The Earl's Enigma
Lords of the Realm 2

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Lords of the Realm

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Excerpt

“I saw Franklin Gates,” her mother said. She gave Mary Ann a questioning look.

“We spoke with him while getting refreshments,” Mary Ann answered, while pretending to study the crowd.

“And?”

Annoyed, Mary Ann turned to face her mother. “And what? We talked briefly, or he and Philip talked. He said very little to me.”

“How long will you persist in waiting for him?”

Shocked, Mary Ann blinked at her mother. “You knew?”

“I’m not blind or dumb, dear, and I know my daughters.” She smiled. “At least most of the time. Although, you and Helena led your father and I on a merry chase a few years ago.”

Thinking about all the trouble she and Helena had gotten into during her twin sister’s courtship with the duke, Mary Ann chuckled. That was the last time she remembered being happy. Of course, Franklin had been around more during those days.

“May I have this dance?”

Did her thought conjure him up? Mary Ann swung around. Franklin stood in front of her. Slightly dazed, she lifted her flushed face, and her eyes met his dark, hot gaze. “Yes.” The word barely slipped out from between her dry lips.

He offered his arm, and she placed her gloved hand on it. Underneath his coat sleeve his hard muscle flexed.

On the dance floor his arm went around her waist, and he moved them gracefully into the waltz. She took a deep breath. His spicy cologne, mingled with his own personal male scent, enveloped her.

“How have you been, Lady Mary Ann?” His sensuous voice curled around her heart.

She swallowed and glanced up at him. “Fine, thank you. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been wounded.”

“As I said earlier, it’s nothing.”

His curt reply reveled nothing of himself. Mary Ann refused to let him continue his close-mouthed behavior. “You are going home to your estate?”

“It is time. I’m sure there’s much work to be done. I’ll probably return to London after a few months. Nicholas has been asking me to assist him here, at the home front, for several years.”

Mary Ann wanted to say something more instead of this overly polite conversation, but his cool reception stopped her. Why had he asked her to dance? He hadn’t smiled once. Her foot slipped on a wet spot on the floor and Franklin tightened his arm around her and drew her closer.

“Thank you,” her words were shaky even to her ears.

Franklin’s expression became more rigid, if possible, and he danced her around several couples to a set of French windows.

Before Mary Ann realized his intent, he’d moved her through the doors and outside into the cool darkness.

“Damn you,” he muttered, as he grasped her chin and his mouth covered hers.

Mary Ann came up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck. She opened her mouth and his tongue slid inside, tasting her and sending shudders of desire down her body.

His hand ran roughly along her back molding her closer to him. The fullness of his arousal lay against her stomach. Need and want drowned her thoughts.

When he wrenched himself away and stepped further into the dark night, she staggered. “That’s what comes of being away from civilization too long.” His voice came out ragged and breathless.

She reached her hand out to him. “Franklin.”

“Don’t.” He took a deep breath. She watched as he struggled to regain control. “Forgive me, Lady Mary Ann. I have no excuse for my behavior.” He put out his arm. “May I escort you back to your mother? I believe the music has stopped.”

“No, Franklin. We must talk.”

“There is nothing to talk about.”

She studied his closed expression. “As you wish.” She placed her hand on his arm and let him lead her to where her mother stood. No one had seemed to notice them come inside.

“Thank you for the dance, Lady Mary Ann.” His cold voice washed over her but didn’t cool her volatile emotions.

Mary Ann didn’t look at him. She nodded and glanced off in another direction. Anger and humiliation at how loosely she’d acted had replaced any feelings of desire. She’d thought briefly, for a second, that he cared. The man had no feelings for anyone. Why kiss her? He must think poorly of her. He hadn’t approved of her previous behaviors, but she didn’t plan to change. She’d show him just how outrageous she could be. Then, when she’d tempted him until he desired her with every nerve in his body, she’d laugh and leave him standing alone.

* * * *

He hadn’t meant to ask her to dance, but then he’d decided not asking might be awkward. She was Nicholas’ sister-in-law and he’d have to see her at social events. He’d planned one dance, both acting very politely. She’d understand he wasn’t interested, and he’d close that door.

What a fool he’d been. When she’d slipped and he’d pulled her lush body against his, he’d lost all control. Carnal hunger for her had haunted him since Nicholas’ wedding. Her scent, fresh in his mind, rushed over him. He couldn’t stop himself until he had tasted those lips and ran his hands over her body. Her warm reception had only increased the yearning already drowning him.

The silence when the music stopped had finally caught his attention, and with great effort he’d put space between them. The season was almost over and he looked forward to heading for his estate and putting miles between himself and Mary Ann.

As he had told Nicholas, he had no intention of marrying such a woman. She reminded him too much of the desire he’d felt for Olivia so many years ago. That she resembled Olivia in looks and personality made it worse. Never would he tie himself to such a woman. At this point in his life he wanted peace and to be master in his own household. Mary Ann Steeples did not fit into his plans, not at all.