When Scandal Came to Town (Scandalous Sons 3)

Benedict nodded. “A pair in a walnut case.”

“Excellent. We’ll arm ourselves with those and take Foston. The man is as skilled as a prizefighter when it comes to using his fists.”

Chapter Fourteen

In a bid to avoid his father, Benedict had darted behind a matron whose headdress consisted of a ridiculous plume of peacock feathers. Indeed, he was somewhat relieved when he finally escaped the ballroom and assisted Cassandra into the carriage.

“Foston seems excited to join us on a prowl through the park tonight.” Cassandra relaxed into the seat opposite, her gaze trained on him from the dim confines of the carriage. “I think he enjoys a fight as much as you do.”

“It’s not the physical aspects of a fight I love.” Having been embroiled in a fair few skirmishes, Benedict spoke from experience. “It’s the look of shock on my opponent’s face when he discovers I hit with the power of a man twice my size.”

The carriage jerked forward and picked up speed.

“Well, let’s pray our late-night adventure passes without incident.” The tremble in her voice conveyed her anxiety. But it was better to face one’s fears than avoid them.

“You mean without either of us firing a lead ball at a hired thug.”

“Indeed. We have enough to contend with without being hauled to Bow Street to argue a case of self-defence.”

“It’s not the men from Bow Street who worry me. My father will tear through the ton causing untold destruction when the truth comes to light.” Tregarth would not sit idle once he’d learned who was responsible for the staged ruination in Hyde Park. And woe betide the man who ordered the attack in Theobolds Road. “I would rather deal with the culprit before my father intervenes.”

Cassandra nodded. “I should tell you about my conversation with Lord Murray.” She paused, and he suspected that whatever she was about to say would rouse his ire. “Other than the fact he suggested we partake in a dalliance, he—”

“He did what!” Benedict shot forward as she confirmed his suspicion. “Murray propositioned you?”

A blush stained her cheeks. “He said it was only a matter of time before you took a mistress. He suggested I make a similar arrangement myself.”

“And he thought to offer his services.” God damn! He’d wring Murray’s neck if he so much as looked at Cassandra in the wrong way. “Before I curse the man to hell, let me make one thing abundantly clear. I made an oath, a promise I mean to keep. I shall bed you, Cassandra, or I shall bed no one. Do you understand?”

Her breathing came a little quicker, a sure sign she found something arousing in his statement. “And I shall have no other man in my bed but you, Benedict. I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else touching me.”

“Good!” he snapped. “Fidelity in marriage is non-negotiable.” Though he loved his father, it didn’t mean he agreed with the way he lived his life. “You’re my wife and I expect loyalty. If I cannot trust you, what hope is there?”

“You can trust me.” Water welled in her eyes and she darted across the carriage to sit beside him. “I swear I shall never betray your trust again.” She spoke so quickly she could hardly catch her breath. She grabbed his hands, avoiding the cuts on his knuckles. “I swear I shall never give you cause to doubt me.”

Guilt surfaced for having spoken in so harsh a tone. “Cassandra, I’m not angry with you. I’m angry with Murray for his blatant audacity. His offer reeks of disrespect and I cannot sit by and let him treat you so abominably.” On the morrow, he would visit Murray and make his position clear. Perhaps the lord needed a physical reminder of what Benedict might do if he overstepped the mark.

A tear trickled down Cassandra’s cheek. “I wish we could go back to that terrible day five years ago. I wish I’d had the strength to tell my father to go to the devil.”

While he appreciated the sentiment, this wasn’t a conversation he wished to revisit. “That time has passed. We’re different people now.” It was difficult to acknowledge, but he was a better man because of his heartbreak. “I doubt I would be as strong.”

“Yes.” Desire clouded her gaze as she scanned the breadth of his chest. “And you’re so strong, Benedict. The strongest man I know. Power radiates from every aspect of your being.” She released his hands, caressed the muscles in his upper arms. “I’ve always wanted you, but never as much as I want you now.”

“Now?” Her amorous words brought lustful urges rushing to the fore. “Since we’ve reunited? Or do you mean to ride me senseless in a moving carriage?”

She gulped a breath. “The latter has immense appeal.”

Bloody hell!

The sudden rush of blood to his cock made him light-headed. “Then might I suggest you straddle my thighs and let me drive deep into your willing body.”

She needed no further inducement. Indeed, in a sudden flurry of activity that had him yanking down the blinds, she hiked her skirts up to her waist as he fumbled frantically with the buttons on his breeches.

“I would prefer to pleasure you first,” he said as she climbed on top of him. “It will be easier for you if you’re aroused.”

“I’m aroused. Make no mistake. The intense throbbing is driving me insane.” She raised her skirts higher, giving him an ample view of milky-white thighs and soft buttocks. “We’ve a lifetime to focus on pleasure. I just need you to join with me.”

An explosion of lust crashed through him. This woman was his fate, his future, his destiny. Perfect for him in every way. He positioned himself at her entrance, gripped her hips and plunged home.