My Forbidden Mentor (38 page)

“It’s all right, Robert. It must be important or you wouldn’t have, uh, interrupted us.” Disappointment could be heard in her voice as well, but not as raw sounding as John’s.

John agreed with Melissa, but he wanted to make his point clear, even to his best friend. “This had better be worth it Robert. I was about to receive a much needed release.”

Melissa, shocked by John’s blunt words to Robert, leaned forward and punched his arm.

“Ouch. What was that for?” John asked, looking over his shoulder into the angry features of his future wife while his hand began rubbing his sore arm.

“Behave yourself, John. How dare you speak to Robert in that manner?”

“We always tell each other how it is. You had better get used to it.”

Melissa’s mouth dropped open at the same time Robert turned away with a squint appearing on his face. He knew there was an explosion about to go off. John had pushed her too far this time. Seeing that Robert had turned away Melissa finished getting dressed, feeling the intensity of John’s eyes watching her. As they both stood, Melissa continued straightening her skirt while John picked pieces of hay out of her hair. Her eyes shot up to John’s when she spoke. “Well Robert, I will agree with John that your timing is impeccable. I think John deserves to wait another week for his much needed release.” John’s hand dropped from her hair as she stormed off, leaving the barn to help her aunt with cooking.

Robert apologized again profusely upon finding out that John had been patiently waiting a full week to bed his woman and he quickly moved on to the reasons why he had come by. First he informed John that Vanessa had miscarried. John was more relieved than anything, even though a tinge of guilt surfaced with the relief for he would never wish anyone to lose a child, but these circumstances were different and it was for the best.

Robert went on to tell John what had transpired between he and Rose, getting John’s opinion about the whole ordeal. John had always told Robert he’d been much more patient than he would have been. He wouldn’t have tolerated Rose’s kind of work that long, but he knew Robert loved Rose like no other so he didn’t push his opinion too often. In the end John sympathized with Robert, offering to talk to Rose himself but Robert declined. He prayed Rose would come to her senses on her own and realize exactly what she was giving up.

After their private talk John invited Robert to stay for supper, knowing Miss Beckett would have more than enough food, and Robert accepted.

Melissa remained silent the rest of the evening toward John. He knew that eventually she would overcome her anger regarding their little spat. Tonight didn’t matter anymore because by now another plan was already forming, and this one would be precise and without fault. There wasn’t a chance in hell he was going to wait one more week to bed her. No way, he’d become desperate.

The blue velvet blankets were becoming a welcome familiarity as Melissa awoke in John’s oversized bed, stretching along the softness of tangled velvet covers and cream satin sheets. Her hand reached for his warm masculine body but instead found a cold empty space. Disappointed, she remembered John would have already left for the day. His business affairs had been put off and he needed to address them.

Leaping out of bed to get dressed her mind scrambled with plans to explore John’s household. She could hardly wait. And then there were the stables. Great anticipation filled her senses as she journeyed forward.

By early afternoon Melissa had toured most of the grounds. John’s stables impressed her the most. She’d never been around such well cared after horses. He had twenty-two, and she had counted them as she greeted each one. All twenty-two had their own stalls and all twenty-two were exercised every single day. She had to agree that John was top notch when it came to the care of his thoroughbreds. Making her day even more splendid was his household staff, who had been kind and helpful with whatever she needed.

Late afternoon found Melissa in the library. An orange glow casting from the sun’s rays filtered through the large windowpane of the library. The glowing light rested on a wall filled with immense selections of history books and horse books. Melissa stood before the lighted wall of books, skimming through the titles to select one. There were so many books that looked interesting that she ended up picking out the first one her fingers landed on. Sitting upon the burgundy velvet couch she started to open the book when her thoughts ran astray.

She remembered how proud she’d felt when she’d finally told her auntie about the child she carried. To her surprise her auntie had hugged her first before imposing her lecturing words, words consisting of how she should have waited to indulge in such intimate activity no matter how inviting her fiancé. Melissa had sat and listened, like John had suggested she do, and afterward it wasn’t so bad.

Then her thoughts drifted to John and how one week ago he’d swept her upon his mare and headed for his manor. Her mouth curved into a private smile reminiscing about John’s innocent confession their first night at his manor, how he had carefully plotted his plan to be alone with her. The sound of booted footsteps startled her out of her thoughts. Thinking it was John she laid the book down and rose to greet him, but the man who appeared in the doorway was not John. It was someone she’d never met before.

Being fairly tall, with salt and pepper hair and a mustache to match, he looked vaguely familiar. His eyes were blue, not gray like John’s, but he could still pass as a relative. His brazen smile was handsome, consisting of perfect white teeth, and there was a dangerous air about him that struck her as he approached her. He leaned forward to take her hand. “How do you do? I’m Duke Albert,” he said with expert finesse.

His presence was as powerful as he made it, so as her shaky hand went to his she returned the introduction. “Hello, I’m Melissa Howard. You must be John’s father.”

Albert’s grin widened before placing a delicate kiss upon her hand. “Yes I am. Where is that son of mine? I have important business to discuss with him,” he declared, his head leaning through the double doorway, motioning for Charles.

While the duke ordered cognac from Charles, Melissa sat on the couch again. All she could think about was when John would return home. He’d know how to handle his father. What if I slip, she thought? What if I give away our marriage plans and the baby?

She tried to remain calm while watching Duke Albert step toward her only to recline in a chair across from her. “John is out on business right now. I expect him home soon.”

At her mention of the word “home” she saw Albert’s black brow arch in curiosity. “You’re living here with John?” he asked, his gaze piercing her while waiting for a reply.

It took her a moment to figure out how to respond and she proceeded with what came to mind. “I...,” she stammered, attempting to continue until Albert rudely interrupted.

“Ah, temporarily. You’re no more serious than a mistress, then?”

Melissa’s jaw fell open at his carefree remark and was about to tell him the truth when he stunned her again.

“Well you must be somewhat serious or John wouldn’t keep you here in his home.” Albert quickly reassured Melissa regarding her presence. “Your status is fine with me my dear, for it leaves many options open.”

Her mouth came back in position as the muscles tightened along the proud tilt of her jaw. “What do you mean by “many options”, Duke Albert?”

Albert chuckled at the humor of the situation. The expression on the young lady’s face was uniquely innocent. “Don’t be so naive, my dear. I must say, though, John has had many beautiful women in his time, but this time...” He lazily scanned her figure. “I think he’s outdone himself. Are you from the country, girl?”

She was beginning to understand John’s loathing toward his father. She couldn’t imagine growing up with his overbearing, arrogant, self-serving attitude. “Why does it matter where I’m from?”

“You’ve got fire girl. I like that. No wonder my son is so enamored with you. What I mean to say is that if you and John ever take separate paths, I could substantially replace him.”

Melissa couldn’t utter a word and just sat there with a horrified look on her face, not believing the words that had just come out of her future father-in-law’s mouth.

Albert planned to continue when John burst through the doorway, heading straight for him. “That’s enough. I want you to leave,” he said in a very stern, very loud voice. John had only heard his father’s last remark, but it was enough information for him to guess the nature of the conversation, especially when witnessing Melissa’s shocked features. Seeing his father’s sly grin angered him even more as he stood before him with his arms folded across his chest. He remained rigid and unfaltering. “Now, before I explode and won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“You’re just going to throw me out without hearing what I have to say?”

“I’ve heard enough of what you have to say and I didn’t like it.”

“I think you should hear me out before you assume.”

“I am not going to waste my time battling words with you. I asked you to leave.” John watched his father rise from the chair to face him, his voice bellowing.

“You’re such a bastard, John. You treat me like scum, your own father for Christ’s sake.”

Melissa’s hand covered her mouth out of disbelief. John hadn’t exaggerated about his father’s ruthless ways.

John’s narrowed eyes converted to ice and were directed right into the blue storm of his father’s. “You’re the bastard here, father. You had enough balls to proposition my fiancé.” Filled with rage, John didn’t flinch at what he’d revealed, and preparing to deal with his father’s wrath to his revealing words, John waited for the inevitable explosion.

“Your fiancé? When were you going to share that bit of news with your father? If I had known I never would have said what I did.”

“I never planned on telling you anything. You’ve never been a part of my life, why start now?”

“Come on, John, if you’re getting married it means serious business for the family. It means grandchildren.”

John turned away for a brief moment, his fingers gripping into his temples. “No way,” he spoke through clenched teeth, spinning back toward his father. “No way, you cannot expect me to let you be involved with your grandchildren.”

“Why not? They should be a part of my life. I’ll be their grandfather, after all.” For a moment Duke Albert actually sounded hurt.

Leaning forward into his father’s person, his voice lowered an octave. “Listen. In my mind you killed my mother and you destroyed her life. You’re not going to destroy mine, which includes your grandchildren.” Albert remained silent. Noticeably a tender spot had been opened. It was the first time in a long time John had witnessed a sign of remorse from his father.

Collecting his composure, Albert carried on. “Your mother’s death was an accident and you know it. I loved your mother.”

From years of hate and not caring for his son’s welfare, John ignored the moment of sensitivity his father displayed, knowing it wouldn’t last. “She died at your hands.” His words were brutal but the pain simmering behind them was real. His father couldn’t erase eighteen years of misery in five minutes. Emotions from past memories began surfacing, causing him extreme discomfort. On the verge of a breakdown, John summoned Charles. “Charles.”

“You know son, you’re not the only one who has suffered. Have some compassion, man.”

Charles emerged right away, aware of his lord’s situation. “Yes, my lord.”

“Would you please escort my father to the door. He’s leaving.”

“Yes sir,” Charles said, motioning for the duke to take his leave as the lord requested.

Albert obliged, gathering his coat and giving Melissa a quick smile. He studied his son with admiration. “You can’t ignore me, John.” His statement made John look him in the eye.

“Believe me I’ll try,” he responded through tightened lips. An expression of disillusionment graced his father’s face as he turned to leave. “Wait,” John said.

Albert became hopeful despite the hostility between them as he longed to make reasonable peace. “Change of heart, son?”

“No. And by the way, father, next time you carouse with a whore, make sure you use protection. You’re not always lucky. Now will you please apologize to Melissa?” John wasn’t sure why he was compelled to give his father advice, perhaps so John wouldn’t be forced to help his father in the future. This time he’d gotten lucky, unfortunately, with the death of an unplanned babe.

Albert’s blue eyes bored into his son’s angry features, realizing at that moment the extent of his son’s loathing toward him, which was beyond what he had imagined. Instead of his usual war of words he did as John asked, thinking it might make a difference. “I don’t know what the devil you’re talking about son.” His eyes shifted to Melissa when John didn’t explain his remark. “I apologize, Miss Howard. I was unaware of your status with my son. I wish to be friends in the future despite my son’s animosity.”

Melissa had been seated on the couch observing their confrontation. On the edge of her seat, with fists tightening at her sides, she resisted the urge to stand up for John. Even though he had handled himself with grand composure, Melissa wanted to reach out to the little boy behind the angry man, the little boy who’d lost a loving parent only to endure a hateful one. It was a man’s body standing now before his father but a boy’s voice that was speaking. Melissa would comfort John in private and let him know how loved he was, but for now she responded dutifully to be rid of the unwanted culprit. “Thank you Duke Albert.”

Albert, satisfied with Melissa’s response, spun on his boot heel and informed John in his usual tone of authority, “I’ll be waiting for my wedding invitation.”

Albert’s figure filled the doorway, his back facing John when he heard John’s reply. “I’ll be in my grave before you get one.”

Albert stopped mid-stride to look over his shoulder at his son. “Can I have another word with you in private, John?”

Out of rage John had mentioned his father’s indiscretion, so he guessed correctly what “another word” with him entailed. “Fine. In the sitting room,” John motioned, looking back to Melissa, who gave him a silent expression of understanding.

Both gentlemen stepped into the sitting room and John ordered two brandies from Charles. After settling across from each other with drinks in hand, John began, “Father I’m sure you’re wondering about my comment. I’ll be brief and to the point.” John took a long swig from his glass. “You were careless when bedding Vanessa Walker for you made her pregnant.”

Albert practically choked on his drink. “I did what?”

“Got her with child, father. Did you not understand that?”

“How are you so sure? She could be making it up.”

“No, I believe this time she was telling the truth.”

“She’s lying. You say I’m careless, that’s not true. My women know they need to supply contraceptive devices.”

“Well father, perhaps you should start providing your own because Vanessa went without on purpose.”

“How do you know all this?”

“She told me herself.”

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

“Perhaps not, but I have sources that were able to prove she’d been carrying a child.” Albert was beyond words. “She miscarried a couple of weeks ago, father. That should bring you relief.”

“I see,” Albert replied, stunned and without comment.

“So I would suggest you start taking responsibility for your own contraceptives to ensure it won’t happen again.”

“Wait one moment. I hardly know her. Why would she plan such a thing?”

John knew that once he admitted it was because of him his father would hold him responsible, regardless of Vanessa’s deceit. “In retaliation against me,” John honestly admitted.

Albert snorted. “Well then, I say you need to keep your whores in line, son. Your present whore in the library, will she know her place?”

Actions came before words as John bolted out of his chair and lunged for his father. Taking him by his coat lapels with both hands, he lifted his father out of the chair and onto his feet to stand eye to eye with him. Albert’s glass slid from his hand and crashed onto the carpet John’s maneuver happened so fast.