Taming a Rake into a Lord: Taming the Heart Series Read online

  With her still in his arms, he use one of his hands to undo the buttons of her gown, till it was gaping open. “How did you--”

  “Doesn’t matter,” he mumbled as he set her on her feet. Quickly removing her gown, he set to work on the rest of her garments. What took a maid several minutes, he dispatched in mere seconds. A blush climbed her cheeks and her hands covered her body. She was suddenly aware of their vast difference in experience. She made to reach down for her chemise, wanting to be covered, but he had shrugged out of his shirt, and his hand stopped hers before she could grab the garment. “What’s wrong?”

  She looked away, not answering, and he pulled her into his arms, the warmth of him seeping into her skin. “You must think me a silly girl.”

  “Why would you say that?” He buried his face in her hair, pulling out pins till her locks fell loose around her. He ran his hands down the length of her back and then back up again making her skin tingle till she near forgot why she was upset.

  “It doesn’t matter,” she breathed as he cupped her buttocks, pulling her pelvis up against his.

  “It matters to me. Tell me,” he whispered in her hair, then slid his lips down to the sensitive skin of her neck.

  “It’s just the way you removed my clothing. I’ve so little experience compared to you.” She gasped out as his lips trailed along her collar bone.

  He stilled, holding her close. “I wish I could go back in the past and rewrite how I lived. If I had it do over again, I would do things differently. More like you. Your lack of experience is one of many things I love about you. I only hope you can forgive my experience.”

  Lizzie leaned back, looking at him with new eyes. “But what if I don’t please you? What if I make silly mistakes?”

  “You please me more than you can ever know.” His lips crashed down on hers then and she forgot everything else she was about to say. Her insecurities fled as she was swept away by their passion.

  He picked her up and, pulling back the covers, laid her on the bed. Trailing kisses over her arms, her chest, her torso, his lips tickled, delighted, and teased until she was writhing underneath him.

  Then he did something completely unexpected. His lips travelled lower till he was kissing her most intimate of areas. Her hand wound in his hair as she pulled him closer. Heat curled within her, building to dizzying heights. “Chris,” she gasped out a moan.

  His hands cradled her hips as he pressed her closer till she couldn’t stand another second and a beautiful explosion of sensation erupted inside of her.

  Limp in his arms, she thought never to move, but in a moment he had kissed his way back up her body and his manhood began pushing inside her.

  Amazingly it stirred her passion again and she locked her arms and legs around him, meeting his thrust with a lusty moan. She wanted more from him and he gave it all to her.

  “Lizzie, sweet Jesus,” he grunted as their tempo quickened.

  “Don’t stop, more,” she begged.

  He dipped his head to take one of her nipples in his mouth and Lizzie, with a cry of satisfaction, fell over the edge again.

  Her climax seemed to prompt his. With a wild moan, he groaned and spasmed inside of her.

  Collapsing on top of her, he rolled to the side taking her with him, arms around her, still inside her. Never more content in her life, Lizzie fell sound asleep.

  12

  The next morning Lizzie woke with the sun. She was still wrapped in Chris’ arms, warmth enveloping her.

  Stretching, she moved slowly to not wake Chris but he stirred anyway. “It’s our wedding day.” He gave her a sleepy smile.

  “So it is.” She snuggled back into him. “I suppose I should have thought of this last night, but you’re not supposed to see me on the day of the wedding. At least not until the ceremony.”

  His arms tightened around her. “A tradition meant for arranged marriages where the groom might decide to bolt. It doesn’t apply to us, therefore I shan’t let you out of my sight.”

  Finding his lips, she gave him a slow kiss. Wrapped in each other’s arms, the kiss lengthened and heated. “Fine by me,” she gasped out as his lips trailed down her neck to her collarbone.

  He continued to kiss down her chest and her breath quickened as he drew closer to the peak of her breast.

  A sharp knock at the door made her lift her head but Chris sucked her nipple into his mouth. Lifting his head for a second he muttered, “Ignore it,” before his mouth came down on the peak again.

  “Chris, wake up!” Alex’s frantic voice called from the other side of the door. “It’s Lizzie, she’s gone. Her room--”

  Cursing, Chris jumped out of bed. He was fully erect and simply grabbed his pants from the floor holding them in front of himself. Lizzie tried not to giggle as she watched him open the door, just enough to peek out. “Lizzie is right here. I told you, I wouldn’t leave her alone.”

  The laugh died in her throat. While she couldn’t make out their next words, their voices were both tense. Chris had said, I told you I wouldn’t leave her alone. Had they been making plans for her safety? Were they that worried? Unable to hold back the questions she asked, “Is this about Bernard?”

  Chris didn’t answer her, instead he listened to Alex. His voice had dropped to a whisper but Lizzie wrapped herself in the sheet and made her way to the door. Neither man could see her as she moved closer but she could hear Alex.

  “…room was ransacked. He was in the house,” Alex finished.

  “Damn it all to hell,” Chris gritted out. “I’ll be right there.”

  He closed the door and turned. Starting with surprise at her proximity, she heard him swear again. “I am losing my touch. Snuck up on by a woman.”

  “What is that supposed to mean? What is happening?” She couldn’t quite keep the worry out of her voice, try as she might.

  “Let’s get you dressed. I need to go look at your room.” In a flash he had his clothes on and stepped behind her to help her with her corset strings and buttons.

  “Do you think he is still in the house? Are you worried he is really a threat?” She couldn’t keep the questions from tumbling from her lips. Frightened, she tried to swallow her feelings back down. She should be strong. It would be easier for Chris.

  “I hope not. You are to lock the door behind me. Do you understand?” He pulled her against him, his lips in her hair. “Don’t open it for any reason. Please, Lizzie?”

  “I understand. I won’t.” Nodding, she cherished the feel of his lips as he kissed her hard one more time.

  He turned and exited the room. Jumping forward, she locked the door behind him. Now alone in the room, she surveyed its interior. It was large and lonely without Chris here to fill it. Fear niggled inside her. But she would be strong. Sitting down, she looked out the window as the sun rose in the sky. It was a bright day for December and she thought mournfully that it should have been grey.

  With little else to do, she started pinning her hair. It seemed a ridiculous task but keeping her fingers busy helped pass the time. The pins were scattered along the floor but she easily found them and after collecting them, sat at the dressing table. Finding the ribbon she had worn yesterday, she pulled it through the coif.

  A rap sounded at the door. It was different from Alex’s. Softer. If it hadn’t been so quiet in the room, she would have missed it.

  “Lizzie,” Bernard’s voice hissed. Chills ran down her spine. He was here.

  “Chris will find you.” She did not whisper, in fact, she spoke as loudly as she could as though Chris might hear if she did.

  “But will he find me in time?” Bernard called back, his voice dropping on the last syllable, giving it a sinister air.

  “What… what do you mean?” she asked, unable to stop herself.

  “Lizzie?” May’s tremulous voice came from the other side of the door.

  Fear, like icy rain, pelted her skin leaving prickling sensations over her body. “May?”

  “There
is a pistol pointed at her back.” Bernard spoke in the same quiet voice. “You can come out or you can listen to the blast.”

  Lizzie froze. She had promised Chris she wouldn’t leave but she absolutely had to protect May. With trembling fingers she unbolted the lock and swung open the door. “Here I am.”

  “Good girl.” He sneered at her. “Though you’re in the master’s bedroom so you’re likely not a girl any longer.” Grabbing her by the arm he yanked her out of the room. He motioned with the pistol for May to walk down the hall.

  She did as instructed and Bernard continued to hold her arm as they followed May. He pressed the pistol into her side. It was a relief of sorts to not have the weapon pointed at her cousin. They made their way to the front of the house and then down the grand staircase.

  “Right out the front door,” he whispered.

  May looked back at them, fear making her eyes huge.

  Lizzie’s heart jumped into her throat. “It’s all right, May.”

  This could not continue. She had to find a way to let Chris know that she needed him. He had been a spy. Surely she could leave him some clues. She reached up as though scratching her head and pulled a pin from her hair. Dropping her hand, she let if fall on the foyer floor. It made a slight tinkling sound and she winced, but Bernard seemed not to notice.

  To Lizzie’s disappointment, no one entered the foyer and they passed out the door unnoticed. They walked down the long drive to the front gate. Bernard increased their pace, pushing both women along. Despite the activity, Lizzie felt herself shivering. They weren’t dressed for this. “Can May walk with me now?”

  Bernard gave her a long look. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. You need to move faster.” He pressed the pistol harder against her side.

  She would have to try and convince him. “Please, Bernie.” She used the name he always wanted her to use. “She’ll freeze.”

  He gave her a long stare but then finally consented with a shake of his head. “Don’t try anything.”

  With a nod, she reached out to her cousin. “Walk with me.” As she touched May, she dropped a piece of ribbon from her hair.

  May snuggled into her side. They walked, quickening the pace further, for another ten minutes before they came to a carriage parked behind a cluster of trees. Somehow this was worse, and Lizzie struggled to push back down the fear. As long as they were near the house, Chris could come swooping in to save them but the further away they travelled, the less likely that seemed.

  “Where are you taking us?” She tried to keep calm as she asked but her voice grew higher with each word.

  “Far away from here,” Bernard replied.

  “Why?” She asked though she knew. If she married Chris, Bernard would never inherit.

  “No talking.” He poked her with the barrel of the pistol and as they reached the carriage, he yanked the door open and motioned for them to step inside.

  Once in, he snapped the door behind them. Blessedly, there were furs and blankets on the seats and she snuggled May up against her side, covering them both.

  “Why is Bernie doing this?” May whispered as she shivered against her.

  Lizzie shook her head. “Greed can be a powerful motivator. He wants the title and the money.” She did not add that she had no idea what he intended to do with the two of them.

  They rode for most of the day, without food or water. The curtains were closed and though she peeked out several times it was difficult to tell where they were. May fell asleep for the latter part of the journey for which Lizzie was grateful. She was trying to remain positive for May’s sake but with the child asleep she was free to worry. It also gave her time to tear scraps from her chemise and bunch them in her hand. She didn’t even want May to know she was doing this so the girl wouldn’t accidentally give them away. It was absurd to think that Chris would find them but she had to do something to try and help him locate her.

  In the evening, they came to a town. Lizzie could hear horses and other carriages. The buggy came to a stop and Bernard snapped the door open. As soon as she stepped out, she recognized the little store fronts of Simpleton. Christmas trees and candles glowed in the windows, giving the town a rosy glow. She was missing Christmastide with Chris. She was missing her wedding. Fighting back the sadness that threatened to overtake her, she tried to count her blessings. It gave her a great deal of comfort to know their whereabouts and perhaps she could somehow send word to Chris.

  “You don’t look at or talk to anyone. Understand?” Bernard hissed in her ear.

  She gave a nod. Somehow, she had to find a way to get them out of this. Please come, Chris. Even as she thought it, she knew he would. She straightened her shoulders and did as Bernard asked.

  He had the horses changed and then they entered an inn. For a moment, Lizzie’s heart soared. If they stayed the night, Chris would definitely have opportunity to find them. He had to be looking. But they were ushered immediately into a private dining room.

  As an older, rather harassed looking woman, entered with food, Bernard grabbed the tray. Lizzie attempted to catch her eye but the grateful servant simply curtsied and hurried back out the door. Holding in a sigh of frustration, she took her seat again. How was she going to get help like this?

  Picking at her food, her mind turned over how to get send word to Chris while Bernard shoveled in his food. Glancing up, he looked over at them. “This is the only meal for some time and we’re leaving post haste. Hurry up and eat.”

  Actually sighing this time, Lizzie began to eat faster. Bernard truly was thwarting her at every turn.

  True to his word, a few minutes later, he threw some coins on the table. “Let’s go.”

  He walked them quickly out the door of the inn, and over to the carriage, then motioned for them to get in as he stood holding the door.

  As they were about to climb in a voice called, “Lady Elizabeth, is that you?”

  Instantly the barrel of a pistol pressed into the small of her back. Recognizing the town’s dressmaker, she pasted a weak smile on her face. “Miss Stillwater. What a delightful surprise.”

  “What you are you doing here so late on Christmastide? And not staying?” The other woman walked up clasping her hand.

  Lizzie had bought several gowns from Miss Stillwater on her last trip here. The gun pressed harder and Lizzie struggled for an answer that wouldn’t anger Bernard but might give some clue to her desperate situation. She still held the scraps of fabric in her hand. Twisting her wrist slightly, she pressed it into Miss Stillwater’s palm. “My father has passed.”

  “I had heard. I am so sorry for your loss.” The other woman crinkled her brow in confusion. She knew that his passing was six months prior.

  “We’re starting over. Who knows where our trail leads.” She looked at the other woman. It was thin at best.

  “Well, good for you.” Miss Stillwater went to withdraw her hands but Lizzie held them.

  Leaning over she mouthed, “Tell Lord Rothenberg.” Then quickly placed a kiss on the other woman cheek. “If I don’t see you again. I wish you the best.”

  “You as well, Lady Elizabeth.” The other woman’s hand shook in Lizzie’s.

  “That’s enough,” Bernard hissed behind her. Then more loudly. “We’d best be moving on.” Bernard’s hoarse voice called from behind her. “In the carriage ladies.”

  Lizzie let go of the other woman’s hands and helped May into the carriage. She gave Miss Stillwater one more imploring look over her shoulder before she too climbed in.

  Bernard paid the driver and Lizzie strained her ears to hear his muffled voice. “Southern road, please.” She needed to know where they were.

  Then he climbed back in the carriage and settled on the other seat. Lizzie caught a flash of his pistol just inside his coat.

  The thought of several more hours in the carriage made Lizzie want to cry. After a day in that frigid box, the last thing she wanted to do was spend the night cramped on a carriage seat. She should
be married right now. In bed with her bridegroom, looking at a bright future. A tear slipped down her cheek and she slumped in her seat, her head resting on the wooden frame.“Don’t you be starting to cry.” Bernard wagged his finger at her. “Once women start….”

  “I want to go home.” May gave a little sob.

  “Shhhh…. I’m here with you,” she whispered. Comforting May gave her strength and her own tears dried.

  The carriage creaked into motion and Lizzie tried to settle in despite the protests of her body. Bernard slapped her curtain closed so she couldn’t see where they went.

  The night passed slowly and May finally fell back to sleep. When her breathing had become even and her body relaxed, she looked at Bernard. “What do you intend to do with us?”

  “Nothing at all,” he replied. “At least not yet.”

  What did that mean? “Not yet?”

  “I would have married you.” He sneered at her. “Until you became his whore. Now, I’ll wait until I inherit and then I will sell you to some unsuspecting lord.” He waved toward May. “You can take her with you, if your husband will provide for her.”

  “Why did you bring her? She’s just a child.”

  “You might need incentive to stay.” He waved his hand as though it was of little consequence that he had stolen a child from her home.

  Lizzie hated this man. “Chris will find you.” She held her voice steady, not wanting to portray her fear or anger.

  “I doubt it. Hasn’t found me yet and after I nearly killed him three times,” Bernard mumbled, almost as though he were speaking to himself.

  “Wh-wh-what?” she couldn’t keep the wobble out of her voice. He had tried to kill Chris? She closed her eyes trying to relax the tension building. She simply must get them out of this situation.

  “You heard me. Now behave and I shan’t try it again. I should have just taken you to begin with but I had hopes we’d marry. Not that you’re all that interesting, but at least you’re pretty and your dowry is ample enough.” He sneered at her again.

  Part of her wished to scream that she would never marry him but she resisted. It wouldn’t do to incite his ire now. Instead, she closed her eyes to keep from crying. If Chris were here, he wouldn’t get upset, he’d take action. She needed to do the same.