Smitten with My Christmas Minx: Linked Across Time Book 15 Read online

  Adeline opened her mouth and closed it several times. Had he just propositioned her? Her cheeks heated and she must be as red as the ribbons decorating the boughs of holly. “Um…” She couldn’t find words. Her brain had gone completely blank. “Lord…”

  “Devon,” he said. “Please call me Devon. I do believe we will be too intimate for formalities.”

  He was a rogue… She’d bet her entire inheritance on that. He would take advantage of her and use her in the worst way if she allowed it. Was it bad that his suggestion tempted her? “I’m Addie,” she said. “And I’m all right with using your given name, but that’s as intimate as we’ll ever be.”

  “We’ll see.” He winked. “Pretty Addie, my sweet, we’ll see.” He turned on his heels and walked away from her. She blinked several times, thinking she must have imagined the entire encounter. Devon was wicked, and too gorgeous for his own good, and she had a feeling he was right. He’d worm his way into her heart and break it before he was done; however, she had never been excited at losing a piece of herself before. Adeline wanted him, even if it was a mere moment in time, and nothing more. Just once she wanted to feel as if she could be loved, and this might be all the wish she’d thrown out a couple nights garnered her. She would not waste it…

  Chapter 2

  Devon whistled as he strolled toward the gaming room. He’d agreed to meet Merrifield there to play billiards after they settled in. The manor was larger than Devon expected it to be, and he had taken a wrong turn. He was glad he had though, or he’d never have discovered the lovely maid hanging decorations in the library. She was a golden beauty that made his blood stir. Perhaps this house party wouldn’t be so bad. He could lure Addie to his bed and it would go a long way toward alleviating his boredom.

  She had blushed when he flirted with her. He found that refreshing. That meant she didn’t give her favors lightly and also made her more appealing to him. Devon had no problem seducing her into being with him. She was a gift he never expected to find, but would appreciate all the same.

  He turned a corner and located the gaming room. Devon pushed open the door and entered the room. Merrifield was on the far side of the room in a deep conversation with an older man. He had golden blond hair tied back with a leather band and startling blue eyes. Something about him seemed familiar, but he couldn’t discern what it could be. Devon headed toward them and stopped when they both turned to meet his gaze.

  “Ah, Winchester,” Merrifield said. Relief was etched through his voice. “I’d like you to meet the Duke of Whitewood.” Ah…the guardian. “Your Grace this is my closest friend, the Earl of Winchester.”

  The duke nodded at him. “I trust you’ve settled in all right.”

  More than all right… Devon tilted his lips upward as he remembered his encounter with Addie. If he could chase her up the stairs and make love to her in the linen closet, he would have. She hadn’t been ready for that type of aggressive behavior. Perhaps after he’d had her a couple of times, he could swoop her up and carry her to a nearby secluded area to ravish her. She’d probably be ready and willing for that type of play then. He forced himself to stop envisioning her naked and opening her arms to accept him and met the duke’s gaze. “I have your grace,” he told him. “Your home is quite…” He searched for the right word. “…impressive.”

  The duke chuckled lightly. “This manor is my wife’s project. She wanted something grand and I find I’m unable to refuse her anything.” He slapped Devon’s shoulder lightly. “I’m glad you find it impressive. I’ll have to tell her you used that word specifically. I do believe it might amuse her.”

  What was he supposed to say to that? He hadn’t met the duchess yet, and he prayed his description of her home didn’t offend her. While he couldn’t wait to find Addie again, he couldn’t very well do that if he had to leave because he insulted the duchesses home. “It appears she’s gone all out for the holidays. The bows of holly I see in every nook and cranny are a nice touch.” That was lame, but he had nothing else to add. “I got turned around and stumbled into the library earlier. That’s quite a collection of books you have.”

  The duke laughed. “That’s my daughter’s hideout. You probably saw her when you wandered in.”

  He’d remember if he had met an insufferable duke’s daughter. If that was where she liked to spend her time, Devon was grateful he’d missed her. “I’m afraid I didn’t. There were some maids decorating, nothing more.”

  He nodded. “She probably finished and went up to prepare for dinner.” The duke grinned. “There’s plenty of time to make everyone’s acquaintance later. I’ll leave you alone for now. Play some billiards before it’s time to dress for dinner.” He walked away from them but stopped at the door and turned back. “And Merrifield think about what we discussed. I’d like an answer from you before you depart at the end of the fortnight.” After those parting words, the duke left the game room.

  “What did he say to you?” Merrifield had been rather quiet through Devon’s conversation with the duke. “You don’t seem thrilled about it.”

  “I’d rather not discuss it.” His friend’s face was awash with resentment. “It’s absurd.”

  “Is that so?” He lifted a brow, mocking him. “But you had such high expectations on how well this visit would go.” Sarcasm practically dripped from each word as he spoke. “How much worse could it possibly be?”

  “Don’t…” Merrifield held up his hand. “It’s bad. Trust me.”

  “Always,” he said reflexively. “There’s no one else that I do.” He slapped his shoulder lightly. “So why don’t you do the same and explain what is so bloody bad.”

  “He suggested I court his daughter,” he admitted. Merrifield narrowed his eyes. “He must be desperate to unload her on someone.”

  “The plain girl you were telling me about on the way here?” Devon shook his head in disbelief. “And if you don’t?”

  “Nothing,” he said, then shrugged. “It was a suggestion. But you know he holds all the power. If I say no he could make my life even more miserable than he already does. I don’t want to marry his precious daughter, so it’s a hell no, and no thank you several times over.” He kicked the table. “I need a drink.”

  “Do you think that’s wise?” Devon wouldn’t mind a few glasses of brandy, but he didn’t want to encourage his friend down the path to bad behavior. At least not on the first day. “Maybe we should wait until after dinner.”

  He’d rather search for Addie, but if his friend needed him, Devon would be by his side the entire time. Merrifield ran his fingers across the side of the billiard table. “You’re right, of course. I need not give him any more reasons to be difficult.” He met Devon’s gaze. “How about you? Do you want to tell me what put that smile on your face that nearly lit up the room when you entered.”

  Devon grinned. “I met the prettiest little maid and I intend to make her mine. So if you don’t need me after dinner, I’ll be otherwise occupied.”

  Merrifield laughed. “Of course you found a willing woman already. Leave it too you…” He shook his head. “I’ll be fine. You are free to find your pleasure with the maid. If you’ll excuse me I don’t much feel like billiards.”

  “Will you be at dinner?”

  He shrugged. “I haven’t decided.”

  Devon wished he could make this easier on his friend somehow. He didn’t stop Merrifield as he left the game room. If he needed some time alone, Devon wouldn’t deny him it. Later he’d find him and ensure he was all right, but probably not until after he found Addie…

  Adeline had taken her mother’s advice and took a long bath. Though it had ended up much longer than she had expected. She’d fallen asleep in the tub and woke up to tepid water and wrinkled skin. In short, she was a mess, and she’d slept right through the evening meal.

  She had pulled herself out of the tub and instead of dressing in her gown, put on her nightrail. There was no reason to bother going downstairs and interrupting th
e ladies in the drawing room. Besides, she didn’t want to explain to her mother why she had skipped dinner. Later, she’d sneak down to the kitchen and get something to eat. No one would be around to interrogate her, and she could go to the library to eat and enjoy her meal. It sounded like a good plan to her.

  So now, hours later, her stomach rumbled to remind her she hadn’t eaten anything. She’d been caught up in her latest novel and lost track of time. At least everyone would be retired for the evening. Still, she couldn’t walk down the stairs in only her nightrail. Adeline stood up and retrieved a robe that covered her entirely. It was dark red velvet and tied in the middle with a silk ribbon. After she had it secured, she slid her feet into her slippers and headed downstairs. In the kitchen she would locate a candelabra and light some candles. She’d carry it with her to the library to help her find her way in the dark.

  She took the servants’ stairs to the kitchen and went to the larder. She was in luck… There was cold ham, cheese, and bread. She sliced some and put them on a plate, then took them to the library. Once she was there, she lit a fire in the hearth and poured some brandy into a glass. Her parents didn’t mind if she drank liquor that was normally considered a man’s drink. Neither one of them believed in confining her to society’s rules. They wanted her to make decisions for herself.

  Addie set the candelabra on the table next to the settee. She sat on the settee and sipped her brandy. It burned as it traveled down her throat. Addie grabbed her plate and set it next to her, then opened her book to the page she’d marked. She kept her brandy in her left hand as she alternated flipping pages and snacking on her late night meal.

  Candlelight flickered over her book, and she nibbled on a piece of cheese. She was engrossed in the story and didn’t even stop to consider someone might disturb her. Everyone was asleep. Heat spread through her and she pushed her robe off. No one would notice…

  “Well, well,” a man said. “I didn’t expect to find you in her. What a lovely surprise.”

  Addie gasped and almost dropped her glass of brandy. It was almost empty, at least. “Devon…” She wished he’d told her his full name. It didn’t seem right to address him intimately.

  “Addie…” When he spoke her name it sounded almost decadent. He seemed to savor it and enjoy enunciating every syllable. It sent shivers down her spine and tingling at her core.

  “What are you doing here?”

  He sauntered into the room. “I could ask you the same thing.” He plucked her glass from her hand and drank the remaining brandy. He swallowed and then said huskily. “A woman with taste. Is there more where this came from?”

  She nodded and gestured toward the decanter to her left. She hadn’t intended to have more than one glass, but had left it out on a nearby table in case she changed her mind. “Help yourself.”

  “You’re generous with the duke’s brandy.” He chuckled lightly. “Does he know you sneak down here late at night and imbibe at your pleasure?”

  She shrugged. “I couldn’t say.” Her father didn’t keep tabs on her. He allowed her as much freedom as she liked. “I doubt he considers what I do with the brandy worth his notice.” At least he hadn’t in the past. He might have words with her for spending an evening nearly undressed in a gentleman’s company, though. She should excuse herself immediately.

  “You don’t care if he discovers you like this.”

  She swallowed hard. “Well,” she began. “I’m sure he’d have some unpleasant words if he discovered me at this particular moment.” She tilted her chin upward. “But, in general, no. He doesn’t own me and I make my own choices.”

  He chuckled lightly. She had to leave before she did something foolish. Adeline stood, and Devon took advantage of her new position. He pulled her into his arms and leaned down. “You’re lovely.”

  Her heart beat faster and faster. His arms felt good wrapped around her, and she enjoyed being near him far more than she should. “You should let me go.”

  “Do you really want me to?” He lifted a brow. “If you truly do, I’ll do it, but I think you want me to hold you.”

  Adeline nearly groaned. How could he read her so easily? “It doesn’t matter what I want. It’s what is proper, and this isn’t.” She boldly met his gaze. “And it’s past time I retired for the evening.”

  “All right, have it your way, but before you do, there’s something I have to do.” He had a mischievous glint in his eyes that unsettled her.

  Adeline was almost afraid to ask, “What?”

  “This,” he said cryptically, and then leaned down to press his lips to hers. Pleasure shot through her and she had to resist the urge to deepen the kiss. He made her feel…so much. He lifted his head and met her gaze. His lips tilted upward into a sinful smile. “I couldn’t let that mistletoe go to waste.” He let her go and stepped back. “Have pleasant dreams, Addie.” With those words, he left her alone.

  Adeline couldn’t discern what game he was playing. What did he hope to gain by this flirtation? Was he trying to seduce her? Did he even know who she was? He had to. She’d told him her first name, and no one else attending had a name similar to hers. She shook her head and grabbed her robe. She’d leave her dishes for a servant to take care of in the morning. Addie couldn’t stay a moment longer in the library. After she blew out the candles she rushed out of the room and went back to her bedchamber.

  He wished her pleasant dreams. They were not pleasant; they were filled with wants, desires, and pleasure she didn’t realize she needed. Devon had awakened something in her, and it wouldn’t be suppressed any longer. God help her…

  Chapter 3

  Devon strolled through the halls of the Whitewood estate, hoping to run into his minx. The maid had more daring and boldness in her than he could have ever imagined. He couldn’t believe his luck when he’d found her in the library the night before drinking brandy and snacking on pilfered food from the kitchen. Did the duke really allow his servants to act so brazenly? It was hard to believe he did. Especially the way Merrifield spoke of him. Addie seemed to think she wouldn’t be reprimanded, and he wouldn’t inquire about her actions with the duke to find out. He didn’t want to cause her any problems if she happened to be wrong about the duke.

  He turned the corner and almost ran into the duke. Did he conjure him by thinking about him? “Your Grace,” Devon greeted him.

  “Winchester,” the duke nodded. “Are you lost again?”

  Devon chuckled. “I may be. How did you know?” He couldn’t very well admit he was searching for his pretty little maid.

  “You have that look about you as if you are trying to find something but nothing seemed familiar. Where are you heading?”

  “I’m wandering more or less,” he admitted. “I was searching for Merrifield, but he seems to have found a nice little hidey hole.”

  The duke frowned and didn’t say anything right away. After a moment he met Devon’s gaze and said, “I’m concerned about him. He seems a little lost in the real sense. He has no direction or idea what he wants to do with his life. Being a peer isn’t only about wealth and privilege. He needs a purpose or he’ll be truly lost one day.”

  Devon didn’t think Merrifield’s problems ran that deep. He was young still, and he had time to figure it out. “He’ll be all right. I wouldn’t worry too much.” Was this why he suggested Merrifield marry his daughter? Did he think that would give him this so-called purpose? “He won’t disappoint you.” Devon had every faith in that.

  “I hope so.” He grinned. “In the meantime, may I suggest you consider the conservatory to wander over to. It has some of the lushest plants, and my wife has somehow managed to grow oranges in there.”

  He doubted that his little minx had gone into the conservatory, but for lack of anything else to do he would take the duke’s suggestion. “That is quite the feat.” Devon tilted his lips upward into a congenial smile. “Your wife must be quite the talented gardener.”

  “She has many talents,” the du
ke said and grinned. There was almost a wicked gleam in his eye. In that moment Devon could see why Merrifield called him a pirate.

  “What do you know about pirates?” Devon asked before he could stop himself.

  The duke jerked back, startled by the question. “Why do you ask?”

  “It’s something Merrifield said. He suddenly developed an interest in them on our journey here. Made me curious about what it takes to be a pirate and if it is as romantic as some books make it out to be.”

  The duke frowned and shook his head. “There’s nothing romantic about piracy. It is a dirty, bloody business. Not for the weak of heart, or for someone unwilling to do what it takes to survive. That isn’t you, and it definitely isn’t Merrifield.” He slapped him on the shoulder. “Do me a favor and stick to what you know and leave the piracy to those too cold-hearted and desperate to do anything else.”

  Devon frowned. “You almost sound as if you speak from experience.”

  “What if I am?” He lifted a brow. “Would you think differently of me if you knew I was a former pirate captain?”

  He couldn’t be serious… Was he? Why would a duke ever resort to piracy? Most pirates existed a hundred years earlier, not in the nineteenth century. Devon couldn’t think of one known pirate alive. That didn’t mean they didn’t exist; it was just not a widely practiced activity. “I am not familiar enough with you to have an opinion one way or the other, and even if I was, it’s not my place to judge your life choices.” He really didn’t want to insult his host. As much as he hadn’t wanted to come to the house party, he didn’t want to leave early even more. Merrifield would be quite angry with him.

  “Well said,” the duke replied. “And a refreshing outlook. If only some gossipmongers of the ton practiced the same restraint. Everyone’s life would be so much easier.”

  He glanced away and looked down the hall. Almost as if he was expecting someone or something to reveal itself. The duke was…odd. He didn’t understand why he was telling him all this, but it would be rude to walk away now. He had to stay and finish listening. “Some rumors can shred a person down to their core, that’s true.” He’d heard enough about himself to give him pause.