Scheming with My Duke (Linked Across Time, #9) Read online

  Who was he kidding? Even on the days she didn’t appear before him she wasn’t far away from him. She invaded his thoughts on a daily basis. Truth be told, he didn’t really want her gone. If she ever left, he’d hunt the world for her even if that took him to a time that scared him to death. The stories he heard about the twenty-first century were mind boggling. He couldn’t imagine the idea of automobiles, planes, or electricity. Although he rather liked the idea of lights instead of candles...

  He stared down at the empty glass in his hand and contemplated refilling it. If he had to deal with Serenity, he’d require the fortification. Without giving it a second thought, he grabbed the decanter of brandy and filled his glass again. He turned toward Serenity and sipped the amber liquid.

  “Your investigative skills are simply amazing,” he drawled. “Perhaps I should hire you as one of England’s spymasters.”

  “You couldn’t afford me,” she deadpanned. “Though I admit you’d be a fool to let me go. I may not be able to blend into any surrounding, but I could uncover information better than anyone you could recruit.” She waved a hand dismissively. “Too bad I already have a job, and you won’t be the beneficiary of my special skills.”

  Brandon swallowed another large gulp of brandy. Her statement held an ounce of truth; after all, her gift made her a walking, talking lie detector. She’d be a gem to have in an interrogation room. He wasn’t about to admit that to her though. Serenity had enough self confidence to level a room if she chose to. She didn’t need him to reinforce her belief in herself.

  “Perhaps I have something of more value to entice you with,” he replied.

  Serenity licked her lips. With one swipe of her tongue he instantly hardened. She seemed to play games with him as often one would draw a breath. He was convinced she was aware of exactly how she affected him. He hadn’t quite figured out what her end goal was though. She might be able to read him, but he couldn’t claim the same concerning her.

  “I might be willing to listen to your offer.” Serenity stepped closer and lifted the glass from his hand, taking a sip. “Nice,” she said giving it back to him. “Perhaps I’ll pour myself a glass since you didn’t offer.”

  She sashayed past him allowing her skirts to brush his leg. He clenched the glass tightly in his hand and prayed for patience. As much as he wanted to, he was not going to lift her and have his way with her on his desk. Although, the more he let himself imagine it, the better it sounded. Why wasn’t it a good idea? For the life of him, he couldn’t think of a single reason why he should abstain.

  Serenity brushed past him with her own glass of brandy in hand. Any other lady of his acquaintance would be scandalized at her freely drinking strong spirits. Brandy was a man’s drink. A lady could have sherry or wine, but anything else was out of the question.

  “Now, where were we?” she said. “Oh, yes.” Serenity snapped her fingers. “An offer I can’t refuse.”

  Hell. What had he managed to entangle himself in this time? He’d have to find something to give her or she’d bury him with his good intentions. When he’d made that statement, he’d been well in the throes of growing lust. He almost snorted at that imagery. His desire for her was always there. The only thing growing was his cock. One glance from her and he was ready and willing.

  “There is no offer,” he replied. “I’m going away for a few days. Something has been brought to my attention, and I have to investigate.”

  “Oh?” She raised a brow. “Has Napoleon escaped St. Helena?”

  Brandon froze and asked as evenly as possible. “What do you know?” Could that evil bastard have actually escaped? Why hadn’t she said so? He could have prevented it... With her knowledge, she could stop a great many things. He couldn’t fathom why she didn’t.

  “About Napoleon? A lot actually—even the date of his death. Maybe one day I’ll tell you.” Serenity laughed. “It doesn’t take much to get a rise out of you. One mention of the former emperor, and I have your full attention. I should do so more often and maybe I’d keep you focused on me.”

  He wanted to shake her. Napoleon wasn’t anything to joke about. Didn’t she realize the havoc that man had brought? He alone was capable of erupting chaos on the world. His maniacal plans could destroy lives. “You don’t need to mention Napoleon to accomplish that goal.” He gritted his teeth. She’d been toying with him as usual. Nothing was happening with Napoleon—though he would perhaps find a way to make her spill the date of his death. That information might ease his concern a bit.

  “Ah,” she said. “He finally admits it.”

  Damn. What had she pushed him to? “It’s hardly news,” Brandon said dryly. “You act as if the world revolves around you. Far be it from me to deny you that reality.”

  A soft chuckle filled the room. “I’ll let that pass.” A grin filled her face. “You’re deflecting. It’s what you do best after all. I won’t remind you that you can’t hide from me.”

  “I believe you just did.”

  How could he forget for even a moment that she could see past every layer he’d carefully crafted? He wanted to, but she constantly ripped away the veneer he’d tried to hold on to. It was aggravating in ways he couldn’t fully describe.

  “You’re right,” she said. “I apologize for my lack of discretion. I’m afraid I was never very good at pretending.” She drained the contents of her glass and set it on his desk.

  Why did she have to be so lovely? If she was hideous perhaps he could dismiss her easily. No, even if she was scarred and plump, something about her would draw him in. She was irresistible. Brandon scrubbed his hands over his face and sighed. “I don’t have time for this.” He drained the contents of his glass and set it on his desk. “I’m going to tell my valet to pack my trunk. I have to travel to Manchester to investigate the ruckus growing in the area.”

  Serenity reached out, placing her hand on his chest. “What’s in Manchester?”

  Something in her face stopped him short. All color had drained from her face, and it was almost devoid of emotion. “What is it?” he asked.

  She didn’t have precognitive skills. That was her sister’s gift. Something he’d said sparked an idea or a memory in her. He had to find out what she knew. It might be useful to his investigation. She didn’t enlighten him though and only stared up at him expectantly. Apparently, she was capable of staying quiet if she had a reason to.

  “There is a movement for voting rights being extended to the working men,” he said reluctantly. “A couple men have stirred them up, and there are rumors they’re going to gather together in one place.”

  “Henry Hunt and William Cobbett,” she said.

  “Yes,” he said surprised. He shouldn’t have been though. “What do you know about them?”

  She shook her head. “You can’t go.”

  Like hell he couldn’t. It was his job to investigate any matters that might affect the government. This thing had the possibility of evolving into a large-scale problem. The two men had the working class riled. Even some women were joining the cause and demanding the right to vote. As if that would happen...

  “Maybe if you explained why I might be willing to heed your advice,” he said encouragingly. He had no intention of staying behind. “Are you going to share your information with me?”

  “I can’t,” she said. “What happens has to happen. It’s part of history.”

  That didn’t sound good... “What’s the point of time traveling if you can’t change things every now and then?”

  Serenity laughed, but it wasn’t a good one. It sounded hollow. “You must realize how ridiculous that sounds. I’m not here because I have some lofty goals of changing history. I don’t have a horse in this particular race.”

  He frowned. What were her goals then? Other than being Sebastian’s governess, he’d not bothered to ask her what she wanted. He’d been to afraid to ask, and he wasn’t sure he was brave enough to do so yet. “Well,” he replied. “Then I see no reason to re
main at Branterberry.” With those words, he spun on his heels and headed toward the exit.

  “Wait,” she called out.

  Brandon stopped and glanced over his shoulder. “Are you prepared to give me what I want?” Perhaps not the best choice of words, but he rather liked how they had come out. She could take them however way she wished. In the end, he would be the one making the calls. Serenity needed a firm hand, and if she planned on remaining in his time, she would have to start making some concessions. Ladies did not rule anything. Maybe if he told himself that often enough he’d believe it too.

  She licked her lips and smiled wantonly. “Indeed.”

  That one word sparked a fire in his belly and traveled south. His cock hardened even further to the point of pain. The trip to Manchester might be exactly what he needed. If he was smart, he’d leave her in the study and not look back. If he stayed, he might not leave the room for several hours. The dutiful side of him urged him to move forward, but the roguish side of him demanded he take what she clearly offered. He turned around and stepped toward her. It was automatic and he hadn’t fully realized what he’d done until he stood before her.

  “I’m glad you’re staying,” she said.

  “I never agreed to anything of the kind,” he replied. “I’m waiting for you to deliver on your promise.”

  Serenity closed the distance between them. She brought her hands upward and she caressed his chest. He sucked in a breath and steeled himself for the onslaught of torture. This was a familiar dance. She pushed, he returned the favor, and then he left unsatisfied. He wanted to kiss her but never allowed himself the pleasure. A kiss would be an agreement of sorts, and he wasn’t prepared to enter that particular contract yet.

  She had other ideas though. Serenity wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned up to place her lips on his. They were soft and warm. Brandon hadn’t been prepared for her to take the initiative. Now that she had, he was lost and there was no way of returning. He pulled her into his embrace and took over the kiss. Immediately, he became enraptured in the pleasure of all that was Serenity.

  He pushed her lips open with his tongue and tasted her the way he’d been dreaming of. It was a mixture of cinnamon and brandy. Hot and enticing all at once and more decadent than the most succulent desserts. How had he resisted her this long? He could have been kissing her every day for months. The more he tasted, he realized one important thing: he was a bloody fool...

  CHAPTER THREE

  His kiss seared through her. Serenity had never doubted it would, but the reality was entirely different than her imagination. When she’d initiated this, she hadn’t imagined she’d be so swept away. Now she couldn’t stop the onslaught of passion even if she wanted to. It served a dual purpose anyway. As long as he was in his study at Branterberry kissing her, he couldn’t be on the road traveling toward Manchester.

  The duke pulled back and stared down at her. His breathing was ragged and his expression appeared contemplative. Why had he stopped? If she’d been in his place, she wouldn’t have had the strength to do so. She had to shake off the fuzziness filling her brain and concentrate on him. Something wasn’t right, and she wouldn’t be able to determine what until she read his aura. That kiss had been consuming for both of them.

  Serenity blinked several times and pulled herself together. Branterberry swirled with every possible emotion. His aura was a veritable rainbow of color and uncertainty. That was the only time someone didn’t glow a specific color. They had yet to make a decision on what to do. Her duke was confused as hell. Perhaps she should help him topple over in the direction she wished him to go.

  “Stay with me,” she said coaxingly.

  He shook his head and stepped back. “I can’t,” he said hoarsely. “It’s my duty...”

  “The hell with duty,” Serenity snapped. “There are more important things than solving the country’s problems.”

  He laughed derisively. “Like tupping you on my desk?”

  She wouldn’t have put it that way exactly. Serenity lifted her chin defiantly. “Sex is a celebration of life. Tell me something, Your Grace,” she goaded him. “When did you give up on your own happiness? Did you ever know that feeling?” He’d been willing to marry her sister without the benefit of love. What else would he do to avoid feeling something more than duty for a person?

  There was so much about him she didn’t know or understand. She wanted to though. If he’d allow her inside his head for a little while, maybe she could figure him out. Every day he was swirled with secrecy and lies. He held everything inside of him and didn’t allow anyone past that barrier he built. Whether it was to protect himself or another, she wasn’t sure. Either way, he had to let someone in or he’d destroy himself from the inside out. Beneath that exterior was an edge of grief that held him back from truly living. Perhaps it was his wife’s death, or maybe it was something else entirely. One way or the other, she’d uncover the information and free his soul from the endless torment.

  “Careful,” he warned. “You’re treading on ground you have no business being on.”

  Too bad. Nothing was going to stop her from backing down now. His life depended on her ability to break through to him. “Why don’t you let anyone in? What are you afraid of?”

  “I’m afraid of nothing,” he seethed out. “Least of all a woman who thinks she knows everything. All your declarations of seeing me—you see nothing.”

  On that score, he was right. She could tell when he was lying or holding back, but the real truth wouldn’t or couldn’t be known to her unless he chose to share it. He could keep his secrets from her forever if he wanted to. She hoped he wouldn’t though.

  “Enlighten me then,” she shot back. “What exactly is it I’m not seeing? Maybe if I understood...”

  “As if I’d ever tell you anything,” he interrupted her. “I’ve had enough of this conversation. Go back to your time, Serenity. I don’t need you here.”

  He spun on his heels and left the room. Her heart ached in ways she never imagined it could. His words were cruel, but deep down he didn’t mean them. Something in their kiss had scared him into acting rashly. What had happened with his wife? How had she died? Maybe she should have asked those questions sooner. It might help her to figure out what was going on inside of his head. Either way, she had to stop him from leaving the castle. If he went to Manchester he could end up one of the unfortunate victims at St. Peter’s field in a week.

  How was she going to stop him without letting him know the results of the assembly that would gather there? Peterloo, as it was dubbed, was a massacre that spurred one of the defining moments of this point in history. It had to happen in order for England to move forward. As much as she hated the idea of people dying, there were certain things in history that needed to remain on the path it had already traversed. Those people’s deaths meant something more for everyone. It was a sad truth, but she refused to let her duke be one of them. There was no way of knowing if he’d been there before or the role he’d played. Maybe she should let him go, but do what she could to keep him safe.

  She laughed... He’d hate that part. The duke was a brawny man who believed himself invincible. The idea of a woman being his savior would unnerve him. There was no way around it though. He was determined to go, so she’d make sure she was with him every step of the way. While she was at it, she’d find a way to dig around inside his head and figure him out. Times like these, she wished she had Genevieve’s gift of telepathy. Maybe then she’d get a read on his thoughts at least...

  Serenity sighed and headed to her chambers. Sconces of the finest metals decorated the wall of the hallway. At night, candles were lit to illuminate her path. A long, vibrant, red carpet with embroidered gold thread was spread across the floor. Every luxury available to a duke of the nineteenth century filled the house. She reached her bedchamber and pushed open the door. It wasn’t the best room in the house, but she loved it all the same. It had a grand, four-poster bed with rich, blue velv
et brocade. The large window pane pushed open to a gorgeous view of the gardens. A small vanity filled the far corner of the room and held her limited amount of beauty accessories. She’d never bothered with makeup and didn’t miss it now, so all that laid on it was a brush and a box of hair pins.

  She didn’t have much, so it wouldn’t take her long to pack. Which was a good thing if she hoped to surprise the duke with her decision to travel by his side. He’d probably forbid it if she gave him a chance. Relief flooded her now that she realized the path she had to take. He wouldn’t die... She refused to lose him.

  ***

  That had been close... Brandon had been seconds away from stripping Serenity bare and making love to her. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted a woman. She’d been more than willing and disappointed when he’d stopped. Ending it had nearly killed him. He still wasn’t sure how he had managed to do it.

  He cursed as he pushed open the door to his chamber halting short at the sight of his bed. Immediately, images of her there naked filled his mind. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He had to release the image from his mind. It was the best thing for her. She had to go home to the life she’d left behind. As much as he wanted to claim her he couldn’t. He was no good for anyone, and she’d come to resent him in time. It was difficult for him to open up to anyone. Keeping secrets had been ingrained in him for so long, he didn’t know any other way of doing things. Somehow one little slip of a woman had become imbedded inside his soul. If she stayed even a moment longer, he wouldn’t be able to let her go. This was her last chance to leave.

  “Your Grace,” Adley, his valet said. “How may I be of assistance?”

  Brandon shook the thoughts away and turned toward Adley. “I need a trunk packed immediately. I’m leaving on the hour for a sennight.”

  He bowed. “I’ll have it prepared posthaste.”

  Brandon should leave his room and give instructions to the household for while he was away. He didn’t want to admit it—even to himself—but he was hiding. If he left his chambers, he ran the risk of running into Serenity before he left. As much as he craved to see her, he couldn’t. It was better to have a clean break and leave her as a fond memory. One he’d never shake because she’d become important to him in a short time. Damn, he was a coward. When had he become this weak man?