Chapter One

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The wind caressed her face, sending her hair flying behind her. The exhilaration keen. Hooves pounded, thundering beneath her. Kerrie Johnston pushed the horse harder, faster. She was one with her horse. Thrills chased down her spine with the exciting race through the forest. They would fly out on the meadow soon, headed for home. The huge stallion sired by her mother’s favorite horse, Fiacre, trampled the grass. Battered the ground beneath his hooves. She lay flat against the big stallion’s neck urging him to race faster. He leapt the log lying across the narrow woodland trail. She felt as one with the magnificent animal. Soon, she would need to slow him, walk him. Allow him to warm down. They would both breathe again. She sipped deep the forest air she loved. The fragrant smells were a deep part of her. Living in this manner was good. Thrilling. Free.

“Good boy,” Kerrie whispered to the stallion stroking the animal, his hide sweaty. After they returned to the stable, he would need tender attention. As she understood the necessity, she slowed the pace to a walk, praising the animal as they continued. A deep breath of air filled her with the scent of pine. Four days were left to her. If she could enjoy every second with her horse, she would do so. She treasured the time alone with her thoughts. Sometimes she was a solitary soul. Loved the moments she had to herself. Was not looking forward to the next stage of her life.

The London season she didn’t wish for awaited her. She was no débutante. Nor did she wish to call herself on the shelf though she was. Her stomach churned at the horrific knowledge of what was going to happen to her. Dancing with fops at the ball who had the sole purpose of shopping for a wife was not on her favorite to do list. Riding the wind. Feeling Dex beneath her. Those were what her dreams were made from. Her parents didn’t know she had taken this slight diversion into the hills far from the country estate where she was supposed to become a lady. She would never simper. Would never bow down to man’s whims. She was independent, a free thinker. Taught to be so by her parents.

If her father discovered she had left her entourage in the village below, he’d be furious. Maybe her father wasn’t part of that instruction. Even angrier if he discovered she was alone with no one to protect her. Kerrie didn’t need or want babysitters. Didn’t need to be protected or sheltered from the big bad world. She wasn’t a helpless female. That’s all her entourage was. Guardians of her virtue. Hah! The guards he sent as traveling companions weren’t needed. She understood they were a precautionary tactic. Her father suspected she would do something to deviate from his plans. He was spot on with that assumption. Before riding up the path to the Montgomerie hunting lodge, she sent Aunt Ella a note as to her plans, telling her the anticipated arrival would be delayed a week. If she dared postpone her appearance in London further, she would do so. If she could put her debut off forever, that would be better. She anticipated with glee the time alone. Time to collect her thoughts then figure out a way to avoid a marriage, any marriage. She didn’t have room for a man in her life.

Fathers always worried about daughters. Hadden had two to worry over. Though Kelsey, her younger sibling, always did what she was told. Kelsey was a father’s perfect daughter. For the most part, so did she, do what was expected. This was not one of those times. Before she was whisked into the carriage, she told her father this was not what she wished for in her life. Her parents thought she needed a husband. The devil, she turned twenty this year. She didn’t care about the label on the shelf. If and when she ever wed, the marriage would be for love, not to gain a title or wealth. A love like her parents experienced was what she was holding out for. Kerrie understood she would never find that type of love at a dèbutante’s ball. Wouldn’t find love anywhere in London either. She needed a real man. What did she want with a dandy? She needed a man who would stand up for her. Would allow her to continue with her dream…a stable of race horses all her own.

Nothing.

It wasn’t as if she didn’t have a few suitors. She did. Their kisses did nothing for her that would send her heart soaring. The caresses never sparked anything within. While the kisses were nice, that was it. Nothing else. No flicker of desire. No flames she couldn’t resist. Kerrie wanted something that would cock her toes up. She understood that was what her mother and father relished. What her married cousins enjoyed with their spouses.

Kerrie leaned over to caress Dex, stroking the animal’s neck. She’d been surprised when her mother allowed her to take the stallion with her. She also realized the allowance was to ease her into the acceptance of her destination. She had no choice except to go. Telling her mother she didn’t care about a husband would never hold water. The words would be a lie. The fact was she wasn’t about to settle. Most of all she didn’t want a man with a title. That was the last thing she wished to have. A title would inhibit everything she longed for in life. There were too many rules that went with a titled aristo. She didn’t like rules or regulations. Didn’t need the obligations. She saw what Aunt Ella went through. Her aunt was a duchess. That title was just down the line from the king and queen. No, no man with a title would be hers. A man like that wasn’t about to give her a second look. She was, after all, a wee bit, no, a lot rough around the edges. Her manners weren’t lacking. The problem was that she had her own way of doing things that were not wifely by today’s standards.

London… She was going to live with Auntie Ella, now known as The Duchess. The one and only Duchess. Her aunt was in charge of all the female relatives who were sent to the city for their coming out. So far, she had sponsored three of her cousins. She was the fourth. As far as Kerrie was concerned, she didn’t want a season. Didn’t want to be sponsored by anyone, even The Duchess. Back in the little village at the bottom of the hill were three trunks filled with all the new clothing her mother ordered to be made special for her introduction. Kerrie thought the expense was a waste of good money. Though her father had more money than he needed. Money that could have been spent on the stables or purchasing new horseflesh to breed. That’s what she wished for. A stable of her own…not frivolous gowns. One that would be renowned throughout England as well as Scotland.

At the end of the trail, she found a boulder to sit on. This was one of her favorite places to reflect on her future. The idyllic spot overlooked a canyon that fell away to a stream far below. Yesterday, she walked down to the stream with a fly rod in her hand. She caught two fish for her dinner that night. Since she didn’t bring the cook from her entourage with her, she cleaned then fried the rainbow trout herself. What she did would allow her travel guards to help her bring enough staples to last the week she planned to stay here.

The food was plentiful. She could also fish in the lake next to the Montgomerie hunting lodge. She possessed a clean aim, hitting a rabbit or bird with her rifle. However, cleaning and skinning an animal was not enjoyable. While her family had permission to visit the lodge whenever, they always wrote of their plans ahead of time to make certain they would be the only ones staying. Didn’t find sharing amenable. This time for Kerrie the visit was unplanned. Knowing what was expected, she did write. Nonetheless, she was afraid someone would be at the lodge. When she reached the village below, she knew she would be fine. All the servants who worked at the lodge were at the village. No one was expected. She would be alone. Exactly what she needed to prepare herself for the dreaded season.

Thinking of the boring days ahead of her, she tossed a small rock over the edge of the cliff listening for it to land even though she understood she wouldn’t hear a sound. The drop was too far. In this spot the stream tumbled across large boulders. The water rushed down to the sea. She breathed in deep feeling the mood. The scents of the forest as well as the beautiful scenery touched her soul with promise. Moved her. This serenity was all she needed. Balls, dinners, recitals, held no happiness for her. The crush of the season was horrendous. She cringed thinking about all those perfumed bodies in one area.

The noon hour had come and gone. She was hungry. For a few more minutes she leaned back, the autumn sun beating down on her face. From the summer, her skin was tan more so than what a lady wanted. She was no lady. Never claimed to be. Her best friend in the whole world scolded her for forgetting her bonnets. A bonnet got in the way of riding in the manner she liked. Dex moved restlessly beside her. She wished she could ride forever. Riding was her one and only true joy.

With a heavy sigh, Kerrie looked at the horse she adored. Smoothed her hand along his neck. “Time to get back, Dex. Are you as hungry as me? There will be something special waiting for you. After you eat, I’ll bring you apple slices as well as the carrots you so enjoy. First thing though is a good rubdown. I did work you hard. You deserve my best efforts.”

After she stood, she smoothed her hand down his long nose. Except for the white mark running down the center of his nose, he was pure black, his coat glossy from the tender care she gave him. His dark brown eyes stared at her, waiting for the treat he knew he would get. The juicy morsel would come later. The stallion knew that fact. He thought if he stared at her with his big brown eyes, he would get it sooner. Today, if she had apple slices or carrots in her pocket, he would receive his reward.

“You’re such a fine fellow. Every lady’s dream. Too bad there isn’t a man out there as special as you are.” Kerrie reached into her jacket pocket coming up with pieces of a carrot. She smiled at him. Until now she forgot about the treat. “For your good behavior.” Dex had been right. She always gave into those deep dark eyes. Would give the big stallion everything since he always gave her his all. If there was a man such as that…good god, she might be able to give him her all.

Dex gobbled up the treat. Using a log, Kerrie mounted, swung her leg over his back. The movement hiked up her skirts to her knees. She didn’t care. They were alone in this small piece of paradise. Not that she would give it a second thought in other circumstances. Riding near her parents’ property she rarely met anyone. They lived away from the small town close where she grew up. She bent close to his ear. “Shall we race one more time? As soon as we leave the woods for the meadow, we will test your strength. Your stamina. A brisk race across the field is in order. You are in need of a wee bit of exercise. Not that you haven’t outpaced your usual workout.” The smart trot she set him to brought a bob of his head telling her he was just as ready as she was. Dex understood every word she spoke. He was an incredible animal. He would be the means for her to build her stable.

He shook his head, nickering approval. She kept the pace slow through the woods. Dodged fallen logs. Jumped over ones that lay across the trail. Once they reached the meadow in front of the lodge, she gave him the go ahead to sprint. The hunting lodge was a small dot in the distance. She inhaled as they set off. Her heart raced, the thrill of the run inherent in every part of her.

Exhilarated.

The grin of enjoyment swept her from the inside out. Wind tore at her hair as his speed increased. Leaning over, Kerrie urged the big stallion faster. Faster still. They flew over the grassy field. Together, they challenged the wind for the second time today. Next year Dex would race with the three-year-olds. Dex would win just as his father won every race her mother entered. Would become a legend. This horse was unstoppable. He belonged to her. This was all she wanted from her life; the horse, a stable that would be hers. A husband to demand things of her was not something she wished for. Did not want to be the oldest dèbutante for the season. Didn’t need to be humiliated…scorned.

Hoofbeats that weren’t Dex’s thundered behind her, too close for comfort. Her heart lurched. Deep inside she panicked. She was supposed to be alone. No one should be here. Who the devil could be shadowing her? Kerrie turned to look over her shoulder. She grimaced at the sight. He was chasing her. His mount gained on her. She needed to urge Dex faster then faster still. This wasn’t right.

A man…

No, it couldn’t be. His face was stern. His lips pressed together in a tight line. What she saw of his expression before she turned her attention to the race of her life was anger. This unknown person had no reason or right to be furious with her. No reason to speed after her. What the hell did he want? Fear thrashed inside. Wind stung her cheeks. Her hair whipped around her face.

This man was the interloper. He didn’t belong.

“Faster, Dex, please, please. Faster. Go! Our lives might depend on your speed. You’re the fastest horse in the British Isles. I’m willing to bet on that fact.” Kerrie’s heart leapt.

She cringed against the horse trying to make herself small. Dex was tired from his earlier run. He might not win this race. Her confidence no longer soared. He was up against a formidable enemy. One she didn’t wish to confront.

Seconds ticked by, one after the other. Hoofbeats still pounded behind her. When she peeked again, the man was closing on her. She bent closer to the horse’s neck, knowing the stallion didn’t have more to give. He was exhausted. Earlier, she put him through his paces. His big body heaved. Would want his oats as well as that good rub down she promised him. He would give her everything he had. This time his valiant heart wasn’t enough. She needed to face whatever was in store for her. She would never run her horse to the ground. About to pull up on the reins, she felt the man beside her.

The shriek cried out from deep inside her when, without warning, she was lifted through the air to land hard on the stranger’s thighs. “No!”

Kerrie pushed at the arm that circled her waist, holding her against a hard chest. Squirming, she twisted, pushed, kicked as well as hit the man. She punched him hard in the jaw. His head snapped back. She didn’t care if she fell. This was far worse than finding herself trampled.

“Stop it!” He shook her as the stallion slowed. His words were furious. “Stop it! I don’t mean to harm you. What the bloody hell do you think you are doing? That horse was out of control. He’s too big for you. Too strong.”

Kerrie swung again. Frantic. Her fist hit his jaw. His head jerked back for a second time. He dumped her on the ground. She landed on her backside so hard air rushed from her lungs. Moisture rose to her eyes. “Hellion! I saved you! What do I get for my efforts? A broken jaw!” He rubbed where she hit him. Stared down at her as if she was insane.

Kerrie couldn’t help from gaping at the audacity of his words. Her feet firmly planted on solid ground, her hands on her hips she felt a bit of bravado. This man was an arrogant bastard. “Saved me from what? Just what exactly do you think your highhandedness saved me from!” The tenor of her voice rose. “You could have killed me! Could have been thrown beneath the hooves of your horse. You are too wild. Too reckless. Arrogant.”

He swung his leg over then dropped to the earth beside her. Good God, he was tall. Broad shoulders. Narrow of hip. Thighs muscled. Blue-grey eyes simmered with heat. Flashed sparks of fire in her direction. His enormous fury evident in the set of his jaw. She was taken aback by his words. Despite her determination to stand her ground, she stepped back from him. His stance was too overpowering. She couldn’t meet him eye to eye. Would need to find some other way to state her case against his bravado. He had no rights here. He intruded.

“Your horse was running wild. You are a wee bit of a thing. Scrawny arms. No muscle. There was no way in hell you could keep that huge stallion in line,” he spoke with infuriating calm. His voice held her enthralled for a moment. Talked as if he knew what was what. “Before you broke your pretty neck, you needed help. I came to your assistance. No thanks from you. I rescued you.” He threw up his hands a scowl on his handsome face. “What the hell were you thinking?”

“You’re crazy! I’m no damsel in distress who needs help from the likes of you. I had everything well in hand! Didn’t need a man to save me from the horse I’ve ridden for two years. Dex obeys my commands. He understands everything I tell him.” She didn’t intend to back down from his tirade. The man was wrong.

“Could have fooled me.” His fury was no longer flashing sparks of fire.

The eyes that stared at her turned smokey. His gaze ran over her as if he assessed her abilities. Scrawny arms. No muscle. I’ll show him muscle. He seemed more annoyed than anything.

“Come along, I’ll take you wherever it is you need to go. Are you one of the servants here? If so, you shouldn’t be playing super horsewoman while there is work to be done in the house. Imagine you have chores that have been left undone.”

Come along? Not on his life or mine. How dare he speak to her in that manner? A servant? Never!

Kerrie didn’t have words to combat him, his highhandedness. His smug grin. His arrogance. Her anger had not died. “I did. I fooled you. Now I’m the one who has to walk back because of your overbearingness. I hate walking. Always ride.”

She began the trek to the lodge. Which wasn’t that far. She could have ridden into the stable. Because of his actions, she walked. Brushed Dex down. Given him his evening meal. This man kept her from attending to her stallion as he should be tended to.

“You’re telling me you had everything in hand? That you weren’t in trouble? I don’t believe a word. That animal has to be sixteen or maybe seventeen hands. He’s huge. All muscle. A little slip of a female can’t handle an animal that large. Besides, if you were taking everything in hand, you were running the animal into the ground. A good horseman would never do that.”

A wave of nausea swept through her. In all her life she’d never overtaxed an animal. In this case, his statement might be too close to the truth for comfort. Only because she was running from him. Unable to say anything else, she made an unladylike snort. “How would you know? You were chasing me. I feared for my life. Thought you were a madman. Still do.” Kerrie felt more than ready to blast the man out of the water. Instead of giving him what for, she held her tongue after that last statement. She’d said too much. Arguing with this beast of a male would get her nowhere. She still didn’t know his intentions. What the devil was he doing here?

“I know. Now, come along. Let me give you that lift to wherever you’re going. You don’t have to walk unless you’re so stubborn you’d defy my generosity. Didn’t you just tell me you abhorred walking?”

Come along. Infuriating beast.

Self-absorbed masculine animal.

“Would rather walk than be anywhere with you.”

Kerrie was beginning to dislike this man with intensity surprising her. This handsome man, she amended, wishing he weren’t so arrogant as well as annoying. Wishing he didn’t believe his every word was gospel. Wishing he didn’t intrigue all her senses. He was too handsome…too masculine…too male.

“No?” he questioned her. One more time in less than five minutes his hands were on her waist. He tossed her onto his horse. With no effort on his part, he leapt up behind her. The reins were in one hand. His arm was around her waist pulling her close. He guided the animal toward the lodge. In a different life, she might admire his skill with his horse. Might enjoy the heat pervading her body when he touched her.

No!

At his obvious destination, she groaned. He couldn’t be going to the lodge. Where else would he go? There was nothing up here except the lodge. While she had permission, at the same time she didn’t have authorization. Ella wouldn’t have known until today or possibly yesterday maybe not until tomorrow she was here. The duke might have given this man permission to vacation at the hunting lodge. Her note would have reached Ella only a day or two ago. He would have arrived this afternoon while she was out exploring the territory. The servants from the village would begin to assemble. Her long-awaited relaxing vacation before the London season would be over.

“Seems your horse…” the man began but he cut himself off. His huge arm squeezed against her stomach.

“Dex.”

“Seems your horse is headed for the stable. Did you steal the animal? Gives me more reason for concern. Are you a thief?”

His audacious question infuriated her more than his highhanded assumption she needed help.

The bristling couldn’t be helped. He made too many suppositions to satisfy her. She meant to set him straight. “He’s mine. My horse. No, I didn’t steal the animal. If you want proof, I don’t have any. Never thought I would need a document. Raised Dex from the moment he was born. My mother gave him to me.”

“How would you…?” He looked over her clothing, ran his hand along the fabric of her skirt then down the length of her leg. “How would you afford that fine of an animal? You’re dressed in clothing suitable for a servant. Not the owner of as fine an animal as that stallion. Believe you lie. Care to speak the truth? Could summon the law. Hold no respect for females who lie.”

The groan she hid behind her teeth. He wouldn’t send for the law. The sheriff in the village knew her. Knew her family. Would give her away. His question was legitimate. Dressed as she was, his rush to judgement didn’t surprise her. “I don’t always wear old clothes. Dex needed to be put through his paces. I dressed for work, not a day of leisure. Not for a ride in the park or down a country lane. Don’t wear my, ‘ride in Hyde Park’, ensemble when working out the animals. No reason to dress up when I’m putting Dex through his paces.”

The air from his bark of laughter ruffled her hair. This was too much. She sucked in a breath of air when his arm tightened around her again. “Snippy little thing, aren’t you? You need to learn to curb your tongue before it gets you into trouble you can’t find a way out of.” He spread his fingers across her belly. Heat flared in her. He took liberties he had no business taking, just like a bloody aristocrat.

“Stop calling me little! I’m not. I’m grown. A woman. Not a child. I’m not small!”

Kerrie didn’t understand the burgeoning anger. The fury his words elicited. Understood the way he acted coupled with the words coming from his mouth had a way of irritating her. Rubbed her wrong. He talked to her as if she had no brain in her head. She was a woman grown.

This time he chuckled. His arm pulled her closer to him, pressed below her unfettered breasts. She pushed away to no avail. “When the description fits, I’ll use it. When a person acts like a child they’ll be treated as one. You, my dear, were acting as if you had no wits about you. A child would behave in that manner. Not a grown young woman.” He moved his arm up. Her breasts pushed against his forearm. By his actions, he should be able to tell she was no child.

He made her feel like a hoyden. Just what did he expect her to do when she turned around to see a stranger chasing her? She needed to approach this from a different angle. It was time to learn a few things about this man who was invading her space, her life, her future. “What are you doing here? If you don’t mind my asking?” she questioned hoping to get some information from him that would dispel her fears. He was still an unknown entity in her life. The man could force her. Have his way with her. She had no protection this far from the village and her entourage. The devil, she couldn’t point that out to him. If she said as much, her words might put ideas into his head.

“You took my question right out of my mouth. I’m assuming you work here or in the village below. You’ve taken privileges that were never meant for you. Presuming you are getting ready for my arrival. Am I wrong?”

He steered the animal they were riding toward the stable. Kerrie straightened trying to keep her back from touching him. Everywhere he touched, heat flared.

“You’re wrong on all counts. You know nothing about me. Your assumptions are all wrong.” She cringed when she thought about tonight. He would persist until he discovered what she was about. Who she was. While this wasn’t meant to be a secret, neither did she wish to broadcast the fact she didn’t travel to London where she was supposed to be. Kerrie understood this man deserved the truth. Giving him her truth would not be forthcoming until he proved himself to be trustworthy. He could be the worst of the worst. The man could be a titled aristocrat.

“Enlighten me then. What am I wrong about? I’m a reasonable man. I’ll listen. Decide what to believe as well as what not to credit.” He persevered with the line of questions that she wished to ignore.

The man let her slip to the ground. She stalked to Dex’s stall where she began to rub him down. Kerrie didn’t want to look at this infuriating person let alone acknowledge his presence. She needed to ignore him. Pretend he wasn’t there. Knew he wouldn’t be here without the duke’s permission. A man took the reins of his horse. She supposed all the servants she’d told had the week off would be up here working. So much for her wish for peace and quiet. Under these circumstances, she might as well have gone straight to London.

Talking to him was not an option at the moment. Any words that would fly at him from her mouth would offend him. Her standing in his eyes would diminish. While he watched over her, staring at her as if he wished to devour her, she couldn’t think. If she offended the man too much, she would be sent back down the trail to the village. If she desired to remain here, she would need to find a way to coexist with him for her remaining days. She could charm as well as any woman. Flirting was second nature to her. Used the ploy only when necessary. Though she loathed doing so. This was for her good…not his. She didn’t want anything from the man except to be left alone. If she were to find a wee bit of luck, she might be able to send him packing.

Minutes later when she finished seeing to her horse, she strode to him intending to bridge the widening gap between them. Kerrie held out her hand. With a deep breath, she began, “I’m Kerrie Johnston. Who are you?” This introduction seemed prudent. A name for him was a necessity. She hoped he didn’t have a title behind his name. Men with titles were loathsome. Give her a peasant any day over a lord of the realm and she would be happy.

“Nice to finally have a name for you. Sterling Talmage at your service. My friends call me Tam.” He brought her hand into his. Instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips to kiss the back. He then turned it over to stroke the palm with his thumb.

Shocked, outraged by the strange feelings that centered inside her, Kerrie tugged. A man should not take wicked advantage of a situation…of…of a lady. He let go with a wide grin that pronounced the cleft in his chin. “Mr. Talmage,” she acknowledged with a slight quiver to her voice. Glad that he bore no title in front of his name. “Believe we have quite a few things to discuss. I…”

“You don’t belong here, lady. If you are not a servant then who are you? Some usurper who found a cozy place to call home? A woman who needs to hide from someone? Perhaps a lover? That still doesn’t explain that magnificent horse you tell me is yours.” He stood with his feet braced apart. His beautiful silver-blue eyes shot daggers at her. This man wasn’t going to credit anything she said.

Obviously, yes, he didn’t appreciate her any more than she liked him. “A friend of the family, the Montgomerie family. Ella is my aunt on my mother’s side. Drake is my uncle by marriage to Ella. You understand. Right? My mother and father have a standing invitation to visit this hunting box. I took the invitation to heart which is why I’m here. Didn’t wish to be in London.” She was about to tell him too much. “What about you? Why are you here?” She tried for bold as well as brash.

“You’re here without your parents?” The voice of disapproval flashed at her. “A lady doesn’t go someplace like this without a chaperone. You are quite the risk taker. Maybe you’re not as innocent as you are supposed to be.”

Kerrie bristled. “That obvious? Nope. No parents for me. They trust me to say no to a cavalier man. Unless you don’t take no for an answer to anything. Quite capable of taking care of myself. I’m an independent thinker.” She couldn’t help the sarcasm ebbing from her. “I’ve never needed a chaperone. Don’t need or want one now. If you are applying for the job, there isn’t a job. If you think I might want you, you are sorely mistaken. Don’t need some unknown person in my presence to tell a man no.”

“A little slip of a girl with no protection. Don’t believe the duke and duchess would approve of you being at this hunting lodge by yourself. I’ll wager they don’t know you are here. Nor do your parents. Do you have a husband?”

She coughed, shocked by his assumption. “Good God, no!” She bit out before she could bring the words back behind her teeth. Whether she was married or not wasn’t his business. The fact he asked was rude beyond anything a gentleman would enquire.

Bloody everlasting hell, he sounded sour, even bitter. Right before her eyes his disposition changed. Even with the ardent disapproval in the tone of his voice coupled with his words, his lips seemed to be twitching as if he held back a smile. What could he find in this conversation that was amusing?

Unless the blasted man laughed at me. I am old enough to be on the shelf. I should be able to go anywhere by myself that I please. I’m not going to give him more reasons to chastise me.

“I’m twenty,” Kerrie blurted out again then wished for a second time she’d kept her mouth closed.

Before she told him her life story, she was going to have to curb her impulsiveness with this man. She didn’t understand what was happening to her. Never acted this way before. She was quite capable of keeping her story behind her teeth.

“That old.” His chuckle rumbled up from his gut, the grin he sported broad. “So young. Still…” He rubbed his chin with long sculpted fingers as if thinking. His neatly cut nails were buffed as well as clean. “A woman of your wild nature should have a chaperone despite your advanced age.”

“Yes. That old. My age is not your business. Neither is a chaperone. I’m self-governing.” She didn’t like the tone of voice or the deep base laugh she heard after her words. Kerrie went back to rubbing down Dex before she gave more of herself away. She needed to keep her mouth shut. When he started talking again, she turned a bit.

“Means you’re well versed in a great deal of things. Am I right? You are of such a great age. You must know men well. What they want. All about their needs.”

His gaze lingered a little too long on her mouth then her breasts. Dropped lower. Brazenly assessed all of her. She bristled.

Kerrie whirled when he first began to speak, now facing him. She didn’t wish to see into his eyes. Didn’t understand the second meaning to his words. Knew there was something wicked underlying those innocent phrases. What the devil did he mean by what he said? Her face heated. She set her hand on her blazing cheeks, hoping she could cool them.

“Yes, I’m proficient at many tasks. For starters, I ride quite well. I train horses to race at Newmarket as well as other places. I’m an experienced…” Her shoulders squared. She tossed the brush into a barrel. Her hands fisted on her hips, she shouted at him. “What do you mean by that?”

His grin grew wide. His white teeth flashed in the dim light. “Good to know you’re experienced. Maybe you can teach me some of those tasks you merit applauding at. You could always give me pointers on riding. Something a man likes to understand all the intricate details along with the subtle nuances of sitting astride the right mount. Might make my stay here more relaxing as well as interesting if you offered a few lessons…in riding. Could use some new knowledge of the carnal type. A woman who doesn’t have a chaperone…my, my, my. This must be my lucky day.”

Not wishing for this man to see the heat of embarrassment staining her cheeks, Kerrie turned away from him and once again concentrated on the grooming of Dex. Picked up each hoof to check for pebbles. This wasn’t at all what she anticipated for tonight. Relaxing. Bah! That was also the circumstance she looked for by traveling here before moving on to the city. After she felt a bit more in control, she resumed the conversation. Stupid of her.

“I’ve no idea what you are saying or implying. Don’t understand why you find humor at my expense. I’m going into the lodge now. After I’ve changed my clothes, I’ll start dinner. I can make enough for two if you wish to eat with me. If not, you’re on your own. I don’t care what you decide. I’m trying to be polite.”

“You’re not staying in this lodge tonight unless it’s in my bed.” His voice was bland as well as irritating. “I haven’t believed a word that has come from your sweetly kissable lips. A mouth I would like to taste among other places on your lush, well-rounded body.”

Her back stiffened. She stepped away. Bumped into the back of the stall. Stumbled. Righted herself. “I am staying. Won’t be lying in your bed.” The nerve of the conceited man. She made a note to start down the trail tomorrow. She understood when she…no…she wasn’t going to give into his dictates. Wasn’t going to run. She would stay. Fight. What authority did he have to kick her out? Demand her presence in his bed? None over her. If she didn’t allow him authority, he couldn’t force her to leave. He was bluffing.

By the time she was out the stable door, she heard his curses. Kerrie smiled. The man was just as she imagined, all bluster and orders with no backbone. When faced with an unwilling victim, he didn’t know what to do. Willing or otherwise she wasn’t going to become his prey or fall at his feet. Nor was she about to join him in his bed.

Mr. Talmage caught up to her by the time she stepped inside the lodge. He grasped her by the shoulder to turn her around. She faltered. Managed to keep her balance by bracing her hands on his chest. Confronted him with her intentions. One more time, “I’m changing my clothes. After that, as I said, I’ll fix dinner.” By the looks of him, she doubted if he could cook.

“No, you won’t. The chef Drake employs is in the kitchen as we speak. Fixing my dinner. If you wish to eat tonight, you should tell him he needs to make enough for two people. The man doesn’t allow interlopers in his domain, the kitchen. You will have nothing to eat if you don’t do what I’ve suggested. Whether you eat or not makes no difference to me. You will still be in my bed.”

She was flummoxed. Perhaps he did have a bit of backbone. All Kerrie could do at this time was nod her head. This was a nightmare. She did as he told her then walked the stairs to the master chamber where she left all her belongings. She would have to move to a different room. That was fine. Sharing a room or a bed was unacceptable.

Shock hit her in the gut when she saw what he did while she was out riding. A few unladylike curses left her mouth. From behind her, she heard unconcealed laughter. He followed her.

All her clothing was lying on the floor outside the door. She whirled, her hands fisted at her sides. He stood at the top of the steps leaning against the balustrade, relaxed, arrogant. His little half smirk told her he enjoyed her discomfort. Seemed he trailed behind her to see her reaction. Kerrie found herself shaking her finger at him with disbelief. “You didn’t. Of all the conceited…over bearing…”

“I did. If you want this room you have to share. Share with me. As I told you earlier, I’m willing to make concessions. You can even put your clothing back. There is plenty of room for two people.”

“You’ve…”

His brow arched. He had every right to kick her out of the master chamber. No right to tell her she had to share his bed. While she fumed, she caved. Picking up her clothing, she marched to the guest bedroom at the other end of the hall.

“You’ve dropped your drawers,” he laughed.

Kerrie marched back, grabbed her pantalettes from him then retraced her steps. Her back stiff. Her face flamed. Mortified. Humiliated.

“Wouldn’t mind sharing. If you change your mind, you do know where to find my bed,” he called after her retreating back.

A wise woman would leave in the morning. Without trying, the haughty man got her hackles up. She was stronger than that. More determined than he could ever imagine. She made plans to stay the week. Stay she would despite her misgivings. She wasn’t about to back down. Before she changed her clothes, she needed a bath. A dip in the lake would make her feel clean again. Kerrie hoped he wouldn’t see her sneak down the back steps. She gathered soap and a towel along with clean clothes. Her heart hit a rapid stride as she picked up her pace gathering the necessities for a quick washing in the chilled water.

Opening her door a crack, she peaked out. There was no one in the hall. On silent bare feet, she whisked her way to the back steps then down. She stopped for a moment to slip on a pair of slippers then quick-stepped her way to the end of the lake, the part that couldn’t be seen from the front windows.

Kerrie understood she might have only a few minutes to take care of her bath. In the cold water, she wouldn’t wish for more than those fleeting moments. With speed born of desperation, she stripped to her chemise and pantalettes. Didn’t dare submerge herself naked. With her favorite soap in hand, she walked into the water. Dipping under so her hair would be wet, she lathered the soap through the long strands. It seemed to take an eternity to wash all of her. Afraid he would see her, she kept her back to the house. Didn’t know what she would do if he discovered her bathing in the lake. Another confrontation so soon would be heart stopping painful. This bath in haste was far from relaxing. She needed a soak in a hot tub. If she asked, he might have ordered one for her. She wasn’t about to go into the kitchen to heat her water or take a bath in the scullery as she did the night before as well as the one before that. Hauling buckets of water upstairs was a difficult task. One she needed to avoid.

After she realized she’d been daydreaming as well as wasting time, her heart lodged in her throat. She raced out of the water to the towel she left on the bank. Thank goodness it was still there. While she knew he’d not left the house through the front door, there was always the possibility of the back. Once she pulled her gown over her head, she heaved in a deep relieved breath of air. Naked, well, dressed only in her underclothing, she was too vulnerable. No man ever saw her without clothes. He thought she gave her favors away. How stupid of him. She didn’t tolerate ignorance. The man was also judgmental. Rushed to conclusions.

The sun was now dipping behind the trees surrounding the property. As she walked back to the house, she saw him standing in the upstairs window of the master chamber. Heat spread across her face. How much did he see? He might have been watching her bathe. Another inferno blazed. Her gut clenched tight.

He was still watching. Biting her lip, she straightened her shoulders. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of witnessing her humiliation. Thinking again of him watching her bathe sent another wave of heat, flames licking all over her body.

By the time she reached the servant entrance, he was there, holding the door open for her. The smile on his face was wicked. He would think the worst of her. Would make more comments she didn’t understand.

“Enjoy your bath, Miss Johnston? Must have been chilly. It’s the wrong time of year to bathe in the lake.” His voice was solemn which surprised her. “If you asked, I would have ordered a hot bath for you. Much more relaxing. If you were sweet, I might have joined you. My bath was hot. Took the liberty of informing my chef there would be two for dinner.”

His formality surprised her. Behind her breath Kerrie muttered a few choice words she hoped he wouldn’t understand. “Thank you. Didn’t wish to put you out. After what you said earlier, I had no idea how you would respond.”

“I had a bath,” he told her again, his voice whiskey smooth. “We could have shared. Wouldn’t have put me out at all. I would enjoy sharing most anything with you.” He didn’t wait for her to answer. His hand was placed with firm possession at the small of her back. “Come along now, dinner will get cold if we don’t attend to it soon. I’ve been waiting for you. I’m famished. Been a long day.”

Come along. I am also famished. I’ve not eaten since breakfast.

Her hair was wet. Needed drying before she wanted to eat. It didn’t seem he was giving her a choice. He pulled the towel from her hair then made an attempt to towel-dry the length. Her hair was too thick. She would need to sit in front of the fire and comb it for the strands to dry. Doing so would take most of an hour.

“After we finish our meal, I’ll brush your hair for you.” He ushered her into the dining room. “Would enjoy that.”

Brush her hair? That was the last thing she wanted him to do. The man was too handsome. Too intimidating. Too exciting. Worst of all he set strange notions stirring inside her body she didn’t understand. If she were with Aunt Ella, she would ask about those feelings. She wasn’t. She could never ask this man who would either smirk or laugh at her questions. Who might take advantage of her lack of knowledge. She didn’t trust him. Not one wee bit. If given a chance, he would run right over her.

“No…no!” Holding up her hands as if the tiny gesture would sway him from the course he was set on. “Y-you c-can’t brush my h-hair. It…it w…wouldn’t be proper.” She stammered out the words, berating herself about letting his presence get the best of her.

Again, the brow was lifted as if he speculated about another idea she wouldn’t understand. His expression told her if he thought it best for him to brush her hair, he would do as he pleased. “Whatever pleases you. It is a tangled mess. I’m very good at brushing hair. Used to brush my mother’s when it was so tangled a comb couldn’t be drawn through the length. She never had the patience to do it herself. With my lovers when we finish, their hair is always smothered in tangles. Love the feel of the silken strands while they glide between my fingers. Ever had a man brush your hair? I would be your first?”

Her body quivered at his words. The thought provoked. “You brushed your mother’s hair?” His lovers? When they finished? What did they finish? She choked. His statement took her by surprise. Her eyes widened. He didn’t seem like a man who would care so much about a single person that he would brush anyone’s hair.

“Yes. The fact surprises you. I can see it in your eyes. Mother was older. Her arthritis was terrible. When she was tired, she had trouble holding a comb or brush. With my lovers…they enjoyed the additional attention. My fingers gliding along their scalp, well that always led to more fun. We’ll start with a comb. It’s easier to untangle hair with a comb than fingers.”

The man had her steaming again. It seemed to be a constant state when he was nearby. “You’re not brushing or combing my hair!”

She found herself yelling at him. Mortified that he would believe he could say the words and expect her to allow whatever it was he commanded.

“We will see.” He held out the chair for her. “This dress is much more fashionable than the last one. The fabric is acceptable as is the modest decolletage. You look stunning by the way.”

“Thank you, I was pining for your approval.” She managed to bite her tongue wishing she could hold the sarcasm back. If she meant to stay her allotted four more days, she would need to do something about the way she replied to Mister Talmadge. Nicer, even more polite would work. Sugar coated words were too obvious a deviation.

His snort of laughter told her he didn’t care about sarcasm. It seemed he enjoyed her antagonism. A challenge she didn’t want to give him. She didn’t know why he brought out the worst in her.

He splashed wine into her glass then into his own. Holding the glass high, he said, “I propose a toast.” He waited for her to reciprocate before he continued. “To a few more congenial days together. May they proceed in much the same way as this afternoon.” He added almost as an afterthought, “I came here to relax. Would like to believe it’s possible.”

“Mr. Talmage,” she paused while she thought of the right words, “if we stay out of each other’s way, I’m certain this arrangement will work for both of us. Relaxing is what I also wished for when I arrived.”

She grinned at his scowl of displeasure. It seemed he didn’t want to stay away from her.

“Call me Tam.”

She nodded, “Mr. Talmage,” delighted in the second scowl he shot her way.

She saw that he gritted his teeth.

~ * ~

Even though she was the most disagreeable woman he ever met, Tam had no intention of staying out of her way. For some reason she intrigued him. Fascinated all his masculine senses. More than anything else, she irritated him with her unladylike behavior. For all he knew, she could be the spawn of the devil. Nonetheless, he saw something refreshing, unique in the way she tackled life. She made him smile when he least expected it. After that she scared him near to death with her antics. When he first saw her tearing across the flat meadow, afraid for her life, his heart leapt to his throat. He did believe she needed help to keep the huge stallion in line. The lady was so tiny. Too small to be riding that stallion or any stallion. If it was possible to feel scared to death, that would describe his reaction. If he had a say about the animal she rode, he would never allow her on top of a huge horse such as Dex. As things stood now, he didn’t have a say. That could change.

Once he set her across his thighs, he was mesmerized by her bare legs. An immediate need to run his hands along them flooded his senses. His masculine nerves twitched. Her legs were long, slim and white. He imagined them wrapped around his flanks. When he spoke to her, his callous speech surprised him. It wasn’t his habit to degrade a woman’s reputation as he did hers. Much to his chagrin, this woman brought out all his worst instincts. Even at that baiting as well as teasing she was enjoyable. She never seemed to take him with the seriousness his words deserved. He adored the way her cheeks turned rosy with embarrassment. If he didn’t miss a guess, she was clueless to the challenges along with the not so subtle innuendos he tossed her way.

She didn’t like him. That part puzzled him. In his recollection, he’d never met a woman who acted this way toward him. If she knew he was a titled aristocrat, a marquess until his father passed, she would change her mind so fast it would make his head spin. Women were like that. Tam didn’t doubt that salient fact for a moment as he admitted to himself he was jaded where women were concerned. The mere mention of his title had women dancing attendance, fawning over him, hoping to catch his attention. As of yet, he never met a woman who didn’t worship a title along with his money. Whenever he could, he kept his aristocratic inheritance to himself. Doing so wasn’t easy. Most places he traveled he was recognized. It was obvious this woman didn’t know who he was. Tam meant to keep their relationship that way. He wanted her to know him. To understand who this man was, with or without a title.

For his part, he wished to learn as much about her as he could. What he did understand was The Duchess was her aunt, the duke her uncle. That would make her what…? When she introduced herself, she didn’t put the title lady in front of her name. No, she was Kerrie Johnston, plain and simple. He wondered if she was related to the Johnston shipping magnate living on the eastern coast of England. That might be attributed to the fact she owned that magnificent animal. Once at Newmarket he heard a reference to the Johnston stables. Heard also it was run by a woman. Could that woman be her mother? It certainly could not be her. She wasn’t old enough. No matter, obvious to him, the girl was given everything she wanted. Was spoiled from the top of her pretty little head to her tiny toes he’d not seen yet. He could imagine tasting her toes.

Interesting.

What could he do to change her dislike of him…perhaps lust for him? Lust was a heady thought. He reminded himself he didn’t like the way she acted or the risks she took even though in too many ways to count she was adorable. A few tumbles in the big bed upstairs with her would be entertaining. Would get her out of his system. He would have to use all his available charm to sweet talk her into his arms, after that beneath the sheets. Doing so would be hard unless he could change her aversion to him to something a bit more positive. He would need to temper his speech. Hold back on the commands. Tam had to admit he got off to a bad start when he snatched her from her horse. As things now stood between them, she wasn’t going to fall into his waiting arms anytime soon. Where it concerned him, her hackles were up, all her defenses in place. She bristled when she saw him. Turned her chin up. Stubborn little thing. The woman persisted in a battle she didn’t need to fight. One she couldn’t win.

While Tam stood at his window watching her as she disrobed then bathed, it took all his strength of will not to join her in the swim or bath as it turned out to be. Nothing could stop him from observing. A gentleman would never stare. Where this lady was concerned being a gentleman would never do. The sight of her slim body was just as delectable to his senses as he imagined while he held her this afternoon. Staring at her backside, her well-shaped butt as she waded into the lake, sent all his senses reeling. On the other hand, when she left the water, her camisole as well as the pantalettes she wore plastered against her feminine curves inflamed every masculine part he possessed. She was rounded in all the places he appreciated the most. There was enough moonlight to point all that out to him. He wished he could see the color of her nipples…in time.

While she dressed, he decided he would meet her at the back door. Her knowledge that he watched her bathe then dress seemed necessary for his plans to move forward. Let her wonder how much he witnessed. She would never be certain. He wouldn’t say. The meal was quite good. The chef Drake employed was a master. The man created palatable dishes from everything imaginable. Though he couldn’t help but wonder at Kerrie’s cooking skills. He decided he would send the chef back to the village for more vacation days. Spending a bit of time in the kitchen with this woman might be fun. Working side by side would prove interesting. Tam imagined many different scenarios that would keep them busy.

He would maintain the maid. Needed to keep someone to tidy the lodge. Send the cook home, yes. The stableboy needed to stay. Without one…he paused in thought. Kerrie was a tiny woman. The top of her head didn’t reach his chin. For that matter didn’t reach his armpits. Her stallion was huge. She must saddle that big horse of hers by herself. The beast stood at least seventeen hands. Until he arrived with the stableman, there was no one to do the duty of saddling for her. Her ability left him in awe. Unless she had some trick, she would be hard-pressed to heave a saddle onto the stallion’s back. Her arms were not that big around. Muscle was lacking.

A trick.

She would have some gimmick.

Across the table from her, he watched. Her light brown hair was streaked with touches of the sun, red in places as well as ash blond to white. Her pert little nose tipped up at the end. The lips he wished to taste were full, almost

Too full for a woman her size. He would like to see them swollen from his ardent attention. Her eyes were the same color as the whiskey in the crystal glass he poured himself while he watched her. When she strode from the lake, he noticed the firm round globes tipped with hardened buds. They were the size of fresh peaches ready to be plucked. He was the man to do the plucking.

After she finished the first glass, he refilled both his as well as hers. She slanted him a cross-eyed stare which produced a short chuckle he would never hide. This woman was his delight. So different from the women of his acquaintance. Pushing his plate away, replete, he leaned back in the chair. Rested his hands on his belly.

“If you are finished with the meal, would you wish to retire to the sitting room? I’m ready to comb out your hair. It is beginning to dry. All the strands will be tangled together. Quite a mess. I can fix that for you.” To his surprise, her hair was curly. The few tendrils that dried while they ate dinner curled with beguiling tenacity around her forehead. He needed to feel the texture, run the stands between his fingers.

She choked on a sip of her wine, sending a few drops from her mouth. With the napkin at her plate, she wiped the tiny red drops away. “Didn’t I tell you I don’t want you to comb my hair? Do you have trouble recalling facts? Perhaps your hearing is lacking.”

“You don’t need to be rude. I’m just trying to be nice. Come along, now. Sit by the fire.” Tam stood. Held out his hand. The maid he hired turned up with both her brush as well as her comb. He held them as he motioned toward the door. “If I don’t do the honors, no one does. Not even you. Your locks will remain a tangled mess. Is that what you want? In the morning, they might be impossible to comb out. Would have to cut your beautiful hair.”

“You’ve confiscated all my combs? How rude?” She muttered the last words while stomping off to the sitting room.

A gentleman Tam never claimed to be, though he could be gallant from time to time. What she told him implied she might have more than one of each. His maid assured him she did not when he excused himself from the table for a brief chat with the woman. He grinned, charmed by the flash of her amber eyes that deepened to a whiskey hue when she didn’t like something. There was no further protest. Kerrie understood she lost this bout with him. If he had his way, he would allow her the win every now and then just to keep life from becoming a bore. He didn’t want her to believe she would never get her way. He could afford to be generous in order to keep life interesting.

She did plop down on the hearth. He wanted her between his legs. Cuddled right up to his groin. He wished for her to feel his arousal. The proof of his willingness to bed her. If she noticed, he would enjoy the flood of color to her face. At this juncture in the building of their brief but pleasant relationship, she would never succumb. The fight was on because he did want her…and…he wasn’t about to lose the battle.

“Not on the hearth.”

Tam sat down. While he was leaning against a chair facing the fire, he patted the place in front of him. Shaking her head as if he was giving her a choice amused him. He would seduce her his way, not hers. This would take time, since to him, it was obvious she still held doubts concerning his charming self. He still believed she was disagreeable as well as annoying. However, she captivated every male part of him.

“Why? You don’t like me. Why would you wish to do any of this?” she asked, the puzzle in her expression as well as her eyes there for him to read.

“I’ve never said that I didn’t like you.” He wasn’t going to point out to her that she didn’t care for him very much either. “You’re a beautiful woman. I admire stunning women.” That was a fact that could never be argued. Like was such a tepid word to use between two passionate individuals. Some of the women he bedded before, he didn’t like. However, he never slept with a woman he didn’t lust for. This woman made his heart pulse too fast. Heated his body with his imagination of what was beneath her gowns. He imagined since she was a niece of the duke and duchess, he should be careful how he approached her. If he didn’t take precautions, he could find…hell, he was risking a marriage by pursuing this course.

Rethinking would be prudent.

Tam didn’t believe he could do anything less than pursue his immediate plans. Damn the possible consequences. If something happened, he could sidestep as well as any man. Duels were illegal. He would never fight a duel with Drake Montgomerie. Never!

Kerrie blinked a few times as if she tried to understand the gist of his comments. Tam patted that place in front of him where he wanted her. In lieu of speaking, she sat where he insisted. One small step at a time. As much as he wished to hold those ripe peaches of hers in his hands, he wasn’t about to caress her with intimacy until she begged. His hands around her hips, he pulled her close. She touched her body against his. Her little rump delighted him as she wiggled to get comfortable pushing against his inflamed sex.

She cleared her throat. “How long are you staying?” Kerrie asked with a soft sigh as he began to comb through the tangled strands. Inhaling, exhaling with each gentle stroke she supported herself against him. Her hands were on his thighs.

“Depends.”

He held a strand in his hand, working his way from the bottom until he untangled the length. She sipped her wine. The pattern repeated until he was satisfied with the job. He put the comb on the hearth before picking up the brush.

“On what?”

To Tam, with no apparent reason she sounded angry. For the time he was combing her hair, he believed she relaxed. Felt the softening, of her body. She was stiff again.

“Don’t be so vague. You owe me a decent answer. I came here to be alone. Your presence put a decided damper on my plans,” she snorted as if she didn’t like the gist of his comment.

That was something else that intrigued him. Her tiny unladylike snorts of disapproval. This wasn’t the first one she gifted him with. Now he understood what she wanted from him. She wished for him to leave. Not until he’d seen this relationship to the proper conclusion. With a smile, she couldn’t see, he said, his voice soft close to her ear, his lips touching. Whispers floating along her flesh. “I’m leaving when you leave. Won’t have any female going down that trail alone. A woman needs protection. Even if she doesn’t think she needs a guard at her back, she does.”

He wasn’t going to elaborate about thieves as well as the possibility of an abduction. Kerrie should be brilliant enough to figure out something of that nature. Also, some of the other consequences of going it alone she might encounter.

“No, you’re not!” She recoiled, turning to glare at him, breaking the subtle mood he created. “I won’t have it. You are not going with me!” Each word was punctuated with a jab of her finger on his chest.

“Look at the fire, little one. We will see. My company is not so bad.”

Her return to her uncle, a good friend of his, would be done his way. Not hers, no, never her way. She might not return with her innocence intact. Nonetheless, she would return alive, unscathed in any other way. Drake wouldn’t appreciate losing a niece to cutthroats of any kind. Hell, even the animals could be dangerous to her wellbeing.

He kept the chuckle to himself when she obeyed his command. Perhaps this little lady was more biddable than he thought. When he started brushing her hair, she settled into him again. A lady who enjoyed her creature comforts. From what his mother told him, the strokes were soothing, calming her when the day was at an end. He pushed her long hair over her shoulders so he could continue brushing while she leaned on him.

“This feels so good,” Kerrie murmured, seeming to forget her aversion to him.

That was fine by him. She came both ways, hot and cold. One moment she bristled as well as glowered at him, the next she sighed in contentment. Kerrie wasn’t as immune to him as she let herself believe. “There are a lot of things we can do together that will make us feel this good. With your go ahead we could explore all the different possibilities. Tonight, if you like.”

“What things?” She’d pushed away from him again, her golden eyes taking on a bedroom, dreamy kind of look. He imagined that’s how they would look when she woke in the morning or after good sex. “What are you implying? I’m not…”

It seemed she wasn’t at all certain of herself or what he wished for. “We could start with the discussion about the bed in the master chamber. Take the wine upstairs along with a few of those delicious cakes,” he spoke close to her ear. Felt the shiver of delight pass through her. The female part of her body hummed to life. Once she agreed, Tam held no doubts about her passion. She would be a delight as a lover.

“I’m not sharing your bed if that’s what you are getting at. I’m not…” She stiffened again, retreating to the chilly voice he wished to have no part of experiencing. Kerrie resumed her position against him. “Remember, I don’t like you. Don’t lovers have to like each other first? I don’t have any intention of giving into carnal pleasures.”

“No, just lust for each other. Like plays no part between lovers. That is all that is needed. Lust. It’s a wonderful condition. Hot. Wet. Sex.” Inside he was chuckling at her naiveties.

“Mr. Talmadge?” Her tone was one of outrage.

He ignored the bristling. “When you leave here, where are you going? Did you tell me before? If you did, seems I’ve forgotten.” He asked, trying to remember if she mentioned a destination. He would escort her wherever it was she was headed. He wasn’t about to leave her to her own devices that would get her into more trouble than she could handle.

“Don’t recall if I mentioned my destination to you. None of your business. Since you asked and you were nice, to London. Supposed to find a husband. Don’t want one. Especially one with a title. Want to marry a man who can do a good day of work. One who doesn’t believe he is entitled just because there is a title in front of his name. Who doesn’t mince around at balls or hold his handkerchief with the dainty tips of his fingers. Don’t wish to have a dandy as my husband. If I did want to marry someday, I want a real man.”

Tam kept his yowl of laughter behind his teeth. No, he needn’t tell her he was about to become the next Duke of Sherburn. She would run the opposite direction. Good God, what she described was not that far from the truth. He would have to show her not all titled aristocrats were dandies. He found he was pleased she didn’t want a husband. Though, from what he’d seen of her so far, the little piece of baggage needed someone to look after her. Recalling how she rode Dex, it seemed she didn’t have an iota of common sense. To keep her safe. A husband would do the trick. Didn’t all women wish to marry? Have children? Why didn’t Kerrie? He wasn’t thinking straight. Needed to learn the truth.

“Why don’t you want a husband?” Tam asked, curious if she would give him a good reason. “All women wish for the security a husband could bring, a meal ticket.”

He laughed while he felt her back stiffen. Wished he could watch her eyes flare as well as her brows knit together. What other emotions danced through her female brain? They were suited in many different ways. He didn’t want a wife, at least not yet. He had a few more good years of bachelorhood in front of him.

She didn’t turn around. The sight of her expression would be nice. He imagined her flashing eyes. Full lush lips thinned in displeasure. From this vantage point he recognized the tilt of her chin.

“I’ve a million and one reasons.” She wiggled against him, adjusting herself, inflaming him further. “I don’t need to explain my reasoning to you. You mean nothing to me. I don’t even know anything about you.”

“Why don’t you enlighten me as to one or two reasons. Assuage my curiosity. I’ll be certain to let you know if I believe them to be valid.”

Tam ran his fingers through the silken length of her hair, brought a few strands to his nose to catch the scent she favored. It was something he would tuck away in his memory. The fragrance was vanilla. Unusual. Most women seemed to like something stronger.

“Well…” she paused, moved again, caressing his hard length with her backside.

He was tormenting himself. Wouldn’t do anything different. Though he couldn’t guarantee where his hands would roam. He felt a male urge to cup her breasts, test the tips. See if they hardened with his caress.

It seemed she was experimenting. Trying to figure out things. A sudden flash of possible insight caught him. “Do you have siblings? A brother or two? Younger? Older.” An answer to this question could give him a few clues as to what she was doing with her sweet curvaceous butt.

“How many questions are you going to ask me? I haven’t answered the first one yet.” Her indignant huff brought more amusement to the forefront. Kerrie turned the question back on him. “Do you have siblings?”

“If that’s how you want to play this, let’s start with siblings. We can get to the husband question later. It’s not a topic I’ll ignore.” His hands settled on her shoulders. A light massage would relax this little bedeviler of men a bit more. Her head fell forward as his fingers orchestrated more magic. Dictated her reactions. He heard the soft sigh as he worked the knots from her muscles.

“Don’t understand why that would matter. If you must know, I have one sister. Her name is Kelsey. Oh…that feels so good.” Kerrie sighed again.

She was falling into his plans with seeming ease. He never thought her seduction would be this easy. Perhaps he deluded himself. As of this moment, he held no proof she was seduced.

“No brothers, then you wouldn’t have seen…”

Tam decided not to go that route. They would be here for several days. He didn’t want to shock her until she liked him.

“None…” Her little mewl of pleasure made him grin.

Tam wondered what she would sound like in other circumstances begetting pleasure. He set her away from him, intent on putting distance between them before he took something that wasn’t offered. If he wasn’t going to find relief tonight, he didn’t need more sexual stimulation. She should retire for the evening. For Tam, a swim in the cold lake would help ease the heat building to an inferno.

Placing her on a large chair facing the dying fire, he filled both their glasses with the sweet wine that was stocked in the kitchen. “Here, you can give me all the reasons you don’t want a husband.”

She pushed hair from her face. “I don’t appreciate being told what to do. Imagine you’ve noticed. A husband would have rights I’m not willing to give to another person let alone a man. To do so, I would have to trust the man. Except for my father as well as my uncles, I’ve never met a man who could be trusted.”

“That’s only…relatives don’t count.” If she were his, she wouldn’t ride Dex unless he was on the horse’s back with her. She would never like that dictate. His word would stand. As to Dex, his command would be law. He couldn’t think of anything else. The need to protect this tiny female seemed to be in the forefront of his mine.

“Well…” She drummed her fingertips on the arm of the chair. Her face turned the rosy hue he enjoyed.

She was about to embarrass herself. How she would do it would please him. “Well?” he parroted, anticipating an enjoyable answer.

“I heard these two women…” She downed half her glass of wine then a bit more. “I wasn’t eavesdropping, you know. I don’t make a habit of listening to conversations that don’t involve me. They were talking about…” She looked up, stopping then blinked a few times. “I’m not telling you this.” She finished her glass of wine made to stand up, wavered then sat back down.

“Embarrassing?” He grinned anticipating what was yet to follow.

“Mortifying,” she stated with a firm voice. “I don’t understand what they were speaking of but what they said was strange. A man poking…never mind.” Kerrie waved her hand in the air. Her face turned the color of a beet. “They were loud, laughing. I wasn’t listening in on a private conversation, mind you.”

“If you can’t speak of sex maybe there is a third reason you don’t want a husband.” He sipped his wine watching the play of emotions on her face. Her eyes widened. “Is that what they were talking about? Sex?”

“Imagine so.”

Tam didn’t intend to say anything more to this delightful innocent. He was going to have to rethink his approach along with his intentions. With each tick of the clock, he liked this lady more than she annoyed him. “A third reason?”

“Don’t want to share a bed with anyone. A man would take up too much room. I’d end up on the floor if I wasn’t careful. Men snore. I’m certain it’s difficult to sleep with all that noise next to your head.”

She would end up beneath her husband more often than on the floor. If she became his, he would never push her from his bed. He would pull her close. Hold her tight. Explore all her feminine delights. “Is that all? Beds can be made to fit two people with lots of room left over.”

“Why don’t you want a wife?” she asked, holding her glass out inviting him to pour more wine into it. “Don’t you think it’s your turn to answer a question or two? I’ve held up my share of this question and answer interrogation.”

“You’re going to get foxed if you keep that up.”

He evaded the question. Poured more wine for her enjoyment. He would never complain if she became a little tipsy. Would enjoy the possibilities. Maybe she would giggle. Some feminine giggles he enjoyed.

She lifted the fragile shoulders he’d been massaging a few minutes ago. The gesture was delightful as well as intriguing. Some of the best parts of her moved with the uprising of her shoulders. Tam found himself fascinated by the view. They’d gotten off to a rough start today. Tonight was turning out better. The conversation was interesting. The possibilities were intriguing. He began to make plans.

“I don’t care,” Kerrie told him. She was leaning back, her head settled on the back of the chair. With her eyes closed she seemed to enjoy the small conversation between them. “Why don’t you wish for a wife?” She persisted.

“I do want a wife. It’s my duty. Need an…”

Tam didn’t want to get into the part about needing heirs. He was twenty-nine. His father would pass soon. The duke questioned him many times about a possible woman in his life. To this date he never met a woman he could live with or wanted to live with the rest of his life. When he did wed, he meant to be faithful. He understood enough about himself that while he might not love his wife, he would care about her. Tam wasn’t certain if love existed or how love felt. As the new duke when the title became his, he had a duty to continue the line. Before he left for the hunting box, his father reaffirmed that fact. His father hoped to see a wedding then a grandchild. Just as Kerrie was going to find a husband she said she didn’t want, he was going to London in search of a wife.

“Duty…”

She sat up staring at him with a puzzled expression. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those fops? An aristo playing at being a man?” Kerrie paused for a beat. Looked at him. “You don’t…” she cut her words short. He wondered why.

He took umbrage at her assumption. “I would never presume to tell you that. A fop? Do I look like a mincing dandy? Have you ever seen me hold a handkerchief between my fingers then bring it to my nose? Granted you haven’t known me very long…a day.” Tam didn’t understand why he was offended by her questions. Nevertheless, he was hurt. “I’ve never played at being a man.” He was all man. Male to the tips of his toes. He never needed to pretend in any way.

Kerrie relaxed back in the chair. Her breath left her as a soft release. “That’s a relief?” she sighed again. “No, doubt if you would have to make a game of being a man there would be repercussions. If I discovered you were titled, I’d leave first thing in the morning. Would make certain to leave without you knowing.”

“Why? Do you have thoughts of marriage with me?” Tam grinned wondering how she would respond.

She took her time. Slipped her tongue across her bottom lip soaking up a few errant drops of wine in the process. She was foxed. He didn’t have one doubt in his mind. She sat up seeming outraged. Her shoulders shook. “Good…God…no! You don’t like me. If I did agree to marriage with a man, it would never be to one who didn’t like me.”

They were back to that. Tam reminded her just to point out a noticeable fact, “You don’t like me either.”

“True…though I do enjoy the way you brushed my unruly hair. Could get used to the attention. I did like the massage too. Every night would be nice… My legs…they would love that kind of attention. The muscles do get a workout controlling Dex. Sometimes they cramp.”

She flushed when she mentioned a massage on her legs, seeming to realize after she spoke about the placement of his hands that might entail.

At the thought of any part of this delicate woman getting a workout on that horse left his stomach sour. Tam understood for the time being, he needed to hold his tongue on this matter until he was ready to make a decision regarding his possible relationship with her. Enraging her would set his plans back. If he kept her from her horse, she would be furious. Her safety was more important than her anger. He cared about her. How much he didn’t yet know.

His mind wandered to thoughts of massaging those legs every night. He knew what would happen when he did. She didn’t. By the rosy blush tinging her cheeks Kerrie might have some idea. He doubted that fact.

“It’s best you go to bed before you imbibe too much.” He took the wine glass from her hand. “Can you walk?”

She pushed against the arms of the chair before falling back. “Of course, I can walk.”

Grinning, he waited to see the result of her efforts. He meant to allow Kerrie to come to her own conclusions.

When she tried again then failed, he swept her into his arms. Hers went around his neck. By the time he reached the second floor her head was nestled against his chest as were the soft curves of her breasts. He pushed the door to her room open with his foot then set her on the bed. Stepping back, Tam watched her wondering what she would do next. He was leaving everything up to her.

When she didn’t speak or make a move, he said, “Unless you want me to help you with your nightgown, you will have to sleep in your clothes.” His hands were on his hips as he waited for her answer. In this possible endeavor, he was a willing man. All she needed to do was say the words.

She twisted then leaned forward presenting her back to him. “Just undo the back of my gown. I can take it from there. I accept your help.”

Tam stepped back, shaking his head as if to say no. Instead, he swore beneath his breath. Did her bidding then stomped from the room slamming the door closed on his way. The simmering anger was not something he understood. He alone orchestrated this scenario. If he’d left well enough alone, he wouldn’t be hard as steel. Needing to be deep inside her. She escalated his desire without attempting to do so.

Downstairs, wishing she was in his bed, he gazed into the fire. His fingers threaded through his hair. Not many of the burning embers were left. Instead of finishing off the bottle of wine, he poured himself a generous amount of brandy. Unless he got foxed, sleep wasn’t going to come to him tonight. Maybe by dawn he would sleep. His body whirred with life. If he could find a suitable woman besides the one upstairs, he would take her to his bed. He adjusted his pants then stared at the ceiling while he inhaled long deep breaths. This lady was working her way into his heart. He didn’t want a woman in his heart, just in his bed.

The only relief in sight was the lake. Tam hoped the water was cold enough to slake the lust burning in him. Frigid would be perfect to relieve his needs. Shirking out of his clothes as he walked, they landed wherever they came off. By the time he reached the dock, he was ready for the cold plunge.

A long shallow dive brought him into the water. He swam beneath the surface until he could hold his breath no longer. After he surfaced, he gasped for air. The lake was damn cold but not frigid enough to ease his need for the enchanting woman upstairs. When she bathed a few hours earlier, she gave no indication how cold the water was. His little Kerrie was tougher than she appeared at first glance. He still wasn’t about to reconsider her horse. If she was his… She would be his, she wasn’t going to ride that beast. The decision was made. Like it or not, he would make sure she didn’t ride Dex.

Since he was immersed in the coldest water he’d been in for years, he made the most of the event. He swam across the lake before returning. When he climbed out, he stretched out on the dock. He watched a few clouds ghost the moon. Stared at the twinkling stars. Tam loved it up here. Wished this lodge was his. He meant to buy a place like this for himself. Decided he would look into the matter as soon as he returned home.

His laughter echoed across the lake. What would he do if she came down for a swim? He was butt naked. Brought no towel with him. His clothes were scattered from here to the house. Imagined he could dream about making love in the lake with only the water separating her body from his. That was one place he never tried. Wondered how it would feel to only have a thin layer of water between them. A fantasy, one or two, might be nice. Might keep him going through the night. If he fantasized enough, he wouldn’t walk to her room to find out if she was as soft and warm everywhere as she looked.

~ * ~

“What are you up to this time, Ella?” Drake, duke to The Duchess of London, asked with a wicked grin. “All I have to do is look into those beautiful eyes of yours and I know you’re having wicked thoughts. You’re plotting something. Can’t keep secrets. Need to tell me or…might not make love to you tonight.”

She would know he could never keep that promise. So, she continued in the vein that she thought would reap the greatest rewards. Ella plucked at her skirts, keeping her face down, her lashes lowered. When she looked up, she said with innocence in her voice. “Why ever do you ask? You believe I’m up to something? What could that be, I wonder?”

She was smiling through her teeth as if secrets abounded in her head. They usually did. His woman possessed a lively imagination. It seemed once she decided to accept her nieces as charges for their seasons, she became an extraordinary matchmaker. Ella handpicked the man she hoped would work for each of her charges. Funny that she always made the best decisions. For Ella nothing was left to chance. She researched. Dug into the man’s background. Of course, she knew her nieces from birth. Understood all their likes along with their dislikes. She was astute while dealing with amour. Ella understood their needs too. Something far more important.

Drake recognized the look. His wife was plotting the next wedding. They just managed to get Tara wedded to Case. Now it seemed Kerrie Johnston would arrive soon to begin her journey to find a husband. Kerrie never made a secret of the fact she didn’t want or need a husband. Just like her mother, she was happiest tending to her horses. She despised men with titles. No one understood why.

Indeed, her carriage should arrive in a few days according to Kerrie. That was odd because he remembered the missive from her father, Hadden, who told him the arrival date. The two didn’t match. He received two different messages. The one from Kerrie arrived a day or so ago telling him she didn’t leave as soon as expected. She would arrive a week later.

An idea plummeted to his head. He wasn’t positive but things were no longer adding up. Ella must also understand that. He tapped a finger on his chin. “Did you know, or did you read the correspondence I had from Sterling Talmage that was sitting on my desk?”

The little sneak. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that she read every word. He scrubbed his hand across his jaw still thinking, still wondering if some shenanigans weren’t going on here. Chance might also have a hand in his imaginings. He would never put it past his wife to put these two in the line of fire. They might well be perfect for each other. He had to admit to that. Tam wanted a woman who wasn’t after him because of his wealth coupled with his title. Kerrie didn’t wish to be burdened with a title. If they fell in love, both could be assured what they felt for each other was true love. The if was a big one. The lie would be even bigger if it was continued.

Ella’s smile was all sugar. “Should I have? Did you want me to read it? Would be pleased to do so. Only if that is what you want.”

Ella had that devious innocent look he learned about years ago. With her head tilted just a bit to the side, he acknowledged the significance. She was plotting a union. It must be Stirling and her niece Kerrie. They might not appreciate her efforts. If they fell in love, they would thank her later. Drake knew Stirling was far too serious for a woman with such boundless energy as Kerrie possessed. He did need a woman with backbone, a woman who would laugh with ease. That was Kerrie. So far, Ella pegged every match right. Her record was unblemished. Not that there hadn’t been problems that needed fixing before the happy couple could say, ‘I do.’

“You know better than to tamper with the papers on my desk.”

He would laugh except this was an issue he needed to make certain she understood. They’d been married too long for her not to comprehend all the delicate matters that crossed his bureau. Reading the wrong paper could possibly put her life in danger. He wouldn’t stand for that. He would need to take better care of the paperwork.

The look of outrage on her face brought out a bark of laughter he would never hide. She snorted, very unlike a duchess let alone The Duchess. She did have her reputation to uphold. “Would never touch one piece of paper on your desk. I’m shocked speechless to hear you ask that question.” Her apparent indignation caused him to chuckle anew. He knew she lied. Ella wouldn’t touch but she would manipulate.

Now he was getting the gist of what happened. One of his letters must have drifted to the floor or his chair. Provoked by a wave of her hand or unprovoked…didn’t make a difference. He would never know the truth. She might have had the maid sweep her feather duster over the top until something fell off. If that happened, his wife would have no qualms about reading whatever flew away from his desk. She would be innocent of all but curiosity. She didn’t lie.

“What is it you did, Ella? I know there is something I will have the answer to sooner than later. Something I will have to explain away.” Drake imagined that Ella would have all bases covered. Not only was she a passionate woman she was also very intelligent. She did love seeing her nieces wed to acceptable men. Men who would complement the woman, love her as well. Taking over her Aunt Charlotte’s job was the joy of her life. She had so many nieces that would come to London for a season. That didn’t count all the nephews if they failed to find suitable wives on their own. Ella was more than willing to urge the progress along with each new recruit.

Her bright smile could still send him to his knees. At this juncture in time what he wanted was to toss her skirts then have her here on his desk. He would do the sweeping of the papers despite the fact that afterward he would have to sort through all the ledgers.

She lifted small feminine shoulders, “Just set the wheels in motion. That’s all. Promise you, they will find love together. The letter fell on the floor. I couldn’t help myself. I did read the missive. Nothing from all your secret dealings. Nothing important.”

“You gave Kerrie the go ahead to stay at the hunting box even though you knew someone else would be there.” His words were not a question. He understood for a fact that was what she did.

“No, Kerrie never asked. Her driver sent word that she intended to take a week at the lodge. I never wrote back that it would be occupied by Sterling, letting chance take its course. Whatever could be wrong with that?”

Ella looked so proud of herself. He wasn’t going to tamper her enthusiasm.

“You understand our niece despises titled lords. It’s one of the reasons she was loathe to have a season. Sterling Talmage is a marquis, soon to be a duke. He will not be to her liking. Mark my words, Kerrie will reject him without giving the poor man a chance.”

“Sterling isn’t the usual aristocrat. Something happened to Kerrie she won’t speak of. Storm was certain it had something to do with the viscount, whatshisname, that visited the village last year. She is quite lovely. Exceptional. Unique. The man made a pass at her. She snubbed him. The next time he saw her he tried to force her. From what I’ve heard, one of the village lads stopped the rape. Now she believes all titled lords are cut from the same cloth. Except you, of course.”

“That’s the way of it. Don’t think she was violated? Not that it would matter to a man who fell in love with her. She would tell him. Wouldn’t she?” Drake paced the room, looking to his wife then his desk. From now on, he would have to be more careful about his correspondence. If it was that easy for his wife to peruse his desk, what would happen if someone meant the government harm. Sensitive papers still crossed his desk. Two years ago, their home was ransacked by a man seeking information. He had his enemies. Wouldn’t do to put Ella in harm’s way or his children. He thought of the count who despised him. The man threatened him. His son was a known assassin.

“What do you think is happening at the hunting lodge?” Ella asked with that dreamy expression on her face telling him she was thinking about love. Also remembering their stay at the same place. The ultimatum that brought them together.

“I hope the two of them are not scratching each other’s eyes out. I fear for Sterling if Kerrie discovers he’s about to become a duke.”

“Kerrie will suffer if he gets all autocratic about her riding. It’s not normal for a woman to ride a horse such as Dex. You would never have protested if I rode him,” Ella poured them both tea. Set a lump of sugar in each cup. “She will rebel. We both understand Tam’s archaic notions about females. I believe Kerrie is just the lady to set him straight about those outdated notions.”

At everything his wife spouted, Drake groaned. “I need brandy, not tea. Do you think we should pay a surprise visit to the hunting box? Help ease the tension we know will grow between those two?” Drake asked while he splashed a generous amount of brandy in his cup.

“Heavens no! We might interrupt something important. Something that might embarrass all of us.” Ella’s demure smile didn’t surprise him.

Little minx, Drake didn’t think anything would embarrass his wife. She would always find a way to turn the situation around. “That is why we should interrupt. We don’t want the babe before the right amount of time.” As if he’d cared when it came to his relationship with Ella.

Ella peered over the rim of her tea cup with an impish grin on her face. “If the two are right for each other, there is nothing wrong with a dalliance before the wedding to cement the relationship. We cannot be judge or jury given our relationship in that same hunting box.”

When she looked up with brows drawn together Drake understood he was about to be reminded of his sordid past along with what he did with her in that same lodge.

He held up his hands in surrender. “I concede.”