Taming A Duke's Reckless Heart: Victorian Historical Romance Page 5

  “Mr. Maddox, of course,” her aunt replied fingering the garment.

  Piper’s eyebrows rose. It was terribly improper for him to be sending her gifts. Why wasn’t her aunt more concerned?

  The next day, day dresses arrived. Each was a perfect shade of blue, pale green, or cream. Her aunt insisted she try one on and it fit her perfectly. How did he know her size?

  Another, more important, question nagged at her, why was he sending them?

  Only one conclusion came to her mind. He wanted her to become his mistress. He was clearly attracted to her or he wouldn’t have kissed her. And wasn’t that the reason an unmarried man gave an unmarried woman gifts?

  The next day, stockings, shoes and corsets arrive. Then hats, gloves, and ribbons.

  She tossed the new boxes on her bed with a huff. How dare he be so bold? She would never become his mistress.

  Piper was whipping herself into a frenzy. A little voice told her it was a distraction from worrying after her mother.

  By the third day, she had lost all perspective and her temper.

  “Piper,” her aunt called from the door. “Come downstairs. Packages have arrived for you.”

  “Packages?” She glowered at Aunt Lizzie.

  “Come see,” the other woman smiled, ignoring her anger.

  Piper descended the stairs to see boxes being stacked in the entry. “What is all of this?”

  The butler looked at her with a bored expression. “They are addressed to you from Mr. Maddox.”

  “What?” she eyed the piles of boxes filling the room. All of her emotion coalesced into a single feeling she could not possibly accept another gift from him. Just by accepting them, she would be compromised if anyone ever found out. “Take them back. All of them. Load them in the carriage.”

  “Piper,” her aunt called from behind her. “That isn’t necessary. We have made sure everything is proper.”

  “Mr. Maddox has been too generous already. I can’t accept this.” She watched as each box was loaded back into Barrett’s carriage. She stood at the door, her anger boiling over. How dare he make such assumptions? How dare he think he could buy her like this? When every box was piled in, Piper made a sudden decision. She was going to tell him exactly why she couldn’t take the dresses. She made a dash for the carriage herself.

  “Piper. What are you doing?” her aunt’s exasperated voice called.

  “Returning these, I will be back shortly.” She hopped into the carriage with all of the boxes stacked around her.

  She could hear her aunt coming out of the house calling to her. “Piper, this isn’t proper.”

  Piper pulled down the shades. If no one saw her then no one would know. Her aunt would know, of course. Aunt Lizzie would be furious with her tonight. And, if she got caught, she would be ruined. She bit her lip. But it was too late to turn back now. Besides, Barrett needed to know he couldn’t make such assumptions about her. Yes, she had let him kiss her but she had been terribly vulnerable. He needed to be set straight.

  She pulled up to Barrett’s house and her mouth nearly fell open. Her cousin had a lovely home in New York but Barrett had a palace. A really large one right on Fifth Avenue. She entered a stately set of gates and Piper breathed a little easier as the gates swung closed. No one would know she was here.

  She kept forgetting Barrett was so wealthy. His dress was more casual than the peerage and his manner was direct. But his boat, his home, they spoke of wealth and affluence she had never experienced. Her mother had, but not Piper.

  As the carriage pulled up, a butler stepped out. Piper peeked out as the man stepped up to speak with the driver. Seconds later the door snapped open. “May I help you?”

  Piper started in surprise. He was American. “Yes, I am here to see Mr. Maddox.” She cleared her throat as she talked.

  “His Grace is in a meeting right now. You will have to wait.” He somehow looked down his nose at her even as he looked up into the carriage.

  Well, he might be American but he did an awfully good job of being judgmental. She looked down at herself and blushed. He had a good reason to judge. She was not fit for such a visit. She had dashed out so quickly she had neither gloves nor hat. Her dress was very simple and her hair was only loosely pulled back.

  He ushered her into the house and then into a drawing room. Piper stood in the massive room and looked around. It had a cold beauty. She picked a chair and perched on it, while trying her best to look like she was comfortable and relaxed. She had spent a great deal of time with the aristocrats of England but she never got over the feeling she didn’t quite belong. While Barrett didn’t make her feel that way, his home most certainly did.

  Barely a minute had passed when the door slammed open. It was so like Barrett to come crashing into a room. The thought melted some of her anger. A laugh tickled the inside of her cheeks. She held the laugh in but couldn’t quite keep the smile off her face.

  His look went from black to perplexed. “Why are you here? And why are you smiling?”

  “Do you always enter a situation with two pistols drawn? Literally and figuratively?” Her shoulders shook with suppressed laughter and it felt so good.

  He returned the look. “Maybe. Some women are intimidated by that you know.”

  She gave him a look of mock surprise. “Intimidated by you?” Piper stood to greet him and he crossed the room. “I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”

  He moved until their bodies were just inches apart. His look was hungry and Piper nearly stepped back. “Perhaps you should be a little more afraid of me.”

  She straightened, “I suppose I am. At least what you could do to my reputation. That is why I am returning the dresses. A woman such as myself couldn’t be seen—”

  “Out in public, without gloves or hat, at a man’s house, unchaperoned?” He crossed his arms.

  She blushed deeply. “Point taken. I simply could not take such a generous gift. You have already given my mother so much.”

  “Piper, just take the dresses.” He uncrossed his arms and one hand reached to cup her cheek.

  “To what end?” She would not let him break her concentration. She was angry with him and she would do well to remember it. Why did she lose all of her senses around him?

  A seductive smile flitted across his lips. “Are you asking me if I want you to be in my bed? The answer is most definitely yes.”

  Piper gasped. At that moment she went to step away but his other hand came to her waist and held her firm. She pulled harder, wanting to put some space between them. She should be outraged by his words but his proximity only filled her with longing. She would never become a man’s mistress but it was hard to be indignant with his clean masculine scent wrapping itself around her.

  “Do I expect it in payment for the dresses? No, I do not. If you ever wanted to, of your own free will, then that is another matter.” His lips bent towards her and she turned her head away. They brushed her collarbone instead. Chills ran down her spine but she kept her body stiffened away from him.

  “I would never.” She breathed out and her hands came to his chest to push him away. It was like trying to move a brick wall. He didn’t even budge

  “I know. Which is why I will help you find a proper husband because it’s what is best for you.” He pulled her body closer despite her attempts to push him away. She pushed harder. The only thing worse than being his mistress was having him pick another man to be her husband. It was utterly ridiculous. Why would he do that?

  “You would help me marry someone else?” her voice was raspy but it held her disappointment as his lips travelled from her collarbone to her neck. In some small part of her mind, Piper had hoped her mother was right and he would marry her, despite the fact she wasn’t titled. “Barrett. Please, I can’t do this…” But his mouth moving against her skin was addling her brain. She couldn’t think anymore and her resistance was weakening.

  “Shhh, love.” His hand travelled up her ribcage, just grazing her breast.
She gasped at the sensation but his hand continued upward to rest on the exposed skin of her collar bone. His fingers traced patterns on the skin as his lips feathered kisses on her cheek.

  “Stop.” It came out in a breathy plea. His lips reached the corner of her mouth and hers parted without meaning to. She felt him smile against her. “Piper. My beautiful, fiery Piper. So proper and yet so reckless. How can that be?”

  His lips came down on hers and she sighed into them. It felt so good to have his lips pressed against her own. Warm and soft, it was both comforting and exciting. He raised his mouth and then lowered it again. His lips pressed harder. He broke contact again for a split second and then his mouth came down more insistently. He pushed her lips apart and his tongue gently probed hers. Fire shot through her, right down to her core. She moaned softly and Barrett gathered her closer.

  Her hands travelled up his chest, around his neck, and into his hair. She wound her finger in it and then pulled him closer as his tongue probed deeper.

  While his tongue continued his assault, his hands roamed across her body. They were in her hair and down her back, rubbing it. The ache in her core built and she pressed closer to him. She forgot everything but the comfort and excitement of his arms around her. She held on tighter to him.

  His hands moved further down until they cupped her buttocks. He lifted and pressed her lower body closer to his own. She could feel his manhood against her belly. It was like a bucket of cold water being dumped on her.

  “Barrett!” She muttered as her lips broke free and she yanked herself away. She stepped back and hit the chair she had been sitting in with the back of her legs. It knocked her off balance and she was forced to sit on the seat to not fall.

  He stepped closer and put his hands on the arms of the chair. His faced leaned down towards hers. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.” Piper tried to duck under his arm to get out of the chair put some space between them but he grabbed her wrist. He pulled her back into his arms as she tried to push at his chest. “Barrett, what are you doing?” She wasn’t afraid of him. But she did need to put a stop to this.

  “Bloody bullocks, I don’t know,” he buried his face in her neck again, his lips kissing her sensitive skin.

  “You have to stop. You know I can’t do this. My mother would be…” His lips stilled on her skin.

  “Do you need some assistance, miss?” A voice called from the door. A deep young male voice. Piper stilled, frightened at being caught in a man’s arms.

  “What the hell are you doing in here?” Barrett lifted his head but continued to hold her. She tried to pull away but his arms turned to bands of steel.

  “I could ask you the same,” the voice returned.

  “Barrett,” her voice was a soft whisper but it held her fear. She balled her hands into fists, holding the front of his shirt.

  “Hush love, he is a far worse rake than myself and therefor very good at keepings a lady’s secrets. But he is intruding where he is not wanted so I am going to have to pummel him as soon as you leave.” Barrett gave her one more squeeze. Then slowly he unfurled his arms from around her.

  She felt like her legs were made of jelly but she forced herself to stand and turn to face the man in the doorway. Barrett kept his hands at her waist and when she had turned, he pulled her back against his body.

  The man in the doorway was the most classically handsome man she had ever seen. Blond hair and sparkling green eyes assessed her over a straight nose and full lips. Piper resisted the urge to check her hair with her hands. She was sure it was mussed after Barrett’s attentions.

  “Well, aren’t you a picture of perfection.” He smiled angelically.

  “I highly doubt it. Do you always flatter the ladies so?” Piper cocked one eyebrow at him.

  He laughed, rumbling from his chest and she felt Barrett laughing too, although he was silent.

  “Ladies as stunning as you, always.” He moved from the doorway. “I’m Ethan Wright, it’s a pleasure.” He bowed slightly and Piper acknowledged it with a nod of her head.

  “Ethan, this is Miss Piper Baker. Piper, Ethan is a business associate of mine.” Barrett was tucking her hair back into some of her pins as he spoke. Ethan didn’t seem the least distracted by it and Piper momentarily felt as though she had entered another world.

  “You are both so calm, do you do this often?” She half turned toward Barrett.

  “No,” Barrett said. At the same moment Ethan said, “Yes.”

  Piper sighed and tried to push herself away from Barrett but his arm wrapped around her waist and held her fast. “Why won’t you let me go?” She stamped her foot in exasperation.

  “He’s afraid to let you lose in my presence.” Ethan smiled even more angelically.

  Piper looked back at Barrett who was actually grimacing. “Why?” her voice was incredulous.

  “Why are there dress boxes stacked in your entry?” Ethan responded with a question of his own.

  Piper blushed a deep shade of pink and Ethan cocked an eyebrow. Barrett answered, his voice surly. “None of your business.”

  “Were you trying to buy her affection and when she refused you thought simply to force yourself on her?” Ethan grinned as he gave this accounting.

  “The dresses were a gift to her mother. What Mrs. Baker decided to do with them was her business. It is perfectly respectable. If you must know, Piper and her mother are family friends and I was simply helping them.”

  “By searching her mouth with your tongue?” Ethan smiled turned wicked then.

  “Sir!” Piper pulled away from Barrett. He let her go. Her shoulders were straight as she walked up to him. “I appreciate you have caught me in a delicate situation but please do not say such things.”

  “Ethan. Miss Baker must maintain her reputation. Her mother is gravely ill and if she does not marry this season…” Barrett stopped talking.

  “Well Miss Baker, if a husband is what you need then let me present myself as a suitor.” Ethan bowed to her looking completely sincere. Piper stopped to consider him again. He did not make her feel the way Barrett did but she had received far worse offers.

  Barrett growled behind her. Piper stopped momentarily in surprise but then she returned a wicked grin of her own.

  “Most kind. Thank you.” She turned back to Barrett. “If I can get a proposal looking like this, surely I won’t need those dresses.”

  Barrett charged between the two of them. “Ethan, I am going to kill you. You lay one finger…” Barrett turned back to her, “As I said. They were a gift to your mother. Therefore, they are not yours to return.” He walked next to her again. His hand lightly pressed to the small of her back. “You will take them home. Wear the cream one tomorrow night.”

  “What are you talking about?” Her mouth formed a thin line.

  “The Westchester’s Ball, didn’t your aunt tell you? I am escorting your family.” He looked exasperated.

  Her mouth dropped open. “You cannot come with us.” No one in her family had mentioned the ball or the fact the Barrett would be escorting them. It was a terrible idea. How could they keep their hands to themselves for an entire ball?

  “Of course I am coming with you.” He waved his hand to dismiss her comment.

  Piper stared at Barrett. She could feel his jealousy over Ethan rolling off him in waves. She walked up to Ethan and struck her most perfect pose. Her shoulders straight, her back curved. One hand delicately holding out her skirt. Her lashes fluttered and she let a small laugh trill across the room. Barrett started growling again. “Mr. Wright would you do me the honor of a dance?” A lady would never ask a man but she was making a point.

  “I most graciously accept.” He did his best English accent as he bowed. Ethan’s hand reached for her waist but before he could get it there, Barrett stepped next to him and grabbed his hand. “I told you what I would do if you touched her.”

  Piper dropped her façade, “Are you going to beat every man who asks me to dance?
”

  He was momentarily surprised. Then he grimaced as he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.

  Piper sighed. She had made her point. Well the last one anyway. “I should return to my mother. It was nice to meet you Mr. Wright. I am sure my mother will thank you for the dresses Mr. Maddox.” He was right, she couldn’t refuse a gift to her mother. While he was not directly propositioning her to be his mistress, he wasn’t denying it either. And since he offered to help her find a suitable husband, he had no intention of asking her himself yet he kissed her at every opportunity. When had her life gotten so complicated?

  TAMING A DUKE’S RECKLESS HEART

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Barrett watched her walk out the door. He had the urge to call her back. He wanted to punch Ethan in the face after he pushed him out the door. Then he wanted to carry Piper upstairs.

  “You’re in trouble this time.” Ethan laughed and shook his head.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” Barrett’s voice rumbled close to a growl.

  “How long have you known her?” Ethan’s eyebrows rose.

  “Four.”

  “Years?” Ethan cocked his eyebrows.

  “Days.” Barrett’s fists clenched at his side.

  “You mean to tell me you are this possessive after four days? It’s worse than I thought. Never, in all the years I have known you have you ever been like this.” Ethan was enjoying this. Barrett could see the glee on his face.

  Barrett simply glowered at his friend. “You’re exaggerating.”

  “I’m not. You growled at me. You didn’t even growl at me when I tried to take your mistress in Spain.” Ethan’s smile returned. He had an annoying habit of pretending to look innocent when he was guilty as sin.

  “You did take my mistress in Spain,” Barrett reminded him.

  “Oh that’s right. You didn’t seem the least put out.” Ethan raised his eyebrows as if this meant something. Barrett refused to acknowledge his point.

  “You offered to marry Piper,” Barrett hurtled the accusation back. The two women had nothing to do with one another. One he hadn’t cared about in the least while the other…