Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke Read online

  Hell, if he even gave it any consideration he needed to be put in a straightjacket and carted off to bedlam. Once he finished his drink, he would go home and have an early night. There was just too much bothering him lately and that it had been a very long time since he felt any stirrings of lust.

  Though the chit was a very sensual, desirable woman, there was just something about her that left him cold. It hadn’t been the first time lady Applebee approached him and he had repeatedly refused every offer. Last night he’d once more politely declined and he knew that rejecting her once more only enraged her.

  There had been a calculating, spiteful gleam in her eyes and he suspected that somehow, she was going to make him pay for continually rebuffing her. Hell, he could only hope the infernal chit wasn’t plotting any trouble, but a woman scorned was one to be wary of. The last month she’d frequently sought him out, it seemed wherever he went she was there.

  It was obvious that she wanted more than a brief affair, she was after snagging herself a rich, titled husband and would do anything to catch one. In a way he was grateful for the betrothal contract, it kept the hordes of husband, hunting chits at bay. Well, most of the time, there were quite a few who still tried to trap him into wedlock by setting up a compromising situation. Thankfully, he’d managed to escape them all.

  Trouble was it didn’t stop them from trying though. He knew the only way they would cease harassing him was when he was married, but until then, he’d just have to put up with it. At least in the country, he could relax his guard and not have to worry about them. As usual, he’d probably be bored and lonely rusticating.

  Oh, he would attend to his estates and correspondence, he’d deal with his finances, but once that daily routine was over there wasn’t much else to do. His thoughts growing maudlin he finished off his drink, bid his friend farewell and headed home. Instead of taking his landau, he sent the tiger on alone and decided to walk.

  Shoving his hands in his pocket, he tried to ignore the dissatisfaction stirring in his chest. What in the hell was wrong with him? After all, he had everything a man could want or ever need. Freedom, the occasional beauty to share his bed, wealth, titles yet it all seemed worthless, empty.

  There was something lacking, but he was unable to discover what it was or name it. At nine and twenty he was in his prime, his body strong and fit. Women found him attractive and a consummate lover. He’d never had any complaints in that department because he always made certain whoever the chit who was infrequently sharing the sheets with him was well satisfied. He also found relief, but he was always careful that other than giving sexual pleasure he gave nothing else of himself.

  It was an arrangement that suited both parties until the brief affair ended. He treated his lovers with respect and gave them his attention. Even afterwards he was always pleasant to them and none of them had any grievances. So really what did he have to whine about? Nothing. He was just out of sorts that was all, in a day or two he’d be his old self and he would find amusement over how ridiculous he was feeling at the moment.

  Maybe he was just bored, the season seemed to be dragging on longer than usual. Yes, that was it, he grinned grateful to solve the problem of his discontent. Now that he’d unraveled what was troubling him there was a lightness in his step. Tomorrow he’d wake up and laugh over how pitiful he’d been acting.

  Perhaps when it was time to return to London, he might consider taking a mistress. Not that he’d ever bothered before. Yet the longer he considered it knew such an arrangement was repulsive. Besides the idea of purchasing pleasure churned his gut. He knew many men indulged in keeping a woman for their own pleasure yet he hadn’t even considered it until now.

  Damn, he must be losing his mind to even give it a thought, he knew that if he did, it wouldn’t be kept a secret for long. Too many spiteful people would take great pleasure in making certain his betrothed knew about it. If the little witch discovered he had a mistress he shuddered to think how she would react and what she would do. It was why over the years he made certain he was always discreet and kept his liaisons brief.

  The very last thing he wanted to do was embarrass her or humiliate her, though she was an annoying little baggage she didn’t deserve that and he wouldn’t disrespect her in that way. When he had first been introduced to her and informed of the betrothal he had been furiously outraged. Once he calmed down, he regretted how nasty and cruel he’d been to her, but he’d been blown away by the unexpected news.

  Not once had his father hinted that he was arranging a marriage for him and to have it dropped on him like that well, who could blame him for reacting the way he had. Yet, as he matured over the years he was remorseful for the way he had responded. After all, she had been just as surprised as he’d been, but he had taken his nasty temper out on her and he understood why she despised him so much.

  Perhaps he didn’t help matters any that he’d been ignoring her for so long. He supposed he should have made some sort of effort over the years. At least then they could be on friendly terms, but he supposed it was far too late now. He could only pray that when they married, they could be polite and pleasant to each other. Just picturing such a lackluster future, he shuddered.

  Discontent stirred in his chest, maybe it was worth making the effort to befriend her and when the season started again he would spend time with her. At least that way when they did wed there wouldn’t be any animosity between them. Yes, it was worth considering and it wouldn’t hurt him to go out of his way to be pleasant to her. He expected that she would be suspicious of his motives and wouldn’t cooperate.

  But he was positive that in time she’d drop her guard and make the effort herself. He blew out an exasperated breath, the little troublemaker, he expected she was going to make it hard, no probably impossible for them to become better acquainted. Really, if it wasn’t for the future life they would one day be sharing he wouldn’t bother, yet he wanted more from his marriage than just a cold arrangement.

  His thoughts drifted as he tried to picture his life with his betrothed and sighed heavily. How would he ever survive living with the unruly chit for the rest of his life? A grimace twisted his mouth, knowing he would probably either end up strangling her or he’d go stark raving mad.

  Sometime in the not too distant future though, he would have to face the reality of making her his wife. He would need an heir at some point in his life, but he had a few more years yet before he dashed off and dragged her before a minister. Hell, he didn’t even want to contemplate what his life would be like living day after day with her.

  He shuddered at the very idea and groaned imagining he would most likely end up in the madhouse after the first year. When the time came though, he could only pray she’d grown up and matured.

  Most of all she would mind her own damn business and stop stirring up trouble. His jaw clenched as he fought to shove his irritation down. Why he was suddenly getting so upset he hadn’t a clue. He shook his head in frustration what in the blazes was wrong with him and why was he suddenly concerning himself with what would happen years from now.

  Was he thinking such nonsense because he was bored and dissatisfied with his life? It must be the reason and he knew while he rusticated in the country he was going to do a lot of soul searching. He had to discover what was troubling him and once he ascertained what it was only then would he decide how he was going to handle the problem with his betrothed.

  Chapter Two

  Just after ten, Modesty opened the window and tossed out her satchels. It was time to escape; she didn’t want to wait until later. If she was seen walking the streets alone at night by someone who knew her, it would cause a scandal and would ruin her reputation. Stepping up on the low window sill, she reached out and gripped the sturdy branch with both gloved hands. Under her breath, she cursed her father and the vile rat for forcing her to take such drastic actions. Carefully, she shimmered her way down the tree, she winced when her garments rode up and she scratched the inside of her
thigh.

  What they were trying to force her to do was despicable and though she detested having been put in such a abhorrent position, but regrettably there was no other alternative. If she had any chance of saving her dearest aunt, she was going to do whatever it takes. If it meant she had to marry that contemptible scoundrel then that’s exactly what she would do.

  A loud sigh of relief past her lips when she finally reached the last branch, she looked down and her heart began to race in trepidation, knowing she would have to jump the rest of the way. Disgusted at herself she made a scoffing sound in the back of her throat for acting so cowardly

  For goodness sakes, it was that far to the ground besides, she’d done it countless times in the past, but she swore that if she hurt herself, she would do both her father and that odious weasel bodily harm.

  Drawing in a deep breath, she launched herself and groaned when she landed hard on the ground in a crouching position. For a few moments she remained motionless, taking stock to make certain she hadn’t injured herself. “Damn those two vile fiends. I hope they both rot in hell for forcing me to take such drastic action and giving me no choice but to wed the despicable rake.” She muttered angrily under her breath.

  When she discovered she was unharmed, she unsteadily rose to her feet, brushed at her gown and gathered up her satchels. “After what I’ve just gone through the ne’er-do-well better be home or I’ll wring his egotistical neck.” She grouched as she marched to the back gate, threw the bolt, slid the latch free and opened it. Once she stepped out into the alley, she closed it behind her. Tense and wary, she hurried to the end of the laneway.

  Even in this opulent part of town, it was dangerous for a woman to be walking the streets alone at night. Fortunately, her destination wasn’t very far away and with luck on her side, she would reach it unscathed and unmolested. In a silent plea, she prayed that no one would see her and her reputation would remain unblemished. Not wanting to linger, she hurried her footsteps as she traversed the footpaths.

  Once she reached her objective, she stood staring up at the second floor of the opulent townhouse. Lights were blazing in two of the upstairs rooms and she prayed it was a sign that the rogue was home early for once. She dropped her eyes to the front door and nibbled on her lip. If she knocked and demanded entry, she’d probably be refused.

  The only other way to gain entrance was to sneak in. Skirting the steps, she avoided the front windows as she made her way around the side of the house. In the shadows, she placed her bags under a bush and straightening up, she tiptoed through the garden until she reached the glass doors.

  Tentatively, she turned the handle and muttered a curse when she found them locked. Stepping away from the light of the moon, she was relieved to see that there still might be another way in. Silently she headed to the nearest window, when she reached it, she almost squealed with delight when it slid open.

  Hiking up her dress, she pulled herself up on the sill, but before she could gain her balance, she was toppling inside. She stifled a cry of alarm and landed hard in an unladylike heap on the floor. Her heart hammering, she waited for someone to investigate the noise, but when no one arrived, she scrambled to her feet. Brushing at her mussed gown, she crept across the room.

  Quietly opening the door just enough to see if anyone was lurking about, when she found the hallway and foyer empty, she stepped out and raced toward the stairs. Running up the staircase she flew behind the wall. Leaning against it, she waited to catch her breath and calm her racing heart.

  Humorously she thought that breaking into his house wasn’t a hard as she imagined it would be. Wouldn’t he like to know that delightful piece of information, he’d be in a fine temper when he discovered how easy it was to invade his home. Suddenly she froze when she heard a sound coming from behind the doors in front of her. Straightening up, she fussed with her hair and stepped forward.

  Without bothering to knock, she threw the door open and what she found had her eyes growing wide. Dear heavens, why hadn’t she taken into consideration that he wouldn’t be alone or that he might be entertaining a female, heavens she never expected to catch him with his mistress or being unfaithful.

  Since he and his lover were unaware that she was here it gave her the opportunity to decide what to do. Silently fuming, she made her choice, since they were occupied with each other, she might as well stay. A smile curved her mouth, she was more than curious to see what would happen.

  Only when things became too intimate would she reveal herself and until then she didn’t see any reason why she shouldn’t discover something that went on between a man and a woman. Nope, leaving was definitely not an option since he was her only hope of saving her aunt. While they were engaged with their private conversation, she studied his naked back.

  Muscles bunched with every movement, in truth he was a fine male specimen and even though she didn’t like admitting it, he was a pleasure to look upon. Both his face and body were handsome — to blasted handsome. She gave a soft snort of disgust and her eyes narrowed, now confirming all those rumors about him and his horde of women were true after all ratchet up her already boiling temper.

  When she heard the querulous tone coming from the woman, her thoughts fled as she listened to the conversation taking place. “Why are you sending me away, Killian? Surely you must know I would be upset with your constant rejection. It’s why I came to you. Please, darling, don’t send me away. Can’t you see how much I desire you? You cannot be so blind that you haven’t noticed how much I care for you.” Modesty watched in fascination as the woman draped herself all over him, fluttered her eyelashes madly and pouted. She didn’t know if she was disappointed or relieved to discover they weren’t lovers.

  Yet she was finding the tete-e-tete fascinating, if it wasn’t so enthralling it would be nauseating. “Let’s not argue. Since I’m here, why don’t you take me to bed, darling? I’ll make certain it will be worth your while and you’ll realize how much you really do want me. We can make arrangements for me to accompany you to the country when the seasons over so we can be alone together.”

  I just bet the floozy was after a lot more than a liaison, Modesty thought huffily, she sneered in disgust over the woman’s blatant attempt to join him when he left the city. Her brow rose in curiosity when her betrothed unwound the arms around his neck, dropped them and stepped back. “You shouldn’t have come here in the first place, Lady Applebee. You know very well I’m not interested in what you’re offering. I’ve politely declined your invitations countless times. I don’t know who you bribed to let you in, but they’ll be dismissed in the morning and you’re leaving, now. You made a foolish mistake in coming here tonight. And I’m well aware you are after more than a brief affair.”

  Though she was finding the scene enthralling, she was surprised that he was rejecting the woman, but she supposed he realized it was a trap. Her eyebrows shot up when the woman started screeching. “Nooo. You can’t refuse what I’m offering you. You must know I love you. That I want us to be together forever.”

  In silent fascination, Modesty was eager to hear his response. “Damn it woman, I barely know you. Besides, I already have a contract betrothing me to someone else.” Oh, this conversation was getting more interesting by the second; Modesty leaned against the doorframe her eyes filled with mischievous laughter.

  “And everyone knows you’ll never honor it. I’ve heard that you both go out of your way to ignore each other and you can’t stand the sight of each other. Forget her, forget the contract. I can give you everything you want and more.”

  Modesty held her breath, wondering how he would reply. “Well, you and everyone else are wrong. I intend to honor the promise made in my name. Now I want you to leave.” Deciding it was time to make her presence known, Modesty straightened up. “I’m relieved to hear you say so, sir.” She smiled when the pair whipped around and stared at her with their mouths gaping like fish out of water.

  “Who are you? What is she doing her
e, Killian? Is she the reason you keep on rejecting me, that you’re having a relationship with her? You’re actually refusing all I have to offer because you prefer this… this pathetic little creature?” Lana screeched.

  “I’d be very careful about who you’re calling pathetic, you strumpet and yes, Killian explain to your tart who I am.” Modesty taunted. Oh, she was enjoying seeing him so rattled and disconcerted.

  “Are you mad, woman? If anyone found out you’re here your reputation would be ruined.” Killian shouted at her, he completely ignored lady Applebee and her stupid, jealous accusations.

  “First, I think you should send your mistress on her way. What we have to discuss is a private matter.” Modesty watched him give a jerky nod of his head in agreement, then reach for the bell and tug on it. A few minutes later the butler arrived. She smiled when the poor man nearly swooned at finding not one, but two women in his master’s bedchamber.

  “Turner escort the lady from the premises, then find out who let her in and inform whoever it was that I will deal with them first thing in the morning.” Killian ordered.

  Scratching the side of his head, Turner looked from one woman to another. “But which one, your Grace?”

  Out of patience, Killian grasped, lady Applebee’s wrist ignored her protests as he dragged her across the room and shoved her at his butler. “This one.” Once the pair left, he slammed the door and spun around to face the remaining woman. “Now explain why you’re here and how you managed to enter my house without anyone knowing?”

  A dismissive shrug of her shoulders, she smirked. “You really should have your staff check the locks on the windows each evening.” Not in the least daunted by his anger, Modesty sat down on one of the two chairs and made herself comfortable. “Before we discuss the matter, please put some clothes on.”