Because she was a candid woman, she also knew that the way she felt inside did not come entirely from the adventure of being in this time and place. Indeed, most of the exhilaration bubbling up inside her had to do with this particular man.
She stole a sideways glance at him, taking in the hard straight line of his jaw, the upward swoop of his cheekbone, the faint shadow of beard that colored his cheek this late at night. There was something hard and powerful about him, not just in the obvious physical strength of his wide shoulders and tall frame, but in the air of confidence and competence he exuded. She sensed that, even as he smiled and talked to her, he was alert and watchful, his gray eyes always searching, his muscles tensed and ready. He was, she thought, the sort of man to whom people naturally turned in a crisis. But, conversely, she suspected that he was also not a man whom it was advisable to cross.
It occurred to her, with a little jolt, that in that way he was rather like her brother. Not as urbane as the duke and with a more roguish sort of charm. Still, she sensed that there was in him that same hard core that lay in Sinclair, a dark and immutable center that belied the aristocratic trappings and British gentility.
As if he sensed her eyes on him, he glanced over at her, his own eyes shadowed and dark. He did not smile or say anything, just looked at her, but Callie felt a sizzle of intense attraction snake down through her.
She looked away, afraid that her eyes would betray the sheer physicality of what she felt. Lord Bromwell unsettled her; she responded to him in a way she could not remember with any man. But the uncertainty, oddly, seemed to draw her rather than repel her. She wished that she knew what Sinclair disliked about this man, why he had reacted so sharply to seeing him with her.
I must apologize for the way my brother acted, she began, again looking over at him.
He shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. It is only natural for a brother to worry about his sister. To want to protect her. I understand, having a sister, also.
I hope that you are not so heavy-handed about protecting her, Callie replied with a smile.
He chuckled. Indeed not. I fear she would have my hide if I tried to tell her what to do. She is a little older than I, though she would not like to hear me tell anyone so, and she is more accustomed to telling me what to do than the other way round. The twinkle left his eyes, and there was steel in his voice, however, as he went on. StillI would despise any man who tried to harm her.
I love my brother and my grandmother, but sometimes they can be a bit smothering, Callie admitted.
Is their smothering why you are walking to Lady Haughstons by yourself so late at night?
Callie hesitated, then answered noncommittally, I am going to Lady Haughstons to ask her for a favor.
She was relieved when he did not point out that she had not actually answered his questionor that it was rather an odd time to be asking for a favor. She was all too aware of that fact herself. It had been foolish of her to strike out on her own as impulsively as she had. It had been only her good fortune that it was Lord Bromwell she met and not some ruffian.
You must think me young and silly, she said, flushing a little. Clearly I acted in the heat of anger.
No. He smiled down into her face. I find you young and very beautiful. He paused, then added, the mischievous sparkle once more in his gaze, And perhaps something of a trial to your overprotective relatives.
Callie laughed. No doubt I am.
She looked up and found it was terribly hard to look away. It took a conscious effort to pull her gaze from his, and she knew that she had stared at him far too long for politeness. Her throat was dry, and her mind seemed astonishingly blank. She cast about for something to say, telling herself that she was acting like a schoolgirl at her first dance.
I see you are not wearing your hat, she said at last, groaning a little inwardly at the inanity of her comment.
No, I left it behind. I found I could not bring myself to look quite that foolish on the street.
Foolish! No! she bantered. I thought your hat was quite dashing.
She realized, with a little skip of her pulse, that she was flirting with him again, as she had earlier this evening. He responded in the same way, his voice light, yet laced with an underlying warmth and meaning, his eyes bright as he looked at her.
You have not changed out of your attire, either. He reached out with his forefinger and pushed her hood back a little, exposing the downward dip of her Tudor cap in the front. I am glad. Tis a fetching hat.
Callie realized that they had drifted to a halt, standing quite close together. His fingers still lingered at the edge of her hood.
But I am glad you took off the mask, he continued, his voice turning husky. Your face is far too lovely to hide even a part of it.
His fingertips brushed down her cheek, and Callies breath caught in her throat. She thought that he was going to kiss her again, and her heart began to pound in her chest. She thought of the heat that had flared between them, the pressure of his lips on hers, velvet smooth and enticing, yet demanding, as well.
But then his hand fell away, and he turned, starting to walk again. Callie fell in beside him. Her pulse was racing, and her knees were a little wobbly. She wondered what he had felt, if desire had raced through him just then, or if it had been only on her side.
It did not take them long to reach the elegant house in which Francesca lived, and Callies heart sank a little as they approached it. She forced a smile as she stopped at the foot of the steps before Francescas door.
We are here, she told him and extended her hand politely. Thank you for escorting me. I hope I have not taken you too far out of your way.
It was a pleasure, he assured her, taking her hand. But instead of bowing over it, he simply stood, holding it and looking down into her face. But you must promise me not to do anything so dangerous again. You must send me a note if you plan any more midnight rambles. I promise I will come with you. To keep you safe.
I assure you, I will be quite careful in the future. I will not need you.
Are you sure? He raised an eyebrow teasingly; then, with a swiftness that surprised her, he wrapped his other arm around her and pulled her to him, bending his head to kiss her.
Bromwells kiss was everything she remembered, and more. His teeth were hard against her mouth, his tongue soft as it insinuated itself between her lips. He tasted a little of port and more of dark, beckoning hunger. Callie felt her knees sag, and she flung her arm around his neck, holding on, as she kissed him back.
His hand let go of hers and went to her back, sliding down along her cloak to the soft curve of her buttocks. His palm glided over the fleshy mound, fingertips digging in a little and lifting her up and into him. She felt the hard ridge of his desire against her softer flesh, and she was both startled and intriguedeven more so when she felt the wet heat of her own response blossoming between her legs.
She made a soft, eager noise, and heard the groan of his response. He lifted his head and stared down at her for a long moment, his eyes bright, a faint surprise mingling with desire on his face.
No, he murmured. I think I have it wrongtis you who are dangerous. He took a breath and released it, letting her go as he stepped back. I will bid you adieu, my lady. He removed himself another step, then flashed a grin at her as he said, We will meet again. I promise it.