Angel in Scarlet (Bound and Determined #4)(54)

Although, even if she was seen, she would only say that she’d found herself unable to rest and had decided to take advantage of the beautiful day. Surely nobody could object to that. Well, some could, but it would not be enough to cause talk.

Getting out of the house presented little problem. If one had careful ears and quiet feet, all that was necessary was to listen before making any turn. The lawns were a different issue. The wide expanse of green was easily visible from the house. Still, if she walked first through the rose garden—a more-than-appropriate occupation for a young lady—and then darted around the far side of the maze, she would be most of the way to freedom. There would still be a bit of clear grass before she could enter the trees that edged the left side of the lake, but it would be hard to tell who she was from distance. There had been several ladies dressed in gowns of a similar shade to her own.

A slow, peaceful walk through the roses, stopping several times to smell the blooms, still full and fragrant despite the cold edge to the air. A hurried scurry behind the high hedges of the maze. She breathed easy for a moment and then kept a sedate pace as she walked to the wood. Nothing was worse than looking as if one was doing something wrong.

The trees closed about her and she took another deep breath. The woods were not thick, but they should hide her well enough. Now to find the folly.

She walked deeper, letting the minutes pass, keeping the glimmering lake just in sight through the trunks.

The glow of white ahead. That must be it.

She approached it with care. It would not do to interrupt someone other than Colton.

It was a darling folly, a small Grecian temple, walled on one side but open save for a few graceful columns facing the lake. Moss had begun to cover the northern side, but it seemed more designed than uncared for, a gentle rustic touch to suit the setting. She walked to the lake side and peered in.

Colton sat there, a small satchel by his side, his legs spread and at ease. A smile of welcome slipped across his features and then was hidden—but she had not missed it. He gestured her in and waved to a spot beside him on the bench.

She walked over and sat; a cold breeze fluttered off the lake, fighting the gentle heat of the late-afternoon sun that poured between the columns. Crossing her arms over her chest, she turned to him.

He stared out across the still waters of the lake, saying nothing.

She started to speak but caught herself, instead looking out across the twinkling water herself.

It was a beautiful spot, quiet and peaceful. If she had known it was here, perhaps she would have ended her walk here yesterday. Leaning back against the marble wall, she let herself relax for the first time in hours. It was not until this very second that she realized how much effort had been involved in talking to Lord Thorton and then escaping her mother. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sun upon her face.

Could it be more relaxing to be with someone than to be alone? She’d certainly never found it so before, but with Colton it felt as if she could just be herself. Had it been this way before she’d begun the game? She rather thought it had not. Always before she’d felt such pressure to be the perfect young lady, the quiet prospective bride. Now it was hard to define what had changed.

She was still playing a game. She should have been less herself, but somehow in promising to do what he wanted, she took all pressure off herself. If he was not pleased with her, it was his fault, not hers.

“I like the smile. It suits you. Now take off your clothes.” There was no change in his tone between the first statement and the last.





Chapter 15


Already?

She pulled a deep breath in, seeking calm, even as the first spike of excitement swept through her.

Her lips parted to speak, but she’d learned the rules of this game. Still, another minute to adjust to his command was needed. She stood and turned her back to him. “Would you mind loosening my laces? I can manage, but it is really more efficient if you help.”

He didn’t answer, but she felt the brush of his fingers at her back, and then the dress fell loose. Without turning, she shrugged it from her shoulders and then loosened the front fastening of her corset. She let that drop to the floor to join her dress. She started to pull her chemise up over her head, but his rough voice stopped her.

“No, leave it for a moment. I enjoy how the sun shines through. Walk forward and place a hand on each of those two columns. Yes, stretch your arms over your head. Perfect. If the day were warmer, I’d have you splash yourself in the lake. There are few sights more tantalizing than a breast through wet linen. Unfortunately, although I’d enjoy seeing your breasts cold and damp, I’d rather not see you with a red dripping nose on the morrow.”

The humor of his words should have hindered the desire that continued to sweep through her, but she was beginning to learn that when she was with Colton, nothing could stop the burn that began low in her belly. An icy rain would probably do nothing but cause her skin to steam.

The sun was hot on her face as she stood looking out over the lake. Her eyes closed as she soaked it up, letting her mind wander. She felt like a pagan goddess, displayed for all, awaiting the prince who would come rescue her—or the master who would steal her. Now, that might be even better than rescue. She was more than ready to meet her fate.

Colton’s boots scraped against the marble floor and she sensed that he had come to stand behind her. Her belly quivered.