Ensnaring Lord Starsen Read online

  “What hit you?” she pressed when he didn’t continue.

  “I must be too long out of practice. You certainly have realized a kiss from me was not worth the effort to send me a note.”

  She laughed, unable to tell if he was jesting. His kiss was powerful enough to keep her up at night. To steal her thoughts during the day. To have her craving more. Worth so much more than one simple missive.

  Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she gave him a coy smile. “Such a relief that you realized the truth on your own. Now, I will not have to go through the embarrassment of having to tell you. Or, to suffer another one of your kisses.”

  “Perhaps I can come up with something else to exchange. Perhaps a hand of cards? It’s been said that I have a skill for them.”

  “Sadly, I do not.” She shook her head, trying to contain her mirth.

  He ran two fingers along his chin. “A race through the obstacle course, then?”

  “Henry would kill you if he were to find out, but I don’t think I could pass up the opportunity to see the course.”

  The grin he shot her made her insides melt.

  “I take it your brother mentioned our race last season.”

  “Couldn’t speak of anything else for a week. Although he was thrilled to trounce you, losing to Baron Dailey made him hate the man more than ever.”

  “Is that so?” A sparkle lit Marcus’s face.

  How could he possibly be happy about losing the race? Her half-brother had mentioned how difficult and dangerous the course through the woods had been, but Marcus surely had traversed the path several times. However, he didn’t look ashamed by his performance.

  “What are you so happy about?”

  His eyes widened, feigning innocence. “Me? Nothing.”

  “You didn’t lose on purpose?” As his gaze darted away, she had her answer. “Why? That is not the way to make Henry respect you.”

  “I don’t need his respect. We had a bet on that race. The loser had a duty to see to. At the time, I had hoped the baron would have been the one to come in last. Then, when he forged ahead, I decided to fall behind.”

  “You sacrificed yourself?”

  He shrugged. “It needed to be done.”

  Another clue into the puzzle of him fell into place. The man was selfless. Knowing Henry wasn’t fit to handle whatever duty resided on the race, Marcus had taken the shame of the loss.

  Overcome with admiration for the man, she touched his cheek. Confusion swirled in the blue depths of his eyes, but so did desire. A feeling she knew would be mirrored on her own face.

  Unwilling to wait for him to make the move, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. He didn’t pull away, instead he slid his hand around the back of her neck as he moved his lips over hers. Excitement coiled in her stomach. She wanted more.

  When his tongue traced the seam of her mouth, she didn’t hesitate to let him in. He slanted his mouth over hers as he deepened the kiss. Pleasure snaked through her. Needing more contact, she wrapped her free hand around his neck as she wound the other in his hair.

  Delight danced within her as he devoured her mouth. Minutes or hours could have passed, she didn’t care. As long as he didn’t stop kissing her, she would be fine.

  Her body felt more alive than ever before. A desperate desire swamped her as new sensations flooded every ounce of her being. She shifted on the rock, needing to be closer to him. An ache centered in her breasts, making them feel heavy.

  A loud clank sounded, and they broke apart so fast she nearly fell off the rock. With terrified eyes, she scanned their surroundings, looking for the cause. If Henry caught them . . . She didn’t want to think about what he would do.

  Marcus climbed off the rock, chuckling as he collected his cane. “Sorry about that. I lost hold of it and it must have hit a rock.”

  Allowing her breathing to slow, she nodded. “No harm done. So, why don’t you come back and join me again?”

  “I don’t believe that is such a good idea.”

  “Why not? You seemed perfectly comfortable over here just a moment ago.”

  He leaned heavily on his cane as his gaze settled somewhere past her. “That’s part of the problem.”

  “You wish to be uncomfortable?” Her brows drew together.

  A ghost of a smile passed over his lips. “What I do or do not wish is irrelevant right now. I shouldn’t be kissing you.”

  Setting her feet on the ground, she stood. He watched her warily, as if he expected her to attack him or throw herself into his arms. In all honesty, the idea did sound tempting.

  “Of course, you should. Remember, you agreed to give kisses in exchange for letters.”

  He ran a hand through his hair, the sun reflecting a reddish hue mixed in with the brown tones. “That bargain wasn’t very well done by me. You see, I have made a promise to someone that makes kissing you not the best idea.”

  Shock held her immobile. Henry was right. Marcus intended to marry Miss Ashford. The idea brought a lump to her throat for some reason. It wasn’t as if she had wanted to marry him. She pressed her lips together. Him belonging to someone else bothered her more than she cared to admit.

  “A promise?” She lifted an eyebrow. “As in a betrothal?”

  He shook his head and a stab of relief pierced her chest. So, it wasn’t too late. Any other promise could be negotiated. Then, an uncomfortable idea hit her.

  “It was a promise to stay away from me?”

  Again, he shook his head, his eyes watching her carefully. The fact he hadn’t spoken made it clear he didn’t want to tell her. She didn’t care. As long as he wasn’t betrothed or warned off her, they could get around it.

  Feeling bold, she moved to stand directly in front of him. “That being the case, I see no reason why we should be forced to refrain from kissing.”

  He slid his hand along the back of his neck, leaving it behind his head as a pained expression crossed his face. “I am unattached at present, but I may find myself engaged in a matter of weeks.”

  “Why is it that I get the impression this is not something you want?” Her voice emerged thicker than she intended.

  “I don’t know. I want to marry. The idea has been on my mind for some time now. She would make anyone a good wife.”

  His words tortured her, but the way his eyes pleaded with her gave her hope. Perhaps she wasn’t losing him quite so quickly. Although he didn’t mention the girl’s name, Isabella was quite certain he referred to Miss Ashford.

  “Well, as you said, you are unattached now.” She slid her hands up his chest, dislodging his arm so she could intertwine hers around his neck. “Until you are betrothed, I’d say kissing is still allowed.”

  This time it was him who initiated the kiss. A frenzied melding of mouths that had her melting against his strong body. His hand was in her hair, pulling the strands out of the delicate confines of her coiffure while the other clasped her against him.

  Sensations poured through her, making her needy for something more. As she moved her body tighter up against his, the feeling of something hard pressed into her.

  Gasping, she jumped back, her eyes wide. She knew exactly what it was. Dropping her gaze to the bulge in his breeches, she shivered. Heat touched her cheeks. Was Marcus thinking about that act right now?

  The idea made her cheeks feel as though they were on fire. Lifting her gaze to his face, she saw his confusion, but desire still danced in his eyes. The intensity frightened her.

  Spinning around, she rushed away from him. He called out her name, but she didn’t stop. Fear followed on her heels until she made it far enough along the uneven terrain that she knew he couldn’t follow.

  She stopped, then leaned against a tree, her head hitting the solid trunk. Her breath came in gasps and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t shake the image of Marcus’s face as she fled from him.

  Her body still hummed from their kiss and as she thought about the act, she had to admit it onl
y made her pulse accelerate as a tightening moved through her body. Her lips parted as she closed her eyes. For once, she could actually imagine engaging in such an intimate act with someone. With Marcus.

  Suddenly, she opened her eyes and kicked off the tree. She couldn’t allow him to marry Miss Ashford. Not while these feelings existed between the two of them. She had to do something to change his mind.

  ~ ~ ~

  Marcus pulled on the reins, silently rejoicing when Tornado pulled to a halt. The beast had done it. As he swung his legs over the side of the horse to dismount, pride welled up inside him.

  These months of working with the stallion had paid off. Marcus ran a hand down Tornado’s nose, praising him for his good work. However, he knew the moment when the groom came as the animal grew uneasy. With his ears alert, the horse jerked his head up.

  “I have him,” Marcus called over his shoulder, not wanting to ruin the progress he had made with the stallion.

  After leading Tornado back to the stables, he removed his saddle and began brushing the horse down. In the year Marcus had owned Tornado, the changes had been monumental. He still couldn’t believe the previous owner had intended to shoot him.

  In Marcus’s opinion, the treatment to the stallion had been criminal, and the resulting tragedy had been justifiable. Luckily, the man’s son had been willing to take a monetary compensation for his loss instead of demanding the end of the horse.

  Once Tornado had been secured back in his stall, Marcus sat in the chair he’d insisted be placed near the horse. He had spent a lot of time here, admiring and working to establish a relationship with the great beast. The effort had been worth it.

  Running a hand over his forehead, he wiped the sweat from his face. He wished relationships with people were as simple. This whole time, he’d known exactly what Tornado had needed from him. The horse had been open about his thoughts, clearly expressing his needs as well as his displeasure.

  With Isabella, it was a completely different experience. She practically begged him for another kiss, then had run away as if he’d done something wrong. He closed his eyes as he recalled how she had looked down his body, zeroing in on that aching part of him.

  Clearly, he’d frightened her. After all, he was positive she had been able to feel the effect she’d had on him even through her clothes. It wasn’t as if he could control his body, but he hadn’t been ashamed, either. He’d wanted her. More than he had ever desired anyone before.

  Letting out a long breath, he stood, ignoring the twinge in his leg as he moved toward the manor with his riding jacket slung over his back. He needed to stop thinking about Isabella. Although the lady enjoyed his kisses, she had already made it clear she didn’t want anything more from him. Besides, he wasn’t free to marry her even if she did.

  As he moved through the entryway, he froze. A familiar voice floated to his ears. Was Isabella here? Hearing her again, his heart accelerated. Knowing she was here—in his house—did strange things to him. As if being called by her, his feet started in the direction of the drawing room before his mind realized his trajectory.

  He paused in the doorway, seeing Miss Ashford and Isabella conversing. The two ladies were speaking about gardening. Marcus had no idea that Isabella had any interest on that subject, but here she was.

  With the two women, side-by-side, he couldn’t help but notice how they seemed to be complete opposites. Isabella’s olive skin and dark hair to Miss Ashford’s fair tones and blond hair. Their temperaments and views were also opposing.

  His throat grew thick as he gazed upon them. One he wanted but couldn’t have, while the other he could have, and wasn’t sure he wanted. Not a comfortable place to be.

  “Do you intend to join us, or are you simply going to continue eavesdropping in the doorway?” Isabella asked, not looking in his direction.

  Miss Ashford, however, easily met his gaze, disappointment in her eyes. He gulped. He hadn’t exactly intended to intrude.

  “I haven’t quite decided,” he admitted. “I’m not dressed for company, but didn’t want to miss the gardening tips.”

  Isabella’s eyes met him then, and he sucked in his breath at the desire on her face as her gaze raked down his body. He remained perfectly still, hoping Miss Ashford wouldn’t notice the sizzling in the room.

  “We will take you in any way we can get you, my lord.”

  Isabella’s words shot a rush of heat through him.

  His attention moved toward Miss Ashford, hoping she couldn’t tell. A slow smile spread across her lips, and he wasn’t exactly sure what to make of it. Where had her disappointment gone? Was her smile an agreement with Isabella’s statement?

  “Yes, my lord. Please come join us.”

  Feeling out of his element, Marcus moved into the room, then took a seat in one of the chairs. Both expectant faces watched him, and he felt as though he had walked into a trap.

  “Did you have a nice ride?” Miss Ashford asked.

  “Yes,” he answered cautiously. “Tornado is turning out to be a splendid stallion. Before long, I suspect he shall be completely trained.”

  “Is that why you purchased him?” Isabella’s eyebrow rose in question. “To completely tame him?”

  “Maybe not completely.” He allowed himself to offer her a half smile. “I do believe a little bit of wildness is agreeable from time to time.”

  The look she gave him had him shifting in his chair and regretting his words. After their interactions yesterday, his body existed in a state of semi-arousal. Now, however, there was nothing semi about it.

  “That could be dangerous.” Miss Ashford clicked her tongue, oblivious to the secret conversation he was sharing with Isabella.

  “You’re right. I simply mean that I have no desire to break the horse. When you’re riding, it is important to rely on their instincts, not simply exert your will over theirs. It’s a partnership.”

  “Beautifully put.” The admiration in Isabella’s voice struck him in the chest.

  He cleared his throat, hoping to dislodge the feelings coursing through him. “Please, don’t let me monopolize the conversation. You may return to your other topic from before I interrupted.”

  Miss Ashford’s gaze slid to Isabella’s before returning to him. “Actually, my lord, I had intended to take Lady Isabella out into the garden to see a few examples of what we were discussing.”

  With a smile, he spread his hands out. “Then, by all means, do so.”

  “Thank you.” Miss Ashford inclined her head. “I just wonder if you would be willing to entertain Lady Isabella while I grab my shawl.”

  “Of course.” Although it had warmed up significantly, and he didn’t see the need for the extra garment, he kept his mouth closed. Having the ability to talk to Isabella after yesterday was too valuable.

  “I didn’t expect to see you today,” Isabella said as soon as Miss Ashford disappeared.

  He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry I intruded, but I couldn’t resist. After yesterday, I felt it necessary to apologize.”

  Her eyebrows rose. “Really? Then, please do.”

  “I didn’t mean to scare you. That kiss was, well, more intense than I should have allowed. I promise it won’t happen again.”

  “What a terrible apology.” He opened his mouth, but she held her hand up. “You did scare me, but that’s not why.”

  “Then, tell me what I did.” Marcus was at a loss, but as her eyes drifted down to focus on his lap, realization dawned.

  “It doesn’t matter.” Her eyes met his again. “I’m not scared anymore.”

  “Really? Why is that?”

  She let out a breath and lightly shook her head as if he were daft. “I’ve decided I’m no longer troubled by it.”

  Shock reverberated through his body, and he coughed, nearly choking on the saliva in his mouth. “What?”

  She laughed. “I believe you heard me.”

  “Yes, but apparently I’m three steps behind. Please tell me exactly
what you have decided to not be troubled with.”

  “You desire me,” she stated simply, but her eyes were intense. “I’d be lying if I said the feeling wasn’t mutual.”

  His breathing sped, and he had to grip the arms of the chair to stop himself from closing the distance between them. He had no idea how she knew what his body’s reaction meant, but it didn’t matter. She said she wanted him. The idea poured over him like a kettle of boiling water, scalding every bit of his flesh. The knowledge changed nothing and everything at the same moment.

  “Why are you telling me this?” he croaked out.

  “To make it fair. You can’t hide the truth from me, so I thought you would appreciate having the same advantage.”

  She was right, and this conversation was producing a very physical reaction from him. It made him glad his riding jacket still remained over his lap. However, he would be unable to join the ladies on their walk.

  “That’s very considerate of you.”

  Her wide smile warmed him. “I aim to please.”

  “Then, perhaps the next time we—”

  “There you are, Miss Ashford,” Isabella exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “I began to believe you had abandoned me.”

  As Miss Ashford offered assurances, and explained the difficulties in locating her shawl, Marcus stood. Holding the jacket in front of him, he tried to put the conversation with Isabella out of his mind. However, the feat proved impossible.

  It struck him as odd how different this conversation was from the one he’d shared when he’d been alone with Miss Ashford. He’d felt much more comfortable in Isabella’s presence, although the subject matter had accelerated his heart and made his blood pump more rapidly. He had no doubt what would’ve happened had he told her to kiss him. The possibilities had him close to exploding.

  “So, what do you say, my lord?” Miss Ashford looked at him expectantly.

  He blinked. He’d been too preoccupied with his thoughts to have heard the question.

  “Yes, Lord Starsen, please say you will join us,” Isabella rushed in to rescue him from his blunder.