Promise Me (20 page)

Immediate fireworks exploded, flashing behind her eyes and thundering in her ears…an earth shattering moment like nothing she’d ever experienced before.

His hands settled at her waist, and he pulled her closer. Suddenly the kiss changed. From playful to exploring. Searching. No longer did his mouth tease. It was masterful. Sensual. Demanding. She could taste his rising passion, and it excited her. Was this what her mother spoke of? It was both maddening and all-consuming, stopping the wheels of time in a formidable, ironclad fist.

Chase broke the kiss.

Leah fought to calm her rapid heartbeat.

“
I’m not exactly sure what I’d intended to ask you last evening,” he declared. “But what I managed to say, I meant every word. You are beautiful. And so exquisite a man can do nothing but stare. You leave me at a loss for words.”

“
No, you’re...” She swallowed her nervousness. “You’re doing quite well.”

Heavens, I sound like a blubbering idiot? I must borrow Kat’s etiquette book!

The duke caressed her cheek, his touch gentle. Experienced. “My brother betrayed you, yet strangely your heart has forgiven him. Edwin adores you, and I can see how much he means to you. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done.” He pulled away and stared across the lake. “I entertained a visitor today,” he added, his solemn expression troubling. “Maria Santiago.”

Leah’s heart lurched. “She came for Edwin?”

“
Not exactly. The purpose of her visit was to issue an ultimatum. If I wish to keep her from interfering in Edwin’s adoption, then I’m to hand over Adrian’s half of Drake Shipping.”

“
That’s blackmail.”

“
Yes.”

Leah balled her fists. “Surely you do not intend to comply?”

“
Have I another option?”

“
Yes. Bring the matter before the magistrate.”

“
And what would I tell him?”

“
The truth. That Miss Santiago abandoned Edwin then decided to blackmail you. No court in England would ever return a child to such a mother.”

“
But the truth would involve you.”

Leah stood. “I’m already involved, and I’d be more than willing to testify to Edwin’s abandonment. Lady Ashburn is my witness.”

“
No.”

“
But...why?”

He stood as well. “If I do as you suggest, Miss Santiago made it clear she will bring charges of abduction against you.”

“
Abduction? I did not steal Edwin.”

“
I believe you, but the courts may look at it differently.” He gripped her shoulders. “Did you not tell me that O’Connell witnessed you leaving the Imperial Inn in the middle of the night?”

“
Yes, and he knows I did not abduct Edwin.”

“
Does he? Would the courts believe a man who can be bought? A man who makes his living spying on others?”

“
But surely no one would believe Miss Santiago.”

He sighed. “She made a point of informing me that she’s acquired friends in high-ranking positions. I cannot take the chance she would imprison you or Annie.”

“
I am not afraid to speak the truth.” Leah turned away. “But you’re right about Anne. It would be unwise to involve her.” She faced him. “Why did Miss Santiago forge those letters? Why pretend Edwin is my child?”

“
Isn’t it obvious? She hoped to tarnish your reputation.”

“
Why?”

“
Jealousy. Spite. Who the devil knows?”

“
But I did nothing but help her.”

“
You are a lady of quality, Miss Sheridan. I suspect you are resented for that reason alone.”

“
And this is the sort of woman you’d allow to become your business partner?”

“
If it means keeping my nephew safe and beyond that vile creature’s grasp, I’d partner with the devil,” Chase declared. “Adrian’s share of the business is unimportant. It’s Edwin who needs my help. And yours.”

“
I would do anything for Edwin.”

“
Anything?”

“
Of course. Without question.”

The duke raised a brow. “Even agreeing to become my fiancée?”

Chapter Thirteen

“
Your...fiancée?”

“
Yes, but our betrothal would merely be a ruse,” Chase stated.

The deep pain of humiliation stung Leah’s eyes. A ruse. Of course. The duke wouldn’t want the wife his brother had chosen. He wanted her help. Not her.

“
I must apologize, Miss Sheridan. I can see I’ve caught you off-guard. The truth is…I need a fiancée to appease the courts. I’ve no real desire for a wife.”

“
And I’ve no desire to
be
your wife.” She balled her fists, anger replacing the hurt. “In fact, I wouldn’t marry you if you got down on bended knee and begged for my hand before all of England.”

He hesitated. “Then we are in agreement?”

The thought crossed Leah’s mind to slap him, but she pushed her wounded pride aside. “Was every word you spoke last evening a lie? And just now when you kissed me...was everything you said an ill-conceived plot to render me helpless and blind me to your true purpose?”

“
What purpose?”

Her throat ached. “How could I have been so naïve?”

“
Miss Sheridan, I fail to see why you’re angry. I’m not asking you to commit a crime.”

“
I disagree. You’re asking me to lie, and lying is not normal for me.”

“
No, but have you never stretched the truth on occasion?” He rubbed the back of his neck, his expression suddenly tired. “I would never ask you to do anything against your will, nor would I expect you to stand before a magistrate and purposely lie.”

“
Then you propose to explain to the courts that we are not truly affianced but merely pretending?”

“
No. I propose we engage in a two or three week betrothal. An official engagement, if you will. After Edwin’s adoption is finalized, you can break it off any way you like.”

Yes, but my foolish heart might object!

“
What about your shipping business?” Leah asked. “You live abroad for months, sometimes years. What happens to Edwin during this time?”

“
I employ capable managers. I’ll leave the business in their hands for the next several years. I realize I lack experience in parental responsibilities, but my grandmother can provide guidance there. As for schooling, I’ll hire the best tutors, and Edwin will attend the finest university.”

She marched to the end of the pier before facing him. “Why ask me? I’m sure there are other ladies who would swoon at the chance to become your intended.”

“
My solicitor’s idea. He admires your courage and what you did for Edwin. He believes the courts will as well.”

Heavens, he didn’t even choose me!

The knowledge nearly crushed her soul.

Leah drew a quick breath. “Even if I agree to such a ridiculous request, my father would never allow it.”

“
I’ve already spoken with Lord Greyson. Although concerned, he made it clear the decision was yours.”

Her face flushed. She stomped off the platform and headed up the hill.

“
Miss Sheridan?”

Leah kept walking. “My father did not agree to this hoax,” she said over her shoulder. “He couldn’t have.”

“
Perhaps he realized an innocent child’s future is at stake.”

She spun around.

The duke…the master thief who’d stolen her heart…had followed.

“
I love Edwin,” Leah insisted. “I would never willingly jeopardize his future, but you…you cannot expect…” She drew another painful breath. “This is despicable. You showered me with compliments that were nothing more than well-crafted lies.”

“
I never lied.”

“
You kissed me, for heavens sake!”

“
Yes, but I hadn’t planned to.”

“
Another lie.” She backed away. “But what’s one more added to all the others. You care not who you hurt as long as you get what you want.”

His dark eyes bore through her. “What I want, Miss Sheridan, is what’s best for Edwin.”

“
As do I, but this ruse isn’t best for any of us. It’s irresponsible and cruel.”

How could he not understand?

Leah turned her back but failed to watch where she was going. Suddenly her right foot sank into the soft ground. She glanced down. Thick mud rose over the top of her boot, ruining the plush lining. If the duke hadn’t been watching, she would’ve dropped to her knees and sobbed.

Chase walked around in front of her and casually offered his hand. “Here, allow me to assist you.”

She crossed her arms beneath her breasts. “Thank you, but I can manage.”

“
Can you?”

Leah purposely ignored him. No sooner had she worked her foot free from its muddy prison than she lost her balance and landed squarely on her backside.

To his credit, the duke did not laugh or even smile. Still, amusement danced in his dark eyes when he asked, “
Now
will you allow me to help you?”

Embarrassed at this undignified position, mud seeping into her underclothes and oozing into every private crevice, Leah wanted more than anything to slap the arrogance right off his face.

“
Go away,” she mumbled.

“
Miss Sheridan, why must you be so difficult? I’m merely offering assistance.”

“
I do not require your assistance. Please go.”

“
Very well.” He headed up the hillside. “But you’re acting rather childish.”

Intense anger overpowered Leah, obscuring her normally sound judgment. She rose to her knees, scooped up a handful of mud, and slung it as far as she could. The grainy glob splattered the target right between his shoulders.

Chase spun around, but his expression lacked emotion. “Did you enjoy that little tantrum, Goddess?”

She struggled to her feet. “I most certainly did.”

“
Splendid, because you’ve just proven my point.”

Determined not to allow this rude man one ounce of mental leverage, Leah slung the excess slush from her hands before turning and marching toward the pier. Her soiled boot mocked each step with a swooshing sound.

Seconds later, something stung her backside. She froze, shocked and appalled. Had he just..?

Her eyes narrowed, and she turned.

A satisfied smirk lifted one corner of the duke’s lips, mud dripping from his right hand.

“
How bloody dare you!” she fumed.

“
You didn’t like that? I merely gave a spoiled child what she deserves.”

“
Spoiled?”

“
Very.”

Leah gathered a handful of mud and, with a calm she never imagined she possessed, approached him. “I think, your Grace, it’s probably in your best interest to recant any spiteful words which were likely spoken in anger.”

“
Perhaps you’ve mistaken anger for frustration.” Desire lingered just beneath the surface. “You are an intriguing woman, Miss Sheridan, yet at the same time you are more frustrating than anyone I’ve ever met.”

“
If you wish to make amends...” She raised the handful of mud, and it oozed through her fingers before trickling down her sleeve. “You’ve sadly missed the mark this time.”

“
Put that down, Miss Sheridan. You and I both know you’re not a vindictive person.”

She smiled before she deliberately slung the muck. Most of it landed on the left side of the duke’s face, sliding downward in slow motion.

He wiped it off then reached down and gathered a handful of his own.

Horrified, Leah sprinted in the opposite direction. By the time she’d gathered her own arsenal, Chase had targeted her backside.

Twice.

“
If at any time you wish to call a truce, Miss Sheridan, I’m willing to listen.”

“
If you’re requesting my surrender...” She aimed for his face but caught the middle of his chest instead. “That’s not bloody likely.”

His next shot smacked her left shoulder, but the one after that hit a corner of her mouth. Forgoing all ladylike manners, she spit and wiped her mouth on her sleeve.

“
Will you surrender now?”

“
Not to you.”

He sighed. “Then I’m truly sorry.”

She paused, both hands full. “For what?”

He scooped up an intimidating handful of mud.

With a squeal, Leah turned and fled, expecting to be assaulted any second. She made it to the pier just as he caught her around the waist. “Take your hands off me.”

Instead of doing what he’d promised or as she’d requested, Chase pulled her against his chest. “Then allow me to surrender,” he whispered in her ear. “At least for the moment.”

Shivers traveled down her spine. Never had any man held her like this. Her skin burned where the duke touched her. He possessed the power to do anything he wanted.

Instead, he released her.

Leah bolted to the opposite end of the pier.