Chapter 10
Chapter Ten
Knox had never seen anything more beautiful in his life.
With her dark hair in disarray, her cheeks flushed from their lovemaking, and the sparkle in her green eyes, she made him breathless.
In all his days, he had never met anyone who struck him in the center of his chest quite like this spitfire of a woman who quite literally jumped into his lap and refused to be ignored.
He had been raised to shun such shameless behavior, to act with decorum and precision because of his title, but the Lion’s Watch had given him the freedom to express the longings that ran deep down in his veins.
But it wasn’t until Astara Smith was added into the mix that he realized how little meaning his life truly held.
He had wanted to make a difference by serving his country in ways other than sitting in Parliament and ensuring that his estate and grounds ran smoothly.
He had always been fair to his tenants and kept everything orderly, but that wasn’t the man he was in his soul.
He was a free spirit, yearning to run barefoot across the hills and valleys of his estate.
There was so much that he wanted to do but knew how impossible it would be to accomplish, merely because of who he was.
With Astara, he had it all. He had the somber version that everyone expected, but he could also express his true feelings around her because she did not pass judgment. She did not care if he was the Duke of Hampton, because she accepted Knox as the man himself.
That was the most satisfying sensation of all.
“What happens now?”
He looked at her and bent down to give her a soft kiss. “You spend the night in here with me, naturally.”
She sat up and her hair fell forward to cover up those glorious breasts. “I did not come here with the intention of becoming your mistress.”
“I am aware of that. It was not my intention either.”
“Then I think it best if I change and return to my room.”
He frowned. “Do you think that my servants are not already aware of what has transpired this evening?”
She mirrored his expression. “You claimed they were discreet.”
“They are, but sometimes information is offered unaware.”
“That is a chance I shall have to take.” She got up and began to gather her clothes, getting dressed as she spoke.
“If word reaches beyond this place that I am no longer an innocent, several doors will be closed to me that were once barely open. The only place I shall be welcomed are those that I refuse to work.”
Knox clenched his jaw. “You shall not have to do so. I will ensure that you are handsomely compensated for your efforts with the Watch. Although I thought you might consider the prospect of—”
She laid a gentle hand on his lips. “Do not speak of something you know is impossible. While this evening was not something I would dare to take back, we live in present times, not some fantasy world where we are not aware of the circumstances that surround us. We are of two very different class distinctions. You would be shunned if we dared to embark on something further, and I would never be accepted.”
“Astara—”
“You know it is true. Do not try to deny it.”
Knox curled his hand into a fist on his thigh.
He looked into the remarkable face in front of him and reluctantly had to admit that she was right.
He might want to make an offer of marriage but it would not go well for either of them, and he would not be able to live with the guilt of his actions should he drag her into that sort of cruel existence.
No doubt she would come to resent him and their time together and he could not abide that.
Without anything else to say, he swallowed down the bitter regret that threatened to choke him. “Then I shall bid you good night, Miss Smith.”
She did not try to rebuke him for the formality, merely offered a slight curtsy in her attire. “Pleasant dreams, Your Grace.”
The moment she was gone, Knox looked at his dressing table and had the abrupt urge to toss something across the room, just to hear the satisfying sound of it breaking. It would certainly be preferable to facing the current pain in his chest.
He knew that life wasn’t fair, but sometimes it was a real bitch.
* * *
The next morning, Astara woke up and stared at the ceiling above her, wondering if what she’d experienced the night before had been nothing more than a fantastical dream.
It might have been better for her heart if so, but she knew it was all too real.
Her body twinged in places that she had never known, proof enough of her illicit acts with Knox.
But with the bright light of day, she still didn’t have any regrets.
She wouldn’t trade any of her time with Knox for something different.
Not only had she gotten to work for the Watch, how ever long that might have been, but she found someone willing to fight for her cause—to help her learn her true parentage.
Whatever the outcome, she had always wanted to know the truth and she would trust whatever information that Knox told her.
A soft knock at the door announced the maid as she entered. “The duke has plans to visit with the Marquess of Vale this morning.”
Astara was grateful for something else to turn her mind toward. “Yes, of course.” In all the excitement of last night, she had nearly forgotten that they were going to speak with the Earl of Arkham’s father to find out what he might know of his prodigal son.
Exhilaration of a different kind began to flow through Astara’s veins as the maid helped her into a cheery, yellow day dress, suitable for calls.
It still never failed to astound Astara how much focus was placed on such things that didn’t really matter.
Having food and shelter was worth so much more, and yet there were those that would never appreciate such mundane things as they were easily granted.
After Astara had dressed and taken a small breakfast tray in her room, she went downstairs to meet the duke in the front parlor.
He was already there, one leg crossed over the other as he inspected the latest newsprint.
She had to pause and smile, thinking it such a simple gesture and yet, one that caused her heart to warm considerably.
She could easily gaze upon this sight every day for the rest of her days and be grateful for it simply because they were enjoying it together.
He must have heard her entrance because he lifted his head. He folded the paper and laid it aside and then unfolded his position to stand. His gaze swept her shamelessly from head to toe. “You are looking well this morning, Miss Smith.”
She adored the seductive tone in his voice.
“Thank you, Your Grace.” She allowed her focus to admire the strong line of his legs from the tips of his black boots, lingering on the slight bulge in his tan breeches, before traveling past his navy-blue jacket and waistcoat, topped perfectly with a pristine white cravat and his dark hair brushed back from his forehead.
His lips were cocked at an arrogant tilt and a spark of mischief was in his dark gaze.
“Too much thorough inspection might have us late to our appointment with the marquess.”
“Tsk tsk,” she chided. “What would Blackton say?”
“The devil take Blackton and anyone else who dares to stand in my way,” he growled as he crossed the room and dragged her into his arms. The kiss he gave her set her core aflame. It was quite a while before he let her go again.
“Mmm,” she murmured. “That was rather pleasant.”
He snorted. “Pleasant, is it? I see I shall have to do better when we return.” He sighed heavily and held out his arm to her. “But since intrigue waits for no man, we should be on our way.”
Astara’s lips twitched as they entered his coach and headed the short distance to Vale’s townhouse. One of the perks to living near the aristocracy was that it did not take an overabundance of travel time.
Once they had been admitted into the residence, they were bade to wait in the foyer. It was not long before they were shown into the marquess’s private study.
At first glance, Astara noticed that it was similar to others she had witnessed.
Dark wood and filled to the brim with books, the smell of leather, spirits, and the slight scent of smoke permeating the room.
It was a haven for most men and they ensured that it was perfectly suitable for their many uses.
“Your Grace.” The marquess stood up behind his desk with a polite greeting.
He was an older man but looked as though he still had several good years to recommend him.
Silver lined his temples, but he did not appear unhealthy.
“Lady Astrid. Forgive me for engaging with you in my study, but I fear I do not have the luxury of much time….” His words trailed off when he looked at her.
He appeared taken aback, as though he was surprised, and it made her wonder if she’d made some sort of mishap with her appearance.
Although the duke had not mentioned anything when they’d left the townhouse, she had to wonder about the Marquess of Vale’s odd expression.
Deciding to lessen the awkwardness, she stepped forward and said brightly, “It is quite all right, my lord. We are merely grateful that you agreed to see us with such short notice.”
He blinked, as if finally coming back to himself. “Yes, well…” He turned and seemed to work something out within his mind before he forced his attention to the duke. “I was intrigued by your sudden haste to meet, Your Grace.”
He returned to his desk and waved a hand for them to sit. For the rest of the meeting, most of his attention was centered on Knox while Astara merely observed the exchange.
* * *