Marquess of Menace Read online

  One sister gasped while another gave a cry. “Do we cease socializing?”

  He grimaced. Should he not have shared that? “Unfortunately, to disappear from society might cause more suspicion.”

  A very lovely woman he thought might be Emily nodded her head. “Oh, that does make sense.”

  Another huffed. “So we’re just going to keep traipsing about the streets of London like sacrificial lambs?” He looked at the fourth sister. Was it Abigail?

  He ran his hand through his hair. “Isabella…” he cleared his throat. “Would you mind chaperoning a meeting between Eliza and myself?”

  “Of course,” Isabella answered at the same time Eliza let out a huff of breath.

  “I don’t need my little sister as a chaperone.”

  He quirked a brow. Somehow, he relaxed with her irritation. This was Eliza. And this was why eldest sisters usually married first. Having a younger sister chaperone would chafe most women.

  “It’s for your protection,” Isabella started. “Society—”

  “I don’t give a fig about society.” Eliza sat back down and determinedly stuck her fork in her plate of food. “Eat, my lord. And then we will go in the sitting room next door and we’ll be certain to leave the door open in case society arrives.”

  He couldn’t quite keep from chuckling as he crossed to the buffet. A man might as well have a full stomach before he proposed a sham marriage.

  Chapter Eight

  A half hour later Eliza sat across from Dylan, the silence stretching out between them. The door was open, and she was absolutely sure her sisters were all pressed to the wall just outside the room listening to every word.

  She drew in a deep breath as she blinked to keep from rolling her eyes to the ceiling. An audience didn’t make this awkward at all.

  “Do you know where I am supposed to be right now?” Dylan asked, stretching out in his chair, his long legs crossed at the ankles in front of him. He looked large and masculine and…delectable.

  “Where?”

  “I am supposed to be meeting Carmella’s cat.” He gave her a lopsided grin as he chuckled out loud.

  Her stomach twisted at the boyish gesture. He looked even more handsome like this, relaxed and happy and virile. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Carmella. She wished for me to meet her cat.” He swiped a hand down one cheek. “That is what I could be doing right now. Courting a woman and her feline.”

  “And instead here you sit with me.” She straightened in her chair. “Where will you find a new heiress?”

  One of his brows lifted. “Hmmm. Let me think. Heiress? Heiress? Where might I meet one of those?”

  Her mouth dropped open. Because she should have known that was where this conversation headed but somehow…she hadn’t. “But I’ve already told you. I don’t wish to marry.”

  From the hall, she heard the faintest gasp. Standing, she glared at the open door.

  “I am well aware, which is why I have a proposition for you.” He stood too, moving closer. “But first, I need to tell you about me. I want you to know the truth about me, what you’re getting into, before you decide.”

  A warm sensation slid down her chest. He trusted her, she heard it in those words. “All right. Just give me one moment.” Then she crossed over to the doorway, peeked out, stared at all three of her sisters, who had the decency to look embarrassed, and then shut the door, turning the lock. “Pray, continue.”

  He pressed his mouth together, suppressing a grin, as she came back over to him.

  “Eliza.” He reached for her hand, slipping his fingers into hers. “I’ve done very little right in my life.”

  His hands were large and warm, his skin sliding along hers. “How so?”

  He shrugged. “The typical mostly. I drink too much, carouse too often. My family was very serious and I never seemed to belong.”

  She winced. “That must have been difficult.”

  “I suppose it was, but I didn’t help matters. I went out of my way to be even more troublesome…”

  “Not surprising. You’re a strong man. If you’d just fallen in line, you’d be weak. I’m not much for doing what others tell me to do either,” she said, then gestured back at the now closed door.

  A look of surprise crossed his face. “I’d never thought of it that way. Likely because I mostly destroyed opportunities and relationships with my behavior.” His face hardened as a dark shadow crossed his face. “While you strengthen the people closest to you.”

  She reached out and touched his sleeve. This was the man who’d carried her into the carriage this morning when she’d fallen apart. “That’s not what I see.”

  He looked into the fire. “You don’t know me very well. But I want you to understand this before you accept or deny my offer. I’ve disappointed everyone who has ever cared about me.”

  Her throat thickened as she listened to the pain in his voice. She didn’t see the man he described. He was a marquess. A successful club owner. Her personal hero. “All right. I understand.”

  He leaned onto the mantel staring into the fire. “I need a dowry to help me bolster my title.”

  Her fingers curled into her palm but she didn’t say anything as she allowed him to continue.

  “You need to protect your sisters and solve this mystery so that you might go on your adventures.”

  She started in surprise. Adventuring was part of this deal? “And?”

  “I propose we join forces.”

  “Join forces?” She stepped closer to him, raising her brows.

  He reached out and hooked her waist, pulling her close to his body. “Marriage, love. We get married to help each other accomplish our goals.”

  She looked up at him. “Just so I’m clear on this. As your wife, I will just sail off to America and leave you here?”

  He shrugged. “That’s what I was thinking.”

  She shook her head. “And you’ll run my share of Carrington Shipping?”

  He shook his head. “We’ll have to hire someone. I mentioned already that I’m not the best with responsibility.”

  She slid her hands up his arms, then linked them behind his neck. “And the club? How do you run that?”

  He looked down at her. “That’s different. My friends fill in my gaps.”

  She rose up on tiptoes. “And do you think you and I might be able to…fill in each other’s gaps?”

  “What gaps do you have?” He shook his head. “Near as I can tell, you’re perfect.”

  “I can assure you.” She glanced toward the door again. “If you brought my sisters in here, they’d have a completely different opinion.” Which was the truth. “I’m hardheaded, uncompromising, demanding, to name a few.” She threaded her fingers into his hair. And he had done what she’d never expected from any man, he’d offered her freedom within the confines of marriage. The man who already felt like an adventure even when they only travelled as far as the library.

  He chuckled as he bent lower. “Take as much time as you need to consider my offer. But as your husband, I’ll do my best to help Bash and your family.”

  Her mouth opened and closed again. What did she say? The idea had merit. How much, she didn’t know. She did know that his very presence made her mind murky and heavy. Could she make a good decision here in his arms?

  But before she could answer, his lips descended down on hers. Firm but warm, his mouth moved over hers, causing a cascade of tingles all through her body.

  Eliza felt divine. Her lips were soft and sensual, her body fitted against his perfectly.

  Why had he kissed her?

  This wasn’t supposed to be part of the plan. They were to lead separate lives.

  She’d been so tempting against him, he’d dipped his head down and stolen this kiss.

  And now…

  Now he couldn’t stop.

  She tugged at the strands of his hair, pulling him closer as he slanted her mouth open and brushed his tongue against hers.

>   He felt her tremble, her heartbeat quickening against his. It was like adding lamp oil to a fire. He pressed her closer, the curve of her hips, filling his hands.

  Their kiss deepened and lengthened, their tongues sliding against each other over and over as they ground together. He wanted this woman.

  Had from the first.

  And now that she was in his arms, he didn’t know if he could stop.

  But he had to.

  His body refused to cooperate. A problem he was well acquainted with. He never followed the path he should.

  That thought made him rip his mouth from hers.

  Eliza, her body still pressed to his, gazed at him with hazy, passion-filled eyes, her cheeks flushed, her mouth puffy.

  Dylan nearly came undone. It took every ounce of control not to dip his head back down and take her lips again.

  Drawing in a cleansing gulp of air, he squeezed the roundness of her hips. “We can’t.”

  Her chin pulled back. “Can’t? Why not? Didn’t you just propose?”

  His eyes drifted closed as he continued to hold her. Pulling himself up straighter, he attempted to remember all the reasons that he’d wanted to keep distance between them. “Yes. I proposed. An arrangement. A business partnership of sorts. One that does not involve such personal connections.”

  She sucked in a breath stepping back. “Your club is based on personal connections.”

  He grimaced as he resisted the urge to pull her closer again. “Not like this.”

  Her arms wrapped about her chest. “So you want to marry but not be intimate?”

  “Something like that.” He supposed he hadn’t fully considered the implications of Eliza moving into his home for some length of time while he kept a respectable distance. As usual he was mucking up this plan.

  She dropped her arms, her shoulders pulling straighter. “Forgive me but both our futures rest on this decision. I think it’s time that we decide upon a few more details.”

  Scrubbing his face, Dylan twisted his neck, a crack filling the air. What had he gotten into this time? “How can you venture off to America if you’ve had a child?”

  She blinked then. “That is a valid point.” Eliza turned away so that he looked at her profile as her chin dropped. “I don’t see myself as the sort of woman who would abstain from a physical relationship nor would I ever abandon a child. For both those reasons, I think it best that I say no to your offer.”

  “No?”

  “No.” Then she started for the door. Without another word, she opened the heavy wood panel and left the room. Left him standing and staring where she’d disappeared.

  Chapter Nine

  Eliza reached the hall and leaned against the wall, covering her face. What had she just done?

  Unfortunately, she’d forgotten that all three of her sisters were also there…waiting. They descended like a flock of vultures.

  “What happened?” Isabella asked.

  “Did he hurt you?” Abigail demanded.

  Emily touched her arm. “Should I get Bash?”

  “No and no,” she said as she pushed back off the wall and started down the hall. The flock followed. “And I don’t want to talk about it.”

  Abigail huffed behind her. “Sorry but that isn’t an option. What happened that has you so upset?”

  She stopped, spinning around to her sisters. “He proposed.”

  All three of them stopped too and she was met with three blank stares.

  “You’re upset because he proposed?” Emily asked.

  “Yes,” she fired back then turned and began walking again. “It wasn’t a real proposal and even if it was, I don’t want to marry.”

  “There was so much in that sentence, I hardly know where to begin.” Isabella lifted her skirts and took a few running steps to reach Eliza’s side. “Oh wait. I do know. Why wasn’t it a real proposal?”

  “He asked me for a sham marriage. One where I kept my independence and he kept his hands to himself. Well, except for my money. That he’d touch in spades,” she said, unable to keep the bitterness from her voice.

  Emily gasped behind her. “Oh, dear.”

  Eliza had a moment to wonder if she were just offended that he’d rebuffed her but then she held her head higher. That wasn’t it. She had a plan. And it didn’t involve a delinquent marquess.

  Of course, it also hadn’t involved a ring of thieves.

  Isabella reached for her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. “For heaven’s sake, Eliza. Stop.”

  Eliza did. But she spun about again. “Why?”

  “Because,” Isabella gave her sister a long look. “There’s a lot of parts to this and we need to work them all out.”

  She twisted her hands into her skirts. “Must we?”

  “I’m afraid so,” Abigail answered.

  “Fine.” She pointed down the hall. “Let’s have a seat in the library.”

  With a nod, the group made their way to the vast room, settling in a cluster of chairs. Eliza didn’t wait for them to ask any more questions. With a deep breath, she detailed his proposal.

  When she was done, Emily slid her fingers into Eliza’s. “Now tell us why you don’t wish to marry.”

  Eliza shook her head. That was…harder. “I know you loved mother and father. And I know their relationship was miles better than either of our aunts’ but…” She drew in a deep breath.

  Isabella leaned forward. “It’s all right. You can say it.”

  Eliza touched her chest, willing the fear away. “Father was gone so much. And mother needed help. And I…”

  “You took on the burden,” Abigail answered.

  She nodded. A burden she’d have to pass on to potential children. “It’s not that. I love all of you. And I love our relationship. But I don’t want to be left behind by a husband to wait and to worry. I…” Drat. She wanted a real partnership. One where they did things together. Made choices together. Adventured, or stayed home, or had children…together.

  With startling clarity, she realized what her actual goals in life involved. It wasn’t that she needed her independence as much as equality. She wanted a partner.

  Which, he’d offered.

  But she also wanted…her hands flew to her mouth. A wave of heat spread across her. She wanted him.

  A soft groan escaped her lips. “I turned him down.”

  “We know that part,” Isabella replied as she scooted closer. “But explain why.”

  “I want a man who wants me too, but also respects that I am capable and not meant to just be a pretty bauble on his arm. I—”

  “Forgive me for saying so.” Emily squeezed her hand tighter. “But he outlined a whole plan with you. One where he tried to give you what you wanted. Perhaps rather than denying his wishes, you should have opened negotiations. Unless you just don’t like him?”

  No. She liked him. Far more than she should. “Deep down I think I might be afraid he doesn’t want me. Not nearly as much as I want him.”

  “Eliza.” Isabella smiled softly. “Men always want you. And once you are intimate…I have a feeling he’ll be completely entranced.”

  She shook her head. “I allowed my temper to get the better of me. Didn’t I?”

  “Perhaps,” Emily said. “But that’s only because you care. Talk to him again. But decide what you want first. Do you truly want to venture off to America alone? Because we own a shipping company now. You can go whenever you wish. But perhaps you and your husband could go together. Learn the business. Build up his title and our business. Together.”

  Eliza looked about at her sisters. She’d taken on a great deal of responsibility but not alone. They had been behind her from the first. Guiding and helping. It was Isabella who had lifted them out of poverty and landed them here.

  Did Dylan have a family like this? From what she’d heard, the answer was definitely no. They’d torn him down rather than building him up.

  What he needed was a family like hers. People that would supp
ort him. Help him see the clear path when his mind was clouded. Just like she had with her sisters. How many mistakes might she have made without the three of them? And Dylan needed to understand that. It was support he was lacking not judgment.

  And what did she need? She’d always thought she wanted her independence but today... Today she’d come to a different answer…

  The question was: Had she ruined her one chance with Dylan?

  Dylan sat on a fluffy, pink chair as a long-haired white cat hissed at his feet.

  He hated being here, hated that he had to do this.

  Now that he thought about it, Eliza was not perfect. In fact, she was damned annoying. He’d helped her with her mystery, but his bride search? She’d turned him down and offered only Carmella as a possible candidate. She wasn’t holding up her end of the bargain.

  He swiped at the back of his neck. He should march right back to the Duke of Devonhall’s and demand she give him more names and then he’d kiss her senseless. His teeth clenched. He’d been the one to end that kiss. Not her.

  The damned cat took a swipe at his boot, leaving a long scratch mark in the dark leather.

  That was going to take forever to buff out.

  “Isn’t she just a doll?” Carmella gushed from a matching pink chair as she reached down and picked up the offensive animal.

  “A doll,” he replied dryly, his eyes casting up at the ceiling. Perhaps this hadn’t been the best choice.

  He’d been so irritated with Eliza and her swift departure that he’d left Bash’s house, went home, changed, and then travelled straight to Carmella’s. Where he was now ensconced in pink décor that was accented by white cat hair.

  Carmella lifted the fluffball up to her face and buried her nose in the animal’s fur. The thing hissed again, but Carmella ignored the sound, giggling as she cooed words of love into the cat’s hair.