Chapter One

London 1837

Bored to tears, Collin McInnis watched his mistress of two months stretch one long leg into the air as she slowly rolled her silk stocking to her thigh. Sabrina Anderson was vain about her legs. Whenever possible, without creating an unsalvageable scandal, she showed them off, a bit of ankle here and there sometimes a wee bit higher just for affect. She took this moment to don her second stocking seductively securing the garter. She wanted to induce him to stay the rest of the night. Short of an earthquake, there was nothing she could do to keep him in her bedroom. The need to move on to a different woman clamored in every male part he possessed. The blunt truth, Sabrina wearied him to the brink of tears. She was everything in a woman he loathed. Why he took her as his mistress he would never understand.

Once, this sight would have been enticing, might have kept him for another round of lovemaking. Now, he simply didn’t care what she did. Her female body was much the same as any other woman’s. She could undress in front of him. Hell, at this moment, she was practically naked. Time to find another beguiling lady was his first and second thoughts. He rarely kept a woman this long. With Sabrina, he didn’t understand why he continued to torture himself. Well, a man did need relief, a means to soothe himself after a day’s hard work. Fact of the matter was, he had yet to find a replacement for her. Once he did…no, he couldn’t stand one more encounter with her.

“You promised to take me to the Montgomerie ball tomorrow night, darling.”

She sat back, turned her lips into a thin line, which was her attempt to pout while she pushed out her rather enormous assets. His next mistress would need to have smaller breasts. A man didn’t need more than a mouthful to suck and lave with his tongue. Her dark lashes fluttered across alabaster cheeks making a decided contrast. Even a hardened rake like Collin could appreciate a beautiful woman. Sabrina was beautiful. He would give her that. If she had anything except air in her head, he would be surprised. Perhaps his next ladylove would have a brain. He could always hope. He did appreciate intelligence. Until now he never thought about that particular trait in a woman.

He found that odd. A woman’s intelligence had never been important to him before, just the ability to give and receive pleasure. Bloody hell, it wasn’t now. So, why did he care? Why did the notion of a woman with a smattering of intelligence cross his overtaxed brain?

“Never said I would take you. That was a week ago. Don’t know if I’ve an inclination to attend even with you. Could get yourself there by yourself. The ball is meant to bring out debutantes. Don’t have use for beginners. You are the farthest woman from a debutante I’ve ever known.”

A ball was the last place he wanted to be seen or to attend. However, in the midst of the most influential and wealthy patrons of London’s upper crust, the fete might be the best place to end this relationship that had lasted too long as it was. Sabrina would be hard pressed to make a scene in front of the discerning eyes of the ton. He wouldn’t have to put up with the wretched sobbing along with the wealth of tears he knew would be running down her cheeks if he chose tonight to put a stop to the union that was leaving him drained of energy, exhausted to his very core as well as jaded to his soul. He would have to think of a suitable gift, one that would start the appeasement in lieu of his departure. A diamond necklace might do the trick.

“You’re horrible, Collin,” she said as she fluttered her dark lashes.

Provocatively, she strode to him. After she knelt beside the couch where he was stretched out, she ran a slender fingertip across his jaw then his lips. Slowly, she formed a path directed toward his male parts. Parts he had no intention of allowing her the use of again tonight or ever.

He held her wrist, tightened his fingers when she continued her journey. “Stop!”

“You’re hurting me,” she whined pretentiously.

Collin dropped her wrist knowing full well he didn’t give her an iota of pain. “I’m not in the mood.”

Dropping her hands so they were in front of him, she stared hard at him. “You didn’t change your mind,” she told him indignantly. “You can’t do that. I’ve made plans. The gown is to be delivered tomorrow morning. I can’t possibly go alone. What would people think if you abandoned me?”

Her anger shimmered in her eyes. Once her eyes attracted him, along with her voluptuous body. At this given time, he didn’t know what he once saw in her. The affair between them was over. He wished he had the balls to tell her so this instant.

“A promise is a promise. However, when work is involved, I can’t be held to higher standards.”

He let a loud sigh escape, hoping to signal to her the conversation was over. Sabrina never caught on to not so subtle suggestions. Perhaps she chose to ignore them.

“So, you will take me.” She tossed a pillow at him, a grin forming on her delicately pink lips. “Collin, you never listen to me. Even when there is no one else in the room your mind is somewhere else.”

Her eagerness appalled him. Well, the devil, she didn’t listen to what he told her either. What did he expect? He knew her well enough now to realize she would continue on until she wore him down. Her demands would grow with each of his concessions. He heaved in a long breath of air preparing himself to leave.

No, he wasn’t going to take her to the gala. Escorting her would just take too much time and energy. Doing something so stupid would make him obligated to bring her home even if he cried off when they were at the ball. He didn’t want another night with her. If she went alone, she would have her carriage at her disposal.

“Didn’t promise to take you. Told you I would attend, nothing more.”

He lay back, his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. If there was something to count, flowers or nicks in the plaster, anything at all, he might be able to keep his temper in check. As it was now, emotions began to ascend to an inferno. The need to remove himself assailed him, posthaste would not be soon enough.

“Collin, darling.”

She placed her hands on her long legs, smoothing her fingers along her flesh to the tops of her thighs. She fluttered her sooty lashes several times. Her words strained to a whisper thin tone. “What are you telling me? I now know I will not be pleased with the outcome. You will have to make it up to me. You do understand that. Perhaps a diamond necklace would suffice.”

He grinned at her proposal. That was exactly what he had in mind for a parting gift. “Suppose I’ll meet you there. Business, you know. Can’t neglect building the family fortune now, can I?”

If he got lucky, he might find a widow who was willing or a divorcee for his next mistress. He needed a woman who wouldn’t make demands on his time or his patience, who wouldn’t expect anything he wasn’t willing to give. After he watched Sabrina’s hysterics because of her newfound and unwanted freedom, he would need to bury himself in a warm body.

“You cad.”

She tossed back her hair, her eyes hardening.

Colin thought the look she shot him to be something close to hatred. Hatred might be the best way to end this fiasco between them. “It’s simple, Sabrina. I don’t wish to be the first there or the last to leave. You will have to get yourself to the Montgomerie estate all by yourself. I’m sure you can manage to do so with that outlandish carriage of yours. You will also need to find a way to return home without me. My suggestion is that you take that transport of yours. Everyone will know you have arrived. You can be the first as well as the last. That should suit your humors.”

By the set of her shoulders along with the way she helped herself to brandy, he could tell her emotions were running the gamut. He also knew she expected a proposal of marriage soon. That wouldn’t happen. She should have understood by now he wasn’t the marrying kind. He had years before that would be necessary.

“My what?” She rounded on him, a few drops of brandy slipping out of the glass to land on her chemise. She flicked the drops off with the wicked tip of her pointed fingernail. “At least you could look at me when you tell me you’re about to break a promise. In any case, I know you well enough. When we are at the ball, you won’t pay attention to me, will you? You’ll go off, gamble until you’ve won more than the family fortune you’re trying to build. Promise me one dance, Colly. I’ll be satisfied with that.”

The use of her pet-name for him sent him over the edge. Quickly, he did sit up. Buck-naked. He began to drag his trousers over his hips. He didn’t mean to spend any more precious seconds with this female than he was obligated to do. Was surprised he spent the last fifteen minutes with the lady. “I will see you there, Sabrina, not one second before. Might even dance with you once. Wouldn’t want tongues to start wagging if we danced more.” He slipped his arms into his crisp, white lawn shirt. If he stayed longer, she would continue to nag until he conceded to take her.

As he stood at the door, his back to her, the scent of mint and warm woman assailed his nostrils. The heat of her body pressed softly against his back. She ran her hands along his stomach, lower to find their way between his unfastened pants and bare skin. Sabrina understood what she was about. Stopping her he grasped her hand with his. A month ago, he would have appreciated the gesture. Now, he loathed what she was doing. Escape was the only solution.

“No, Sabrina. I’m not in the mood.” The sooner he left the better he would feel. “Going to see what other entertainments I can find this evening. Thought I’d meet up with Percy and Drew. Haven’t spent enough time with the lads.”

“Jeremy and Black?” she questioned, her voice taking on an indignant air. “If you stayed, we could have more fun,” she purred moving her lush rounded globes across his back.

“Not tonight!” He was bone-weary of playing the games she invented. Fresh air would help. Seeing his friends would be even better.

When she stepped back, she appeared different. It was almost as if she began to understand he meant to leave her. “You always spend most of the night with me. Why not now?”

She seemed to question everything.

“I can make your body sing. I’ll dance to whatever tune you wish to set.”

It was none of her damn business what he did or did not do. Tonight, or any night for that matter. “Yes. Not tonight, Sabrina.”

He finished dressing. A few minutes later he stepped out the front door, heard the crash against the wood. He wondered what she pitched at his back. He hoped it wasn’t the costly crystal-vase he purchased for her a few weeks ago.

Didn’t matter. He was free of her for now. Collin whistled as he strode to his carriage. Having made the decision to retire her from his protection, he felt lighthearted, ready to take on a new adventure. He would find someone else infinitely more suitable than the lovely yet irritating Sabrina.

“The Hound and the Boar’s Head Inn,” he told his driver.

Sitting back, he closed his eyes for a few minutes while he soaked up all the good feelings rushing through him. It was his favorite dockside tavern. His favorite friends along with his favorite drinks. There were a few women he enjoyed who worked at the inn. What more could a man want? Now, in the mood to talk with male friends who he knew would be drinking a pint or two. Thought maybe he’d find a willing lass who would want a night of pleasure, nothing more. At the moment he was tired of the game he played.

Bored.

Jaded.

Weary of this life. Thought he would return to the highlands. Perhaps he should make arrangements tomorrow before the fete. Going home would be pleasant. A new environment that might suffuse energy into his work-weary body.

It all came back to a healthy dose of tediousness that would send him scurrying for adventure or a good fight. His life was too much the same. One day after the other with no exciting entertainments. A diversion would be nice. The distraction would have to be something more than another woman who was just like all the other women in London.

Did a different type of woman exist? He was hard pressed to believe so.

Admittedly, he was a good catch. Though he needed to sire an heir, that was years away. Good God, he was only eight and twenty. Plenty of time before he would have to shackle himself to a single woman. What he needed now was a ladybird who would please him, a woman who didn’t want his title or his wealth. A woman who wouldn’t be expecting a marriage proposal. One who liked adventure would also be nice. A lady who was honest in every way, including her passion. Of course, she still must be beautiful, even ravishing, an intelligent woman if he was building the perfect woman in his mind. Perhaps one who would care more for him than she did for herself. No, a woman such as that would be more than nice. Up to now, he’d never met a woman like he described in his imagination.

To Collin’s jaded heart, he didn’t believe for a single moment a woman such as that existed. When he stepped inside the tavern, he spotted Jeremy and Percy. Drew should be somewhere about. So should the stuffy Earl of Blackmore, Black they called him. Everyone he met tried to call him Blacky. After the first try when the man’s dark blue eyes turned to the darkest navy, no one tried again. Of all of them, Black was the most efficient with weapons, knife, pistol even the bow and arrow. How he learned that was everyone’s guess. He showed up in London with his grandfather about fifteen years ago. All kinds of rumors surrounded his name. Some of the buzz suggested he was part Lakota Sioux. Wherever he came from his grandfather, the late Earl of Blackmore, squelched the gossip before the innuendos could take root.

Black wasn’t forthcoming. His heritage was anyone’s guess. Secrets about him were abundant. The more secretive he was the more rumors flourished.

Percy waved a hand at him, motioning him to join them. He grinned, pleased the men were in attendance. Quickly, he ordered a glass of ale, a basket of cheeses, bread along with different meats. He sat back, hands behind his head, legs stretched out in front of him, as he searched the room. Relaxed, amongst his friends he could be himself. In truth, he wished to find a woman who was more like his friends.

“Thought you were spending time with Sabrina tonight,” Jeremy said as he lifted his glass to his lips. “Change your mind about that lady?”

Collin grunted. Jeremy warned him many a time about that woman, as he would call her. Unfortunately, Jeremy was right in his assessment of Sabrina. “For some reason I needed to leave. Didn’t want to spend the night with her. Will have to be with the lady too many minutes tomorrow if I can’t figure a way out of attending the ball at the Montgomerie’s home.”

He pulled one of the serving girls toward him. She landed on his lap. His hands circled her waist as he was able to see quite a bit beneath her bodice. Collin wasn’t going to air his grievances with anyone, even his best friends. Tonight, he had simple plans, a bit of pleasure, a little bit of willing woman in his arms. He meant to enjoy this evening while he left Sabrina behind. She was no longer anything to him.

“Why, gov’nor…”

Flirtatiously, the girl pushed against him. Her lips were moist, reddened slightly from some form of rouge. She swept the tip of her hot pink tongue across them while she placed her hand on his chest. “Never saw a gent so big and handsome.” She wrapped her fingers around his bicep. “Oooo…you’re so big. Is all of you…?” The little flirt stared at his crotch when she asked the question. “…so big?”

“Tonight? Upstairs? After work?” Collin asked as he squeezed his hands that circled her waist.

She wasn’t refined nor did she put on airs. Her eyes were pretty, her bubbies more than a handful. She would do. The best part…this little gel wasn’t going to want anything from him except a good tumble along with a bit of extra coin he’d freely give. She was exactly what he needed as well as wished for tonight. Something to bridge the gap now between his ex and finding a new woman. If she pleased him, he’d come back another time.

“Didn’t take you long to find a willing woman,” Black said laughing as he sipped his ale. “You do realize, she passed the rest of us by. Guess she didn’t think we were big enough.” Black looked to Collin’s crotch.

“At least certain parts of us,” Drew’s laughter combined with the other two men.

“Speak for yourself,” Percy said, laughter in his words as well. “Mines got to be just as big. If we’re all talking about the same part.”

“Bite your tongue. She just came downstairs a few seconds ago. I’d be careful with that one,” Drew put his opinion into the mix. “She might be looking for more than you’re willing to give. Believe she’s a new one here. Might be searching for a protector.”

“Enough doom and gloom. We all know it never takes him long. One would think with that dark brooding look in those eyes, the ladies would run away from him not to him.”

“That’s what they find attractive. It’s that ever-present scowl. Every woman thinks she can put a smile on his lips,” Drew said as he seemed to look over the room.

“I’m sure all of you have a place to go before the night is over. You’ve your mistresses to visit, I assume,” Collin said with a quick chuckle.

He was more than willing to wager all of them had ladies at their beck and call. He was also willing to gamble on that because of his actions just now, they all knew he was about to call it off with Sabrina. Or, he already had.

“Will I see you all at the Montgomerie ball tomorrow night?”

He could hope at least one of his closest friends would attend. It was truly too much to be at the debutante affair by himself. Why he ever agreed to meet Sabrina he couldn’t for the life of him fathom. Word had it that Lady Montgomerie agreed to chaperone two of the ladies who would be in attendance.

“God’s teeth no,” Black said just before the others joined him in their denials. “It’s the last place I’d turn up. A debutante ball, you’ve got to be joking.”

“Why would you go there? All the debutantes in attendance merely make a man want to run in the opposite direction. If the debutantes aren’t bad enough, there are the mothers to contend with. Bloody eyes, but they can be more aggressive than anyone I’ve ever encountered.”

Collin’s shrug was nonchalant even though he didn’t feel that way. “Promised Sabrina. What’s a poor fellow to do? Did tell her she would have to get there and back on her own. Told me the Duke of Richmond’s ball was where everyone who was anyone would be seen. Don’t actually care if I’m seen, however this last time…”

“Well, hells bells,” Jeremy said seeming to understand more than he said. “You’re going to use the gala to cry off. I see that look in your eyes. Not a bit of guilt, I hope. We’re all surprised you lasted this long, old fella. Sabrina is not a lady who is easy on the pocketbook though I’ve heard she is fairly good in bed.”

“Genius,” Percy said rubbing his jaw as if he thought about what Collin planned. “If I’ve ever a need for something like that, I’ll have to remember your tactic. The little lady can hardly put up a scene in front of all those people. You will be scot free of her without having to live through her tears along with the hysterics. Can’t abide either. Much easier to send them a letter along with a gift.”

“No, she wouldn’t be showing her true colors at the ball. Gossip would run rampant throughout London. A new protector would be hard to find if she did so. No man wishes to put up with that nonsense when the time is over,” Collin said languidly while he sported a huge grin. He didn’t have to be told the approach was unmatchable. “Couldn’t have found a better time or place, don’t you think? I’m bored to tears with her. Shouldn’t have kept her so long. Seems I didn’t have the energy to fight. Need to be a free man again.”

“No prospects on the horizon for the next lady love?” Black asked blandly as he toyed with a piece of bread.

“Tonight I’m not going to worry over what will happen after the ball. This evening I’m going to enjoy the little miss along with her bountiful curves. The one who was nestled against me a few minutes ago. What about the rest of you?”

“Same as you,” Percy and Jeremy agreed.

“Got a rendezvous planned with a gal,” Percy went on to say. “So does Jeremy.”

As his friends left to go their separate ways, Collin sat back, relaxed for the first time since he took on Sabrina as his mistress. His friends warned him about her. At the time, however, he’d been enamored of her long white legs. Before he actually made love to her, all he could think about was the length wrapped around his flanks. One thought about her personality never crossed his mind. Nor did the fact she was a demanding puss. It seemed to Collin nothing he did was ever good enough for her.

Sabrina was a widow. Her first marriage was to a man much older, ended quickly with his death. The lady could not have been happy with an old man for a lover. After the obligatory mourning time, she set off to make use of the wasted years she spent in not so blissful wedlock. He’d been her second conquest. The first protector lasted less than two weeks. Black, along with the others, warned him he should take stock of all the facts before he set about supporting another mistress.

After his first sexual encounter with the spicy lady, he wasn’t ready to let go of what she had to offer. Sabrina knew how to do things other women did not. In the beginning, her aggressiveness pleased him, until she took the aggression too far. Collin wasn’t about to be controlled by anyone, let alone a woman. Too many times, she took it upon herself to dictate the terms of their relationship.

“I’m through with work.”

The young lady stood in front of him her hands clasped beneath her chin, her breasts so lush they spilled from her gown to a point where he could almost see the rouged tips. When he looked into her eyes, he read the passion, the desire she made no effort to hide from him.

She wanted him.

Collin jumped, startled as the lady sat on his lap, slipping her hands around his neck, pushing herself against him as if she had to do so. He’d been lost in thought. God’s teeth he was strung tight. She purred, touched his earlobe with the tip of her tongue. She laughed heartily when her hand rubbed against his erection. Bloody hell, he wasn’t sure he wanted someone who pursued him so hotly. He just got rid of one such lady.

“See you’re ready,” she purred as she rubbed the tops of her rounded breasts across his mouth. He scented hot willingness a woman who would hold nothing back. Earlier, he thought that was exactly what he needed.

“Are you?” she squeezed.

“If I’m not now, I will be in the next second.”

Slipping her hand inside his trousers, “Oooh, lovey, I think you’re ready now.”

~ * ~

Nickie Gray sat on the outside patio at the Duke of Richmond’s stylish country residence. Ella, the duke’s wife, along with several of her other London aunties were visiting. The husbands were due back soon. They’d been out riding. The children were off somewhere with their nanny. Nickie wasn’t exactly sure where. Certainly, she would rather play with the children than try to assume a role she didn’t want to be part of.

“This is so exciting,” Piper, the daughter of ‘The’ notorious ‘Duchess’ who ruled the London aristocracy with knowledge of their secrets until her death two years prior said.

Piper was kidnapped by her uncle when she was a wee thing. Spent her life in the bowels of London, St James Parish to be exact, learning how to pick pockets. The Duchess didn’t discover her daughter until late in her life.

“For you. Not for me,” Nickie Gray said dejectedly.

Her heart just wasn’t in this. All she wanted was to go home, back to McClellan lands where she could be free again. “The ball is the last place I want to be tomorrow night. Being presented in front of a bunch of simpering court dandies does not please me. If I wanted to marry, which I don’t, I’d want a real man, one who doesn’t need to pad his shoulders or leg muscles with sawdust to appear bigger than they are.”

She did have an image of the perfect man in her head. The image sent little thrills of delight through her. If only she could find him.

“I understand,” Ella, Drake Montgomerie’s wife, bent forward patting her on the hand. “Felt the same way when I was forced to my first ball. The first dance—I found the man of my fondest imaginations when he asked to dance with me. Was sure Aunty Charlotte was going to make me tell him no. I think she knew then he was a rake with every intention of compromising me. Everyone here knows the end to that story. He wasn’t the least bit remorseful when he did so. The fact is neither was I. We both got exactly what we wanted.”

“You got lucky,” Nickie shot back quickly understanding that wasn’t true in every case. “You only had to attend one gala affair. Who’s to say I have your luck. In any case it doesn’t matter. Not getting married to anyone.”

Would rather take a lover. Wouldn’t be saddled with the man for the rest of my life if I made a bad choice. Nickie crossed her arms over her chest in defiance. She wasn’t about to cooperate. She also didn’t understand where the rebelliousness came from. Her parents were exhaustingly happy. They sent her to London to find a man she could love for the rest of her life.

No one would want her. She would end up sitting in a corner throughout the hours until the ball ended. It was her intention to slip away as soon as she could so she could go riding. If she had her preference, she would stay behind any potted palm she could find. The sunrise was gorgeous over the lake near the estate. In any case, her appearance was not fashionable as her body didn’t possess the requisite curves. She was reed thin, too thin, taller than all her friends. Her brother, Colby, never failed to tease her about her figure said she had no bubbies to speak of then he would taunt her that when she got older, she might have something a man could appreciate. Bloody eyes, she was twenty. How old did she have to get to possess bubbies a man would want to hold and to taste? All the young ladies she met since coming to London were filled out in all the right places. Everyone except for her.

“Your gown is beautiful, Nickie.” Ella smiled at her as she poured tea for everyone. “Cream or lemon?”

“Both. If your seamstress doesn’t take the corsage in, anyone looking will be able to see all the way to my navel,” Nickie said wishing for a different gown one that didn’t reveal so much of her. She didn’t understand how the seamstress got her measurements so wrong.

Actually, she wished for a pair of trousers along with a nice white shirt that laced in front. She recalled so vividly all the days she ran through the forest surrounding her home. Remembered how every once in a blue moon she could sneak to the island close to the castle. Most of the time one of her father’s men would be close behind guarding her. When they were newlywed, Hunter Gray, her father, made his wife promise she would never go to the island without him. That was when her mother was younger. Seemed she almost drowned rescuing a kitten. If not for Hunter realizing what she was up to, Allura might have died that night.

Needless to say, she never promised such an outlandish thing to her father. A vow would have made her feel guilty about her exploits. To her way of thinking, it didn’t seem her father meant to make his girls promise not to go to the island. Making them promise something so ludicrous was far too difficult when her brother got to do whatever he pleased. She wasn’t about to make assurances to any man, especially the one to obey. She was her own woman. She would do exactly as she pleased with her life with no man’s interference.

“Relax, dear. Your dress will be perfect. My seamstress, although new to me, has credentials that surpass anyone else in town,” Ella tried to reassure while sipping her tea. “You know you will have fun when you actually get to dance with a nice young man. There will be too many to choose from. What you have to do is make sure you don’t dance with any gentleman more than once. It is far too early in the season to make a commitment to one fellow. Remember, dear, I’ll be there with my cane just in case a young man is taking unwanted liberties.”

All in this room recalled what the original duchess did with that cane. She would wrap them on the back if they took wanted or unwanted liberties. Ella’s husband received more than one tap to remind him he was not acting the gentleman where Ella was concerned. Drake never did act in that manner. He always did as he pleased. Although he did make a few concessions where Ella was concerned.

“Have two left feet as you well know. No man is going to ask me to dance let alone take liberties, wanted or unwanted when they know I’ll be stepping on their feet all night and you’ll be whacking them with that blasted cane of yours,” Nickie muttered with the hint of a tiny smile. After all, Aunt Ella’s cane was exactly what she needed to keep unwanted suitors at bay. “Rather go riding than dance; rather fish than play parlor games with the dandies. If I were to want a man, he would be dashing and strong. Would be taller than my father as well as stronger. He would like adventures. Gambling along with drinking would be a rare occurrence. Also,” she paused in thought while she toyed with more characteristics she sought in a man. “This is the most important. He wouldn’t take a mistress. Would want only me. Doesn’t matter anyway. I’m not the marrying kind. I won’t be tied down to a male, subject to his whims or anything else a man might think up.”

“That’s quite a wish list of prerequisites for the man in your dreams,” Piper put in her thoughts before she questioned further. “What about love? Isn’t that important enough to be part of your list?” With a gesture around the room encompassing all the ladies sitting on the patio. “We’ve all found love, our hearts desire. You can too. When you least expect to see that man you described, he’ll be there all smiles waiting for you.”

“You must keep an open mind, dear. If you don’t, this trip to London will be wasted,” Ella said, her voice soft. “Your mother and father might send you back for a second season. That would certainly be appalling. They want to see you happy. I know your mother wants you to find your own true love.”

A second season?

Impossible.

Never! I would do everything in my power to avoid something so awful. I don’t care what it would take.

Nickie didn’t know how to respond. She would keep an open mind the best she could. An open mind wouldn’t change her feelings about wedded bliss. Truth was she shouldn’t need to feel that way. Didn’t understand why she did. Her parents along with all her uncles and aunts were happy. It was just there was no one she’d ever met that interested her in any way, no one she wanted to kiss her. For so long she felt different, too different to fit in. She wasn’t like her cousins or the other girls of her acquaintance.

The young men in the village teased her, just as her brother did. At one time, she hoped Colby would understand, would put a stop to the jests. In his defense this last year, he did try. Now the boys only taunted her about her skinny body and only when Colby was nowhere to be found.

“Is anyone else coming?” Cat waltzed into the room, her violin case in hand. Cat had wed Roc the son of ‘The’ notorious ‘Duchess’. She was a duchess in her own right. Roc was the duke of Ravenswood.

From all she heard, Ella Montgomerie was taking over the role of The Duchess including the tap, tap, tapping of the cane even though Ella didn’t need a cane to walk, along with serving the traditional lemon bars Aunty Charlotte was known for. With her husband’s connections, she had details on almost every aristocrat in London as well as the surrounding cities. In many ways because of her husband’s connection, she was more powerful than the original duchess.

“You’re going to play and dance for us?” Ella laughed, clapping her hands together. “It’s always so enjoyable when you do. A lively tune always lifts one’s spirits. I’ve never actually understood how you are so very talented.”

“All of you know I can’t go anywhere without my fiddle. It seems to be as much a part of me as my arms and legs.” Cat pulled out the instrument before setting it atop the case. “Don’t know I’ll perform. Ella asked me to play a tune or two at the ball. Roc would rather I save all that entertainment for him. He agreed though grudgingly. My husband can be a real spoil sport when he sets his mind to it. If he had his way, I would never leave the bed or the house.” With that said, she smiled dreamily.

“Roc’s always been the jealous type,” Piper laughed, her eyes shining with merriment, as it seemed she thought about her brother. “You must play. It will be so much fun. It’s just so amazing the way you can actually play that thing, let alone dance with the fiddle atop your shoulder. I’ll never forget the first time I watched you. Found myself mesmerized.”

“Inherited the ability from my mum although I never saw her, never met her. She died when I was born.”

Momentarily Piper’s lips turned down.

“I wish I could have known her. I look just like her. At least that’s what everyone who knew her says.”

Cat never knew her mother. Roc found her in a pub in Ireland, immediately falling in love with her. He always told her it was love at first sight. For herself Nickie didn’t believe in such fairytales. In her life there would never be love at first sight. She didn’t expect a man to ever have those sentiments concerning her. Her mother never understood why she was so insecure. That insecurity was part of the reason Allura and Hunter sent her to London to have a season. Bottom line, she didn’t want to be a debutante. There was nothing new about her.

They believed the experience would be good for her.

Ha!

Two years ago, her heart changed when she was cornered by a visiting dignitary. A man who thought any woman he chose was his for the taking. Colby found them before he could take anything from her that she wasn’t willing to give. Nickie realized that day she didn’t like the way it felt for a man to put his lips on hers. Never wanted to chance another kiss. Time and again her brother assured her the right man’s mouth on hers would not be like that revulsion she felt. She wasn’t sure she believed him even though she wanted to.

Perhaps if she met the right man as he said the caress would be different.

See, I do have an open mind. Her gaze turned to Ella as if the woman might be able to read her thoughts.

“Your head is in the clouds, Nickie Gray. Are you having a change of heart? Thinking about dancing the night away? Of discovering a handsome beau to give your love to? I absolutely hope you are doing just that.”

Piper’s eyes went all dreamy as if she was remembering the time she met her beloved Scottish highlander, Brett MacLachlan.

With this conversation, it seemed to Nickie all her auntie’s eyes were dreamy.

“No, no change of heart. I dinna want to find a beau who’s a dandy with no muscles, only padding. Does any other type of man attend the galas? I think not. From what I’ve heard all the best men stay away. They can’t abide the simpering debutantes along with their adoring mamas.”

“Rakes as well as the bounders rarely show their faces,” Ella told her as once again her eyes turned dreamy.

Rakes and bounders were probably the only men who weren’t dandies with no backbone. Numerous times she heard Colby referred to as a bounder. She knew he loved women…all of them. Didn’t think he ever took advantage of a woman. Knew for certain, he kept away from innocent lasses.

Thinking once more about the ball, Nickie wasn’t about to tell them how she would sneak away as soon as she could find an opening. She would do so the moment Ella wasn’t watching. She yearned to watch the sunrise over the lake near the country estate. The sight reminded her of home. Most likely as soon as Ella and Drake retired for the evening, she could slip from the house. So far Ella was not an imposing chaperone. She talked a great deal about how strict she would be along with the rules she would enforce. That fact remained to be seen. Nickie often wondered if she would wrap a man on the back to stop him from kissing one of her charges. She knew that task would not be necessary for her. No man would attempt to steal a kiss from her. They would never find her attractive.

Ella told her kissing was fine. It was the other places a man’s hands roamed that she would have to be careful about. Told her also it would be difficult once she allowed any intimacy at all. If it was the right man for her, she might not have the will to tell him no.

Alma, Ella’s lady’s maid, brought out a tray of lemon bars along with more tea. Ella rescued Alma from a brothel. That night Alma helped her escape evil men who hated her husband and wanted revenge meant to sell her into slavery. Instead of waiting to be rescued, Ella with the help of Alma, saved herself. It was a tale she heard numerous times.

“All our men are the jealous type. You should see the way Drake’s eyes narrow if he sees me speaking with another man. Why, if looks could kill…”

Ella rearranged her skirts, her lashes lowered momentarily.

“We are talking about possessiveness?” Addie stepped onto the patio with a wink coupled with a grin. “No man is as bad as my Hamilton.”

Addie was an aunt simply because she became part of the family when she along with her husband, Hamilton, rescued another aunt, Tavia, one of the twins. A rejected suitor of Tavia’s dumped Tavia, with her husband James, into the Tames with the intention of murder.

“Don’t know one man who isn’t possessive of their lady,” Piper spoke softly. “My Brett seemed to be domineering from the first moment he realized I wasn’t a boy but a young lady. I attacked him with a butcher knife to keep him from watching me undress. Of course he thought I was a lad. Believed also I was being a bit foolish with the missish airs.”

Cat agreed as she nodded her head. “Think Roc is the worst of all of our husbands. Even with a bodyguard he won’t allow me to play and dance unless he has time to make room in his busy schedule to attend the event. The tavern where I play is in a fairly good part of town. Roc certainly has enough men at his disposal to keep me secure as well as safe when I perform. Nothing will happen. He understands that. Still, he refuses to give in to my wishes.”

Ella looked to the doorway, “Oh, my, there he is now.”

Ella stood, her hands stretched out to welcome her husband. He kissed her. Even in front of all the other ladies, his kiss was far from chaste.

Nickie watched as her aunty melted in the man’s arms. It was obvious how her knees seemed to grow weak. Heard a soft moan that was recognizable pleasure. His big hands drifted to a spot that was far from appropriate amidst company. Ella tugged them to her waist before she pushed away, her cheeks flaming.

“Stop that, Drake Montgomerie!” She poked him on the chest. “You know better than to do be so brazen. As you well know, we’ve company. There is a young woman present. You need to set an example,” After a short pause when she heard him chuckle. “A good example, not a bad one.”

He bobbed his head, grinning wickedly. “I’m sure she has seen her mother and father kissing before this. Probably other things too, if I know Hunter Gray. If you haven’t forgotten, we all know the man. Besides…” It appeared he meant to defend his actions. “There was nothing wrong with my actions, a loving husband greeting his wife after a long hard day of work,” he said blandly as he smiled at her his eyes alight with humor, “is entitled to a kiss or more if he so chooses.”

Blatantly, Nickie grinned back at the two of them. Her mother always blushed when caught in such a pose with Hunter. “True enough. It was the hand though…”

“Ah, so you noticed. Something else I’m sure you’ve seen before,” Drake said, his soft chuckle turning into a hoot of full-blown laughter. He ran his knuckles down his wife’s heated cheeks, kissed her nose.

Ella looked as if she wanted to poke her husband in the chest again or perhaps toss something hard at him. “That’s just what I’m talking about. Our young charge is going to believe it’s acceptable for her beau to touch her like that. You don’t want her acting…”

It seemed he realized the truth of Ella’s words. Before he spoke, Drake let out a loud woosh of air. “Bloody hell! Don’t think I’m cut out to be a chaperone.”

“Most likely that is true,” Piper laughed out right. “That’s why your wife is going to assume the major duties. You both realize Lyssa Andrews will arrive in less than two weeks. You’ve got to be ready for her as well. Two charges will obviously be twice the responsibility. We will all have to be on our toes.”

Drake groaned softly. His look of chagrin sent a sparkle of amusement Ella’s way. “Tell me again why you volunteered for this duty?”

“The girls need someone older and wiser as well as experienced to guide them,” Ella told her husband, sweetly smiling, seeming to wait for his comment.

“You, my love, are still an innocent. You’ve no idea about the wicked ways of this world along with the scope of lecherous men inhabiting the streets of London.” He brought her hand to his lips, kissed the back. “I’ve protected you from the worst,” Drake said, his smug expression telling Nickie a tale that would sound pretty much like the one her father would tell her mother.

“True,” Cat said agreeing with Ella and Drake, “Just as Roc could never chaperone a young woman.” Cat picked up her fiddle and began tuning the instrument before placing the instrument on her shoulder. The jingle she played was lively as she danced, twirling around the room.

Nickie had never watched her perform before. What she did was certainly a presentation to remember, entertainment at its finest. She heard stories of her playing in a pub here in London. Once a month Roc would allow her to play. The patrons loved her. Tickets were sold days before. Cat was so popular she drew packed crowds. Many waited in lines for their turn to watch the nimble lady.

The scene between Ella and Drake reminded her of her mother and father whenever Hunter could steal a kiss from Allura. Thoughts that something like what she saw in front of her could ever be hers seemed irrational at times. Still, that first contact with a man wasn’t something she wanted to experience again.

At that idea shuffling through her brain, she decided she would open herself to a kiss or two if the man attracted her. If he was handsome and braw, she would give over to his teachings. Marriage was still out of the question for more than one reason, one being that she didn’t want to be controlled or dictated to by a man. Nickie toyed with idea of taking a lover. Oh, she wouldn’t be like her brother who dallied with just about any willing skirt he found. No, one man was enough for her. He would be her lover for as long as she wanted him. After that she would look to someone different. If a man could do so, why couldn’t she?

Seemed logical to her.

She understood just how vehemently her entire family would protest, didn’t believe they could force her to wed. The thought made her blanch. Could they?

After all, it was the nineteenth century. The man involved, well, they would both have to agree to such foolishness. She would never do such a thing. Never say “I do” unless that was what she wished.

Nickie supposed it wasn’t a concept she should indulge to anyone in this room. No, even her brother shouldn’t hear what she was thinking. He would protest, try to talk her out of the scheme.

Drake poured a brandy for himself. When he saw Roc saunter into the room, he filled another glass. Roc’s gaze remained on Cat until she danced too close to him. When she found herself in arm’s reach, his hand snaked out, grabbing her around the waist, his grin self-satisfied and wolfish.

“Roc, stop!” Cat laughed, her protest landing on deaf ears. She had to let her fiddle fall to her side.

“Bloody hell! Stop? Never. I want you, Cat. When I see you, can’t keep my hands to myself. Don’t want to bother with the strain of resisting your sweet charms. It’s too exhausting to do so.”

He pulled her close for a long lingering kiss, a deep heated kiss that seemed to Nickie too intimate for this setting.

At Cat’s look of chagrin when he finally let go of her, Nickie laughed. Her uncles were all irredeemable rakes as well as hopeless when it came to their respective wives. They did as they pleased, when they wished. All were larger than most men both physically as well as in the way they managed their lives, confidence exuded through every pore. All had soft spots for their wives. She realized, suddenly, this was what true love was about. These men would lay down their lives if necessary for the women they loved.

If she found someone like that…the notion left her breathless, her blood pulsing heatedly through her body.

The only husband missing now was Brett MacLachlan, Piper’s husband. Nickie supposed he would be here later. With his appearance she would be treated to another round of kissing. The idea she would never experience something so earth-shattering and poignant left her desolate, wishing for a man who would be hers.

With Ella secured on Drake’s lap, his hand running the length of her arm, he asked. “Any of those bounders going to show up at the ball?”

“You speaking of Percy and Drew?” Cat asked sweetly.

To Nickie it seemed she knew something about the pair.

“They are regulars the nights I play at the pub. One time only, Percy thought to seduce me. Once only, Roc punched him. The poor man hit the floor hard, rubbing his jaw. The man never tried again.”

“They declined the invitation I sent,” Ella told him, directing her attention toward Nickie. “That doesn’t mean something might provoke them to turn up. They are two of the most notorious rakes in the town along with Collin McInnis as well as with the stuffy earl who goes by the name of Black.”

“He has the blackest hair and the darkest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. Is a loner, rarely comes to the balls and fetes. Keeps to himself with the exception of his closest friends. He’s extremely tall, not as broad as McInnis,” Piper mused thoughtfully to receive a sour look from Brett who just joined them. Smiling thoughtfully, her gaze riveted on her husband. “He’s not nearly so handsome as you darling.”

“Those are the words I was looking for,” Brett grinned before pulling Piper into his arms for another kiss, much like the other uncles who arrived before him.

Drake shot her a look, a scowl telling her she should listen to well-meaning advice. The look wasn’t too far from the ones her father sent her when he tried to make a point. “Stay away from those four. They are nothing but trouble.”

Her uncle didn’t know it yet. Without realizing what he did, he sent her a challenge she intended to meet head-on. There was something about the way he said the words, not so much what he said that had her wanting to find out what had her uncle warning her away from the men. If she got the chance, she would discover why these particular males were taboo. All her uncles were considered rakes at one time. She once heard that reformed rakes make the best husbands. Ah, but she didn’t intend to wed.

Shortly after midnight she retired, bent on rising early enough to watch the sunrise. When she woke the next morning, the day of the ball, the time was well past sunrise. She would have to try tomorrow.

In fact, the hustle and bustle surrounding her unnerved her, stripped her nerves raw. Preparations for the party were already blossoming. Maids chattered. Bathwater was brought to her room. She heard the maids discussing several guests. More debutantes undoubtedly would arrive today. Some would stay the night.

Her stomach coiled. The need to run assailed her. In order to ward off the chills, she closed her eyes. Nothing helped the nervous tension ricocheting through her entire body before settling in her belly. It seemed from the top of her head to the very tips of her toes, she shook.

Nickie had to see Colby. He was the only person who would understand how she felt. Last night he rode to the townhouse in the city he purchased on their arrival. By carriage the journey would only take thirty minutes. If she hurried up, she might have time before this ridiculous coming out to reach him. The need to convince him, to take her home shuffled through her.

Ella was in her room, the dress she was to wear over her arm. “It’s lovely. Suits your coloring. Undoubtedly, you will be the most beautiful debutant at the gala.”

She’d asked for something dark and somber to suit the occasion along with her mood. This gown was eggshell blue with delicate lace trimming. The bodice was cut lower than anything she owned before. Ella assured her the corsage was in the height of fashion. Guaranteed her too that it was not too low for a debutante. Blast all things debutante. At twenty she could hardly be considered a beginner at anything.

Except love.

She had no experience with love or the carnal delights she heard Colby talking about when he didn’t know she could hear. He would have fits if he ever discovered that truth. With an older brother, she didn’t suppose she could possibly be that innocent.

Nickie meant to remedy her inexperience with the first man who attracted her, the first man who could make her heart dance and speed faster than lightening. Once she was no longer innocent, she would also no longer be an eligible catch to the wealthy aristocrats who frequented these traditions. No one would allow her to be part of the ritual that the wealthy seemed to need in order for their young ladies to find husbands.

She had to remind herself she didn’t want to find a husband.

Unless that husband was like her father and her uncles.

When she finished with everything, she sought out Ella, her breath held hoping her aunt would allow her this one concession.

“Aunty…”

The way her voice wavered annoyed her. Confidence here was the key to achieving her goals. If she acted as if she wasn’t sure of herself or her intentions, Ella was certain to tell her no.

“My, you’re beautiful tonight.” Ella seemed to be staring at her bodice, frowning. Her forehead creased with concern, “We have to fix that before we do anything else. It seems the dress maker didn’t receive the note I sent her.”

“Oh,” Nickie followed her gaze. She’d been in such a rush. She didn’t notice the way the top gaped open. “I can’t be seen like this. How on earth can we fix it now? Don’t know about you. I can’t sew a straight stitch to save my soul.”

If she couldn’t go to the ball, that would suit her just fine. If Ella wouldn’t allow her to see her brother, that was bad. Tears stung her eyes, dotted her lashes.

“What is it, Nickie? Nothing to cry over. I can fix this with a few strategically placed scarves. We might even use a couple to fill out the bodice. No one will notice. You will look more curvaceous. The sight should please you.”

That would be a lie. She didn’t want to advertise something she didn’t have. Fact of the matter was she was pancake flat. Pretending she wasn’t didn’t suit. Nor did she care that men liked women with large breasts, all the better for her.

When Ella finished her new creation, Nickie actually looked as if she possessed breasts. She turned sideways to examine her new shape more thoroughly. “What if they slip out? The scarves…” That was a disaster she didn’t want to contemplate.

“Be careful when you dance. Don’t move too fast. They won’t slip, I promise you. They wouldn’t dare,” Ella grinned as she stepped back to survey her seemingly from head to toe. “Now, what brings you here a few hours before the ball dressed and ready? It wasn’t the gown since you didn’t know anything was wrong with the bodice.” Ella tapped her fingers on the armrest of the chair where she sat.

Suddenly, Nickie found herself breathless, her heart chattering nonstop beneath her ribs, terrified Ella would say no, “I have to see Colby. Have to talk to him tonight. It can’t wait.”

After going through the preparations for this evening she realized more pointedly than before that she didn’t belong. She had to go home.

“Whatever for? The ball is only a few hours away.”

“Just know I have to talk to him. I’ll come right back. You’ll see. I won’t miss anything important.”

“So, the reason is too personal for you to tell me?” One eyebrow rose a fraction as Ella studied her fingernails. Then with a long swish of air as if she didn’t want to give permission, she studied her one more time. “We don’t have an available carriage. If seeing your brother is that important to you, I’ll see if Sabrina Anderson’s coach is accessible for you. It’s an outlandish sight. I wouldn’t wish my worst enemy be caught dead in it. However, I will ask. If she is agreeable, you can go speak with Colby. I do, though, want a promise you will return in a timely fashion.”

“Oh!” Nickie grabbed Ella’s hands. “I will, I will, I will.” She was thrilled her quest went off without a hitch.

A few minutes later, Nickie was happily ensconced in Sabrina’s carriage on her way to her brother’s townhouse in London. She closed her eyes listening to the rolling wheels. With each passing mile, she realized she would be able to go home soon. It was what she wanted.

Wasn’t it?”

~ * ~

“God’s teeth, she’s moved on already. Whose townhouse is she at? Don’t recognize it.” Collin laughed hard, relieved there would be no scene after all. He now held irrefutable proof of Sabrina’s infidelity in his hands. The advantage was his. There would be no diamond necklace for Sabina. He savored the moment. There was no mistaking that carriage. Only one of its kind existed in the world. No one save Sabrina would dare be seen in that monstrosity. The main body had been painted bright pink, the trim green. Ornate flecks of gold occurred haphazardly along the main body. The coach was pulled by two perfectly matched horses. The cattle were the only part of the scenario that wasn’t garish.

When Collin drew abreast of the transport, he saw a young man still in his dressing gown and trousers holding Sabrina’s hands. He was smiling besotted at Sabrina. Her back was to him, dressed in a long cape, the hood pulled over her head. A few seconds later the man hugged her. Stepping back, he shook his head then kissed her on the cheek. The man turned striding into the home. Sabrina stared at his back unmoving. It didn’t seem to Collin she was in any hurry to climb inside the vehicle.

This was exactly what he needed. The plan formed unexpectedly in his head. He chortled, pleased with himself.

“Don’t like what you’re thinking,” Drew said blandly as his horse sidestepped. “Should have found a willing lass somewhere like I said. You can’t just haul her off as if she’s a sack of grain. Though she might deserve something like that. You’ll miss the perfect opportunity to toss her faithlessness in her small yet beguiling face.”

Drew’s thoughts were too close to his own. Collin didn’t want to admit to anything, even to his friend. “You don’t know what I’m thinking. However, I do guarantee that you won’t like what I’ve planned for the little lady, treacherous that she is. Doesn’t matter to me. If she’s going to cry off before me, I’ll have my fun with her now.”

He knew exactly what he meant to do. He would get his pound of flesh, maybe more before this little dance she was playing was over.

“Don’t want to be a part of this,” Drew said even while he was laughing. “Don’t want to know what you have planned. See you later at the tavern if you can manage to escape her clutches.”

“Oh, I’ll be there. You can count on that.”

His scheme was now coming together one little detail at a time. What Drew didn’t know was that his words were the beginning of his strategy.

Collin turned his horse around before waiting until the young man left the scene. He then spurred his horse forward. He drew up next to her cloaked form, nodded at the coach driver who he knew very well. I’ll make sure she gets to the ball. He would, too, though not when she wanted to be there. With expertise honed over the years in the highlands, he swooped Sabrina onto the horse, undid his pristine cravat, then wrapped the fabric around her mouth so she couldn’t yell then settled her stomach side down across his lap.

“I will see her home,” Collin told the man as he grinned, delighted so far with this adventure. He was well pleased.

“She’s planning to stay the night at the Montgomerie’s estate,” her driver told him.

That was information he needed. “You should plan on getting her in the morning as scheduled then.”

Having known the woman intimately for two months, he settled his hand on her rear, squeezed, grinned at her gasp of seeming outrage coupled with the bucking of her hips. Sabrina was never outraged at sexual contact. This was a new side to her as she wiggled tying to dislodge herself. He did enjoy a good tussle. Before this night ended, they would have their last argument as he would make sure she found her way to the ball when the last notes were heard. For all he cared, she could stay the week as long as she understood the status of their relationship.

“Hold still,” he chuckled while she strained to rear up trying to see. “Don’t want you to fall off, now do we?” He slipped his hand along the outside of her naked leg. Heard the gasp as he found silken flesh. She was making noises. He imagined the screams of outrage when she discovered what he intended. Ah, well, he wouldn’t stay around to hear them.

He needed to confront her even if it was just a few pointed words. “So, my sweet disloyal mistress, you thought to cry off. Another protector so soon, Sabrina? That was not well done of you or did you read my mind? Did you think to find a new protector as well as receive a diamond necklace from me?”

He cocked one eyebrow thinking of the young pup he saw her with. Collin wondered if the young’un had any whiskers yet. His chuckle reverberated all the way to his belly. “You’re picking them younger and younger these days. Does he expect you to teach him a thing or two about the finer art of making love? You are experienced. Perhaps you are teaching the boy.”

Again, she wiggled her bottom across his hand, reared up as if she meant to search for something. Her cloak as well as her hood covered her head. All she’d be able to see would be the cobblestones below. This scenario was just too good to be true. He’d done her in. The task so easy it was child’s play.

He grinned. Sabrina was exactly where he wanted her. It seemed she failed to accept her plight. She struggled so hard that she moved downward. Her path could result in an injury. That wasn’t what he wanted. “Hold still. You might slip off if you keep squirming. Don’t want you hurt.”

No, all he wished was for her to miss the ball. Wanted her to understand he would no longer be her protector. After all, she found her next paramour. He had no more obligations or responsibilities where she was concerned. This was a good day, a very good day in deed.

Feeling better than he had in a long time, he spurred his horse toward his townhouse going over in his head exactly how he would handle this delicate situation. The few miles sped by while his mind did the same. By the second his grin grew larger. Pulling up, he flipped his reigns over the post, tossed Sabrina across his shoulder then two stepped it to the third floor.

His butler, Charley, stood behind him. He was grizzled with age, his nose bulbous, his cheeks red. Collin found him in the streets of Inverness about ten years ago. The man had been shanghaied several years before. Now, all he needed was a job that would secure a roof over his head along with a full belly. The man escaped his captivity somehow. Charley didn’t want to talk about what happened. Since that fateful night, Charley never disappointed him. He was true-blue loyal. He wouldn’t question or judge him about this. No, his butler would accept whatever he chose to do.

Collin meant to lock her in the room until he returned for her. “Let her yell her head off. I want her right where I put her when I get home. She’ll try to finagle a way out of the room. Don’t let her. Don’t feel sorry for her. The two of us have a myriad of things to talk about. She’ll be madder than a hornet. Just leave her be no matter what she yells or tries to tell you.”

“Sir, I…”

He lifted an eyebrow surprised at the man’s questioning glance. It was the first ever. “Sabrina will yell, you can count on it. No matter what she tells you, don’t let her out,” Collin repeated himself.

Without a second look, Collin tossed her onto the bed in the third story room, her hood still over her face. He locked the door. Whistling, he set off for the Montgomerie ball. He found this night was becoming more enjoyable with each passing moment. He could hardly wait to visit with her again.

He wanted to see the look on her face when he returned well after the hour. Confronting her with her new love, first on his list in about five hours from now. Pleased, he wouldn’t feel obliged to give her parting gifts. She managed to burn her bridges quite effortlessly. Even if she begged, he now had the ammunition to do whatever pleased him.

When he entered the ball, he nodded to Ella then spoke a moment with Drake. He made his way toward one of the tables laid out with food. There were two large ballrooms. With his hands clasped behind his back he went in search of dance partners. One of his earlier mistresses willingly obliged.

“Miriam,” he nodded, “how have you been?”

She laughed softly tapping him on his shoulder with her fan. “Small talk, Collin. Do you care how I’ve been? I doubt it.”

“Of course, I care, sweet. We spent some enjoyable nights together. I would never wish you ill. Have only your happiness at heart.”

She was correct though. Sincerely, he didn’t have one reason to care how she was doing. Heard she wed a while back.

“I married or did you not hear?” she told him nicely. “You don’t have to pretend, Collin. You never did have any concerns for me except for the pleasure we gave and received. You were a good lover. For the weeks it lasted, I appreciated you.”

He whirled around while he thought on Sabrina locked in the third floor. He spied another acquaintance, intending to dance with the woman when this tune ended. “How jaded you’ve become, my dear.”

“You think?” One of her finely sculpted eyebrows arched with sarcasm.

“Not pretending, Miriam. Hope you are happy. Is the man rich as Midas? Did you acquire a title along with the marriage?”

“Both,” she laughed softly again. “It’s exactly what a woman of my status would wish to happen. For the rest of my life, I’ve nothing to worry about. When he passes on, I’ll be left with a small fortune even though his children contest the will. The earl won’t budge simply because I will continue to give him whatever he asks for. I please him.”

“Bloody hell!”

Collin didn’t believe what was right in front of him. He stopped, Miriam running into him. Under his breath, he cursed, continued to swear as he watched the apparition directly across the room.

Sabrina whirled around the dance floor. She was smiling. Her head tilted sideways in what Collin knew first hand was her seductive ploy. He watched as she slowly lowered her lashes to lift them a second later as she flirted with her dance partner. His gut rolled. Who the hell did he have locked in the third-floor bedroom? Who would be in Sabrina’s carriage besides the lady herself?

Sabrina is here.

At the ball.

Who did I toss in his third-floor bedroom?

His gut curdled.

“What’s wrong?” Miriam asked thoughtfully as it seemed she noticed who he was blatantly staring at. “You didn’t expect your mistress to dance with someone else? How possessive of you, darling. Didn’t think you had that particular quality inside you especially where it concerns that lady.”

“Hells bells, she can dance with anyone she chooses.”

He didn’t care. Who the devil did he have locked away in his house? Who?

Now, immediately, he needed to extricate himself from Mariam then make his apologies to the hostess. Anticipation surged hot in his blood. Excited at the prospect of seeing the little lady he abducted, he could imagine his reception. A good fight with the female might be exhilarating. He wasn’t about to apologize. Her abduction was as much her fault as his. She was using that damn carriage; the one proclaiming Sabrina Anderson was inside. Chuckling, he found the duchess, said his goodbyes then with eagerness in his step, he collected his mount. Staying long at the ball had never been his intention. Now, he had the best reason to depart.

Collin wondered why the lady didn’t put up more of a fight. Wondered about a lot of things while knowing he did manage to gag her quickly. She did squirm enough to almost fall onto the bricks below. Not much later, he stood in his house.

“Did she make a ruckus?” Collin asked as he slipped off his cloak and riding gloves.

“One hell of one,” Charley told him laughing. “Truth be told if you’re wanting honesty, didn’t hear a peep from that door, dead silent for the hour you’ve been gone. Thought you would have stayed at the ball a mite longer.”

“Truly?”

He would have thought any lady would have screamed her head off in order to get out. This put the abduction into a new light.

“She must have heard you tell me not to open the door for any reason,” his butler said still seeming to find this situation amusing.