To Tame a Viscount (Reformed Rakes Book 2) Page 4

  “Some men are rather curious, aren’t they? Makes it rather difficult for us to want to ignore the entire gender.”

  Miranda’s eyes widened. “Are you talking about one particular gentleman? Have you found someone who strikes your fancy? I want to hear all about him.”

  Heat burned across Kaylee’s cheeks. She hadn’t meant her statement to give away so much. At present, her relationship with Simon was purely professional, and she had no intention of discussing the past. Therefore, there was nothing for her to say.

  “I’m merely speaking of random clients we’ve helped through the years who have been different.”

  “I see.” Miranda sounded disappointed. “Do you plan to work at the House of Reform for the rest of your life? I know Constance will never leave, and although Regina is very fond of flirting, she claims to have sworn off men. What about you? I do hope you plan to marry.”

  Caught off guard, Kaylee nearly choked on her sip of tea. Marry? Why would Miranda wish that for her? She’d never discussed the future with her friend. Nor was she certain she should burden the woman with any of the details regarding her past, however pleasant it would be to have someone to confide in.

  “I don’t exactly see marriage as a viable solution for me, but I don’t think I will be happy spending my entire life helping others find it either,” Kaylee responded noncommittally.

  Excitement lit her friend’s eyes. “Then, you have a plan. Tell me.”

  Surprised at her friend’s insightfulness, Kaylee’s mouth fell open. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t act like that.” Miranda rolled her eyes. “I know you. There is no mistaking that look. You are planning something.”

  “I may have a few ideas, but nothing as concrete as a plan.”

  Later that day as Kaylee watched Simon casually sitting on the sofa, his arm draped over the back, she thought of Miranda’s desire for her to wed. The more time Kaylee spent with this new man, she could definitely see herself with someone like him. Then, she mentally shook herself. This wasn’t the real him. He was a womanizer. A rake of the first order. Not someone she could marry. Not to mention, she didn’t love him. Considering what marriage did to a person, she could never marry if there was no love.

  “I just don’t know.” He let out a heavy sigh. “I’m under a tight schedule. If I had time to go through all this, I wouldn’t have come to ask for your help in the first place.”

  “Well, you haven’t exactly asked me for an easy task. No woman is going to drop the persona she has adopted simply because you asked. Nor do I personally know any of these women to get the information for you.” She sat up straighter as a thought struck her. “I do know of one way. My friend may be able to collect the information for you. Being a woman. There is no reason for the candidates to act anything other than themselves around her.”

  “Sounds reasonable. May I ask the name of your friend? I would like to know where the information is coming from.”

  She smiled. This would be quite simple. With Miranda’s help, Simon would have a wife within a week. Her joy dimmed. Up until this point she’d been successful in treating him as she would any other client, but the idea of him holding another woman brought a sickening ache to her stomach. Naturally, his wife would be hand selected and therefore perfect for him so Kaylee couldn’t even have the satisfaction of imagining their life being less than ideal.

  The memories she’d cherished these last months of him, sensuously moving over her as she clutched onto his bare shoulders, became him with the faceless woman. Her stomach rolled. Heat of shame and anger flushed her cheeks. She got to her feet and crossed the room. She needed to get away. How could she have thought she could do this?

  “Kaylee? Are you all right?” Simon’s warm hands touched her shoulders and she wanted to melt into him, but she stiffened instead. She would not give in. She couldn’t. “What did I say?”

  Taking a deep breath, she cleared her mind and focused on the task at hand. It was a simple matter. A defense she had perfected over the years, so why did it come with such difficulty now? It didn’t matter. She turned back to face him.

  “You did nothing wrong.” Her voice emerged raw, and she cringed at the sound. “I apologize for my . . . well, I suppose I shouldn’t skip luncheon in the future.”

  “If you are hungry, we can—”

  She shook her head. “I’m fine. Now, my friend whom I spoke of is Miranda Greenleaf. I’m sure you remember her.”

  With a groan, Simon took a step back. “Is that what this is about? I told you, I only wanted to find her for the marquis, who she is married to, I must add, so you can’t accuse me of any wrongdoing on my part.”

  She opened her mouth to refute his statement, then thought better of it. “You can’t exactly blame me, considering she was your first thought after leaving my bed.”

  His hands clenched into fists as he took a step closer to her. “If I recall correctly, your thoughts were on her which is what drew my attention.”

  Shock and anger coursed through her, and she stretched to her full height, which fell pitifully short of his. “What exactly are you accusing me of?”

  “Nothing. I just don’t appreciate you claiming my only interest in you was to get to another woman.” His eyes fell to her lips, and she couldn’t breathe. “My mind was consumed with you and nothing else. Even now I—”

  “Miss Shepherd?” Regina‘s shocked voice filled Kaylee with shame. “Is there a problem?”

  “No. Not at all,” Kaylee bit out through clenched teeth. This was all Simon’s fault. Her friends were already watching her closely because of him and now bringing Miranda into this only made things worse. He wound her up so badly, she didn’t know if she wanted to slap him or kiss him. This was not going to work. She couldn’t do this anymore.

  ~ ~ ~

  Simon groaned as he let his head drop to the back of his chair. “Here? He was here?”

  “As I said.” The annoyance in Lana’s voice couldn’t be mistaken. “And, he made it very clear it was only me he wanted to see. I believe he has decided there is no way you will be able to complete the conditions of father’s will.”

  Resisting the urge to slam his fist against his desk, Simon clenched the arms of his chair. “He can believe all he likes, but I assure you that I have everything under control.”

  Lana crossed her arms as she lifted a skeptical eyebrow. “Really? I’ve been watching you. Not once have you paid particular attention to any one lady. If you want options, I have offered you six or seven.”

  Familiar agitation welled up within him. He and Lana had never seen the same perspective. In truth, she always took pleasure in besting him. No doubt the options she chose for him would have simply been the first ladies that crossed her path. His sister, Gina, on the other hand, would select the most vapid and mindless of women in existence. That was why he needed Kaylee’s help.

  The very thought of Kaylee increased his pulse. To hear of her jealousy yesterday had been like a balm to his soul, and her anger had ignited his passion. Bloody hell, there was something about that woman that he simply couldn’t resist. Although he hated Lady Regina’s intrusion, he welcomed it as well. He’d been so close to admitting his obsession with Kaylee and so close to kissing her. That certainly wouldn’t serve to aid him in his endeavor.

  “Are you listening to me?” Lana demanded.

  “Actually, I’m not. I told you that I would handle it, and I shall. You have no reason to worry.”

  “If that’s the case, then why haven’t you done it already? What if I receive a proposal of marriage tomorrow? What will you have me do then?”

  That got Simon’s full attention, and he sat up straighter. “I haven’t heard that you had your eye on any one man. Who is he?”

  Red climbed up his si
ster’s cheeks. “There is no one as of yet. “I’m merely telling you of viable possibilities. You realize if I marry then you are only condemning Gina to this fate, or if she weds, then poor Wendy will be forced to marry Weston at such a delicate age.”

  Anger colored his vision. He would not let that happen. He could hardly believe his father would write his will in such a way for his sixteen-year-old daughter to endure such a fate, but Simon shook off the thought. The previous viscount wasn’t known for leniency. The man always received the results he wanted, no matter the cost. And, again, in this matter he would prevail.

  “Will you stop this? Seeing as you have no current suitors, and I have a plan, there is no reason for your world’s end scenarios.”

  Her eyes widened as hope flooded her expression. “A plan? Tell me everything.”

  Leaning back in his chair, he studied his sister’s eager face. He had no intention of telling Lana about Kaylee. Ever. However, he did require her aid in a portion of his endeavor. He steepled his fingers.

  “You shall be hosting a luncheon in a week’s time. The guest list shall be handpicked by myself. Naturally, as the viscount, I shall attend, but I shall be a reluctant guest.”

  A skeptical brow rose. “How do you expect that to serve you?”

  He shrugged. “We shall see if it does.”

  The next day his mind was completely absorbed with Kaylee. Their meetings, although centered on trying to find him a bride, had become the highlight of his days. He so longed for the days he had been free to talk and flirt with her. Although the sexual tension still coursed through the room, he never felt more comfortable with her. It was truly strange to be so at ease when acting like himself in the presence of a woman.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” Annoyance laced Kaylee’s voice.

  He widened his eyes in innocence. “How am I looking at you?”

  Her gaze narrowed. “You know exactly what I’m referring to. Sometimes I feel like you ask me things like that simply to have me say them.”

  Unable to hide his grin, he shrugged. “If you believe that, then why don’t you humor me?”

  Her laughter held no mirth. “And, why should I? Our relationship only continues because you are paying for my services. Should you want more from me, I’ll expect you to take that up with Lady Constance.”

  “You don’t mean that.” Anger tinted his vision. The idea that she would consider selling her charms to anyone, him included, set the fire of fury within him.

  “Are you questioning my word?” She rose to her feet as her chin lifted a few degrees.

  He, too, rose. “No. I just hadn’t realized Lady Constance decided to run a brothel.”

  Her mouth fell open. “A brothel?”

  “Yes.” He stepped toward her. “That’s what they call places where the women charge men for more of their services.”

  “That’s not what I meant.”

  Powerless to keep his hands off of her, he ran his fingers down the soft skin of her cheek. “Tell me, Kaylee, what would a kiss cost me?”

  She drew her arm back, but he caught it before she could make contact with his face. He deserved a slap, and any other punishment she decided to dole out for his improper conduct, but if he were to suffer the consequences, he would take the pleasure first. Drawing her hand to his lips, he lightly kissed her fingers.

  “Do you have any idea how hard this is for me?” He breathed against her skin as he ran his lips across her knuckles. “To see you sitting there and keep my distance? To not be able to touch you?”

  Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and she didn’t pull away. “But, you left.”

  “I did,” he admitted as he pulled her closer to him, tilting her face up to his. “I had to get away.”

  “You’re looking for a wife.” The desire in her eyes burned his very soul.

  “I’m not married, yet.”

  Unwilling to wait any longer, he captured her lips with his. The contact imprinted on him, and he fought his desire to deepen the kiss. As he slowly moved his mouth on hers, Kaylee melted against him. Her small capitulation proved his restraint paid off.

  The fact she still wanted him after all this time was a heady feeling. Inflamed with the idea of it, of her, he pulled her in tighter until there was nothing left between them. His body ached for her. This was what he wanted from marriage. Not some tolerable woman he could converse with. Nothing short of passion would do. He wanted Kaylee.

  Jumping away from her, he cast the thought from his mind. In another lifetime, he would have stolen her away and married her, but not this one. He owed too much to his family. For himself, he would sacrifice.

  He drew in a sharp breath. Would he? No. He couldn’t. No simple passion was worth giving up his birthright. The title, the estate, the wealth. It was the only lifestyle he’d ever known. This obsession with Kaylee was merely two things. First off, too much time without a woman in his bed, and second, she was a woman he couldn’t have. Likely, he needed to get her out of his system.

  The thought sent a shiver of need and awareness through his body. That was exactly what he needed. If he had her again, he could prove to himself that she was no different than any other woman. And, removing her from the unobtainable list would also help clear her from his mind. Relief helped relax the tension within him. Yes. That was the solution. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen it sooner.

  Offering her a half smile, he ran his thumb down the side of her face and along her chin. “I’m sorry, my dear, I really shouldn’t have done that. I’m merely a slave to your beauty.”

  An endearing blush rushed up her cheeks. “As I willingly participated, I can’t exactly lay the blame at your feet alone. In the future, I suggest we both refrain from similar situations.”

  “We can certainly try.” He allowed his fingertips to brush across her lips before dropping his hand to his side. “Or, until I am wed, we could allow ourselves to enjoy each other’s company. I, for one, don’t see the harm in that.”

  As if torn by the decision, she captured the delicate pink flesh of her lower lip between her teeth. His body reacted. He wanted to kiss her again. She was experienced, yet an innocent at the same time, and the combination drove him mad.

  “You don’t have to make a decision just yet,” he assured her. “I’ll leave you to it, just know, I’m completely at your disposal.”

  He bowed and took his leave before he did something she clearly wasn’t ready for. However, his gait felt lighter. A monumental change had occurred in their relationship, and he sincerely hoped she was willing to take things as far as he was.

  ~ ~ ~

  Kaylee stared at her stepbrother, Benjamin Shepherd, Viscount Whedon, shocked at how much he had changed in the past three years. His red hair and freckles inherited by his late mother was the same, but he appeared so much older than she remembered. The years hadn’t been very kind to him.

  “I must say, I was very surprised to receive your letter.”

  Having expected his unwillingness, Kaylee straightened her shoulders. “Yes. I realize it has been a few years since we have spoken. However, considering I am nearing my twenty-fifth year, I thought it necessary.”

  Benjamin let out a mirthless laugh as he stood and made a circle of the room. “That’s the same Kaylee I recall. Not one to waste any time on pleasantries and such. So, this is where you have been keeping yourself these three years?”

  Biting the inside of her cheeks, she nodded. “I have been fortunate.”

  “As you say,” he scoffed. “I’m sorry to say I haven’t had the ability to keep an eye on your movements.”

  Or the desire, she silently added. “I can’t imagine that you would have had the time. I heard that you have taken a wife.”

  “Yes.” He wiped his hand across his forehead
at the moisture clinging to his brow. “It’s been a difficult transition elevating her to the position of the viscountess.”

  Confused, Kaylee drew her brows together as she watched her stepbrother reclaim his seat. Considering he currently held the power, she didn’t understand why he would admit to experiencing difficulty. In all the years, he’d taken particular care to ensure it appeared as though he always held the upper hand.

  “I’m sorry to hear your bride is not an amicable lady.”

  “You misunderstand. The problem isn’t with her, it’s your mother. You see, the woman isn’t keen on the idea of becoming a dowager.”

  Understanding dawned and Kaylee shook her head. Her mother had never gotten along with her husband’s heir. It was as if the minute Benjamin discovered Cynthia Shepherd hadn’t been his mother, he had despised the woman. Then, his father’s will had made it impossible for him to rid himself of her.

  “I’m sorry to hear that. I imagine my mother simply needs time to adjust to her new situation.”

  Benjamin shook his head. “No. She’s made some very specific demands. The respect, the sponsorship, and the jewels my wife needs will only be given to her once the dowager receives something she wants in return.”

  “Then, I imagine it would be in your best interest to humor her.”

  “That is precisely why I am here.” The grin he shot her brought dread slicing up her spine.

  “I will not return home with you.” The very idea had Kaylee fighting down rising bile. She’d spent years living under her brother’s thumb, and she wasn’t interested in doing so ever again.

  “I’m not suggesting anything as dramatic as that. She merely wants to see you. To talk to you. Make sure you are doing well.”