Taming a Duke's Wild Rose (Taming the Heart)
Date: 2017-06-27 00:00:00+00:00
Description: Did his scars hide the man of her dreams? Since the death of her mother, Lady Rose Wentworth has dreamed of a hero. A knight or soldier who sweeps her off her feet and heals the scars she hides within. These fantasies cloud her judgment when it comes to a man's true nature and every suitor she pines for proves to be less than honorable. But Rose is convinced she has finally found a true hero in the soldier, Carl Lundberg. Fearing for Rose's future, her father arranges a match with the scarred duke. Powerful and rich beyond reason, Lord Wentworth is convinced this is the man who can provide a r

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

TAMMY ANDRESEN

COPYRIGHT

This is a work of fiction.  Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Copyright © 2016 Tammy Andresen

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the express written permission of the publisher.

Published by Tammy Andresen

TITLES BY

TAMMY ANDRESEN

Lily in Bloom Series

Seeds of Love

Lily in Bloom

Taming Series

Taming a Duke’s Reckless Heart

Taming a Lady Wolfe

Fairfield Fairy Tales

Stealing a Lady’s Heart

Other’s

Midnight Magic

The Golden Rules of Love

Unexpected Treasure

DEDICATION

To my readers, I can’t begin to thank you for reading my books.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER ONE

Norfolk England, Autumn of 1854

Lady Rose Evelyn Wentworth sat by the river that flanked her father’s country estate. She had been coming here for as long as she could remember. Sometimes she would read. Other times, her mind would wander. As a child, she had spent many hours daydreaming in this very spot about the brave soldier who rescued her from some dastardly fiend. If she had a dilemma she couldn’t solve, this was the place she would visit.

She bit her lip. It didn’t matter how long she sat on this bank, Rose doubted any solution would come to mind. Her father had seen to that. Turning back, she watched her two guards stare blankly ahead. She knew better than to let their expressions fool her. They were watching her every move. If she tried to run, they would surely catch her.

Lady Rose was the only daughter of Lord Essex, Seventh Earl of Essex. As his only child, it was her duty to marry well and increase the family’s standings, both financially and aristocratically. Leastwise, that is what he had told her over and over again.

And so, he had arranged a marriage for her that he found incredibly satisfactory. In one month’s time, she was to marry His Grace, the Eleventh Duke of Wellington.

Rose shivered despite the summer heat. His Grace was a recluse, who was said to be disfigured. He had a sharp mind for business. Her father said he was wealthy beyond her imagination. His scars were not that bad, her father claimed.

No one knew how he had gotten them. Though everyone liked to speculate. War wounds and bar brawls were popular stories among the ton.

Rose could not care less how he had gotten them. She just didn’t want to marry those scars or the man who bore them.

Her heart was set on another man, Mr. Carl Lundberg, a true war hero who was handsome and dashing. Sighing, she conjured his image. They had tried to run away, but her father had caught her. Now she was trapped with two bodyguards and an impending wedding.

Her father said she was a rash fool but she paid him no mind. She also tried to ignore him when he said she had declared herself in love two other times before Carl. Or when he said that Carl was exactly like the others. “He’s a handsome empty headed imbecile. You will do better with a man who will ground your wayward tendencies.”

She huffed her breath at the thought of it.

“What troubles you so, my lady?” a voice called from the shade of the trees. While the sun still warmed her skin, the first autumn colors were beginning to emerge.

Turning her head slightly, she attempted to see who spoke. She couldn’t see his face. He stood in the shadows. She could see that he was quite tall and very broad. She sat a little straighter, eyeing her ever present guards. Why were they letting this stranger address her?

Her two chaperones were equally engaged as they giggled to each other further down the river, their heads bent in conversation. Useless pieces of fluff, she thought to herself.

“My troubles are the plight of women and unlikely to be very concerning to you.” Rose sniffed delicately looking back at the water.

She heard him give a small chuckle. “Perhaps you should try me.” His voice was deep and rich. It mattered not to Rose, she was already in love. But somehow she couldn’t help but note it.

“Forgive me, sir, but I do not know you.” She stood and her guards took a step forward.

“Of course, my name is Alexander Cross. A pleasure, Lady Rose. And may I say, you have far more sense than your father gives you credit for.”

Surprise jolted through her. Apparently she wasn’t nearly as strange to him as he to her. “You must be acquainted with him. He tells everyone he knows that I have no sense.” Rose stepped closer to the man. With an intensity she didn’t quite understand, she longed to see his face but it was still shadowed.

“He also spoke of your beauty and your intellect.”

A tinge of pink stained her cheeks and a smile of pleasure touched her lips. “You are most certainly making that bit up. He hasn’t said a kind word about me since the age of thirteen.”

“What happened when you were thirteen?” His voice was softer than it had been before and it pulled at her like an invisible force.

She took another step closer. “I met the first boy I thought was handsome and dashing.”

He laughed again. “Well, that would send a father into a tizzy. And why do you think he no longer holds you in his esteem?”

“Hmmm… I am headstrong, fickle, rash, and one mustn’t forget disobedient.”

“Do you get any points for honesty?” His voice rolled over her and his broad shoulders shook as he laughed.

“One would think, but I seriously doubt it. How do you know my father, Mr. Cross?” Her guard still had not moved and she could only assume that they knew who she was talking to or that they thought she had gone daft. She took another step closer. His chiseled jaw came into focus. Her curiosity intensified.

“We have intimate business relations.” He cleared his throat.

Her eyebrows lifted as she perched her hand on one of her hips. It was an elusive answer. “I have been very honest with you, Mr. Cross.”

“You have me there, but a woman always prefers a man who is a mystery.” He crossed his arms over his chest.

She took yet another step in his direction and then cocked her head to the side. “Am I supposed to prefer you, Mr. Cross? I find it unlikely as my father has already chosen a husband for me.”

“And how do you feel about your father choosing a husband for you?” Rarely was Rose asked such a question. It both put her at ease with this man but gave her the vague sense she was slowly being drawn into a web. She wanted to get closer but it seemed dangerous to do so. The hair on her arms lifted as a slight chill ran down her back.

“What I want matters not. It is my duty to do as I am told. In case I forget my duty, these two lovely gentlemen are here to remind me.” She gestured toward the guards.

“It seems excessive for such a delicate woman to have such men standing guard.”

“Well, now we are back to the part where I am rash and disobedient.” She took another half step toward him until his piercing eyes and full lips came into view. A little flutter rose in her stomach. He was right, mystery was exciting. Especially when it involved a tall, dark, and handsome man.

“It has been a pleasure, my lady. I would love to stay and chat longer but I have business with your father. Perhaps I will see you later.” His words were abrupt and he took a step back further into the shadows.

Rose moved just a bit closer. He turned his head to the right and his profile came into view. Rich chocolate brown hair curled at his neck and around his ear.

“Are you staying for dinner, Mr. Cross?”

“Yes, I believe I am.”

“Well then, I am certain I will see you tonight.” She took one more step in his direction. Despite being close enough to touch him, she was still in the sun while he was in the shade, and his features became even less distinguishable, but Rose caught a hint of his scent. He smelled of pine, horse, and leather. It was masculine and rich, making her itch to get closer and investigate his heady aroma further. Had she ever noted a man’s scent before?

“May I ask you one more question, my lady?”

Her eyebrows rose again. “I have told you all about myself and you have shared nothing. It hardly seems fair for me to answer another question.”

The corner of his mouth that she could see turned up into a smile. “No wonder you have left a string of broken hearts. Smart, charming, and beautiful.”

“You flatter me, sir, but I can assure you the only broken heart is mine. Nor will I grant you any more answers. If you would like information, you will have to tell me something of yourself.”

“I do not flatter you, I speak the truth. I will most certainly share something of myself but regretfully, I must go. Perhaps, we can continue this conversation another time?”

“Of course,” she answered.

“Good day.” He turned away from her and mounted his horse. While it would have been easier for him to come into the sun and follow the river, he rode his horse into the trees remaining in the shade. She wished desperately to see the rest of his face.

Rose shook her head. He had intrigued her when most bored her to tears. Not even Carl had piqued her interest quite so much and her soldier talked of little else other than his bravery on the battlefield. Hopefully, her curiosity would soon be satisfied and she would learn more about the mysterious Mr. Cross.

***

Alexander Cross trotted slowly up to the Earl’s manor. He was in no rush now that he was almost here. His eyes closed for a second as he pictured Lady Rose. She was even more beautiful than he could have imagined.

Blond hair and luminous blue eyes topped full lips and perfect features. Her skin was a flawless shade of cream with pale pink lips. Gentle curves had swayed perfectly as she had approached him. A small smile resting lightly on her lips as she bantered playfully with him. By God, she was stunning.

The real challenge would be keeping her attention. Even the bonds of marriage wouldn’t secure her feelings. If a man was going to make Lady Rose his, he would have to do it in a way that completely captured her heart. Her father had been honest about her past. She fell easily in love and then lost interest after a time.

Sighing, he raked his hand through his hair. Fickleness was Lady Rose’s single thorn in her otherwise flawless beauty. Unfortunately it was also the most painful one for him personally. At another time in his life, he may have dismissed it confidently, assured that he could keep her attention. But now? Too much had happened to him to be secure in his own ability to hold her attention.

He dismounted from his steed and handed the reins to a stable boy. As he started up the steps to Essex’s country estate, he barely took in the scene. His mind filled with thoughts of Rose.

Her father stepped out onto the steps to greet him. “Your Grace,” he addressed Alex.

“Wonderful to see you again, Lord Essex.” He reached for the other man’s hand.

“Was Rose where I said she would be?”

“Indeed she was.” Alex kept his face neutral. For many reasons, it was best her father not see how much of an impact Rose had had on his senses. That mattered little. What he needed most was a wife to bear him an heir and be content in his home with him.

“And?”

“She is all you said she would be.”

“That is like saying nothing at all, Your Grace,” her father grumbled. “May we continue our negotiations?”

“Indeed.” Alex gave a strained smile. The action still pulled at his scarred skin but he paid it no mind. Instead, visions of Rose played in his thoughts. Could she ever be trusted enough to be his wife?

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER TWO

Her father and Mr. Cross had been locked her father’s study for hours. Rose attempted to read in the library but her eyes kept wandering to the door.

It was ridiculous to be so intent on this man. She was engaged to one fellow and in love with another. Why had he even stopped and talked with her?

Rose sighed and tossed her book aside. She stood and paced over to the window, trying to clear her head. A figure was skulking across the lawn. Her eyes widened. It was Carl.

She glanced at her guards. One had fallen asleep in his chair. Another looked lost in a book. Before either could notice, she slipped out of the room and down the hall. She gave the study door a quick glance as she passed by. Heading to the back of the house, Rose quickly crept down the back staircase.

Passing by the kitchen, she glanced about to see if anyone noticed her and headed for the service door. She checked behind her one more time and then slipped out the door, closing it softly behind her.

Turning back towards the yard, she started with fright, finding Carl was already next to her. His pale blue eyes crinkled at the corners. He was tall but it occurred to her that his shoulders were not nearly as broad as Mr. Cross’s.

He wrapped his lean arms around her. “My love.” His lips sought hers. She turned her face to the side and his lips landed on her cheek.

She was embarrassed to admit that she had never let him, or any man for that matter, kiss her before. Many of the ladies she knew regularly collected stolen kisses in the garden or the study but she had always resisted. The few times she had really wanted to, her father had managed to foil her plans.

She didn’t quite know why she hesitated now, but she wasn’t ready to give that piece of herself to Carl.

His lips kept kissing closer to her mouth until they reached the corner of her lips. An unpleasant shiver snaked down her spine, surprising her. She stiffened and pulled away. “Carl, we can’t do this. I am to be married―“

“I don’t want to hear that, Rose. We love each other. You told me so. You’ll marry me; I won’t let you marry anyone else.  I told your father the same thing when he made his offer.”

Rose grimaced. The offer. The words left a bitter taste in her mouth. It was no secret that Rose was an heiress. Her father was convinced that each of her suitors was more interested in her money than her other attributes. She denied this each time and so her father had devised a test. Offer her suitor a wealthy sum to disappear. Her other two suitors had taken the offer with a look back. Only Carl had stayed. It meant something to her that he had. “I know you did. I am so grateful. I--”

“Tell me what you need me to do. I would do anything for you, anything.” He looked at her meaningfully.

Rose was dumbfounded. She didn’t even know what it was she could possibly ask of him. “I don’t… there isn’t…”

“If your father continues to stand in the way, we might have to take drastic measures.” His eyes pierced into hers and Rose tried to take another step back.  Her hands, which had been around his neck, moved down to his chest as she tried to push away. Though she did not understand his exact intent, something in the offer was dangerous, sinister even.

His arms tightened around her. “Our feelings can’t be denied.” He lowered his head again.

Rose suddenly felt trapped but before she could protest, the door flew open.

She turned her head as both her guards stalked out of the door. They looked angry, not that they ever looked pleasant. She stepped away from Carl. “Mr. Lundberg was just leaving.”

He scowled at her then he turned and began crossing the lawn. Rose tilted her head. He hadn’t even said goodbye, how very curious.

Actually, the entire conversation had been odd. What had he meant about doing anything for her? Or that they might have to take drastic measures against her father? She shivered again. It made her think she didn’t really know Carl at all.

One of her guards grumbled, “Back inside.”

Rose sighed to herself and stepped back through the door moving up the stairs with the guards close behind her. Her slippers tapped down the hall but even at this distance, she could see that her father’s study was now open.

A flutter rose in her chest. She peeked her head in as she walked by. Her father sat alone at his desk. “Papa?”

“What was Mr. Lundberg doing here?” His clipped voice grated her ears. Wasn’t it obvious? He wanted to see her. But she didn’t say it. Their odd conversation had her on edge. As did the arrival of Mr. Cross.

“I’m not exactly certain.” She entered the room. Normally she would have run from this conversation but she was suddenly confused. While her father found her maddening, he also loved her dearly. When she was uncertain, she relied on him.

He glowered at her. “Mr. Cross and I both saw him attempt to kiss you.”

Her cheeks filled with heat. “Then you must have seen that I didn’t let him.” She bit her lip. Uncertain of what was happening to her.

“I am curious to know why you didn’t.”

She shrugged. She wasn’t ready to articulate her feelings about Carl. “I am supposed to marry another man. One you have chosen for me.”

“I know you better than you think though, Rose. I would never choose a man you didn’t like.”

Her head dropped into her hand. “That is the problem, Papa. You chose him. Not me. Can’t you see that this is the most important decision of my life? Most women are given at least some choice.”

“Would you really choose Carl Lundberg?”

She shook her head. At this moment, she wasn’t sure. “That should be for me to decide.”

“Well, rest easy, His Grace would like to meet you and he will only proceed if you also agree to the match. So you will have your choice after all.”

Surprise lit her face. “When did this happen?”

Her father cleared his throat. “I can see that you feel differently about Lundberg today. If I had told you yesterday, you would have automatically said you wouldn’t marry His Grace.”

Rose shook her head. He had a point. She was terribly stubborn when she set her mind to something.

***

Rose sat at dinner with her father. She didn’t ask why they were dining two hours later than normal. Her father usually insisted on keeping to a schedule. So instead of a meal with the evening sun pouring into the room they sat in semi darkness waiting for Mr. Cross to join them.

Only a few candles were lit, casting unusual shadows about the room. Her father was abnormally quiet and after making a few attempts to chat, Rose fell into her own thoughts. Carl’s face rose up into her mind. A small frown creased her brow.

There was something unusual in her interaction with Carl today. There was meaning behind his words that she couldn’t quite grasp. There had been something dangerous about him too. She didn’t understand it yet, it was a feeling.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Mr. Cross entered the dining room. Both Rose and her father stood to greet their guest. Rose’s heart skipped a beat as her gaze found his. He was even broader and more handsome than she remembered. His powerful thighs carried him across the room.  Heat filled her cheeks as she watched the shadowy light play across his handsome features, though his face was still shadowed.

She was suddenly thankful for the low light of the candles. It hid her embarrassment. Her father was at the head of the table and Rose sat to his left. He took the chair to her father’s right.

Her father cleared his throat. “Good evening, Mr. Cross.”

“Lord Wentworth.” Mr. Cross’s voice was low but had a pleasant smoothness like toffee or caramel. “Lady Rose.”

“Mr. Cross.” She gave a small curtsey then they took their seats.

He was turned towards her father and Rose studied his profile. He may have been the most handsome man she had ever seen.  Full lips and a strong jaw set off his dark, sparkling eyes. He sat straight and tall in his chair. There was something about the set of his shoulders that made him seem powerful. It flitted across her mind that she would like to feel his arms around her. Her cheeks filled with heat again.

She closed her eyes and tried to picture Carl. What was it about him that had drawn her in? He was tall and fair. He was a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars. She fancied him a hero. Like the ones she daydreamed about. He laughed a lot. He told her she was beautiful. Did he make her feel like this? She frowned slightly. How had it felt to have his arms around her? It hadn’t felt like anything at all.

“Rose?” Her father’s voice penetrated her thoughts.

“Hmm?” She focused on her father.

“I asked you to tell Mr. Cross about your pianoforte skills.” His voice held a note of irritation.

She turned to Mr. Cross and he looked at her. A strange shadow fell across the other side of his face only when the light flickered, the shadow didn’t move. It was strange to say the least. “Pianoforte skills are best demonstrated and not explained, I would think.”

He gave her an amused smile. “I agree.” It made him even more handsome and she felt herself blushing again.

“Perhaps I could play for you after dinner?” She looked down at her plate. His eyes were making her stomach do funny flip flops.

“I would like that.” His deep voice washed over her.

She gave a single nod and then her father asked Mr. Cross about the Napoleonic Wars. She tried not to sigh. It was going to be a long evening of men talking.

Mr. Cross shook his head. “They are a necessary evil but it is difficult to watch good men fight and die.”

Rose’s head snapped up. “You were there?” the question popped out before she could stop it.

“Yes, I was not formally enlisted but I was employed by the Prince Regent for some special assignments.” He frowned and Rose saw the strange shadow on the side of his face again.

“Was it exciting?” She leaned forward. Carl had made it sound like he was constantly fending off French soldiers and saving damsels in distress.

A frown deepened the lines of his face. “That isn’t exactly the word I would use. Much of it is downright dull, or cold, or terrible. When it isn’t any of those, it is terrifying. It is our duty, of course. But I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Rose’s head tilted to the side as she studied his profile and his words. It wasn’t what she expected. Her fantasy of soldiers had always been dashing and heroic. Carl had affirmed those beliefs.

She ate the rest of her meal in relative silence, while her father and Mr. Cross talked. At the end of the dinner, they retired to the library.

A few candles flickered, casting a romantic glow around the room, though there were significantly less than normal. It was curious to say the least, as was the fact that she had only managed to see Mr. Cross’ profile. At no point had he shown her his full face.

The men each had a scotch while Rose sat at the pianoforte. Normally she would have retired, being the only female, but tonight she had been invited. She stroked a few keys, warming up her hands. Mr. Cross came over and sat next to her on her right. A warm tingling sensation spread through her body at his nearness. She glanced quickly at his profile. His brown hair curled softly around his ear and Rose resisted the urge to reach out and touch it.

She trained her gaze back on the keys. “Would you like me to turn the pages for you?” His voice danced over her nerves.

“Yes, please,” she said even though she didn’t need him to. She picked a piece of music, a piano sonata by Pleyel. She loved this score and had played it a thousand times. When she wasn’t at the river, she could often be found at the pianoforte. It was how she had coped with her mother’s death.

She began the opening notes and lost herself in the music. It soothed her soul and cleared her mind. Her fingers flew over the keys as emotion poured out of her body.

She almost missed a key the first time that Mr. Cross leaned over to turn the page. Rose caught his scent, strong and clean. It sent a shiver down her spine. The next time he turned the page, his arm touched hers. Its hardness was in stark contrast to the softness of her own body.

She wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers down the muscles of his arm. She glanced quickly at him, her cheeks filling with heat. His gaze caught and held hers despite him not looking directly at her. He still kept his face partially turned away.

There was an intensity in his eyes, she had seen it in other men before but she had never understood it until this moment. It reverberated through her to her very core and she echoed the emotion back to him. She hit a wrong key and, out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father glance over at them.

She quickly looked back down at the keys. What was happening to her? She tried in that moment to remember Carl’s face but she couldn’t. She could only see Mr. Cross. The heat of his chocolate brown eyes, penetrating to her very soul.

Completing the concerto, she moved into a soft and light number. It was not the next song in her play book and Mr. Cross started to get up, his job done. She bit her lip for a second and then whispered, “Wait.”

He sat back down and, for the first time, turned his face toward her. She could clearly see that what she thought was a shadow earlier was actually a scar. It was deep and puckered and it cut across his face from the edge of his mouth to almost his ear.  The skin was jagged and angry still and it marred what would have been the strong line of his cheek bone. Her fingers stumbled for just a second but she willed them to keep playing and the mistake was almost indiscernible.

No wonder he had kept half his face hidden from her. She trembled, despite the heat of his body and she returned her gaze back to the keys. She took several deep breaths then she looked back into his eyes. Rose had the strangest urge to run her fingers along it and soothe the damaged skin. He must have been a perfect specimen of a man prior to the injury. She wondered how people reacted to him now. Judging by his need to hide his face, they often did not respond well. It surprised her how little she cared.

“What is it Lady Rose?” He turned the page of her play book even though she was not performing the song.

Rose snapped back to the present. She had called him back to ask him a question, not to ogle his looks. “I…I… wanted to ask you what you meant earlier. I hope it isn’t terribly rude but you said war was terrible.  All the soldiers I am acquainted with speak as though they…” she didn’t quite know how to finish.

“Were great heroes. And war is wonderful.” He finished for her.

“Yes.” She bit her lip as she played.

“You have experienced death.” He raised his eyebrows and Rose started. She had only been thinking of the soldier who won not the one who lost.

“Oh…I…” Death was a terrible thing. How could it not occur to her that for one man to be victorious another must die?

“I would always protect my country, protect my family. But I would never enjoy taking someone’s life. That person also has a family and people who love him.”

Rose bent her head in shame. “Thank you for answering,” she whispered.

Leaning closer to her, he turned another page. His fingertips gently brushed the small of her back. His lips moved close to her ear. “Don’t be upset. I went to war with grand illusions myself at one and twenty. It is normal. But men who do not leave wiser are either fools or liars.”

It felt as though he had read her thoughts concerning Carl. She turned to look at him. His lips, which had been at her ear, were now but a millimeter from her own mouth. Their eyes locked and Rose felt as though she could hardly take in air. Her eyes fluttered open and closed. She tilted her head back a little further so their lips were a breath apart. She wasn’t even aware she had stopped playing.

“Keep playing,” his husky voice jarred her back to reality. She could feel his breath fanning across her face.

“Oh,” she uttered as her fingers struck up the notes again. She ripped her gaze from his. Her cheeks filled with heat. She had never wanted a man’s lips on hers like this before.

“Rose is a very accomplished player normally,” her father called from the other side of the room.

“It is obvious that she is,” Mr. Cross returned. His breath tickled her cheek. Rose felt herself flush and she wondered what could possibly be wrong with her?

She had fallen for a man before. But she was in love with Carl, wasn’t she? So why wasn’t she immune to other men? What if she married and felt this way about every handsome man she met?

Dread filled Rose. She wondered if she should never marry. Was her father right? Would she continue to fall in love with every handsome man that passed her by?

Her breathing was strained as she felt the color drain from her face. She looked over at Mr. Cross, bewildered.

Their eyes met and the color returned to her cheeks in a rush. He looked mildly surprised but his hand gently squeezed her upper arm. “It’s all right. Play another song.”

Her fingers struck the beginning notes of some song, though she had no idea what it was.

His breath continued to tickle the hair by her ear as his arm pressed against hers. Rose licked her parched lips. “I…I…”

“This afternoon you told me I couldn’t ask you anymore questions because I hadn’t shared anything about myself. Now that I have answered some of your questions, is it my turn again?”

Another wrong note jangled out of the pianoforte. “I completely forgot that I… yes, of course, you may ask.”

“Your Mr. Lundberg. Was he in the war?”

“Yes, he was.”

“And how does he describe being a soldier?” His voice was a whisper and his lips were so close to her ear, she could almost feel them.

“He describes it like the story of a hero. He is a hero. He has told me―“

“Does he have any metals?” His voice had a slight edge.

“I don’t know. I haven’t seen any.” She bit her lip.

“Ask him the next time you see him.” Mr. Cross stood and left the bench. Rose had a vague feeling of emptiness and loss now that he was gone.

***

Alex moved to the other side of the room. He needed some distance from Rose. She was as lovely in candlelight as she was in sunlight. He closed his eyes for a brief second. It had taken everything he had to not place his lips on hers. They had been so close. Her breath smelled like honey and a light floral scent surrounded her.

She had wanted him to kiss her too. He could tell. What was more, she seemed utterly shocked by her own reaction. He didn’t know her well enough to understand if she often reacted this way toward men or if this was new. Both Rose and her father had mentioned that she fell in and out of love.

Was she surprised to be attracted to him because of his scar? Many women pretended to not be offended by it. But they gave themselves away in those moments of closeness. They frowned or they shivered or shrank away.

Rose hadn’t done any of those things despite her surprise. Could it be that he had found a woman who was both beautiful and not afraid of the mark on his face? It must be a mistake.

“I do not know what has gotten into her this evening.” Lord Wentworth frowned towards his daughter, still playing.

“I flustered her with a few of my questions.” Alex sat next to the Earl.

“That is surprising. Very little usually flusters her.”

“She is lovely. Everything you said is true. Smart, articulate and thoughtful, she is a treasure.”

“Thank you. She needs a husband who can tame her waywardness, but don’t we all have flaws?”

Alex looked back at Rose. She swayed gracefully as she now flawlessly played the pianoforte. The music flowed over him. If Rose had a flaw, he couldn’t see it.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER THREE

Rose, once again, sat by the river. She had ridden early this morning, caught up on correspondence, created baskets for families who had recently had children on the estate, and aided in the polishing of silverware. No amount of work had cleared her head.

Now she sat pondering the bubbling blue water. It would not be much longer before it turned cold and grey. Another summer would pass. She seemed no closer to understanding her heart though. Was it only yesterday that she thought she knew what she was about?

A noise behind her made her jump. Rose turned her head to see Carl peeking around a tree to not be seen by her guards.

Didn’t he have a job? Had he nothing to do besides pester her? She caught herself. The man she loved shouldn’t be a bother, but her father and Mr. Cross were hard at work running the estate. What was it that Carl did?

“My love, come closer,” he called in a loud whisper.

“I can’t. My guards will see,” she called back.

“Rose, this is getting ridiculous. We are in love. We are getting married. I shouldn’t have to sneak around like this. Come over here and leave with me now.” Irritation laced his voice and his face scrunched up in annoyance.

Rose hesitated. Had Carl always been this impatient? She had tried running away like this once before. It hadn’t worked and it had only served to irritate her father. Mr. Cross would also be here to witness it. Would he think her an errant child for trying to run away and shirk her responsibilities?

“I can’t. My guards are just over there. They will surely catch us. We must wait till the moment is right.” She bit her lip. She knew it was a lie as soon as it passed her lips. She no longer felt the same urgency to be Carl’s wife. She needed more time to sort out her feelings.

He huffed a breath. “We have waited long enough. I have waited long enough. I’m not sure you’re even worth―“

She stood abruptly and turned towards her guards. Any feelings that had remained for Carl were dampened by his words. “Then find someone else.” She stomped two paces towards her guards who now looked over at her movement.

“Wait. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I am impatient to make you my own. To be with you every day. Have you thought about what I said yesterday?”

His voice halted her movements. The feeling of dread returned, deep in her stomach. “How could I think about it when I have no idea what you could possibly mean?”

“I simply meant there is another solution besides running away if that should fail us.” He moved a little closer. “War has taught me many things and I could…”

Rose’s utter confusion was interrupted by another voice, deep and rich like honey. “Lady Rose need hear no more about what you learned during the war.” Mr. Cross stood on her right, close enough to touch. His chocolate brown hair had glints of gold in the sun. His broad shoulders looked powerful enough to protect her from anything and she had a sudden impulse to hide behind him. It seemed silly that she would want to hide from Carl. She was supposed to love him.

“Who are you?” Carl stepped out from the woods. Rose’s frown deepened. He was much thinner than Alex and how had she never noticed how nasally his voice was?

“I am a friend of the family. And you, sir?” Mr. Cross folded his hands over his muscular chest.

“I am Rose’s chosen fiancé.” Carl’s fists clenched at his side.

“If you are joining the peerage than you should know that you always refer to her as Lady Rose in a setting such as this.”

Carl’s face turned purple in anger and Rose took a half step towards Mr. Cross. He turned slightly to look at her with a warm and reassuring glance.

“What happened to your face?” Carl’s voice grated over her senses.

“A French rebel sliced me with his blade.” Mr. Cross held out his elbow to Rose who slipped her hand into it. He pulled her in closer to his body and a warmth spread through her. It was both comforting and exciting all in the same touch.

“Take your hands off of her.” Carl took two steps closer and Rose shrank closer to Alex.

“Her father requires her presence and has asked me to deliver her. I am afraid you have no right to demand I not escort her.”

Spluttering, Carl moved directly in front of them. The veins in his temple popped out in his rage. Where was the smiling laughing man she had known just days ago? His face was only inches from Alex’s when he yelled. “How dare you tell me I don’t have the right―“

“Carl, please stop,” Rose cried. She did not know this man at all nor did she like him very much.

“Don’t tell me what to do. Never tell me what do.” His face moved directly in front of hers and Rose trembled. Her father never acted this way in anger and she detested it.

In one motion, keeping her tucked against his body, Alex sent Carl spinning away. He turned them abruptly and began walking her toward the house. She heard Carl get up and rush toward them but Alex was ready. He released her hand, swung back around and grabbed the fist Carl was swinging at the back of Alex’s head.

Clenching Carl’s fist in his much larger hand, Alex stopped the punch dead. Carl grabbed at Alex’s forearm to try and get the stronger man to release him. Alex only squeezed harder. His voice was calm as ever. “I must insist that we not fight in front of Lady Rose. If you wish to continue this confrontation, we can do it when there is not a lady present.”

Rose blinked several times. All of Carl’s bluster and anger had been deftly contained by Alex Cross. In every way he seemed stronger, more powerful and, yet, in control. “My father must be worried. Let us return, Mr. Cross.”

“Of course.” Alex gave Carl another small shove as he released him. The guards now hovered on either side of her. Alex turned to the two men. “I will escort the lady. Please see that Mr. Lundberg is seen off the property.”

Without a word, the men stepped to either side of Carl. Rose’s eyebrows rose toward her hairline. “Normally, they only take direction from my father.” She wanted to add that she was never left alone with a man. Why had the guards permitted it?

“Your father considers me a close personal friend. I am sure he gave them instructions to follow any orders I gave.”

“If you are such good friends, why have I not met you before?”

He chuckled and held out his elbow again. She threaded her arm back through his. He tucked her close to his side as they slowly walked back towards the house. “I think I will leave your father to answer that question, in favor of asking one of my own. Do you still hope to marry that man?”

Rose hesitated. “You have deflected my question. If you want me to answer you must share something else about yourself.”

“Very well. Ask away.”

“Did you really receive the scar from a French spy?”

“Yes. He was spying for France and I was employed for the same endeavor but for England. When we realized each other’s identities, it came down to a confrontation.”

“Is the other man still alive?” Rose held her breath.

“I’m afraid not.” His face spasmed for a moment and she could tell it pained him to admit. She bit her lip. Her war hero fantasy was coming unraveled. So was her affection for Carl. The man in front of her, however, was a real hero. Not only in battle but for her personally. He had acted like a true defender of women today. It had never occurred to her that a hero wouldn’t like killing but the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. If he could love deeply, then of course he would feel some remorse for taking life.

Rose gave herself a shake. She couldn’t have feelings for Mr. Cross. She was marrying the duke and Mr. Cross was her father’s associate. Her heart was the most ninny-headed fickle thing on this green earth.

“Are you married, Mr. Cross?” The question popped out before she thought it through and she blushed at how forward it was.

He let out a small chuckle. “I am not. Though, I hope to be soon.”

Rose now forgot about decorum and indulged her curiosity. “Are you engaged? Is there someone special?”

He paused, taking a deep breath. “A marriage is being arranged. I think she is wonderfully special but I can only hope she will find me, and my scars, tolerable.”

“Mr. Cross, I find it unlikely that she will only find you tolerable! You are very handsome and strong and…” The words died on her lips as a blush travelled up her cheeks to her hairline.

“Please Rose, continue. It has been a while since anyone has said those things about me and I can’t ever remember hearing them from a woman as beautiful as you.”

“Th-that can’t be true.” She stuttered then took a deep breath. He had aided her in a rather tenuous situation and she wanted to help him now. It was important she tell the truth. “Your scar does very little to diminish your looks. If I were honest, it may even enhance them. It makes you look like the dashing hero you are.” The blush, that had just started to recede, rose again and she looked at her feet to hide it.

He stopped walking. “Rose, your words are a balm to a wound that has festered for a long time.” She peeked through her lashes to see the pain on his face that marked the truth of his words. “I do not refer to the cut on my face but rather the one to my ego that happens every time a woman looks at me with horror.”

She did what she had wanted to do yesterday. She reached up and gently touched her fingertip to the end of the scar closest to his mouth. He winced and Rose softly asked, “Did I hurt you?”

“No, it is only inside that it hurts.”

Her face mirrored the pain he must feel as she gently ran her finger along its length and then started back again. “If I could erase it for you, I would. But truly, it is a testament to the man you are and anyone who cannot see that is blind.”

Her finger reached the corner of his mouth again. He turned slightly and place a soft kiss on the pad of the finger that had soothed the wound. A tingling sensation shot from her finger straight to her core and she caught her breath, inhaling sharply. She leaned closer to him, wanting more but unsure what that was.

He cleared his throat and turned back towards the house. “We must return you to your father before he worries.”

Disappointment coursed through her but she nodded her head and began walking in step with him. She tried to make conversation but words failed her. She turned to look at him several times but his face was an unreadable mask.

They walked through the front doors and her father stood waiting for her. He smiled when he saw them together but then a small frown touched his lips. Rose bit hers. She knew she looked troubled and Mr. Cross’s face looked like it had been carved out of granite, it was so rigid.

Her father cleared his throat. “I was hoping to speak with you about this evening.”

“What is this evening?” she asked completely perplexed.

“Honestly Rose, are you feeling well? It is the local dance that the ladies’ club is putting on. You talked about it all last week.”

Her lips formed an O. She could not believe she had forgotten. After the scene she had just had with Carl, it was the last place she wanted to go. “Perhaps I am not feeling well. Mayhap we should stay home.”

Her father’s eyes narrowed. Suspicion marked his brow. He no doubt thought she had concocted some scheme to meet Carl and that was why she said she didn’t want to go. “You are fine. Go rest now and then get ready. I expect you to be on your best behavior this evening.”

“Yes, Papa.” She itched to tell him that he was treating her like a child. In front of Mr. Cross, no less. But perhaps her antics lately had earned her his distrust. Instead of stamping like a child, she slowly unlaced her hand from Mr. Cross’s arm. “Thank you for walking me back to the house. Our conversation was both enlightening and enjoyable.”

She didn’t wait for his response as she turned and headed up the stairs.

Alex watched her go and swallowed the lump in is throat. Her hips swayed gently with each step she took. Blond hair cascaded down her back, pulled into a loose coif. It didn’t hide her slender shoulders or tiny waist. Though he couldn’t see it now, he pictured her face in his mind. Every detail was perfection. From her luminous blue eyes to her pert little nose right down to her soft, full, pale pink lips. So delicate. He could feel her burrowing into him as Lundberg had yelled today. It called to something deep inside of him. Her leaning on him for protection.

He gritted his teeth. His feelings were not part of the plan. He needed to remain objective about Rose. He had been tricked by a woman before into thinking he didn’t care about his scar. He couldn’t make that mistake again. It would destroy him.

“What happened?” The Earl’s voice jarred him out of his thoughts.

“Lundberg tried to steal her away again.”

“Confound that man and Rose for letting him into our lives.”

“She has this notion about soldiers being heroes. I think she thought Lundberg would save her.” Alex kept his voice quiet and tried to leave judgement out. While Rose shouldn’t have tried to run from her responsibilities, he thought the Earl was partially to blame. He treated her like a child still instead of giving her the freedom to make choices or take part in the decisions of her life.

“Save her from her father? I love her. I would never choose unwisely for her.”

“Save her from a situation she had no control over. She wants some small measure of choice.” Alex crossed his arms over his chest. The Earl didn’t have to like his words but he wouldn’t back down from them.

“You seem to know a great deal about my daughter for having known her a day.” A note of resentment filled the last statement.

“I simply speak of human nature. At twenty years old, she is not a child. She will resent being treated like one.”

“Your stature does not entitle you―“

“Please, I mean no offense. Today, she let Lundberg go. I would guess for good. I think that is the reason she doesn’t want to go the dance tonight. She doesn’t want to see him. Instead of asking her, you told her what to do, and then sent her for a nap.”

Lord Wentworth crossed his own arms over his chest. “Rose looks like a lamb to you now but she can be incredibly defiant. Tread carefully. You are entering into dangerous waters.”

“For many reasons, I believe you are absolutely right.”

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER FOUR

Rose checked her reflection in the mirror. The soft blue of her dress brought out the color of her eyes. Her corset was tightly laced, and her waist looked no bigger than her hand. Her bosom plumped nicely and her hips flared out. Her hair was elaborately done up with ribbons wound through the coif.

A flutter of anticipation danced in her stomach. She looked at the fingertip where Mr. Cross has placed a kiss. Alex. She tried the name out on her tongue. It sounded sweet. He had called her Rose and he had kissed her finger. Why? Did he feel the same pull towards her that she felt for him?

Closing her eyes, she pressed her fingers to her cheeks. She had to stop thinking this way. She was supposed to be marrying another man. Her fingers slipped back off of her cheeks. Her father hadn’t mentioned meeting her intended in days.

It was all they had talked about for weeks. Suddenly nothing. Was he afraid to meet her because of his scars?  Her hands fluttered back to her cheeks. Did His Grace feel same about his deformities as Mr. Cross? While she had heard that the duke’s scarring was very extensive, she had told Alex today that his scars didn’t matter to her and the people who judged him were fools. Perhaps she had been foolish as well. She had judged the duke before even having met him.

In her defense, to hear it told, the duke was hideous. Hunchbacked with a mangled face. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought but then she pushed it aside. Alex had faced that same judgement. Perhaps his scarring was far less severe but she saw the pain other people had caused him.

She would try to meet His Grace without judgement but she doubted he would inspire in her the same feelings that Alex had. Deep down it wasn’t the scars that bothered her as much as the fact that she had no control over the situation.

She checked her reflection one last time and then made her way to the stairs. She paused at the top of the curved stairwell. Both men stood waiting for her in almost the same spot she had left them in that afternoon.

Her father was still a tall and handsome man. She sighed a little to see him. Why hadn’t he remarried? It might do them both good if he had someone else to focus on besides her. What would he do when she married?

Her gaze turned to Alex. He looked terribly handsome in his formal attire. It was perfectly cut to suit him, with not a stitch out of place. He looked like aristocracy. He was perfection and the butterflies in her stomach fluttered to see him so.

Her eyes focused on her father again. She would have to ask him when Alex was leaving. She would not fall in love again and he was clearly distracting her. “Good evening,” she murmured as she reached the bottom step.

Both men nodded, but neither spoke. They did not look at each other and they stood a fair distance apart. Rose raised her eyebrows. The two men had seemed very fond of each other only this afternoon. What had happened? Rose, of course, knew better than to ask. So instead, she turned and headed for the waiting carriage.

The somber mood continued on the ride to the hall. Her father sat next to her and said very little.

Growing tired of the silence, she attempted conversation, “It was a beautiful day today.”

“Yes,” Alex replied without elaborating.

“It will be getting cold and rainy before we know it. We must enjoy these days while we still can,” she added, hoping to spark some exchange.

“Yes,” her father agreed.

“How has the harvest been?” Rose tried a third time.

“Good,” he said with no feeling.

She looked up to see Alex studying her intently. His warm brown eyes were sharp with intensity. She flushed a little at his gaze and sat back further in her seat. She had only wanted to fill the silence. She didn’t want to get into an intimate conversation with Mr. Cross. She would have sighed, if it wouldn’t have been so obvious in the carriage. Now, she had to avoid two men at this dance. She could not afford to let her feelings run away with her again and Alex Cross could certainly cause trouble for her.

The carriage rolled up to the front doors. It was a simple building within the village but it was meant for such functions. Her father was the most titled man in the area, though Baron Fairfield lived nearby with his sons.  There would be a few town officials, soldiers, and village residents in attendance. She had been excited because it was one of the few times she would be allowed to see Carl.

But Carl did not hold the same appeal after today. His temper frightened her and he had hinted that he cared less about her than he initially let on. He seemed irritated with her rather than excited to begin a future together.

She realized she hadn’t properly thanked Alex for his help today. Carl had physically confronted them and Alex had kept her safe. Her eyes drifted to him again. He was still looking at her. She couldn’t thank him now. Her father would hear. She knew that Alex hadn’t told her father what had happened. If Alex had, she would not have heard the end of it from her father.

The door snapped open and Mr. Cross stepped out, followed by her father. Rose paused. Her father should have gone first. He was the most titled man. Neither man seemed to notice the gaff which was even stranger. Mr. Cross dressed and acted like a man well versed in aristocracy.

Rose stepped into the doorway and her father handed her out of the carriage. Alex stepped to her other side. At one time, it might have felt stifling to have them on either side of her but today it was comforting.

As they made their way into the doors, a crush of people moved with them. Rose searched for Carl but didn’t see him, which was a relief but then she winced to herself. She would have to face him at some point this evening. This was the part of falling in love that was terribly painful. In addition to being one of the reasons she had to stop allowing herself to act like a wayward child. No more falling in love with every handsome man that passed. It was time she became a person of substance.

Just ahead of her a mother and daughter walked together. Rose caught a snippet of their conversation, “What should I do mother? I don’t know if love him or not.”

“Dear, if you don’t know then wait. The answer will come to you.”

Rose shuddered at the words. How different would her life be if she had her mother still? She was ten when her mother passed.

“Are you cold?” Alex’s warm voice whispered over her ear.

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.” She straightened her shoulders, trying to shake off her melancholy.

His fingers brushed the small of her back. Rose sucked in her breath and turned to look at him. Sympathy filled his gaze but under that was a heat that Rose’s body responded to.

They found an open spot on the edge of the dance floor. Baron Fairfield and his youngest son, Nickolas, quickly joined them.

Rose tilted her head as she looked at Nick. He was handsome enough and his brother Graham, just a few years older was devastating. Why had she never been infatuated with any of them? They were men of her station.

She shook off her thoughts as Nickolas asked her to dance. She eagerly accepted and headed to the dance floor. Nick was an easy and gracious dancer. While he glided her effortlessly over the floor, he didn’t make her heart skip a beat.

She glanced back at the man who did. He was surrounded by a ring of men, all who seemed to be listening to him speak. Even other men seemed to find him irresistible. There was something Rose was missing but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was.

She did not see Carl in the crowd and she began to relax and enjoy herself as one man after the other spun her around on the floor. Alex did not ask her to dance and she was alternately relieved and disappointed. Part of her longed to be closer to him while another part knew it was a terrible idea.

He mostly stuck to the shadows. Important men of the ton were always near him but he hardly moved.

As the dance began to thin and Rose’s feet hurt from the dancing, she moved towards her father in the crowd. She was escorted by Nick who had asked for a second dance. He was a shy but handsome young man. Rose didn’t think he had any real intentions towards her, but the families had known one another for a long time.

Suddenly Carl was next to her. He grabbed her arm in an unyielding grasp. “Having fun?”

Rose recoiled from his touch. She could smell spirits on his breath. Nick was between them in an instant. “I must ask you to take your hand off―“

“Don’t you tell me what― You!“ Carl’s angry voice snarled.

A hand was at her waist in an instant. She turned to see Alex next to her. “Me. Nice to see you again, Mr. Lundberg.”

“I need to speak to Lady Rose alone.” Carl’s face was set in rigid angry lines.

“That isn’t going to happen.” Alex drew himself up.

“It’s quite all right, Mr. Cross. Mr. Lundberg and I will just step over here to talk.” Her hand rested for a moment on Alex’s chest. She wanted to tell him, without words, that she was ready for this and that she would do the right thing. Though she was exceedingly glad to know he was here if she needed him. Though she had only know Alex a short time, she felt safer with him than anyone else.

She walked ten feet from Alex, enough that she and Carl could speak privately but Alex was still close by and in plain view.

“Why are you dancing with other men?” His face was close to hers and she wanted to recoil at the smell of his breath and the sight of the rigid angry lines of his face. How could she have ever thought she loved this man?

“It’s a dance. Why are you two hours late?”

“I was thinking about our current situation and our future. Are we getting married, Rose?” His hand grasped tightly around her elbow again and she took a half step back.

“I…I’m,” she took a deep breath. “No, I will marry as my father wishes.”

He leaned his face very close to hers. “What if I got rid of your father for good? Would you marry me then?”

Rose wanted to vomit as his words shattered any shred of feelings she had for him. This was her beloved parent. Her rock in this world even though he drove her mad sometimes. Any dream of heroic soldiers also shattered. This man was a cold-hearted snake. “I would never…”

“You will. You made a promise to me and I have banked my future on you. One way or another…“

Rose glanced desperately at Alex. He was only a few feet away now. He must have sensed her need to get away from Carl even before she could call to him for help.  In an instant, he was at her side. Nick followed close behind.

“You’re done,” Alex growled out.

“I’m far from done,” Carl snarled back.

“You’re a fool who doesn’t understand the first thing about love.”

“Rose will be mine. Neither you nor her father will stop me. Rose has promised herself to me and all that she has, will be mine.” With that, Carl released her arm and stomped out of the dance hall.

Closing her eyes, Rose took a deep breath. His words sent a chill down her spine. Alex’s hand reached out and gently grasped her arm. “Worry not, we won’t allow him to touch you. That I can promise.”

“I will lend you any assistance you need Your―“ Nick started but Alex held up his hand.

Rose cocked her head at his words but then something else caught her attention. Annabelle White stood looking at Alex with a mixture of fear and loathing plastered on her face as she openly stared at his scar. Alex caught sight of her and his own look went from soft to pained.

Rose wanted to stamp her foot at that silly girl and tell her to go bother someone else. Annabelle had always been a foolish, silly girl. Then she wanted to kiss Alex’s scar away. Impossible, she knew.

“Miss White, a pleasure to see you again, have you met our dear friend, Mr. Cross?” While her words were polite, Rose’s tone held her contempt.

“Oh… no…. quite all right. A pleasure. If you’ll excuse me.” And Annabelle disappeared into the crowd.

The pained expression on Alex’s face did not diminish and Rose, not knowing how else to comfort him, reached out and squeezed his hand. It was bold, indeed, for such a public setting but his suffering pulled at her heartstrings and she doubted anyone would notice, except for Nick, who was unlikely to gossip about her.

Alex gave her a small smile. “It’s growing late. Let’s find your father.”

Giving a single nod, she said her farewell to Nick and then placed her gloved hand in the crook of his arm. He said little and she allowed him time with his own thoughts. She sensed that he was a man who liked silence when he was thinking, much like her father.

The crowd had thinned considerably and it was easy to find her parent. The trio soon left the hall. It was a forty-five minute carriage ride back. Tomorrow she would talk to her father and tell him about Carl’s threats and how she had decided to go forward with the duke. While she would not promise to marry him, she could at least meet him and reserve judgement until she knew what kind of man he was.

She glanced at Alex. Perhaps, her fiancé would be as welcome a surprise as Alex had been. Rose settled in, resting her head against the frame of the window. If the trip to the dance was any indicator, there would be very little conversation. She wondered again if something had happened between her father and Alex.

She smiled to herself. Her father wasn’t an easy man to get along with. He wanted everything as he wanted it with very little regard for others.

As the silence stretched out, Rose grew drowsy. She was on the verge of falling asleep when she heard the distinct sound of a snore. Sitting up, she opened her eyes. Alex gave her a wicked grin and pointed at her father. She turned her head to see him, mouth open, sound asleep next to her.

Stifling a giggle, so as not to wake him, she looked at Alex again. He motioned for her to join him on the other seat. Carefully gathering her skirts, she moved slowly off the bench. She inched her feet forward not wanting to bump or rustle anything.

Alex reached for her hand and draped the fabric of her skirt over his arm to settle her next to him on the seat. Rose’s body warmed at the gesture and her breath caught. It was the most intimate thing she had ever done with a man, allowing him to handle her clothing in such a way.  Gently setting down her skirts, his arm came around her waist and his lips came to her ear. Slowly, softly, he whispered, “I’ve wanted to tell you all night how ravishing you look.”

His breath tickled the sensitive skin along her neck and it tingled. Softly, she responded, “So do you.”

“You don’t mean that.” His breath no longer tickled her ear as he moved away from their embrace. She could have cried in frustration, his touch, this closeness was making her body hum in ways she had never experienced before. Her gloved hand met his cheek. Taking a breath, she tried to calm her nerves.  Though she had promised herself to be more responsible, this was a moment she simply couldn’t let pass. Tomorrow, she would do her duty. Craning her neck up, she placed her own lips next to his earlobe. “I meant every word and what is more, I would ask you a favor.”

“What?” he turned so that his lips were achingly close to hers.

“I can’t love you. I’ve made that mistake too many times. My father is right; I need to own up to my obligations. But I have never let a man kiss me before and I would ask that you share my first with me. I want to remember you always.” The words came out in a rush.

She heard his breath catch. “You’ve never…”

Shaking her head ever so slightly, she then pressed her lips to his. It was a hesitant gesture, she wasn’t quite sure what to do. Feeling strange, she started to move away as Alex’s arm snaked around her waist and he pulled her closer as he pressed his lips to hers again.

Over and over, his lips met hers until he slanted them open and his tongue probed lightly in her mouth. He swallowed her gasp as her hands moved from his shoulders and around his neck to pull him closer. Why had she waited so long to kiss a man? It was divine.

Her father let out another snore, longer and louder. The sound caused Alex to jerk his head away from hers but his hands remained around her waist and he tugged her easily into his lap. His lips pressed to her ear. “Tomorrow, we need to talk.”

“I told you I cannot love you and I can’t marry you. My father―“

“I am aware of every facet of your situation and tomorrow, you will be too. You should know already but my scar necessitated secrecy, or at least I tell myself it did, and for better or worse, I kept the truth from you.”

“What are you…” Her voice drifted off. His lips nuzzled her neck as delicious shivers raced up and down her spine. She closed her eyes tipping her head back.

Never had a man made her ache this way and it was too late. She had attempted to defy her father once too often and now she must do as he asked. He had been right all along when he said that she was wasting her affections on the wrong men. What Alex effortlessly made her feel was like nothing she had experienced before.

A small sob escaped her lips and she pulled away. She made to move out of his lap but he held her firm. “I won’t ask you to promise me anything, but stay in my arms a little longer, Rose.”

“I shouldn’t have been so foolish.” Regret was filling her now. Once again she had put her feelings of the moment before her duty, only this time she had truly cursed herself because now forever she would know what she had missed.

“We are all fools, Rose. Don’t worry yourself. Besides, it may all yet work itself out.” He gave her a squeeze, resting his cheek against hers. “I too will remember that kiss forever. It was a beautiful gift.”

“How can that be true? You are a handsome man of the world. And I am a silly girl who cannot control her own heart.”

“You flatter me greatly, Rose. But more than one woman has shrunk form my scars. I try not―“ Rose held a finger to his lips.

“Annabelle White is a ninny-headed piece of fluff. And so is any other girl that reacts that way. I know I said this earlier but they are fools to not see what I see and it is their loss.”

“What do you see?” his voice was quiet, almost desperate.

“I see a man who is handsome, strong, and brave, who is not afraid to fight but has the compassion to avoid it whenever possible. You’re the finest I have ever met.”

“Rose,” he sounded pained. “I can’t begin to explain how I’ve longed to hear those words.”

“I speak but the truth.”

“But I do not. I haven’t told you the whole truth.”

“About your scar.” Her fingers reached up to trace it.

He shook his head. “About myself. Your father said that you were resistant to marriage and I had been engaged once before. It ended badly. I wanted to meet you first and see if you were repulsed by my scar.”

Rose looked at him in confusion for the span of a second before all his words sank in. Then it came into sharp focus. She had been a fool. He was the duke she was promised to. Her stomach sank to the floor of the carriage. Had he been laughing at her this whole time? “Oh,” was all she could utter. Unwinding her arm from around his shoulders, she gathered the folds of her dress and attempted to extract herself from his lap with as much dignity as she could muster. Not that there was much hope for that. He had lied to her about his identity. Was his name even Alex?

Bile rose in her throat as she tried to untangle her legs from his. His arms tightened. “Rose, please give me a chance to fully explain tomorrow. I know your father told you that I want you to have the right to refuse me and I stand by that, but give me a chance to explain everything before you reject me.”

She gave a single nod, she didn’t trust herself to speak. Part of her wanted to slap his face for lying while the other wanted to bury her head in his shoulder and cry because once again she had been proven a foolish girl. When would she ever see a situation for what it was and act in a way that didn’t make her look the fool.

She always appeared a silly girl. Whether her father was buying off her suitors or threatening her family or, like Alex, lying to her about their identity, never did Rose get it right.

Straightening her spine, she tried to get up once again. An ache was forming in her chest and she was afraid she might cry if she didn’t gain a little space. “Please stay,” he pleaded.

“I can’t,” she choked out.

“Don’t cry, Rose. Please don’t cry. I never wanted to cause you pain.”

“Is your name even Alex?” she whispered turning her face up to his despite the tears shimmering in her eyes.

“Of course.” His hand came to stroke her cheek, his fingertips caressing the skin.

Her hand covered his, holding his fingers still. Rose was aching inside but she wouldn’t allow a gesture of comfort distract her. “Did you discover what you hoped to with your deceit?”

He hesitated. “I have discovered that you are not repulsed by my scar and that means a great deal. I have been hurt before and I needed to know that you could see past the flesh.”

A moment of relief swept through her before she realized he hadn’t really answered the question. “You didn’t say yes. What is it you didn’t learn about me that you hoped to?”

“Rose,” he started.

“Yes, Alex,” she asked lifting her eyebrows.

“You yourself said that your heart has been fickle, that you fall in and out of love. I only want to know if―“

Her inhale of breath stopped his words. That twisted knots in her stomach even more than his lie. Deep down, she could forgive his wounded heart for protecting itself, though she had looked the fool. But his lack of trust, while deserved, made her ache. She slipped her fingers from his and gathered up the layers of her dress. Scooting off his lap, she plopped in the seat next to him, leaving space between their bodies. She might deeply regret this in the morning. When didn’t she regret her own actions? But her wounded pride demanded that she strike back.

“Say something,” he pleaded.

“I wish you luck in your search for a wife.”

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER FIVE

Alex stared at her for a full five seconds. A tear slipped down her cheek as she stared straight ahead. It briefly crossed his mind, that as a duke, it should be easy to find a wife. And yet, he managed to muck it up every damn time. “Hells bells,” he muttered.

“What?” She looked over at him then.

He ran his fingers through his hair. He had to choose his next words far more carefully then he had the last several idiotic sentences he had stumbled through. “Thank you, for your wish of luck. Being as addle-brained as I am, I need all the help I can get.”

She stared at him before a small smile cracked her lips. He reached up and brushed the tears away. “You’re welcome,” she breathed, her eyes wide. She looked beautiful like that, in the moonlight.

“Can we please start anew? When I arrived, I was lying and you were in love with another man. I am not asking you to be my wife, but simply to let me court you in a more traditional manner.”

She nibbled on her lip, uncertainty filling her eyes. It was the most adorably intoxicating gesture he had ever seen a woman make. Desire coursed through him, and it took all his self-control to not pull her body against his and ravage those lips with his again.

Her initial kiss had been so tentative but she had turned molten under his lips, much like the woman herself. She was a delicious concoction of innocence and passion.

“I need to think. Rash decisions have long been my weak point.” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Hope filled his chest. In part because she hadn’t closed the door but also because his fear with Rose was that she would not keep her attention on a family, should he marry her. The fact that she was thinking this through meant she was acting more maturely. Then again, he didn’t know if it mattered. His heart was nearly immovable and she was steadily claiming it for her own.

She sat looking pensively out the window, looking lovely in the moonlight. Everything in him wanted to reach out and wrap his arms around her again and pull her close. He resisted. Rose needed space and he had to respect that.

“What makes me angriest, is that I have been honest with you about all of my flaws. I have told you who and what I am.” She continued to look out the window, she did not turn to him as she spoke.

His insides gave a little twist. Damnation she was right. In his intent to make sure she was a suitable wife, he had likely proven himself an unsuitable husband. His physical scar, and the emotional scars it had created, was once again sabotaging his life. He sat back on the seat and covered his eyes with his hands. His body sagged. “You’re right. My sin is far greater than yours.”

He felt the gentle touch of her hand on his forearm. It was light as feather but it soothed the ache in his chest. He dropped his hands from his face and met her ocean blue eyes, so expressive, they showed an ache that matched his own.

Their start had been so troubled, he wondered if they could ever recover. He had to find a way to make that happen. Despite his fears over marrying Rose, he now couldn’t imagine having another. For a relationship to work, he would have to take the risk. “Rose―“ he started, but a noise caught his attention. It was whinny of a horse in the distance, not of the animals that pulled their carriage. “Strange that other riders are out this time of night. Lord Wentworth, do you keep weapons in the carriage?”

“Huh,” Lord Wentworth grunted out as he came awake.

“Weapons. There are other men on the road.”

“Under your seat. Rose, what are you doing over there?” Her father came more awake and gave her a sharp look.

“Rose and I were conversing. We didn’t want to disturb you.”

Her look was still frosty and Alex breathed a small sigh. He wasn’t taking all the blame for the deceit. He took Rose’s hand and deftly moved her to the other seat. As he lifted the bench top, a box of swords and pistols came into view. He handed one of each over to Lord Wentworth then chose weapons of his own.

A shout rent the air and Alex brushed aside one of the thick curtains. Two riders were gaining ground on that side of the carriage.  Crossing to the other window revealed two more riders. “Four that I can see.”

Lord Wentworth gave a grim nod as he positioned himself near the left side window. Alex moved himself to the right. Rose’s eyes now looked big as saucers.

“Rose, please crouch down between the seats.” He reached for her hand again and she obliged, scooting herself to the floor. “Don’t get up no matter what. Understand? Close your eyes and cover your ears.”

“Why?” Her voice trembled.

“There are things that can’t be unseen or unheard. Now sing to yourself. It’ll keep you from hearing.” He reached down and gave her cheek a light stroke.

He heard a soft sob emit from her balled-up form but she did as he asked and covered her ears and then began singing in her melodious voice. It added an eeriness to the interior of the carriage and Alex’s gut clenched.

Lord Wentworth met his eyes across the carriage. His voice was soft. “If something happens to me, promise you will marry Rose.”

Alex eyed the other man. He had just promised Rose time to court and sort out her feelings. But he understood the earl’s predicament. Rose would be alone in the world and while she was maturing, it was a cruel world for a woman to be alone in. He gave a single nod of agreement and said a silent prayer that nothing happened to the other man.

The hoof beats grew louder around them and Alex peeked out through the curtain to see that riders had overtaken them.

“Stop the carriage,” a loud voice growled out.

As the vehicle slowed, Alex cocked his pistol. He hated to take a life unnecessarily, but the element of surprise would greatly increase their chances, considering they were outnumbered.

“What for?” the driver yelled back.

“You’ve got something we want,” another voice chimed in.

It sounded familiar but was slurred with what Alex could only assume was spirits. He would wager his life it was Carl who was speaking. He glanced out the window again but the men had tied scarves around their faces. Alex needed no more prodding. It was time to take action.

He nodded to Rose’s father and then both pushed their pistols through the heavy curtains. He held up his fingers, one, two, three and then both men fired. Screams rent the air as smoke filled the carriage. Alex cocked his pistol back as shots splintered through the interior. The carriage shot off again, picking up speed. The driver must have avoided being shot. Alex gave a silent thank you as he pushed aside the curtain to fire again.

A single rider followed on his side and a peek out the other window showed a single rider on the other side. Alex aimed but his shot went wide in the moving carriage. Another round of ammunition hit the interior, and Alex felt the as wood splinters hit his face. He fired again but the remaining two riders had fallen back.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Alex made to relieve Rose from the floor of the carriage. It would be terribly uncomfortable at their current speed but one look at Lord Wentworth made Alex pause. The man was grey and slumped back.

“Lord Wentworth?” Alex asked as quietly as possible. Rose had stopped singing. She looked up at him but he gave a quick shake of his head to signal her to cover her eyes again.

“Call me Stanley, son.”

“Stanley, where is it?” Alex’s face pinched.

“My shoulder,” he replied hoarsely.

A quick assessment told Alex that the bullet had travelled clean through and it was high enough to not have hit his heart or lungs. There was hope at least. “Rose, get up love.” He reached his hand down and pulled her to sitting. Quickly, he crouched down next to her. “Your father is hurt. I need to rip some of your petticoats.

“What? Where?” Her hand pressed to her mouth. He wanted to soothe her but there wasn’t time. Instead, he began ripping strips from her clothing.

“In the shoulder. It’s clean but at your father’s age… I’ll do everything I can.” He moved to her father and, removing the man’s shirt, began wrapping the wound. The other man winced. Alex tried to be gentle but he wanted to stop the bleeding and shield Rose if he could. Her gasp split the silence and he knew that he’d failed.

“Papa.” Her voice trembled.

“Come here, Rose,” the Earl whispered.

Having finished the wrapping, Alex reached down both his hands to help Rose up. Since he was next to the other man, without much room to move, he simply pulled Rose into his lap. Now did not seem like the time to stand on decorum.

She grasped her father’s hand. “What is it, Papa?”

“Rose, I know you want choice but please marry His Grace. Vultures like that Lundberg fellow will crawl out of the woodwork if you are left alone.”

Rose’s vivid blue eyes stared at Alex, fear and uncertainty dancing in their depths. He wanted to tell her that he would never lie to her again. That he would give his life for hers but instead he gave her space to draw her own conclusions.

“Yes, Papa.” Her voice cracked on the second word and Alex’s hand came to her back. It slid to the curve of her waist where it rested, giving her the smallest squeeze.

The carriage pulled into the gates of the Wentworth Estate and Alex breathed a small sigh. “I’m going to set you on the other bench, my love, and then I can carry your father into the house. Once I have him in, I’ll fetch the doctor as quickly as I can.”

She had been still as a statue up to that point, but, without warning, she buried her face into his shoulder. “Thank you,” her voice wobbled out.

Wrapping his other arm around her he held her tight to his chest. “I would do anything for you.” Moving the small face, he held her and moved to gently set her on the other seat. As the carriage rolled to a stop, he flung open the door. Carefully lifting the other man, he swung them both down. The driver hopped down from his seat. “Well done, man. Help Lady Rose from the carriage.”

Alex did not stop to see if his orders had been followed, instead, he moved as quickly as he could toward the front door, which opened as the servants made to greet their master.

“Your Grace.” The butler moved swiftly to his aid and together they carried the earl up the stairs and into the house.

***

An hour had passed since Alex left but it felt like an eternity to Rose. Fear, anger, and worry battled in her mind.

Her father had fallen unconscious but he moaned in his sleep. Each sound like a knife to her heart, bringing back memories of the last time she had held a beloved parent’s hand as they lay dying. Rose battled back the tears, determined to stay strong for her father.

Many of Alex’s words bounced around in her head. Foremost were his comments about war. She knew he had killed men that night to keep her safe. It had been awful to hear those cries. How could she have ever thought that war was romantic or that Carl was a hero? Clear as day, Rose had heard his voice during the attack. He had ambushed them to take her and possibly kill her father and Alex. His words earlier that evening made her certain of it.

It was clear that Alex had more integrity than Carl but he had also lied to her about his identity. The only thing Rose knew for certain was that her heart couldn’t be trusted. Every man she cared for turned out to be dishonorable. Alex had asked for a second chance but the very fact that she had feelings for him said that a relationship would likely end badly. Every time she cared for a man, it ended poorly.  What was worse, her father wanted her to marry him should he pass. How could Rose do that knowing it would only fall apart again? How could she not, knowing he would protect him from Carl and others like him?

The door finally opened and Alex strode in looking as dashing as ever. His dark hair was swept back by the wind, his cheeks darkened by the exertion. His broad shoulders filled the doorway as he stepped into the room.

Rose stood, her breath coming in rapid gasps. “Is the doctor here?”

“Yes,” Dr. Adams said as he came around Alex. He had treated Rose all her life, when at their country estate. His presence brought a little semblance of normal.

“How bad is it? He lost consciousness fifteen minutes ago. What if...” She stopped as the doctor assessed the wound. Alex moved to stand next to her, his arms wrapping around her waist. Not knowing what else to do, Rose grabbed onto him, using him for support.

“What if…,” she repeated but, once again, couldn’t seem to finish.

“Shh, I can’t tell you your father will be fine but I can tell you that I will help you in any way you need.” He gave her the smallest squeeze.

“Thank you,” she mumbled, unable to articulate all that was swirling in her mind.

His lips grazed her temple. “I mean it, Rose. I’ll do whatever it is you wish. We can marry or not but I will care for you either way. I won’t leave you alone.”

“Why, why would you do that?” She turned to him then, his eyes pierced into hers.

“Rose, I know this is difficult, but I am a gentleman, despite my recent actions, and beyond that, you have given me a great gift. You’ve shown me a woman can look past my scars. I didn’t think it was possible.”

Rose searched his face wanting to believe that he would help her no matter what. But so many men made promises.

“Lady Rose.” The doctor cleared his throat.

“Yes.” She tore her eyes away from the planes of Alex’s face. Unravelling her feelings about their budding relationship seemed easier than facing the news the doctor had to give.

“The shot is clean through and the bleeding has stopped. If no infection sets in, your father has a good chance. I’ll stay with him, of course. Perhaps you should try and get some rest.”

“Rest?” she shook her head. “I couldn’t possibly.”

“Maybe just change into something more comfortable?” Alex spoke softly in her ear. “I’ll stay here too, until you return, and I’ll come for you if anything changes.”

She gave a single nod and then headed for the door, slipping out of Alex’s arms. It was cold without his touch, but she moved for the door. One of her hands came to her stomach, the other came to her head as a lightheadedness overtook her. Her corset was suddenly too tight and her body swayed. “Alex,” she pushed out before the world went dark.

Rose blinked her eyes, completely disoriented. She was in a semi-dark room, warm, and more comfortable then she could fathom. “Where…”

Soft lips brushed her temple. “Hush. Just rest a minute. Take a nice slow breath.”

She did as she was told and found it remarkably easy to do. Looking down, Rose realized her gown was loose and gaping open at the front, exposing her now open stays. All that remained to cover her flesh was her chemise, which was thin at best and low cut. What parts of her breasts were covered, the firelight showed the clear outline of her flesh. “Oh,” she cried trying to raise her hands to cover herself. The appendages, however, felt weighted down and she could barely get them up.

“Worry not, Rose. Though you are lovely, I am more worried about your health, and your father’s, than I am about ogling your flesh. If we should marry, I will see far more of you than this.” His lips stretched against her skin and she could tell that he was smiling.

“If we should marry….” Her voice was hushed as she turned her face away from his, withdrawing from him.

He paid her gesture no mind and settled her closer. Her back was pressed against his chest, her legs nestled between his. One of his hands left her midsection where it had been resting and brought a glass of water to her lips. She took a sip and then another, the beverage breathing life into her limp limbs.

“Do you have legitimate feelings for me?” his lips whispered next to her ear as he gave her another drink.

“Yes,” she answered sadly.

“Then why do you sound so anguished?”

“You said it yourself. I am fickle and my feelings are not to be trusted.” She was too worried to mince words.

While he did not laugh out loud, his chest rose and fell as though he were. She twisted her head around to scowl at him.

“My apologies, Rose. I didn’t mean to make fun. I thought for sure you would admonish me again for my deceit, not yourself for your inability to be trusted. Is that what you said?”

She nodded.

“Rose, I can see why you don’t want to trust yourself. You have made a few wrong choices, but we all do that when we are first learning about love. You lost your mother at a delicate time for a young girl and you haven’t had guidance except for an overprotective father. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be trusted to know the real thing when you find it.”

“I have nearly killed my father with my bad choices,” she choked out.

“Oh sweetheart. You couldn’t possibly know that Carl, if it even was Carl, would try to kidnap you.”

“It was him. And I should have known. Just like I should have known you were aristocracy. I’m a fool.” Her words slipped out before she could hold them back and a deep blush stained her cheeks. That statement put part of the blame on him.

He sighed in response. “As I said, we all are naïve at times, when it comes to love. Before I procured this scar, I will admit, I was rather popular with the ladies. My title, wealth, and looks made it easy. But after, it was much more difficult. I’m sure I had always been surrounded by women who were more interested in my title than me but it had been easier to ignore. After, I could see their looks of revulsion.”

“Your scar does little to hide your looks!” she huffed, exasperated by those faceless women.

His lips grazed her forehead again. “As I have said many times, you are a beautiful balm to my ego. Then I met a woman, who did not appear to be bothered by my scar. I didn’t think she loved me, but I thought she could in time and that we could build a life together. She was titled, beautiful, though not nearly as fetching as you, and she assured me that it bothered her not a fig. Then one day I overheard her talking with another. She had disappeared from the ball and I finally found her in the back corner of the garden. It was her voice I heard first. She said I looked like a beast but that she would tolerate it to become a duchess, though it disgusted her to do so. I could not bear her deception or the thought of being married to a woman who found me revolting.”

Rose’s heart ached for him and what he had gone through. “Who was she with?” she asked biting her lip because she already knew the answer.

“Her lover.” He paused, taking a deep breath. “I know it will be difficult for you to forgive me but you and your father share a penchant for honesty. He told me about Carl and I couldn’t stand the thought of going through that humiliation again.”

“So you disguised yourself to see how upset I would be about your scars.”

“Yes and to discover if your feelings for Carl were sincere. I hope you can forgive me. I have another reason for sharing that story with you. People who are good, kind hearted, and caring, can be fooled by others who excel at deception. I was fooled by Marissa much the same way you were fooled by Carl. Please don’t let the deceivers of this world take away your chances at happiness.”

His hand began stroking up and down her arm. Her eyes fluttered closed as a warm cocoon wrapped around her, his words sinking in. Had she really just made normal mistakes? Perhaps without a mother it was just taking her longer to find her path than many of her friends. She knew if she did lose her father, Alex would provide the support and comfort that would help her through.

“Sweetheart, please tell me that you will allow me to court you. You don’t have to make me any promises beyond that.”

“I will allow it. Though my father has asked a great deal more.”

“We will cross that bridge if it comes.” His lips moved on the shell of ear as he spoke, tickling the sensitive skin.

Rose became aware that the thumb of the hand still resting on her midsection was just below her breast. The intimacy which had been comforting had become more and her breath caught.

“What if you are right? What if I am a silly fickly creature, whose attention forever wanders here and there and―“

“You will have to look deep in your heart and decide who you really are.” His lips sent tingling sensations down her skin.

“At this moment, I never want to leave your side.” She turned so that her lips touched his in the smallest of kisses.

His lips came down on hers again as his hand crept higher on her chest. Heat unfurled in Rose like nothing she had ever felt before.

“Ahem.” A voice coming from the other side of the door broke the moment.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER SIX

Rose made to jump up but Alex held her fast. His hand came up to cover her cleavage but other than that, he made no move to change position. “Yes,” he called with complete calm.

“It’s Dr. Adams.”

“Come in.” Alex’s arms tightened as she made to get up again.

The doctor’s eyes travelled the length of the couple and his lips pursed. He took off his spectacles and began to clean them with a handkerchief he pulled from his pocket. “Your father is awake. He’d like to speak with you.”

“Of course. I’ll be right there, I--” Flustered she took a breath to catch her thoughts.

“Send one the maids to fetch a shawl for Rose.” Alex didn’t seem the least bothered by the doctor’s disapproval.

“Yes, Your Grace.” The doctor blinked a few times. “But Rose should not―“

“See that it is done. As soon as we have the shawl, we will be over.” Alex’s voice held a note of authority that the doctor did not disagree with. In fact, he was doing a remarkable job of controlling the situation from the couch.

“Do men always do what you say?” She quirked an eyebrow.

“Mostly.” He gave her a lopsided grin that made the butterflies dance in her stomach.

“Should we marry, will I be expected to do as you command?”

He chuckled. “I am not your father. While I would always care for you, you may find that a wife holds a great deal more authority than a daughter.” He lifted one of her hands and kissed it. “Especially if you continue to look at me like that.”

“Like what?” she asked in confusion.

He gave his head a shake. “Never mind.” He kissed her hand again and Rose closed her eyes, delighting in the sensation of his touch. “You can’t begin to imagine the power you could have over me.”

“Mmmmm,” she purred as his lips moved across her skin. “You’re distracting me.”

He sighed. “You’re right. Let’s get you up and test those legs so that we can go see your father.”

Ten minutes later, Rose moved into the study, leaning heavily on Alex’s arm, where her father had been carried. His color was grey but his eyes were open and assessing. Rose straightened but Alex squeezed her hand that rested in the crook of his arm. It pulled her in closer again. He settled her next to the elder Wentworth. Her father spoke, “Would you give us a few moments, Your Grace?”

“Of course.” Alex nodded and then retreated for the door. When he reached the threshold, he turned to give her one more assessing glance. Eyes piercing into hers, he stopped, seeming to search her face. Every line was taut and his chocolate brown orbs seemed to beg her, though Rose didn’t know for what. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”

Giving a nod, she turned to her father. His voice was soft but firm. “He’s in love with you.”

“How can that be? We’ve barely known each other a…”

“I think you’re in love with him too.”

“Papa.” She took a deep breath. “You’re just saying that because you want me to marry him.”

“I’m not, Rose. I heard you in the carriage.”

Sucking in her breath, her cheeks flamed with color. “What did you hear?”

“How hurt you were by his deception.”

Relief trickled down her spine. “What does that have to do with it?”

“You wouldn’t be that hurt if you didn’t care.” He reached for her hand.

“I always care. Falling in love doesn’t seem to be my problem. As you have often reminded me, it’s staying in love that I struggle to achieve.”

He gave a small laugh at her words but then winced and Rose squeezed his hand. “Papa, let’s talk later. You need your rest.”

“This is important, Rose, we’ll talk now. You’re just like your mother. She flitted from beau to beau like a beautiful butterfly. I could nary look away. But like you, her affection never lasted for long, I feared even if I caught her attention, I wouldn’t keep it. But when her blue eyes met mine, I realized I would risk my heart and take the chance. We were in love till the day she died.”

Tears filled Rose’s eyes. It brought her more comfort then she could express to hear this story about her parents. “Really, Papa?”

“I’ve been mistaken in holding on so tight to you, Rose. My fear was that you would marry one of those handsome beaus before you had the opportunity to find your one true love. But in my attempt to help you, I fear I have made them more enticing.”

“It’s not your fault. I’ve been looking for someone to rescue me from the pain of losing Mama. I thought if a hero carried me away, I would forget the past. It’s silly, I know.” Rose bowed her ahead, ashamed of her own words.

“It isn’t, Rose. I pinned all my attention on you, rather than focusing on my own suffering.” He shuddered in pain and Rose reached for his hand. “But now we must focus on the future. You know that the estate is entailed. If I die now, it goes to your second cousin Eugene. He would become your guardian as well. I see the way Eugene looks at you. He will marry you himself rather than allow you to marry a man of your choosing.”

“Marry Eugene.” The words left a bitter taste in her mouth. He was a sniveling, annoying man who had teased her incessantly as children. When they had grown older, he had switched from hair pulling and name calling to constantly berating her on her decorum and personage.

“I know you have only known Alex for a very short time, but I fear we may need to set the wheel in motion for your own safety. Tell me, daughter, that you will consent.”

Rose sat back. If her father passed, Carl could make another attempt. Or, she may be forced to marry Eugene.  She knew without a doubt that she would prefer marriage to Alex rather than any other man but what if she let him down? “I don’t know―“

“Rose there isn’t time for that. You have to decide now.”

She took a deep breath. “All right. I’ll marry Alex.”

“Good girl, we’ll procure the license in the morning, when Bishop Dudson visits. You’ll marry in two weeks’ time.” He patted her hand. “You should get some rest, Rose, as will I. May providence allow me to see my daughter marry.”

Rose stood and walked towards the door. Her legs wobbled underneath her but she tried to keep her head high. As she stepped out, Alex was there waiting and she sighed with relief. His strength would bolster her. Holding out his arms, she stepped into them without hesitation. “We’re to marry in two weeks’ time,” she blurted out as she buried her face in his shoulder.

“I would feel better if you seemed a bit more excited.” But even as he spoke the words, he wrapped his arms around her.

“Marriage is forever and we’ve only known each other a short time. I’m just…” She had already told him her fears and she didn’t want to repeat them for fear he would lose confidence in her.

“I understand. What you need is some sleep. All of this will seem more reasonable in the morning.”

She nodded against him but made no move to leave her spot nestled into his chest. Truth be told, she felt most secure when in his arms. It filled her with hope. “In just a moment. I find your chest to be a most comfortable pillow.”

Her pillow rumbled with laughter and she closed her eyes, relaxing further. “Soon enough, you can fall asleep every night with your head on my chest.”

“Mmmm, that does sound delightful.”

“But for now, you must sleep in your own bed. I’ll walk you to the landing.” He gently pushed her off his chest and towards the entryway of the house.

She gave an inarticulate grumble of dissatisfaction but complied with his wishes. His arm wrapped around her waist supporting her weight. He was right, she desperately needed some sleep. “I’m so glad you’re here, Alex.”

“As am I,” he whispered as he gave her a squeeze.

They reached the bottom of the stairs and Alex wrapped his other arm around her, partially carrying her up the stairs. His hard muscles moved easily with her weight and she wished that they didn’t have to part. Nothing would provide her more comfort than to stay pressed against him. But it wasn’t done. Reaching the top of the landing, his lips brushed against her hair. “Get some sleep. I’ll keep watch over your father.”

She dragged herself to her room, where her maid helped her undress. Then, she laid down on her bed and fell fast asleep.

***

Alex watched her walk down the hall. Even with her head hanging in exhaustion, she was more beautiful than he had ever imagined. Her hair was half hanging down her back and his fingers itched to finish the job and let loose her mass of golden locks.

Closing his eyes, he relived the moment her gaze had met his, desire so evident in the blue depths of her stare. Of all the women, how could it be Rose who really wanted him? His chest filled with a joy that almost pained him. She was like an answer to a prayer.

He knew with absolute certainty that he would do whatever it took to keep her safe and by his side. A niggle of doubt crept into his mind. She wanted him now but what if she didn’t later? What would he do if she turned her attention to some other man after they married? Pushing that thought aside, he began walking back to the study. That was a problem for another day. First, he needed to know who had attacked.

In the morning, he would ask her if she had any insight into the attempted kidnapping but for now, she needed some rest. As soon as he knew her father was stable, he would begin an investigation. His military training in espionage was far more extensive then he had let on to Rose and he would use those skills now, to find out who was endangering his future bride.

He rang for the butler to dispense some orders. Rose’s guards would have to be outside her window and door. Tomorrow, he would need to contact Scotland Yard to learn what he could about Carl Lundberg. He would also reach out to some of the other officers to see if anyone had heard of him. If he was bold enough to try to take Rose from her father, he most likely had a record of misbehavior.

He peeked into the study where the earl was resting, but all looked well. Tomorrow they would move the man to his room if his condition allowed.

He stretched himself out on a settee in the library. He couldn’t be bothered with bed. Hunting spies had trained him to operate on very little sleep. A short nap was all he would allow himself before he began his work.

Carl Lundberg was about to understand what it meant to be a true war hero and it didn’t involve impressing young women with made up stories. If that man had tried to hurt Rose, Alex would bring down the full retribution that was at his disposal. As a duke, it was ample.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER SEVEN

Rose woke early and got out of bed, despite the lack of sleep. Nightmares had plagued her about her father’s condition, and it seemed prudent to simply get up and see how he fared.

Scrubbing her face with vigor, Rose attempted to wash away the tiredness. She dressed in a simple gown of pale blue muslin with an empire waist and pulled her hair into a lose coif.

A strong cup of tea and some biscuits would put a little vigor back in her step but she just wanted to peek in at her father.

On her way to the study, the distinct sound of male voices caught her attention in the library.

“Thank you, my friend, for coming on such short notice.”

“Anything for you, Alex, you know that. Our country would be in dire straits without your service and sacrifice.”

Rose caught her breath. Her feelings were developing for Alex but he knew she held affection for soldiers and yet he had downplayed his part in the war, apparently, why? Was this more of his lies?

“You exaggerate, my friend. As I told Rose, I never cared for war. I’ve only done my duty―“

“It is the men who do not enjoy it but rise to the task that are truly great. You bear that scar because you were willing to give everything to stop a spy from giving secrets that would have meant the lives of thousands.”

“You’ll have to share that with my fiancée at some point. She would be happy to hear it.”

Rose smiled. She was happy to hear it, and she was even happier to know he hadn’t been intentionally deceitful, simply humble about his contributions. The more she knew about her duke, the greater her affection grew.

“I will, indeed. Though I don’t know why you don’t share it yourself.”

“I suppose I never thought of it as that much of an accomplishment and, what’s more, I want Rose’s affections to be for me and not for what I’ve done on the battlefield. Does that make sense, Chris?”

She heard the slapping sound as one man thumped the other. Like one had slapped the other on the back. “I do my friend, though I must admit, I am most eager to meet this lady that you seem to hold so much esteem for.”

“Perhaps today. Though time is of the essence. You’ve read my note. Have you heard of Carl Lundberg?”

“I have not, but as soon as I return to my regiment, I will start making inquiries.” The other man’s voice held a note of determination.

“Thank you, Chris. I don’t even know for sure that it was him who attacked us so be delicate.”

Rose took a deep breath. To walk in now would be to admit to eavesdropping but she knew that it was Carl and it seemed like important information. Raising her hand, she knocked on the door.

“Yes,” Alex’s voice called out sharply.

“Your Grace, it’s me,” she called from the other side of the door.

“It’s your home, you don’t need to knock. Come in.” His voice was still terse. Was he angry at her for listening?

She pushed open the door and entered the room. Alex stood behind the desk, still wearing his evening clothes from the night before. Despite their rumpled appearance, he looked handsome as ever. Next to him stood a young captain. At one time, he would have sent Rose into fits. Tall and handsome in his uniform, he was embodiment of her fantasy, with blonde hair and flashing blue eyes. But this morning, she only had eyes for her real life hero. The man could both save her and show her affection and compassion. “I apologize for interrupting, Your Grace.” She gave a small courtesy, her eyes watching his every move for his reaction.

“There is no need to stand on ceremony. I am Alex to you, I will always be so. This is my friend, Captain Christopher Masters. Chris, Lady Rose Wentworth.”

“Pleased to make your acquaintance.” She curtseyed as her eyes swung briefly to the other man. “It’s just…I overheard you say that you weren’t certain it was Carl but I heard his voice. I know you told me to sing, but it was him. I am positive beyond a shadow of doubt.” She paused, assessing him again. Every line of his body was tense and a frown marked his brow. He was angry with her.

“Again, forgive my intrusion.” She turned to leave.

“Rose, wait.” She pivoted back towards him, her eyes scanning his face for a reaction. He stepped around the desk and walked over to her. His hand gently touched her arm even as his body blocked the view of the room. “Let me walk you to the study.”

“There’s no need. You’re busy and I―“ She stopped as his hand came to her waist and he turned her towards the door.

“I insist.” His body was still marked with tension, his words clipped.

As soon as they had walked through the door, she turned to him. “Is everything all right?” Her eyes searched his face again.

He seemed to relax once they were in the hallway and his other hand found her middle, pulling her against him. “Fine.” His lips captured hers in a brief kiss but it filled her with heat and made her came alive in a way tea and biscuits never could.  As he picked up his head, she gave him a glowing smile. Raising her hand, she touched his cheek. “How do you fare?”

He returned her smile. “Never better. It’s you that concerns me.”

“But you seemed so tense, I―“ Her uncertainty crept into her voice.

“Don’t give it another thought. Go check on your father.” He brushed his lips against her forehead. “If you need anything today, come find me.”

She inhaled his masculine scent. Biting her lip, she laced her arms around his neck. “Will I see you later?”

His lips pressed against her ear. “Of course,” he whispered.

“Have you checked on my father, how does he fare?”

“Better than I expected.”

“I’m so glad to hear it. Thank you.” She relaxed against him but he seemed only to tense further. His motives were still a mystery to her. “Join us when the captain is gone?”

He gave a single nod, and then touching her hair, he made his way back into the library. Rose watched him walk away but something pulled at her insides. There was something amiss.

***

Alex tried not to scowl as he walked back into the library. He was acting like a woman. He would have liked to turn over a few chairs to vent his rage but it wasn’t his house and he didn’t normally give in to fits of temper.

“May I ask what just happened there?” Chris raised his eyebrows.

“You may not.” Alex stomped back over to the desk.

“Because if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were jealous,” Chris prodded.

“Not bloody likely,” he snarled.

“You know women have been known to find me quite dashing. And in uniform, they seem utterly fascinated―“

“What is your point?” Alex was practically growling.

“Lady Rose isn’t one of them. In fact she barely looked at me. She could not, however, peel her eyes away from you. Watched you like a hawk, with those rather expressive blue eyes. They make a man want―“

“Enough. And thank you.” Alex returned to the desk, where he was penning a letter to the general of Chris’ outpost. He needed to know Carl’s record, and only someone high up could provide it.

“You’re a lucky man.” Chris slapped him on the back for the second time that day.

Alex gave a curt nod. He didn’t feel lucky at the moment. He was worried. Just because he had decided Rose was the woman for him, didn’t mean she returned the sentiment and a man, a soldier no less, as handsome as Chris set his teeth on edge. He was damn uneasy that her affection would shift to someone else. “Take this to the general. Thank you for your aid. It is most appreciated.”

Chris looked at him. He opened his mouth to speak then closed it again. Taking a breath, his friend finally spoke. “Your scar isn’t that awful, you know. In fact, it gives you an air of danger that many women might find exciting.”

“You know that is not the case,” Alex replied tightly.

“It was not the case for Marissa, but a discerning woman might see right past that mark to the man beneath.”

Alex stopped and turned to his friend then. “That is what Rose said.”

“Did she now? Well, then you really have done well. I’ll understand if you don’t want to share, but what is causing your concern?”

Taking a breath, he considered waving his friend off but another opinion might do him some good. “She fancies soldiers, because she thinks they are heroes but she had fallen in and out of love with several. I am afraid her attention may wander to a new interest after a time.”

Chris cocked his head, considering him with a sidelong glance. “When you were Rose’s age, how many ladies did you fancy?”

Alex paused. Chris was right. He had fancied many. “I see your point. It does not mean she will never commit to one man. But how am I to know that I will be the one that she does commit to. With the circumstances as they are, it has not given her much time to decide.”

“Trust is difficult and not something I have personally excelled at. I have little advice for you there other than to say that you must try.”

Sighing, Alex gave a single nod to his friend. “My sincere thanks.”

Giving a nod, Chris took the now sealed letter and placed it in his breast pocket. “I will return as quickly as I can with an answer.”

Alex raked his hand through his hair as he watched his friend leave. He should change, bathe, and eat but he found himself drawn toward the study where Rose sat with her father.

Still undecided, he stepped into the hall and turned towards the study. He knocked softly and then pushed open the door. The earl was sleeping, looking content at least, but his was pale and his skin slightly sunken. Rose sat next to him, tension marking the lines of her body. He moved towards her and her head snapped up. Pain drew down the corners of her eyes and his heart jumped in his throat. He would do anything to ease her suffering.

“He looks terrible,” she whispered.

Alex couldn’t help himself. He drew her into his arms, holding her close and resting his cheek on the top of her head. “He doesn’t have a fever. That’s a really good sign that there is no infection. Take heart.”

“You will help bring Carl to justice, won’t you? I know this is my fault and I’ve no right to ask you to correct my wrongs but I can’t do it on my own.”

“Rose, you’ve done nothing wrong. How could you possibly have known? And you’ve every right to ask the man who is to be your husband to aid you. Let’s go have a quick breakfast. It will all be better with a full stomach.”

She gave a nod and slipped her hand through his. Alex knew that he must avenge her father and perhaps then, he would gain her heart.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rose sat next to her father the entire day. He woke a few times and she even managed to get him to drink a little broth. Dr. Adams was optimistic about her father’s chances for a recovery. But it left her long hours to consider a great many things.

First, what it was she might really want to do if she were alone in this world. After her mother’s passing, she had dreamed of a hero who would rescue her from sorrow. But here and now was Alex, a man who had actually kept her safe, a man whose kisses set her on fire.

But a rescuer was a foolish notion, for little girls, and holding on to it had cost her greatly. It may have even cost her father’s life. She had agreed to marry Alex for her father’s sake but she couldn’t go into it thinking that Alex was going to save her from suffering. It was time to be an adult.

In practical terms, what did that mean? They would marry but, somehow, it was important that she be realistic in her expectations.

She stood and moved to the window. It was a grey, cool day that whispered of the coming fall. She shivered and pulled her shawl tighter around herself. As she moved, two figures caught her attention. Fear trickled down her back. Was Carl skulking around the grounds? But upon closer inspection, she realized it was Alex, now in riding attire, speaking to his soldier friend.

Their heads were bent together, shoulders slumped in a conspiratorial way. The day had been arduous, simply from being so still. Her nerves jumped under her skin and, without thought, she set off for the door. It would do her good to get a little exercise and if, by chance, she overheard a little of their conversation, then how could she help that?

As she moved past the kitchen, her guards fell in behind her. The corners of her mouth pinched, but she kept moving. Alex had most certainly ordered that her guard remain for her safety, and she would abide it, but she tired of their presence. Opening the door, she lifted her skirts to keep them dry and moved as swiftly as she could across the lawn. Snippets of their conversation began to float towards her.

“Rumor is he’s a spy,” Chris’s deep voice floated down the lawn towards her. Her heart began thumping in her chest. How could she have loved a man who could be a spy? But then, when did she ever make sound decisions of the heart?

“…Launch formal investigation,” Rose just managed to hear Alex’s words.

“Careful, we don’t want another slice on your face.” Their voices became clearer.

“My face be damned. I’m far more worried about Rose’s well―” Alex’s voice abruptly stopped as Chris noticed her and gave his friend a jab to the arm.

Alex turned to her, a full scowl on his face. Stopping short, she pressed her lips together. She was eavesdropping again. She would like to say she hadn’t meant to but she, in fact, had. Alex would try to protect her and she wanted to know. This was her fault and she didn’t want to be sheltered.

“Rose, you shouldn’t be out here. It’s best you don’t know. How are you able to move so silently?” Alex stepped between her and Chris, still scowling.

“I am a lady, we always move gracefully. And you are correct that I shouldn’t be out here. It was a private conversation. But you are incorrect in assuming that it is best I don’t know. How I am to mature as you wish me to if everyone continues to treat me as a child? I will only learn from my mistakes if I understand the full extent of them.” He had moved towards her and she reached out her hand to touch his chest.

His look softened, somewhat. “You are, in part, correct. You will never grow up if you are never allowed responsibility. In this particular instance, however, I am afraid you will take blame that does not belong to you. It was his actions, not yours, that have brought about this trouble.”

“But I invited him in. I should have seen how malicious he was. I was blinded by my foolish notions of heroics and love. Now it would seem he doesn’t love me at all. Though why he would want to marry a woman he didn’t love, I couldn’t fathom.”

“For the same reason many marry, I would guess. He expects to gain wealth, power, or both. A chance to move his station in life.”

She looked stricken. “How could I not have seen that?”

“But you have seen it and what’s more, you will learn from it. My only concern now is what Mr. Lundberg might be capable of.”

“What do you think he might be willing to do to get what he wants?” Her voice choked with fear.

“I honestly don’t know but I will do everything within my power to keep you safe.”

Rose bit her lip. “I shouldn’t require you to save me. I’m a foolish, silly―“

“Rose, we all need help sometimes. Even I require assistance in this matter. There is nothing wrong with needing help.” He placed his hand at the small of her back, urging her back towards the house. “I will be right back, Chris.”

They began walking back towards the house. What she didn’t dare say was that he would be far better off not marrying her. With clarity, she realized she brought nothing of value to him while he gave her everything in return. What she should do is stop complaining and thank her lucky stars he was marrying her. Perhaps, if she were grateful enough, he wouldn’t notice what a colossal mistake he was making.

“What are you thinking?” He stopped walking and turned her towards him.

As their eyes met, she knew she couldn’t lie. She was a terrible liar. She would have to answer with some version of the truth. “That I am very lucky to have you.”

“Tis I who am lucky.” He pulled her closer.

“I hope you always feel that way.” Her eyes crinkled in a grimace but a laugh bubbled from his chest. His scowl had evaporated once again.

“How funny, I was thinking the exact same thing about you.”

He grinned and she couldn’t help but return it.

***

That night, Rose lay in bed, unable to sleep. By all accounts, she should be exhausted but her mind refused to stop turning. Her lady’s maid had spent the evening prattling on about needlework. She had insisted that if Rose kept her hands moving it would help keep her mind occupied, but it had only served to further annoy her, Rose was sure of it.

It must have been close to midnight when she finally threw back the covers and wrapped her dressing robe around herself. She may as well check on her father and get a book to read.

Making her way down the steps, Rose padded across the entry floor and towards the back of the house to the library and study. She peeked in at her father and he appeared to be sleeping soundly. Tomorrow they would move him up to his room. So far, it looked as though he would make a recovery. Did that mean she would still wed Alex in two weeks’ time?

The thought of not marrying him made her insides twist. She held her hand to her stomach. It wasn’t the lovesick feeling she had experienced when she thought she couldn’t marry Carl, this was deep in her bones, worry that stole her breath.

A noise from behind her made her turn her head. “Rose, are you well?” Alex was there, his brow puckered with worry.

She didn’t even bother to respond, stepping in close to him she stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. Her body hummed with the same need she had experienced in the carriage and her hands came to his shoulders.

His arms wrapped around her waist and he lifted her into his arms, carrying her into the study. Dimly the sound of the door clicking closed penetrated her mind, but only dimly. The sensation of their bodies pressed together, their mouths moving as one, took over almost every thought in her mind. She wrapped her arms around his neck, winding her hands into his hair. He set her gently back on her feet and his hand slid down to her buttocks, pressing their bodies closer together. She moaned at the sensation as heat spread through her core.

“Oh Rose.” His guttural voice only heightened her desire and her body moved pliantly with his as he sat down on the settee, pulling Rose into his lap. His lips moved along her jaw and then down her neck. She arched into him as his mouth made a tingling trail down her chest. His fingers deftly untied her robe and with a single flick, it was open so that only her nightdress covered her skin. His lips lightly touched her clothed nipple and Rose cried out, pulling him closer.

His hand was steadily moving up her leg and an impatience filled her, though she knew not what she yearned for. But as his fingers brushed her nest of curls, her legs fell apart in an invitation she didn’t even know she could give. Her fingers pulled harder at his hair and arching further, she thrust up and then whimpered as his fingers met her sensitive flesh.

Alex lifted his head and removed his fingers and she gave a cry of protest. He chuckled and quickly undid a few of the buttons on the front of her nightdress. Moving it to one side, his lips came down on her bare skin, his fingers returning to the juncture between her legs.

“Please,” she gasped as everything in her body tightened. “Don’t stop.” His tongue was dancing in circles on first one nipple and then the other as his fingers moved slowly but rhythmically over her sensitive flesh. She grew more frantic under his touch, his other hand wrapped around her back, cradling her in support.

“Oh, yes,” she cried as her toes curled and her body burst in perfection.

He continued to kiss back up her chest to her neck and then her lips as his fingers slowly withdrew, sliding down her thighs. “May I ask again, are you well, my love?”

“Oh, yes.” This time her words were accompanied with a sly smile.

He chuckled in response, laying them both on the settee. As she snuggled in, his hard shaft pressed against her buttocks. She turned in surprise. “Pay it no mind,” he whispered as he pulled her closer.

Not understanding what it was, Rose allowed instinct to take over and explore. Her bottom rubbed against his hard flesh in a slow motion that mimicked the one he had just used on her.

He grabbed her hips to still them and Rose heard his teeth snap together as he clenched them. “All in due time. Trust me when I say that when we are married, chances are I will get far more than I give.”

“Will we marry? Even if my father recovers?” She turned to look at him, wanting to see his face as he answered.

“Do you want to? I’ll understand if you don’t. No one will know what has happened here and you’ll still go to your marriage bed a virg―“

Her lips pressed to his. “I do want to marry you.” It was true. She didn’t know if she would always feel this way but she was beginning to understand that what she felt for Alex was far deeper than anything she had felt before. She had known it when she let him kiss her in the carriage, before her father had been shot. “Do you want to marry me?”

“More than anything.” He snuggled her back in closer.

With a smile, she nestled herself against his body and before she could think another thought, fell asleep in his arms.

But Alex lay awake for a long time. He stared at the perfect picture that lay sleeping before him. He replayed her face as she climaxed in his arms over and over. Had it been their wedding night, he wasn’t sure he would change a single thing. It had brought him so much exquisite pleasure to simply watch her joy. He didn’t know that was even possible.

Rose could very well be driving him mad. Because he was sure he could kill any man that tried to come between them. It was primal and fierce, this urge to keep her by his side. He couldn’t sleep for thinking of it and what they had just done had only increased the need to keep her close. She had looked troubled when he had first seen her, what clouded her mind with worry? Her whole visage had changed at the sight of him. She had lit up just before her lips had pressed against his.

It was also clear she was looking forward to their nuptials. That was a relief, to say the least, but would she continue to want him when he wasn’t rescuing her from spies? That was his deep fear.

Thinking that Rose was now soundly asleep, he lifted her into his arms and carried her up the stairs to tuck her into her own bed. As he went to turn into her room, he saw her guard asleep in his chair. The man would have to be replaced. Walking over to Rose’s large, four-post bed, he gently lay her down and drew up the covers. A longing to climb in with her nearly overtook him but he resisted. While they would soon be married, he still did not want to tarnish her reputation. Placing a soft kiss on her forehead, he turned and left the room.

Instead of returning to the study, he went to his own bed. It would do his mind and body well to get some real sleep. He would need his strength both to beat Carl and to convince Rose to give her heart to him forever.

The next morning, Alex rose, feeling like he hadn’t gotten nearly enough sleep. He dressed hurriedly and headed down to breakfast, hoping to find Rose still there so that they could discuss last night. A smile played on his lips as the evening’s events danced through his thoughts for the hundredth time.

He heard Rose’s laughter float from the breakfast room and he picked up the pace, eager to see her. But another male voice interrupted her laugh and filled him with dread.

Skidding into the breakfast room, Alex’s eyes pierced into his friend. There sat Chris across the table from Rose. Her two companions sat on either side of her. They all chattered and laughed as Chris regaled them with some heroic story.

Alex could barely think above the buzzing in his head. White hot jealousy shot through him. He should have ruined Rose last night while he had the chance. His face twisted. One of the ladies wrinkled her nose like she smelled something terrible as she looked over at him. It only vexed him further, and his fists clenched at his sides.

Chris rolled his eyes. “I never realized Alex had a jealous streak.”

Rose looked over at him with a mixture of shock and disbelief and then a dawning comprehension lit her face. He grimaced, having been called out for exactly what he was. But she stood from the table and walked over to him, giving him an angelic smile. “Are you really jealous?” she asked softly, raising her eyebrows.

He didn’t answer, scowling further. He willed his hands to unclench but they refused to listen. Her soft fingers touched the tips of his. It sent tingling sensations humming down his arms and coursing through his body. It awoke all the desires he’d been trying to repress. He realized that sexual frustration was also fueling his jealousy.

Closing his eyes, he tried to check all his wayward thoughts. Rose was wreaking havoc on him, mind and body. He needed to gain some measure of control. He could feel her moving closer, which only served to worsen the situation. The slight brush of her body sent shivers running down his spine and she must have stood on tiptoe because her breath tickled his earlobe. “I only have eyes for one hero.”

“Rose,” one of her companions chastised and Rose stepped away. But when he opened his eyes, her lips were curled into a sultry smile that nearly knocked the wind out of his chest. Rose had always been beautiful but the tinge of sexual energy that now surrounded her made her near impossible to resist.

His fists clenched again but, instead of jealousy, it was pure raw desire that he fought. While Rose wanted him now, what would happen when her dragon was slain? Go slow, his brain commanded. Make sure this is right, it argued. But try as he might not want to rush into this, he couldn’t seem to help himself. The rest of his body had very different ideas.

“Why don’t you have some breakfast? Captain Masters said that you served together. I thought you said that you had only lent assistance?” Rose delicately took her seat again and Alex took the position at the head of the table since Lord Wentworth wasn’t there. She looked innocent enough but he could tell she was fishing for information. Perhaps he would need to double his contributions to the crown’s cause in order to maintain her affections. It would certainly make the Prince Regent happy, and at this point, he was willing to do nearly anything to keep Rose by his side.

“I serve in a less official capacity than the Captain does,” he answered.

Rose raised her eyebrows but did not press further. “Will we move my father today?”

“Have you seen him his morning? How does he fare?”

“Ill-tempered and restless. But I can only assume that is a good sign. Dr. Thompson says the wound is healing nicely.”

Alex was relieved for Rose. He thought, perhaps, they would stay on with her father for a time after the wedding to see to his recovery.

“Also, the bishop was here this morning.” Her eyes darted quickly over to him and then she looked back down at her plate.

“As soon as Captain Masters and I have concluded our business, I would ask that we speak with your father.” He had wanted to talk about the wedding details but the company was distracting him. Attempting to eat a meat filled pasty, he glanced around the table. His presence seemed to have stopped conversation. Rose’s two companions seemed unable to look away from his scar and Chris watched them watch Alex with a contemplative expression. For Alex, it only confirmed what he already knew. His scars made him unlovable. Rose was a beautiful woman prone to changing her mind. She would certainly change her mind about him. It was only a matter of time before she realized that she could have any one she wanted. Once he was no longer her knight in shining armor, but just her husband she would look elsewhere, to a man like Chris.

Rose mostly stared down at her plate though she kept giving him sly glances. She was not a woman prone to fidgeting but she did so now, her hands adjusting her silverware, folding and refolding her napkin. His fear began to flow more steadily.

Action was the only course, so setting his napkin on the table he turned to his friend. “Shall we?”

Chris gave a single nod and the two men stood. He adjusted his waistcoat and then began moving around the table. The ladies’ eyes never left him as he made his way down the suddenly absurdly long table. He had grown comfortable around Rose and had nearly forgotten about his deformity. These two ladies were a stark reminder. He had seen little of them the past few days, which he was now sure was intentional on the earl’s part. He heard one of them whisper loudly, “You’re actually marrying him, Rose?”

“Hush, you ninny,” Rose hissed. He heard her skirts rustle and her chair scraped the floor. While she walked silently, he could feel her moving closer until her hand touched his arm. Her torso followed, pressing against his arm and back while she raised up on tiptoe to whisper in his ear. “Pay them no mind. I would have a private word with you before we speak with my father.” Her breath tickled his ear and the light touch of her fingers moving on his sleeve made him both more relaxed and far more excited all in a moment.

He couldn’t be without her, and the desperate urge overtook him again to make Rose entirely his. She gave his arm another squeeze and he realized that he hadn’t answered. “Yes,” his voice grated out, rough and raw.

Her touch lingered for another moment and then Rose was gone, returning to the table. Alex took a deep breath, and adjusted his waistcoat again. He resisted the urge to run his hands through his hair and instead, inhaled again, letting it out slowly. It was a good thing he was facing away from the ladies because he was near solid rock below the waist.

“Let’s get you out of here.” Amusement rang in Chris’s word and Alex grit his teeth. Chris had a front row view of his emotional turmoil today.

“Soon enough, she will be yours.” His friend grinned as he spoke.

Unable to resist anymore, Alex ran his fingers through his hair. “It can’t come soon enough.”

“Are you still worried that you will not maintain her affection?”

Alex cleared his throat. “I suppose I am, though I’m not sure it matters. I want no one else and so I will see this through no matter the end.”

“I would worry for you except that Rose seems equally smitten. She has hardly noticed I am alive. Me. Can you imagine?” Chris smacked him on the back.

“Forever humble.” Alex grinned at his friend. “Rose looks at me as though I don’t bear this mark. She almost makes me forget it is there. The others…”

“Try to understand that they half love it. It is titillating and exciting and many more women than you know would like to explore the contours of your face.”

Alex gave a single nod. “I am absolutely certain that if you bore this scar, you would find a way to use it to your advantage. But in hunting for a wife, I don’t want to be with a woman who is half disgusted, even if the other half is fascination. I want a woman who doesn’t even seem to notice it is there…” And he glanced back towards the dining room.

“I suppose you are lucky then. Because Rose looks at you as though you are her next meal.”

“Don’t tease me. I don’t know how couples wait months. I may not make it two weeks.” Alex grimaced.

“Then don’t. If the bishop did indeed bring the special license then marry her and take what is yours or take it and then marry her. Your choice, I’d say. I seriously doubt she would object, you lucky devil you.”

“Her father would object,” Alex pushed out through clenched teeth. “And there is still the matter with Lundberg. I can’t put her in any more danger than she already is.”

“Well, you should officially promote me to your most trusted advisor.  Carl is a suspected spy. He is one of four men not accounted for within the sixth regiment when vital information was passed to the French. Suspicions are even higher because he is suddenly living the high life and courting an earl’s daughter while on a sudden leave.”

Alex stopped, turning to his friend. “But there is no proof beyond that?”

“That is a telling story,” Chris’ voice was laced with irritation. “At the very least it may be enough information to make a case for accelerating a wedding and launching a full-fledged investigation against Lundberg.”

“Of course. Thank you, my friend. I am anxious to take Lundberg out of the picture. He is dangerous but this gives me a solid place to start.”

“I’ve got more. He and his friends often congregate at the Cock and Crow. That would be a good place to try and gather more information.”

“Shall we meet there tonight?”

“Absolutely.” Chris gave him an excited grin. “I’ll arrive early to secure the table in the darkest corner.”

“Much obliged.” Alex shook Chris’ hand. Tonight he would begin tightening the noose around Carl Lundberg.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER NINE

Rose sat at breakfast, listening to her companions talk incessantly about the scarred duke. It was obvious they were titillated, frightened, and excited as they chattered with increasing speed.

“Did you see how deep it was? How did he live?”

“With that dark hair, it makes him look so mysterious…”

“…and frightening--“

“And handsome--”

“Dark--”

“Dreadful…” they both took a breath to continue.

“That man will be my husband. You talk as though he is an actor on a stage to ogle. He is a person. Please―“

“Aren’t you frightened?” Sarah Anne asked.

“Of His Grace? Of course not. He is everything I could have…” She had been about to admit he was everything she had ever wanted in a man. It surprised her to realize that the man she had been trying to avoid was the absolute best choice for her. Taking a deep breath, she stood. “I need to speak with His Grace and my father. I’ll meet you both in the music room.”

Out in the hall, she leaned against the wall. Any doubts she’d had evaporated last night. Her body knew what her mind had not, he was the man for her. Why else would she have allowed him so many liberties? Liberties she had never allowed another man even when she had said she’d loved them. Her mind drifted back to when she hadn’t allowed Carl to kiss her. She had known he wasn’t the man for her.

Alex had proven himself selfless with all of his attention and ministrations that had been left unreturned. There was so much about love that she had yet to understand but with more conviction than she thought possible, she knew she would give all the effort she could to being worthy of the man who would be her husband. He deserved nothing less.

Moving towards the study, she heard Alex’s deep rumble mingled with her father’s low and tired tones.

“I will defer to your best judgement,” she heard her father say. Walking faster, she knocked quickly, determined not to eavesdrop again.

Alex opened the door and stepped aside to allow her in. His hand covertly brushed her back as she passed. He was so close, his scent filled her nostrils. That tantalizing mixture of pine and male musk made her inhale sharply. She wanted more.

“Rose,” her father’s voice called from the makeshift bed. “Let me look at you, child.”

Reluctantly, she turned her attention to her father and stepped further into the room. “How do you fare?”

“I’ll be better when you are safely married and your future is secure. The license arrived today.” He gave her a long look to emphasize his point.

Little shivers of anticipation raced down her spine. But she kept her exterior calm. Perhaps it was habit, her father never approved of her feelings for men, or maybe she just wanted to keep them between her and Alex, but her answer was demure. “Yes, Papa.”

“Very good. Lundberg is proving to be a larger problem than we anticipated. It has been suggested that you marry even sooner.”

Rose gasped. “What will people say?” She could just hear the gossips of the ton as they discussed her hurried marriage to the deformed duke.

“That matters not,” Alex said behind her. “As you will be my wife, all will be forgiven. What is of concern is that you are amenable to the arrangement.”

“I hardly think―“ her father began but Alex held up his hand.

“I want to know that you find this arrangement satisfactory, Rose.”

She turned to look at her fiancé. Every muscle was clenched taut, his face an unreadable mask. “Alex, I told you last―“ A quick jerk of his head made her stop. She had been about to reveal that they had discussed this very topic then night before. That they had spent time unchaperoned. “Of course, I am amenable to it.”

“Very good. Send Bates in to arrange my movement back to my rooms.” Her father patted her hand.

“Yes, Papa.”

“I’ll escort you.” Alex took her hand to help her out of her chair.

“Thank you,” she murmured as he tucked her hand into his arm.

As soon as they reached the hall, Alex’s lips brushed her temple. “Were you able to sleep at all last night?”

“I did quite well, what about you? You seem tense this morning.” She looked up at him, searching his face for the answers.

“I am well. Thank you for your concern.” His face was a mask again.

“You can tell me. What concerns you?” Her other arm reached across her body to squeeze his bicep.

“Lundberg weighs heavily on my mind but beyond that, I want to make sure this is truly what you want.” His chocolate brown eyes pierced into hers.

He was searching her face for answers too, his eyes looked over every nuance of her expression. “Alex, I have already told you that I wanted to marry you.”

“Yes, but will you feel that way tomorrow and the next day and in a year from now?”

Rose’s heart stopped beating for a split second. She shouldn’t be surprised. She had held the same fear for herself but when he said it, it cut through her. He doubted her ability to commit. “I cannot see into the future.” Her voice was soft. She didn’t want him to hear the hurt. “I only know how I feel now and…” Equally difficult was admitting the depths of her feelings, especially in light of his words. “If you will excuse me, I should find Bates.” She slipped her hand out from his and, lifting her skirts, made a dash down the hall.

***

Alex watched her sprint down the hall and cursed himself for being a fool. He was raw this morning, not his usually composed self. Since Marissa, he had sequestered himself away. Keeping out of the public’s eye. Running his estate and socializing little.

But he had needed an heir and Wentworth needed a titled man to marry his daughter. He had wanted Rose’s consent but what was happening was so much deeper. It was frightening, perhaps more so than battle even.

Sighing, he headed in the direction that Rose had gone. He had just hurt her feelings and he needed to explain. Their feelings were just budding. It was important to nurture them not kill them before they could bloom.

This hallway led to the back stairwell which went down to the kitchen. He could only assume that Rose sought the butler there. He took the stairs two at a time. It would be far easier to speak with her before she began her days’ activities that would most assuredly include her companions.  Halfway down the stairs, he heard a strange thump, like a large object hitting the wall.  He quickened his pace, sprinting down the rest of the narrow stairs and spilling out into the hall. He caught the faintest pink of Rose’s skirts before the back door closed.

Bates stepped out of the kitchen but Alex motioned the man back out of the way as he went to find his Rose.

She had gone to find Bates and Bates was in the kitchen. Why would she be going outside? Apprehension rose in his chest as he covered the hallway in just a few strides and then yanked open the door. Lundberg was dragging Rose across the lawn, one hand covering her mouth, the other wrapped tightly around her body. Rose kicked wildly but made little progress in escape.

Red lines of fury momentarily blurred his vision before he charged after them, easily covering the ground between them. Without stopping, his fist balled up and swung at Carl’s head. The other man ducked it and abruptly released Rose who threw herself into Alex’s arms.

For the span of a moment, Alex wondered what to do. Should he set Rose aside and beat the other man senseless? Rose would witness it all and she would be left unattended while he administered the beating. He never doubted for a second that he would be the victor. Lundberg was a lean man who clearly favored drink and fun over actual work, while Alex labored every day to better his holdings.

Rose buried her head in his shoulder, a shuddering sob emitting into his jacket as Lundberg raced for the hedge. “The next time I see you, you will regret it,” Alex gritted out as he picked up Rose and carried her back into the house.

“I only went down to the kitchen to find Bates but then he grabbed me before I even knew he was there.” She sobbed into his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck.

“Sshhh, all is well. I have you.” One of his hands came up to stroke her hair.

“I have unleashed a devil upon us. Little wonder you do not trust me.”

“Rose, I have my own demons that drive me and often, it is myself I do not trust. It is time I explained it to you. I am sorry I hurt you, my love.” While he did not fully trust her either, now was not the time to say so. He wanted to make things right with her.

“You’ve a right not to trust me. Look what my foolishness has done. But if you let me, I will spend my life proving to you that I can change. I can be better.” Her shoulders shook but her face was still buried.

He opened the back door and carried her inside. Closing it firmly behind them, he set Rose down on her feet and then hooked a finger under her chin to lift her tear soaked face up to meet his eyes. “We’ve all made mistakes, Rose. I made one just a moments ago upstairs. I shouldn’t have said those things to you.”

“Just because you shouldn’t have said them doesn’t make them untrue.” Her voice caught on a sob as she spoke the words.

“At one time, I would not have given a second thought to your ability to love only me. But my own past makes it so difficult to trust.”

“I understand.” Her words held a sadness that Alex keenly felt. It seemed an insurmountable hurdle for them to overcome. But they had to find the path somehow. He was growing to love her more with each passing day. “We will figure this out.”

“My father told me that my mother was just like me until she met my father. They were deeply in love. He said she never looked at another man after him.” Rose delicately nibbled her lip. He had noticed it was a habit of hers when she was nervous. His thumb trailed along the bottom lip, just skimming her teeth and she sucked in her breath.

“Rose, I can hardly wait to see what our future holds. Promise to meet me in the library again tonight,” he whispered in her ear. He knew he shouldn’t. The control it took to deny himself when alone with her was wearing thin. But he couldn’t seem to resist.

“What about my guard?” Her cheek brushed his.

“I’ll take care of it.”

She nodded her assent.

His lips found hers and they clung together, her body pressed against his. His hands pulled her closer but an ache settled deep in his loins to be closer still. He needed to make Rose his own.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER TEN

Rose listened to her companions play pianoforte with thinly concealed annoyance. Neither played particularly well. They giggled constantly. Normally, it would not bother her, but today, she longed to be back in the comfort of Alex’s arms. With everything that had happened, all she wanted was to be close to him. Instead she listened to the two ladies abuse her delicate instrument.

Fortunately, her ears were spared further abuse when her good friend Isla called unexpectedly. Jumping from her seat, she moved swiftly to greet her friend.

It was a rare treat. Isla Maddox, beautiful beyond any woman Rose has ever seen, was the most interesting woman Rose knew. She eschewed almost every female activity in favor of fishing and riding horses. Some men called Isla wild, but Rose thought her wonderful.

“Isla, what a delightful surprise. What brings you here?” The two women embraced and then clasped hands as they sat together.

“My father heard of your father’s injury so William was sent with our cousin Lord Maddox to see how your father fares and offer our assistance. After much pleading, I convinced them to allow me to join them. The more important question is, how are you? Your father injured and engaged to the def…”

“Please don’t call him that. He is handsome and wonderful.”

Isla’s eyebrows rose. “Well, my question in answered. And your father?”
“Recovering, thank the saints, though with everything happening with Carl, the wedding will be sooner than expected. Father thinks that it is the best way to keep me safe.”

“So your arranged marriage is a blessing?” Worry creased her friend’s eyes.

“Yes, very much so, though I am still sifting through my feelings.” Rose bit her lip. “Why do you ask?”

“I… I just… I’m not sure what to do,” her friend stuttered out. It was unlike Isla to be uncertain. A calm capableness always surrounded her friend.

“Has your father created a match for you?” Isla’s father was the brother to the Fifth Duke of Manchester. While he held no title other than Lord, he was a powerful land owner and ship builder.

“Perhaps. He has invited several suitors to possibly match me with. He hopes to gain a lumber contract with the union.”

Rose tried not to audibly gasp. “Married for lumber.”

Isla’s grimace said it all. “Honestly, is there a worse reason?”

Rose bit her lip. It was somehow less romantic than marrying for titles or lands, though she couldn’t say that to her friend. “I know it will all work out, Isla.”

“At least most of the suitors are Scottish. I know they will be more tolerant of my less than traditional upbringing. But honestly, wood? What could my father be thinking?”

Rose reached out and patted her hand, unsure of how to comfort her friend. Isla thought that Rose was lucky, and she was, for having genuine feelings for the man she was engaged to. But they faced their own issues that Rose was worried they wouldn’t be able to get past. Hopelessness for both her and Isla filled her chest. “Oh, my friend.”

“Enough about me. I am so happy for you. When do I get to meet this fiancé of yours? Is he really handsome and wonderful?”

Rose opened her mouth to ask but another voice chimed in.

“Who are we discussing?” Alex chuckled, flanked by Isla’s brother, William.

Rose caught her breath. He was relaxed around the Maddox family and it made him even more breathtaking. Isla stood, her glistening raven colored hair catching the sun. Alex quirked his eyebrows and Rose felt a trickle of jealousy. Isla was one of the few women who outshined her. “Your Grace.” She stood as well, her voice held a slight tremble. As a duke, it was well within his rights to reject her in favor of her friend. No one would stop him and Rose would be ruined.

His eyes left Isla and travelled to her, softening as he gave her a gentle smile. Stepping towards her, he reached for her hand. “Who is this handsome and wonderful man you ladies speak of?”

“Oh, I, um… what were we talking about, Isla? I’ve forgotten, um…” Her voice trailed off as he gave a small chuckle. She had eavesdropped more than once, she made a mental note not to do it again. It was not fun to be called out.

“It is wonderful to meet you, Miss Maddox.”

“You as well, Your Grace.” She gave a small courtesy.

“Please, call me Alex.” He bowed his head.

Unease trickled through her again.

“Alex.” Isla smiled with her blush pink lips and Rose gritted her teeth.

“Rose and I have obtained the special license and, as long as she is amenable, we will wed in three days.” He glanced at her and she gave a nod. Nothing would make her happier at this moment. “I know it would mean so much to her if you could stay.”

William nodded. “We would be honored.”

Isla beamed. “A wedding! We have so much to do. Let’s go pick a gown.”

Rose nearly laughed out loud. It was most out of character for Isla to want to engage in such ladylike pursuits.

Rose squeezed Alex’s arm. It had been so generous of him to plan the wedding for this weekend so that her friends could attend. A glowing happiness filled her, jealousy forgotten. “Thank you,” she whispered.

He leaned down so that his lips were whispering over her ear. “You are most welcome, my love.”

The evening passed slowly as Rose awaited bedtime. It was wonderful to see her friend but anticipation filled her with each passing minute. Finally, everyone began to retire.

Her lady’s maid looked at Rose as though she had gone daft as she rushed to get ready for bed. As she jumped between the sheets, her maid raised her eyebrows. “Will that be all, Lady Rose?”

“Yes, thank you.” She burrowed under the duvet.

Once the woman had left, she threw back the covers and crept to the door. Hearing nothing, she grabbed the latch, pushing it down in tiny increments until it finally clicked open. It sounded ridiculously loud, and wincing, she slowly pulled open the door.

Alex’s grinning face greeted her on the other side. “I do believe you would make an efficient spy.”

“You goose.” She stepped into his arms and she playfully swatted at him. “Why did you let me carry on if you had already removed my guard?”

“You’ve snuck up on me more than once. I wanted to see if I am losing my touch or you are exceptionally good at sneaking around. It turns out, it is the latter.”

She bit her lip. “Can I tell you a secret?” At his nod, she continued. “When I dreamed of my soldier, I would pretend that I was trapped by a dastardly villain. I practiced picking locks to aid in my own rescue, of course. I became quite good.”

Both his eyebrows rose near to his hairline. “You’re serious? You pick locks?”

She nodded again. “I had a lot of time for fantasy. It was fun.”

“I simply must see this.”

Holding up her finger to tell him to wait, she scurried back into her room to retrieve a hair pin. With her hair braided, she had no need for them. Then she slipped on a pair of slippers and headed back out of her room. “I can open most any lock but the best is one in the basement. It is what I imagine a jail cell lock would look like and that is the one I would practice on.”

A rustling noise up ahead had Rose diving into a doorway, pulling Alex with her.

“Were we seen?” he whispered conspiratorially, playing along with her game.

“Nay,” she replied. Somehow, nay worked better than no in the game of spies. “Let us hurry so that we might rescue the damsel.”

He gave a low laugh and Rose turned to him to glare her disapproval. “Shhhh.” She held her fingers to her lips.

Clearing his throat, he put a serious look on his face. “Lead onward.”

Making their way down the back stairwell, they moved away from the kitchen, deeper into the basement. On their left was a large, wooden door with a black metal lock. Rose pulled the pin out and stuck it into the lock. Giving it a wiggle, she felt the moment it clicked into place, and giving the pin a twist, the door let go and swung open. She turned toward Alex with a smile of triumph.

He looked mildly awed. “Impossible,” he said. “There must be something wrong with the lock.”

Her eyebrows drew together. Pulling the door closed, she handed him the pin. “Perhaps you would like to try?”

Plucking the pin from her fingers, he stuck it in the lock and then twisted, nothing happened. Trying again, he twisted harder. Still nothing. Looking more irritated, he braced the latch with his other hand. “Why isn’t this working?“ He clenched his teeth twisting harder.

“Careful, or you’ll break the―“ With a snap, the pin broke off on the lock. Rose sighed. “Allow me.” Brushing his hands out of the way, her small fingers worked the two pieces of pin, until the door clicked open.

“Rose, how did you do that?” His hands came to her waist.

“I drove the staff wild with all my sneaky spy games. But it helped pass the time.” She shrugged.

He was behind her and stepping close to her body, he laid a kiss on the back of her neck. “I think you might not need a soldier to save you, you’ll be able to save yourself.”

“I won’t, but thank you. I already needed you to save me from the soldier, remember? You were my brave hero.”

He gave her a squeeze. “Pray you always feel that way.”

She turned to look at him. The pensive look had returned to his face. “What I feel for you is far different than any other.”

While his expression didn’t change, his did quietly answer. “I’m glad to hear you say that.”

She hesitated for a moment and then turned in his arms. “I offer last night as proof. I’ve never let a man so much as kiss me but you…”

“Well, that is encouraging.” His lips swooped down to capture hers in a fierce kiss. In moments, she was breathless.

Raising his lips to end the kiss, she rose on her tiptoes to keep the contact from breaking.  Gently, he held her shoulders. “Rose, I have to go.”

“Where?” she cried.

“I need to fight your battles.” He rubbed his thumb along her cheek.

“Fight my battles? What do you mean? You’re not going after Carl are you? You could be hurt. Please don’t do this. Once we are married―“

“Rose. He may try to hurt your father again or he may try to hurt you. What’s more, this may not be the first crime he has committed and I doubt it will be his last. Someone has to stop him.”

“Was that your attitude in war? What did you do for the Prince Regent? Why would a duke be doing it?”

“This is a conversation for another time. Try not to worry. All I will do tonight is watch and listen.”

“But he knows you.” She tried once again to change his mind.

His face was set, he wouldn’t change his mind. “He won’t see my face. Now go to bed, Rose. I will speak to you in the morning. There will be a guard the rest of the night who will not fall asleep.” He turned her towards her room.

Huffing a breath, she put her hands on her hips. He was acting like her father and she found it terribly irritating. “Just because I was showing you a game I played as a child doesn’t mean that you need to treat me like one. Send me to bed and you’ll speak to me in the morning.”

His mouth fell open, surprise lighting his eyes. “Rose, I didn’t mean it like that. But I do need to keep you safe. Let me walk you upstairs―“

“I can find my own way in my own house, thank you.” Turning on her heel she stomped off. When would they stop treating her like a child?

Fists clenched, she moved down the hall, stewing in her anger. It was ridiculous. At eighteen years old, she didn’t need to be sent to bed. Her father had not allowed her to participate in a season, they had remained in Norfolk, but women her age stayed out at balls late into the evening.

So angry as she moved through the main hall, Rose nearly missed the movement from the corner.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER 11

Alex watched her go, sighing to himself. He ran his fingers through his hair and sighed again. He wasn’t trying to treat her like a child. But the woman was driving him near mad with wanting. He needed to focus on catching Lundberg and her eagerness only made it harder to resist her. With his lips on her delicate skin, he wanted nothing more than to take her to his bed and not leave for a week or perhaps a month.

Was she right? If they married would the other man simply give up? Alex doubted it. Carl was bold and brash. Most likely, he would seek retribution for being spurned. It was important that if the man was a criminal, Alex see him to jail for Rose’s sake and the sake of his country.

But he had best explain to Rose. Her father was overly protective and he risked driving her away by doing the same. He set off after her, moving quickly so that he could catch her before she reached her room. Moving swiftly up the back stairs, he headed toward the entry to move up the main stairwell.

Rose stood stock still with her head titled to the side, looking at a curtain. He glided next to her and, without uttering a word, she pointed towards a curtain. Alex looked at it, realizing immediately that it was falling at an odd angle. Swearing softly under his breath he looked at her. How had she seen that?  He grimaced, putting his hand on her back, he gave her the slightest nudge into the library. She did as he commanded. Stepping in behind her, he crossed the room and opened the left middle drawer where a pistol was stored. Pulling it out, he motioned Rose to hide behind a couch.

The calm that always filled him when he was about to do battle rose now and he moved deliberately out of the library. He tried to cross the foyer silently, though he couldn’t help but note that Rose would have done it better. Had she had a normal step, this night could have been very different.

It wasn’t till he was a foot from the curtain that all hell broke loose. A uniformed man threw back the curtain and lunged at him with a knife. He stepped out of the way just in time but the blade raked down his right arm.

His left hand balled into a fist. He had spent a great deal of time practicing pugilism in his youth and with deadly accuracy he landed a punch square between the man’s eyes. The man screamed, staggered back, and then the assailant fell to the ground unconscious.

The house exploded with noise as the servants who were still awake came rushing out at the commotion.

“Your Grace.” The butler’s voice shook slightly as he spoke, his eyes wide as he looked at Alex’s arm. Alex grimaced at him, not because of the pain but because the man was always first to the scene. But his thoughts quickly shifted as he glanced down to see blood dripping from his arm and pooling on the floor. A dull ache started by his wrist but it was a minor nuisance. “Get me some rope, we’ll tie him up and alert the local constable.” Rose came up next to him, her eyes wide. “Are you all right?” he asked her softly.

“Of course I am.” Her voice shook slightly but her jaw was set in determination. “How are you?” Her fingers gently touched her injured arm.

“It needs to be stitched.”

“Get me some hot water, boiled rags, needle and thread.” She turned towards the housekeeper.

“Yes, Lady Rose.” The older woman bustled off to get the supplies.

Gently pulling his sleeve back, she assessed the gash, her hands steady. He winced with pain as she pressed the two edges together. “Let’s go in the library.” Her voice cajoled and the corners of his mouth turned up. The wound was not serious but he was rather enjoying her mothering. Considering Rose had just been angry with him, he thought for his sake and hers that he would do as she asked.

“If you think that is best, love.” He grasped her waist with his other hand and pulled her against his side, her curves fitting perfectly against him. Leaning just a small amount of weight on her, Rose shifted even closer to support him. All the pain was forgotten as the blood rushed from his arm to his member. Sliding his hand down from her waist, he followed the swell of her hip. His teeth clenched and he grimaced. The butler’s eyes widened further and his skin paled but Alex wasn’t in pain, at least not that kind. He longed to press Rose’s hips against his own and his self-control was growing thinner with every passing second.

Rose began moving him slowly down the hall, while she cradled his injured arm. He squeezed her hip as they moved and she stopped, gasping. “Am I hurting you?”

“No, love,” he rasped in her ear. It flitted through his mind that he really ought to get hurt more often.

Moving into the library, Rose slowly helped him onto the settee and memories of the night before rushed through his already lusty thoughts. Her moans, the feel of her skin, the look on her face. He grunted with the effort it took to not pull her body against his. As he lie back, he gave her hand a slight jerk to seat her next to him, their hips pressed together.

The housekeeper rushed in with the supplies and Rose gently bathed his wound, then stitched it and wrapped it in fresh cloth. Her hands were the gentlest he had ever known and it only heightened his awareness of her. By the end he was nearly panting from wanting.

“Are you still going to go tonight?” Her blue eyes, filled with concern, met his and he watched her nibble her lip. He was, but he wasn’t telling her yet. He needed to keep her close for a few more moments.

“Fetch me a paper and quill,” he rasped. Grinning, she got up and rushed to the desk. She was still only in a night dress and as the fire light danced about the room, he could see her silhouette perfectly under the white fabric. He hadn’t thought he could grow any harder but somehow he did.

She rushed back towards him, as he admired the front view in the firelight. He penned a quick note saying he would be late and a perpetrator had been caught. Folding it up, he called for one of the stable lads to deliver the message.

“I’m so glad you’re not going,” she gushed.

Alex frowned. He would die a slow death if her skin ceased touching his but to lie to her could ruin any trust they had built. “Don’t mistake my note, love. This attack only proves Lundberg is far from giving up.”

“But your arm!” she cried.

“Leave us,” Alex commanded softly to the room at large. Quickly, the room emptied and they were alone. “My arm is fine. It’s you that I am concerned about.”

“You’re hurt, I can see it―“ He cut her off by pulling her body on top of his. As their bodies pressed together from top to bottom, he emitted a low guttural growl and his lips claimed hers. Need like he had never experienced in his life was building inside him and it begged for release. His hand came to her bottom and pressed it against his pelvis causing her to gasp and then moan as she pressed even closer.

“I’m dying of want, nothing more,” he said between kisses as his other hand came to her hip. Her legs were on either side of his and her nightgown was slowly riding up her legs to her thighs. He dipped his hand down and pulled the hem up, raking his hand along her butter-soft skin. As he pressed a finger to her core, he was met with a lush wetness that nearly made him senseless. It had been too long, he thought desperately. He was losing control.

She arched at the contact, pressing further into his hand as he moved rhythmically against her. Her eyes glazed over as she pressed harder into him becoming frantic. Stilling his movement, he reached between them to unlace his breeches. Dimly, he was aware that he should stop. But reason had left the room and all he could feel was Rose’s soft body pressed against his, the evidence of her desire making him dizzy with wanting. He gave his head a shake to clear it. Never would he hurt Rose, his beautiful Rose. “We can stop. It’s not too late.” His teeth clenched and he squeezed his eyes shut. It would take everything he had to get off this settee.

“I don’t want to stop.” Her lips whispered over his, her delicate pink tongue, darting into his mouth.  Using both hands, he picked her up, twisting around so he was on top of her. No more encouragement was needed as he parted her folds and pressed his member against them. He was glad the dim light and the fact they hadn’t bothered to get undressed hid his size and girth. It would only frighten her.

The contact of their flesh had her writhing underneath him as she pressed closer. “Rose, I am trying to go slow, I don’t want to hurt you.” The cords in his neck were bulging out at the strain.

Feathering kisses on his neck and chest, she wrapped her arms tightly around him. “Stop trying to protect me. Give me all of you.”

With a groan, he sank deep inside of her, feeling the moment she broke open for him. She whimpered and he gathered her closer. “My love, are you well?”

“I’m fine,” she gasped. His lips found hers again and ever so slowly, he pulled back out and then sank in. His lips caressed hers as his hand slid along her body. She seemed to adjust and after a few strokes, she rose to meet him. The action made him surge even higher with need and they were both carried along the wave of desire until he could feel himself about to break.

Her hands dug into his back, her breathing shallow. “Alex, oh Alex,” she cried and he could see that she was tumbling over the edge. With a loud groan, he joined her.

They both lay panting and Alex shifted to the side to snuggle her close. “Sweetheart.” His lips found hers again as he gathered her closer. Even after their lovemaking, he wanted to take off her nightgown and explore her body further. Rose was his, no one was taking her away from him. He could only pray she did not change her mind about him because he had the sinking feeling that he would never love another for the rest of his days the way he loved her. He had completely and utterly fallen for this woman.

She returned his kiss, curling around him. “That was heavenly. I didn’t know.”

He chuckled, “I meant to wait until we were married but―“

“It’s only a few days.” She gave a satisfied smile. “I wish you could stay with me tonight,” she murmured sleepily. “This is the most comfortable I have ever been in my life.”

“As soon as we are married, we can spend every night together in bed but, for tonight, I really should return you to your room. I still have to go out…”

“Why?” She sat up, staring daggers at him with her eyes.

“You’ve seen what Lundberg is willing to do, Rose. He sent a man to your house tonight. Nothing is more important to me than keeping you safe. You are…” he paused searching for the right word. “…everything to me. I need to keep you safe.”

With those words, she softened. Lying back down she melted against him. “Be careful. If anything happens to you, I don’t know that I could―“

“I will be very careful. After what we have done, I have no choice but to live until the wedding. You need to have the protection of my title and name.” He kissed her hair, drawing her closer.

“I need to have my husband.” She arched her eyebrows.

Those may have been the sweetest words he had ever heard. “You will.” He would have to handle tonight with the utmost care. If something were to happen to him, it would mean disaster for them both.

With that in mind, he headed to the Cock and Bull. It had taken over an hour for the constable to arrive and take Alex’s statement about the intruder. The constable had assured him he would share any information he acquired from the solider who had broken in. Now, it was near closing time for the pub and he hoped he wasn’t too late.

A low hat was slung on his head and a shapeless cape covered his body. Hunching his shoulders to hide his height, he made his way toward Chris. As he walked that way, he noticed Lundberg sitting in the corner with one other man. He looked irritated.

His companion’s voice floated towards Alex, “I’m sure he’ll be here.”

“I’m tired of waiting. None of us get paid without her.” Lundberg’s voice was hard as flint.

Alex hid his face further. Lundberg wasn’t giving up. These men clearly had a scheme to extract money from Rose. Alex wondered if Lundberg understood that Rose didn’t inherit the estate. The man she married would only get her dowry, whether her father lived or died. He sat at an empty table closer to Lundberg, but with his back to him. He could see Chris in the corner but the other man was too far away.

“I seen her. Can’t believe you’re worried about gettin’ paid,” the other man added.

“That will be fun, but she is spoiled, and will have to be brought to heel. So will the father. Blast, that we didn’t kill him.” Lundberg banged the table as he spoke. “Thought he could buy me off with a few hundred pounds and I skulk away quietly. I’ll have the whole of the estate.”

The foolish man had no idea that Rose wouldn’t inherit. Alex signaled for an ale. He had no intention of drinking it, it was purely for show. His fingers itched to close around the other man’s throat but this was his opportunity to finally turn the tables on Lundberg.

“You mean we’ll share it,” his compatriot corrected. “You don’t think he suspects you, do you? That could make for some awkward family reunions.”

“It doesn’t matter. As long as he can’t prove anything,” Lundberg gritted out.

Alex had been on the defensive all this time. Every time Lundberg attempted to take her, the carriage shooting. Now was his opportunity. Chris moved but not to Alex’s table. Instead, he sat at the end of the bar, right next to the two men. They both stopped talking and stared at his friend. Chris didn’t look at them. Instead, he swayed on his stool. “I’ll take an ale. Service is schlow.” He slurred as he let out a belch.

Alex turned his head away again and the two men continued their conversation.

“Rose will be mine no matter how I get her. I’ll kill her father, and then she will beg me to stop by the time I am done with that little chit.”

White hot fury course through over his skin. It was a confession and they had both heard it. He briefly wondered how Lundberg knew Lord Wentworth lived, but he dismissed it. It didn’t matter, he would go to the authorities tonight and have the man arrested for attempted murder and kidnapping.

“What will we do if Tom doesn’t come back? That duke has proven pesky.”

“We’ll talk later. I’ve said too much already.”

Alex heard the scraping of chairs and then the sound of the door. Turning to Chris he signaled for his friend to follow him. He’d be seeing the constable again tonight.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER TWELVE

Rose lie in bed half asleep. After what she had done this evening, she couldn’t quite settle herself to bed, and, if she were honest, she wanted to see Alex one more time before she fell asleep. The need to touch him was strong as was her desire to see that he made it safely home. Probably impossible with her guard back in place but she always held out hope. It would be an agonizing night if she had to go until morning.

Drifting more deeply into sleep, she startled awake at a noise outside her door. Had Alex returned? Did he want to see her too? She jumped out of bed and made for the door but a groan came from the other side of the paneled wood that stopped her in her tracks.

Turning her head to the side, she trained her ears to the other side of the door. The distinct sound of flesh meeting flesh filtered through the door. Fear coursed through her body making her skin tingle. This was not Alex.

Searching the room frantically, she headed for the connecting door to other room. Wrenching it open she stepped through and then took a deep breath. Calm down, she told herself. Forcing her actions to be soft and quiet, she closed the door behind her. Just as it clicked closed, she heard her bedroom door wrench open, slamming against the frame.

Tiptoeing across the room, she opened the door to the hall and began moving as quickly as she could towards the servants’ stairs without making any noise. She could hide in any number of places. This was her house. As Rose made her way down the stairs, it occurred to her that she could hide in the locked room by the kitchen. Moving swiftly to the lowest level of the house, she crept by the kitchen. A sudden movement from the doorway startled her. Jumping, she turned to see Bates coming out of the kitchen. “Oh thank goodness, Bates. There are intruders in my room. I was going to hide in the―“

“I know,” he calmly answered.

“What?” she responded, attempting to understand.

But he didn’t respond. Before she could even react, he raised his arm and knocked her on the head. She barely had time to cry out before the world went dark.

***

Alex saw the house come into view, just as the sun was rising. What a long night it had been and yet a highly satisfying one. His Rose was everything he could have ever dreamed of and their time together tonight had been beyond compare.

Lundberg would soon be apprehended by the constable and then he could breathe more easily about her safety.  Once married, he could set about the task of keeping her affection for his own. If only he could curl in bed with her for a few hours. He yearned to hold her body close.

A rider sped towards him from the house and Alex squinted his eyes to see what was happening. That just wasn’t right. Fear twisted in his gut as he kicked his horse towards the house.

“Lady Rose is gone!” one of the stablemen gasped from on top of his mount.

“Gone?” Alex repeated, drawing his animal up. Panic was rising, rolling over him in waves. For a moment, he wanted to deny it but then he drew himself up. The only way to get her back was action. Like in battle, a calm settled over him. He would fight for his Rose.

“Bates too and the guard knocked out cold.” The man’s eyes were wide with fear.

“Head to the Mayware Inn and deliver this message to Mr. Masters.”

Kicking his horse again, Alex raced up the steps. Mrs. Jacobs, the housekeeper, met him at the door, wringing her hands.

“Tell me,” Alex said by way of greeting.

Her faced paled. “There’s blood by the kitchen and Miss Rose’s chamber is in shambles.”

“The stableman mentioned that Bates is also missing.” Alex glanced back, Isla and her brother joined them on the steps.

Straightening up, the other woman pursed her lips. “Up to no good, that one is. I wouldn’t be surprised…” She stopped talking.

“Please continue, Mrs. Jacobs.” His voice was soothing, though inside he was near ready to jump out of his skin.

“Always talking about how he was going to do better than service. Plain foolish if you ask me. And lately, he’s been saying he would start a new life in Scotland. Said some money was coming his way. I asked if a relative had passed but he didn’t answer.” Her arms crossed over chest. “I’d wager he’s involved somehow.”

“Please show me everything.” Alex gestured for her to lead the way, his heart pounding in his chest.

It didn’t take long for Mrs. Jacobs to show him the scene. Alex could see exactly what had happened. She slipped away through the connecting room as they searched and was then captured by the kitchen. She was most likely going to hide in her room by the kitchen where she picked locks as a child. What scared him most was the blood by the kitchen. How hurt was she?

The groom returned within the hour, only to tell him that Chris couldn’t be located. It was Alex himself who rode out to Lundberg’s battalion.

After two hours the general was able to declare Lundberg a deserter. Alex returned to the house, exhausted and defeated.

William stood silently by the window while Isla paced by the shelves. Wentworth sat next to him, looking like death himself. The man had aged twenty years in the past few days. While his heart went out to the earl, what Alex could best do to help was get Rose safely back home.

Alex walked through the library door.  “What took so long?”  The earl’s voice held barely concealed anguish.

“I went to his army camp first. He was seen by the docks purchasing passage on a merchant ship. Unfortunately no one knew where the ship was going.” Alex threw himself in a chair. “The butler may have aided them. He mentioned starting a new life in Scotland.” Alex rubbed his hands over his face and through his hair.

“Where would they be going in Scotland?” William scratched his chin.

“Gretna Green,” the earl whispered.

“Of course. His goal always has been to marry her.” Alex stood, a surge of hope filling his chest. She was most likely not seriously wounded if the goal was marriage.

“Even Gretna Green won’t wed an unwilling bride.” William frowned.

“He could easily threaten her into submission.” Alex shuddered to think of what she might be going through but he might yet be able to stop them. “What we need is a ship. We can overtake them, and―”

“Even if that is where they are headed, how do we know which route―“ Wentworth’s voice trembled.

“A merchant ship would most definitely take the southern route through the channel. It wouldn’t chance the north.” William nodded as he spoke, excitement threading his voice.

“How will we get a ship? With men that will fight for us?” Alex rubbed his face again.

“There is only one way to find out. Let’s head to the docks and see who we know.” The earl tried to sit up but slumped back down.

Alex frowned, Wentworth was in no condition to go anywhere.

“If I may,” William stood as he entered the conversation. “Our cousin, Barrett Maddox, has a ship in the harbor, waiting to escort us back home. No one would understand better than he what you are trying to do.”

“Maddox.” A grin spread across Alex’s face. They had gone to Oxford together. Acquaintances only. The man had a piercing stare and a growl to match that set most men on edge. But he and Alex had gotten along fine and the man was honorable, loyal, and tough as nails. He would most assuredly help them.

Alex would catch Lundberg and the others, and then he would rip them to pieces.

***

Rose woke slowly, a groan falling from her lips. Her head felt as though it had been split in two. Her lips were cracked and dry and the need to vomit was strong within her. Opening her eyes into mere slits, she could see that she was on a bed in a tiny room. It spun wildly with the effort and she lay back, closing her eyes again. Desperately, she tried to stop the spinning and blessedly the room went to black again.

She woke again to the sound of the door opening. Her lids were too heavy to prop them open and it didn’t really matter who it was. In this state, Rose could do nothing to help herself.

“She still ain’t awake,” a voice said.

“She has to wake soon or she’ll die.” Carl’s voice was tinged with worry. “You hit her too hard. She’s just a small woman.”

“Excuse me, I’m not used to accosting women, or anyone for that matter. How was I to know?” Bates groused as if that was the largest problem. Him taking the blame. It would have been laughable if not for the condition she was in.

“I need her coherent by the time we get to Gretna Green. You made this problem, you are fixing it. Understood?”

Inside, Rose groaned. Carl’s concern, as usual, was for his own needs. Not like Alex, who put himself in danger to keep her safe. If she reached Alex’s side, she would never leave it again. With absolute clarity, she understood that no man was more perfect than him. If given the chance, she would prove her undying love for him.

The door opened and then closed again, and Rose attempted to open her eyes. The room spun again but she could see Bates there. Now came the decision. Did she continue to feign sleep or did she ask for the water she desperately needed. Closing her eyes again, she realized if she were going to make it out of this, she first had to live. “Water,” she croaked, barely above a whisper.

Footsteps moved towards her and then the pitcher clinked against a glass. “Here,” Bates voice grated out as a glass was shoved in her face. She tried to make her hand work to grab it but it refused to cooperate.

“Can’t,” she choked.

With a sigh, Bates grabbed her head and roughly tilted it up. “I did this so I could stop serving you,” he sneered.

She could little answer. The water initially soothed her throat but as it hit her stomach, it spasmed and all the water promptly heaved back out of her mouth.

“Gads,” Bates yelled, standing up. It had soaked his pants.

Rose tried to lift her hand. “Please,” she cried but he stomped out of the room.

If she had been able, she would have cried. But no tears would come and she didn’t have the energy to sob. She closed her eyes, fearing death would come for her.

The door opened again but she couldn’t lift the lids. The mattress sank next to her and the sound of the pitcher filled her ears. A much gentler hand came under her head and slowly lifted it, then the glass came to her lips. Had Alex come for her? “Just a tiny sip now, you had a terrible bump to the head.” It was Carl, though his voice was gentle. She could do little but obey. He cradled her head in the crook of his arm and gave her several more sips. While her head still ached, it lessoned and her stomach calmed a little. “How could you have that man in your employ?”

“He’s new,” she whispered.

“Shall I kill him for you?” Carl’s voice held humor but it was an offer he had made before. It reminded her that she needed to be very careful with this man. With that said, if he did kill Bates, it would be one less man for Alex to deal with.

“Most likely, yes,” her scratchy voice croaked out.

He gave a chuckle. “There now, you and I will make a wonderful team.”

She said nothing, just took a few more sips of water. That would never happen. One way or the other, she would never be his wife.

He set the glass down. “Perhaps some broth would speed your recovery?”

She opened her eyes. That sounded heavenly. “Please,” she sighed out. Food would give her strength.

He gave her a small smile and then left the room. Patting her hair, he leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I’ll be right back.”

Rose closed her eyes as he left the room. She was no longer foolish enough to think that Carl actually cared for her. He wanted something from her and so he was treating her kindly. She would have to figure out how to use this knowledge to her advantage.

He returned with the broth and Rose drank as much as she could. Both her stomach and her head calmed and as he laid her head back down on the pillow, she fell soundly back asleep.

She woke several hours later to the sound of voices outside the door. “Say she’s seasick, but I ain’t seen her or heard a peep. They refused the doctor.”

“Please,” her voice croaked. “Help.”

“We’ll demand entry. Can’t have a woman dying on this ship,” another voice boomed.

Relief swept over her. There was a chance she would be saved.

Her eyes, still heavy, fell closed again, though she tried to prop them open. Suddenly, the door banged open. A candle was thrust in her face. Rose blinked several times, shielding herself from the light.

“She is alive.” Carl’s voice rose from the back of the room.

“Help,” she just managed to push out.

Carl pushed to the front of the group. “It’s all right, love. I’m here.” He wrapped her in his arms burying her face in his chest. She lifted her hands to push away but they barely rested on his chest. “You can see she vomited. She fell and banged her head too in her dizziness but I was able to get some broth in her.”

“I’ll have to examine her,” another voice chimed in.

“Of course.” Carl squeezed her tighter. It bordered on painful. “But perhaps in the morning. My beautiful wife needs her rest.”

“Wife?” she tried to speak but he crushed her face harder against him.

“Well, I suppose…” The doctor stepped forward.

“Be a good girl now, and more food will come your way in the morning.” Carl whispered in her ear. Trembling, she tilted her head to peer into his eyes. He loosened his hold to allow her to do so but his eyes were hard as flint.

Rose bit her lip. Would these other men help her if she asked? Something hard and sharp pressed into her side. She knew Carl needed her but she also suspected he was capable of anything. Turning to the man she assumed was the doctor, Rose attempted to plead with her eyes as she spoke. “I need more water.”

“That is a good sign that the seasickness is abating.” He gave her a smile of encouragement and poured her a glass of water and handed it to Carl. He brought it to her lips, giving her a few sips. The doctor waved his hand. “Give her more. Hydration is key to recovery.”

Carl gave the slightest grimace but did as the doctor said. The water invigorated her, giving her some small amount of energy. “Food,” she mumbled, glancing at Carl. His frown deepened. She had played within his rules, not letting on that she had been taken by force, but she didn’t intend to allow him to deny her sustenance. It was a risk to be so bold.

“Of course.” The doctor again smiled his encouragement. “Captain Withers, would you get the lady some bread and salted meat?”

The Captain nodded with weary eyes and Rose wondered what his hesitation was. “Of course,” he replied.

Then he left the room. Another sailor was also there, standing silently behind the doctor. His cap was pulled low over his face and he held himself back from the group. But the jaunty set of his shoulders was familiar and Rose realized it was Alex’s friend, Chris Masters. Relief swept through her, making her limp in Carl’s arms.

“Where are you from, Mr. and Mrs. Lundberg?” Chris’ voice flowed over her, and she held back tears of relief. Hope rising in her chest.

“My wife is from a small village in Norfolk. I was raised just outside of London,” Carl supplied, casting a dark glare at the other man.

Chris didn’t respond, but glanced meaningfully at her instead, his eyes searching her face.

The captain returned and set the food next to the bed. The doctor then handed Rose a piece of bread. She took a bite, chewed, and swallowed, feeling life surge through her body. She took another.

“Well, you gentlemen can see that my wife is fine and recovering. If you will excuse―“

“We’ll stay till she’s done eating,” Chris said.

Rose grabbed a piece of salted meat and popped it in her mouth. Chris was buying her time and she would take full advantage of it. As her brain began to function she realized that the ship’s crew was not working with Carl which should make it easier for her to escape.  Why didn’t Chris just tell them she had been kidnapped? He must have a good reason.

Carl was also assessing the other man. He stood, crossing his arms over his chest. “I am capable of taking care of my wife.”

Rose ate faster. Once the Captain and Doctor left, she wouldn’t put it past Carl to take the food away. Would the Captain aid her if she went to him? It was a risk for sure but he was the one man who could lock Carl in the brig and return her home. Looking from his salty old face, it stared impassively back. He betrayed neither concern, sympathy, nor contempt.

She looked to Chris, the rigid lines of his face revealed that he was ready to do battle. It seemed the safest bet to seek him out first and decide on a course of action together.

The only problem was that, as a woman on a boat, it would be difficult to search without being seen.

With food in her stomach, sleepiness overcame her. She tried to fight it but her body needed rest after the trauma. Even with all the men looking at her, her eyelids grew heavy and darkness overtook her.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Alex stood on board The Destiny, watching the water slip by. It had been a full twenty-four hours since Rose had gone missing. With each passing moment some of his hope slipped away. Isla had tried to speak with him, as had William, but all he could do was watch the water flow past the bow of the ship and hope that the merchant vessel soon came into view.

Maddox, for his part, had said little other than the word yes when Alex had requested the other duke help in the chase. Alex hadn’t minded. In fact, he was relieved to have one less person attempting to console him. So he was disappointed when Maddox approached him at the bow. “It’s been a long time.”

“Yes,” Alex said through gritted teeth. The last thing he wanted to do was make small talk.

“Have you met my wife?”

“Yes,” Alex replied again. Had the circumstances been different, he might have noted that she was a stunning redhead who glowed in pregnancy with the couple’s second child. But now, all he could think about was his beautiful Rose.

“We met in Boston, carriage was being held up by thieves.” For the first time, Alex turned his attention away from the water. Maddox continued. “She was all wrong for the title, of course, but perfect for me. I no more realized that when another suitor attempted to steal her away.”

He turned his body towards the other man. “What happened?”

“I caught up with them. Made sure I got my wife back.”

“Did they live?” Maddox was an intimidating man under normal circumstances. When he caught up to Lundberg there was no telling what he might do.

Barret took a deep breath. “Well one of them was killed by another. One lived, sent her to Australia…”

“And the third?” Alex asked.

“I shot him after he shot Piper.”

“He shot your wife?” Alex gripped the rail with everything he had. He thought it may snap under his hand. If Rose was hurt…

“Well, in fairness, he was aiming at me. But I only killed him in self-defense. Don’t kill him in cold blood. We want him to rot in jail, not you.”

Alex gave a single nod though he was unsure that he would hold back in the moment. Rose was his future, she was his everything and Lundberg was taking that away from him.  He had come back to life since meeting her and he would do everything in his power to cherish her and their relationship.

“I can see you’re not listening,” His voice was a near growl and Alex turned to him crossing his arms. He and Barrett were near the same height, and while some might be intimidated by Barrett’s gruffness, Alex was not. “Piper, can you help me?”

Piper joined her husband at the rail. Wrapping his arms around her, he set his cheek on the top of her vibrant auburn hair. The warmth that emanated from them was almost shocking considering Barrett’s normal gruff manner. Skimming his hand down his wife’s pregnant belly he closed his eyes. Alex felt a lump rise in his throat. He wanted Rose next to him with his arms around her. He hadn’t told her how he felt and he needed the chance to say all those words.

Piper gave him an understanding smile. “I understand what you’re going through.”

“That is kind of you―“ She held up her hand.

“Lady Rose will see you, the kind of man you are, whatever you choose to do. Please consider what type of man she would want you to be.”

Alex’s head snapped back. He hadn’t considered that. All of this was because Rose was his future. They belonged together. She was letting go of her fantasy of heroes that slay dragons, in favor of men who only do what was necessary. It was imperative that he be the man she was coming to understand was superior rather than lowering himself to the common killer that Lundberg was. How could he not have seen this? “Your Grace, how did you know?”

“Please call me Piper. You and Lady Rose have a great deal in common with Barrett and myself. I am sure we will be great friends as I think I hold some understanding of what Rose is going through and what makes her love you beyond all others.”

“How could you know that and why would you think she loves me? You’ve yet to meet her. She is so beautiful and I am…” He could see why Barrett loved this woman. She seemed to reading his very soul with her beautiful sea blue eyes.

“I see your face and I know, by your reaction, what the two of you must share. Many ladies find Barrett intimidating. That never stopped me from seeing what was underneath.” Her face was soft as she hugged her husband.

“Thank you, Piper. Your words have meant a great deal to me.”

Isla and her brother moved towards them. Piper reached her hand out to the other woman, who grasped it easily. “Isla,” Piper’s voice held a great deal of warmth. “I think His Grace doubts Rose’s feelings for him.”

“Piper, call me Alex.” He cleared his throat feeling exposed. His feelings had not been on display like this for a very long time.

Isla looked at him in surprise. Then she reached her hand out to him as did Piper, forming a ring. “I have never seen Rose like this before. She fancied heroes and soldiers but with you, she loves the man. I could clearly hear the difference in her voice.”

Hope rose in his chest. Isla would know better than anyone. Was she correct? “Do you really believe that?”

“I do.” Isla gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Alex took a deep breath. He had kept himself separated from society, especially women. But like Rose, these women did not seem repulsed by his scars. They all accepted him. For the first time in a long time, he had a place in this world.

“You should get some rest, if my estimations are correct, we should overtake them tomorrow, late morning,” Barrett rumbled.

He gave a terse nod. He doubted he would sleep but it may do him go to lay down for a bit. He would need his strength for the fight ahead.

***

Rose woke with the sun. She was in the room alone, the pitcher of water still on the stand. There was still a dull ache in her temple, but it was manageable and her stomach no longer rolled. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, she sat up, taking a deep breath to steady the spinning room. With shaky arms, she poured herself some water. Taking several deep breaths, she bolstered the courage to stand. Her legs trembled but they held her. Biting her lip, she looked at the door. Now what?

As if on cue, the softest tap came from the other side. “Rose? Are you awake?”

“Chris?” her voice rose in a tentative question.

“You recognize me.” Relief laced his words. “I saw Lundberg carrying you onto the ship. I was following him while Alex went to the constable.”

“The captain just let you on?”

“We are acquainted.” He paused. “The question is, how do we get you out of this room?”

“Give me just a moment.” She felt in her hair and, sure enough, found a pin. She was shaky and weak but after fiddling with the lock for a few moments it gave a decided click.

She pulled open the door and stepped out, near falling. Chris swept her up, grabbing the door and closing it behind her. He handed her another slice of meat and a hunk of bread and then moved purposefully down the hall. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, doing better, though my head still aches and I am weak.”

“How did you get the lock open?”

“It’s a skill.” She shrugged as she ate.

He looked down at her quirking a brow. “I daresay, you are one of the most interesting women I have ever met.”

“I shall take that as a compliment.” She grinned at him and he returned the favor.

“I must ask, though it seems obvious, are you here against your will? Much as Alex is my friend, I’m not here to stop you if you want to run away with Carl.”

“How can you even ask? Of course I am here against my will.” She tried to look indignant, even as she devoured her food while being carried.

He gave her a grin. “I had to ask.”

He opened a door and carried her inside. “What are we doing?”

“I am going to let you eat and then I am going to get the Captain. He is an old family friend. I told him that I thought you had been taken against your will but he wanted proof before he caused a scene with Lundberg. I would have pressed harder last night but I thought you would be safe until the morning. So I waited outside your door.”

“You were outside my door the entire night?”

“Alex would never forgive me if I allowed anything to happen to you. The only problem is I don’t want to leave you here nor do I want to walk you about the boat. We have to figure out how to alert the Captain you were forced onto the ship.”

A pounding sounded at the door. “Where is my wife?”

“You don’t have a wife,” Chris called. “At least not on this boat.”

A deafening blast roared into the room as a shot splintered through the door. Rose flattened herself on the bed as Chris dove across the room. Snatching her up, he dropped to the floor and rolled them under the bed. “Well this is quite the spot we’re in.”

“Are you always so calm when being shot at?” she gasped.

“One does get used to it, after a fashion.” He tucked her closer as another shot blasted through the door.

She gasped again, “Is that because you are rake or a soldier?”

“A rake?” He gave her a hard look and Rose nearly kicked herself. As usual she had said too much.

“I apologize, I didn’t―“ Another shot fired, though it did not come through the door. Yelling filled the hall and Rose held her breath. She said a small prayer that no one from the crew was hurt. Another shot, louder and deeper, shook the boat.

“Oh my,” he said as he peeked out from under the bed.

“What?” She held her breath.

“Either Alex has arrived or we are being attacked by pirates in the English Channel.”

“Attacked by pirates?” she yelped.

“But hopefully it is your fiancé.”

“Alex,” she sighed, her eyes straining towards the door that now sported several holes. The ship had gone quiet, or perhaps it was just the hallway.

Chris rolled out from under the bed. “Stay there,” he commanded and slowly crossed the room, opening the door to peek into the hallway. “It’s clear,” Chris called as he motioned for her to come out.

Grabbing her hand, he began pulling her towards the hatch. He peeked his head out, and then climbed all the way, signaling for her to follow. The sun nearly blinded her as her head crested the opening and Chris reached down, easily pulling out of the hole and into his arms to steady her. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the light. First, she saw Carl lying in a heap on the deck, then the Captain, talking to several men she did not recognize but as she searched, Alex’s face emerged. A smile lit hers and she dashed out of Chris’s arms toward her fiancé. Something was amiss. Even from this distance, she could see it, feel the coldness. His arms were still crossed and his expression hard. Moving closer, she was undeterred and raced towards him. “Alex,” Rose cried.

He opened his arms and pulled her close for a brief second and then he set her aside again. Someone handed him a blanket which he wrapped around her. “How did he find you?” His eyes bore into Chris.

“Who?” Her eyebrows drew together in a question.

“Masters.” His jaw worked back and forth as though he were grinding his teeth. “Why are you with him?”

Confusion clouded her mind. “I thought you sent him. Why else--”

He didn’t allow her to finish. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s get you on the other ship..” He turned to the men around him. Rose huddled under her blanket. Sadness was overwhelming her. This should have been a joyful moment. “Tie him up, find the others.”

“Yes, sir.” One of the sailors began using a length of rope to secure Carl’s hands and feet.

“Captain, with your permission, we’d like to move the prisoners to the other boat and escort him back for trial.” Alex addressed the other man, not looking at her.

“Not at all.” The Captain turned to her. “Glad to see you are feeling better this morning. Last night, I was more than a little afraid you wouldn’t live.”

For the first time, Alex’s eyes lost their hardness, fear replacing it. She sighed in relief. “Thank you for your concern, I was afraid myself. Your visit last night may have saved my life.”

“It was Masters that pushed it. Said you were a friend of his and that you were in trouble. Guess he was right.”

“He was,” she answered softly. Alex’s eyes grew weary again. Her insides clenched. She longed to throw her arms around him and tell him that there would never be another but she didn’t dare. Once they were alone, she would tell him everything.

“Perhaps we should move the lady to the other boat?” A dark haired man nearly growled, his voice was so rough and deep.

“I agree. Rose had a nasty bump to the head. She is only just recovering,” Chris added. Rose would have kicked him if she were able. He needed to be quiet now. Alex had always seemed jealous of the other man but now, it was awful.

“Your assistance is not required.” Alex let out a growl of his own.

Rose peeked a glance at Chris. He was assessing the other man with narrowed eyes. Her insides fluttered with nerves as Chris spoke. “Alex, this is ridiculous.”

“Is it coincidence that you are here?” Alex stepped up till he was nose to nose with the other man. Anger and tension marked every line of his face. She wanted the Alex back that was kind and caring. She liked a man that could defend her when she needed it but now he was just being ridiculous and pigheaded.

“Alex, please.” Rose raised a shaking hand but it was too late.

Chris gave Alex a shove backwards to create some space between them. “I don’t know what has gotten into you but you’ve got to stop this. I was following Carl at your request.”

His words were cut off as Alex swung his fist into the other man’s nose. “Alex!” she cried.

Chris stumbled back, blood spewing from his nose. He recovered his feet quickly and shifted his weight to go hurtling back towards Alex. Covering her mouth with her hands, Rose bit back a sob. Her head spun as a dizziness overtook her.

Alex landed with a crash against the deck, with Chris on top of him. But he quickly, maneuvered to the top. Raising his fist, he made to hit Chris again. Rose blinked, a darkness covering her eyes. “Alex,” she moaned a plea this time.

His eyes focused in on her, shock registering there before Rose saw nothing else, a darkness overtaking her.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Rose woke slowly to the sound of hushed voices. Some words floated through her haze. “…lack of food… head injury… with child…” She drifted back to sleep.

When she woke, Isla and a beautiful redhead were next to her bed. Without a word, Isla raised a glass to Rose’s lips. “Doctor Thompson said you should drink plenty and eat too.”

Rose gingerly pulled herself up. “Thank you.” She took a long drink. Looking at the table, she saw a meat pasty sitting on a tray. It looked like the most delicious thing she had ever seen. Reaching a shaking hand out, she grasped it and brought it to her lips. “This is delicious.”

“I’m so glad.” The redhead gave her a glowing smile. “It seems as though you have been through quite an ordeal. I’m Piper Maddox.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. It has been trying.”

“Tell us what happened.” Isla reached for her hand but her face was pinched. Ignoring it, she proceeded to tell her friend all that she been through.

The two women sat in stunned silence. “But how did Mr. Masters know where you were?” Isla asked.

“He was following Carl and stumbled across my kidnapping. He was helping Alex but…”

“What happened?” Isla looked at her lap as she spoke.

“Alex is jealous. He doesn’t trust me―“ She couldn’t finish. It was too painful. A sob rose in her chest but she pushed it back down. She wouldn’t cry.

“Doesn’t trust you to what?” Piper gave her a smile of encouragement.

“Well, he doesn’t trust me at all. As he grows more jealous, he is not the man I thought he was. I choose the wrong man every time.” It was Rose’s turn to look away.

“He is having trouble trusting that you will love him. He is not the only one who is having trouble with trust.”

“I trust Alex!” she cried.

“Do you trust yourself?” Piper got up and crossed the room to fetch a blanket before Rose could answer.  Biting her lip, Rose contemplated Piper’s words.

A knock sounded at the door and Piper moved across the room to answer. She opened the door and allowed Chris to step in. Rose’s shoulders fell. She couldn’t help it, she had hoped it would be Alex.

”Are you feeling all right?” Chris crossed the room to sit beside her.

“Just tired. And hungry.” She closed her eyes. It wasn’t entirely true. A sadness was falling about her like a cloak. Alex’s distance felt unbreechable and in her heart of hearts she worried he was correct. She shouldn’t be trusted.

“Try not to worry. It will all work out. He’ll come around. He’s just…”

“It’s all right. You don’t need to console me. I just need to talk to Alex. If he would just visit--” Rose stopped, realizing she was saying too much. “Thank you for your help.”

Chris paused before giving her a small smile. “Of course. He’s forgotten it, but he wouldn’t have had me do anything else besides help you. He’ll remember that very soon.”

Rose nodded, she hoped he was right. She closed her eyes against the possibility that he would not remember the promises they had made or the feeling that they had. Drifting off to sleep once again, she wondered if Alex would come see her.

***

Alex stood outside the door of her room, his hands clenched. It was completely obvious that Chris and Rose were not having a conversation of lovers. In fact, they were only talking of him.

He had been publicly jealous and he had shunned Rose when she had needed him most. What was more, he hadn’t even rescued her, Chris had been the one. His teeth ground together. He didn’t deserve to have Rose as a wife. He was too damaged.

Pushing the door open, he gave Chris a glowering stare and the other man crossed his arms but he remained silent as he exited the room.

He gave a nod to Piper as he sat down on the edge of the bed next to Rose. She barely stirred. He brushed her hair back from her face, watching the long gold tendrils slip through his fingers. “I should end it and leave her with someone who can love her the way she deserves.”

The chair Piper had been sitting on scraped back, and she came to stand at his side. “You will break her heart.”

His heart constricted at the thought, “It is temporary―“

“She loves you and it won’t be.”

“I can’t trust her the way she needs me to. I’m too scarred, inside and out…”

“I told you last night to try and be the man she needed you to be. You’re not trying. You’re letting your own fears dictate your behavior.”

“You’re right and you are only proving my point.”

“No, you are proving mine. Do what is best for her and everything will fall into place.” Piper turned and left the room.

He turned back to Rose, her luscious lips puckered in sleep. He touched them with the pad of his thumb. What if he spent all of their marriage in a fit of jealous rage? Would that make them happy? Piper was wrong, his insecurities ran too deep.

He stood. It would be best for her to be loved by a man who could give her the support she needed to get over her own fears.

In his mind, he said goodbye.

***

Rose opened her eyes as she watched him walk out the door. Tears threatened to spill over but she refused to allow them.  Reaching for the tray of food still sitting next to her, she forced herself to eat some more food. She would need her energy.

Piper returned to the room, surprised to see her awake. “Oh, Rose,” she breathed.

Rose shook her head. “He loves me. At least I know that.” She shook her head to clear her sadness. “But he has no idea how stubborn I can be, although my father did try to warn him.”

“What do you need?” A slow smile spread across the other woman’s face.

“First, a bath, then, a nightgown. Something sheer. And of course, keys for the rooms.” Rose took several more bites of her food, no longer forcing it down. She was excited now.  Alex would have no choice when she was done and her weapon would be the truth.

Isla and Piper spent all afternoon making her irresistible. Her hair was washed, dried and brushed into a soft glowing sheen. Her body was scrubbed pink and then draped in a sheer nighty. Perfume was sprayed in a cloud around her. By nightfall, she glanced in the mirror to see a beautiful goddess where she should have stood. “Is that me?”

Isla laughed. “If I ever I am trying to woo a man, you must do this for me.”

“I doubt we will have to, men fall at your feet.” Rose winked at her friend.

“Unless they are falling at yours.” Isla gave her friend a wink but there was worry around her eyes.

Rose bit her lip. She would have to see her friend again soon. Isla had been there for her and rose would return the favor.

Piper handed Rose a dressing gown to cover the sheer fabric. Then, she pressed a key into her hand. “I would suggest getting yourself situated in his room before he returns from dinner. And if I could  give you a word of advice, don’t let him talk too much. The more room he has to disagree, the more difficult your task will become.”

Rose nodded, hugging each of her friends, and then slipped out the door, key in hand. She crept down the hall. Piper had told her that his room was just a few doors down and she found it easily as she pressed the key in the lock and twisted it until the door opened.

Slipping the dressing gown from her shoulders, she draped it across a chair. Lighting a few candles, she pulled back the coverlet on the bed and arranged herself upon the sheet. Now that she was here, her heart beat wildly. Taking a few deep breaths, Rose relaxed back into the pillow, settling herself in to wait.

She nearly jumped when the door almost immediately opened. In the flickering light of the candles, his eyes found her immediately and his mouth tightened. “You need to go back to your room.”

“Alex,” her voice whispered out. “Close the door before someone sees.”

A deep frown marked his brow but he did as she asked. “I mean it, Rose. We cannot do this―“

“Again?” she asked standing. “We’ve already done it, remember. I am ruined or have you forgotten? You can’t take it back and I cannot marry another.”

“He’ll forgive you―“ He stopped speaking as she gasped.

“You really plan to not marry me. After what we did and what we have been through?” Her insides clenched to hear him say it and she fought back her nausea. No longer sure of her plan, her hand came to her stomach.

“Rose, I can’t be the man you need. It’s not you but I just can’t trust anyone.”

“It’s not you?” Her temper flared. “I’ve said that before and do you want to know a secret? It was them.” Her hands came to her hips. She forgot that her nightgown was sheer and she sauntered towards him. “One was too needy. Another too lazy. Both were too easily wooed by my father’s money. So I know that it is me. You don’t trust me because you think I am too fickle but you are wrong, Your Grace.” She had reached him now and her finger came out and poked him in the chest. His eyes smoldered with what she thought must be anger but she pressed on anyway. “I will never feel about another the way I feel about you. You have tamed my wayward heart and now you don’t want it anymore. I won’t force you to marry me but I’ll never marry another. I want you to know that. I am yours whether you want me or not.”

His hands grabbed her waist and for a moment, Rose thought he would push her away. Instead he pulled her body close to his, burying his face in her hair. “Of course I want you.” His arms snaked around her pressing her closer still. “But I will drive you mad with my insecurities and―“

She stopped him with her lips on his. “Stop trying to make my decisions for me. What will drive me mad is if you continue to treat me like a child.” Her lips pursed and his eyes grew darker still.

“You’re no child,” he whispered in a husky breath. Then he brought his lips down on hers.

In all of their other interludes that had been a tender restraint but not in this kiss. It burnt with passion and Rose had never wanted him more. Her hand twined in his hair, tugging at the strands until her fingers slid down his neck to the buttons of his shirt. Breaking contact only long enough to shrug off his jacket and his shirt, he grabbed her again, gathering the hem of the nightgown in his hands until it came to her thighs.

Sliding his hand underneath her buttocks he squeezed and then lifted while she wrapped her legs around him. Her neck arched as he burned a trail of kisses down its slender column and then further still down her chest until his lips came to her already hard peaks. He took one in his mouth, despite the fabric that still covered it and she cried out at the sensation, desperate for more. Her fingernails scraped down his back as he suckled harder and his hand came to the soft juncture between her thighs.

They both gasped as his finger slid easily inside her. “Rose, you are mine. No one else’s,” he ground out between kisses.

“Yes,” she moaned as her head shook back and forth. “And you are mine. There is no one else for me. Just you.”

His finger slipped out and she began to protest but she realized that he was working the buckle of his pants. The moment his member sprung free, it met the softest part of her flesh, like a beacon being called home. With the slightest wiggle on her part, he sank deep inside her.

“You would deny us this?” she gasped as he lifted her up and slid back down.

“I am a fool,” he groaned.

“Say it again.” She smiled for a moment but that quickly turned into a heated kiss.

“I am a fool. Can you forgive me?”

“Only if you swear you will make an honest woman of me,” she managed to say as he thrust deep inside of her again, nearly stealing her breath.

“I swear. Do… you… promise… that… it… is… only me?” he spoke in a halted tone as though every word difficult to push out.

“I promise. And I will spend every night reminding you of that promise.” With a definite rip, he tore the front of the gown and his lips came down on her bare breast. She cried out, unable to hold back as her insides shuddered and her limbs shook.

***

Alex picked his head up to watch her face as her body trembled in his arms. He was still holding Rose and in that moment, he made a vow that she would never leave them again. Whatever wars he had to fight, however many dragons needed to be slain, no matter the inner demons that plagued him, he would conquer them all to keep her by his side.

As her tremors subsided, he carried her to the bed, gently laying her down. In watching her, something in him had shifted. His desire still burned but a fierce tenderness overtook him. He slowed the pace, watching to make sure she was experiencing pleasure. She gave him a soft, satisfied catlike grin. “That was amazing.”

His lips captured hers. “Would you like to experience it again?”

“Didn’t we just say that we would be together? Of course I plan…”

“I meant right now, my darling.” His lips slid down her neck to her neglected nipple, the one he had yet to give attention. Her body immediately tightened around his. He couldn’t help but grin, just a little. He was learning the secrets of her body and nothing gave him more pleasure.

“Oh… my….” She held his head closer as he body began to rise with his.

He held her body close in his arms as they climbed higher and higher. Alex could feel the end, and he held on, desperate to bring more pleasure to Rose. It was his unspoken word that he would give everything he could, deny himself anything he needed to in order to bring her happiness.

“Alex,” she cried as her body spasmed again. No longer able to hold it, he too fell into bliss.

He collapsed to the side, pulling her along with him. Tucking her up against him, he cradled her body. His mind searched for the words that would tell her he would never make this mistake again. But before he could get them out, he heard her soft sigh. Twisting his head to look at her, Alex smiled. She was fast asleep in his arms. With that, he kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. He fully intended to sleep like this every night for the rest of his life.

He woke early, though he could not place why. Warmth surrounded him and with a comfort that bellied his sudden wakefulness. Rose stirred next to him and the reason for his contentment became apparent. An insistent knock sounded at the door and the reason for his wakefulness also became clear.

Slipping out of bed, he grabbed his breeches from the floor and shoved his legs in them. As a knock sounded a third time, he yanked open the door, stepped out and softly closed it behind him. Barrett, Chris, and the doctor stood before him.

Dr. Thompson spoke first. “Your Grace, I went to check on Lady Rose but―“

Barrett interrupted, crossing his arms over his chest. “It is a false alarm. Lady Rose is safely ensconced in His Grace’s chamber.”

“Oh dear, well, that explains a great deal.” The doctor shifted his weight.

“What does it explain?” Alex eyed the other man.

“Well, really it is too soon to tell but some of Lady Rose’s symptoms seem rather more severe than they might normally. I was wondering if perhaps she could be with child. It’s too soon to tell really.”

“Child?” Alex whispered. It had only been a few days. They had only… he gave his head a shake. It was possible.

Chris stepped closer to him, “If she is in that room, you’ll marry her today.”

“Who are you to tell me what to do?” Anger and jealousy welled up inside of him. Who was this man to make claims in the name of Rose’s happiness?

“The question remains, what shall we do about the wedding?” Barrett ran his hand through his hair.

“I thought I would wait until her father was present. I know he approves the match but it seems as though he would want to be in attendance.” Alex furrowed his brow in thought.

“Have you asked Rose?” Barrett’s heavy eyebrows lifted. “Piper sent me for the doctor to check on Rose early this morning. Somehow, I don’t think she will be surprised to find that Rose was not there.”

Alex made a choking noise deep in his throat. It was somewhere between a gag and a laugh. “She was in my room when I arrived last night perfumed and wearing a sheer…” he was revealing too much. He knew it.

Chris let out a howl of laughter. “And you didn’t suspect anything? You’ve been good and thoroughly bamboozled.”

Barrett clapped him on the back. “What a way to go. Congratulations, my friend. You’re getting married.”

“In case you were wondering, I was always getting married. I initially convinced her. It was only a moment of doubt and―“

Chris gave him a knowing smile. “Keep repeating those words.” Alex glowered at him.

“Alex,” Rose’s muted voice called from the other side of the door.

“If you will excuse me, gentlemen. I need to speak with my scheming bride.”

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Alex walked back in the room and any anger he might have felt promptly melted. She lay on her stomach with her arms under her head and the blankets just covering her buttocks. He scanned the swell of her breasts and then followed the curve of her back as it cinched in at the waist. It rose again, only to disappear underneath the bedding. It occurred to him that there were many more ways to explore the art of love.

“Who was at the door?” she asked with her eyes still closed.

“Oh, I think you know.” Slowly, he began crossing the room toward her. He didn’t want to frighten his prey.

She lifted her head and came up on her elbows. A mass of golden hair fell all around her and the position only further accentuated her sumptuous back. She gave him a dazzling smile over her shoulder. “Why would I know that?”

He reached the side of the bed and, trailing his fingertips down her smooth skin, he explored the curve he had just been admiring. “Because you sent them.” His hand reached the top of the covers and stopped.

She chose that moment to roll over and his hand was now resting on her lower abdomen. “I have been here with you, how could I have sent anyone?” She quirked her brow and stretched her arms over her head. Her already plump breasts absolutely teased him from their perch.

His hand remained still, now torn between exploring her breasts or pulling the blankets down further to explore lower. Several things were apparent. While Rose looked completely innocent, she was anything but. While he was attempting to hold her accountable, all he wanted to do was make love to her again, very soon. She was completely aware of both of these facts and using them to her absolute advantage. If she were to continue this, he would have a very difficult time denying her anything and it sounded like heaven.  “You had Piper do it. Is that her nightgown I ripped last night?” Realizing he had two hands, he allowed one to move below the blankets while the other went to cup one of her glorious breasts.

She gasped and closed her eyes, arching against him. “You don’t really want to talk about this do you? When we could be doing things that are so much more interesting?” She gave him a wicked smile and Alex gave up the pretense. No, he would not be able to deny her anything.

***

Rose lay in the circle of Alex’s arms. She was warm, and comfortable, and hungry. “Alex,” she mumbled, still half asleep.

“Yes, love,” he responded immediately. She looked up to see his dark and hungry eyes assessing her.

She gave him a grin. “After not eating for a few days, I fear I am famished. Can we get some sustenance of a different variety?”

Surprise lit his eyes and then a tenderness she did not fully understand. “Of course. I will be back post haste with refreshments.”

She laughed. “We could go to breakfast.”

“Breakfast is over and I find I don’t want to share you quite yet. Besides, if we go out, they will start asking when the wedding will be.”

“When will the wedding be?”

Kissing the top of her head, he gave her a squeeze. “That is entirely up to you. Do you want to wait until we return to your father?”

She shook her head. “No. Nothing would make him happier then to know I am married. He worries.”

Alex held her tightly to his chest. “We arrive in London later today. I will have to transfer Lundberg to the authorities and present all the evidence, but I will speak to the bishop of my church in London―“

“You have a church in London?” She raised her eyebrows.

“Well, it isn’t my church but I have one that I attended whenever I was at my townhouse―“

“Townhouse?” She sat up then, as she assessed him. “We used to have a townhouse before mother passed, then Father sold it and I don’t know that I’ve been back since. Do you still have yours?”

“Yes, though I must confess, I have used it very little since I received this scar. The probing eyes of the ton, or perhaps their wagging tongues, made me uncomfortable.”

She nodded, the corners of her mouth drawing down. “I understand,” she said as she stroked his chest. Truly, she was happy in the country. But if she were honest, she would like to have an occasional trip to London. Or perhaps, just once, visit one of Almacks’ exclusive balls. She laid back down and snuggled back in to his side. His arms tightened around her.

“But I find, with you by my side, I am less worried about their eyes or their tongues. Besides, if any dare give me trouble, I am sure you will slay that dragon for me.”

“You would face that for me?” She propped her head back up and gave him a glowing smile.

“There is a great deal, I would do for you. I would have rescued you if Chris hadn’t beat me to it.”

“What do you mean? He didn’t rescue me. I picked the lock and then―“

His lips came down on hers as a laugh bubbled from his chest. “I should have known.” Then he rose from the bed.

“Where are you going?”

“To get you breakfast.” He quirked his brow at her as he pulled on his pants. “My bride-to-be is hungry.”

They spent the day in each other’s arms. Rose tried to remember a time she had been happier or more content. As evening approached, they heard the bells that signified they had reached London.

Stepping out onto the deck, anticipation coursed through her. Alex had asked her if she wanted to stay in his room but she had elected to face Carl as he was transported to prison. She wanted to see this through to the end. Her relationship with Carl had affected not only her father, but everyone on the ship with her.

She stood on the bow of the ship, Alex by her side. Once Carl had been brought up, he would accompany him to the prison and then give his statement. They would both have to return to London for the trial but, for now, Carl would be safely behind bars.

Alex squeezed her hand as two sailors walked out with Carl between them. His face was twisted into an ugly mask of hatred as he sneered at her. His hair hung limply in his face and his skin was a pasty shade of green. How had she ever thought this man handsome?

It seemed as though he would pass her by but then suddenly he jerked to a stop. “You… you think you are better than me and that you can make promises to me and then break them but if ever I have the chance, I will show you who is the―“ Alex stepped between them. Carl paused but when he spoke again it was with even more vehemence. “Duke or no, you are the scum of the earth. You think you can just take whatever you want. If not for you, we would already be married.”

Rose gently pushed Alex back to her side. “Don’t blame him. You can think what you want about me but you know in your heart you were lying to me about who you truly are and what your feelings were for me. Only, I learned the truth.” Her voice shook slightly but she held her head high. “You never really cared for me. You only wanted my inheritance.”

“Damn straight I did. I had to beg, borrow, and steal for everything I have while you just get the world handed to you. I hate people like you,” he snarled.

“Who is breaking promises now? You promised to love me. You don’t even like me. I will see you at the trial.” She shook her head and motioned for the sailors to continue taking him away.

“You think you’re better than me just because you have money. Once I had that money, I could prove to all of you that I’m just as good as you are. Once I became the earl--”

“Carl, you were never going to be the earl. It’s not the way it is done. You weren’t even going to get the inheritance, beyond my dowry. It’s entailed. It all goes to my cousin.”

“You’re lying! I know you are.”

“Take him away,” Rose added quietly. “This is a pointless conversation.”

“I’m not done, I’ve got some more to say to that bitch. I―“

“You’re done,” Alex snapped. “Get him out of here.”

She watched him walk away with a sadness in her heart. She was sorry he was so broken. Even more so, she wanted to kick herself for allowing him into their lives so that he could hurt the ones she loved. “I need to apologize to all of you for putting you through this. I am such a fool.”

Alex wrapped his arms around her. “How many times must I tell you this is not your fault?”
“I don’t know. I just can’t believe it.” A tear rolled down her cheek despite her efforts to stop it.

“Oh my love, think of it this way. If it hadn’t been for Carl, you might never have given me a chance.”

She looked at him, her tears drying. “Don’t be absurd. You are the most handsome man I have ever met. How many times must I tell you that? Those ladies are ninnies if they think your scar―“

She couldn’t finish because his lips came crashing down on hers. “I love you, my beautiful Rose. Promise me you will always be mine.”

“Oh, I will. You have tamed this wayward heart. It can never belong to another.” She smiled at the man who had helped her become the woman she had always wanted to be.

TAMING A DUKE’S WILD ROSE

EPILOGUE

Rose stood, drinking a glass of slightly warm lemonade, and tried to stifle a yawn. It was well past eleven o’ clock in the evening and the night’s events at Almack’s had only just begun. The room was tastefully decorated and the dresses of the other attendees were beyond compare but she was not used to being out so late.

It had been a terribly long day to begin with. They had sat listening to Carl’s trial. Though she had testified already, Carl’s commanding officer had presented evidence that Carl had committed espionage. He had sold secrets to the French for money.

It still shocked Rose. He had admitted that he had been a poor man. It was one thing to marry a woman you didn’t love, but even she had not thought him capable of selling out the safety of his countryman for his own personal gain. A shiver ran down her spine. She almost married him.

A few ladies walked by and assessed her with open curiosity. She was the wife of the scarred duke and she had rarely made it out into society herself. But her blonde hair was twisted into a loose coif that complimented her high cheekbones and her gold dress was the most perfectly cut she had ever owned. That was quite the statement considering the way Alex had dressed her recently. It accentuated her even larger than normal breasts, while hiding any flaws she had yet to correct on her own. But the dress was meant to catch the eye of passersby. She wanted to take the focus off of her husband and on to her. The ton was curious about them both of course, but she wanted to spare Alex as many stares as she possibly could.

Alex and her father joined her and she reached for her husband’s hand. “Shall we?” His eyes sparkled as he asked and Rose nearly forgot to breath. After a year of marriage, he still made her breathless.

“Oh, yes,” she answered breathlessly as they stepped out onto the dance floor. His every movement was perfect as they waltzed together, moving to the music. Rose could feel the eyes of the crowd upon them but she didn’t care. Let them look. What would they see but a couple that loved each other.

“I can hardly wait to take you home,” he breathed in her ear.

“To the town house or back to Lancaster?” she asked, a sly smile playing on her lips.

“Well for tonight, the town house. Do you want to return to Fairbanks? I thought you were looking forward to London?”

“It is lovely. But with Renee, I find I yearn for our quiet country nights rather than evenings out.”

A look of concern passed over Alex’s face. “Do you think she has been all right without us this evening?”

“Shall we return to the town house to see how our daughter fares?”

With a nod and a grin, Alex swept her back off the dance floor and toward the doors. They didn’t need the glitter of London and the eyes of society. They had everything they needed with their own love and the beautiful daughter.

TAMING A LAIRD’S RESTLESS HEART

CHAPTER ONE

Scots border, England 1856

Isabelle Maddox stood tucked, tied, curled, pinned and ready for auction. Her father, Lord Charles Maddox, despised it when she used that word, auction, but it was exactly how it seemed to her. Being on the border of Scotland, and in need of Scottish lumber, he thought to sell her off to the highest bidder.

Though she hated to admit it, he had married a Scottish woman for much the same reason and now loved her mother with all his heart. Though he rarely admitted he had initially had some trepidation about marrying a strong-willed Scott. Now their cousin, Barrett Maddox wished to expand his shipping business from America to England and had commissioned more ships. Her father firmly believed that if it had been the answer once, it could be so again.

So, she now stood, with her entire family, to meet several perspective suitors. Her Uncle, Fergal, from her mother’s side, said it was a vera good thing because she had too much wild Scottish blood to be married to a proper Englishman.

Sighing, she tapped her closed fan against the overly cinched bodice of her gown, her corset nearly making it impossible to breathe.

Her mother reached out a hand to still her movement. “Hush, child.”

“If I were a child, this would not be happening.”

“If only you were still a wee lamb, I would have worked harder to curb your wayward tendencies.” Her mother’s subtle brogue washed over her. The other woman’s smile was soft for her only daughter. Isla, as her family called her for as long as she could remember, was Scottish for island because she was the only girl in a family dominated by men. The name suited her, not so much because she was the single female but because she was an island amongst the fair maidens of England. A wild woman in a sea of societal debutantes.

While those ladies had danced, curtsied, and fanned themselves, Isla had run, rode, swam, shot, and spit with the best of them. That was, until she had been trussed like a turkey. Her brother’s chums had initially been impressed with the raven-haired girl that could outride them bareback but, she had been forced to admit, their looks had changed in the past few years.

A shiver ran up her spine as a memory flitted through her mind. Her brother William’s once close friend, Lord Riley, had caught her in the barn after a ride six months earlier. “My, but you’re a pretty one,” he had leered at her as he stalked closer. “A real, true beauty. And so wild. I wonder if you would ride me the way you ride that horse.”

She had on a split skirt riding habit, much easier for riding, and it had been cold, so her boots were even on. There were times she went out riding barefoot and bare legged. But her dark hair had come undone from its bonnet and bun and hung in a tangled silky mass down her back. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she had whispered. His look frightened her and her muscles tensed in readiness. Just when he lunged, she darted and made a dash for barn door. It danced through her mind that she wished she had brought her bow.

Riley lay chase but her brother, William, suddenly stepped into her path. “Riley, I believe you were just leaving.” Fear gripped her at the quiet rage she had heard in her brother’s voice. Never in her life had he spoken that way in front of her. It was more threatening than Lord Riley’s look.

“It’s Lord Riley to you,” the other man had returned. Though she didn’t look, she could hear him sneering.

Stepping around her, William had grabbed Riley by his stiff upright collar and gave him a shake that must have rattled his skull. “Lord Riley, do not grace our doorstep again.” Just as suddenly, he let the other man go and, off balance, Riley fell to the ground, splaying on the dirt floor.

“How dare you?” he spluttered without much volume, most of the vitriol now gone.

William grabbed him by the now ruined collar and dragged him out of the barn. “Don’t move,” he growled at her over his shoulder. She could hear him muttering fiercely into the other man’s ear and the word’s “innocent” and “sister” floated back to her.

When William returned, he looked no less angry. “Isla,” his voice held a low fury.

She clasped her hands. Normally she would have argued her case but William had never found fault in her and it was as though the tide was changing. Instead of fighting, her voice pleaded, “I’m even wearing my boots, see. Petticoats, pantaloons, not even mother could take fault.”

His eyes softened. He reached out and grasped the ends of her silky hair giving it a tug. He had been doing that as long as she could remember. “Isla, it’s not that you’ve done anything wrong, this time, but that you are too beautiful to be gallivanting off by yourself. It just isn’t safe.”

“Will, I’ll perish from boredom if I have to sit inside all day listening to those women gossip and prattle.”

“I’ll not tell father but you must ride with one of us. And you must keep your hair back and all of your clothes on.”

She didn’t argue but she didn’t agree either. It would crush her spirit to be caged like that but Will would not have issued the warning if he didn’t think it was necessary.

Isla almost never cried. It was for babies, and for women who were weak. But that night, she had laid in bed and let the tears fall. Mostly because she knew it was the beginning of the end to the life she treasured above all else.

She snapped back to the present as, off in the distance, several riders appeared. Her mother reached over and tucked a curl in her perfectly coiffed chiffon.

Moving her head to remove herself from her mother’s grasp, she scanned the riders approaching. There had to be eight of them, many wearing tartans. Hearing her mother huff, Isla rolled her eyes. Her mother desperately wanted Isla to be a daughter of dresses and fashion, with kisses and cuddles, rather than a hellion on horseback.

The blue, red, and green of the riders’ tartans came into focus. Brawny legs and wide shoulders graced the top of giant steeds. Mayhap, Isla’s uncle was correct, a Scottish bridegroom might be a good choice.

To her knowledge, there were three Scottish landholders whose land bordered her father’s. She knew their sons had been invited. There was perhaps a father or two in the group as well but that only accounted for five or six of the men. Second sons would not be asked, only the eldest.

She went through them in her head. Collin MacPherson. He was a good man, had been a good boy but she had rarely given him her attention since she could best him with an arrow, on a horse, or swimming in a creek.

The features of Angus Mackinnon came into focus and she groaned inwardly, rude and often ill-kept, he had a terrible temper to match his brawny size.

She scanned the group, finding Fergal Campbell amongst the other men. Honestly, she expected to marry Fergal. It wasn’t that he made her breath stop, or that he filled her with longing, it was simply that they got on particularly well. He had never minded her boyish ways and could mostly keep up. She had enjoyed his company immensely until he began mooning over her. She had complained about it once and her mother had laughed then told her two things. The first was that if she were determined to marry Fergal then the relationship would reach an equilibrium once they entered the marriage bed. But then she had cryptically added. “If you’re not mooning back then perhaps you don’t want to marry him after all.”

Isla was still attempting to reconcile her mother’s words. Should she feel a greater affection for the man she married? And how would the marriage bed cure a man of acting love sick? She knew about the act, she thought. But the emotion that tied into it, seemed a mystery entirely. Why would Fergal be more content once they shared a marriage bed? Would she?

It didn’t matter now because Fergal was the second son and her father decided he wanted her to marry a potential business partner. Isla had never met his older brother, having been in London for his formal education for as long as Isla could remember.

A stranger in Campbell’s blue tartan rode near the front of the group with a boy riding in front of him. Bigger than the rest, his dark eyes pierced into her. That couldn’t be Fergal’s brother Gavin. How could he be that much bigger than his brother, and who was the boy?

As they drew closer, Isla seemed unable to tear her eyes away from the piercing dark gaze of the man. His features were sharp in a way that made him look near dangerous but excitingly so. It was evident that he was well muscled and broad through his shoulders. He rode with an easy grace that hypnotized Isla, she could not look away.

“That must be Gavin,” her mother whispered, sounding as awed as Isla felt. “I didna know he was so…. large.”

“That is one word to describe him. Who is the child?” Isla whispered back.

Her father overheard them and gave them a frown. “Their youngest brother. Haggis’ new wife bore him five years ago.”

Isla gave a nod. They had been married near ten, but Haggis was his ‘new wife’s’ senior by fifteen years at least, having lost his first wife in child birth. She had never met his new wife or the baby, the new Mrs. Campbell preferred to stay at home.

The men had moved close enough so that Isla could see their individual expressions. Fergal gave her a grin, in his usual way, and she smile back, relaxing for the first time that day. She gave him a genuine smile in return and glanced back at the man who must be Gavin, but his features were set in hard lines of that displayed little emotion. The riders stopped a few feet away and her father issued a warm greeting. “Thank you all for coming.”

Each dismounted, as her father addressed them individually, nodding his return greeting and glancing furtively at Isla. Collin was first and a slight blush stained his cheeks as he nodded to her. “Miss Isabelle,” he murmured.

Isla stamped her foot but no one noticed under the layers of voluminous skirts. Collin had always called her Isla.

Angus leered as he was introduced and her fingers clenched around her fan. If given the chance, she would knock his teeth out.

Finally her father turned to the Campbells. “Gavin, it has been a long time and I’m glad to see you but I must confess to be curious where your father is.”

Gavin’s already stony features grew even harder. “My father passed this winter. I decided to tell you in person rather than write.” Like her mother, Gavin’s voice help a muted lilt that danced across her senses. It was a rich baritone that was almost musical. She would have enjoyed it immensely if not for the sad news it brought. John Campbell had spent many a times at their home and he would be missed.

Her father’s face held a moment of deep pain and then it was gone. “I’m sorry to hear that, Laird Campbell.” He gave him the respect now do to the head of the household. “And your stepmother?”

Isla saw his fingers clench. “She has passed as well.”

The crowd gasped at the news.

CHAPTER TWO

“Can I asked what happened?” her father’s shocked voice spoke what all were thinking.

“She died of consumption deep in the winter. My father passed a month later, we can only assume of grief. He never meant to be widowed a second time. I’ve only returned from London for the past few weeks to begin sorting through the estate.”

“Your father always had a keen mind for business, there can’t be so much―“

Gavin gave the tiniest shake of his head. “We’ve much to discuss.”

“I can see that. Let’s all step inside.”

Isla sighed with relief. Usually she spent all day outdoors but with all the infernal layers of clothing she was wearing, sweat was traveling in rivulets down her back. How did aristocratic women put up with this daily? Angus moved next to her and she tried not to grit her teeth. Normally she might have outstripped him to avoid his company but not today. No wonder her mother had dressed her such. “You’ve always been a beauty but today you are delectable. I might want to eat―“

“Angus,” her brother Will called from the back of the group. “What news from the North?”

She tapped her fan on her stomach again desperately resisting the urge to beat Angus with it. If ever there was a man who deserved a beating, it was him. Will gave her a long look and Isla understood his meaning. Will would keep Angus from becoming a problem and she was not to beat her suitors. Pity.

“Are ye still riding, lass?” Collin’s brogue washed over her. He was a handsome man with blonde hair and eyes the color of the sea.

“Not as much,” she replied, regret lacing her voice.

Collin didn’t seem to hear it because he gave her a winning smile. “Well, I see you’re growing up.”

Isla’s mouth fell open and then she quickly snapped it closed. That had always been the issue with Collin. He didn’t understand her. It wasn’t a passing fancy, she wasn’t being childish. It was who she was, singing in her blood like the sea to a sailor, the heather to a Scot. “And I see that you’ve not changed a bit.” She smiled back and he returned her grin, completely unaware it had been an insult and not a compliment. Her younger brother, Tom, gave her a long look over Collin’s head.

As if to taunt her near heat exhaustion, Thomas called over. “Collin, let’s swim this afternoon. The spring rains have the creek full to the brim.”

“Scottish bath,” Angus cackled. “I’ll be joinin’ ye too.”

Thomas was fifteen and full of life and mischief and often her partner in crime. But not today, he was leaving her behind to enjoy what she could not. Her mouth pinched and she was about to tap her fan on her stomach again when she sensed another set of eyes upon her.

Glancing to her left, Gavin or rather, Laird Campbell, was assessing her. His look was as hard and uncompromising as it had been when he arrived. Butterflies flitted in her stomach.

The doors swung open as several servants stepped out to greet their guests. Refreshments would be laid in the dining room and then then everyone would sojourn to rest for the afternoon. Or rather the men would frolic in the river while she was stuffed into her hot and stuffy bed chamber to die of boredom. At least, she’d be able to take off these clothes.

Her father moved next to her, placing his hand under her elbow as they crossed the threshold. He motioned to Gavin who joined him on Isla’s other side. “I’m so sorry for your loss,” her father murmured.

“And I yours. I know he counted you one of his dearest friends.” Gavin’s voice held the warmth his face did not.

“What has transpired with his estate?”

Gavin seemed to hesitate. “He loved Agnus dearly, she and John filled him with life again but…” Gavin paused.

Her father nodded. “He stopped working when he wed her.”

“Yes, I tried to return from London to take over but he wouldn’t hear of it.”

“How bad is it?” Her father’s voice was grim.

“Not that bad. I can correct it. As you said, he had a great many years of running the estate well. But a lumber contract would greatly help the cause.” Gavin was wasting no time in telling her father what he wanted.

“And a wife could help you with little John,” her father returned easily.

There it was again. She was being treated like cattle to be sold. Her fan snapped against her stomach, again clicking against the beads on her dress. Both men glanced at her.

“With all due respect, Lord Maddox, I don’t need a wife, just a lumber contract.”

Isla stopped walking for a second but her father pulled her forward. The only thing worse than having to marry was being talked about like she wasn’t even there, while being rejected. “I’ll have you--” she started but her father promptly cut her off.

“Isabelle’s husband gets the contract. It’s a family business and will remain as such. As is the contract I received for the ships. Think it over.” Her father started to pull her away.

Digging in her heels, Isla halted their progress. “Or don’t,” she added. This meeting was only minutes in, but Isla had near had enough. She did not need any man dismissing her. As his grey eyes locked with her blue ones, the other scathing words about to fall from her lips, suddenly went silent. They were beautiful and penetrating and as hard as the lines of his face and everything about of him spoke of a power underneath that was only highlighted by the steel grey of his eyes. Another woman might have been frightened but she was invigorated.

“Isla,” her father snapped.

“Isla?” Gavin asked. Her name on his lips caused a tingling to spread through her body.

“Aye,” she matched his subtle brogue with her own.

“And why are you an island?” His eyes still held hers captive as he spoke the words.

Everyone had stopped speaking and all eyes were on them. Isla took a breath and then spread her fan, cooling her heating skin. Straightening her back, she attempted to give her own penetrating stare. “I am the only daughter.” It was answer her mother and father wanted her to give.

Her family practically sighed with relief and she could see everyone relax but Gavin raised his eyebrows, looking around the group. His lips parted slightly as he looked around and Isla was immediately drawn to his mouth. Full and soft, unlike the rest of his face. It was as if they called to her to touch them.

“Why don’t we talk in my study.” Her father gestured toward the stairs and Gavin gave a single nod as he followed the other man. Unable to look away, Isla watched them until they were out of sight.

The other guests were quick to retire to their rooms, or other activities and Isla, for once, was thankful to return to her room. She entered the sanctuary and immediately called for hers lady’s maid. She wanted a reprieve from the heavy clothing she was wearing.

But before the woman could get her out of the clothing, another maid tapped on the door. “Excuse me, miss,” she called softly as she opened the door. “But your father has requested that you fetch your brother on the river. He is needed in the study.”

Isla gave the woman a long look. Casting her eyes to the floor the other woman curtseyed and left.

“You’re going to scare Mary,” Elizabeth, her maid chided lightly.

“I didna mean to. But my father is up to something but I canna decide what it might be.”

“There must be someone down there he wants you to see.” Elizabeth shrugged.

Of course there was and it was most likely Gavin Campbell, new laird. She stepped out into the sun, Gavin was a mystery. His looks he’d thrown her way hadn’t been exactly warm, and nearly everything about him was granite hard. Neither frightened her as she was not the softest woman herself but she could not marry a man who didn’t have a good heart.

She reached the swimming hole in the creek that eventually led to the ocean where her father had his shipping yard. Fergal, Angus and Thomas where all basking in the water close to the bank. The creek ran fast this year with all the spring rain so the men stayed close to the side.

“Thomas, Papa wants you,” she called to her brother.

“What does he want?” Thomas called lazily.

“If I knew, I would tell ye, but I dunna.” She turned to leave.

“Isla, help me out. I’ll never do it on my own,” Thomas called.

“I’m not in much of a position to help.” She lifted her skirt to take a tentative closer. It was rocky here and she couldn’t make out her steps. As she looked at her feet, Thomas jumped up and grabbed her hand, pulling her towards the water. She held herself for a second but then her balance gave out and she tipped into the water. A howl of fury emitted from her mouth just before she splashed under the water.

Isla knew she was in trouble almost immediately. She was a strong swimmer but the corset was restricting her and all of the clothing was weighing her down. She crested her head of the water to see the men laughing but the swift current dragged her back down below the surface. Kicking with all her might, she crested the water’s surface again to grab a gasp of breath but Thomas was nowhere to be seen.

Her head went back under water and she kicked with every muscle in her lower body, her arms clawing to the surface, but the fear she wasn’t going to make it was ravaging her mind.

Suddenly, strong hands wrapped around her torso and she shot to the surface. Delicious air filled her lungs as she gasped and gagged for more breath.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tammy Andresen lives with her husband and three children just outside of Boston, Massachusetts.  She grew up on the Seacoast of Maine, where she spent countless days dreaming up stories in blueberry fields and among the scrub pines that line the coast.  Her mother loved to spin a yarn and Tammy filled many hours listening to her mother retell the classics.   It was inevitable that at the age of 18, she headed off to Simmons College, where she studied English literature and education.  She never left Massachusetts but some of her heart still resides in Maine and her family visits often.

You can learn more about Tammy, or sign up for her newsletter, by visiting her website. www.tammyandresen.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tammyandresen

Facebook: http://facebook.com/authortammyandresen

What the Critics are saying

“The characters are well-developed and interesting, the plot is edge-of-your-seat intriguing, and the setting is one with so much history. If you are a fan of history mixed with mystery and intrigue, you won't be disappointed.” Linda Thompson THE AUTHOR SHOW

“While the relationship between Lily and Eric is the primary focus of this story, the mystery/supense factor is what kept this from being JUST a historical romance. Lily in Bloom was a fast-paced, romantic read that I absoutely LOVED.” http://alysenovak.blogspot.com

”…  it held not only a pure romance but the simple magic that goes with it. I was enchanted with this story from the beginning until the end and I didn’t want it to end. I wanted it to go on.” Robin

Table of Contents

Taming a Duke's Wild Rose

Copyright

Titles by Tammy Andresen

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Cahpter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

Sneak Peak: Taming a Laird's Restless Heart

About the Author