A Lady’s Christmas Rake Read online

  Drew straightened. “I’ll have you know that I was attempting not to participate and that was precisely the problem.”

  Bar’s look turned positively black. “You weren’t participating by being fall-down drunk at a tavern in the wee hours of the morning when you knew we had guests arriving today?”

  Well, there was that. And he couldn’t very well tell Bar that the reason he’d been fall-down drunk was due to his full-on lust with their soon-to-be house guest. That he’d pictured undressing her in every room in their rather large estate. Or that he dreamed about her in his bed on top of him doing all sort of—

  The carriage pulled to stop in front of the wide, sweeping steps and the coachmen bounded down to open the door. Both Marks and Keene drew in their breath as they waited for Danielle to descend the steps.

  He might not have caught the collective sound of their breathing except for the pounding in his head. Listening to them only served to make the ache worse.

  His brother exited and handed his wife out of the carriage. Marks shifted next to him and Keene cleared his throat, the sound absolutely grating on Drew’s last nerve. Would anyone notice if he just knocked Keene senseless here on the drive?

  Danielle bended to step out of the carriage and straightened, her gloved hand slipping into Harry’s. It was a delicate touch, full of grace and poise, and, headache forgotten, Drew had an image of her hand running across his bare chest.

  He clenched his teeth. His trousers would do little to hide his excitement, he needed to keep his thoughts in check.

  But that was incredibly difficult. He gazed over her pale blue riding habit and matching pelisse that fit her like a second skin. She’d loosely swept back her dark hair and pinned the silky strands under her hat. That dress would look lovely pushed up to her thighs as he—

  “Miss Frazier. So good to see you again,” Bar called out as he stepped forward. Had Drew missed all the formal greetings?

  “The pleasure is all mine.” She gave his brother a large, warm smile. His stomach tightened. She had one of those faces that lit from within. Her skin had a tinge of flush while her eyes sparkled, even with the grey sky above.

  “You remember my brother, Lord Maddox.”

  She looked at him, her eyes widening as she took in the particulars of his face. He grimaced slightly. Bar had a point. He shouldn’t have gotten so drunk. Then she did what she always did. She looked away, down to the ground. And the beautiful smile that had graced her lips moments before, turned down into a frown.

  * * *

  Andrew Maddox infuriated Danielle. Even bruised and bleeding, he was handsome to the point of distraction. She glanced quickly to his right. The man next to him had the sort of looks that might have been featured in a painting of an angel. But Drew, he looked more like a tempting devil. Dark and mysterious. And the way he moved, like a predator. Her heart hammered in her chest as she cast her eyes to the ground. Why did the predator have to strike her fancy more than the angel standing beside him?

  She could not think like that. He looked like the devil because he behaved like one and she’d pay for sin in all the ways a woman did if she allowed him to breach her defenses.

  Danielle had a dowry now and she intended to use that to every advantage. A blight on her reputation would prove disastrous now.

  “May I also present, Lord Marks and Mr. Keene.” Bar’s deep voice drew her attention and she lifted her gaze from the ground, then curtseyed and smiled at each man in turn.

  Introductions done, the party moved inside, Danielle praying that she had time to collect herself before the socializing began.

  “I’ve had tea brought to the front room for you after your journey,” Emily said as she moved to Danielle’s side.

  Drat. So much for gathering her wits during some highly necessary time alone. “Thank you,” Danielle replied. She truly appreciated Emily’s hospitality, but the surprise of two extra guests and Drew’s presence tied her insides in knots.

  “I know it’s a relatively short journey, but I always get so cold in the carriage.” Emily looped her arm through Danielle’s, pulling her close.

  Danielle didn’t want to say that she was anything but cold. Looking at Drew always served to make her warm in all the strangest places.

  Silently, they moved into a beautifully appointed sitting room. Shining, polished, rich wood trim surrounded the walls and their afternoon tea sat waiting on shiny silver trays that had been delicately embossed. The guests took seats with the exception of Drew who crossed the floor to stand in front of the fire. Danielle chose a chair that faced away from the flames and the sight of his lithe body leaning against the mahogany mantel.

  “Miss Frazier.” Mr. Keene scooted forward in his chair.

  He was a thick man, though well-muscled. He might have been handsome except for his near black eyes were either naturally very small or always narrowed as he assessed the world. But it gave him a distrustful look. “Mr. Keene,” she said in response, not sure what else to say.

  He cocked his head to one side. “I’ve been anxious to meet you. I hear you are in the market for a—”

  “Settle down, now,” Drew called from behind her, his voice causing her inside to hum. “We’ve plenty of time for all that.”

  Mr. Keene’s eyes narrowed further until they were only slits in his face. “I see no issue with being direct.”

  Drew’s muffled footsteps came up behind her until he stood behind her chair. She didn’t have to look back to know, she could feel him, like a physical touch.

  “It’s only tea, man. Save the proposals for dinner.”

  Danielle covered her mouth to hide her choking laugh. She sincerely hoped the man wasn’t about to propose. Much as she wanted a husband, Mr. Keene was not the fellow for her, and this would be awkward if he continued to give her such insistent attention.

  The room fell silent as Mr. Keene hopped to his feet. “Just because you carry the title of lord does not mean that you can insult me in front of Miss Frazier.”

  Bar stood too. “That’s enough. Both of you.” He pulled his shoulders back. “This is a fun event to celebrate the holidays. We’ll keep the discussion civil.”

  Mr. Keene crossed his arms over his chest. “Tell your brother that. I’m not the one who came to a civil gathering with my face rearranged in bruises.”

  Drew put his hands on the back of her chair and the cushions shifted, bringing her body closer to his. Had he done that on purpose? She looked up to see him leaning over her, his neck veins protruding out.

  “I’ll have you know I was never good looking, but thanks for pointing it out to everyone,” Drew said sarcastically.

  Sophie smothered a laugh which the sound of Harry’s grunt covered Mr. Keene’s answering rumble of irritation. Drew sunk his hands in deeper and her body tipped a little more so that her back rested on his fingers. He bent down so his chin was nearly touching the top of her head. The position was beyond ridiculous and taking her skirt in hand, she ducked out from under him, standing as well.

  “We all know that’s a lie, my lord.” Danielle rarely spoke out of turn, but the situation seemed to require it as did Lord Maddox. The man could compel her into acting in all sorts of unbecoming ways. She turned back to Mr. Keene. “I’ve come to spend the holiday with family and new friends, Mr. Keene. I am quite looking forward to it.”

  She pressed a hand to her stomach. A complete and total lie. Oh, how she wished she didn’t have to parade herself in front of these potential suitors, but she had no choice. She’d have to step out of her quiet world if she’d ever have a family of her own.

  Chapter Three

  Drew straightened, his eyebrows rising. Had Dani just put them both in their places? More importantly had she called him handsome? From where she stood now he had an excellent view of her small waist and the absolutely lush curve of her backside. She’d removed her hat when they’d entered the house and her hair was a lovely array of twists and curls at her nape with a few err
ant strands settling about her face.

  He drew in a deep breath, trying to calm the desire pulsing through him. Dani was not the type to dally with and his father would likely convulse into spasms if he dallied with an unmarried woman while rejecting another. Still, the need to touch her, taste her, was growing stronger.

  She didn’t make eye contact, but her cheeks flushed, turning a delightful shade of pink, betraying her awareness of him. He’d bet money that their attraction was mutual.

  Her chin ducked and her lips pursed, doing little to hide the lush, rosy pillows and his loins tightened in response.

  She was a virgin. He wondered if she’d even been kissed. How could he have this sort of reaction to her? The truth of the matter was that if he were allowed to say, steal a kiss from her, he’d likely cure all his lusting. She’d be terrible at anything carnal. She had no experience and he was a man used to a woman who knew her way around.

  That made him straighten. The answer was right in front of him all along. One kiss and he would be free. Free to sleep with wenches and widows, free to drink and carouse without the image of a dark-haired beauty constantly assaulting his mind.

  She seemed to sense his shift in mood because she finally looked at him and whatever she saw in his gaze made her cheeks turn bright red before her gaze lowered once again.

  This was happening. He would kiss Miss Danielle Frazier and then he would rid her from his thoughts forever.

  Unfortunately, she didn’t appear all that willing. He was not a man to force himself and so he had to figure out how he was going to convince her that his was a good idea.

  “Miss Frazier, Lady Devon says that you have a positively stunning home overlooking the cliffs. Is that true?” Marks had finally decided to join the conversation, though the sap picked a far more benign topic. Still, Drew knew what the man was about. Assessing Dani’s endowments.

  Of course, he was also contemplating Dani’s assets, just different ones. The right ones, as far as he was concerned.

  “That’s very gracious. I quite like it and I am so fortunate to have the house, but compared with this…” She paused and swept her hand across the room, “My home is quite humble.”

  Marks laughed as though this was incredibly funny and somehow a private joke as he leaned closer. “What isn’t? But still. We need not have a mansion to live well.”

  He had the distinct urge to push Marks back with a hand in the man’s face. “We?” Drew said slowly, his voice dropping low. Everyone looked at him.

  “The royal we.” Marks held up his hands. “All of us, collectively.”

  “Sissy,” he muttered just loud enough for Dani to hear and apparently Harry who sat just to his left.

  His brother turned to him, clearing his throat as he spoke to the room. “Agreed, Lord Marks. And I must say, Miss Frazier, your home is both comfortable and beautiful.”

  Danielle looked to Sophie. “I can’t take the credit on that account. It belongs to Lady Ridgeby, who decorated the interior.”

  “Yes.” Marks slid his gaze to Sophie. “All of London is talking about how you gave up your inheritance for your cousin. Highly unusual considering that would be your fallback if you should find yourself a widow and—”

  “My wife is well taken care of,” Harry growled.

  Drew leaned back. He was glad he wasn’t the only one finding these chaps annoying.

  But Emily decided otherwise. “Everyone has travelled today. Perhaps a nice rest before dinner is in order.”

  As she stood, the others followed suit. “I’ll send trays up to your rooms if you require refreshment.”

  “Excellent idea.” Drew gave a clap. And not just because he didn’t like Marks or Keene. He had some plotting to do. He’d worry about his own unwanted fiancé later. Right now, he had a kiss to steal and an infatuation to cure.

  * * *

  Danielle lay in bed, wishing for this trip to be over. Neither Marks nor Keene were interesting to her. Keene was clearly enamored with her looks, he spent the entire tea raking his gaze over her. And Marks was far more concerned with her house than her person.

  Then there was Drew. That man should be placed in the stocks with a sign about his neck that said, “Women Beware.” His heated gazes and displays of masculinity were disconcerting at best and fever-inducing at worst. Must he make his muscles ripple just sitting in a chair? The display was unfair.

  Her entire body heated every time he looked her way.

  She rose from the bed, knowing she wouldn’t sleep and ran her hand along the collection of dresses Sophie insisted she purchase for this house party. She should have known that Sophie and Emily had planned to try and match her during this trip. She ought to thank them. With her shy disposition she might never meet a man if not thrown together with him.

  Which made her realize she needed to give both of her potential suitors a second chance. Straightening her spine, she crossed the room to the wardrobe.

  Danielle chose a dress of blue silk and laid it out on the bed. A maid would arrive shortly to help, but Danielle had grown used to dressing herself. When her father passed, they’d no money for servants. If Sophie hadn’t taken her and her mother in, they’d have been out on the streets. She pulled out stockings, a corset, pantaloons, and a fresh chemise. She didn’t own many hair bobs, but she did choose a matching ribbon to thread through her hair.

  A soft knock sounded at the door. It was surely the maid, come to see if she were awake. “Come in,” she called as she began to unpin her hair.

  The door opened and then softly closed, clicking into place. “I’ve not pulled my brush from my trunk yet. It’s in the pocket at the back.” The sun would soon set, the room was filled with a dim grey light. She’d have to light the candles in a minute, she was barely able to see in the mirror at her dressing table. She’d wait a little longer, however, as she found the darkness soothed her jangled nerves.

  Feet shuffled across the floor and she heard the lid open and then close. Her head cocked to the side. How curious that the maid hadn’t replied to her request. Pulling the last pin from her hair, she turned to see who was attending her and all the pins in her hand dropped to the floor.

  Drew stood just behind her, her bone-handled brush in his hand. “Turn around and I’ll brush for you,” he drawled as though it were completely normal for him to be in her room.

  “Get out, you…you…cad,” she gasped, her heart hammering in her chest.

  A devilish grin spread across his lips. “That’s the best you can do?”

  She should have been irritated by the look but honestly it just concerned her. “Don’t smile like that. You’ll open that nasty cut on your lip.”

  He quirked a brow. “Are you worried about me?” Then he stepped up behind her and, as if he’d done it every day, began brushing her hair.

  “I am worried about that cut, it’s nasty and I meant what I said, you must get out.” She jerked her shoulders away and looked back at him with the brush still hanging in the air. He tipped his chin down, a smile still playing about his lips.

  “I will leave in just a minute, I have a proposition for you.” He lowered the brush and began gently brushing her hair again. “And your hair must be arranged.”

  Danielle tried to remain stiff. Never had a man touched her with such intimacy before and she shouldn’t allow a rogue, of all men, to do so now. But his light, gentle strokes were…intriguing. How could a man that large touch her so gently? And how could such light strokes fill her with so much longing? “One minute,” she said. “The maid will be arriving any second and I can not be caught with you. I’ll be ruined.”

  “Not to worry.” He winked at her. “I’ve plenty of experience escaping from balconies.”

  That didn’t worry her. The fact that he’d done this before only served to irritate her to no end. She pushed her chair back, knocking one of the rails into his stomach. She heard his whoosh of breath.

  Darting up from the chair, she put her hands on his ch
est to push him toward the door. Unfortunately, her bare fingers met with a wall of hard muscle. Moving said wall was a near-impossible task, not to mention those muscles flexing under her fingers were absolutely delightful. “Get out. Now.” She gave a useless push, then another. This man was driving her mad.

  “But I haven’t discussed what I came—”

  “Get out or I’ll scream so loud the entire house will come running.” Vaguely Danielle realized she never had the strength to talk to men, or anyone besides Sophie like this, but her anger kept her from pursuing the thought further. But her hands did halt in their assault of his pectorals as she rested her hands on the ridges of his muscles. Why Drew of all people? “If I know your brothers at all, we’ll be married before you can say Jiminy Christmas.”

  He scrunched his face as she started backing toward the door. “I would never say Jiminy Christmas. What does that even mean? Ridiculous.”

  “How about Merry Christmastide then? Would you say that?” She regained her composure and began pushing at his chest, walking with him. She refused to admit that he didn’t need to be pushed, she just liked the feel of him, so solid and hard under her fingers.

  He stopped, his hands suddenly coming to her waist. “I might be persuaded to say Jiminy Christmas if only you’d give me a small kiss.”

  She managed to turn her head just as his lips landed on her cheek. They were firm like the rest of him and yet soft. Her fingers curled into the folds of his shirt as pleasure rippled along her skin. “I am going to scream in three…two…”

  “I’m going.” They’d reached the door and he opened the large panel, glancing both ways down the hall. “But rest assured, we will continue this conversation later.”

  She sincerely hoped not. After the door closed behind him, she sagged against it. He really was the devil. Much as she wanted to, she was having a difficult time resisting sin.