An Earl by Any Other Name(36)

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A cold breeze tickled her nose, waking Ivy from sleep.

"Leo," she murmured, searching for his warm body to cuddle against. Her body was sore, and a prick of pain between her legs forced her eyes open. When she reached out, her hands met an empty bed.

Leo was gone.

The fire was nearly embers and ash.

Had he left her? After what they'd shared, she thought he might not leave, at least not so soon. Tears burned in her eyes. His clothes were gone, but his gun was still resting against the wall by the door. Perhaps he'd gone to fetch firewood. Yes, that must be it. He wouldn't have abandoned her. She buried her face in her pillow, still able to smell his tantalizing scent where it clung to the fabric. If only she had more time with him, but she'd promised herself one day.

The door to the lodge suddenly creaked as it opened. Leo was back! She sat up, clutching the sheet to her neck, protecting only from the cold, not from modesty. After what they'd done, she really couldn't be that shy.

"I say … Leo, are you here? Had a devil of a time finding you." Owen Hadley's voice drifted through the cabin a second before his head popped around the edge of the door. Ivy couldn't move, like a hare frozen in front of a wolf. Owen's eyes scanned the room, fell on Ivy, and his lips parted in shock, then narrowed.

"Miss Leighton? Where's Hampton?" He took a step across the threshold, and then with a glance behind him, he shut the door, closing them both inside.

"He's gone to retrieve firewood." Please come back, Leo. Where are you …

"Well, now, this is most interesting … " He started toward her, his steps slow but sure.

Her skin prickled with fear. 

"Mr. Hadley, you must leave immediately. I'm not properly dressed."

Humor lit his eyes. "I can certainly see that. You know, the others are within shouting distance … If we were discovered together, like this, I'm quite sure your father would have to allow us to marry. Your reputation wouldn't survive the scandal." Owen reached the foot of the bed, watching her with heated eyes and an intensity that terrified her. How had she not seen his desperation earlier? She'd noticed his worn clothes and his determined interest in her, but she hadn't wanted to believe he would stoop so low as to try to compromise her.

"Please leave," she demanded this time.

"I'm sorry, love, but I'm quite determined to catch an heiress, and I'll do whatever is necessary." He walked quickly back to the cabin door and opened it, shouting her father's name.

Ivy's throat ran dry as panic tore through her like a violent wind. She scrambled around on the bed, trying to find her clothes, but they were littered upon the ground.

"Too late for that, love, far too late," Owen muttered as he walked toward her again. "Now be a dear, and let me have one quick kiss, just to give them a good show. We ought to make it convincing, you see." His words were uttered in a rush, as though he'd planned it out and had rehearsed this in his head.

"If you touch me, I'll kill you!" she warned in a low growl.

"I have no intention of harming you, but a kiss would make things so much more believable."

"I'll never marry you! My father wouldn't make me either!" She swung a hand at him, trying to strike him, but he caught her wrist.

"Christ, woman, it's one bloody kiss!"

His other hand shot out, grabbing her by the shoulders and dragging her up to her knees. He planted a kiss on her and she bit him. Hard.

Everything happened so fast after that. Someone bellowed like an enraged beast and Owen was ripped away from her. Leo was there, a vengeful god. He swung a fist and knocked Owen flat on the bed next to Ivy. He didn't stir. Ivy's body exploded with shivers, and she fought off the tears that rushed forth now that Leo was here.

Gripping her shoulders, he looked her over, as though inspecting her for injuries. "Are you well? He didn't … "

"No. I'm fine," she assured him.

As her heartbeat slowed, she became aware of people speaking outside the open door to the lodge. Leo lunged for the bed, shoving Owen off the other side. He landed with a thud out of sight of anyone who might come into the cabin. Then Leo wrapped the blanket around Ivy and hauled her into his arms, kissing her ruthlessly. She melted instantly, but seconds later, she stiffened as voices echoed inside the lodge.

"What in God's name?" someone shouted.

Leo broke the kiss.

Her father stood in the open doorway, backed by Mr. Atherton and Mr. Pevenly.

"Oh, Lord," Mr. Pevenly muttered as he and Mr. Atherton retreated outside.

Ivy's father didn't budge an inch. His rifle hung dangerously ready to be fired and Ivy wondered if she should slide her body in front of Leo's to protect him.