Page 21 of A Lady's Past
It was early, so most of the partygoers were still inside.
Stepping back through the gate, he was relieved to find her still there. This time he didn’t grab, but offered his hand.
She looked at it, then up at him. Fear, sorrow and maybe hope churned in those crystal eyes. She grasped his hand and followed him to the carriage. Once inside, she pulled her hand away. “Where are you taking me?”
The warm imprint of her fingers stayed with him, sending a charge through him. “Somewhere to talk. When we get there, you will tell me what the hell is going on and you will not leave out a single detail. I do not know why I feel such strong ties to you, but I do, and I will not have men like Victor Caron threatening you.”
“He’s a dangerous man. You shouldn’t have made him angry.”
“He is pestilence, a plague upon the earth. But this is not the place for our talk.” Jacques removed his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Are you cold or scared?”
Looking directly into his eyes, she shrugged. “Does it matter?”
He put his thumb under her chin. “To me, it matters quite a lot.” He ran his finger along her jaw, leaned down and kissed her.
The way her body relaxed into his was a punch to his gut. The last time he’d wanted someone so thoroughly, he’d met with devastation and nearly lost his head. Madness was the only explanation for his current behavior.
“Are you afraid of me, Diana?” he said against her lips.
“No. I only long for what I can’t have.” Her fingers threaded his hair, and her tongue touched his. She was passion and desire wrapped up in the neatest bundle of womanhood. She let him caress her lips with his and moaned as he kissed her neck and ear.
“Who says you cannot have this?”
She pressed her hands to his chest, pushing him away.
With no other choice, he complied and sat across from her. He adored the way her hair had tumbled from its carefully placed curls and now lay long and lush against her shoulders and chest.
Crossing her arms over her chest, she watched him. “I have some questions, since you insist I answer yours when we arrive wherever it is we’re going.”
“You may ask me anything.”
“Are you a marrying kind of man, Jacques Laurent?” Her eyes narrowed.
It was a fair question. “I have never thought myself to be the type of man to settle down and have a wife and children. I have always been content with my friends and lovers for company.”
“Then am I to be your latest lover?” Her gaze softened, but sorrow crept in.
“If I am honest, Diana, you do not strike me as the mistress type. That fact leaves me with some uncertainty.”
Her expression softened, but her tone was hard. “At least I don’t look like a whore.”
Unable to hide his surprise, his face grew hot. “I have no idea why you would say such a thing.”
“Never mind. It isn’t significant to our conversation. If you don’t see me as your mistress of the week, why are you so intent on pursuing me?”
He leaned back against the cushion. “Since we met, I have often wished I could have dropped you off at Everton House and not had you invade my thoughts night and day.”
“You should have left me on the road, Jacques. It would have been better for both of us.” Shifting her gaze, she stared out into the street.
“Well, I did not, and I could not, so that point is moot. The current problem for me is that I cannot abandon you to your fate, Diana.” He ached to reach across and give her comfort, to pull her into his lap and sooth her stiff spine until she relaxed against him.
The carriage slowed, and she looked at him. “Why not?”
It was a good question, and one for which he had no answer. “Stay here for a moment, please. I will make certain no one is at home.”
“Where are we?”
“Stay here.” He jumped down and sealed her in the carriage. Going around the side of the house, he entered through the servants’ door. The town house was likely empty, but he would make sure after he saw to Diana’s safety. They were in a less popular part of town, but not entirely without possible onlookers. The street was clear as he returned and assisted Diana from the carriage, up the steps, and inside. He bolted the door.
