“I retrieved it from a rather nefarious chap.”
“And he simply gave it to you?” she asked incredulously.
“He required a bit of persuasion that I was more than willing to deliver.” Kendal smirked.
And there it was, just like that, the edge of danger to this handsome, sensual man who was tearing her walls down, one brick at a time.
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll leave you now that I have this necklace to trade for help with a distillery?” She cocked a brow as she teased him.
“Not when you harbor such distaste for whisky.” He winked at her and attached the necklace to her throat. “And certainly not when you’re so obviously enamored with me.”
The weight of the diamonds was considerable and the back was cold against her skin. She turned in the mirror and set the gems sparkling.
“Oh, am I?” She met his eyes in the reflection.
He feigned innocence with a shrug. “You cannot seem to keep your hands off me.”
“It’s true. I cannot.” She looked over her shoulder to give him a coy look.
“Well, perhaps it is a good thing I’m of the same mind.” He touched the gems and let his fingers dip lower to caress the tops of her breasts where they were visible just over the edge of her bodice.
It would be so easy to lean against him and let him kiss her until she couldn’t think properly.
But that would come later.
Again and again and again.
Instead, she fingered the jewelry. “You do know diamonds are in poor taste for breakfast.” And they were. But it didn’t stop her from admiring the precious jewels.
He kissed her neck, just above the necklace, and chuckled in her ear. “You ladies and your rules.” He nuzzled her earlobe. “Then later, I should like to request that you wear this necklace.” His fingertip ran down her spine. “And nothing else.”
She shivered. “If you wish it to be so.”
“That almost sounded biddable, Lady Kendal.” He gently made her face him once more. “I thought you said you were stubborn.”
Lady Kendal.
How she loved the sound of her new name. It carried with it the ring of hope for love and true happiness. A life well-lived.
“I am.” She unclasped the necklace. “When it’s something I don’t want to do. But when it’s something I do want…”
“Shall we take breakfast, then?” he asked.
The idea of food made her mouth water. She slipped her diamond necklace back into her valise with the other jewelry, grateful to see it among her aunt’s jewelry once more. “That would be divine.”
He offered his arm to her and together they made their way downstairs to the inn’s dining area. But he didn’t take a seat with her once she was at the table.
“Order anything you like. I’ll be about seeing to a few things.”
“I don’t want to eat without you,” she protested.
“But you do wish to eat.” He lifted her hand and gave the back of it a delicate kiss. “As you said. And I knew you wouldn’t take breakfast without me.” He smiled at her frown. “If you are to be stubborn, I believe I shall have to be clever.”
“You’ve won this battle.” Her chin notched a little higher, her tone playful. “But do not expect to do so every time.”
“My dear, I would be disappointed if I did.” With a wink, he was gone.
The scent of rich tea and sizzling ham drifted into her awareness. It wasn’t until then she realized how absolutely ravenous that she was. By the time she was given the toast points and soft-boiled egg, she was nearly weak with hunger.
She had only just finished her breakfast and was considering ordering a second when the proprietor of the inn approached her with a slight bow. “Do forgive me, my lady, but there appears to be someone requesting your presence in the stables.”
Her heart nearly tripped over itself. She knew exactly who that someone was and why he wanted her in the stables. No doubt Kendal had something exciting planned for their union. Perhaps they would ride horses to a kirk on the outskirts of Glasgow to be married by a priest. Maybe even one who had helped him smuggle whisky in the past.
If there was anyone who knew a whisky running priest, it would certainly be Kendal. And what a thrilling start to their marriage.
She thanked the innkeeper and pushed up from the table. Her pulse raced with anticipation as she left the inn, following the man’s instructions back toward the stables, and pulled open the door. The shadowed interior smelled of a mix of horses and sweet hay. Nervousness edged into her excitement.
Something wasn’t right.
“Kendal?” She asked.
A noise sounded behind her, near the door she’d entered. She spun around, her eyes now adjusted to the light, and gasped.
An older man, with thin lips and a brutish nose that sat crooked on his face, leered at her. She knew him immediately and it made her blood go ice cold.
Mr. Mongerton stepped closer to her and held out his hand. “Lady Sophia. I believe I am owed a debt.” He grinned, revealing his startlingly perfect teeth. “And I’m here to collect my payment.”
Putting all the affairs in order had taken slightly longer than Kendal had anticipated. Finally, a priest had been secured, and he had two reliable men who would stand witness to his union with Sophia.
Yes, this was Scotland, and they could well be pronounced man and wife by simply announcing they were wed in a public setting. But that wasn’t enough. If he came all this way to save Sophia, he would ensure their union was handled properly.
The very thought of her brought a fresh smile to his lips. He’d been grinning like a bloody idiot since he’d woken up with her in his arms and through all their time together since.
And all the couplings. His blood heated with a desire that had been insatiable, as though making up for the years he’d put his lust aside. Difficult though it may have been, he was glad he had waited for Sophia, so that they might share the specialness of it together.
While the physical connection was indeed satisfying, so too was the wondrous sensation inside his chest, which seemed to make him feel as though he was glowing.
He’d never been so happy.
Hell, he never thought of himself as even being capable of happiness.
Not like this. Not with Sophia.
Being with her banished all his reservations and fears about marriage. There was a light inside her that promised never to dim and a loyalty that could never be tarnished.
It made him feel almost foolish for having waited so long to allow himself the luxury of believing in her, especially when Lady Bursbury had been whispering it in his ear for several years now.
But there was an inexplicable beauty that came with the maturity Sophia had demonstrated in standing up for her own future. When he’d met her previously, she’d just been a debutante like all the rest. Now, she was a woman with a backbone and opinions she didn’t allow to be shoved aside.
His thoughts pulled his mouth up into a grin.
What a lady.
He strode past the main dining area of the inn, noting she was no longer at breakfast. Not that he expected she would still be there. After all, some time had passed since he’d left her.
Excitement quickened his steps as he jogged up the stairs, eager to see her, to hold her. He opened the door and drew to a stop.