Desire Me More (6 page)

“W
here are we?” Amelia stared out the window, studying the busy street. There were layers of filth, garbage, and debris everywhere. The people, for the most part, looked poor and definitely couldn't rub two shillings between the group of them. Women with makeup painting their faces and their skirts hiked up to show their legs whistled and called over the men walking by. An old man sat against a derelict building, tipping a bottle to his lips. Children with dirty faces and tattered clothes ran through the streets, looking to be up to some sort of mischief.

“There's something I want to show you,” Nick said. “It will help you focus your attention elsewhere. On better things.”

She'd never seen so much poverty, and the sight outside the carriage tugged at her heart. How could she think better things when she saw nothing but broken lives as they drove past? “This place . . . What is it?”

“St. Giles.”

Tearing her gaze away from the window, she gave Nick a questioning look.

“I won't let anything happen to you, Amelia. If there is one thing I can promise, it's that we are as safe here as walking the streets of Mayfair.”

She hesitated only a moment before Nick took her hand to help her out of the carriage. He led her down a series of alleys and narrow streets too small for the carriage. After a short time, she was so turned around, she knew she wouldn't be able to find her way back to their carriage, should she attempt to locate it on her own.

There were so many people in one place. No one talked to them as Nick traversed the area as though he was intimately familiar with every nook and cranny. The deeper into the maze of houses they walked, the closer she tucked herself to Nick's side. None of what they saw seemed to shock Nick as they wound their way farther into the slums until they finally came to a less densely populated area.

They paused outside a flagstone wall that had to be four feet high and was topped with a wooden trellis that blocked the view of what lay beyond. Nick reached through a gap in the trellis to unlock a worn and muddy wooden gate from the inside. The noise of children playing met her ears, and she stepped forward, eager now to see what he wanted to show her.

They entered a stone courtyard, where at least a dozen and a half children ran around a lone sapling, chasing a ball. If she had to guess, she'd say they were all between seven and twelve years old, though one girl seemed much older, maybe fifteen or sixteen. She was talking to a young woman who Amelia guessed was in charge of the children.

Nick let go of her hand and shut the gate behind them. The kids kicked the ratty old ball in his direction. Amelia watched in awe and fascination as he joined their game without a moment's hesitation. His demeanor changed, as if a weight was lifted, as he laughed at their teasing taunts and kicked the ball back, only to accept it again from the children. He didn't try to extricate himself, as many grown men would have. No, he engaged them, dared them to try and take the ball from him as he ran around the small courtyard, dodging this way and that to keep the ball in his possession.

He looked genuinely happy.

Watching him brought to light how little she really knew about him. That she'd given herself to a man of whom she hadn't even skimmed the depths. Not sure what she should do, she leaned against the courtyard wall. She actually was content to wait in the background and watch their game play out.

A woman who'd been standing at the back of the small house approached, holding out her hand. “How do you do? I'm Sera.”

“Well.” Amelia took Sera's hand, shaking it. “My name is Amelia.” She didn't give her last name, as Sera hadn't, though she did add, “I work for Mr. Riley.”

The woman had the same uncanny gray eyes as Nick. Was this woman a relative? Their similarities stopped at their identical eyes, though. Her hair was wheat-blonde, not black like Nick's. Her frame slight and fragile-seeming, and her face was perfectly oval.

“And what is your role?” Sera asked, turning to watch the game the children played with Nick.

“I am Mr. Riley's secretary.” She didn't know what else to say, so she continued to watch Nick playing with the children.

“I never imagined Huxley would give up the position,” Sera finally said.

It shouldn't surprise Amelia that Sera knew Huxley. “Are you Mr. Riley's sister?”

The woman gave Amelia a winning smile, nodding. “Half-brother, at any rate,” Sera said. “The odds that we share a father are stacked against us, considering our mother's profession. Considering he's five years old than me, and Mum never had a man around for longer than a few months.”

It occurred to Amelia that she hadn't known what Nick's mother's profession was until that moment. The realization was shocking and heartbreaking when she thought of how Nick would have grown up.

“Did my brother mention his reason for stopping by today? He usually comes at the end of the week.”

“He didn't say,” Amelia lied, not wanting to reveal her own difficulties. She turned back to Sera. “What is this place?”

“A school for the wayward. Nick sets one up in every slum where he amasses properties. It's a way to offer a lower rent to those struggling to work and keep their families going. We grew up in St. Giles, so we have a kinship with the people here.”

“How long has the school been here?” Amelia asked.

“Four years now. Not all the kids can stay on for a full and proper education. They're often called away by their parents to work outside of London in the mines when they're of age. A lot of the girls go into the business by the time they hit their fourteenth birthday. Cece”—she nodded in the direction of the young lady wiping down a chalkboard inside the house with a wet rag—“was one of the lucky ones. Her dad works at the docks as a lighterman, and her mother does washing, so Cece's free to pursue her learnings.”

“I never would have guessed Nick hid such an amazing thing.”

Sera chuckled. “Oh, he's not hiding it. He just lets me manage it as I see fit. It's essentially my school. He supports it through financial means, of course, but I have full say on how this place operates.”

How fascinating
. “I taught for a short time.”

“But now you're a secretary. That's an odd leap in professions, if you don't mind me saying.”

“Not at all. I more or less fell into this role. I like the work as much as I liked teaching children.”

“Perhaps I'll use you when I'm shorthanded.”

It was a genuine offer that brought a smile to Amelia's face. Before she could respond, Nick was jogging toward them, sweat dotting his forehead and temples, which he wiped away with the handkerchief he pulled from the pocket of his waistcoat. She hadn't even seen him strip out of his jacket when she'd been talking with his sister. His shirtsleeves were rolled up and his strong forearms were bare to her hungry gaze. Just seeing him partially unclothed made her cheeks flame. She hoped no one noticed her reaction.

“What brought you by today?” Sera asked her brother as he leaned in and kissed her cheek in greeting.

“I wanted to introduce you to Miss Grant. Huxley,” Nick went on, “is required for other duties, and she'll be taking over the day-to-day tasks he once handled. She'll be more than happy to assist with any of the schools, should you require anything.”

Amelia didn't fail to notice the odd look his sister gave him, almost like surprise.

“I can offer you some tea, if you plan to stay for a while.” Sera posed it as a question.

“We won't keep you long when your class is full,” Nick responded. “How is Cece doing?” he asked as they headed through the open doors of the small house. It was set up as a classroom; benches and long tables were lined in three neat rows. There was a small desk at the front of the house, facing those benches. A chalkboard was on an easel, now freshly wiped down.

“Well enough. Her mother wants her to look for employment in one of the houses, but Cece would rather stay here and teach those less fortunate.”

“Then draw up an amount for her annual salary, and we'll pay her enough to earn wages for herself and some extra coin so her mother doesn't struggle to make ends meet.”

“I thought you'd say as much.” Sera elbowed him lightly before she sat on the edge of her desk and faced them both. It was an action Amelia was so used to seeing Nick do that it struck her just how similar their mannerisms were. “You didn't come all this way to ask about Cece, though, did you?”

Nick crossed his arms. “You were always so perceptive.”

“More like suspicious,” she answered, humor dancing in her eyes. “I've known Huxley since I was a young girl, but you never brought him around while I was teaching.”

Amelia watched the exchange and felt their love for each other so viscerally that it made her sad that she and her brother had never had this type of rapport or exchange.

“We might as well get straight to the issue, then, Sera. Miss Grant's role will vary from Huxley's. While she does the usual tasks as my secretary, I also want her to be involved with the rebuild of the old manor.” Nick motioned his hand around the quaint little school. “You've outgrown this house faster than we imagined possible. You'll be taking on more children in the coming years, and you won't be able to do everything on your own.”

Amelia didn't know what to say or make of that revelation, and she focused her attention on the school children slowly filing into the classroom.

“When the Highgate lands are redeveloped for our purpose, I'll post for teachers if we can't find them from around here,” Sera said.

Now it all made sense. The Highgate lands were part of the deal with Lord Murray. His lordship was important because he owned a house close to the city but not so far away that children who attended the school there couldn't easily return to their parents a few days a week. Nick's determination to have that land was now clearer.

“I'll have my hands tied in so many tasks, I'm not sure how I'll keep everything straight,” Sera said, looking at Amelia. “But I'm dying to dig in and get to work. Some assistance down the line would be most welcome. You're always thinking three steps ahead, aren't you, Nick?” Sera clapped her hands together and stood. “Now, will you be staying for the lessons? Because I need to get these children in line if we are going to get them back to their parents before supper.”

“That's all I needed to tell you. We have to be on our way, as I have a busy night ahead.” Nick affectionately embraced his sister and kissed her forehead before returning to Amelia's side. “Send a note or come by the house, should you need anything,” he said in parting.

O
nce they were home and settled into the relative privacy of Nick's study, Amelia turned to Nick and said, “I never imagined your intentions with Lord Murray's land would be building a school. I thought you wanted to set up a manor house so you could escape the busy core of the city once in a while.” She looked at him sharply. “Does Lord Murray know what you plan?”

Nick pulled her into his arms before she could make it any farther into the adjoining library. His actions were so fast that she collided into his chest, and it left her momentarily breathless. His hands were on her hips, holding her close.

“He won't care what I do with the lands, as long as he has a fat pocket and one less financial burden to keep him up at night.”

“How can you be so sure?” She was doing her damnedest to ignore the feeling she got from his closeness. It was so tempting to lose herself in his arms, as she had in the carriage earlier. “Men in his position hate the thought of people talking poorly of them. Like it or not, that's exactly what the residents of Highgate will do when they find out that a school for less-fortunate children will be set up in the manor house. While I think your goals noble and perfectly suited to land not being utilized to its potential, I also know the gentry to be prejudiced against anything that affects their perceived quality of life.”

Nick backed her into the library, leading them toward the sofa.

“I could not care less what they think, Amelia. What is right isn't always what people want. And once I own the lands, there's nothing they can do to stop me from accomplishing my goal.”

“I don't doubt that for one moment. What you are doing is nothing short of admirable. In fact, I agree wholeheartedly with your plan.” She traced her finger over his bearded jawline. “Thank you for today and for giving me something else on which to focus. Most of all, thank you for introducing me to your sister. It means a lot to me.”

“You asked to forget about your brother. And I hope you did, for at least a short while. Sera can be a friend, Amelia. Someone you can confide in, if needed. And she is a bit of a mad genius at running the school. Her dream to teach goes back as far as I can remember.”

“I'm glad she could make that dream real.”

“Our mother always told us to wish for the stars and be content if we only managed to skim the skyline.”

“That's beautiful and rather poetic. Your mother sounds like a wonderful woman.”

“She was a dreamer. And she allowed herself to be lowered by the men in her life.” Nick's mood turned darker with that admission.

She frowned. Had she said something wrong? “No matter your mother's profession, it's obvious how much she loved you.”

Nick studied her drawn brows before he said, “Don't you worry about my mother, Amelia. Her greatest accomplishment was ensuring that Sera and I could fend for ourselves. And we eventually did.”

“She still sounds like a marvel.”

Nick kissed her hard on the mouth. When he pulled away, he said, “I will require your assistance once the acquisition is finalized with Lord Murray. We need to hire architects and builders to make the manor house into a school. It requires extensive work, both inside and out. While all that happens, Sera still needs to run the school. She runs her classes Mondays through Thursdays. You're free to spend time at the school. For friendship, if you desire. Or to assist in teaching, if you miss it.”

She recalled her first job as a governess. That calling had been short-lived after her employer had tried to rape her. “While I do love children, I'll leave teaching to those far more capable than I was. What your sister has built in a community that so obviously struggles day to day . . . it's nothing short of amazing. I respect what she has done and what you help her do.”

Nick's hands cupped her face. His mouth was inches from hers. “No less amazing than you.”

“Flattery may get you everywhere.” She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her fingers drawing lazy circles over the back of his head, tangling in his slightly longer than fashionable hair. “But in all honesty, today meant more to me than you can possibly imagine.”

They broke apart as the echo of footsteps grew louder outside the study. Amelia immediately headed toward her desk, smoothing her hair and then her dress to ensure everything was in place.

“Lord Murray sent a post just now; had it delivered directly to my attention,” came Huxley's voice from the study.

Amelia sat in her chair and busied herself with opening the mail, though she kept one ear trained on the study to hear what was discussed.

“When does he want to meet?”

“Says he's found another buyer if you're not interested. He's listed an address where you can find him.”

She could hear the rustle of paper. Nick must be reading the missive himself.

“No one else is going to buy that land. This is Shauley's doing.”

“It doesn't surprise me,” Huxley said. “It was likely to get dirty at some point when he wasn't getting the results he thought he should get.”

“Bloody prig.” Something thumped down on the desk. “I should let him stew for a while, but the school means too much to my sister, and Landon won't be happy if he finds out I've affected his chances of taking over the town leases.”

Amelia listened without saying a word. Now that she better understood why Nick wanted the land, she sympathized with his anger. If there was one thing she'd learned in the weeks living here, it was that Nick hated to be in a position where his hand was forced. Though, she supposed, no one liked to be in a situation where others told one how to act.

She couldn't help but feel as though this was partially her fault. The reason he'd brushed off Lord Murray time and again was because he didn't want to leave her side.

Setting her letter opener down, she made her way into the next room. Huxley stood as she entered.

“I will cancel our dinner reservations at the Langtry with Mr. Hart,” Amelia announced.

Nick looked at her as he put on his jacket. “Let Hart know I have business matters that are getting in the way of leisure.” Mr. Hart—though she still wasn't sure if Hart was his first name or last, as no one had corrected her as of yet—was a friend of Nick's. She'd only met him on a couple of occasions, but he was a pleasant and kind man.

“Should I be more specific?” she asked.

“That should suffice.”

She nodded.

Huxley picked up the crumpled paper from the desk and handed it to Nick. “You'll need this if you're to pay his lordship a visit.”

Amelia faced both men, not sure what was going on, but they were looking at each other as if they were both in on a secret, and she wasn't privy to it. “Would you like me to complete anything else while you're out? It's been a bit odd of a day . . . ”

She wasn't quite sure how to occupy her time, and she needed to do something to keep her mind from going to darker, unwanted places. She wasn't comfortable admitting that in front of Huxley, though.

“I should be back in an hour. You can read through the agreement my solicitor drafted for the purchase of the lands. I expect we will offer less than I was originally willing to part with.”

“But . . . ” She was not sure why she should disagree with that stance. It seemed cocky and too sure. What if Lord Murray decided not to sell? That would break his sister's heart. Amelia had to wonder where the school would expand if the Highgate deal fell through.

Nick walked toward her, all dominating, his presence larger than life. She found herself backing up a step, feeling breathless and hot all at once. The second she realized what she'd done, she corrected herself and stepped forward. Nick stopped a foot away from her, respecting her boundaries when Huxley was half listening, half looking like he wanted to find the first excuse he could to escape.

“I think you'll enjoy this process.” That could be interpreted so many ways. And his grin said he knew she wasn't thinking about the Highgate deal.

Trying to keep the subject focused, she said, “I've never been much for taking unnecessary risks.”

Not when her brother had a knack for losing all their money and their possessions, gambling in games of chance. No, she'd never been one to wager. Money should be saved and used wisely, never spent lavishly or rashly.

“This is a necessary risk, one that will work in our favor.” Nick turned and left before she could respond.

She exhaled and stared at Huxley. What should she say to him? Had he noticed Nick's behavior with her? More familiar than an employer should act toward his secretary. These worrying thoughts would be the end of her if she didn't get them under control.

The facts were this: Huxley was intimately aware of the trouble Jeremy had caused. Huxley had been there on the day her brother had tried to drag her off to God-knows-where. He hadn't said anything to her about the incident, so she hadn't brought it up. Did he know her brother was dead? Surely he did, as he hadn't stayed behind yesterday as an additional presence in the house.

“Are you glad you don't have to watch me at all hours of the day when Mr. Riley leaves?”

The scowl lines deepened on Huxley's face. “I didn't so much mind it as you think. My loyalties have always been with Nick, and you're now part of this household, Miss Grant. While that didn't seem to matter where you came from, it means something here.”

“Thank you, Huxley.” Caught off guard by his honest response, she was suddenly teary-eyed. It was a ridiculous reaction, but she couldn't help it. “I have to get back to my correspondence.”

She turned and headed back to the library, not sure what else to say. She busied herself answering letters and invitations, canceling more than she accepted, as that was what her mood called for.

N
ick tossed down the letter Lord Murray had the audacity to pen. “You're not in a position to threaten me, Murray.”

“How dare you come to my club and speak to me as if you were my better.” Lord Murray stood, though his height left something to be desired, as he was a good half foot shorter than Nick.

Nick crossed his arms over his chest and stared down at him. “This afternoon could not be avoided. I have a dozen businesses and more than thirty lots of land to my name in this city. It's guaranteed that I'll miss a few appointments here and there when something comes up that requires my immediate attention.”

“I don't give a damn what issues arose today. Our meeting should have taken precedence, had you thought to show me you were serious about purchasing Caldon Manor. I'm more inclined to hold on to it and let it fall to a far worse state of disrepair on principle alone.”

Nick curled one hand around the top edge of the wooden chair tucked beneath the table. He could play dirty too, if that was what Lord Murray wanted.

“I do not take lightly to threats, my lord. If your piece-of-shit secretary put you up to this, it's a game you are about to lose. Perhaps you should see where his loyalties lie. I'll agree to two-thirds of the original price being negotiated.
That
is my final offer.” Nick turned to leave.

“Wait,” Lord Murray said, his voice hushed, defeated.

“Give me one reason,” Nick said without turning. They both knew Lord Murray had no choice but to sell one of his properties. The one in Highgate was the better option, as no one could live in the house the way it stood. And until now, the offer on the table had been for a more-than-decent sum, as Nick was anxious to close it for any price, as long as it was his in the end.

Murray was visibly defeated. His shoulders slumped, his usual bearing beaten down. “I need your word the deal will go through before the end of the month.”

Nick smiled but hid his reaction before turning to face his foe. Lord Murray was merely a means to an end. “Why should I agree? You think threatening me will make me buy it quicker? I don't know what kind of man you think I am, but you're sorely underqualified in making a deal with me.”

“Don't forget that it was you who initially approached me, Riley. Not the other way around.”

True, and he regretted his eagerness in the beginning when he'd found out Lord Murray was in financial trouble. It was a mistake he wouldn't repeat. “What you don't understand is that there's no skin off my back if I walk away from the original deal. You, on the other hand . . . ”

The rest didn't need to be said. Perhaps Lord Murray now realized the mistake he'd made in sending that note.

The man visibly paled and sat heavily in his chair. “Heddie wanted the deal done.” Heddie was Lord Murray's mistress and a woman of many stage talents. It surprised Nick that the woman hadn't moved on the second she realized his lordship couldn't provide the lavish lifestyle in which she was known to indulge.

As much as Nick wanted to walk away from this deal, he knew he couldn't. But he didn't have to let Lord Murray in on that fact. “Give me one reason not to walk away.”

Lord Murray rubbed his hands roughly over his face and then looked Nick straight in the eye. “I know you're after more than the lands. At first, I couldn't figure out why you wanted it or that decrepit house. But I get it now. Your man Huxley's been seen about Highgate. Hard to miss that ugly bastard. He's been watching the locals, questioning the business owners. What I'm interested to know is what you think to find. I have owned that house for thirty years, and there is nothing that goes on at Highgate that I don't know.”

Nick knew Lord Murray was pulling at straws. And probably from something Shauley had told him.
When a dog starts sniffing you out, you give it a bone to chew on
. He would not address the reason for Huxley's presence. “I planned on setting up a boarding school for the wayward. But that doesn't need to happen in Highgate.”