“That’s preposterous.”
She lifted her brows and said coolly, “You said I could set the conditions, did you not?”
He glowered. “I suppose I did.”
“Culhwch’s tasks were fairly basic: find the sweetest honey of the season; fetch a razor, scissors, and comb, and mirror from between the ears of a wild boar; and such.”
“Fetching a mirror from between the ears of a wild boar is basic?” He took the book and frowned down at it. “This is a ridiculous idea.”
“No, it’s not. The quest for honey can be just that, for it needs no translation. The items from the boar’s head could be …” She bit her lip, then brightened. “I know! It could be the bow from Lady Kinloss’s dog.”
MacLean shook his head, although he gave a faint smile. “Lady Kinloss’s dog is indeed a bore.”
Caitlyn fought an urge to grin in return. “That’s a very poor pun.”
“Most of them are.” MacLean paged through the book. “So how do you propose to do this, Hurst?”
“We must each complete three tasks based on the myth.”
“Sounds fair. Who sets them?”
“We set them for each other. Furthermore, I don’t want the other guests involved, and I don’t think you do, either.”
“Definitely not.”
She nodded toward the book. “Do you see any tasks that look intriguing to you?”
Looking skeptical, he nonetheless turned a few pages. “Perhaps.”
“Then do you agree to follow the tasks set in the myth, so we can settle this issue between us once and for all?”
Alexander closed the book and tapped it against the palm of one hand as he considered her. He had to admit she was making it tempting, for it would add sweetness to not only best her, but to do it at her own game.
Still, it wouldn’t do to accept too quickly, so he shrugged. “I don’t know, Hurst. When I suggested that you set the conditions, I assumed you’d fix upon something more common, like the turn of a card or a race of some sort.”
Her chin lifted and she walked right up to him, her dark brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “What’s wrong, MacLean? Afraid of a little competition?”
Alexander’s body reacted immediately to her nearness. “It’s an inordinate amount of trouble, but”—he allowed his gaze to travel across her in a suggestive manner, lingering on her breasts and hips—“I can think of nothing I’d enjoy more than to see you lose, and watching you struggle through your tasks will only make it the sweeter.”
“We’ll see who loses.” She gave him one of those damned mysterious, feminine smiles that made his body flame to life, then she turned away, her fingers trailing along the small side table, absently brushing over a silver-filigreed candy dish.
Alexander watched, wondering how that feather touch would feel on his cock, which was even now straining to get to her. Damn it, but she ignites me.
She turned her head, and for an instant her pure profile was in stark relief against the darkened terrace door windows. “It’ll be good for you to engage in a competition against someone who isn’t afraid of your temper.”
“People aren’t afraid of me.”
“Oh?” She looked back over her shoulder at him in a flirtatious move as old as Eve. “You believe that? You crash and thunder your way over everyone, then pretend that no one cares about your curse.” She gestured toward the gardens where he knew limbs would be strewn across the hedges. “How could someone not be?”
“You’re not.”
She sent him an impatient look. “Because I grew up listening to tales about you and your clan. I knew of the curse from the time I was old enough to climb on my granny’s knee.”
“Ah yes. Old Woman Nora is your grandmother. Hugh mentioned that when I saw him last.” Alexander knew Old Woman Nora well, and he had no love for the village healer. She was a capable witch, he’d give her that, and he’d trust her with his life if he ever needed a healer. But he also knew that she was a busybody and gossip who spent far too much time analyzing his business.
Caitlyn turned to face him, one other hand resting on her hip as she regarded him with a taunting smile. “Well, MacLean? Are we decided? The myth sets our tasks. Three each, decided by the other. And no inclusion of the other guests allowed.”
The sight of her, so elegant and so damnably tempting, raised his blood, and he was astonished at his impulse to just give her this and anything else she wanted. Damn it, what’s wrong with me? I’m no lapdog to be led about by a chit who looks too young to be out of the schoolroom!
He set the book on the desk. “I’m not a man to play such silly games; we’ll find another, more usual avenue.”
She looked at him pityingly. “Perhaps you’re right. You’re far too mature to engage in anything truly enjoyable and fun. I suppose a man your age must be cautious of his dignity at all times.”
A man your age? She thought he was too old? Too old to partake in such a silly game; too old to perform her tasks. Too old for her. He didn’t move a muscle, but his blood roared in protest and the storm outside echoed it.
The most irritating part was that she was merely throwing his own words back at him, when he’d told her she wasn’t mature enough to be of interest to a real man. She’d deftly turned the tables.
Alexander slammed his hands onto the desk.
She jumped, her color high, her lips parted.
He leaned forward. “I accept.”
For a long second, she just looked at him, then a pleased expression entered her eyes. She walked to the desk, so gracefully that it was painful to watch, placed her hands on the opposite side, and leaned forward until she was within tantalizing reach. “Then we’re agreed, MacLean. Shall we say the best out of three?”
They were face-to-face over the smooth oak surface, their poses militant. His first impulse was to reach across the desk, grasp her by the waist, and pull her to his side. There, he’d plunder her sweetness, brand her with his kiss, and show her what he was capable of, regardless of his age.
But that was how things had gone so awry last time. She’d tempted, and he, like the most callow of youths, had succumbed. This time, it wouldn’t be him left panting with desire. This time it would be her.
He leaned forward until his lips were within an inch of hers. Her warm brown eyes seemed almost liquid, her flawless skin silky. “I’m up to any challenge you dare to name.”
“Any?”
His gaze roamed boldly over her. They were so close to one another that he could feel the heat of her creamy skin. “I’ll accept your conditions, but realize this: if I lose, I’m risking my freedom, which you’ve admitted you might well take should the mood suit you. So if I win, I want more from you than a tumble in my bed.”
Her gaze grew wary. “What more is there?”
He grinned, relishing the worry in her voice. “If I win, then not only will you come to my bed, but you’ll become my mistress for two entire weeks—and you’ll do it in front of the entire world.”
He could see the pulse beating wildly in her delicate throat. She attempted to swallow, but could not. Finally she managed to say huskily, “Done.”
“When I’m done, you’ll be sorry you ever set eyes on me.”
Her chin lifted, and she whispered with such sincere regret that all humor fled, “It’s too late for that, my lord. Far too late.” She turned on her heel and walked away, her hips beckoning as she left.
She opened the door, then looked back. “We’ll discuss the particulars tomorrow, after breakfast. That should give us time to decide the first tasks.”
He nodded once, his body so aflame that he didn’t dare risk speaking. With a sense of profound relief, mixed with a staggering sense of disappointment, he watched her slip out of the room and disappear from view.
Alexander turned and leaned against the desk, his hand closing around his glass. He took a hard gulp, then another. It was a sacrilege to drink good port in such a way, but he didn’t give a damn.
In a short week or two, he’d have Caitlyn Hurst at his mercy. She’d be his in bed.
He smiled, already savoring his victory. He’d dress her in scandalous clothing that showed her delectable figure to one and all. He’d escort her all over London, place her in his high-perch phaeton, and drive her down St. James’s Street past the bow window at White’s, something a genteel lady would never do. Then he’d escort her to Vauxhall Gardens and have her sit with the other ladybirds on display there. He’d humiliate her so thoroughly that there would be no last-minute saving by a sister or brother or anyone else.
For two weeks, she’d be his to do with as he wished, in bed and out. And, oh, how he’d take pleasure in that.
From out in the hallway, he heard Dervishton’s voice raised in greeting as Caitlyn joined the others waiting for dinner.
Alexander tossed back the rest of his port and left the library. Soon he’d have his revenge, and Caitlyn Hurst would learn a lesson in humility she’d never forget.
Chapter 7
Always fight fair. Those as fight dirty will find tha’ the mud on their hands lets their enemies slip awa’ every time.
OLD WOMAN NORA FROM LOCH LOMOND TO HER THREE WEE GRANDDAUGHTERS ONE COLD EVENING
Alexander reached blindly for a towel. “Did you discover anything new about Miss Hurst?”
“Oh, yes.” MacCready placed a fresh towel into Alexander’s hand and waited until he’d dried his face. “In fact, I discovered several things about the young lady. Lord Falkland is planning on surprising her with a picnic after breakfast. He heard from the young lady’s maid that Miss Hurst is especially partial to roasted beef and strawberries, and he’s had Cook in a tizzy trying to procure the berries.”
Alexander handed the damp towel to the valet. “The fool. Anything else?”
“Miss Hurst is apparently a rather indifferent correspondent. She’s begun no fewer than four missives home, but hasn’t finished a one.”
Alexander wasn’t one for letter writing, either. Reading, though, was a different matter altogether. He rarely left home without the company of a good book. He thought of the way Caitlyn had paged through the small leatherbound book last night, with a comfort and familiarity that indicated someone used to being around books. She was obviously a reader.
He caught his reflection in the mirror and was startled to see a satisfied smile curving his lips. Shocked, he scowled. Damn it, what does that matter if she reads or not? Since Hugh’s marriage, Alexander had thought so much about Caitlyn Hurst that he felt as if he knew her, and his assessment had been of the darkest, most insulting kind.
Now that he was face-to-face with her and not just stewing over her selfish manipulations, he was forced to recognize all of the seductive and alluring things about her that had made him pursue her to begin with.
Of course, that didn’t make his previous assessment less accurate; her true nature was obviously impulsive and self-centered. But now a part of him whispered that perhaps … just perhaps … his faults were just as much to blame as hers had been.
He shook off the disturbing thoughts. “What else have you found out?”
“Lord Dervishton has been making inquiries as to the location of her ladyship’s bedchambers—” At Alexander’s sharp look, MacCready added in a sonorous tone, “As you were doing just two days ago.”
He had been, though he doubted it was for the same reason. He’d just wanted to know the location of his enemy. Dervishton’s motives were less pure.
Damn Dervishton. “I don’t trust that man. Tell the footmen to keep an eye on him.”
“My lord, this isn’t our house. I can’t—”
“Fine. I’ll tell Georgiana to see to it. Anything else?”
MacCready’s mouth thinned in annoyance, but all he said was “The maids are in a tizzy over the quality of Miss Hurst’s wardrobe, and there are rumors she sewed it all herself. The footmen are half in love with her, which has caused some strife among some of the staff, as you can imagine. One individual has even gone so far as to stock her fireplace with twice the wood necessary, and as a result a large log hit the floor at two this morning, startling Miss Hurst and scaring Lord Caithness.”
Alexander whirled on MacCready. “They were together?” His voice was dark and dangerous.
MacCready’s brows lifted. “No, my lord. Lord Caithness’s room is directly below Miss Hurst’s.”
Alexander realized he was glowering at his valet. Bloody hell, I need to calm down. The sooner Caitlyn and I get this business settled, the better.
The valet held out a freshly laundered shirt. “Lord Caithness’s man informed me this morning that his lordship actually leapt from bed and hit his head on the bedpost, which caused quite a commotion, as you can imagine.”
“So long as he was in his own room, I don’t give a damn if he split his head open.”
“Pardon me, my lord, but do I detect a hint of jealousy? I thought we disliked Miss Hurst.”
“We do.” But she’s mine, and I’ll be damned if I allow every buck at Georgiana’s house party to land hands on her before I do. Alexander pulled the shirt over his head. “Did you discover anything else about Miss Hurst?”
“Yes. In addition to roast beef and strawberries, Miss Hurst is also fond of walnuts and marmalade.”
“She likes pears, too,” Alexander muttered.
“Pardon me, my lord?”
“Just thinking aloud.”
“Hmm. Am I still to collect useless information or have I given you enough to satisfy your curiosity?”
“Keep collecting.”
“But I don’t know what I’m looking for.”
“I’m sure you’ll eventually hear something.” Something Alexander could use when planning these “tasks” they were to complete.
He couldn’t believe he’d allowed Caitlyn to talk him into such a silly game, but God knew he’d enjoy taking her to his bed, and having her as his mistress would be particularly sweet. His body warmed at the thought.
Perhaps this was for the best. Had she a mind to, she could easily keep herself surrounded with the sycophantic idiots who seemed to have taken over Georgiana’s house party. She was usually more intelligent about whom she included on her guest list.
Alexander finished dressing and made his way toward the breakfast room, where the quiet told him that he was unfashionably early.
He turned on his heel and strode into the library and went to stand before the terrace doors. The storms had passed and left the grass and leaves a pale orange and tan against the winter brown. Here and there a tree was down, and the lawn was scattered with broken branches and dead leaves, but other than that there was little damage. He rubbed his chin as he surveyed the mess, glad he hadn’t allowed himself to get too furious. In his youth, he hadn’t been able to control his temper. And when he’d been older and Callum had died … He closed his eyes against that memory. His youngest brother had been full of life and laughter. His smile could light any room, his temperament mercurial and swift. He’d been the center of the family until he’d been killed at the age of nineteen.
At the time they’d blamed the Kincaid family, and Alexander and the rest of his brothers had been set on vengeance. Fortunately, their sister, Fiona, had stepped in. Her solution had been to marry that wastrel Jack Kincaid to stop the erupting feud, but Alexander supposed it had worked out for the best. For all of his failings, Jack seemed to be a good husband and a devoted father. Of course, that could be because he knew if he ever stepped a foot out of line, Fiona’s four brothers would take it out of his hide. Surely the man knew better th—
“MacLean?”
He turned and found Caitlyn walking toward him. She was dressed in a cream-colored gown that had bows and gewgaws at the rather high neckline. But the bows accentuated her curves nonetheless.
She came to stand beside him, her hands clasped before her. “I’m glad to have found you alone. Have you been thinking of the tasks?”
He regarded her sourly,
irritated that she managed to look so damnably tempting. Worse, when other women’s eyes looked puffy or red in the morning, hers sparkled, her emotions plain within. It was a pity such beauty hid such a questionable character. “You’re excited about this.”
“More than you know. I love winning.”
The minx. “I thought of a task or two.”
“So have I.” Her eyes bright, her cheeks flushed, she leaned forward, gesturing earnestly. “I have your first task and it’s simple.”
“I’m to find a pig with a hair comb between its ears?”
“I’m saving that for later. There is a beehive along the drive to the house. Bring me a piece of it.”
“That’s it?”
She smiled smugly. “I should think that would be enough. It’s very high in the tree.”
This would be astonishingly easy. “Fine.” His gaze lingered on her golden hair, on the thick sweep of her ridiculously long lashes, on the rich chocolate of her eyes— He stirred restlessly, his jaw tightening. All of his life, Alexander had surrounded himself with beauty—in his castle, his fashionable town house in London, in the fine clothes he wore and the excellent horses he rode. He didn’t always find beauty where others found it, so there was rarely competition for what he wanted.
But now he wanted this particular beauty. He wanted Caitlyn’s lush, sensual beauty in his hands, against his naked body, in his bed. He wanted to taste her, to enjoy her, to own her. And he wanted her now, this very second.
Just seeing her standing by the tall terrace doors, the morning sun warming her skin, sent primal lust thundering through his veins. She had but to look at him from beneath her lashes and his cock sprang to attention as if she were a general and it a lowly soldier.
She looked at him now and smiled. “Have you thought of a task for me?”
He had, but his irritation made him shrug and turn away. “I don’t remember the myth well enough to—”