you obey?” The saucy tilt of her head spoke of the challenge she presented.

“Perhaps.” With a different answer, he held out his arms. If Starr wanted a dance, she would have to come to him.

Starr did. She walked into his arms. “Will you hold me too close? I believe I would like to be surrounded by your arms.” She sounded breathless as well as a little panicked. This was new territory for her.

It could be the truth. She might want him to hold her too close. He needed to keep her as close to his heart as he could manage. “If you command me to… What would The Matchmaking Duchess do if your dance partner held you too near to him? Maybe if he was inappropriate? Touched you in ways a gentleman wouldn’t? Would she forbid you to see the man again? If he was the one she thought best for the girl, would she push the two of you together?”

With the question, Starr giggled. He appreciated her laughter. While she set her hand on his shoulder, she spoke. Her voice was soft, beguiling. “The Duchess would use her cane. Rap the bad boy on the back to warn him off. Rumor has it the original duchess did much the same to Uncle Drake.”

“I see. Did she do the same to Logan?” His hand settled at the small of her back. She was warm to his touch, soft everywhere he was hard. He needed to explore. Wondered if she’d stop him if he took liberties with her body. Held next to him, he recognized the vibrant energy that was all Starr. The heat she projected sizzled, scorched him to the bone.

Christian guided her into a dance while he hummed a tune. His deep baritone melded with her voice. Having her deep within the shelter of his embrace was right where he wanted Aurora Starr Maxwell. Spreading his fingers wide, he touched as much of her as his large hands allowed. More than she should permit. She danced, as one with him. Possessing two left feet was a lie. Even though she was still innocent in most ways, Starr understood what she was about. Female instinct played a big part. His eager body reacted to the closeness. While he’d danced with her before, this time he drew her close. Allowed his hand to drift lower than what was deemed suitable. He didn’t care. Luck playing a major part, someday, she would be his.

Together they ran out of music to hum. He stopped. With a gentle finger, he lifted her chin. For a length of time, he gazed into the burning fire of her crystallin blue eyes. Christian understood she wanted something from him. Understood it was a kiss she would have today to remember while she pitted young swains against each other. They would vie for her attention. Starr would bask in the devotion. She was a lovely woman. Too beautiful to give herself to a man with a title just because she could wrap him around her little finger. Starr needed a man who would indulge her, yes. She also needed one who could keep her safe from her easy-going ways. At times the young woman was a danger unto her very being.

Enough time passed between them for her to understand his intentions. More than enough time for her to tell him a resounding no to his quest. He understood she sought a kiss. Out of deference to her wishes, Christian gave her time to make a decision. For all these years, there had always been something tangible concerning the two of them. The difference being he understood what was happening between them. She did not.

The first kisses were light. His lips found silken moist flesh, her forehead, her closed eyelids then the sides of her mouth. A wisp of a sound trembled from her lips then a soft sigh of ecstasy. Starr wanted this as much as he did. Butterfly caresses as light as a summer breeze were her initiation into the kiss he meant to deepen. His tongue pressed against her lips, seeking, exploring the top as well as the bottom. Reveled in the softness he discovered in the taste he encountered. With his teeth, he tugged on her bottom lip, telling her what he wanted. Her little feminine sigh of pleasure as well as her budding eagerness told him she wasn’t about to end the kiss by asking him to stop.

When he pushed inside, felt the sultry heat in the dark recesses of her mouth, a stab of intense pleasure rifled through him. His need for her swelled, hardening to an aching pressure. He held himself in check, willing his reactions to her warm passion to slow. Needed to back off so he didn’t frighten her. His fingers sought out each bone along the delicate column of her back. Touched them all, lingered, while he continued the fiery exploration that was Starr’s mouth. He never wanted to stop kissing her.

Needing her closer, his hands drifted to her small, well-rounded rump. His fingers spread wide again, cupping the flesh, imagining. Felt her. Knew he would never get enough of holding her. The scent of her spoke of autumn delights. Her slightly rounded stomach touched the flatness of his hard belly. She would feel the arousal he couldn’t hide. If she understood what it meant, he didn’t have an answer. Ending this sooner would be the wise way to continue. Setting her aside before it was too late to stop, should be his mission. Finishing the kiss before he took more liberties than what a smart, intelligent man would do should be his first priority. He couldn’t cease. Not yet, not while he’d needed to kiss her more. Not when she melted over him like warm honey. This might be his only chance to convince her he was the man for her.

As her hand moved from his shoulder to touch his neck then sift her fingers through his hair, Christian understood more intensely the reasons he needed to put her aside. Forcing his own restraint was difficult when she was pliant, open to the kiss as well as more. With a harsh breath, he took her hands. Held them together in front of him. Kissed the knuckles wishing this was not the end of their first kiss.

She opened her eyes that were dazed with passion. The dark blue shimmered with fire that sent him to flames. The kiss touched her as he hoped. Introduced her to desire she couldn’t refute. Her small pink tongue moved across her bottom lip melding the moist heat from his kiss with hers. She blinked a few times but didn’t speak. He ran a thumb over her bottom lip, touching the damp heat he found there.

Clearing his throat, he spoke. His tone was soft, imploring her to listen. He held his fury in check as he spoke to her from the heart. “If your duke or marquis, can’t kiss you like that, don’t marry him.” The warning seemed to surprise her.

Bewildered, Starr gazed at him with curiosity now. She touched her mouth with a fingertip then shifted her gaze to his eyes. Seeming perplexed by the situation, she asked. “You kissed me? Why? You’ve never done that before.”

“Before today, I always saw you as a child, an enfant.” His words were a lie. For the last three years, since she turned fifteen, he’d looked at her with lust in his eyes. There had always been something undefinable between them. When she began to change from girl to woman, he was intrigued. Understood she would come to mean more to him than he imagined at the time.

“I’m not a child!” Starr yelled at him, her tiny fists clenching at her sides. For a few seconds, Starr turned away from him. When she looked back, a myriad of expression flitted across her expressive face. The tip of her finger resting on her lips, she seemed to question the kiss.

“No, you’re not a child,” Christian agreed with her. “No longer.” She responded as a passionate woman would answer. Touched her tongue inside his mouth. Questioned that too. He watched the deep breaths of air she inhaled. Watched the beautiful breasts he’d like to know better. Wished she would tell him how she felt about the brief kiss.

“I’m a woman grown.” Her hands on her hips she spoke with as much indignation as he assumed she could manage. “I will not have you calling me an enfant. I’m going to London to find a husband. Aunt Ella will help with everything. She will be there to make certain all goes as it should.”

The kiss surprised her, took her off guard. Starr was searching for answers he couldn’t give her. “Has anyone kissed you before this?” Christian understood he had no right to the question or the answer. The knowledge was something he needed to learn.

“I’m leaving in a week. Mother and I are going to Paris to our modiste. Mother says I need new gowns. Ones that will be more mature than what I own now.” Putting a measure of distance between them, Starr evaded his question.

The change of subject failed to surprise. Starr was still floored by the kiss. Shocked by her reactions. She was trying to process what happened between them. “By more mature do you mean ones that will show off your bosom? Cut daringly low so a man will drool at the sight of your exposed breasts?” He regretted the words the moment they were flung from his mouth.

Her little nose crinkled with what appeared to be exasperation. “What if it does?” She took exception to his question as well as his statements. “It’s none of your concern. You have no say in the cut of my gowns.”

Speaking the truth would have her stiffening her spine, would never aid his plans. He needed to curb his tongue before he said something she couldn’t forgive. He held up his hands in supplication. “I apologize. You do deserve to dress suitable to your age. Suppose the gowns you own are too small for you now.” Christian let his gaze drop to her breasts. They were larger than they were a year ago. That was the last time the Maxwells visited Paris. Her hips were fuller even though she was slender everywhere else.

“Yes,” she murmured. “All of what you said. They are too small. Not suitable for a season in London. I must be decked out from head to toe. Seems I need everything. At least that is what Mother says.”

“I’m certain Eveleen would never allow you to purchase something that was not seemly. If your mother is with you, you will be decked out in the height of fashion.” Those words seemed to mollify her to some extent. Even though she made a little face at the outset. “When did you say you were leaving?” He needed the information to get ahead of this game she played. She wouldn’t be pleased when she discovered him in London when she arrived. Dommage. That was too bad.

“We are going to Paris in a week. From there we will sail to London. Suppose we will be ensconced in the city within three weeks give or take. We’ll have to wait in Paris long enough for the gowns to be sewn. Though Mother is giving me money in case Aunt Ella thinks I need more things for my coming out. Mother and father will travel with me. Father says he needs to see to his orchids. This is the beginning of the slow season here at the winery. They won’t be missed too much. Though Father always hates being away.”

“You do understand this is not the height of the season in London either.” Christian was being perverse. The fact remained he didn’t want her to go anywhere. Didn’t want her to be presented to eligible bachelors with titles behind their names. Didn’t want her ogled. Nor did he wish to see her dancing in the arms of other men.

“True…I…” she paused as she seemed to think about what to say next. “It is the only time we can go. Aunt Ella assured us she will personally see to invitations so I will meet enough men to make a decision.” Still her voice wavered as she spoke. Seemed she might be having second thoughts.

He wondered about her hesitancy. “You have some doubts?” he asked, feeling the first optimism since they began talking this afternoon.

“Yes, of course I have doubts. What do you think? I’m a country bumpkin. Even when we travel to England we stay at my father’s home. We might visit London for a week or two. My aunts and uncles come to see us, not the other way around. My parents are both more at ease away from the city. I’ve never been to a ball. The parties we have here are all tame compared to what Aunt Ella will put together for my season. If I’m being honest with myself, I’m frightened. Terrified I’ll mess up. Do something unaccountably stupid.”

He thought of taking her into his arms again. Encouraging her was not good for his agenda. With a deep breath he voiced the opposite. “I’m certain you will give a good accounting of yourself. You dance well. You are personable. Eager to make an impression on the right dandy.” Against his own wishes, Christian tried to soothe her ruffled feelings. Couldn’t help the slight dig at the end. His tone was not as reassuring as his words.

“I hope so. I do want to find a duke or a marquis to marry. Even an earl would suffice if he is a nice man.”

“Thought you were holding out for love not just nice.” Christian couldn’t keep the sneer out of his voice. This wasn’t the way he expected this conversation to go when he saw her racing down the rows of grapes.

She made that little face of scorn he adored. “You don’t need to get prickly. Rest assured, I’m not going to marry any man I don’t fall in love with.”

“That’s good to hear.” Again, he couldn’t keep his snide tone from invading the words. His mistakes wouldn’t put him in good standing with her. Backpedaling might be in his best interest.

Starr would not be pleased to see him in London when she made her grand entrance to the stage of those young ladies searching for a husband of wealth as well titles He never thought of his Starr as a fortune hunter. She was misguided. If she looked to him, her neighbor, she would have everything she wanted, titles, including money as well as intense love. He wasn’t going to be the one to inform her. When and if she fell in love with him, he needed the emotion to be an honest one, not one generated by his titles or his wealth, not that she cared about the money.

Her eyes flashed fire. “You needn’t get nasty. What does it matter to you? You won’t be there.” she asked as she seemed to get some of her spunk back. The hesitancy he read was a minor moment.

Even if he wasn’t speaking the entire truth, he could afford to say what was on his mind. “Don’t wish to see you hurt. City men are not what you are used to dealing with. They can be rakes…dandies of the worst type of man imaginable. Many attend these affairs to see what they can get for free. Don’t offer anything you aren’t willing to give. Don’t tease a man thinking you are only flirting.”

Her eyebrows drew together as she concentrated on his words. To Christian it didn’t seem she understood anything he told her. The blank look on her expressive features reinforced the concept of her innocence.

“What are you talking about? Free? What would anybody be getting free?” Now Starr sounded impatient to learn the answers, curious as well.

He decided to answer with a few blunt words that would suffice to inform her. Starr needed a man to explain life to her or an older brother who wouldn’t know she was around if he was talking with his pals. Never considered being an older brother to her. He opted for the man’s version. He cleared his throat before proceeding. “Sex…free sex from the unsuspecting woman. Flattery meant to charm a young débutante out of her clothes. A man has needs. Those women who are too innocent to say no will hand over their virginity with apparent ease to a smooth-talking rake. She would give something away she could never retrieve.”

The next few blinks of her eyes almost gave him cause to hoot his laughter. Perhaps he’d been too blunt for her tender sensibilities. Starr had an older brother. She must know something about men, women then sex. Perhaps not in that order.

“Out of her clothes? Whatever are you talking about? Believe you’re a tad bit jaded.” She walked up to him. Poked her finger on his chest. “I know what you are up to, Christian. You’re teasing me.”

He was far from a bantering mood. Starr needed to understand what men were about before she set off on this quest to marry a title. Taking her questing finger in hand then shaking his head. “Not joking, Starr. Should I show you what I’m speaking of? Lust coupled with passion all wrapped up in a nice little package called Starr. A woman who doesn’t recognize where a man is leading her will wind up falling hard…flat on her back with her legs spread…so, the rake can come inside.” He set his hands on her shoulders. Let his thumbs smooth the long white column of her neck. “I could kiss you again. Touch you places I shouldn’t. After the kiss we shared a few minutes ago, I realize I could seduce you out of your clothing without too much trouble. Could have you right here in the vineyard. Take your virginity. Something that is meant for the man you wed. The man who owns a title.”

With the widening of her eyes, he thought he might have trespassed on thoughts she shouldn’t be having. First, her face paled. After his words directed at man’s baser thoughts, a slow blossom of color painted her features.

“Out of my clothes?” she sputtered. “You could do that? No…no I would tell you to stop. Wouldn’t I?” Now, she questioned her abilities.

The questioning was good to a certain degree. There should be no hesitancy on her part. “Yes…the way you responded…believe I could manage to rid you of your clothing. If I wished to, that is.” He lifted his shoulders. The masculine shrug was casual meant to engage a reaction from her. If it did, maybe she would lose enough of her innocence to survive her first encounter with a rogue. She needed to learn. He needed to teach. The challenge was evident.

“No…no way. I would not allow that to happen, even with you. It…being naked around a man would be embarrassing,” she stated with firm conviction. Her expression changed again as if troubled by the thoughts he put forward. Starr would be thinking about the kiss they shared a few minutes ago.

“Glad to hear you say those words.” She didn’t understand seduction. Didn’t comprehend what she would be getting into. An innocent in the lion’s den called London where there was more than one lion who wished to feed on the innocent débutantes.

“You think I’m…”

“Innocent of men. I do. Aren’t you?” He needed to interrupt before she dug a hole for him so deep, he couldn’t climb out. “When you are with men, you need to take care. Don’t ever be alone with a man. Always have a chaperone. Men will try to find shadowed places where they can seduce an innocent.”

“You’re right. That’s what my chaperones are for. That is what Aunt Ella will do. She will use her cane if anyone gets too forward. Pound the man on his back.”

“If Ella is not there to save your skin? What then? Who will protect you besides yourself? The only one you can count on always being there for you, is you,” he told her, thinking if he had the chance, he would find the most secluded place to explore her lips, her breasts, other places as well. “Your aunt Ella is now called The Matchmaking Duchess. Is she not?” he asked testing her, challenging again. “Do you think one of those rakes will set with her approval? If so, you’ll be flung into a romance you might not wish to be part of.”

“Yes, there must be one man among the many who is not like the picture you are describing to me.” Her reply was meek then her chin perked up. Her eyes flashed with shades of amusement. “She picks out the men, true. Nonetheless, if it’s not the man of her choice she would never allow liberties.”

“You don’t even comprehend what a liberty is. Should I show you?” Ideas about uncovering her breasts, of touching her, tasting her, strangled him. He shouldn’t go any farther with this conversation, this crazy idea of his. Should send her home where she would be safe from him. He cleared his throat. “On second thought, you should go home. Run as fast as you can before it’s too late.”

Starr started for her horse before turning around then marching right up to him. “I need to know what you mean by liberties. Show me or tell me what you’re talking about. What will a man do to get me out of my clothes?”

Because of her request, his heart lodge in his throat. For a moment, he thought he was safe from himself. By sending her away, he had been noble. The breath he’d been in the process of inhaling whooshed out. He stuffed his fingers through his hair. It had been all he could do to utter the words telling her to leave. “You’ve no idea what you’re asking.”

This was the nightmare of his making. He did wish to teach her about liberties. Wondered if she would refuse his advances. Maybe this wasn’t the way this afternoon was planned. Possibly he should show her how she would feel when he caressed her. Palm the hard crests of her breasts. He thought to have his touch and the way it felt imprinted in her brain. Christian understood she was attracted to him. If he was uncertain before the kiss, after the kiss, he knew she would continue to melt in his arms. Would gift him with everything he needed right here in the middle of his vineyard if he allowed it. Whatever he desired would be his. He could have anything he wanted from her. He could take her virginity this afternoon between the grape vines if he decided to do so.

Her hands were on her hips, breasts thrust forward. Her posture was one of confrontation. “Show me. Show me what you mean. I will tell you no.” The stance was belligerent. She challenged him on a level she didn’t understand. Had no grasp of what she asked.

“Come closer,” he lowered his voice. Even without the challenge, he’d risen, hard and fast in ways he couldn’t tamp down. If she knew where to look along with what she was seeing, Starr would see how much he wanted her, needed her. “Come into my arms again, Petite.”

“You are going to teach me about liberties?” A full-blown smile formed on her expressive features.

To some extent he meant to teach her what she wanted to know. Prayed he had the will power to stop before he buried himself inside her. Deep in his heart, he understood she would not tell him no. If he didn’t frighten her and moved with practiced slowness, she would succumb to his charm. Some part of him hoped she would stop him. Another part hoped she would not. When the day began, he never thought he would kiss her let alone taste other feminine parts of this beautiful woman.

Moistening her mouth, she stepped forward. Obvious to anyone with eyes, she expected a kiss. His hands settled on her shoulders as he helped her along the path she would forever remember. For his thoughts, he should have his mind washed out with soap. Should be hung by his thumbs.

“Show you, yes.” The sound of his voice turned husky.

With his thumbs beneath her chin, he tilted it up. Her eyes were a startling blue, darkening as he traced lazy circles on her soft flesh. He would uncover her breasts. Suckle to get his point across. After that he would stop. What he couldn’t stop was the groan that seemed to come from somewhere deep inside. His intentions clear to him, he began his slow conquest of Starr.

~ * ~

There was nothing gentle about this kiss. Starr didn’t know what she’d expected. Christian confused her. Startled her with the first sweet kiss. Now she asked him to show her what he meant by liberties. Knew she was too bold with her request. Understood she might regret the answer. Anything that happened here was her fault. Should have never asked him. Yet…yet…she required understanding of what he talked about. Didn’t wish for any man to take advantage of her. Needed to appear worldly so men would respect her. Of all the men she knew who weren’t relatives, she trusted Christian.

His lips captured hers. Framed. Took her mouth within his. With the first kiss, he taught her to open her mouth for him. When she did so again, his tongue glided within. Took possession. Commanded her to feel, to give of herself. Just as with the first kiss, her body reacted with a jolt of energy. Seemed while within his arms, she melted into a mindless state of oblivion. The deep raw sensations his mouth on hers created shuffled to her toes. She touched her tongue to the velvet of his. Realized the warmth as well as the scent of him. He was pure male. Dangerous to her well-being. Tasted of the sweet grapes. Wondered at the sensations when he sucked. Drew her into his open mouth so deep she felt as if she became part of him. One hand moved over her shoulder, massaging, pushing at fabric, revealing skin. While his other hand slid into her hair, caressed, held her to him.

Starr realized she wanted everything he could give her. Needed to learn at his hands. She was safe with him. She’d known him for what seemed her entire life. Protected by his heart. Always felt in tune with him even when she was younger. Until today and her startling news, he understood her desires better than she did.

His callused hands smoothed along her shoulders then down her arms. The velvet of his tongue rubbed across hers. Ribbons of pleasure shot through her, settled in her core. The ache for something more grew. She clung to him as he tipped her back. Moved from her lips to her neck then back to kiss her again. He continued to explore, seeming satisfied. Nibbled on tender sensitive flesh, found places along her collarbone that reacted to the dance of his lips. Moved back to her mouth. Penetrated. Retreated. Her blood thundered within her ears.

Her knees felt week. His arm that circled her waist kept her from falling. Held her so close her breasts pushed against the hard planes of his chest. She couldn’t think of anything but the way his kisses made her feel. The tiny sounds whispering from her surprised. The small moan centered in the back of her throat startled. He created a magical inferno she didn’t understand how to combat. Didn’t want to fight the sensual pleasure she was feeling.

I should tell him to stop. Don’t want him to stop.

The idea didn’t travel very far when he turned his delicious explorations to her shoulder. Slid his lips along her arm as he pushed the fabric of her blouse lower. She felt cool air caress the tip of one breast then the other. She’d worn nothing beneath the peasant blouse. His palm floated across the sensitive peak once…twice…a third time.

“Christian…please…”

Stopping his tender assault, he looked into her eyes. His own glowed with sensual fire. With the vibrant need to taste more of her. “Beautiful…I can please you even more. Everything about you satisfies me. Give all of yourself, Petite. Let me be the one to show you the way.” His mouth closed over her breast. He flicked the tight crest with his tongue, grazed with his teeth. Drew on the tender flesh until she thought she would die of the ecstasy. She clung to him.

Her body flamed.

She felt alive, vibrant with urgent need.

Deep in the back of her throat she whimpered. Finding their way beneath his shirt, her nails bit into his massive shoulder muscles while she tried to remain standing. To her surprise he uncovered her other breast. Kissed, nibbled until she thought she would fall. As if he understood her problem, he swooped her into his arms. Carried her to a nearby grassy knoll. Taking her with him he sat. Leaned against an old oak tree. Held her on his lap. Her breasts moved with each breath she inhaled.

One of his large hands slid along her leg then higher, moving her skirt aside. Baring more of her to his intense masculine gaze. He spread his fingers across her stomach, slipped beneath the band of her pantalettes.

“Oh…”

He should not.

She should stop him. Was this one of those liberties he spoke of.

The thoughts vanished as if she’d never had them. Everything he did felt so delicious…so warm…wonderful. She didn’t want to stop him. It was Christian touching her. Christian kissing her. He would never hurt her. Always was so solicitous of her needs.

With a start, she realized he removed his hand from her belly. He seemed to withdraw from the spell he wove around both of them. Felt the fabric of her blouse pulled up her arms to cover her breasts.

A flush of mortification swept through her. Heat flamed on her cheeks. She realized she’d been bared to his gaze. Recognized she had been almost naked. His hand had rested on her naked belly. He touched her in places he shouldn’t have. This was Christian. What if the man had been someone else?

“Liberties,” he said, his voice soft yet still husky, lower and different than usual. “A girl could get herself into trouble with the wrong man…with a rake who wanted to get her out of her clothing, after that into his bed. Who also aspired to come inside her welcoming body. What I described could have happened just now. You never told me to stop. You should have before I lowered your blouse to get a taste of your breasts.” The last statements were said in an accusing tone.

Starr pushed on her skirt, covering her naked legs, wishing she could vanish, dissolve into the air. She’d been so immersed in feelings, she didn’t think about consequences to her actions. Without conscious thought, reacting on instinct, she slapped him as hard as she could. Saw his head jerk backward from the blows impact. His eyes darkened. For an instant, she thought he might retaliate, until he schooled his features.

Not appearing surprised, he rubbed the red mark she left on his face. “You should have clouted me much sooner. I deserved what you did. Uncovering your breasts, tasting them was not well-done of me.” He rubbed the back of his neck as if he was thinking. “I wanted you to know how easy it is to fall under the spell a man can cast around an innocent. You can always retaliate. What would you do if you asked a man to stop and he refused? You must never allow yourself to find yourself caught alone with a man. As you were today.”

“I didn’t know what you were going to do.” Star tried to defend herself. Realized she had no defense. She asked him to show her what taking liberties meant. Christian had been right about everything.

Mortified to the tips of her toes was how she felt. How he created the magic, she didn’t know. Imagined the enchantment began with the kiss. Starr didn’t believe another man would make her feel the same way Christian did. She looked up to him as if he would understand her next statement. “That would not have happened with just any man. You are special to me in so many ways…too many ways to count.” Even though she said the words as an excuse, she also realized what she said was true. “The man would need to be very singular. Would need to feel a great deal for him. I would never surrender myself like that to just anyone.”

“I stopped, Petite. Not you. Would have never gone so far if you hadn’t asked me to show you what I meant by liberties. Anytime you told me no, would have ended the lesson.” He rasped in a deep breath of air. For a beat, he looked over the rolling countryside.

“Lesson?” she queried, her voice shaking with fury.

“Yes, lesson. You must understand under these circumstances I could have had you naked in another five minutes, less if I chose. If I disrobed you, you would have lost your virginity today. If the man was not me…” Christian lifted his broad shoulders in a gesture that spoke of his masculine strength. “If not me…who will take from you what you need to save for your wedding night?”

Starr realized she’d wanted to touch him. She also recognized the fact she might not wish to wait for a wedding night. The notion was antiquated. After all, Aunt Ella and Uncle Drake didn’t wait. Her mind traveled back to the sensations he created within. Had felt her breasts pushed against the wide expanse of his chest. She could still see the bronzed flesh, sunlight bathing his naked skin. His nipples were small tight buds. She wondered if she sucked on him with her tongue if he’d feel those same aching pleasures she did. Would he be unable to stand? Without thinking, she reached out to touch him.

Christian caught her hand before she would reach her destination. The words were said in a soft snarl. “No, you don’t want to do that.” His amber eyes flashed, shot a warning that embedded in her heart. Lips thinning, he stared at her. “In my current state, touching me would not be wise.”

“Why? What could it hurt? You touched me. What do you mean by your current state?” Once more Starr found herself confused by his statements.

“A man only has so much control over his body. I’m not going to take something from you today that you’ll regret tomorrow. My current state is one I can control…marginally. If you touch me…if you touch me, I might not have the will power to keep from taking you. Right here under the oak tree. Not in a bed on the night of your wedding.” He didn’t release her hand. Moved his thumb with a slowness that enticed, set the flames soaring again. Mon Dieu, he was touching her wrist, nothing more. A man shouldn’t have so much power.

“What if?” she began questioning. Christian wouldn’t like more questions. Letting this topic fade into her past was not something she was willing to do. She was by far too curious. Sliding her tongue along her bottom lip, she asked again, “What if…?” But she wasn’t able to finish the question. Wasn’t even certain what she meant to say.

“No! No practicing with me. I’m not someone you can test out your wiles on. If you let me make love to you, I would be talking to your father about marriage. There goes the title of duchess for you. If you insist on this path, it would never change my plans for the course of my life. The action would, however, change your future. You do know a girl can become enceinte with just one time, one minor mistake. I would never allow a child of mine to be born a bastard.”

The way he sneered the single word “duchess,” she thought she should slap him again. He accepted her violence the first time. He would never do so a second time. If she gave into her whim, there would be a consequence. Starr was curious enough to form conclusions of her own. He would never retaliate with violence against her. However, Christian might kiss her again. Perhaps she was a fool for hoping for another touch of his mouth on hers.

The need to protest as well as defend her actions surfaced. Feeling angry with his assumptions about her, she said, “I’m not practicing anything. Not wiles either, whatever that means. You were going to show me what you meant by…” She couldn’t get the rest of the sentence out. “You were teaching me a lesson. Seems to me we’re not finished.”

“I did show you…liberties. Getting a woman out of her clothing without her understanding what was being done to her. You enjoyed the kisses, the touches…would it be the same with any man? Your little feminine sounds you gifted me with told me you were enjoying the contact. Man…woman…sensual pleasure…urgent for more. Liberties. Sex.”

“I’m not! I’m not like that! I wouldn’t allow what you did with just anyone…” Starr knew girls who enjoyed teasing men. Enjoyed men… Never settled on one man to love. “I’m looking for something lasting. A relationship with purpose. What you did to me, was…nice… I enjoyed the kisses, the touches, because it was you doing the touching. If it were someone else doing the touching…I don’t know.”

Christian grimaced. His brows drew together as if he was thinking. He pulled her hands into his. “I know you are not a woman to give her favors to any or every man who comes along. Didn’t mean to imply anything of the sort. I’m a bit awestruck by the fact it was so easy for me to bring you to that point. Thought you would put up more resistance. Never assumed you would allow me to put my hands on you with so much intimacy. Fact is, I got a bit carried away. Showed you more than I meant to. You were sweet, tasted like a warm autumn breeze. With the scent of the grapes wafting around us… You must take care, Petite. Would never want to see you hurt.”

She lowered her head, unable to meet the heat of his glowing amber eyes, “I liked what you did, Chris. The way I felt when you caressed me. Is it always that way?” With every answer to a question, Starr had more questions.

“Yes, if the lover is right for you. No, at other times.”

Mulling his words over in her mind, she decided these seconds with Christian had been moments well-spent. She appreciated his teaching. Recognized the fact that she would never be a man’s pawn. Could make decisions pertaining to what she would allow as well as what she wouldn’t.

“Thank you. I think,” she murmured, unwilling to give him any more power over her. While she was willing to admit to herself Christian was right. Starr wasn’t about to admit her deepest feelings for this man holding her on his lap. He’d always been an intricate part of her life. She ran to him when she was sad as well as with the best experiences of her life. Christian was always a listener. Recognizing she needed to get away from this closeness, move on with her life was why she lobbied so hard to go to London for a season.

The warmth of Christian she enjoyed coupled with the scent of the man. If he possessed a title, she might approach him with a different attitude. Might look at him as a possible husband. No, she didn’t truly feel that the heading before or after a name was all important. Gave her a direction to look for a husband. She’d made of list of characteristics in a spouse that were important to her. Christian fit every single one to perfection except the title. He didn’t have one. What should that minor deficiency matter? If she married him, she would have a wonderful life with an amazing man who she loved. Loved? Did she love Christian?

Nonetheless, what she wished for was a real love. One that would last through a lifetime. A love that was as strong and as enduring as the love her parents held for each other. She needed romance in her life also. Looked forward to sipping wine on the porch while watching the sun dip behind the horizon.

The season in London was something she considered important to attend since she was a small child. The last few years some of her cousins found love during their season. The kind of love she wished for. She wanted her season along with everything that went with it…the balls…the gowns…dancing. Excitement. Adventure into the unknown. The season was more important than anything else. If she didn’t attend, she would always feel something was missing from her life.

Not that she lacked attention. The season was different. Starr wanted to be sought after by one or two young men…a dozen if possible. Needed a choice when it came time to pick out a husband. Christian would tell her one didn’t just choose a man to spend the rest of her life with. He would lecture her about feelings of love.

Bottom line, Starr wanted a season. For the longest time she didn’t believe her parents would relent then let her go to London. Aunt Ella asked her to come last year when she was seventeen. Her parents refused, telling her she was too young to make decisions about a husband. Now that they gave into her begging, she was over the moon. Filled with joy. The only damper on her horizon was Christian. It was obvious he didn’t want her to go. Why? Was the question in her mind.

Even while she raced between their vineyards to give him her long-awaited news, she understood he would never be pleased. He told her more than once when the topic was introduced, he was against her going. All but told her some rake would take advantage of her if given the chance. Mentioned the same again today. This visit with Christian she managed to discover a bit more about relations between a man and a woman. She also found out Christian’s expertise about her body sent her to places she’d never dreamed of before. Those exquisite feelings remained in her head. She knew he’d had more than one lover. Understood she disliked the fact.

“You should go home. It’s getting late.” His voice broke into her thoughts, robbing her of the daydreams he would tell her served no practical purpose. Christian was always the practical one, always the one to remind her she was too flighty. She wasn’t. Not really. It was just the fact she enjoyed life.

“What? Oh! Now why didn’t I think about that?” She was still sitting on his lap. His big hand still circled her waist, caressed her hip. The contact was warm, soothing to her shattered nerves. The sensations wonderful. Didn’t want to give anything up. If he wouldn’t tell her no, she’d ask for another kiss. Something to tide her over until another man kissed her. She wished to have a reminder so she could compare kisses. When looking for a husband, wasn’t comparison important? The breeze off the river was beginning to cool the day. Nothing chilled the spot where his hand still stroked.

“The sun will go down in a couple of hours. Don’t want you riding alone in the dark.” He sounded as if he made excuses for her to leave. The warmth of his breath whispered across her cheek. “Wouldn’t want you to get hurt.”

She brightened with the opening he gave her. Seemed he walked right into the invitation. She touched the middle of his chin, smiling, hoping he wouldn’t refuse. “You could come with me. Protect me from all that’s evil in the world. With you riding by my side, there would be no chance I would get hurt.” His look of chagrin gave her reason to giggle. She never giggled. Done so twice today. Whatever was wrong with her? She felt giddy with life. Christian kissed her. He’d never kissed her before. “I wouldn’t mind the company. Yours is always welcome. Mother and Father would never turn you down as a dinner guest. Especially if you were protecting me.”

Christian looked to the path, to her home, then back to her. His grin gave her reason to hope he would agree. His words did not. He looked as if he wanted to say yes. Instead, “I’ve work to finish. Your arrival put a quick end to my working day,” he protested, even while his hand roamed along her back, touched each bone down her spine.

Seemed he didn’t wish to stop touching her. She didn’t want him to stop. “Mon Dieu, you work too hard. Everything will be here tomorrow if you fail to finish today. Your men have left for their homes. The grapes are all picked. There is nothing you are pressed by time to finish. Ride back with me. Stay for dinner.” She yearned to know what he was thinking. Wished she could figure out some way to get him to tell her how he felt when he kissed her. Well, she recognized the fact he was teaching a lesson. Understood he would never tell her…. What? What did she want him to tell her? That he fell madly in love with her when he kissed her? That he would never see another woman?

“I accept.”

“What?” she doubted her good fortune. Was surprised by Christian’s sudden capitulation to the invitation. “You are going to accept?”

“Now you don’t want to have me over for dinner? Fickle woman.” His hand circled her neck, the thumb moving with gentle ease along the length. Stopped at that place where she felt her blood pulsing. His eyes were on fire. He seemed to be staring at her mouth. Without thinking she ran her tongue along her bottom lip.

Perhaps they were of like mind. He might wish for another kiss too. Her body quickened with the sensual contact. One more time, she slid her tongue between her lips anticipating. “Are you going to kiss me?” Starr blurted. With the darkening of his features, she realized her mistake. He seemed to struggle with the question. If she hadn’t asked, he might have kissed her. She wanted to beg. Held the words in check. Whatever happened between them she would never beg for anything.

“No, Petite, though kissing you did cross my mind quite a few times. Believe a third kiss today would be too much for me to handle. Might result in a disaster neither of us wish to deal with.” He still caressed her. His hand slid across her shoulder to the edge of her blouse. Again, he could slip the fabric down her arms. If he did, she would never protest. The thought of his mouth on her breasts, his tongue curling around the tips sent shivers of heat through her. She ached in dark secret places.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Starr needed answers to all her questions. With little to no effort Christian set her on fire. So far today, all the questions that were answered created more holes in her knowledge. Every suggestive word seemed to lead to another puzzle. “Why? A kiss would not be so difficult. Would it?”

Christian brought her hand to his mouth. Touched the palm with his tongue. A shudder of desire coupled with intense pleasure ripped through her. Didn’t understand why she was so sensitive on the palm of her hand. Didn’t comprehend a lot of things.

“I shouldn’t do this. Should not give you the answer you crave. Even though doing so goes against all common sense, I’m going to do it anyway. Might create more questions. Don’t know if I dare answer any more.” Christian brought her hand to his belly. Slid it lower. He groaned when he stopped the downward path of his hand.

What she felt surprised her. Her gaze flew to meet his amber stare. She blinked a few times. “What is that?”

He cupped her fingers in his, removing her hand. “Has lots of names. Some vulgar. Some not so much. What it’s telling you is that I’m ready to make love to you. If you ever feel that hard rod pressed against your soft belly, know you should run in the safest direction. Run straight to your Aunty Ella. Tell her to get her cane ready. Understand the fact that the man you are with is ready to take your innocence away from you. Eager to rob you of your virginity. Just as I am now.”

“You want me like that? You would…?” She drew her eyebrows together as she mulled over his statement. More questions. “Can I see?” At his look, Starr realized she should have bit her tongue if that was the only way to keep the question behind her teeth. She did want to see what she just felt. Imagined she was asking too much.

Starr didn’t understand how to analyze what he told her. She didn’t comprehend much about the opposite sex. Always recognized the fact men were different from women. In most cases it was because of the way they thought about life in general coupled with the difference in the clothing they wore. She understood more, such as beards…their size…the deepening of their voice as they grew older. The anatomy was different but she’d never seen a naked man. Her brother was older. Never saw him or her father wearing no clothing. Recognized the fact they didn’t have breasts. She felt the flush of heat to her cheeks.

“Won’t lie to you. Yes, I’d like to finish what we started with our first kiss. Would love to bury myself deep inside the gentle warmth of your body. Feel you close around me along with the satin finish that would greet this hard part of me. Give you pleasure.”

“What do you call it?” Starr looked down where she saw the bulge beneath his pants, wondered if he’d grace her with even one name. “Don’t want the vulgar ones. Give me a name so I understand more.”

“No…”

“Don’t you think I should know? If I’m going to be looking for a husband in a few weeks, I should not be ignorant of men.” The stubborn set to his chin told her she’d gone too far this time. She didn’t think so. She tilted her chin. Saying words she didn’t mean, she spoke. “I’ll ask Evan.”

“No. If you do something so foolish, Evan will wonder why you are asking. He will not be pleased.”

“Oh…”

He set her on her feet then stood. “Come, if we’re going to dinner, we should leave here now.” Christian straightened her blouse then her hair. “You look as if you’ve been ravished. The sweet mouth I kissed looks bee-stung. Your parents will string me up by my thumbs when they see you.”

“Ravished?” She was down to one-word questions. “Bee-stung?”

“Yes. Can you put some order to your hair?”

What does ravished look like? If it is messy hair, my hair is always messy. What difference did that make?

With deft, well-practiced moves, she wound the long tawny locks into a bun. “It won’t hold while we ride. Besides, I always come back from my rides looking disheveled. Mother and Father will think nothing of my appearance. Would say the way I look was par for the course.”

“Will your brother be there?”

“Evan is in Paris.”

~ * ~

The ride back from the Maxwell Chateau gave Christian time to make plans. This afternoon Starr shattered his world in too many ways to count. While he always believed a kiss between them would cement their relationship, the news she was still looking for a titled aristocrat managed to stop his heart for a few beats. He hoped she would change her mind. His lesson about liberties did not stop her. Merde! Tasting her was like having a small piece of heaven in his mouth. He’d set his hand on her belly. Felt the contraction of her muscles. Witnessed the speeding of her heart as he watched the pulse at the base of her neck quicken. He could have made her his today. If they made love, he would march her to the alter. Her father would utter no protest.

She was right though. Starr did need to meet people. Should be able to make some decisions about the man she would have for her husband. Just because he’d been in love with her since the first moment he saw her as a young woman didn’t mean she felt the same about him.

Going to London for even a small season put his objectives on hold, including the ones revolving around the improvements to the vineyard he planned to make this season. She surprised him with her announcement. He would not allow Starr to encounter any type of degradation in her ardent quest for an aristocratic husband. While he understood there would be some protection forthcoming from the Montgomeries, neither the duke or the duchess could be with her all the time. Even if he was in London during her stay, neither could he be with her one hundred percent of the time. There would be outings planned. He hoped Ella would always arrange for a chaperone. Creative men could always find ways around chaperones.

The taste of Starr, the feel of her soft body responding to his touch, gave rise to sensations he’d rather not feel when there was no relief in sight. He didn’t know how he was going to go about his plans in London. Keeping some distance from Starr while still guarding her back was a necessity. What he did realize was the fact if he were to be a success, he would need to speak with The Duchess. Talking to the woman was the first thing he would do after reacquainting himself with his family in the city.

He made quick work rubbing down his horse. Spoke to the stable boy about his plans. Tempete would need to be exercised while he was gone. Didn’t know how long he would be in London.

Ollie, his man, met Christian in the foyer of his chateau. To call him his valet seemed to be the best description of his duties. Though Ollie was far more than a valet. He was his man. Christian found Ollie in Paris. The boy, at the time Ollie was no more than thirteen, lived on the street. Stayed alive by picking pockets then selling the ill-gotten gains. Ollie nabbed his pocket watch. Christian nabbed him.

Christian was able to capture him, shake him until his teeth rattled then convince him he could put his nimble fingers to use in better ways. Ever since that day two years ago, Ollie was by his side. Watched his back. Commiserated with him when things didn’t go as he planned. The boy was loyal to a fault. Would defend him in any capacity. Ollie was always ready to thank him each time he saw him for not sending him to prison. The Bastille welcomed boys like Ollie. At least they no longer used the guillotine. Ollie might like the news. He was more at home in a city than he was in the country. He liked the hustle of people. Enjoyed testing his skills. More than once, Christian was put in the position of returning a bauble to the rightful owner with apologies coupled with a joke that was meant to ease away anger.

“We’re going to London. Leaving in a week. You’ll see to things?” Christian asked, a wry grin on his face. He needed to be in the city ahead of Starr. Recognized the fact, he would need to move fast to secure invitations to the same events as Starr. He wished to purchase a box at the theatre. Would need to open up the ducal townhouse. Make certain the carriage with the emblem emblazoned on the side would not get out of the carriage house. A few more servants would need to be hired. The list continued to grow.

Ollie crinkled up his nose. Sometimes he had the look of a little monkey. It was at these moments Christian was struck with the need to laugh. The boy’s eyes were dark, nearly blue-black. His impertinence couldn’t be drilled out of him. Ollie never failed to speak his mind. “Now why would we want to do something so foolish? London, you say? Why? We just got back from that horrible place a few months ago. You never gave me the opportunities to practice my trade. If we need to go somewhere, could we go to Paris instead? I’d even settle for a time in Bordeaux. We could go to the south of France where it’s warmer. Bask in the sun.”

Christian had his reasons. He lifted his shoulders knowing full well the gesture frustrated Ollie. “Business. You well understand this is the beginning of the off season. Unless my calculations are wrong, it was almost nine months since we’ve been there. Besides, you like the city better than out here in the country with nothing for you to do. We’ll be busy. You won’t have a moment to find yourself bored. Just last night you told me how you could find nothing to do here. Spoke to me about needing some excitement in your life. Not promising thrills in London. Nonetheless, the city will be a change of scenery.”

“You’re right, sir. Bored to tears out here. Nothing to do. You won’t allow me near the grapes.” He set a towel by the fire to warm. “Your bath’s ready. You have dinner?”

Nodding the affirmative, “At the Maxwells.” Christian realized he would have to take a bit of teasing from Ollie.

“Ah, the petite one asked you to come for dinner? Did you kiss her?” The question was far from appropriate for a servant to ask the man who paid his wages. Ollie didn’t consider that fact. The boy took a decided interest in his love life.

Christian stopped midstride. No, he shook his head. Ollie would never spy on him. He’d have no reason to guess what he’d been about this afternoon. The question was a lucky guess. That was all. Ollie wouldn’t walk that far. He held a healthy dislike for horses. His question was a wild stab in the dark. Ollie understood his attraction to the mademoiselle. Recognized the fact he wished to stabilize his life. In light of his feelings for Starr, marriage was attractive to him.

“Why do you ask?” Even though his voice was stern, he was laughing inside. Had nothing to hide from Ollie.

Slipping out of his shirt, Christian eyed the steaming water Ollie prepared for him. Dinner with the Maxwells had been an interesting experience. This time, the conversation centered around Starr’s trip to London. Logan wasn’t pleased to have given in to his daughter’s request. It was obvious to him; Eveleen lent a helping hand to gaining her daughters wishes. Reiterating that if she wished for a season, she should have one.

In his hesitancy, Christian discovered Logan felt much the same as to other topics concerning Starr as he did. Starr was far too trusting to find herself thrust into the middle of a season, even an off season. It would be much too easy for some young swain to take advantage of her. She trusted everyone. Needed to learn she should never put her faith in someone she just met. Hoped what he taught her today would have a lasting effect.

Clenching his fists, he told himself he would need to be vigilant. Would explain his fears to Ella who would oversee her introduction into society. She needed a chaperone at all times. He wished to be the one for the duty. Would need to figure out a means to make his wish a reality. Starr would scoff at such a thing. Here in wine country, she rode about the property by herself. Came to visit him without a chaperone. This afternoon, he took advantage of her innocence.

Ollie broke into his thoughts. His amusement clear in the tone of his voice. “Thought you were sweet on Starr. Are you? Seems that might be why we’re headed to merry ol’ England at the same time she is.”

Christian didn’t wish to admit to anything. Recognized the fact Ollie would never spread gossip. His plans with Starr were too new to share with anyone. While he’d had these feelings for a few years, he’d needed to wait for her to grow up. Now that she’d accomplished the minor feat, she wanted choices.

With a stiff breath of air, he blurted the truth. “Going to marry her.”

“Ah, so you’re going to get leg shackled to the pretty little thing. Can’t say as I blame you. She will look fine on your bed. All that tawny hair of hers spread across your pillows.” Ollie said, his monkey’s grin on his face.

“Ollie…” Christian imagined Ollie was old enough to have had a few dalliances with the female persuasion.

“Yes, Sir. Sir, the water’s getting cold.” He meant to distract him.

With a brief sigh. “Go to bed, Ollie. We’ve only a week to prepare. Want everything to be in order.” He couldn’t remove himself from his estate until after Starr and her family left for Paris.

He wouldn’t see her for three weeks or so. There would be time to sort out the rest of their lives.

~ * ~

Paris was a whirlwind of delights, culinary as well as visual enjoyments. Even though she’d visited Paris a few times, Starr adored being a tourist. Saw all the important sights. The weather was warm as well as sunny for the entire fifteen days they were in the city. They bought gowns for every occasion. Riding habits for jaunts in Hyde Park and anywhere else she might find herself. Lacy underclothing along with stockings and shoes were purchased as well as different slippers to match the gowns. She had bonnets and shawls for every occasion. Her mother made certain she would lack for nothing.

During the voyage from Paris to London a storm hit. Waves spilled onto the deck. They were relegated to their rooms for two days. She felt nauseous most of the time while the ship dove into the backside of waves before rising again to repeat the process. By the time the tempest swept by, Starr was ready for peaceful seas. Even more so, she needed land beneath her feet. She strolled the deck accompanied by a handsome lieutenant by the name of Gavin Stoddard. He told her tales of sea monsters that made her laugh. The young man was tanned from the sun. His hair was a light brown. With his beguiling blue eyes, he was very handsome. She did enjoy his company. The one kiss he initiated on the last day at sea left her remembering the kisses she shared with Christian. The lieutenant’s kiss didn’t make her pulse quicken. Didn’t cause her breathing to come in desperate little pants. When he pulled her close, she did feel that hard part of him against her. Recalled Christian’s warning of caution. If you feel that against your stomach, run. On board ship there was nowhere to run.

By the time the vessel slipped into the Thames, heading the final distance to London, she was ready to put both feet on solid ground. Most of the conversations with her parents revolved around warnings about men. She couldn’t tell her mother and father that Christian warned her too. Nor could she explain about the little demonstration he gave her to get the point across. All she wished for was a chance to enjoy these moments she would have without her parents. This was her time. She hoped to test her wings then fly. How to explain the feeling, she didn’t know.

The carriage her father rented on the docks brought her straight to the Montgomerie townhouse. She’d been here before. Had met some of her cousins. The ones closest to her age were all married. After a meal with the family, she waved goodbye to her parents who were headed to the Maxwell country home, south of London. She wouldn’t see them for the next month.

“Are you excited by your prospects?” Ella stood beside her as the carriage carrying her mother and father trundled away. Her eyes were shining. At forty something, she was still a beautiful woman. “We’ve a lot to discuss. I need to tell you what has been planned for your entertainment so far.” Aunt Ella sounded just as excited as she was. “I do love it when I’ve a new ward to look out for. We’ll find you the perfect gentleman for a husband. I promise. Your mother tells me you have a list of character traits you are searching for. That is good.”

“Oh, yes! It’s the first time I’ve been on my own. Without having…” Starr felt the first flush of heat rise to cover her cheeks. “I recognize the fact I’m not on my own. I do have to answer to you as well as my uncle. But…well…you’re not my mother. You’re my aunt…it’s not the same. Mother wants to know everything I’m thinking as well as feeling. You won’t…”

“You are not planning to misbehave now, are you? We can’t have a naughty young débutante. Don’t want any scandals. There have been enough of that with my daughter along with your cousin, Kerrie. Indeed, all of your cousins created a scandal rocking the ton. Of course, I wish to know everything you are thinking and feeling.” She paused for a moment thinking, tapping her well-manicured finger on her chin. “Lyssa also created a scandal as did Nickie. Oh my…you are not going to create gossip, are you? We must have one peaceful season to look back on with a smile,” Ella said with a small laugh as they made their way to the drawing room. “Tonight, Drake will be vacating the premises so we can have a little conversation. He tells me he feels as if he’s a third wheel while the women are chattering nonstop.”

“Hope I haven’t put him out.” Starr was thinking about scandals along with gossip. She didn’t want that for herself. She’d heard her cousins’ stories. Yes, they knew their minds. Acted within the boundaries they’d been taught only with a unique spin. The cousins reached out to take what they wanted from life. She would do the same. If doing so meant a scandal, so be it.

“No, he’s going to one of his clubs to spend the evening drinking with his friends. They’ll gamble a little. Drake doesn’t like to gamble. However, in this situation, he’ll sit down with his friends, play a few rounds of cards. We’ll have the house all to ourselves. Ash is most likely doing the same as my husband at a different club. The children have been put to bed though Charlotte is getting to the age she wants to be part of all adult conversations. She is far too precocious for her own good. She wanted to stay up with us. I gave her a decided “no” to her offer. You and I need time to chat, to get to know each other. Would like to understand what kind of man you are looking for in a husband.”

“As mother told you, I’ve made a list,” Starr volunteered with more eagerness than she felt. She thought about every characteristic she looked for in her future husband. The man she looked for seemed quite a lot like Christian…except for the title. Christian’s title was missing. He didn’t have one. The lack of a heading didn’t make her happy. She decided she might need to revise the list. Couldn’t change the fact she wanted someone dark as well as dangerous. Nor could she change the fact, she loved the color of Christian’s eyes. The quirk to his lips when he grinned at her. His build enticed all her female sensibilities. He was made perfect for her taste in men.

“Of what?” Ella sounded perplexed but grinned. She did know. Sounding obtuse was not like her. “What’s this list about?”

Starr let out a slow breath of air. She wasn’t certain what to share with Aunt Ella. “Well, the characteristics I want in my future husband,” she conceded to her aunt. Didn’t want anything to go wrong. “Isn’t that the way it’s done? Make a list so one knows who to accept as well as who to reject the moment she sees the man,” she mentioned, feeling a bit unnerved by the strange expression on Ella’s face.

“Oh, I don’t know. I didn’t have a clue as to what I wanted until I saw Drake. The moment I saw him…coup de foudre…lightning sizzled in my heart. I was in love at first sight of him. Felt as if a bolt of lightning hit then traveled straight to my heart. Realized I wanted him to be the one, the only one. Believe it was the same for your mother. Though she had a bit of trouble getting to the point where she could accept your father.”

“Love at first sight,” Starr mumbled remembering her own coup de foudre. Her love at first sight though was when she was a child, when she was not very old. It wasn’t the first time she saw him but it was the first time he spoke to her. The moment couldn’t count now that she was getting ready to make the biggest decision of her life. Shaking off that star-struck remembrance she focused on the here and now.

“Sherry?” Ella asked before she could say anything more.

“Yes…please.”

“Now, dear,” Ella said as she prepared the drinks. She paused for a few moments while she seemed to stare out the window. “What do you have in mind? If you lend me a hand with your list, I could think on the young men who have been invited to tomorrow night’s soiree. Give you introductions to only those who fit the bill.”

Starr suddenly felt a bit gauche as well as out of place. She didn’t wish to seem the country bumpkin that she was. Maybe Aunt Ella had a point. When she saw the man, she would know he was the one. “Perhaps the list isn’t necessary. I’ll have to rethink the notion.”

“Tell me one characteristic that sticks out in your mind. Doing so will help. As I said, I can place you with a man or men who would live up to what you want. We can make certain only those who have say, dark hair will be on your dance card.”

At the mention of dark hair, she sipped in a breath of air that caught in her throat. “This will sound unromantic. Even devious. I don’t suppose it matters since most of the men I’ll be meeting will have a…title. The title behind their name is important to me. I’ve always dreamed of falling in love with a duke or a marquis.”

“I see…” Ella sipped then swallowed, pausing before she spoke. “A title, that does narrow the field.” She paused, tapping her nail on the crystal glass. “True, so true the men who come to these affaires, most of them have a heading to their name. You will find a title doesn’t make a man more admirable. A title doesn’t mean the man will treat you right. There are times…well…there are times when the males of our species are just plain arrogant because of the moniker that goes before their given name.”

“It’s just that I’ve always imagined…dreamed about meeting a prince charming who would sweep me off my feet. I want to fall in love with someone who is important.” The horrible truth was that she was trying to run from the man she loved. She’d fallen in love with a commoner just like herself. More, she always wished for more. Mother once told her she was never satisfied. Now, she hoped to fall in love with a second man. One who could make her forget her first love.

Starr wanted what her cousins found. Lyssa married a duke. Nickie found a man with a title, though she couldn’t remember…Collin was a… They all found husbands born of the aristocracy. Why did she feel so shallow? There must be more to finding a man to love the rest of her life than a title.

“Well,” Ella paused in thought again, “you are so lovely you will have them lined up to dance with you. I hope your mother has bought you an adequate trousseau for the upcoming affairs. I believe I mentioned the fact earlier. Your first ball is tomorrow night.”

“Tomorrow night?” Starr brought in a huge lump of cold air, held the oxygen in her lungs until it heated then burned. “That soon?” she murmured, wondering if she was ready to meet all those men looking for a wife.

“Yes, but I do have to apprise you of a certain situation.”

“What is that?” A twist fluttered in her stomach. Was something gone awry so soon? “What situation?” she asked again as she understood by the expression on her aunt’s face, she might not appreciate what she was about to hear.

“Christian Deschanel is in London. He has secured invitations to all the events you are planning to attend.”

“Christian? He doesn’t trust me. I know it. He just wants to keep tabs on me.” She remembered his lecture. His warnings. Starr didn’t want a constant reminder of all she allowed him to do.

“Why would you say something so absurd?” Ella blinked a few times as it seemed she tried to understand her comments.

Starr didn’t dare elaborate as to why she didn’t think Christian didn’t trust her. Couldn’t tell Aunt Ella about the lesson given with his hands…his mouth…teeth…tongue. She groaned. Pushing away those thoughts, she spoke. “I don’t understand why my neighbor is in town. What does he want?” Hearing Christian’s name made her think again about the way he touched her that day. How those strokes of his calloused hands felt on her breasts…her belly…her…

“He seems concerned about you. What is he to you? Is there more here I should understand? It is your welfare I’m apprehensive about. The man won’t take advantage of you. Will he?”

“He means nothing to me.” Starr hated the lie that left her lips. Meeting different men was her objective. What she needed to do was put Christian out of her mind so she could concentrate on new men in her life.

“Very well then, I’ll remember the fact when I’m helping you decide on your future husband. It is my job to see that my charges find the love of their lives.”