Page 23 of An Earl by Any Other Name
Exhaustion captured her like a gentle thief, and she burrowed deeper into Leo’s body for warmth. Still fused together, he shifted so that they lay on their sides, legs and arms entwined, blankets tucked around them. They were as close as two people could get, and knowing that was a little frightening. Every part of her was laid bare to him and it would be so easy for him to destroy her, break her. The smooth smile on his lips was warm, comforting.
“Sleep, we’ve time.” He tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear and traced the bridge of her nose.
Time. Did they really have time? Even if they did not, she would pretend they had years ahead of them.
Chapter 9
A massive weight vanished from Leo’s shoulders. He could breathe again. Drawing in a lungful of air, he exhaled and feathered a kiss on Ivy’s temple. She snuggled closer, still asleep. This was what his mother had told him to find. A woman who would undo him from the inside out, a woman he could not live without. He had made his choice before taking her to bed. He knew then he could not propose to Mildred. Still, after finally being with Ivy, it was a relief to know his decision had been right. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with someone he loved.
Loved.
Did he love Ivy?
For someone who had lived the last several years denying himself joy, he felt like a starving man perusing the menu of the Savoy and unable to limit his choices. If he could have Ivy at his side, as his wife and equal, he could do anything. She made him weak and strong all at once. Only love could be that contrary to a sensible man’s heart. A little grin twisted his lips. The only problem was convincing her that she should marry him. How was a man supposed to get a suffragette leg-shackled?
A draft settled in around him like a deep fog over his skin, and he glanced at the fireplace. The logs were nearly burned out. If he didn’t get out of bed and get some fresh ones, the fire would die. With infinite care, he slid out of bed without waking Ivy and hastily dressed. He paused at the door, his eyes lingering on the vision of his black-haired Gypsy sleeping in the bed. His chest tightened and a soft warmth enclosed his heart as he slipped outside to retrieve some firewood from behind the lodge.
* * *
A cold breeze tickled her nose, waking Ivy from sleep.
“Leo,” she murmured, searching for his warm body to cuddle against. Her body was sore, and a prick of pain between her legs forced her eyes open. When she reached out, her hands met an empty bed.
Leo was gone.
The fire was nearly embers and ash.
Had he left her? After what they’d shared, she thought he might not leave, at least not so soon. Tears burned in her eyes. His clothes were gone, but his gun was still resting against the wall by the door. Perhaps he’d gone to fetch firewood. Yes, that must be it. He wouldn’t have abandoned her. She buried her face in her pillow, still able to smell his tantalizing scent where it clung to the fabric. If only she had more time with him, but she’d promised herself one day.
The door to the lodge suddenly creaked as it opened. Leo was back! She sat up, clutching the sheet to her neck, protecting only from the cold, not from modesty. After what they’d done, she really couldn’t be that shy.
“I say…Leo, are you here? Had a devil of a time finding you.” Owen Hadley’s voice drifted through the cabin a second before his head popped around the edge of the door. Ivy couldn’t move, like a hare frozen in front of a wolf. Owen’s eyes scanned the room, fell on Ivy, and his lips parted in shock, then narrowed.
“Miss Leighton? Where’s Hampton?” He took a step across the threshold, and then with a glance behind him, he shut the door, closing them both inside.
“He’s gone to retrieve firewood.” Please come back, Leo. Where are you…
“Well, now, this is most interesting…” He started toward her, his steps slow but sure.
Her skin prickled with fear.
“Mr. Hadley, you must leave immediately. I’m not properly dressed.”
Humor lit his eyes. “I can certainly see that. You know, the others are within shouting distance…If we were discovered together, like this, I’m quite sure your father would have to allow us to marry. Your reputation wouldn’t survive the scandal.” Owen reached the foot of the bed, watching her with heated eyes and an intensity that terrified her. How had she not seen his desperation earlier? She’d noticed his worn clothes and his determined interest in her, but she hadn’t wanted to believe he would stoop so low as to try to compromise her.
“Please leave,” she demanded this time.
“I’m sorry, love, but I’m quite determined to catch an heiress, and I’ll do whatever is necessary.” He walked quickly back to the cabin door and opened it, shouting her father’s name.
Ivy’s throat ran dry as panic tore through her like a violent wind. She scrambled around on the bed, trying to find her clothes, but they were littered upon the ground.
“Too late for that, love, far too late,” Owen muttered as he walked toward her again. “Now be a dear, and let me have one quick kiss, just to give them a good show. We ought to make it convincing, you see.” His words were uttered in a rush, as though he’d planned it out and had rehearsed this in his head.
“If you touch me, I’ll kill you!” she warned in a low growl.
“I have no intention of harming you, but a kiss would make things so much more believable.”
“I’ll never marry you! My father wouldn’t make me either!” She swung a hand at him, trying to strike him, but he caught her wrist.
