Page 64 of Not the Duke's Virgin

The silence that followed rang in Victoria’s ears. Slowly, she turned to face Simon. He was staring down at his bloodied knuckles, a haunted look in his dark brown eyes. Victoria’s heart ached for the pain she saw there. Hesitantly, she approached him, taking his hands in hers.

“Your Grace, look at me,” she entreated softly.

He raised his head, the torment clear on his face. “I could have killed him,” he rasped. “God help me, I wanted to. My brother…” His voice broke.

“But you didn’t,” Victoria soothed. “I stopped you in time. No real harm was done.”

Except perhaps to the brothers’ relationship, she thought sadly. She knew how much family meant to Simon, despite his efforts to pretend otherwise. This rift between him and Oliver had shaken him.

Simon searched her face, some of the anguish fading from his eyes. “Are you all right?” he asked gruffly, taking in her disheveled appearance. “Did he hurt you?”

Victoria gave a shaky laugh. “Just some bruises, nothing lasting. Although we may need to work on your brother’s manners.”

Her weak jest elicited a flicker of a smile from Simon. The sight filled her heart with warmth, even as the adrenaline of the morning’s events began to fade, leaving her legs unsteady.

Sensing her fatigue, Simon gently led her to sit on the edge of the bed. He lifted one of her hands, turning it over to press a fervent kiss to her palm.

“Forgive me,” he murmured, his breath warm on her skin. “You were caught in the middle of something ugly, something you should never have witnessed.” His jaw tightened, self-loathing plain on his face.

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Victoria said gently. “I only wish I could have spared you such pain.”

She longed to soothe away the shadows behind his eyes, to show him he was not as cold and hardened as he believed.

Simon sighed heavily. “I should take you home. The sun will be up soon, and the servants will be about. It won’t do for you to be found here, for both our sakes.”

He was right, of course. They had been reckless enough for one night. Still, the thought of leaving the shelter of his arms filled Victoria with dread of what the coming days would bring. There would be consequences for their actions, she was certain.

But that was a worry for later. Right now, she cherished these last stolen moments with him. Victoria leaned up and brought her lips to Simon’s in a soft, lingering kiss. His arms encircled her waist, pulling her close as he returned the gentle caress, a world away from the frantic passion of the night before.

When at last they drew apart, Victoria found a tentative hope in place of the desolation in Simon’s eyes. They did not speak as they finished dressing, movements slow and almost reverent. Whatever happened next, they would face it together. She was sure of it now.

Simon escorted her silently through the quiet, dim halls and out to the waiting carriage. The sky was just beginning to turn purple with the approaching dawn. As Victoria settled into her seat for the ride back to her family’s townhouse, she met Simon’s gaze one last time.

“Be safe,” he told her gruffly. “I… I will come for you soon.”

Victoria nodded, blinking back an unexpected tear. “And you. Don’t lose faith.”

With a final, lingering look, Victoria motioned for the driver to take off. She settled back against the plush velvet seat, emotions swirling through her like the morning fog. There was much to come. Her sister’s shameful secret was out now, with no telling what their father would do. And who knew what new torment Oliver might devise after this night?

But through all the uncertainty, Victoria clung to the memory of Simon’s touch, his kiss, the look in his eyes when he swore to come for her.

No matter what happened, she could face it, as long as he was by her side.

* * *

Victoria slipped quietly back into Newton House, relieved to find the servants still asleep as dawn approached. She hadn’t been missed, it seemed. Moving softly up the stairs to her bedchamber, she couldn’t help smiling a little as she recalled the passionate night in Simon’s arms. He knew the truth now about her engagement to Oliver. They had a real chance at happiness.

Her smile faded though as she remembered Oliver’s drunken rage when he’d found them together in Simon’s study. The violent fight between the brothers had shaken her badly. If she hadn’t stopped Simon when she did…

Shivering, Victoria entered her room. She had just begun undressing when a knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” Victoria called.

The door opened to reveal her cousin Madeline, candle in hand, her pretty face creased in concern.

“Victoria! There you are, thank heavens,” Madeline cried. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”

“Madeline, what on earth are you doing up at this hour?” Victoria asked in surprise.

---