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He climbed the stairs and hesitated at the top. He looked down at Jacqueline’s family and their encouraging support. With a nod, he continued to the third room on the left. He placed his palm on the door, working up the courage to enter the bedchamber. With a deep breath, he turned the knob and stepped inside, closing the door behind him.
He thought he would find Jacqueline asleep, but she was wide awake and sitting near the fire with a blanket wrapped around her. Waiting. Candles flickered all around her on the fireplace mantle, casting her in a warm glow. She had scattered pillows and blankets on the floor. When he turned his gaze on her, she smiled seductively and then lowered her lashes coyly before raising them again. Had the minx set out to seduce him? The scene reminded him of the first time they’d made love.
They had shared a kiss in the secret passageway, and she’d led him to her bedchamber. A quilt and an array of pillows had sat near the fireplace, offering them comfort when they explored the depths of their desires. Why had he not realized it before? She had seduced him clear back then. And here he had convinced himself he was an unscrupulous gentleman.
As he gazed upon her, he thought of how delightful a creature she was. Her caring nature, her patience, her love for all that she held dear, and how she made him feel like he could conquer the world. She was wrapped up in one amazing lady. And he knew she was his by her smile. However, he wanted to humble himself before her and seek redemption.
Griffen strode to her and handed her the flowers. “These are for you.”
Jacqueline brought them to her face and breathed in their heavenly scent. “My favorite. You remembered.” She knew her sister had gathered them in the garden before Griffen arrived. She had watched Charlie from the window, wondering what she was about. Her act proved her acceptance of Griffen for a brother-in-law.
Griffen appeared offended. “Of course. I remember everything about you. But I must admit, it was Charlie who picked them.”
He waited for Jacqueline’s response, but she only sat smiling at him and rubbing the petals between her fingers. He remained at a loss on how to proceed. Perhaps he shouldn’t have let Sinclair stop Charlie from giving him instructions. He could use them now. He paced away from her, running his hand through his hair.
Jacqueline should put Griffen out of his misery. It was cruel to stay silent. But she enjoyed watching him unravel with uncertainty. Any other time, Griffen commanded a room with his standoffish character. Sometimes never showing amusement of any kind, always serious. Except she’d seen another side of his personality he didn’t reveal to many people. While the ton thought him a serious lord who abided by the correct decorum, he was a lord full of contradictions to her. His visit since the wedding proved how erratic he had become. All because of her. He was perfect for her. What wasn’t there to love about Griffen?
“All right, here it is. I am just going to state my intentions. I am clueless about how to proceed. If I sound demanding and state what will happen, I risk scaring you away. If I threaten to go to your uncle, you will refuse my suit and never speak to me again. However, if I plead with you, my damn pride will suffer. Yet, I will suffer through anything for your love. My greatest wish is for us to decide together. But I fear it is too late for that.”
Kincaid was a coward for not facing Jacqueline. Instead, he spoke to the window, staring out into the darkness. When she remained silent, he closed his eyes in defeat. He had hoped from the scene she’d set that he still held a chance. But he was mistaken.
The soft caress of her fingertips fluttered along his back. Each touch made him aware of her nearness. Her hands slid around and peeled off his suit coat. Once it dropped to the floor, she tugged his shirt out of his trousers. Her hands snuck underneath and raked across his back.
He drew in a breath at the heat scorching him. “Jacqueline, we must—”
She pressed her lips to the middle of his back, the soft gesture seeping through the fabric. “Shh. Has anyone ever informed you how you talk too much, Lord Kincaid? Especially when a lady is trying to seduce you. It is most rude.”
He swiftly turned around, catching her unaware, and swept her up into his arms. He strode across the room and laid her on the makeshift bed on the floor before she uttered another quip, lowering himself next to her. “Please forgive me, Lady Jacqueline. My manners were most atrocious.” He laid on his back with his hands behind his head. “Please continue with your seduction.”
The minx crawled over him and discarded the blanket, shocking him with her scanty attire. “Jacqueline,” he croaked out.
Jacqueline set about unbuttoning his shirt, an innocent expression lighting her face. “Yes, Griffen?”
“Where...?” He couldn’t finish his thought, struck speechless by how her breasts spilled out of the sheer negligee.
The bold sapphire caressed her curves, molding itself to every dip. A long slit on each side gave her the ability to straddle him and press herself against his hardening cock. Each time she shifted, he groaned at the sensation she stirred in him. He lifted his hands to run along the soft silk, but she grasped his wrists and lowered them back to the floor.
Her tongue clicked against the roof of her mouth. “Tsk, tsk. How can I seduce you if you cannot keep your hands to yourself?”
He chuckled. “How do you expect me to lie still underneath you when you are a tempting package I wish to unwrap?”
Jacqueline lowered and whispered in his ear, “I have no wish for you to. Unwrap me, my lord.”
Kincaid pushed her hair back and cupped her cheeks. “I plan to. But we must talk.”
“I only wish to love you.”
He drew her closer, their lips but a breath apart. “As long as I can love you in return.”
“Forever.” Jacqueline sighed before sinking her mouth onto his.
When their lips met, a shift of the unknown settled them into each other’s arms. Their kiss melded together, clinging to capture every sigh and whisper of their love for one another.
It took little to seduce Griffen. At the first touch of her lips upon his, he was powerless to stop himself from loving her. He helped her discard his clothing and swept the negligee off her. In between soft, slow kisses and gentle caresses, they loved one another.
Not wanting to press her to the hard floor while he made love to her, he guided Jacqueline back over him. Not only did he wish to protect her and the babe, but he wanted Jacqueline to understand the power he gave her by letting her have control. He never wanted to dominate or control her actions. He only wished to remain in her life, any way she would have him.
Jacqueline gazed into Griffen’s eyes. The love shining from them used to overwhelm her. Now she welcomed the powerful emotion. She hoped he could read the same in her gaze. If not, she would express her love every day they were fortunate to spend with one another.
Jacqueline rose on her knees and trailed her hand along his chest, wrapping her hand around his cock and sliding him inside her. Slowly lowering until Griffen filled her soul, she wrapped around him and rotated her hips, drawing out his groans one after another.
Griffen felt like he had died and gone to heaven at the exquisite thrill coursing through him. Each rise of her hips built his need higher, only to rush down when she lowered herself. And each time before he crashed, she would tighten around him, vibrating with her own pleasure.
The goddess had been created to love him. Her hair cascaded down her back, and her lips were plump from the kisses they shared. A glow shimmered off her body, enveloping him in her happiness.
He drew her hands into his and guided them to rest against his heart. “I love you, Jacqueline.”
Those simple words filled Jacqueline’s soul with peace. She no longer feared the love he gifted her with. Instead, she cherished them.
She moved their hands to cover her heart. “I love you, Griffen.”
Then she lowered her head and kissed him with every ounce of love she held for him. He pulled her head closer, devouring her lips. He hungered for the taste of her and stroked their tongues against each other. The kisses built their passion higher, demanding to find solace.
He grabbed her hips and surged upwards. Jacqueline gripped his arms, and when he rose, she drew her hips downward. Each time they met, the friction increased, leaving them more desperate to reach the ecstasy they found with one another.
Jacqueline found herself unraveling further out of control. With each slide of Griffen’s cock inside her, she wanted to weep at the beauty of their lovemaking. She clung to Griffen as he sent them soaring into the clouds. As always, he caught her in his embrace, and they drifted into the cocoon made for them.
Before she could nestle against him, Griffen rose with her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He drew a blanket over them and placed a hand over her stomach. Jacqueline gave him a puzzled look. “I wish to make the mother of my child more comfortable.”
Jacqueline gasped. “You know?”
“Aye.”
Jacqueline covered his hand with hers. “How?”
He intertwined their fingers together. “Ralston described Gemma’s condition, and you shared similar ailments. It drew me to conclude that our time together resulted in this miracle.”
Jacqueline started crying. “You think it is a miracle?”
“Aye. Is it not?” He swiped away a tear.
“Yes.”
Griffen sighed. “Ahh, love. I have given you more doubt about accepting my hand in marriage. If you will allow me the chance to explain myself.”
Jacqueline turned on her side and gave him a gentle kiss. “There is no need to explain yourself. I love you for who you are and do not judge you for your past actions. But if you want to tell me, I will listen. Although, to be honest, I do not believe a word Lord Falcone spoke.”
The truth weighed on him, but his guilt pushed him to tell her the truth. He wasn’t the innocent party in the scandal. It was his pursuit of the duchess that had led to the downfall of his character. Only with Colebourne’s interference was he able to avoid further destruction of his name.
“Every word Falcone told you was true. Or his perception of the truth. A few years ago, I became quite enamored with the Duchess of Gostwicke. From what I understood, her father had arranged her marriage to the duke. The duke was aloof with his new bride, and I thought to console her. My pursuit angered Gostwicke. I am ashamed of myself and my actions during this incident. However, at the time, I refused to accept her rejections and wanted to best the duke.”
He paused for a minute before continuing. “After indulging a few cups at the club, I goaded Gostwicke into accepting a bet. Whoever won the game of billiards won the affections of the duchess. We were down to the final shot, and luckily for both of our sakes, we didn’t draw a crowd. But Colebourne happened upon our game and intercepted. I don’t remember how, but he convinced Gostwicke to halt the game and not to pursue vengeance against me. Colebourne dragged me out of the club and dropped me off at my townhome. When I awoke in the morning, he sat waiting for me. It was then I promised years of servitude to him. Which led me to attend to his every request. However, I don’t regret any of it. Because it led me to you.”
“Not even your affection for the duchess?” There was a hint of jealousy in Jacqueline’s tone.
He tried to hide his smile but failed. “Not even for her.”
Jacqueline’s lips pinched with her displeasure. “Is that so?”
Griffen laughed. “Yes, because without my dalliance with the duchess, I would have never understood the difference between a simple infatuation and the love I hold for you. Try as I might, I cannot undo my past. I can only learn from my mistakes and move forward. Do you need more explanation on my past?”
Jacqueline thought it over and understood it for what it was. A mistake in his youth. From his mistake, he had learned a lesson, one he showed with his every action since then. “No, there is no need to explain yourself further. We shall leave this topic in the past where it belongs.”
“Now that we have cleared that matter, why did you run?”
Jacqueline sighed. “It was foolish, considering I eagerly welcomed you in my bed after you chased after me.”
Griffen kissed her shoulder. “That you did, my lady.” His lips trailed lowered.
She wiggled around, drawing his attention back to her, not her breasts. “Focus, Lord Kincaid.”
Griffen gifted her with a charming smile before drawing her across his chest. “Yes, my lady. Do proceed with your explanation.”
She folded her hands under her chin. “I suppose I allowed Lord Falcone’s slander to give me another excuse to deny our love. But once I arrived here, I realized my mistake. Then I grew furious at how he’d degraded your name without giving you a chance to defend yourself. And I did the same. Instead of standing by you, I fell into his plans to ruin our bond. And for that, I apologize to you.”
Griffen nodded, accepting her apology. “And the babe?”
An angelic smile spread across her face. “I only recently realized myself.”
“How far along are you?”
“At least two months, if not more. Either from our time in London or when you first arrived for Lucas’s wedding.”
Kincaid turned serious. “You know of my desire for you to become my bride. Now more so than ever. But I don’t want you to assume my offer is because you are with child, especially since I’ve asked before. I want to marry you, Jacqueline, because I love you. The child is only an extra blessing. But if you decide you do not wish to wed me, I will try to accept your terms. I only ask for your patience if I cannot understand.”
Jacqueline slid her hand over his cheek. “I will marry you, my love. After I fled, I realized how I’d run away from my other half. You have become a part of me that I never want to lose. I allowed my fear of the loss of my parents to keep us apart. I never wanted to grow close to anyone because I feared their loss if they would perish. Life comes with no guarantees, and one cannot live in fear of the unexpected. If so, then they never truly live. I needed to learn this, and now I have. So, my love, I accept your love and proposal. Now we only need to convince Uncle Theo of your honorable intentions.”
He tapped her on the nose. “No need. Your uncle and I had a long discussion while we were fishing and we have settled our differences. If you wouldn’t have fled, you would have learned how he has given us his blessing.”
Jacqueline blushed at her mishap. “He has?”
“Yes.”
“Did he change his mind on your business venture? I know how eager you were to get his acceptance. It is a fine idea that I am most proud of you for. Would you like me to talk to him for you?”
“No. Although, I thank you for the offer. We also discussed it while fishing and agreed it was not a venture he could help me with.”
Jacqueline frowned, disappointed in her uncle. “Do not worry, I will help you think of an alternative route to make your plan a success.”
Griffen squeezed her in a hug. “Ahh, it warms my heart how devoted you are to my cause. But do not fret, my love. I have acquired two business partners.”
Jacqueline’s brows drew together. “Who?”
“Graham Worthington and Ralston. We decided it will merge well with their business. We will keep it separate, and once it is on solid ground, Ralston will offer me the option to buy back his initial investment.”
“This is wonderful news.”
Griffen stared in Jacquelin’s eyes and spoke from the heart. “I realize I have nothing to offer you in the way of financial stability. I cannot provide you with the grand lifestyle your sisters and cousin live in. All that I can offer you is my love and utter devotion. I will cherish you and our children every day of my life.”
Jacqueline pushed Griffen’s hair back. “Oh, love, I am sorry I gave you doubt about the love I hold for you. None of that matters. I only wish for a simple life. You know I am not one for grand affairs. I shall find contentment in whatever fashion we live in as long as you are nearby.”
Kincaid leaned into her palm. “Never once will I leave your side. I know you wish to live in the country, but while I start my business, we must stay in London. Once I have the correct men in place, we can retire to our estate, where I’m afraid we must work to make repairs. Sadly, I have let the house fall to neglect.”
Jacqueline fought back a yawn. “One we can repair together.”
Kincaid frowned. “A discussion for another time. For now, you need your rest.”
Jacqueline clasped his arms, holding him still. “Please do not leave.”
He eased her grip. “I have no intention of leaving your side ever again, my love.”
She relaxed and settled her head on his shoulder. “Excellent,” she murmured before falling asleep.
Kincaid chuckled and settled the covers tighter around him. By all rights, he should rise and leave her bed before any of Sinclair’s servants discovered him. Not only the servants but Sinclair himself. But he meant what he’d told Jacqueline, and he was a gentleman who stood by his word. Gray would have to return on his own or wait until morning to escort the ladies home. His eyes drifted shut, and he soon joined Jacqueline in sleep.