Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(24)

Cameron took a deep breath. “I see.”

“If it will help, I will cut my fees, especially since you are friends of Lady Rose and the Duke and Duchess of Lybrook.”

“That’s not necessary,” Cameron said.

“Cam—” Rose began.

“We’ve no need of charity, Doctor,” Cameron said. “I’ll see that payment is made.”

“As you wish,” Blake said. “And since I’ve ruled out scarlet fever and small pox, there’s no need to continue the quarantine.”

“How soon should we leave for Bath?” Cameron asked.

“The sooner the better. I’d be happy to transport her and your mother in my carriage, since I’m going back there anyway.”

“We’d be obliged,” Cameron said, “and we will of course pay you for the transport.”

“That’s really not necessary,” Blake said. “I’m going anyway.”

“I’ll pay for it, damn it!”

Rose touched Cameron’s arm, but he nudged her away.

“Mum, pack up a valise for you and Kat. I’m sure the doctor would like to leave right away.”

“Cam,” Mrs. Price said, “it’s so much money.”

“It’s Kat’s life, Mum. There’s no price on that.” He walked from the room, down the hall, and out the back door.

Rose followed him. “Cam, she’s going to be all right.” She took his hand. “She’s a strong little girl, and she’ll have the best care.”

“Yes, yes,” Cameron said. “Yes, I know.”

“What can I do for you? Tell me. I’ll do anything.”

“Damn it, Rose, I don’t need your charity either!” He wrenched his hand free of her.

“I’m not offering charity. I just want to help. I love Kat, and I love you!” She pulled at his arm. “Please don’t turn me away.”

“I need to make some money, Rose. Some more money. And there’s only one way for me to— Damn it all to hell!” He pulled her to him and embraced her, holding her as if a cyclone were trying to whirl her away from him.

He had to take Xavier’s commission now. He didn’t have a choice. With Xavier’s money, he could pay for Kat’s medical needs and still have enough left over to get his mother and sisters out of the cottage and into a townhouse in London. They deserved that much.

He would write a song for Xavier to give to Rose. For another man’s proposal to the woman he loved.

He had to let Rose go.





Chapter Five


Dr. Blake left with Mrs. Price and Kat soon after, and Rose went to the cabin to gather her personals. The quarantine had been lifted and Kat didn’t need her. She was worried about Kat and thankful she would be getting the best care available. She was also worried about Cameron. He was acting so strangely. But of course he was. Kat meant everything to him. Rose wished she could do more.

Rose was fastening her valise when Cameron opened the door to the cabin. She looked up. Dark circles marred his beautiful eyes, and agony rolled off of him in waves.

Her heart lurched. “Cam, I’ve been worried about you.”

He strode toward her with purpose, as if he were stalking prey. “I want to love you, Rose. Now. Please.” He grabbed her and kissed her hard.

“I—”

He stopped her with his kisses, and her muffled words disappeared in his passion. He moved to her neck, biting it, licking it, inhaling deeply. “Your scent. I’ll never forget your strawberry scent.”

“Cam, what on earth?”

“Please, sweetheart,” he said, “just once more, so I can remember you.”

“Remember me? What do you—”

His mouth was on hers again, drinking of her, feasting on her, taking from her. She gave willingly everything she had. How she loved him! He was beside himself with worry, and she would do whatever she could for him.

Cameron walked toward the door without releasing Rose, locked it, lifted her in his arms, and set her gently on the bed. He climbed on top of her, still kissing her passionately while he fumbled with her bodice. He freed her aching breasts and buried his face between them.

“I’ll never see beauty such as yours again in my life,” he said. “I’ll remember this day always, sweet. I’ll remember that once, just once, an angel loved me.”

“I’ll always love you,” Rose said. “You don’t need to talk like that. Oh! That feels so good, Cam.” Rose arched off the bed, struggling to be free of her dress.

Cameron ripped the rest of her clothes off with lightning speed, paused for just a moment to gaze at her, and then undressed and returned to the bed.

“Love me, Rose,” he said. “Love me.”

“I do, Cam,” Rose breathed. “Tell me what you want. I’ll do anything for you.”

“Would you?”

“Yes, you know I would.”

“Would you kiss me here?” He pointed to his mouth.

She pulled him to her and kissed him, letting her tongue invade his spicy sweetness.

“Here?” He pointed to the hollow of his throat.

She pushed him down on the bed and climbed atop him, kissing and licking the sensitive spot on his neck. He groaned her name.