Duke of Chance: Lords of Scandal Page 7

  Why could he not keep his hands off this woman?

  She glanced up at him, her lips pulling into a soft smile. Without meaning to, he raised his other hand to brush his fingers along the velvet of her cheek, her skin so soft under his hand.

  Damn, he wanted to kiss her.

  “Do you see anything else, Daisy?” Arabella asked, interrupting the moment.

  Daisy shook her head, looking back at Arabella. “No. I think that’s it.”

  Hart muttered something that sounded distinctly like, thank the Lord. If Daisy heard, she ignored her brother and Chance made a mental note to repeat his conversation to Hart about steering clear of Daisy. The siblings could not be in the same room without bickering. Which, oddly enough, was pleasing to Chance too. It might even be fun once Daisy had committed to their marriage.

  But he had to get her there first, and he’d meant what he’d said in the carriage: Hart was not helping.

  With that in mind, he leaned down and whispered in Daisy’s ear, “Let’s get you home. It’s been a long day.”

  She nodded as he glanced back at Arabella. “Walk us out.”

  Arabella gave a wink as the three of them started for the door.

  If Hart was concerned, he didn’t say as they left, and once outside, Arabella climbed into her own carriage. Chance was certain Hart thought Arabella would act as chaperone, a misunderstanding Chance had no intention of correcting. “If you think of anything else, tell Chance or myself,” she said as she kissed Daisy’s cheek.

  Daisy waved goodbye as Arabella disappeared. Then they climbed onto his phaeton, quickly making their way through the London streets and back to her aunt’s.

  He’d wished at this moment he’d brought a different carriage. Of course, he’d wanted to be seen, hence the phaeton, but now, he’d love nothing more than a bit of privacy. He’d been with Daisy all day, and more than anything, he wished to touch her again. And not just her arm or her hand.

  He wished to taste her. Trace her shape.

  He closed his eyes. She wasn’t his…yet.

  But as they arrived, and he helped her from the vehicle, his hands circling her waist, her own gaze flitted to his lips.

  That made his turn up in a partial smile. He had a weapon he’d not yet used. Not really. He understood seduction. Edgemere had utilized that weapon with great effect and the thought of it made Chance wince. He didn’t want to utilize his rakish skills with Daisy. He wished better for her. But then again, if he thought that Edgemere might tempt her away again…perhaps it was time to do some tempting of his own.

  Her feet touched the ground and tucked her hand in his arm, pulling her not toward the house but to the back garden gate where they’d stolen themselves away the day before. They needed a bit of privacy and a moment for Chance to try and gain the upper hand.

  Daisy’s breath was already coming out in short gasps as Chance ducked under the branches of the tree, pulling her toward the bench. “Chance?” she asked, attempting to keep her voice level and even.

  It didn’t really work.

  She sounded breathy even to her own ears.

  “Yes, sweetheart?”

  That made her smile. Sweetheart was marginally only better than little one, but she found herself growing fond of the nickname, nonetheless. “Have you noticed that all your nicknames for me imply that I’m somehow small or weak?”

  They reached the bench, and he sat, pulling her into his lap. “I don’t mean them that way.”

  She shook her head as she settled against the hardness of his body, delighting in the feel of him and losing any irritation she might have felt as her arms wound about his neck. “How do you mean them?”

  His lips were against her ear, sending shivers down her back as he whispered. “To me, Daisy, you’re precious. I want to protect you and—”

  “Protection?” she pulled back to look at him, her eyes narrowing. “So you do think I’m small and weak.”

  One of his hands came up to hold her jaw, his fingers splaying out on her cheek. And then his lips brushed hers. The light and gentle touch sent passion coursing through her. “Daisy,” he said, making a second pass. “I like that I feel protective of you. It makes me a man to have a woman who fits against me like you do, little one.”

  Oh! When he said it like that…she suddenly didn’t feel nearly as offended, and then, his lips pressed more firmly to hers, teasing hers open so that his tongue could make a pass along her bottom lip.

  Nothing prepared her for this assault of the senses. It was slower, more deliberate, and so sensual, Daisy could hardly breathe.

  Was this what being married to him would be like?

  His kiss stole her breath, her mind, her heart.

  Well, not quite her heart.

  Then again, perhaps he’d always had it.

  He opened her mouth wider, his tongue dancing along hers in a way that made her moan, her body melding to his.

  He wrapped his arm about the small of her back, pulling her tightly to his chest as her head tilted back to give him better access.

  He plundered her mouth over and over, Daisy lost in the feel of him against her. Had she had reservations? What might those be? With his tongue in her mouth and her body aching for his, she could hardly remember.

  And when he slid his other hand from her cheek, down her neck and over her chest to her breast, she did moan into his mouth, pleasure ricocheting through her.

  And when his thumb teased her nipple, her fingers tightened on his neck, one hand sliding up into the blond hair.

  “Chance,” she gasped into his mouth. “Please.”

  Daisy didn’t even know what she was asking for. More. But more what? Her body seemed to understand things her mind did not, a muddled sense of clarity and confusion that made her press closer.

  “Oh, my sweet Daisy,” he said as he pulled back just a bit. “I want to give you everything. Everything in the world.”

  She looked into those arresting eyes, attempting to understand those words. What stopped him? Because she wanted him to give himself to her most of all. “Chance?” she asked again as she unwound one of her hands, placing a finger against his lips, letting it slide down the flesh. “What does giving me everything mean?”

  He gave a small smile. “Accept my proposal, and I’ll show you.”

  Her eyes widened as she understood. He’d kissed her to show her what he might give her physically as her husband. She leaned back, not entirely certain how she felt about it. The place between her legs ached with need, a need she was sure he could satisfy.

  And the idea of not marrying, of spending her life in a bed alone, well, that made her feel hollow inside.

  But what Chance offered, a marriage of passion and convenience, devoid of emotion. That hurt too.

  More and more, because she realized she had feelings for him. Always had. And he didn’t share them. Would he ever?

  Her tongue darted out to lick her lips as she attempted to collect her thoughts, and his arm tightened once again so that she was practically crushed against his chest. His gaze darted back down to her mouth.

  She could feel the heat of his stare. Would he always want her like this? Her insides fluttered again. “I’m tempted…”

  He kissed her again, his lips playing lightly over hers as he slipped his fingers down her neck again. “It would be a good life, Daisy. I can promise that.”

  She appreciated that. And she knew he was being completely honest with her, another asset. “Can you promise to always be truthful with me?”

  His gaze narrowed. “Haven’t I been thus far?”

  She nodded. “You have.” Then she drew in a deep breath. “But you’re a duke who has confessed you won’t love me…”

  “And?”

  The words fell from her lips before she could hold them back. “Will you have mistresses?”

  He jolted under her, but she didn’t let him go. She continued staring into his eyes as his narrowed. “Daisy.”

  She
shook her head. “Don’t answer. But understand. If I had a man’s heart, I might not worry. But knowing that I don’t hold yours…” and feeling the way I do, she silently added, “how can I be sure that you won’t end up breaking mine?”

  His eyes widened as though that hadn’t occurred to him.

  Daisy didn’t know what else to say, and so she unthreaded her fingers from his neck and rose. Then, spinning, she fled.

  Chapter Nine

  Once again, Chance stood outside Daisy’s door, debating on whether or not he should enter.

  The sun shone down on him, warming him and reminding of the heat they’d shared the last time he’d been with her. It had been a full day since he’d seen Daisy, and yet she’d hardly been out of his thoughts.

  Perhaps it was the fact he intended to wed her, but rarely had a woman managed to burrow herself so deep under his skin.

  Or perhaps it was her honest innocence.

  Or her sweet nature.

  Her intelligence.

  Her breasts.

  The way her eyes always managed to look just a touch pleading. Like she needed him and only him to sweep in and save her.

  He didn’t want to insult her, but he’d meant what he said. Daisy brought out every protective instinct he had.

  He’d been stunned by her question yesterday. He’d not been silent because he was afraid to tell her the truth. In fact, he wasn’t certain what the truth was. He had a hard time picturing any other woman in his arms. That was the truth.

  Which wasn’t much of an answer.

  And he still wasn’t quite certain what to say.

  Which was why he loitered on her front steps again. But this time, instead of opening the door as she’d done before, he heard a commotion coming from the drive. With long strides, he crested the corner to see the carriage being hitched to the horses.

  “You there,” he called to the groom.

  “Your Grace.” The man stopped with a quick bow. “How can I help you?”

  “Does Lady Daisy have an outing today?”

  The groom nodded. “She and Lady Mildred are going to a picnic in Hyde Park.”

  Chance’s brows rose. Why hadn’t she told him? He would have accompanied her. It was bound to be uncomfortable with all the rumors still burning through London, especially because they’d yet to announce their engagement.

  If they had one. His hand flexed as he attempted to relax. Much as he’d like to push, he knew what Daisy craved most was control over her own life. He’d give that to her no matter how it grated.

  He returned to the street, his carriage waiting. Climbing into the seat, he considered returning home. But to not see Daisy today…

  Perhaps he’d attend the picnic as well. While he hadn’t been specifically invited, park outings tended to be more flexible, and people rarely turned away a duke. Besides, she might need him if the crowd became cutting.

  With a clear plan, he started for Hyde Park.

  He found the crowd of picnickers easily enough, and he skirted the edge, listening for gossip as he tried to remain an observer.

  He heard little about Daisy as he listened in and wondered if perhaps he’d made a mistake. Maybe this wasn’t the party that Daisy intended to join? Had she not arrived yet?

  Why hadn’t he asked who the hostess was? Or waited for Daisy and rode with her?

  But just as he was about to turn around, he caught her name, echoing back from the fan of the lady in front of him. “I can’t believe Lady Daisy actually came.”

  “She was invited,” the other woman pointed out. “But if I were her, I wouldn’t dare show my face.”

  “I’m surprised the hostess didn’t find some way to rescind.”

  Chance straightened up, his jaw tightening as he glared at their backs. This was exactly what he’d feared, and the reason Daisy should accept his suit post haste.

  They both sniggered at their conversation. Then one leaned closer. “I saw him here too.”

  “Oh!” the other gasped.

  Chance’s brows drew down as he inched closer. Were they speaking of himself? Had they seen him skirting the crowd?

  “Do you think she’s meeting him?”

  The other’s fan fluttered. “Oh, she most certainly is, and after the way the Duke of Danesbury went out of his way to preserve any shred of her reputation by escorting her yesterday.”

  Chance’s blood ran cold. He knew the him to which they referred.

  Daisy was here to meet with Edgemere.

  That was why she hadn’t asked Chance to come. His blood boiled in his veins. This time he was going to beat Edgemere’s face to a pulp. And then he was going to tell Daisy what she could do with his proposal. If she wanted Edgemere still, they could have each other.

  He stalked the edge of the picnic looking for her or for Edgemere.

  He finally caught sight of her aunt talking to a group of matrons, appearing as though she didn’t have a care in the world. The woman was daft.

  And that’s when he caught a flash of pink behind a nearby tree. And peeking out the other side, he saw a boot.

  He headed straight for them, cracking his knuckles as he went.

  Chance had been fighting a losing battle from the moment he’d proposed. He should have seen it, but he’d allowed Daisy’s sweet appearance to fool him once again. This was exactly like Marissa.

  Daisy was in love with another man, and she had always been going to give herself to Edgemere. The pain of it lanced through him as his clenched fist thumped against his thigh.

  It was going to feel even better when he sunk that fist into Edgemere’s face.

  Daisy stood behind the tree chewing on lower lip as she tried for the third time to explain. “Edge. Try to understand…”

  “That you won’t marry me?”

  “You rejected me, remember?” she huffed back. “In front of my brother.”

  “And your soon-to-be husband?”

  The bitterness in his voice made her take a half step back. She shook her head. “If you care so much, why didn’t you marry me regardless of the dowry?”

  “And support you with what?” he said, reaching for her hand. She tugged it away before he could caress her. She didn’t want his touch now. It wasn’t that she was afraid she’d respond. Chance had erased whatever affection she’d held for Edge. She knew it was true. Which also meant that Hart had been right, an irritating revelation. She’d been infatuated with Edge, nothing more.

  What was more, she suspected while Edge found her attractive, he didn’t really love her either. A theme she seemed to face. Hart might have been right about that too. Perhaps she didn’t have the skill to make decisions for herself. “Be honest. Were you only interested in my dowry?”

  She didn’t even know why she asked, except it somehow mattered as she decided how to proceed with Chance. If he really had saved her from a rake, then perhaps she should marry him without further delay. Her judgment would be proven absolutely awful.

  He sighed. “No. You’re beautiful, warm, kind. I would have been happy with you.” He stepped closer. “I would have loved you.”

  “Would have?” She raised her brows as she inched back.

  He shook his head. “I have a dark past, Daisy. You know that. But I need to make the right decisions for my future. Not just for me but for my sister too.”

  She nodded her head. “I understand. I really do. But I need you to understand that Hart was never going to accept your suit and after what happened…” Her words trailed off, but he nodded his understanding.

  “Is this a goodbye then?”

  “It is,” she said, holding his gaze so there was no room for doubt.

  He frowned, running a hand through his hair. “Do I get a parting kiss?”

  She shook her head. “I’m afraid not.”

  But at the exact same moment, another voice growled out. “Over my dead body.”

  She yelped in surprise, looking over her shoulder to see Chance standing just behind Edge, lo
oking more menacing than she’d ever seen him. His normally tawny eyes were a dark shade of liquid gold as every feature pulled taut with tension.

  When they’d all gone to Edge’s home, Hart had been the aggressive one while Chance had supported her. He didn’t look supportive now, he looked angry as all get out.

  A thrill of excitement raced through her.

  Darting past Edge, she stopped in front of Chance, her chin tilting up to catch his eye. For a few moments, he only looked at Edge but then slowly his chin angled down toward her. His hand shot out, hooking her waist and dragging her close to his body.

  Edge made a noise deep in his throat. It sounded a bit like a snarl as he banged the tree with the flat of his hand. “Just like that you get to sweep in and take what was once mine.”

  Daisy tried to look back at him, to tell him this was pointless. But Chance held her close as he answered, “Daisy is her own woman. She belongs to no man and who she marries is her decision to make.”

  Her eyes widened and then she sighed out her approval, melting into him a bit more. How had he figured that out so quickly? Had he known that some measure of trust and independence was what she needed most?

  Edge stepped closer, his fists clenching.

  “Enough,” she whispered. Arabella likely would have thrown a fist or a knife, but Daisy didn’t have either of those weapons.

  What did she have? An agreeable nature? Was that a weapon of a different kind?

  Edge stopped, his lip curling.

  She drew in a deep breath. “You two can finish this conversation in a more private location when I am not present. For right now, the three of us are going to step out from behind this tree as though we are the best of friends.”

  Chance drew in a sharp breath and Edge made a choking sound. “You can’t be serious. You’re going to marry him over me, and you want my support?”

  She raised her brows. “To be clear. You publicly ruined me and then rejected me. Remember? You’re going to attempt to help me preserve what’s left of my reputation. And by all of us remaining publicly friendly, you’re going to have an easier time finding a new bride as well. It is in both our best interests.”