Who Wants a Brawling Baron: Romancing the Rake Read online

  But a sweet little innocent desperate to be bad with just one man…well that was a different matter entirely. “Do you want me to show you?”

  Her tongue darted out, dragging along her lips, and she trembled… But her eyes. Damn but her eyes dilated and her breath was coming out in short gasps.

  “Charlie,” a feminine voice called. “Where are you?”

  “Bloody hell,” he ground between his teeth, grabbing her slippers and pulling them onto her feet.

  She let him put the first one on as she pulled on the second and then he pulled her up from the blanket. Bending down, he grabbed the large sheet up into his arms, nudging Charlie toward the entrance.

  But she put a hand on his arm. “The pleasure you talked about.”

  His insides jolted. Damn, he wanted more of this woman. “What about it?”

  “Does it take my maidenhead?” she looked at him. “Do I risk a child?”

  He tucked her hand into his elbow, “No and no, but honestly, it’s a bad idea. We are playing with fire and—”

  “Why?” she asked. “Why are we playing with fire?”

  “You already know. We’ve already done enough to ruin you and…” His voice trailed off as they made their way from the little hideaway.

  Her large hazel eyes met his. “And you don’t wish to marry…again.”

  Chapter Nine

  Charlie knew that he was correct. They were indeed playing with fire. She just wasn’t certain she cared.

  Well, she cared. She still wanted to marry, of course. But some of her other goals melted away in the flames between them. Attention from other men. Who cared? Not when she had the attention of this one.

  Her worries over her brother’s marriage and her loneliness? Who could be lonely with Raithe pressed up against her chest?

  She had to be careful, of course. She would not allow herself to be so damaged that she could not return. But Raithe, more than anything she’d tried in her past, was filling the void.

  Bianca stood near the cave, her hand cupped to her mouth as though she were about to call again. “Oh. There you are.”

  Behind her, her fiancé stood with his arms crossed. “I suggested we barge in, but Bianca has far more tact than me.”

  Raithe stopped eyeing the other man as his jaw hardened and his spine straightened. “There was nothing to barge in on. We were just cleaning up from the picnic.”

  “Picnic?” Craven’s frown grew menacing as his shaggy brows dropped low nearly covering his eyes. “Where’s the basket then?”

  Charlie stepped forward. “I lost one of my stockings in the sand. We had to search for it.” She lifted a hand. “Turns out, it was under the blanket. Can you believe that?”

  Craven pointed at Raithe. “You and I need to have a chat.”

  “Chat?” Raithe lifted a single brow. “The word doesn’t suit you. You’ve never had a chat in your life.”

  Craven charged forward. Leaner than Raithe, he was equally tall, and while his body was less thickly muscled, he exuded power that made Charlie step closer into Raithe’s side, tucking herself behind his massive arm.

  Lord Craven stopped, dropping his arms. “You’ve nothing to fear, Charlie. I’d never hurt you. In fact, what Lord Balstead and I need to discuss is your protection.”

  She swallowed, quite content to stay exactly where she was. “I am perfectly safe, Lord Craven. Thank you for your concern. In fact, Lord Balstead has a friend who is a widow. We were just discussing the possibility of her accompanying me to some of my social engagements this summer.”

  “Really?” Bianca stepped up next to her fiancé. “How interesting.”

  Craven did a leisurely assessment of Charlie and Raithe. “That seems reasonable enough. What is less clear is how comfortable Charlie is being tucked against you.”

  “Damn it,” Raithe muttered more to himself but Charlie heard him.

  “Lord Craven.” She stepped around Raithe, suddenly wishing to protect him as much as she’d wanted his protection moments before. She spread her hands out in front of her. “Please do not misunderstand.”

  Craven crossed his arms once again. “I see what’s happening very clearly.”

  Raithe’s hand came to her back. Just a light touch, but it made her shiver nonetheless. “Lord Craven, let us walk back up to the house together, provided the ladies are comfortable walking up without our assistance.”

  “Charlie?” Bianca asked.

  “I’ll be fine,” she answered as Raithe stepped away and started walking toward the bluff and the path that cut its way in a zigzagging pattern to the top.

  Lord Craven stepped next to him and for two men who wished to talk, a heavy silence fell around them.

  “Oh dear,” Charlie said as she watched them walk side by side.

  “Indeed,” Bianca answered. “What are Lord Balstead’s intentions, do you know?” Then she threaded her arm through Charlie’s and tugged her to follow.

  Charlie shook her head. “He doesn’t have any, as far as I know.”

  Bianca looked over at her. “Forgive me, but that simply isn’t true. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.’

  “How is that?” Charlie turned toward Bianca, her breath holding as she waited for an answer.

  “Like a starving man at a table full of food.” Bianca arched a slender brow. “I recognize the look because it’s similar to the one Chris would give me.”

  That made Charlie pause and she stopped, her toes sinking into the sand. “I don’t think Lord Balstead will propose as Lord Craven did to you, if that’s what you’re implying.”

  “No?” Bianca asked, winking. “You’d be surprised.”

  She shook her head. “He’s been rather adamant that he isn’t the sort—”

  “So was Lord Craven.” Bianca grinned. “Just keep that in mind.”

  Charlie fell silent as she began walking again. Hope and need tingled along her skin. Could Bianca be right? If she were going to answer that question, she had a feeling that she needed to learn more about his past.

  Raithe refused to be the first man to speak. He drew in a deep breath as Craven picked up the pace, climbing the hill with amazing speed. As they continued, he wasn’t certain he could talk even if he wanted to. But he’d keep up, even if his lungs burst.

  “I’m going to tell you something,” Craven finally said, stopping on a particularly steep section.

  Raithe tried to keep his breath even as he answered. “What?”

  “I don’t like you,” the other man said, stepping closer. “Never have.”

  Raithe realized he was downhill as Craven now stood over him looking rather hostile. “I’m not that fond of you either.”

  Craven gave a quick nod. “Glad we got that sorted.” Then his brows dropped even lower.

  Raithe was beginning to understand that was a sign the man was going to say or do something aggressive. He moved uphill so that they were flush on the path.

  Craven raised a finger. “I am watching you like a hawk.”

  “I beg your pardon.”

  Craven’s nose was only an inch from his. “I know you met Charlie in the garden.”

  Bloody fucking Christ. “It’s not what you—”

  “It’s exactly what I think.” He waved his finger. “Rathmore will see the two of you wed before you can blink.”

  Raithe let out a small laugh. Just a single bark that held little humor. Not at the threat. Because he’d just realized part of him might be…relieved. It would take the choice out of his hands. He wouldn’t have to choose to break his vow he’d made at Jenni’s death and he’d have Charlie all to himself. “So why not do it then?”

  “Because,” Craven harrumphed. “You’re a depraved son of a bitch and I like Charlie. She could have any man she wanted, why tie her to you?”

  Why, indeed? “You say the sweetest things,” Balstead fired back, his lip curling over his teeth. “I’d punch most men for uttering such words.”

  “Go ahead,” Craven
answered, lifting his arms to the side. “I’m game.”

  His fingers curled into fists. “I’m bigger than you.”

  “I’m quicker,” Craven fired back. “And I’m in better shape. I heard you huffing up that hill.”

  Raithe had to confess, most men would crumble under his fists, but not Craven. It would be a fair fight. His fingers itched to hit something and Craven’s face was as good a punching bag as any. Maybe that would help relieve the tension coiled within him. “I’d love to box you. In fact, it’s the best idea I’ve heard in days. But might I suggest we don’t do it on the side of a cliff?”

  Craven smiled at that and his arms relaxed. “Not the worst point.”

  “And I’d like you to know that my friend, Lady Rainsville, really will be travelling with Charlie this summer. She’s in need of someone well-connected to help her.”

  “Why does a married woman need that sort of help?”

  “She’s widowed and penniless,” he grimaced. “You know what society would think if I provided for her financially. She needs a new husband.”

  “Why not marry her yourself?” Craven asked.

  “She’s the closest thing to a sister I have in this world.” And he’d made that vow. And he’d asked her out of obligation. It would have been a marriage in name only, so it hadn’t seemed like a betrayal of his promise.

  Craven eyed him. “So you’re alone with Charlie to help another woman?”

  He supposed that did sound odd but it was, at least partially, true. “Yes.”

  “And what does Charlie get out of all of this?” Craven asked.

  The ladies appeared below them on the path. They’d catch up soon.

  Raithe looked down as her brown hair shimmered in the sun. “You should ask her that question, but from what I understand, she’s lonely. Her brother and her cousin are married or about to be and her parents…” Something clicked. She’d been orphaned at the age of thirteen. And now her brother had left her to go on his honeymoon. Rathmore was marrying too. It was as if her entire family had melted away, leaving her all alone. How had he dealt with that loneliness? He’d chased every easy skirt this side of London.

  And Charlie was doing the same. Prior to this week, she’d flirted only as much as society would allow her. But as she faced all sorts of changes, she’d committed a few acts she’d be ostracized for having done. With him. “Feck,” he swore running a hand through his hair.

  “What?” Craven asked, giving him a sidelong glance.

  “She needs to get married and start a family of her own.” He looked at the ground, kicking at a pebble.

  “Of course she does. She’s a lady,” Craven’s hands went up as though Raithe had said the most obvious thing in the world.

  He shook his head. “I mean emotionally. She’s lost her parents and now her brother and cousin, her only family are moving on with their lives. She’s hurting and needs love to fill her life.”

  Craven’s eyes widened. “I hadn’t thought about that. Poor thing, losing her parents so young.” Then one side of Craven’s mouth turned down. “Odd. But after that comment, I feel less like hitting you.”

  “Too bad.” Raithe stood straighter. “We’re definitely boxing. I need to hit something and soon. I’ve got to have some sort of release or—” He stopped, looking at Craven.

  The other man notched his brows. “No release for you? That actually does make me feel better. But I’m warning you. I’m still watching, and at the end of the day, I’ll see her married to you before I see her ruined.”

  Raithe started up the hill. “We’ll meet in the garden in half an hour. And in terms of behaving myself, I’ve been warned.”

  Chapter Ten

  Charlie stood at the window watching the men below. Craven and Raithe were stripped to the waist, hitting each other for all they were worth. She could hear the thud of flesh against flesh. “It sounds like it hurts.”

  Ophelia smiled from her spot on the settee, her foot bandaged and raised. “Men are odd creatures. Interesting but odd.”

  Bianca joined her at the window. “They are beautiful to look at though, aren’t they?”

  Charlie had to agree. Even from here, she could see Raithe’s thick, rippling muscles, his more narrow waist, the bulge of his chest. “They certainly are.” Then she leaned closer to Bianca. “I’d like to have a better look.”

  Bianca winked but she gave her head a tiny little shake of dissent. “I’m afraid we can’t.”

  Charlie sighed. “Too bad.”

  Ophelia cleared her throat. “What is this I hear about you helping out Balstead’s friend?”

  “She’s a widow, titled but penniless. She needs a new husband.” Her eyes were still trained on the men below. Craven hit Raithe in the ribs, but he fired back with a punch to the other man’s gut.

  “Oh. That is terrible.” Ophelia shook her head. “It’s kind of you to help, of course, but I’m wondering why you would?”

  Charlie nibbled at her lip. The truth would not do her any favors here. “I could use the diversion, truthfully. I’ve never liked being alone and Dane will be busy with Juliet. The companionship will do me as much good as I do her.”

  Ophelia let out a soft breath. “I wish I could get up and hug you now.”

  Peeling her eyes from the men, she turned back to the woman she’d call family soon, crossed the room and wrapped Ophelia in a large hug. “I’m so glad we’ll be family.”

  “Me too,” Ophelia replied as she held Charlie tight. “I want to tell you that losing my mother was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. If you ever want to talk.”

  “And me too.” Bianca came up behind her, wrapping her in a hug from the other side. “And can I just say that when Ophelia and then Adrianna got engaged, I started to worry. Our family, which had held me up through my grief, was changing and I didn’t know how that would feel, at first.”

  Tears stung Charlie’s eyes as she sat there, wrapped in their arms. “I hate to be alone, dislike boredom. It gives my mind time to wander and remember.”

  “Remember what?” Bianca softly asked.

  “How awful it was. Knowing I’d never see them again.” Her voice shook. “Dane retreated to his room for several days. He’s a quiet man. And I just walked around wondering if anyone would hug me…” She stopped, her voice catching. “I was so afraid no one would love me ever again.”

  “Of course they will,” Bianca cried, rocking all three of them back and forth. “We love you already. Your family loves you. And when you finally decide to settle down, your husband will—” Bianca stopped, looking at her sister.

  Charlie turned back from Bianca to look at Ophelia, who brushed a stray hair of Charlie’s from her face. “Your husband will fill your heart to near bursting with love.”

  “I believe you. I used to think that the attention of men was enough to fill this void I have inside. The one that still misses having a whole family. But the past few days, I’ve wondered if one man wouldn’t be far better.” The image of a particular man unfurled in her mind, and her heart skipped a beat.

  “A man like Balstead?” Bianca asked, her voice full of teasing.

  But Ophelia frowned. “I worry about that man. Even among rakes he seems dangerous.”

  Charlie let out a long sigh. “I asked him how I would know the difference between a genuine man’s affection and a rake’s. He said that a genuine man would be far more concerned with my happiness than his own.”

  “That is beautifully said,” Ophelia gushed. “And good advice.”

  “How did you know that your men were the right men?” she asked, finally easing back from their hug.

  Ophelia twisted her hands together. “I didn’t have anyone to ask for their advice. The unfortunate part of being the first of my sisters to wed and not having my mother. But I did know that he was hurting and I knew I wanted to help him. So, I suppose I too was more concerned for him than for myself.”

  Bianca sat on the end of the settee,
patting Ophelia’s leg. “That is so like you.” Then she giggled. “For me, Chris made me feel beautiful and desirable when no one else did. And it helped that he beat up several men in my defense.”

  Charlie had to smile at that. “I could see how that would have its appeal.” Then she crossed back to the window. “Mayhap, they hit one another to practice for the day they might need to defend one of us.”

  Bianca clapped her hands together once. “That’s an excellent conclusion.”

  Charlie pressed her cheek to the glass as she watched Raithe move with precision and grace. She’d take his attention over that of the entire army, she decided. Too bad he’d made it clear that he’d never marry.

  But at least some good had come of this. She’d come to terms with what she needed in her life. It was time to find her future and the man who would fill it. Because the ladies were right. Filling her heart with love was the only thing that might help her to heal.

  Raithe stretched his muscles, which were perfectly sore from all the punches he’d taken. He’d hoped that a good fight might slow the constant thoughts of Charlie but they didn’t. Hell, he shouldn’t be surprised.

  Even back in London before he’d held her in his arms, he’d been completely infatuated. He rubbed his face with his hands. Every social engagement he’d attended, he’d been aware of her presence. Who she danced with, where she was in the room, the color of her dress and how it set off her hazel eyes.

  He might have stayed away from her, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t constantly at the forefront of his mind.

  And now he’d had a delicious taste of her mouth, had peeked under her skirts. He was moving from smitten to complete infatuation.

  A bath was pulled into the room and hot water filled the tub. He removed his clothes and eased himself down for a warm, soothing soak before scrubbing his skin.

  If he married Charlie, he reasoned, it would be even easier to help Cassandra.

  Raithe closed his eyes. But what about Jenni and the promises he’d made on her behalf? He frowned as he scrubbed his skin harder. He’d wanted to honor her memory. The love they’d shared, the sacrifice of her life to give him a child. He couldn’t allow an infatuation to diminish her loss during childbirth.