There. All settled. Lets get these fellows into the wagon and go home. I havent eaten since breakfast, and Im beginning to feel a mite peckish.
Con had bound the mens hands behind their backs and hobbled their feet, so they were able to march the still-dazed men out and load them into the wagon with only a little struggle. The duchess and Lilah climbed up onto the drivers seat, which was much higher but far less comfortable than the one on the carriage, and set off.
To Lilahs amazement, the duchess seemed cheerful, even invigorated. Cons job is actually harder, she told Lilah, handling the reins with expertise. Carriage horses are more mettlesome and easily spooked than these work horses. Though the carriage is better sprung, she added as they jounced over the rough dirt lane. Would you like to learn? I could teach you when we get on a better road.
Lilah blinked. I hadnt thought of it. But yes, I believe I would.
Her gloves, of course, were the wrong sort for the task, and she wasnt sure how she would explain the wear and smudges on them to her aunt, but Lilah thoroughly enjoyed the lesson. The duchess was a clear and patient teacher, if somewhat inclined to inattention, and the horses were as amiable and plodding as Emmeline had suggested, giving Lilah time to correct any mistake she made.
Her shoulders and arms began to ache after a while, and once again she found her stiff corset a nuisance, but she kept doggedly at it. The thought of Cons reaction to her newly minted driving skills was enough to keep her going.
The duchess took back the reins when traffic grew thicker as they neared London. Lilah was astonished at how little time it had taken to drive the route, which had appeared so endless earlier.
A footman on the front stoop at Broughton House ran back inside as soon as he caught sight of them. By the time the duchess pulled up, welcoming relatives and servants had spilled out onto the street. They were swept inside in a hubbub of questions, embraces and laughter. After the initial greeting, most of the men went outside to deal with the kidnappers, while the women split up to go upstairs and change out of their grimy clothes.
Con turned to Lilah. I told Jenkins to keep the carriage out front. I thought you would want to get home as soon as possible.
Oh. Of course. It is terribly late.
Con was right. Aunt Helena was doubtless upset about Lilahs spending the day here in such an unplanned, casual way; arriving home later in the evening would be worse. Nor was there any reason to remain. Lilah had done all she could. And yetLilah felt disappointed at the way Con was rushing her out. Perhaps he thought she had no place here, that she had pushed her way into what was purely family businesswhich, of course, she had.
A faint flush rose in Lilahs cheeks. She had acted in an unaccustomedly inappropriate way. Awkwardly, she went on, I shall take my leave. Please give my regards to your family. Im very happy they are home safe. She started toward the door, glancing over at Con in surprise when he stayed by her side. Theres no need to escort me to the carriage.
There is if I intend to get in it, too. He arched an eyebrow at her.
You neednt see me home, ConI mean, Lord Moreland.
Really, Miss Holcutt, dont you think that after brawling together, we are well enough acquainted for you to call me by my given name?
Very well. Con. He was making jest of her, as he always did, and yet the sparkle in his eyes, the curve of his lips, made her want to smile back. Made her want to do things that were better left unmentioned. Being with Con was always so unsettling.
He paused, gazing at her significantly, and after a moment, he nudged, And may I call you Lilah?
Oh. Yes. Her name sounded different when he said it, so silky smooth and rich. Whatever was the matter with her? She added tartly, I am sure you have already.
Its quite possible. You know how things are in the heat of the moment. His face was perfectly bland, making her uncertain whether he had meant to convey the double entendre. He went on smoothly, And you are wrong. I do need to see you home. However unmannerly you think me, I am not ill enough behaved to send a lady off alone at night.
I never said you were unmannerly, she protested as he handed her up into the vehicle, then swung in to sit down beside her.
Did you not? There was that Con look again, so inscrutable, yet somehow conveying laughter bubbling just beneath the surface. Lilah pressed her lips together. Perhaps I might have. Sometime when you were being particularly outlandish. But Iit was said
In the heat of the moment?
She sent him a dagger glance. Could you please, for just a few minutes, stop being so provoking?
He chuckled. I think I can. He leaned forward and took her hand. I have to tell you how impressive you were this evening.
I was?
Indeed. When I saw you whacking that fellow with a broom, my heart swelled with pride.
Hush. But she couldnt hold back a smile. Youre talking nonsense.
You were a veritable Valkyrie. An Amazon. A warrior goddess come to life. His face turned serious. You were a great deal of help today, and I apologize for ever thinking you would be a hindrance.
Constantine It was foolish to feel so warmed by his words.
He leaned closer. Tell me, Miss Holcutt, would you slap me this time if I kissed you?
Lilahs heart skipped a beat. She should pull away from him. Toss back a sharp set-down for his boldness. But what came from her mouth was only a whispered No, I wouldnt slap you.
He bent his head, and she closed her eyes, as if she could hide what she was doing from herself. Cons lips brushed over hers gentlyonce, twice. She felt his smile against her lips, then his mouth settled onto hers, his arms gliding around her, pulling her to him.
His kiss was slow and easy and thorough, his tongue stealing into her mouth and setting off a firestorm of pleasurable sensations. It was overwhelming, his kiss as dizzying as the champagne shed drunk. Lilah was flooded with hunger. Urges shed never imagined roiled inside her. She had no idea what to do, but she wanted to feel more, have more.
Lilah wasnt aware when she had put her hands on his arms, but now she dug her fingers into the cloth, holding on. It seemed like forever, yet it was over all too fast. Con raised his head and stared down at her, his expression caught somewhere between amazement and dismay.
Then his arms tightened around her, crushing her into him, and he pulled her into his lap. This time his kiss wasnt easy, wasnt gentle, but shockingly, Lilah welcomed it. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her lips answered his with abandon. Lilahs heart slammed in her chest, and her very blood seemed on fire. She felt reckless and wild, utterly unlike herself, and it was glorious.
Cons mouth left hers to kiss her cheek, her jaw, her throat. She shivered at the delicate touch on her sensitive skin. Someone moaned softly, and Lilah realized with a start that the sound had come from her. Con kissed his way downward, reaching the hollow of her throat. His tongue teased around the pearl drop there, tracing a circle. Her abdomen flooded with heat.
Her hands went to his shoulderswhether to hold him off or hold on to him, she wasnt sure. Right now Lilah wasnt sure of anythingexcept the warmth of his mouth, the velvet softness of his lips, the touch of his hands upon her face. All she knew was that she wanted this to go on and on.