Eight Hunting Lyons (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Chapter Four

L ucas could not wait for supper to be over.

Had he really just called Beatrix transcendent?

He was no pawky schoolboy to be turned into a blithering idiot over a girl. It did not matter that the girl was charming and beautiful. Smart, too. He liked that about her very much. He also liked her innocence.

As she finished her meal—he’d watched in agony while her tongue teased that fork of hers, licking along the tines, wrapping her lips around it—gad, he was going to embarrass himself.

As he had been discreetly watching her mouth play with that infernal fork, a thought suddenly struck him.

Had she ever been kissed?

The possibility that he might be the first to touch those lovely lips would have his traitorous body responding in inappropriate ways if he weren’t careful.

This lass’s innocence touched something deep in his heart.

Of course, who was to say she would ever allow him to kiss her?

But if she did, the moment would be unforgettable.

He would make certain of it.

He gave this matter of a kiss between them serious consideration throughout supper. It preoccupied him long after he had seen Beatrix safely to her room. He was thinking about it as he retired to his quarters. The possibility consumed his thoughts as he stripped out of his clothes and fell naked into bed.

“Bollocks,” he muttered, uncertain why was he so caught up in these thoughts. He had kissed women before.

Why was he getting so worked up over Beatrix?

He shook his head and sighed.

His mind ought to be on the blasted pile of documents he had brought back from London and not on the taste of that angel’s lips.

But there was no help for it.

He sank onto his bed. Alone. And his body a massive ache as he dreamed of peeling the clothes off Beatrix. Dreamed of doing all sorts of wicked things to her, the least of which were kisses.

He gave up the notion of accomplishing anything that required intelligence or decorum and fell asleep, his body still turbulent and unsatisfied.

He was in no better shape come morning when awakened by the pock, pock, pock of rain pelting against his windows.

The sky was a dark overcast as he rose from bed and drew aside the drapes.

Thick clouds hid the sun, so there was no way to tell what time it was. Still, he knew it had to be early by the dimness of the light spilling into his room. He washed and shaved at his leisure, then dressed and made his way downstairs.

To his surprise, Beatrix was seated in the almost empty common room, quietly sipping her tea, while Posy yawned on her lap. He settled in the chair beside her. “I dinna expect ye up this early, lass.”

“Nor did I wish to be up at this hour, but Posy was hopping about and whimpering. One of the inn’s maids could have taken him out to answer nature’s call, but I did not mind attending to the chore. The rain was falling softly, and I rather liked walking between the raindrops. Posy is quite spoiled and was not going to stay out long anyway.”

He gave the dog a playful scratch behind his ears. “Is yer aunt awake, yet?”

“No, I’m afraid not. She does not like to wake before noon.”

He groaned. “What? Och, I’ll be ninety before we reach Edinburgh at that rate.”

She put her hand over his, a gesture meant to calm his ire, but quickly drew it away. “I understand we must be on our way much sooner. I will have her breakfast brought up and can ask one of the maids to attend her.” She rose hastily and handed him the pug. “I’ll take care of it right now. I won’t be long.”

She darted off to speak to the innkeeper’s wife.

She then scurried upstairs, no doubt to gently wake her aunt and make certain she would not toss something at the poor maid when she walked in to assist her.

Beatrix was not gone long, but her cheeks were pink, and she was a little out of breath by the time she sat down again. “Is everything all right, lass?”

She nodded. “All is well in hand. My aunt will be ready to depart within the hour.”

He chuckled as he sipped his coffee. “I am sure it was not as easy to get her moving as ye make it sound.”

“She groaned and huffed a bit, but she understands the importance of getting an early start. She can sleep in the carriage. I hope the rain does not slow us down too much.”

“It will.” He shrugged. “There is nothing we can do about it other than hope it does no’ last long. The roads will dry once the sun comes out. We’ll be fortunate to make it as far north as Peterborough today.”

However, luck was on their side.

Not only was Lady Rochester ready within the hour, but the sun had come out by then and was sufficiently drying the roadways so that they made good time and arrived at the next coaching inn well before nightfall.

The dampness and sweltering heat of the day’s travel had exhausted Lady Rochester. Poor Posy was also panting heavily and lolling his tongue.

Lady Rochester and her little pug retired as soon as their room was made ready. This left Lucas alone with Beatrix for the evening. All proper, of course. They dined in the common room in full view of the inn’s other guests. “Yer aunt has ordered her supper brought to her chamber. I suppose that leaves me responsible for ye, lass.”

She arched an eyebrow. “I can take care of myself.”

“I dinna mean to imply ye couldn’t. I would enjoy yer company.” He glanced around as the common room began to fill.

“What are you looking for? Anything in particular?” she asked.

“No, just making note of who else is here.”

She glanced around. “Are you expecting to encounter any friends?”

“No, lass. Taking note of who is seated in here. I dinna like the way some of the men are eyeing ye.”

“Then I am glad you are with me to chase them away,” she said lightly.

“So am I.” He did not smile in return, for this coaching inn, although still quite respectable, was not as fine as the one they had stopped in the night before. Two of the guests, a pair of fashionably dressed men, were too forward in the way they were ogling Beatrix. “I dinna like the looks of those two for certain.”

Beatrix discreetly followed his gaze.

“They do look unsavory. I ought to be grateful you have appointed yourself as my protector.” She arched an eyebrow and tossed him an impertinent look. “Do you always look out for the weak and delicate?”

He grinned. “Ye have a sarcastic tongue, Beatrix.”

She nodded. “Does it offend you?”

“No, I like yer quick wit. I also know ye are a capable lass. But ye have no experience with men and dinna realize how determined some of them can be when setting eyes on a beautiful girl. Nor how rude they can be if they want ye badly enough…and ye are the sort any man would want badly.”

She gazed at him in surprise. “Did you just compliment me?”

He nodded. “Aye, but also take it as a warning. I dinna think ye realize quite how pretty ye are.”

He said no more as one of the serving maids brought out their meals.

Lucas was hungry. He had ordered a hearty lamb stew and a pint of ale. Beatrix had merely asked for tea and scones. “Are ye feeling ill, lass?”

“No, I promise you. I am fine. But one does not work up much of a hunger while closed inside a carriage all day.” She laughed softly. “Unless they are you. Do all Scots have such hearty appetites?”

“For all things,” he said between mouthfuls. “Life is to be grabbed and enjoyed because some big-booted Englishman will come along soon enough to kick ye down.”

She sighed. “We are still in England, you know. And the people here are mostly quite nice.”

He winked at her. “If ye say so, lass.”

“You are incorrigible.” She laughed and shook her head. “Have you taken a walk around the inn? It overlooks a lovely pond, and there is a nicely maintained walking path around it. We could take a stroll after supper. There ought to be plenty of daylight left.”

“Aye, lass. I would like that.” Lucas was surprised by how much he looked forward to spending time alone with her.

Beatrix was ravaging his senses.

Worse, she was not purposely trying to do anything other than be her lovely self.

He wanted to kiss her.

Ached to kiss her.

Bollocks.

He had to stop thinking of this before it became an obsession with him.

He concentrated on devouring his lamb stew instead.

The stew was delicious, but would not Beatrix taste equally fine?

She inhaled lightly. “Oh, that does smell divine.”

“Ye want some, lass?”

“No, I could not take more than a bite or two. Please do not order any for me.”

“Here.” He put a couple of pieces on a plate for her.

“Thank you, Lucas.” She began to do that thing with her fork again, taking the bite between her lips and wrapping her mouth around it in that sultry way. She gave the fork a light lick that shot flames through him.

He had to kiss this girl.

She would not resist him, for the innocent had these same thoughts and did not know how to hide them. Probably did not understand them or realize he could read her every expression.

That she liked him pleased him tremendously. He would never kiss her if she were not willing.

But what then?

Steal a kiss and then remain trapped in the carriage, achingly close to her for the next nine days, possibly longer if they encountered bad weather, pretending nothing had happened?

What if she wanted more than kisses?

Well, he would not mind obliging.

No.

Merely kissing her was already a very bad idea.

Encouraging more?

She was MacGlory’s daughter.

There was no question the man would have his head on a pike if he so much as looked cross-eyed at her.

And yet, there was no question he was going to kiss her.

Not now.

There would be time on their last day of travel, assuming he had the strength to hold out until then. But was it not also cowardly of him?

How could he kiss her and then blithely walk away?

He finished his stew, washed it down with his ale, and then rose to take a walk with Beatrix. Men were looking as she rose, for he wasn’t the only one who admired her curves. “Take my arm,” he said, feeling quite possessive of the lass and protective of her as well.

They walked out of the inn and followed the path to the pond. “Keep yer arm in mine. I dinna like the look of those men at all.”

“You’ve mentioned it twice now.” She frowned. “Do you want to give the impression I am your wife? All they need do is ask the innkeeper, and they will learn I am not. You look worried. Why are you so concerned? Is this not one of the better coaching inns? Surely, the innkeeper and his staff would not tolerate boorish behavior among their guests.”

“All ye’ve said is true, Beatrix. But some of those guests are in their cups and not thinking clearly. Even if they know we are not husband and wife, let them think we are betrothed. The point is, they will not approach ye if they believe I will tear out their throats if they ever dare set a hand on ye.”

“Are all Scots like you?” The evening sun shone on her hair and illuminated that lovely face of hers as she stared up at him with a dimpled grin. “Aren’t you taking your protectiveness a bit too far?”

“No, lass. I am not.”

“Men,” she muttered, tucking her arm in his as they walked together along the path.

They paused to admire a family of ducks. “Oh, I should have brought out some bread for them. Perhaps if we have time in the morning before we depart.”

“All right. But dinna come out here on yer own. I’ll escort ye.”

She shook her head in dismissal. “Really, Lucas. You are too much. Who is going to accost me in daylight and in full view of the inn’s guests?”

“It would take me no more than a second to haul ye behind that hedgerow, put my hand over yer mouth, and have my way with ye. Dinna be stubborn, Beatrix. These are not harmless friends and neighbors. Those men from the dining room are following us now.”

“They are?” She inhaled lightly and turned to look behind them. “They could be taking an evening stroll, just as we are.”

“Aye, they could. But I am not letting go of ye until I am assured of that fact. And I dinna want ye coming out here alone tomorrow. Knock on my door if ye wish to leave the inn, even if it is for a quick walk out here. I’ll escort ye. Promise me ye’ll do this.”

“They don’t look pleasant at all.” She nodded. “I promise.”

“Thank ye, lass. That eases my mind greatly.”

They returned inside.

Those men walked in soon afterward.

They worried him, but he said nothing as he escorted Beatrix up the stairs to the room she shared with her aunt. “Remember, do not go anywhere without me.”

She released his arm and leaned against her door. “You needn’t fret, Lucas. I will not do anything foolish. Have a good night. Are all you Scots so distrustful?”

He arched an eyebrow. “Are all ye Sassenachs so heedless?”

“Be quiet and close your eyes.”

He regarded her warily. “Why?”

“Just do it and don’t ask questions.”

“All right, lass.” He shut his eyes, not liking the uncertainty of her purpose. Perhaps it was just that he always liked to be in control and did not like surprises.

He felt her soft lips against his cheek and her small hands clinging to his shoulders as she lifted on tiptoes to reach his face. “Sweet dreams, my mighty warrior. Thank you for worrying about me. I promise I will not go wandering about on my own.”

She opened her door and fled into the bedchamber.

He stood a moment staring at the now shut door.

The lass had kissed him.

An innocent buss on the cheek that did not really count at all.

He would give her a proper kiss as they neared the end of their journey.

All he had to do was stop thinking about it for the next nine days.

But he was already in burning flames over this girl.

No, he was no’ going to last nine days.

He doubted he could last nine minutes.