Chapter One

London 1840

Tara MacLaren swayed in time to the music, tapping her toes, satisfied to watch the ball progress. Her spot behind the potted palm gave her the opportunity to observe without being seen. While she enjoyed the music, she didn’t wish to be here. Because of her bum leg she couldn’t dance very much. Longed for the security of her home. Wished she could flee to the highlands.

She was in London with a ferocious protest. Staying at the castle on the other side of the island was her preference. Her older half-brother, Liam, called her a loner. She was. Her other male sibling, Kenzie, simply told her she was feeling sorry for herself and should snap out of the snit then get on with her life. She told him she wasn’t in a snit nor was she pouting. The drama of a London season was more than she was up to enduring. She was old enough. Should have a few choices.

In London everyone expected her to be looking for a husband. As a debutante at twenty years of age she was already on the shelf, though she admitted easily she wasn’t horse-faced. Aunt Ella was her chaperone. Though The Duchess, as she was beginning to be called by family as well as friends, played more the role of matchmaker than chaperone. When she thought one of her charges had an eye for a certain man, she found a means to put them in a direct line that could never be avoided. So far, her success was unmatched.

Aunt Ella took on the role of chaperone to the family females after the original duchess, Charlotte, passed on a few years back. Neither duchess seemed to be able to control their charges once the female in question decided on the man she wanted. Tara didn’t think for one moment that either Charlotte or Ella cared about that little faux pas they made. Ella put Lyssa in a compromising situation with her now husband though she didn’t realize Nickie ran off with the McInnis. Drake and Ella along with others chased after them to demand a wedding after she was compromised.

Tara didn’t want a man. A wave of pain at the memory of her loss shook her to the core. In the past the horrid recollections would have sent her to her knees. Now, she somehow learned to look inside herself when the past overtook her. Looking around the room, she caught the eye of Liam, her half-brother. He nodded then set off in her direction with Jeremy, one of his best friends, in tow. Her brother would be determined to make her laugh. Laughter was a hard commodity for her to come by, particularly so close to the anniversary that changed the course of her life forever.

After the two rogues reached her, Liam kissed her on the cheek while Jeremy picked her up then whirled her around in gigantic circles several times before he set her on her feet. Once her feet touched the ground, she swayed slightly, closing her eyes and shaking her head to get rid of the dizziness. Jeremy supported her for the minute it took her to recover. She leaned her head on his broad chest catching the spicey scent he favored. Tara wished she could feel more for Jeremy. She couldn’t. Never would. Jeremy was a good friend she could always count on. That was all.

“You’re beautiful. More beautiful than I recall.” He kissed her cheek. “Dance with me, Sprite. I know you want to whirl around the room. Make a few of the dandies want to hold you in their arms. They will be jealous of me. Maybe you will meet someone.”

“Of course, for you anything,” she told him smiling shyly as he twirled her into the crush of people on the dance floor. It was then she saw a man, tall and darkly handsome. He was the most beautiful man she’d ever seen. Her heart lurched to her throat. His eyes narrowed as if he scorned her as he watched them dance away into the crowd. Why would he look at her in that manner? He seemed to accuse her of something. She didn’t understand the dark look.

“Who is that man?” Tara asked while she looked over her shoulder to get another glimpse of the man who had just caught her attention.

“Who? Has someone taken my place in your affections?” Jeremy searched the room for the object of Tara’s question.

Tara tried to see the man. He disappeared into the crush. “I don’t know. He’s not there any longer.” She was thoroughly disappointed. Knowing the man’s name seemed important.

“Is your dance card full?” Jeremy asked, looking down at her while she tilted her head up to see into his eyes.

“It is if you dance with me for the rest of the ball. Otherwise, it’s empty. Don’t care to have men I don’t know or want to know maul me. I’m not a debutante with a wealthy dowry. I’m not looking for a title. None are going to want me save for one purpose. I’m not willing to give any of the men what they are after.” It would take a very special man for her to want to spend time with. She didn’t believe one existed for her.

Jeremy’s crack of laughter surprised her. “Maul you?” he asked still laughing. “With Lady Ella hovering over you, doubt if any man here would dare do such a thing as man-handle The Duchesses’ niece. Besides isn’t that what big brothers are for, protecting little sisters? Liam is here, not to find a debutante but to help Ella protect your good name.”

“I wouldn’t know. Liam is out having fun and playing at being the lord while Kenzie is chasing sunrises just as father used to do…still does. Now he does it with mother on his arm. I’m not at all certain why Liam showed up here.” Maybe he was looking out for her best interest. Liam was closer to her than her other brother. He understood her whims, her depressions. Always tried to lighten her day. Kenzie was Kenzie, flamboyant and devil-may-care rogue.

“You’ve been alone for far too long. Are you feeling sorry for yourself? You need to get over the grief. When that happens, you can start to live again. Lord knows you deserve that. You’re a beautiful young woman who should be out having fun. Finding a man you can love.”

Tara gasped, a bit startled by his callousness. “No…yes well…maybe a little. It’s almost been two years. In a couple of days…” her voice trailed off while she felt sadness collide within the part of her that needed healing. Her heart ached for what she would never have.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to remind you,” Jeremy said, his soft-spoken voice holding a wealth of regret. “Would you like some fresh air? We could go for a walk in the gardens or stand on the balcony. Whatever you would like.”

“Appreciate your concern. What I would like would be to go home, back to the highlands. Nonetheless, Aunt Ella won’t let me. Mother and father aren’t there. One would think a twenty-year-old woman would be allotted some independence. I’m most certainly capable of taking care of myself,” she said in a strangled huff that almost turned to tears. Tara fought them back, pushed them away with all the strength she could muster from deep inside. She turned all her thoughts inward, searching for an inner peace before she unraveled in front of this large crowd of people.

“Is that a nod to the fresh air or a nod to staying here with no one on your dance card?” he asked with the persistence she was coming to associate with her beloved Jeremy. If she could have another brother, she would pick him. At one time he wanted more. She didn’t have more to give.

“Liam will dance with me as soon as he can pry himself away from all the young ladies who are hoping to become a countess. You know with my leg…I can’t dance the night away.” Her laughter caused Jeremy to grin. She touched his lips with the tip of her finger. “What about you?” She needed to direct the conversation away from her and to something more suitable. “You should find a suitable young debutante to dance with. You’re not getting younger.”

“We both understand, Liam is not looking for a wife as yet. Neither am I. Unless of course, I could somehow convince you I’m a good catch.” His voice was wistful. His smile charming. It was too bad she felt nothing except friendship.

Her soft sigh didn’t go unnoticed by the man dancing with her. She understood a relationship with this wonderful man would never be. “Would hate to ruin our friendship. You understand you will never be any more than a very good friend.” Tara knew Jeremy wanted more than friendship. It just wasn’t the same as before. “In every way except by birth, you are a brother to me. Just as Liam is, a brother by another father.”

“Mother too, much to my chagrin. I understand.” Once again, he picked up the pace as the music moved from a slow waltz to one with a bit more stamina to it.

She laughed, clinging to him as her cheeks heated with the exuberance of the dance. Perhaps she needed that fresh air to cool her flaming face. Walking out onto the terrace with Jeremy would set tongues wagging. Tomorrow, the on dit would be they were a couple. She wouldn’t allow that to happen. Wouldn’t hurt him in that way. She owed him part of her sanity. He and Liam helped her through the darkest times of her life. Though Jeremy would just laugh and tell her that people could believe whatever they wanted to think. He didn’t care what people thought of him. However, she did need to guard her reputation. It was all she had left.

Jeremy leaned close to her. The scent of his breath was mint when he whispered, “Would you like some punch. I’m certain it’s spiked.” His voice was a bit husky.

“Because you and Liam spiked it?” she was quick to ask; another tiny bubble of laughter was generated. They would do exactly as they pleased. They both had a bit of wicked inside them.

“I would never confess even to you, sweet sister.”

The laughter sparkling up from deep inside couldn’t be helped. The amusement healed the ever-present ache that seemed to be part of her soul. “I would like some. Just don’t fill the glass to the brim. Don’t want Uncle Drake to have to carry me out of here. Nor do I wish to make a complete fool of myself.”

“Whatever you would like, my little sprite. Come with me.” He led the way moving between people. With deft precision, he guided her, keeping her hand in his so she’d stay close.

They ended up at the table with the punch along with the food. He poured them both glasses then he filled a plate they could share. She should eat something, anything if she was going to imbibe the spiked punch. She was hungry. When had she eaten last? She didn’t remember. Food was never important to her, held no appeal until she was too weak to remain standing.

Together they wandered to the balcony then found a table. She leaned back staring at this man who helped her with so much of her grief. Helped her through the worst part of her life. He held her hand when all she could do was weep for something that would never be. Sometimes he walked with her through the gardens at the MacLaren keep just to ease her wounded spirit.

“You are a wonder. You know that don’t you? Some lucky lady will find you then you will be glad I turned you down.”

Jeremy coughed, clearing his throat. “Not a wonder…not enough to be more than a friend to you.” He waved his hand in the air to silence the retort that was on her lips. “No, don’t say anything else. If all I can ever be is a friend, that is what I want for us. Drink your punch. Eat the food. You’ll feel better after you do. I know you must be starving. After that, I’ll see if I can fill your dance card with a few suitable names. Have you seen that man you asked me about earlier? If you would like a dance with him, I can see what he will say.”

“No, no! No, don’t ask him if you find him. Don’t search for the man. I was only curious. There was something dark as well as brooding about him. Gave me shivers.” Tara was more than curious. On first glance she thought him the most handsome man she’d ever seen. His face chiseled, his lips firm. His eyes though, his eyes blazed and simmered when he looked at her. With his broad shoulders and lean hips, he cut a dashing figure. She wanted to understand what he was thinking at that moment, when their gazes met then held for seconds. She felt somehow connected to him.

“Anyone else catch your fancy?” Jeremy asked.

“No, though Liam will dance with me. Since he’s my half-brother he can have more than one or two twirls around the dance floor. I don’t care to dance with anyone else.” She lied. There was the man who caught her attention. He stared at her through veiled dark eyes, menacing eyes. The man was someone who was used to keeping to himself, shuttering his thoughts from everyone. For that brief moment that he looked at her, she felt as if he saw into her soul. She touched a finger to her lips, wondering how his mouth would feel against hers. After that she shook the insanity from her head.

“As will your cousin, Ashcroft. Do you have any other relatives among the guests here?” Jeremy asked.

Tara didn’t understand why that solitary man caught her attention. Somehow, he intrigued her like no one had ever done before…except… except the man she once called her fiancé. That time was long ago. She could never call the moments back though she wished she could.

“Tara? Where are you? You haven’t said a word in the last five minutes. Is the punch getting too you?”

Tara snapped back to attention. “Oh, yes, there is Colby. I suppose Steven and Kane might also attend. I could dance with Colby. He’ll be around for a little while longer. Aunt Ella wanted everyone to be here for a short time to lend me a bit of moral support. Aunty understands this is the last place I’d like to be. Colby is not interested in debutantes as yet.” Not that he ever will. She didn’t know why she had that thought. Colby walked to a different tune. He needed adventure. Always had. Didn’t care about sunsets or sunrises. All he cared about was the thirst of new adventures, seeing what was over the next mountain. He wanted to go to the United States. Wanted to see Montana as well as Wyoming.

“Your dance card will now be filled with relatives. The Duchess will never understand what you are about. You shouldn’t sulk or give that impression. If it can’t be me, there has got to be a man out there for you somewhere.”

“She understands. Aunt Ella just doesn’t agree. There he is. Don’t look at him that way. He’ll know what you are about.” The man stared at her, his eyes still dark, still brooding. She felt as if there was a subtle threat issued. He nodded seeming to think she was attracted. It wouldn’t do for her to show too much interest.

What did a nod of his head mean? He acted as if he understood what she was thinking. He didn’t. Couldn’t. Tara looked away, her heart in her throat feeling uncomfortable with the situation. The breath she stole from the air singed her lungs burned when she exhaled.

“Care to dance?” The deep voice startled her out of her reverie. She jumped.

Her breath caught then hitched. When she looked into his eyes, relief washed over her. She felt as if she could breathe again. “Ash! Yes. Of course, yes. You surprised me. Caught me unaware. I…” She held her bottom lip with her teeth. “It seems I was lost in thought.”

“You were staring at a dangerous man. You would be well advised not to make his acquaintance. He has a reputation you wouldn’t wish to be associated with,” Ash told her, his voice solemn.

“Rumor has it he frequents the shadier parts of the city. Has been seen with some of my father’s associates. He’s shifty. Suspicious. Arrogant. The man is a bounty hunter. He is a danger to anyone he associates with. Stay away!”

The order put her back up. “Your father’s associates are either in the parliament or they are spies. Besides, the on dit about you puts you in many of the same places. Are you also a spy? Following in your father’s footsteps?” she retorted. “You’ve no idea what you’ve just started by your words. You’ve issued me a challenge I mean to accept. What is his name?” Tara didn’t understand why she decided then and there she would discover as much about this man as was possible.

“Case Ferguson.” Ash spoke his words soft and low while he turned to look at the other man. “Dance? I’d rather not get into an argument here.”

With as much haste as decorum would allow, she stood, smiling at one of her favorite cousins, tilting her head as she meant to flirt. “Thought you would never ask. Need Liam to come around for a dance too.” Tara set her hand on his shoulder. “Case Ferguson, you say. Nice name.”

“Tara, best you listen to me.” He tried to argue again. “You could be getting in over your head. He steals women’s hearts then leaves them with the shattered pieces. The last thing you need is your heart traumatized again.”

“Heard you do the same.”

Ash bent down to kiss her on the cheek. A few seconds later they waltzed around the room to a romantic ballad Tara loved. She hummed as they moved across the floor. Ash smiled down at her. “You need to…” he cleared his throat. “Suppose a man can wait longer than a woman to wed. We are of the same age. No one is insisting I attend galas to find a wife. Everyone understands a man of twenty isn’t ready to settle down.”

She bristled at his careless words. “I’m not going to marry. Not ever. No one. Had that chance. It’s gone.” No, would never settle for second best though she would like to find someone she could share her hopes along with her dreams.

“Enough of that.” His boyish grin made her smile in return. “I’m only here at the ball for you. Got a lot of life to live before I set my sights on a debutante. Hope to get as lucky as father did when he found my mother.” Ash whirled her in a tight circle dancing her through the throng of people.

Tara inhaled, a deep breath of air filling her lungs. She allowed him to lead. Ash was good. He’d been trained well. He was the heir apparent to the dukedom. Some day he would become the Duke of Richmond. His schooling was impressive. By the time they finished and he brought her back to her favorite potted palm, her breath was heaving. Aunt Ella wasn’t there. When Ash left, she would be alone. Tara slid a deep breath of air into her lungs.

“Mother is dancing with father,” Ashcroft nodded into the crowd of colorful swirling gowns. “Will you be alright if I leave you?”

“I won’t swoon or do something else that might be construed as foolish. This palm and I are the best of friends,” she spouted but she just might seek Mr. Ferguson. A challenge was a challenge. Tara would see what would happen if Mr. Ferguson did approach.

“No, I didn’t think you would. I’m off to find some interesting entertainment for the evening.”

“In other words, you’re going to gamble and drink with your friends then…if the right woman comes along, you’ll spend the rest of the night in her bed.”

“You know me so well.” He tapped her on the nose. “See that you don’t get into trouble while I’m not around to bail you out.”

“You know I won’t,” She was watching her aunt and uncle. “He seems to love her as much today as he did last time I was here.” Thoughts of her lost love pummeled her. She sucked in a long draught of air that always seemed to have a calming effect on her.

“Would you like me to wait here until mother returns?” Ash was looking toward the door as if he needed to escape as soon as possible. Brent, one of Ash’s friends waved to him before motioning with his arm. “Think I’m being summoned. As I told you, we’ve a night planned out on the town. You take care. Heed what I said about Case Ferguson. Don’t want you to get so far in over your head you drown. He has moves that will leave you breathless as well as at his whim. Despite your advanced age, you’re an innocent still. He’s an experienced man. He could eat you for breakfast then spit you out just as fast.”

“You go on. Have fun.” She rose on her toes to give him a quick hug then kiss. “I’ll manage just fine. Maybe I can take the carriage home sooner than later. I’m through with this affair. The only ones I haven’t danced with are Liam and Colby. They both seem to have disappeared. They most likely have plans.”

“You would have to gain permission from The Duchess to leave so soon.” Ash laughed when he used the name others were giving to his mother. “We both understand she won’t give that approval until the wee hours of the morn.” He looked at his watch. “It’s only one o’clock now. You’ve got hours to go before permission will be granted.”

Aunt Ella along with Uncle Drake were acquiring quite the reputation. They knew so much about every member of the ton, the thought boggled the mind. They knew who cheated on their spouse. Knew who owed money and those who committed fraud. The list went on. Drake was involved with the government. Once, he was a notorious spy in the Secret Intelligence Service. Uncle Drake always called it SIS if he mentioned it, foregoing the long words. Though most of what he knew was top secret. Now, he was in charge of recruiting new spies. Even though the men weren’t called spies. They were more often called agents. What was a bounty hunter? Was this man Ash referred to like her uncle? Dangerous?

While Tara watched Ash leave with Brent, she fingered the amber necklace. The man who gave it to her told her it was the exact color of her eyes. The day still vivid in her mind, she clung to the images as if her life depended on doing so. She held on to the past. Jeremy was right in his assessment. Sometime she would need to put that past behind her. Tonight, she could not.

The hour was growing late. Way past the witching hour. Tara felt as if she’d done her duty. She meant to find Aunt Ella then tell her she would retire for the evening, take the carriage home. Waiting for consent went against the grain. She would send the ducal vehicle back for her and Uncle Drake.

Tomorrow’s sunrise beckoned to her. She needed to get home so she could change her clothes into something suitable to ride. Rushing out to watch a sunrise was too much like her father for her to feel comfort. When she watched the sun begin a new day, it was one of her ways to remain calm to soothe her fragmented nerves. She didn’t seek adventure. Tiny, her Irish wolfhound, would go with her for protection though the huge dog was too friendly by far. He loved everyone to the point where they would have to push him away.

He slobbered.

“What? No one to dance with?” The hard-edged voice surprised her. Her heart jumped to attention as the man she had watched earlier stood in front of her. He was here… “Thought your dance card would be full.”

“It’s not,” she said, surprised the man would approach her though earlier he did stare at her. She thought about Ash’s words. He did look dangerous. Was he the challenge she needed to help her through each day? Tara supposed she should discover the truth. She needed to learn more about this man who beckoned her with his ominous dark eyes. He held secrets no one except him knew about.

“Wasn’t the last one a bit young for you?” he asked sending her a look that covered her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes then back. “You’re too old for him.”

“He’s my age.” Tara’s back was up, felt the fine hair on the nape of her neck bristling. The interrogation was not to her liking. He had no right to judge her or her cousin. She’d dance with Ash anytime she liked. What did his age have to do with anything. Why was this man she didn’t know concerned about who she danced with?

“Young,” he said succinctly, his threatening stare boring into her. “Can’t you handle a man? Boys are easy to take advantage of. Suppose some women need to be in control. That won’t happen with us. You won’t control me. Dictate how I act around you.”

What the devil was that supposed to mean? She let the air she’d been holding since her first gasp of surprise go out in a slow stream as she tried to process this new information he shoveled at her. Everyone knew that Ash was her cousin just as Colby was, “What do you want?”

“A dance, that’s all,” he said, his voice filled with sarcasm. “Nothing more than what you’ve been giving others.”

The dark edge intrigued her enough to encourage her to take the bait he offered. “Just the same as your suitors. Want to understand why you…” Seeming to think better of what he was about to say, he swept his hand across his chin. It didn’t seem he wanted to say anything more.

Tara held the distinct impression that wasn’t all. She wanted to know what he didn’t finish saying. Didn’t Ash just tell her the man was treacherous. Knowing him might be hazardous to her wellbeing. A spark of something went through her as if it was a lightning strike. Heat roared to life. “I don’t know. Suppose I could make room on my card for one more dance. Though I was looking for The Duchess to tell her I was going home.” Until Case approached her the air had become stagnant. The room boring. Monotonous. Now the air was exhilarating.

The slow smile creeping across his lips sent another wave of fire surging. He spoke, his voice low, as if he knew exactly what she would do. Understood she would fall into his plans. The challenge was on.

“I’ll take you home after the dance. No need to concern The Duchess.” He held out his hand in silent invitation. The deep blue of his eyes sparkled with fire and heat. She hesitated, knowing this step might very well be irrevocable. There might be no going back.

Another challenge. Was he testing her? For what possible reason? No single young woman would accept that blatant invitation. He overstepped. She wasn’t a debutant. Once there was a fiancé in her life. “Can’t. That wouldn’t be appropriate,” she murmured wondered what the on dit would be if she accepted the brazen request. The ton would have her wed to this man before she could breathe. Uncle Drake would make certain he wed her just as he did Nickie and Colin.

“From what I’ve seen, you don’t seem to care about your reputation. You flirt with anyone wearing pants. So, what would a ride home with me matter? Nothing would change.”

The words unsaid did more to catch her attention than the ones he enunciated with a clear even voice. He didn’t know anything.  Nothing she did tonight would create a scandal.

“You…you have no idea what you are speaking about. You don’t know me.” She found herself shaking her head in disbelief.

“Am I right?” His question challenged again. He crossed his arms over the width of his chest waiting with what seemed to be never-ending patience for her to answer. “Would like to know you much better. Interested in all of you.” His languid gaze raked over her body.

She caught the underlying thought. Snatched her breath a long with a nasty reply into her lungs. “I don’t even know your name and you are insulting me as if we’ve known each other for years.” The lie caught in the back of her throat. She held out her hand thinking she would like an introduction of sorts. The introduction would have been better coming from Ash as he seemed to know this man. Despite his attitude or perhaps because of it, she did want to get to know him better. “I’m Tara MacLaren and you?”

He brought her hand to his lips, kissed the back before turning it over to place a damp kiss on the heart of her palm. One more time she jumped. Startled from the unexpected contact, her body vibrated with a need she never felt before. The one kiss packed a wallop. She swallowed down a lump in her throat. Wished she dared fan her face which she knew heated to a raging point. Last minute thinking caused her to tug on her hand. He let it go with a deep masculine chuckle.

“Case Ferguson. About that dance you owe me? Shall we?” he queried as he pulled her toward him, tugged until her body was flush against his. She set her hand on the hard plane of his chest to steady herself. Far too close to be appropriate. He wasn’t allowing distance between them. When he looked down at her, she felt his breath wash over her, caught the scent of spearmint as well as man…dangerous man…spicey as well as arrogant.

Hazardous!

The devil, she needed to know what the man was thinking. He’s a risk to me. Ash told me to beware of this man. What do I owe him? A dance? I don’t think so.

“A dance, you owe me a dance,” he repeated, his voice deepening, huskier than before.

Why? Tara found herself held within his hot embrace. With singlehanded purpose, he wove a spell around her. This was not like the other dances she shared with her friend as well as her cousins. He held her far too close. He was too imposing, too male. Intimidating. Handsome. His hand that was now settled on the small of her back heated her through the thin layer of fabric that lay between them.

He moved with ease around the floor. Her feet flew. At times she felt as if they didn’t touch the dance floor. “Tell me about…” Her heart caught in her throat.

Tara stumbled as he moved too fast. She was awkward. Her other dance partners took that into consideration. Case wouldn’t understand. He caught her in his strong arms. Brought her up against his hard muscled chest. She closed her eyes then lied again. “I’m sorry. Don’t usually have two left feet.” Two left feet was her middle name.

“Nothing to be sorry about,” he replied with smooth calm continuing as if nothing happened. He stopped in front of Aunt Ella. “Duchess,” he nodded politely at her aunt as if he knew her. “Tara says she would like to leave. With your permission, I’m taking her home.”

“That would be nice,” Drake cut in looking amused at this new development. “See that the two of you behave.”

To say she was startled again would be an understatement. Her breath caught in the back of her throat. “But…” She reached out as if asking for a different answer only to find herself whisked away again. His hand rested on the small of her back, guiding her with ease across the dance floor to the entrance. She felt as if he couldn’t get out of there soon enough.

“You changed your mind?” Case asked as he led her to the coatroom. “You do have a wrap? Right?” One of his dark eyebrows lifted skyward.

“No…yes… I wish to leave here. It’s just that…” She swiped her tongue across her parched lips. “It’s just that…” Tara still couldn’t get the words out that she was thinking. Her brain and her mouth didn’t want to cooperate.

“Did you have too much of the spiked punch? Or…you didn’t expect The duke and duchess to give me the opportunity to be alone with you?” He paused for a few seconds as if he expected her to talk. “I work for the duke. If anything happened to you on my watch, he’d skin me alive. You’re safe with me.”

“Oh.”

She found her shawl.

He draped the fabric around her shoulders, touching her. His fingers brushed against the tops of her breasts. She sipped in air, the caress mercuric.

~ * ~

Case wasn’t at all certain what to make of Tara MacLaren. By all standards he recognized she was an enigma. In time he would get to the bottom or the top of what made Tara so reclusive yet at the same time appealing. When he looked into her eyes, they seemed haunted by something intangible.

She was acting.

Had to be.

There was no other explanation. No woman could lie with that much conviction. By watching her this evening, he understood he would be last in line for her affections. Not for long though. He intended to have her then let her go. Sassy little flirts like Tara were good for a fun romp in bed. She would be good in that capacity. That’s all he wanted, a good lay. A way to spend the evening. Most any woman would do. Though he liked the ones that would pose the greatest challenge. Tara would be a challenge to him. She held herself aloof. That was a contest to him.

In the coach she sat on the opposite seat. Played with the fabric of her satin ballgown. Stared at him as if she was trying to delve beneath his skin. He needed conversation if he was going to begin to understand her. “Tell me something about yourself.”

Lifting her shoulders in a feminine shrug she understood he would notice. “Not much to tell,” she murmured as she seemed to focus on a point outside the carriage. The definite feminine lift of her shoulders, the slight sway of her breasts appealed to all his masculine senses.

“I’m certain that’s not true. The way you look at men tells me you’ve experience.” Crossing his legs, he stretched out. Case let his leg rest against hers. She moved away, giving him more room. He thought about pursuing this avenue. Changed his mind. Physically, it might be prudent to move slower. At times, she seemed to be a flighty little thing. Hesitant. One moment she was certain of her environment, the next she acted a shy virgin. A virgin she was not.

“What’s Jeremy to you?” Cutting to the most important information, he wanted to ask if she slept with him. If the man was her lover. In time he would know. The question was abrupt. He wasn’t surprised when she flashed him a deep dark scowl. Her brows drew together.

Her eyes darkened as she seemed to search for a polite or maybe not so polite reply to his impertinent question. “You overstep.”

Yes, where she was concerned, he meant to exceed all polite boundaries. Until he found a way to take her to his bed, he would continue to test her, to challenge to confront. She would be his delight for a few months or for however long they were mutually suited for each other. He believed it would be a while before she bored him. “Perhaps,” he hedged not wishing to give away his plans.

“Why did you wish to bring me home?” she asked for the first time, her voice sparked of curiosity. “We mean nothing to each other. Why put out the effort? To impress my uncle?”

He drummed his fingers on his leg, wondering how much truth he dared tell her. “The Duchess suggested we get to know each other better. Told me you planned on riding out to see the sunrise this morning. Seems she thought you should have a protector along for the morning ride. Since I’m good at that type of thing, she approved.” He smiled at the glower she returned. Wondered if the way her anger was building, her passion, when he finally made love to her, would be as intense.

“I’ve Tiny to protect me. Don’t need a protector…or a man. I stand alone.”

“Another of your lovers? Tiny?” he asked wishing she wasn’t quite so promiscuous. Curbing wayward proclivities to be with one man at a time would be his mission. He knew Ashcroft warned her away from him. The young pup told him he would do that. Told him to stay away from her and that Tara wasn’t for him to play with. The boy shielded her. Ah, she said they were the same age. He wondered how old she was.

Sitting back, he watched her with more intensity. While she didn’t deny she had lovers, she didn’t confirm his thoughts either.

“Why of course. I have so many,” she murmured, her face turning dreamy while she did corroborate his thoughts. “Would you like me to list them? I’ve only about ten at this time…give or take. I will need to think. Maybe would help if I…used my fingers.”

Case heard the sarcasm in her voice. He didn’t read too much into the tone. During the following silence, Tara played with her gown. The ball gown was lovely, the ice blue complimenting as well as enhancing her features. When he touched her, the tops of her full breasts, the flesh was silken. Her waist was narrow. He was positive her hips would flare with enough provocation to arouse him. Hell, he was stimulated looking at her dressed. How would he feel when he saw her naked? Her golden hair was swept into a knot while strategically placed tendrils framed her small oval face. Her nose was pert, tipping a wee bit at the end. It was her lips that drew him. He needed to taste and savor, leave a dewy trail of moisture on their fullness. He wanted to nibble on her top lip while he listened to the soft sighs of pleasure he created. Needed to see what lay beneath the fabric. In time he would see as well as do.

“We are here. I don’t want a companion this morning. Don’t need a chaperone. Need to be alone with my thoughts,” she told him as he helped her from the carriage. “You cannot go with me.”

“Promised The Duchess. I wouldn’t want to hear her scalding words when she discovered I didn’t accompany you. That I was derelict in my duty.” Case set the steps by the carriage door. Held out his hand to guide her downward.

“Why? Why is she acting this way?”

Because The Duchess formed plans of her own. If he didn’t miss his first guess, and he rarely did, the woman was playing matchmaker. In this case, she waisted her time. If she hoped to marry off this beautiful woman to him, her plans would fail. Nonetheless, he would enjoy the adventure along with this wooing as well as the bedding.

“You will have to ask The Duchess. I’m certain she has a reason for everything. Since you are one of her charges, she will do what she thinks best. What are you to her?”

“You don’t know?” she asked as he held her elbow escorting her to the front steps of the large townhouse the duke and duchess owned in London though they didn’t spend a great deal of time in the city.

The question surprised him. “Should I? Why would she sponsor you?” It didn’t appear she meant to tell him or give him a clue. Something else he would discover by himself.

“If you did your homework, you would know the answer. I’m going to change my clothes. If you still want to ride with me, meet me in the stable. Don’t be late. Punctuality is important.” She flounced away from him, her skirts swaying as she strode through the hall then up the stairs. The devil, he’d like to know her thoughts.

What she didn’t know was that he occupied one of the guest rooms on the second floor. Once she disappeared, he raced up the steps to his room. Just as she was a guest of the Montgomeries, so was he. With a hurried pace, he changed to buckskins and a white shirt. Instead of boots, he pulled on a pair of knee-high moccasins he purchased at a trading post on his way to Colorado. It wasn’t his intent to be late. He figured he would beat her to the horses. His clothing was so much easier to take on and off than hers. Just so he wouldn’t seem too eager, he poured a small snifter of brandy. Once he finished, he strode to the stable.

Inside, the large room filled with numerous horses was lit by a lantern. With muffled steps, he strode down the length. Listening. Watching with intent. It smelled of leather and liniment. The scent of horses wafted through his nostrils. The murmuring two stalls down caught his attention.

“Why, you big oaf, I’m rubbing behind your ears just the way you like. Isn’t it enough that I give you the bulk of my attention. You still want more. Always more. What else can I do to please you?”

Another lover she’s brought to ride out to see the sunrise. He recognized her voice. Anger simmered deep in his gut. The lady would have to learn that while he was seeing her, there would never be anyone else. Second thoughts hit him in the gut. He knew exactly what she could do to please him. He would make certain she understood sharing pleasure was important to a relationship.

“You’re drooling, big guy. Can’t you ever control that slobber? No, I suppose you cannot,” she giggled, her laughter sending a wave of heat to his belly. The sound was so pure and delightful.

Drooling? That didn’t bode well for a lover.

“You’re supposed to protect me not drown me.” Once more, her laughter was light and airy, filling the confines of the stable.

Case liked the way her voice trilled, liked most everything about the woman except her penchant for men. Ah, but that would also work in his favor. She was an experienced little jade. Passionate. Hungry for a man. Wooing her into his arms wouldn’t be hard. Experienced in his own right, he would seduce until she panted, until she wanted no other man in her bed. They would both give and receive pleasure. Then and only then would he walk away.

Whoever this lover was, he meant to rid himself of the man before they left to watch the sunrise. He wouldn’t be going with them on this first jaunt as he was never a fan of threesomes. His anger simmered only skin deep. He swung open the gate to the stall where the two lovers were trysting, murmuring sweet nonsense.

His jaw dropped. He rubbed his chin speculating why he thought she was speaking with a man, a lover. What he witnessed explained the drooling.

In the corner of the stall, he gazed at the largest dog he’d ever seen. His paws were on her shoulders. He was licking her face. She was laughing so hard her face was a rosy glow. Tara pushed at Tiny. The dog was immovable.

“Tiny, stop that. Get down, you big oaf!” She was still laughing, to no avail trying to push the animal from her. It seemed the dog was an immovable force. Amused, Case leaned against the fencing. He watched. Delighted with the ensuing event.

Tiny’s head was above hers. The dog could kill her with one blow or one bite. Case moved forward, deciding it was time for the dog to behave. “Down, Tiny!”

The dog dropped. On all fours, he stood eye-level to her breasts. Tiny looked at him with clear brown eyes, his tail wagging as if he hadn’t just been disciplined. Tiny barked a greeting then sat as if waiting for another order.

She was breathless when she spoke as if she had been rolling around in the hay with her lover. “When did you come in?” Tara asked brushing wayward locks of golden hair from her eyes. “I didn’t hear you.”

Case grunted. She was too occupied entertaining her huge dog to hear anything. “You were too busy talking nonsense to that big hound of yours.” He wasn’t about to tell her he thought she was entertaining another lover. Though a tryst with her in the hay would be fun. As long as he thought of her as his, he would never allow her to be with another man.

“Well, are you ready?” She sauntered past him to another stall where a horse was saddled and waiting for her. The mare was a russet color. Pretty as her owner but in a different way. “Come along, Sunrise. We’re going to see your namesake. In the meantime, we have to let this man keep us company. The Duchess’ orders.”

Not giving her a chance to mount by herself, he grabbed her by her slender waist before tossing her on the horse. “Glad to see you’re not riding sidesaddle.” A woman could kill herself riding that way. He didn’t understand why more females didn’t opt for a safer and more comfortable means of riding.

She nodded in the direction of another stall. “I had your horse saddled. The big black stallion you ride is waiting.”

Bloody eyes, he’d been so busy listening to her banter with her dog, he forgot about having Black readied. He was pleased though that she accepted his company. Time spent with her could be enjoyable. He would see into her soul.

After he mounted, “Lead the way.”

For the first few minutes, he elected to follow. Tiny ran along beside them, barking then chasing after whatever seemed to appeal to him. Case enjoyed watching her back, the way she rode with ease. If anything, she was an accomplished horse woman, at home on her mount, her movements fluid yet feminine too. The britches she wore, fit nicely to the curves of her hips and her delectable fanny. There was so much more of her he was going to see. He could wait. Patience was the name of this game he played. He needed her to want him as much as he wanted her.

By the time they left the city, he was abreast of her. “Where to? Where is this beautiful sunrise you’re taking me to view?” Curious, he was interested in the destination. Tiny seemed to have lost interest in chasing butterflies as well as bees. Now he trotted beside them, his tongue lolling from his massive jaw. The dog was too friendly. Would never do his job of protecting his mistress unless he drowned someone in his drool or jumped on the person to get his ears rubbed.

Tara flashed him a beautiful smile. He could get used to seeing that smile. She didn’t do it often.

“Into the country. Are you familiar with the Montgomerie’s country estate?” she asked, sugar coating her words, her eyes looking through him as if concentrating on something only she understood.

After he shook his head, “No. Can’t say that I am.” Bloody eyes, he wished he could see into her pretty head. One moment she was smiling, the next she was sad. He needed to understand why she looked haunted as if she was in constant pain, as if a ghost disturbed her. Needed to see inside her soul. Needed to discover her falsehoods as well as her truths.

“Just this side of the drive we’ll veer off and go overland. A few miles into the countryside there is a lake that spreads out across the rolling land. That’s where I mean to watch the sun’s rebirth. There is a boulder that has my name on it.”

The sun’s rebirth.

“This isn’t the first time you’ve watched the sun rise over the lake, is it?” he asked becoming more curious about this fetching woman. She had many facets to her. It would take time to learn what she hid from view.

“Nope.”

Case mulled all her words over in his mind, liking the sound of them. In many ways Tara was different from the other women of his acquaintance. Not that very different though. She was a better actress. Could hide her true feelings. All women were after what they could get from a man, wealth, privilege as well as a title. Women needed to feel secure as they aged. This woman could no longer claim to be a debutante yet she did. While he didn’t have a title, he had more money than he knew what to do with. He could never spend it all unless he started gambling. Something he would never do. Tara wouldn’t know about his wealth unless The Duchess told her. Case held the distinct impression The Duchess told her charge next to nothing about him. She didn’t even know his name when he walked up to her at the ball. After thinking about it, he would have expected Ashcroft to fill her in on his name as well as profession. Ashcroft would warn her to stay away. Since he rode with her this morning, the man didn’t mention anything about him or his exploits. Either that or she didn’t appreciate being told what to do.

As far as he knew, the MacLaren clan were not titled though they did own a castle on the east coast bordering the highlands. She had a half-brother by the name of Liam as well as a brother named Kenzie. That was about all he was able to learn at the ball. The Duchess didn’t tell him anything more about her. Discovering all the intriguing facets of this lady would be amusing.

This lady’s agenda with a man could be anything. Maybe all she wanted from a male was good sex. Perhaps she wasn’t looking for marriage or commitment. He sure as hell wasn’t going to go down that path. He could give her good sex as soon as she asked. Once he learned about all the men in her life, he decided she would have to beg. Given time she would. The problem for him was keeping his hands to himself until she did plead.

They crested a hill. At the glorious sight, he sucked in his breath. The sky was just beginning to glow with golds and oranges as well as various shades of pink on the horizon. When the sun rose even higher, the site to greet them would be spectacular. Tara chose the place well. She did say she’d been here before.

She stopped. For a few seconds, she stared at the beauty in front of her. A smile grew on oh so kissable lips. Tiny ran for the lake. In one great leap coupled with a bark of pleasure, he landed about four feet away from the beach making a splash as big as if a cannon ball landed in the water. Her laughter rippled around her. The sound so pleasant, he felt something in his mind change. During those moments watching, listening to her, he thought she was different than what he expected. Tara certainly took pleasure from the simpler things in life.

Still laughing at her big dog, she spoke through giggles. “He’s such a big oaf. I love him so much.” Her words held sadness within them. When she pulled in a ragged breath of air her small frame shuddered. The haunting of her breath terrified him. It was as if she lost her soul in that moment.

Case saw that same sorrow at the ball when she spoke with Jeremy. The man knew something about her that seemed to be a secret between them. Her eyes haunted with pain, she remained very still as if she savored this moment. It seemed she thought of some other time or place. Perhaps a moment with another man.

To find a place inside her head would be nice. Case didn’t think she would enlighten him as to her private thoughts. A time would come when she would confide in him. Wondered what it would feel like to be loved by her.

The thought that she was burrowing into his head disturbed him, would waylay his plans until he could control his baser drives. He reminded himself she was just like every other female, out to get what she could from a man. His mind traveled back ten years ago to the woman he thought to love for the rest of his life.

To the betrayal.

To the heartbreak.

He dismounted then helped her down. When she slipped into his arms, he brought her close enough so he could feel the softness of her breasts pushed against his chest. The sensation wasn’t the same as when they danced. She wore nothing beneath her shirt, not even a chemise. An invitation he meant to ignore for the time being. If she was truly that needy, she would have to wait to find her pleasure. Tara was a brazen little thing, displaying herself this way. If The Duchess didn’t know about her charge’s proclivities, he wasn’t going to be the man to explain things to Ella.

Tara didn’t seem to notice the bulge pressing against her belly while he still held her, his hands cupped around the lushly feminine curves of her bottom to steady her. Either that or she didn’t mean to give his need for her credence. When she turned her face so she looked at him, she was flushed with a rosy glow. Mayhap, she did notice.

Case set her away from him. She moved with a few awkward steps toward the boulder as if she was in pain. After that, she seemed to get her feet beneath her. She relaxed.

“Any special place you watch this spectacle from?” His hands rested behind his back while he rocked on his heels, studying every subtle nuance that was Tara MacLaren. She was the perfect study of innocence coupled with sensuality. Her passion would rock him until he couldn’t breathe or think. He wasn’t positive how he knew this.

He just did.

Tara pointed, “Over there, by the boulder. See, the big rock has my name written on the side. I usually sit on top until the show is over. After that I appreciate the solitude as long as I dare before I go back to the estate. Never want The Duchess to send out a search party.”

“How often do you come here?” Case followed Tara to the boulder. She moved with fluid liquid grace. Her hips the perfect size for her frame. Sometime during the ride, she had unbuttoned the top two buttons of her shirt. He wanted to look at her more closely, so he could see what he could see. The slight swell of her breasts would be evident. If he had his wishes, she would go for one more button.

“Whenever I visit the duke and duchess.” Her long fingers pushed her hair away from the small perfect oval of her face. “That’s not often though. I like home too much.”

“You’re here for the season?” he asked expecting a round of lies. She was too old to have a season. The lords searching for a wife were looking at younger women, malleable women. Tara wouldn’t be easily swayed by any man. Case didn’t want to change her in any way, just wanted to experience her company. Needed her to grace his bed for as long as they both wanted each other.

He helped her navigate the boulder then jumped up beside her.

“No, not here to find a husband or to parade for the men who are searching. Don’t want a husband. Told The Duchess I didn’t want a season. Unfortunate for me, she insisted.” She leaned back, her hands supporting her, the view provocative, challenging him to keep his hands to himself.

Case believed her even though the sigh following her words held a bit wistfulness in them. There might have been a time she felt different. “Why ever not?” Seemed she never failed to surprise him. “All women want a husband.” A bit of his jaded self-came out in the tone of his voice.

“Don’t believe there is a man out there I can fall in love with. Have to be in love to marry.” She let out another breathy expulsion of air that brought more questions to Case’s mind. “Won’t marry for any reason except love.” She turned to him searching out his features. Her gaze locked with his.

“What about you?”

A dark shadow swept through him as he thought about the woman he once thought he loved. She killed love for him. Taught him love wasn’t real. Love was an imagined emotion. He learned women betrayed men to get what they wanted or needed. He pointed to the sunrise as he spoke. “Love doesn’t exist. Don’t want a wife. Guess we’re a matched pair in that respect.” He was surprised he told her as much.

When she turned to look at him, the concern in her eyes shocked him. He didn’t recall knowing a woman who was ever concerned about anyone except themselves. A slight tilt to her head coupled with vertical crease between her brows, she asked, “What happened? Who hurt you so terribly you lost all hope for love?  Love does exist. All you need to do is watch Ella and Drake when they are together.”

The question coupled with her comment hit him as hard as if she swung a sledge hammer into his gut. This conversation was at an end. He wasn’t about to talk about his past when the future would prove to be more gratifying. Nor did he intend to debate love. “Suppose we should enjoy the rebirth of the sun as you put it.” Revealing a past to any woman was a mistake he wasn’t going to make. He wasn’t stupid. Doing so would give the female an advantage. Case wasn’t a man to allow himself to become vulnerable.

“That bad?” Tara leaned back again, her hands behind her. Once more in that provocative pose he enjoyed. She’d crossed her legs so she sat Indian style. Her breast pushed forward against the fabric of her shirt. Nipples hard and tight showed against the tiny barrier she called a shirt.

Case appreciated the view. While her breasts were not large, they would fit in his hands. She was more beautiful than the sunrise that now splashed color across the horizon. More intriguing. If he could paint, he would paint the sunrise with Tara’s face part of the parade of colors. In his mind, he imagined the portrait.

When she turned abruptly, she caught him staring at her. He wasn’t about to answer her question. What he experienced with his first love was more than bad. The encounter changed his life forever. No one needed to know. Everyone who did either left him or had passed on. Ella Montgomerie knew part of the story as did Drake. No one except Case Ferguson knew it in its entirety.

When he joined the SIS, he’d had to enumerate a few of his reasons. Drake Montgomerie had been privy to those reasons. Ella, well Ella was a different story. She had this way about her. Somehow and for reasons he didn’t understand, he confided in her. Mentioned parts of his life that surprised him. The Duchess promised not to tell anyone, not even the duke. Husbands, especially Drake at his finest interrogation, had a way of drawing unwilling truths from people. If the devious pair put the information they knew about him together, they would know everything.

“What happened is in the past. Doesn’t need a recounting of details.” Case supposed that much of what he read in Tara’s haunted and sad eyes revolved around the past. She wasn’t recounting details either.

“Is that your way of telling me it’s none of my business?”

“Yes.”

They both held secrets close to their hearts.

To his surprise, she leaned into him. The gesture was almost as if she wished for comfort. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. Her head on his chest, he heard a throaty little sigh of contentment that surprised him.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed she’d fallen asleep. Minutes passed. His arm was growing numb. He didn’t want to wake her. From some of the gossip he heard last night, she arrived at the Montgomerie’s with just enough time to prepare for the ball. She hadn’t slept last night. He decided it wasn’t the company that put her to sleep.

As carefully as possible, he lifted her into his arms. At the base of the huge rock, they’d been sitting on, he sat down. His back against the boulder, he relaxed. She smelled of lilies coupled with sunshine. To his surprise, she snuggled in his arms, her hand set on his belly. His gut tightened. Heat spiraled straight to his loins. He held tight to control while her small body was cradled against his.

Case wanted to chuckle when he heard the little snore. If he confronted her with that fact, she would deny she snored. He closed his eyes, content to hold her for as long as she slept. Maybe not as long as she slept. The Duchess knew where they were. Would expect them at the country house at a respectable time. If they didn’t show up, there wasn’t a single doubt in his head that Ella would send someone after them.

The brilliant colors in the sky faded, turning to a vivid summer blue. A few clouds dotted the horizon as the sun inched its way upward. The breeze was slight. Leaves in the trees above them rustled to the stimulant. She burrowed into him, running her cheek across his chest. He flamed from the insignificant contact. If this was any indication of how they would do together, she would heat his bed to an inferno. He should wake her soon. Didn’t know her well enough to know how to go about doing so.

“Grant…” she whispered, her hand roaming, exploring across his belly.

Grant?

Case tightened, jealousy surging ahead. Who the devil was Grant? The man had to be another one of her lovers. He would have to discover who this man was as well as what he meant to her so he could let him know that Tara was hands off until they no longer wanted each other. That time would come.

When he looked down at her sleepy-lidded eyes, slightly dazed, she whispered again. “Kiss me. It’s been so long. I’ve missed you so much. Life isn’t the same when you’re gone.”

Case fought the urge consuming him until he could no longer control the impulse. The man must be in her past. “If that’s what you want, baby, then who am I to deny you your carnal pleasures. Your sensuality is why we are together. This might be the first kiss but it won’t be the last.”

His lips feathered across Tara’s mouth, light butterfly caresses, teasing nips, flirting sultry touches. His tongue to her mouth urging her to give more of herself. Her fingers wound into his shirt pulling him closer. Her warm breath entered into him. He placed undemanding kisses on the corners of the sweet curve of her mouth. With his teeth he nibbled on her top lip until she opened more fully for his attention. Even in her sleep she knew what she wanted. She gave all that he asked then a wee bit more.

A broken sound then a soft mewl was his reward for his tender attention. His body hardened with need as well as restraint while he steeled himself to seduce not respond. With this little vixen he found that feat impossible.

As the day progressed, she’d unfastened buttons on her shirt. Now the sight of the rounded swell of her breasts were visible between the two sides of her shirt. Touching and tasting were in the forefront of his mind. That could wait. One thing at a time.

“Oh, Grant…” she sighed again, running her hand across the expanse of his chest. “I’ve missed you.”

There it was again. Tara needed to learn the man wasn’t Grant who was kissing her, who was giving her pleasure. He deepened the kiss, smoothing his tongue over hers as she opened for him, giving him easy accesses. Inside her mouth she was hot, a sultry inferno that begged for discovery. He touched all of her, tugged on her bottom lip, caressed her teeth then delved deeper into the inferno that grew with each passing second.

When she was arching toward him, her hands winding into his hair while she accepted the intimacy he offered, he pulled away, the movement slow. Case was watching her eyes. Needed to see the moment she realized he wasn’t Grant. He was so close to her. His wishes confirmed. Knew the exact moment she opened her eyes. Her hand touched feather light on his cheek. She stared, confused for the moment. Eyes widening, she sat up, her head hitting his chin.

“You’re not Grant!”

No…he wasn’t.

“Who is Grant?”

~ * ~

Ella paced the sundeck where they were eating a late breakfast. She continued to stare in the direction of the lake, worried about Tara. Case was notorious for his womanizing. She’d put them together for a solid reason. Drake agreed with her. That thought didn’t make her feel better. Acting as matchmakers could be disastrous. Ella understood why Tara shied away from men. Knew also why Case didn’t want a solid relationship with a woman. The two of them both needed healing. They were perfect for each other. Perfect unless Case seduced her before she was ready.

“She is in good hands,” Drake told her as if he meant to encourage better feelings. “Case is a good man. He won’t do anything Tara doesn’t reciprocate.”

Ella understood her instincts in this affair were right. Still, doubts whirled in her head. While Case might never allow himself to be hurt by a woman, Tara was vulnerable. “That’s what I’m afraid of…his hands…his mouth,” Ella retorted as she continued the frenzied walking from one end of the patio to the other.

Drake tossed his head back, barking with the laughter that she knew all too well. “He won’t hurt her. Won’t take her virginity, at least not yet. When the time is right for both of them, if the pair continue to see each other, they will come together. Tara needs to wake up to the fact Grant is no longer alive. If that means the loss of her innocence, so be it. We both understand she needs to move on with her life. Who better to do that for her than a notorious rake?” He lifted his broad shoulders in a very male shrug accepting the inevitable without feeling a moment’s guilt.

“I know. I agreed with you because Tara believes her life ended with Grant’s life. It very nearly did. We are all thankful she is still alive. Something or someone has to shock her into living again,” Ella said, though she knew Tara had come a long way in doing so on her own. The girl did agree to come for a season even though Ella knew full well that Tara would have been happier wandering the trails around her ancestral home and hunting. Since her fiancé’s death she’d become such a loner. Seemed she hid from life.

“When the right woman comes along, every man falls,” Drake mused seeming to think of how he fell for his wife.

“I just hope that she doesn’t have to give up her innocence before the wedding.” Drake was so positive there would be a marriage. Ella wasn’t so certain. There were things she knew about Case that she didn’t think her husband had learned or if he did, being male he wouldn’t understand.

“You gave up yours,” he said blandly as he patted his thighs, an invitation to her to come to him.

“You didn’t give me much of a choice,” she retorted ignoring the invitation.

“No, with good reason. In Paris they will have company of sorts. Ashcroft has left for the city. He will have things prepared for them when they arrive in a day or two. How long do you think it will take Tara to ready herself.”

“Bah! Our son will be no chaperone to that pair as well you know. He will be out to whatever party he can find, testing his manhood in every feasible way. What makes you think Tara will agree to go?”

“I don’t know. What does she have here except a broken heart? Case offers a warm heart. Companionship. Hopefully love. She needs everything.”

“More likely a warm bed is what he is extending to her.”

“I saw the way he looked at her. Yes, the man wants her in the most basic way. Our Tara won’t give herself so easily into his hands. He will have to work to get her into his bed. By then he will have fallen in love.”

“I know.” Ella gave in and sat down on Drake’s lap. “I hope they will heal each other.”

“Kiss me.”