Page 32 of Wicked with Him

As he gazed down upon her now, his cock stirred yet again, eager to sweep them into another passion-filled encounter that would last for hours. But he always kept his promises. That meant appearing to go about his declared business of finding a property to purchase, and to be seen about the village as her husband, too.

He was sure now that their passion wasn’t a once-felt stirring but something that could be built on and explored for the rest of their lives.

He stood up and padded around her tiny bedchamber, picking up his clothing and putting each piece back on. Every time he drew close to Amity, he stroked her skin…her bare legs, her arms, the sweet dimples on her lower back when she exposed it to escape any accidental tickling.

In time, this woman would be his to love every day if he was lucky. But he still had to convince her that marriage to an enemy of her brother’s was worth the risk of lifelong estrangement from them all. He also wanted her to return to society, as well.

It was a shame that he’d never have her family’s approval to marry her. George Sweet surely had wanted Amity to marry someone far more distinguished than a mere mister with deep pockets. The Duke of Ravenswood might disapprove the match very vocally, as well, and challenge the marriage. Although Amity was over the age of consent, there was still the possibility that he might yet face pistols or swords at dawn and end up leaving her all alone again.

Amity deserved to marry whoever she chose, someone she loved, and by God, she could have him if he could secure her heart, too.

With that thought in mind, as he pulled on his boots, he considered exactly how to go about declaring his honorable intentions. He would have to speak with the duke. Ride to London or visit his country estate to speak directly with Ravenswood himself. It was an interview he very much dreaded but felt was entirely necessary. The duke could be quite vicious and unforgiving to those he considered had wronged him, but he was the head of Amity’s family.

Roman might also have to explain why he’d lied to Ravenswood’s sons, apologize, if he wanted to stay friends with them. Stratford particularly might take issue with him ruining his cousin, even though he’d said he wished Roman had been the one.

“Roman, is something the matter?” Amity called to him, breaking him out of his thoughts as her hand slid up his arm.

He turned to her and smiled, uncertain how to broach the subject of them marrying. Amity might not yet be ready for that discussion. She’d been adamant before that he not offer for her the night of her ruin.

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. He had to go, take this one meeting, and he would propose later that very day when he returned. Perhaps here, but not in bed. He had to do this right.

But it occurred to him that if she was his real wife, she ought to go with him to view the Barnes estate as well. He smoothed her hair back from her face. “I was just thinking about my upcoming meeting and wondering if you would like to go riding with me to look at an estate?”

“What estate?”

“I came to the village because I suspected your cousin owned a property here, and that you might be living there. When I spoke to the villagers, I hinted I was also looking to invest. The innkeeper has arranged for me to view one estate. It belongs to Lord Barnes, but I wonder if Fairbridge means to buy it too. I’m to meet with a steward of the estate at noon. It should take a few hours all told.”

“Fairbridge said nothing of buying any other property here, but then, he wouldn’t normally confide in me. I haven’t been on a horse since leaving London but I would love to see the estate with you.”

Roman’s traveling carriage was miles away and the estate was too far away to reach on foot. The fastest way to travel was on horseback. “Would you be offended if I suggested you might need to ride astride?”

She bit her lip. “No. I’ve done that before at Ravenswood and would prefer it on unfamiliar roads. I wore breaches belonging to Stratford under my skirts then, but I don’t have a pair here.”

He would have loved to see that. Amity was more adventurous than her reputation ever suggested. “I think I might have something that will come close to fitting you. I’ll bring a pair of mine when I return. I’ll even give you my horse to ride and hire another from the inn stables for myself if one is available.”

“I can ride the hired mount,” she offered.

“Only the best for you, sweetheart,” he said, brushing his fingers across her cheek. “How soon can you be ready?”

“I’ll need half an hour, at least.”

“Excellent.” He checked his pocket watch then bent down to kiss her cheek. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

Her expression was excited as he left the room. She was looking forward to being seen with him in public, which made his heart happy, too. He made his way downstairs, collected his hat and let himself out into the front garden. Their morning together had gone quite well so far, and he was anxious for the rest of it to follow the same fashion.

He headed to the inn and requested his horse be made ready to ride.

“I’ll see to it,” the innkeeper agreed with a negligent shrug of his shoulder.

The man had become immediately reserved with him upon the revelation that he was Amity’s scoundrel of a husband come to fetch her back. He must have told others because there had been some disapproving looks in his direct in the tavern the evening before. He really didn’t blame them. Amity hadn’t described her pretend husband in glowing terms, after all.

He followed the innkeeper. “You wouldn’t have a spare mount I can borrow for the day, would you? I’ve coin to pay for it, of course.”

“There could be one,” the innkeeper mused, scratching his head. “Not as fine as you’re accustomed to, I’m sure.”

“I can ride anything,” he promised, and handed over a small pile of coin in excess of the expected charge. “I’ll need both ready promptly. I promised to take my wife with me when I go to view the Barnes property.”

The innkeeper sucked his teeth. “Lord Barnes will expect a pretty sum for the place.”