Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke Read online

  The thought of locking her up in a room had merit, but knowing her, she’d probably find some way to escape. Her request to live in the country with her aunt and out of his hair sounded the ideal solution. It was madness not to take the offer and be free of her because he wouldn’t have to deal with her.

  Yet at the same time she would still cause mayhem and stir up trouble without him being there to stop it before she could. No, better to keep her close besides, he couldn’t very well consummate his marriage if his bride wasn’t here. As he studied her from under hooded eyes, heat started to chug through his bloodstream.

  It was odd now that they were married, he was really seeing her for the very first time. Suddenly he was more aware of those wide saucer, luminous eyes, a heart-shaped face, a cute, slim nose, stunned he blinked when his gaze fell on a rosebud, succulent mouth. Well, I’ll be damned. She possessed a mouth that was designed to be kissed, tasted and worshiped.

  Lazily his eyes lowered, noting her rounded chin, a graceful neck and well-shaped breasts. By no means was she an outstanding beauty, yet she was still exquisite. She was petite and delicate, she was also strong willed and defiant, but there was no denying there was a sensuality to her small frame.

  In fact, he had been aware for years that she was a stunning, carnal package but always refused to acknowledge it. Now he was wondering what sort of lover would she be? He speculated if she would be a shy one or an eager one? Would she be a wild, wanton or a sensual creature? He was now suddenly eager to discover what it would be like to make love to her.

  Just imagining running his hands over her naked flesh and tasting her was arousing him to the point he was growing hard. He knew then and there he wasn’t going to wait very long to possess her.

  When his eyes returned to hers and seeing her staring back at him with distaste it hiked up his annoyance. She was probably still in a snit and sulking over their earlier conversation. What she needed to learn was to keep her opinions to herself and keep her nose out of other people’s business.

  That though, was going to be impossible to achieve, unless he gagged her. Now that sounded like a fine idea even if it was an impossible one. Perhaps if he found something to keep her busy and her mind occupied with the changes in her own life, then she wouldn’t have time to interfere in anyone else’s. Pleased that he’d come up with a solution, he was about to smile, but it swiftly faded when she started to speak.

  “I still don’t understand why you’re insisting that we have a real marriage? It’s beyond me. I’m aware you can barely stand the sight of me and I would prefer not to live with you.” Modesty thought he was looking a little too satisfied for her liking.

  Damn it, he should have known she would sour his good mood. “Because when we wed, I imagined it would be a normal marriage. Foolish of me, but I had the silly idea we would be sharing our lives just like every other married couple. And you’re wrong, I like looking at you — a lot. You’re a very attractive woman, feminine and dainty.” A grimace twisted his mouth when he heard her snort of disbelief.

  Relieved when the coach stopped and once the door was opened the steps lowered, he exited the vehicle. Reaching inside, he grasped her wrist and gave a small tug, when she stumbled to the door, he wrapped an arm behind her knees and tossed her over his shoulder.

  “What in the blazes do you think you’re doing, you moron. I insist you put me down at once.” Shocked and furious to be treated so disrespectfully and callously, Modesty started beating on his broad back.

  Ignoring her outrage gasp, her angry demand and those tiny hands slapping at him, disregarding his servant’s staring back at him with their mouths hanging open he strode up the steps and kicked the door, he stepped inside when the butler opened it. “You may lock up and retire for the evening, Turner.” Turning deaf to his bride’s tirade, he strode across the foyer and went up the staircase.

  “Put me down you… you miserable cur. You have no right to manhandle me like this.” Embarrassment flooded her face, she had never been so humiliated in her life.

  Not breaking stride, he reached her chamber door, opened it and kept walking until he reached the bed. With his hand supporting her back, he lowered her onto the mattress and stared into her spitting eyes. “You agreed to a true marriage and it’s too late to change your mind. So, live with it. I will not hear another word about living separately. Tomorrow we’ll discuss our arrangement and the rules. Especially the rules. Sleep well, bride.” Before she could goad him any further, he crossed the room entered his own chamber and closed the door with a decisive snap.

  Leaning against the wooden panel, he dragged a hand down his face and growled. Usually he was a pretty mild tempered chap, but every time his bride opened her mouth, she poked and prodded at his temper until he lost it and she had only herself to blame. Tonight, she just had her first lesson in angering him.

  Every time she riled him, she would be punished, oh, he wouldn’t hurt her in anyway, but she’d soon discover there were consequences. When he heard the sounds of her moving around, he straightened up and strolled over to the bed. Not bothering to ring for his valet, he started to undress.

  Tomorrow was going to be a busy and taxing day. The notice of his nuptials would have to be placed in the papers. Her father would have to be confronted, rescue her aunt and have their possessions gathered up and sent here. He let out a heavy sigh and grimaced, at least he would have something to accomplish and he’d be kept busy.

  Just as he finished unbuttoning the flap of his pants and was about to push them down his hips the adjoining door flew open. Her fiery blush pleased him, he also noticed the heated interest in her eyes as they slowly travelled over his body. With an amused lift of his eyebrows, he asked in a silky, mocking tone. “Is there something you — want?”

  Modesty tore her gaze up to his face and swallowed nervously. “Yes… um… yes. I left my satchels hidden under a bush beside the house.”

  He let out a heavy sigh of annoyance. “I’ll fetch them and bring them to your room — unless you’d like to share this one with me.” Not in the least surprised when she spun around and flew back inside her own chamber, he chuckled when she slammed the door behind her. ‘Modesty by name modesty by nature.’ Hell, it was going to take some effort to seduce her.

  If just gazing upon a little bit of naked flesh sent her scampering, she’d probably swoon when she saw all of him in the buff. Buttoning up his pants, he grumbled as he crossed the room flung open the door to the hallway. As he went down the staircase, he frowned thoughtfully.

  Perhaps if she became used to seeing him half-dressed it would ease her fears and she wouldn’t be a frightened little rabbit. It was apparent that though she might behave outrageously she was still clearly innocent where men were concerned. She might have bizarre opinions and voiced them loudly most of the time, but she knew absolutely nothing of any sexual nature or what went on.

  For some strange reason he was looking forward to showing and teaching her everything. What a novel idea that for once, he would be taking a woman to bed who had no experience or didn’t know what to do. It was certainly going to be a pleasure educating her. Even just thinking about it, his groin started to throb in anticipation.

  Suddenly life didn’t seem so boring anymore, he had goals to achieve and something to look forward to. Excitement thrummed through his bloodstream, perhaps marriage wouldn’t be so bad after all once he had control over his little hellion from hell.

  Chapter Four

  Since he was going to have a busy day, he rose early and ate a hasty breakfast. Once he gave instructions to his butler, Killian left the house. It was only a short walk to his destination and his mouth tightened remembering his bride was forced to traverse the streets in the dark of night and alone. Not in the best of moods when he arrived, he banged on the front door of her father’s townhouse. The man was probably still abed at this time of day, but that was just too damn bad. When the door finally opened, he glared at the butler. “Inform,
lord Anderson he has a visitor and that the discussion is important. Tell him that the duke of Westwood won’t be leaving until he has his interview.”

  “At once, your Grace. I’ll show you into the morning room.”

  Sometimes being a duke had its advantages, Killian mused as he followed the butler into the parlor. He was leaning an elbow on the mantle when an elderly woman came rushing into the room. He straightened up and bowed. “Good morning, Lady Green.”

  “Oh posh, Killian call me aunt Lucy. The moment Henry the butler said you were calling, I knew it had to be something to do with my niece. Do you know where she is and is she safe? I could skin that brother-in-law of mine alive for what he’s trying to force Modesty to do.” Lucy sat down to catch her breath.

  “Yes, to both questions. You’ll be the first to know that we were married last night. Besides coming to inform her father of the situation, I’m also here to collect you and bring you home with me.” Killian smiled indulgently, he’d always liked aunt Lucy even if she was a bit dotty at times.

  “Oh, that’s wonderful news. I’m so happy that at last the two have finally wed. Are you certain though that you want this old woman underfoot?” She asked hesitantly.

  Killian gave her a reassuring smile. “Yes, we’re both certain. Why don’t you see about organizing the packing for both yourself and Modesty? Make the arrangements to have everything sent over to my townhouse.”

  Eyes bright with joy, Lucy stood up. “You’re a good man, Killian and I knew all those tales about you living a wicked, debauched lifestyle were untrue. Not once did I give any credence to all the gossip about you and the horde of floozy’s you’ve meant to be intimate with. Really, I didn’t believe one word. No, I didn’t. I always thought you were kindly and good hearted. I know Modesty thinks you are to and also didn’t give any credence to those spiteful rumors.”

  With his mouth hanging open, he watched the elderly woman hurry from the room. Smacking his lips together, he scowled. Be damned if he wasn’t going to find out who was spreading lies about him. Debauched, wicked lifestyle indeed. The horde of floozy’s, hell he hadn’t slept with that many women.

  Hell, he lived no differently than any other single male and though it had perhaps been wrong of him, he occasionally indulged himself and took a woman to bed, but only when the urge had been too powerful to ignore.

  Annoyance simmered under his skin. He most assuredly was going to get to the bottom of the rumors and whoever was spreading them was going to suffer tremendous pain when he was through with them. Whoever it was most likely were out to destroy his reputation and wanted to damage any future relationship with his bride.

  As for kindly and good hearted, well perhaps. He scoffed, it was very unlikely, no it was a fact that his bride thought he was a depraved devil without a moral bone in his body. Probably a fornicating wastrel was her low opinion. His thoughts fled as he listened to the heavy tread hurrying down the staircase. Straightening up, his expression hardened and he waited for his father in-law to arrive. “Anderson.”

  “There’s only one reason you’re here. Where is my daughter? I insist you bring her home immediately.” Allen yelled furiously the moment he stepped into the room. He’d only discovered the blasted chit was missing an hour ago and he’d been frantically trying to think where she’d go. It had never occurred to him that she’d run to her despicable betrothed.

  “My wife will be staying with me and so will aunt Lucy. You were a fool to think you could marry my betrothed off to cover your gambling debts and especially to that vile cit, Stokes. Or that I’ll stand by and let you threaten to lock lady Lucy in a madhouse for the insane.” Killian’s voice dripped with fury.

  Paling, Allen fell into the nearest chair. “I’m ruined. You bastard, you had no right to go behind my back and marry her without my permission. As her father, I had every right to choose her husband — not her blasted grandfather. I want her dowry returned before noon today.” Rage poured through him, he sprang out of the chair and glared his contempt at the younger man.

  “I’m not going to hand over a penny. You have never taken any interest in Modesty since the day she was born. Now you’re desperate to save your own hide you expect her to come to your rescue. You’re a selfish, heartless blackguard. As of now you have no daughter and I’ll only warn you this once to keep away from her. If you don’t heed the advice you’ll suffer the consequences.” Killian watched the emotions speed across the other man’s face and knew that there was definitely going to be trouble ahead.

  Allen fisted his hand and waved it menacingly in the air, he sneered over the threat. “An arrogant pup like you, duke or not you have no right to speak to me in such a manner or make threats, Westwood and your warning is meaningless. I’m going to find some way to dissolve or ruin your marriage. No matter what it takes I’ll make certain you’ll both pay for this.”

  A dismissive shrug of his shoulders, Killian smiled grimly. “You can try old man, but you’ll never succeed. I suggest you concern yourself with paying off your debt and less about ruining someone else’s life. One last warning, leave Modesty alone.” He looked past the man and saw aunt Lucy wringing her hands in the doorway. Without another word, he walked away, when he reached the elderly woman, he clasped her hand and placed it on his arm. “Let’s take you home to settle in, shall we?” he gave a gentle smile when she nodded her head.

  While they walked back to his townhouse his thoughts were on his bride’s father’s threats. The man was beyond desperate and that made him dangerous. He would have to keep a watchful eye on Anderson. He would have to warn, Modesty as well. There was no way her father could dissolve the marriage but do damage to it was a very strong possibility.

  Since the nuptials had been forced upon them and there was discord between them, in all likelihood it wouldn’t take much to cause dissension that could tear them apart. If there was any chance of preventing it from happening, he’d have to take matters into his own hands and swiftly.

  Though he had agreed to give her time before they were intimate, but it was imperative now that he step up the pace and he would start the moment he arrived home. There was no choice other than they consummate their marriage. Once they were intimate, it would bind her more tightly to him. He let out a regretful sigh and hoped he wouldn’t be pushing her into something she wasn’t ready for.

  Reminding himself that she did like what she had seen when he wasn’t wearing a shirt gave him a small advantage. If he could entice her to let down her guard she might be tempted to do a little touching, a wicked smile curved his mouth he was going to entice and tease her. He’d woo her and seduce her, with any luck, he would have consummated their marriage and succeed in gaining his brides devotion by the end of the week.

  Five days, mmm, he’d done it once or twice in a lot less. Filled with confidence, he dropped the knocker and waited for his butler to open the door. Eagerness bubbled in his blood and he couldn’t wait to start seducing his reluctant bride.

  ***

  “Prrrrr,” whispered past her lips, Modesty with her eyes still closed flung her arms over her head and stretched. Slowly she lifted her lashes and blinked. A small frown marred her brow when she didn’t recognize her surroundings, then suddenly it all came flying back to her. She was about to shove the covers down, but stilled, her heart started hammering when she sensed she wasn’t alone, slowly she rolled her head to the left and gasp. “What… what are you doing here?”

  Reclining on the bed beside his bride, Killian reached out brushed the strands of hair from her face and smiled seductively. “I brought you a cup of chocolate and since you were still sleeping, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

  Mistrust swelled through her, she eyed him suspiciously. “That doesn’t explain why you’re lying on my bed.”

  “You’re like a contented kitten when you wake up. All soft and purring.” He cupped the side of her head and let his thumb lightly stroke across her cheek and saw the pulse at the base of her throat
start to race. His hooded eyes dropped to her mouth, he leaned in closer and brushed his lips over hers.

  Like a trapped deer, she was both excited and frightened, what she saw in his eyes muddled her senses. For some unexplained reason it stirred heat in the pit of her stomach. Her breath caught in the back of her throat at the first touch of his lips upon her own. She moaned when the pressure of his mouth increased, in mindless wonder she wound her arms around his neck not wanting him to stop.

  Men had stolen kisses from her before, but none of them made her feel anything like this. There was something making her yearn for more. There were things happening inside her, she couldn’t name, odd feelings and sensations she was unable to describe. Yet instead of bothering to discovering what they were, she was enjoying herself too much to care about them.

  When his tongue glided along the seam of her lips, she gasped, her eyes flew open and when it darted inside, she watched him lift his thick lashes. The fervor and hunger in his eyes was unmistakable. He gathered her closer so she was now flush up against his hard masculinity, she whimpered as his tongue swirled around the inside of her mouth.

  Slowly she closed her eyes and could think of nothing else but the pleasure consuming her. Shyly, hesitantly, she touched her tongue to his and an explosion of sensations went off inside her. After that, she remembered very little, only that she never wanted him to stop.

  How long it continued she couldn’t recall, only when he pulled his mouth from hers did her lashes fly up, she found him staring down at her and realizing what had just taken place, she glared at him in annoyance. She unlocked her hands from around him and shoved at his shoulders. “Let me go, you… fornicating oaf.”