Scandalous Liaisons (18 page)

“You are staying in the Sapphire Room because of her,” Marchant argued.

Lucien lowered his head. There was no point in denying it. His man-of-affairs was too bright. “You told me to stay away from her, Harold.”

“I thought she was merely a temporary amusement. Now it’s obvious to me, and to everyone else, that she means far more to you than that.”

“My feelings don’t signify. I’m not worthy of her.”

Marchant sighed. “Will you be able to live with yourself knowing she is married to someone else? A man you see regularly here within the walls of your own establishment? Will you be able to hold your tongue, and your fists, when he makes use of the courtesans while the woman you covet waits at home for him? How will you feel when Lord Fontaine comes in to celebrate the birth of their children?”

“That’s enough!”
Lucien shouted, his chest tight with fury and misery. To think of Julienne belonging to another man was too much to bear. If he couldn’t have her, he didn’t want anyone else to have her either. But that wasn’t the way it would be. And somehow, he would have to find the strength to live with that.

“There are some mistakes we can live with, and others we can’t. Only you can determine which kind of mistake this is.” Marchant turned to walk away.

“Harold.”

The man-of-affairs paused.

“Thank you.”

 

“Lucien, darling. Punctual, as always.”

Lucien smiled affectionately at his mother as he was shown into her parlor. Shades of pink and mauve embellished with gilt and satin made the room an entirely feminine retreat. Leaning over her, he kissed both of her cheeks. “You look stunning, Mother.”

She waited until he took the seat opposite her before beginning tea. “You look like hell,” she said bluntly. “Have you lost weight?” She handed Lucien a cup and saucer. “Pining for Lady Julienne La Coeur?”

Startled, Lucien fumbled with his cup, cursing as he spilt the hot liquid. “Beg your pardon?” Setting the saucer down, he stuck his burnt fingers in his mouth.

“I said you look like hell.”

“I heard that part,” he muttered, wiping his hand on a linen napkin. “It was the rest of it I missed.”

“No, you didn’t. I met your love last night.”

Lucien blinked, his head spinning. “What did you say?”

Amanda dropped two lumps of sugar into her tea. “She’s lovely and feisty.”

“Julienne was
here
?” He shot to his feet.
“Last night?”

“Sit down, Lucien. I shall get a neck cramp looking up at you.”

Frowning, he sat.

His Julienne?
Here?
In the midst of London’s demimonde? He flushed.

“It bothers you that she was here?” his mother asked.

“Why was she here?”

Amanda smiled. “She was dragging her scapegrace brother home.”

Lucien stood again. “Montrose is back?” He swallowed hard. This was dreadful. Now Fontaine could pay his addresses.

“Lucien, please! Sit down.”

Again he dropped dutifully into the seat. “What happened?” he asked hoarsely, fighting off a mild panic.

“She was quite firm with him, scolding him and ordering him to start accepting his responsibilities.”

Lucien couldn’t hold back a smile. Fierce, passionate, no-nonsense Julienne.

Amanda smiled over the rim of her cup. “And when Montrose made a nasty comment about you, she defended you. I wish you could have heard her. She was magnificent.”

The nausea he’d been fighting all morning suddenly worsened.

Last night.
After the things he’d done and said to her, Julienne had defended him anyway.

His head dropped into his hands. Damnation. He would have felt better if she’d maligned him right along with her brother.

This morning he’d been certain there was no more wretched person on earth than himself. He’d believed it wasn’t possible to feel any worse.

But he did. Much worse.

How would he ever make amends to her? Fueled by brandy, jealousy had eaten him alive. Julienne had spoken with Fontaine at length. The sight of them together had crushed him further. They presented a dashing couple—two perfect, blond, beautiful aristocrats. The handsome marquess had staked an obvious claim to Julienne, and Lucien had wanted nothing more than to rip them apart.

He’d determined to make her as jealous as he was, to force her to share in his misery. But when he’d succeeded, when she’d fled the room in obvious distress, he’d followed, unable to do otherwise. The smell of her, the feel of her skin, the taste of her mouth—he’d been consumed by a singular madness. To give her up, to lose her, was nigh unbearable, and he’d wanted her to say she felt the same. He’d wanted her to fight for him, and when she had, when she’d turned the tables, he’d wanted her even more.

“Lucien?” His mother’s voice was filled with concern.

He slid his hands through his hair and laced them at the back of his neck. He looked at his mother with a pained smile. “I’ve made a mess of things again.”

The parlor door opened.

“Good morning!” the duke greeted as he entered.

Lucien rose from his chair and extended his hand to the man with whom he bore a remarkable resemblance. “Good morning, Your Grace.”

“You look terrible, son.”

“So I’ve been told. Repeatedly.”

“Your father thinks Lady Julienne would be perfect for Haverston,” Amanda murmured.

“What?”
Lucien’s eyes widened in horror. There was one way for his life to become more hellish than it presently was, and that was for his younger brother, Charles, the present Marquess of Haverston and future Duke of Glasser, to court or (heaven forbid!) marry his Julienne.

His Grace shot a glance at his longtime paramour. “Seems you were correct, love,” he conceded dryly.

Amanda smiled with triumph. “Am I not always?”

The duke grunted and bent to kiss her upraised cheek. “I must depart. Carolyn is having some sort of soiree this weekend, and I’m expected to attend.”

“Of course,” she replied, showing no sign of hurt or dismay at the mention of the Duchess of Glasser. After all their years together, she was confident in the extent of the duke’s love for her and was aware that after the birth of Charles, the heir, he had never touched his wife again. “Return to me at your soonest.”

“Never doubt it.” Magnus kissed her again.

Lucien watched the exchange as he had often done over the years, but today the scene held new poignancy. It was a harsh reminder that people did not marry below their class. If he were honest with himself, he would admit that the most he could hope for would be to become Julienne’s lover after her marriage. The arrangement could almost be perfect. He would not have to marry, and Julienne could have the title she deserved. But Lucien knew he could never share her with another man, and Julienne would never consent to such an arrangement in any case. She took her responsibilities seriously and would never betray her husband, even if that husband were unfaithful to her.

After the duke left, his mother returned her attention to him. “Do you intend to allow Lady Julienne to marry Fontaine?”

“I have no choice.”

“Why not?”

“I offered to marry her, and she refused.”

“Lucien!”
Amanda’s brow creased with a frown, something she never allowed herself to do because she feared it would cause wrinkles. “You love her.” It was a statement, not a question.

Lucien lifted his cup. “I lust for her.”

She sighed. “For heaven’s sake, darling, I am your mother. You cannot lie to me.”

“That’s not a lie.”

“Surely there’s more to it than that.”

“Such as?” he muttered. First Marchant, now his mother. Was everyone determined to meddle in his life?

Amanda set her clasped hands on the edge of the table. “Such as why she was so quick to rush to your defense? Against her brother, no less. And one hundred thousand quid, Lucien? You would never have allowed Montrose to become so far in your debt without a motive.” Her eyes lit with discovery. “Are you planning to use the earl’s misfortune to obtain his sister? Something so underhanded sounds just like you.”

“Thank you for the glowing estimation of my character, Mother.” But what an interesting idea. He was surprised he hadn’t come up with it himself.

Amanda pounced on his telltale smile. “What is your plan?” she queried eagerly.

“I don’t have a plan. I was biding my time until one presented itself.”

“Come now. You always have a plan. ’Tis how you acquired greater wealth than your brother.”

“Mother,” Lucien began with quiet emphasis, “I’m not certain what impression you received from Julienne last evening, but I can assure you, she is not in charity with me at the moment.”

His mother frowned again. “Do you want her?”

“Of course,” he admitted. “I just don’t know in what way I want her. Or for how long, which is why she refused my suit.” Of course, he’d botched the entire affair by accusing her of things she wasn’t capable of and then storming out . . .

“Tell me what was said, and I’ll tell you where you erred.”

He laughed. “Why is the mistake assumed to be mine?”

She leaned forward, and Lucien was caught by the earnest intensity of her voice. “You deserve to be happy. If Lady Julienne makes you happy, you should fight to the death for her. You
are
worthy of a highborn bride. Never doubt that.”

“I’m not worthy of Julienne.” There was no bitterness in his voice, just quiet resignation.

Raw hurt glittered in his mother’s eyes. “I am the only difference between you and Fontaine. You are wealthier, you are more handsome, and your blood is almost as blue. Are you ashamed of
me,
Lucien? Is it because your mother is a courtesan that you feel unworthy of Julienne La Coeur?”

“No.” He reached across the table for her delicate hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “It has nothing to do with you. I’ve never been a good man, never aspired to be one, and I’ve been perfectly content. I have no desire to change. Julienne is an angel, the purest thing I’ve ever known. Agreeing to my suit would alienate her from the only life she’s ever known. Eventually she would grow to hate me for that.”

“I think you underestimate her strength, Lucien. You may find that you won’t make her a lesser woman. Instead she may make you a better man.” Amanda shot him a quizzical glance. “Does your bastardy offend her?”

“No.” Lucien smiled. “She thinks your affair is ‘romantic. ’”

“And so it is,” she said, with a smug smile. “I liked the girl last night. I like her even more now. She seems a very practical sort.”

Lucien arched a brow. “I recognize that look. Stay out of my private affairs, Mother. I do an excellent job of botching them up on my own. I don’t require any assistance.” He stood. “I have to go now. I have work to do.”

“And a lot to think about as well.”

He grinned affectionately and ignored her comment. “I shall see you next week.”

As her son left, Amanda Remington sat back in her chair and contemplated her next course of action. She knew what her son needed, even if he didn’t.

And she would see that he got it.

Hugh La Coeur, the sixth Earl of Montrose, paused on the step of his carriage and grimaced at the imposing three-story, columned entrance to Remington’s. The morning sun shone brightly on the white façade as various members of the peerage exited and entered the popular gentlemen’s club. Behind him, traffic was heavy on St. James. The steady clatter of rolling carriage wheels, horses’ hooves, and harnesses reminded him that life was still bustling forward for the rest of London, while he prepared to face his largest and most ruthless creditor.

With a deep, fortifying breath, Hugh climbed the steps to the watered-glass, double-door entrance. A footman in black-and-silver livery welcomed him inside, and Hugh handed his hat, gloves, and cane to one of two waiting attendants. He stepped into the round entrance foyer, with its black-and-white marbled floors, and again admired the massive chandelier that hung three stories up, with a large round table centered below it. A gigantic floral arrangement dominated the center of the table, its heady fragrance permeating every corner of the foyer.

Straight ahead was the gaming area. From there, one could find either the staircases that led to the upper floors—where the fencing studio, courtesans, and private rooms were located— or to the lower floors, where the pugilist rings were kept. To the left was the kitchen. To the right were the offices of Lucien Remington.

Hugh took one last, wistful look at the gaming rooms and then turned to his right. He walked through the huge wooden door, with its oval glass center, and handed his card to the secretary, expecting to wait. He was surprised when he was announced without delay.

Nervous trepidation plagued him as he entered the sanctum of Lucien Remington. He’d never been in the offices before, and he took in his surroundings with a curious eye. The first thing he noticed was the carved mahogany desk, which directly faced the door. The massive piece of furniture was flanked on either side by floor-to-ceiling windows, and the desktop was littered with paperwork, silent confirmation of the strength and breadth of Remington’s empire.

The room was done in masculine shades of deep green, cream, and gold. An immense fireplace to the left was the focal point of a conversation area holding a settee and two leather wingback chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases took up all the available wall space. To the right, sunlit windows afforded views of the street below.

“Good afternoon, Lord Montrose. I trust your trip to the country was pleasant.”

Hugh turned toward the deep voice and saw Remington standing behind his desk, his famous blue eyes lit with amusement as he waved a hand toward one of the chairs that faced him.

“How did you know where I was?” Hugh asked crossly as he took a seat.

“You owe me one hundred thousand quid, my lord. I’m not likely to misplace you.”

Hugh scowled. “A drop in the bucket for you, Remington.”

“True. Now, I assume you’ve come to repay me?”

Shifting uncomfortably, Hugh said, “I was hoping to make payment arrangements with you.”

A black brow lifted. “I see. What do you propose?”

“At the end of the Season, I can repay half of what I owe, and then—”

Remington raised a hand. “I won’t accept Fontaine’s money.
You
owe me.
You
will pay me.”

“Damnation!” Hugh flushed with anger and embarrassment. “Money is money, damn it. Why do you care where it comes from?”

“The point is, I do care.”

“If you expect me to pay you out of my own pockets, it will take years.”

“I’m not inclined to wait any longer. Either pay me the money, or listen to my alternate proposal.”

Hugh stiffened warily. “What alternate proposal?”

Remington leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “I wish to see your sister socially. You will smooth the way for me. For every outing, every dance, every private moment with her, I will reduce your debt by ten thousand pounds.”

Hugh’s mouth fell open. “Bloody hell. This is extortion!”

Remington said nothing.

“Lady Julienne is close to announcing her betrothal to the Marquess of Fontaine,” Hugh pointed out. “Your request could seriously jeopardize his interest in her.”

Remington remained silent.

“She’s a debutante, Remington, not one of your trollops. I won’t whore her out for my debts.”

Remington’s brows rose, and Hugh colored with embarrassment at the silent challenge that said he was doing exactly that.

“Fontaine offers marriage,” he argued.

“So do I.”

Hugh choked. “The devil, you say! This grows more outrageous by the moment. Julienne can’t marry
you
! She’s an earl’s daughter, for Christ’s sake.”

“And I am a duke’s son.”

“Well, yes, but you’re . . . well . . . you’re . . . Damnation, you know what the hell you are! It’s not the same thing at all.”

Remington shrugged, not the least bit perturbed. “Marriage is out, so we return to my offer. You may begin this evening. I want one dance with Lady Julienne. Afterward you can deduct ten thousand pounds from your debt to me.”

Hugh ran both hands through his hair before massaging his temples. “She’s marrying someone else, Remington. Why not find some other chit?”

“My motives are my own.” Remington rested his elbows on his desk. “I’m a very busy man, Montrose. Tell me your decision now—the money or ten moments with your sister. What shall it be?”

“This is appalling.”

“Indeed?”

“You’ve gone mad.”

“Quite possibly.”

Hugh was dumbstruck, and damned himself for landing Julienne in this predicament. She was correct. It was time to get his affairs in order. “What if she refuses?”

“Then I will allow her to do so. But she must refuse me each time.”

“Hell’s teeth, this is abominable. You, sir, are no gentleman.”

Remington smiled. “I have never claimed to be one.”

“I have stipulations.”

Remington nodded. “I expected you would.”

“Outings must be chaperoned.”

“Of course.”

“If I acquire any portion of the money on my own, I can buy you out.”

“Agreed.”

“And”—Hugh flushed—“she’s untouched. Don’t think to ruin her to force my hand, or I will call you out. In case you hadn’t heard, I’m an excellent shot. You would not survive the encounter.”

“I accept your terms.” Remington’s confident expression never wavered. “I will claim the last set of the evening with Lady Julienne at the Dempsey Ball tonight. Don’t say anything to her. I will approach her myself and afford her the opportunity to refuse.”

“Fine.” Hugh rose and took another look around the elegantly appointed office. “I shall never wager another shilling in my life.”

“Good idea,” returned Remington as he picked up his quill. “I don’t like to wager myself.”

Hugh gaped in astonishment and then started toward the door, muttering to himself. “Doesn’t like to wager. Ridiculous. Man owns the largest gambling establishment in town.”

Lucien grinned triumphantly as the door closed behind Montrose. “And I just made the biggest gamble of my life.”

 

Julienne surveyed the glittering ballroom with bleary eyes. Hugh’s trips to his various creditors that afternoon had been successful. He assured her of the ready cooperation of all, including Lucien Remington, and seemed truly determined to take his responsibilities more seriously.

Having accomplished that, Julienne could have spent the evening at home and considered the day well spent. But Hugh had insisted she attend the Dempsey Ball. Now it was the early hours of the following morning, she was exhausted, her mind tortured by thoughts of Lucien, and her brother insisted they remain until the end. Julienne tried desperately to stifle a yawn.

“Hugh,” she muttered, “I’m retiring to the ladies’ room for a nap. You send for me when you’re ready to depart.”

He scowled. “You promised the last set to me.”

“Well, then, send for me just before. If I stand here another moment, I shall embarrass myself by falling asleep on my feet.”

“Fine,” he grumbled. “Go.”

Julienne moved away before he could change his mind. Reaching the hallway, she hid a yawn behind her gloved hand.

She screeched as she was yanked without warning into an alcove. Lucien slid the curtain closed behind her.

“What are you doing?” she cried, even as her heart leapt at his proximity. Stunningly handsome, he was impeccably attired in evening black. She hadn’t seen him all evening, and she hated to contemplate where he might have been. “Adding to my collection of bruises?” she snapped.

He had the grace to wince. “Julienne.” His voice was low and tinged with regret. “Please forgive me for last night. I was foxed. I should never have touched you the way I did.”

She lifted her chin and reached for the curtain. “You are correct about that. Now if you will excuse me.”

He gripped her elbow. “Julienne, please. Don’t go yet.”

“Why not? I think we’ve said all that needs to be said.”

Lucien pulled off his gloves and shoved them into his pockets. The longing on his face arrested her. As his palm cupped her cheek, Julienne closed her eyes and breathed in the familiar scent of his skin.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered. “Every moment I’m not with you, I miss you.”

“Lucien, don’t . . .”

“Yes, Julienne. Look at me.”

Reluctantly she lifted her lids and met his gaze, the austereness of his features stealing her breath.

“I’m so very sorry, sweet. I never wanted to hurt you.”

Julienne fought the tears that threatened. “Allow me to explain something to you, Lucien. Something men of your sort don’t seem to comprehend. Women are feeling creatures, at least they are until they’ve been hurt enough to no longer care. We reserve parts of our soul for the men who are important in our lives, places where trust and respect reside. Once those feelings are lost, you cannot reclaim them. Once they are dead, they cannot be revived.” She shoved his hand away from her face. “I’ve heard your apology, and yet it means nothing to me. You want me to make you feel better, to tell you I understand and forgive you, but I don’t understand.” She turned to leave.

“I didn’t touch her,” he said quickly in a voice so hoarse she barely recognized it. “Since that day I came to your home, I haven’t been with another woman. I’ve been faithful to you.”

Julienne turned, searching his face, and found him in deadly earnest. “Why?” she asked simply.

“You are the only woman I want.” Lucien cupped her face with both hands. “When you rejected my proposal, I lost my head. I’m not accustomed to being denied something I want so desperately. I am so very sorry, Julienne. You don’t have to forgive me. All I ask is that you believe my sincerity.”

His mouth lowered slowly, giving her the opportunity to pull away. With heartrending tenderness, he kissed away the tears she hadn’t known were falling. Julienne turned her head to capture his lips, and she was lost. Lost in his scent, his touch. Lost in
him
.

“I believe you,” she whispered.

Lucien’s mouth brushed along her jaw and down her throat. “Why are you wearing this high-necked dress?” he murmured.

“To hide the bruises.”

He froze, his body turning hard as stone. His hands left her face and reached for the buttons on the back of her gown, his impatient fingers working with obvious familiarity of a woman’s clothing.

“Lucien, no,” she protested, agonizingly aware of the thinness of the curtain that separated them from the prying eyes of the
ton
. “Not here. Not now.”

He dipped his head, hushing her with a kiss. Soon her gown gaped in the back, and he pushed it to the floor. He growled, his fingers brushing over their own prints left in the tender skin of her breasts. “Jesus,” he breathed.

Pulling her to him, he kissed her throat. His mouth wandered downward, kissing every mark he’d left on her. The touch of his lips was gentle, reverent. He whispered anguished apologies against her skin, and as he dropped to his knees in front of her, she could feel the wetness of his tears soak through her chemise.

The depth of his remorse, his openness of feeling, his willingness to show her his vulnerability, stunned her. This was a side of Lucien she had never seen. Julienne wondered if anyone had ever seen it.

As he pushed up her chemise, his hot breath ruffled the curls of her sex. She shivered, her blood heating, her heart racing. Lucien groaned and buried his mouth between her legs. Slipping a hand behind her knee, he lifted her leg free of her gown and pulled it over his shoulder, opening her to his ravishment.

Gentle fingers parted her, and Julienne sagged against the wall as his tongue delved deeper inside, licking her as if he savored the taste of her. She stared down, watching him, and her heart clenched in her chest. She could never have imagined the sight of the powerful Lucien Remington on his knees before her, his gorgeous eyes bright with grief and other more frightening emotions. With long, slow, sinuous laps he cherished her. He loved her leisurely, as if they had all the time in the world, as if they were alone and not mere steps away from ruination.

Melancholy welled up inside her. “Lucien,” she whispered as his tongue thrust into her. “My darling.”

Her fingers slipped through his hair and wrapped around his scalp. His tongue probed deep, and she bit her lip to hold back her cries. The coiling tension wound tighter, and her hips thrust forward, seeking to deepen the contact. She rode his mouth, undulating against him, her lips parted as she fought to breathe. He latched onto her and suckled with expert, gentle force, knowing just what she needed.

Her back arched, her breath seized, her fingers tugged at his hair as she came against his mouth. Her orgasm rolled through her, over her, releasing the relentless tension that had gripped her for over a week. A week in which she’d fallen in love and then had her heart broken.