“Tell me that you can bear the thought of never speaking with me or kissing me again, and I will walk away and leave you with your vengeance.”
His throat convulsed, but he did not speak. Her pulse fluttered wildly when he dropped his forehead to hers and closed his eyes. He shifted, kissed her hair, and Constance smiled. He could not say it. She understood, for he was firmly rooted in her heart and the thought of not exploring the growing need between them was unbearable.
“I can see you are not ready to tell me of your sister. I hope one day I will have your trust and you will unburden to me, Lucan,” she whispered. He stiffened, but she continued. “I know Sebastian would never harm anyone. I—”
“No,” the raw force of Lucan’s denial halted her. He continued his voice icy. “I will not hear of Calydon’s innocence from you, when I know his guilt. It is time for you to leave, Constance.”
Lucan rose to his feet with fluid grace and held out his hand helping her to stand. He rang the bell and instantly the door opened and the butler entered.
“You will be escorted to the side entrance so you are not seen. Be careful not to speak with anyone,” he murmured, expression shuttered.
“Until I see you again, Lucan.” She walked away, refusing to look back. He could not deny his passion for her, and she would wait for him to come to her. Certainly not forever, but she would give him enough time to realize the feelings he had for her would not simply vanish.
“Constance.” Her name was just a whisper of sound but she heard it. She spun toward the door, and probed for Lucan in the soft shadows of the library.
“Marissa Alicia Wynwood.”
Marissa. Constance hesitated, unsure if she should thank him for trusting her with this much. She knew it was his sister’s name. But Constance did not know if she should feel glad that he shared a little more of himself, or fear that him revealing her name was part of some plan. Without speaking, she swept from the hall with hurried steps, very aware of the tender ache between her legs. Charlotte waited at the end of the hall looking a bit flushed and rumpled with Marcus Stone by her side, and Constance smiled in reassurance at Charlotte’s worried frown. The hope in Constance’s heart was heavy for she knew Lucan yearned for her with a similar intensity.
Now she only needed him to realize the love burgeoning between them was more worthy than vengeance.
Chapter Thirteen
The scandal that swept through town was the most exciting and satisfying society had ever heard, or at least it seemed that way to Constance. The Beautiful Bastard had been seen kissing the Lord of Sin, and at the club Decadence itself. It had been two days since the rumor, or better, the truth exploded. But a very strange truth for she knew no one could have possibly seen them enclosed in Lucan’s office. Everyone in society was curious, for the Duke of Mondvale had not responded to the rumors, and there was certainly no news of an engagement published.
She had been puzzled when Charlotte handed over the paper she had been reading, her face white. Constance had scanned it quickly and right underneath the arts section in The Spectator, was a tattle on her. She had almost fainted. She could easily imagine the glee the hypocrites of the haute monde had expressed, sitting over their breakfast and reading of her latest sinful escapade. Constance could hardly credit it that someone had seen them. She had been in a mask and a wig and all kisses had been in private.
She had ridden out with her mother the morning after Charlotte had shared the scandal sheet. Constance had then understood the depth of her foolishness and what complete ruination meant. Several ladies that normally waved to her mother had given them both the cut direct. She had then been forced to reveal to her mother what had been published for all of London to see. Lady Radcliffe had swayed. Her mother had demanded to read the damming article herself.
Mrs. X has it on the highest authority that The Beautiful Bastard, Lady Constance, was seen kissing the Lord of Sin, Duke of Mondvale, at his club, Decadence. Most alarming to be sure, but not so unexpected. Mrs. X confirms that the Duke Mondvale has been seen with Lady Constance at Covent Garden and Hyde Park and wondered if a courtship had been going on.
Her mother had gone white.
“Is this true, Connie?” had been the only question her mother had asked, and Constance’s silence had been telling.
Her mother had walked away and the disappointment in her posture had pierced Constance. She had waited in dread and hope for Lucan to make an appearance at their town house, but his absence was very revealing. He really had no intention of calling on her despite the fact they had been seen.
Had he really decided his vengeance was more important? Tears burned behind her lids. How she wished he’d confided in her. She had spent the past couple of nights restless, wondering what had happened between his sister and Sebastian. How had she been driven to her death? Whatever occurred had been tragic enough where Lucan had planned to compromise Constance deliberately to hurt her brother. Though now it seems Lucan may be granted his wish, whether he had changed his mind or not. For if before she had been accorded any civility by the haute monde it would all be gone now. She was soiled, a wanton harlot the mammas would be protecting their daughters and sons from.