Desire (Notorious 3)

He was referring to the Wycliff crest emblazoned on the carriage panels, Brynn realized. All of London would soon know of her presence on the dueling field.

She turned to stare out the window, biting back her hurt, knowing Lucian had a right to scold. She had been horrified to learn from another admirer about the impending duel. Her only intent had been to intervene before someone was hurt, but she had been too late. She bit her lip, guilt gnawing at her.

“I trust you’re satisfied,” Lucian said in a tight voice. “The scandal sheets will have a field day. What a spectacle-two fools trying to killing each other over my countess.” He reached across her and drew the shade down to cover the carriage window, then did the same on his side, as if to shut out prying eyes.

“I didn’t want this to happen,” she murmured.

“Don’t insult my intelligence by claiming you cared whether you turned me into a laughingstock.”

Brynn shook her head miserably. She couldn’t blame Lucian for being angry that she had sullied his name and her reputation. Even though she hadn’t purposely precipitated the scandal, she had known where the curse could lead. “I… I’m sorry, Lucian.”

“Sorry is hardly adequate. Either of those witless whelps could have died.”

“I know,” Brynn whispered, aching inside. “I am to blame. I knew what could happen.”

“Apologies will serve you little purpose, even if I believed them,” Lucian gritted out, unmollified.

When she didn’t reply, he said even more harshly, “Mark me, Brynn, I won’t allow you to continue like this. You will behave with discretion, or I will remove you from London altogether.” He cursed under his breath. “Perhaps it was a mistake, bringing you here in the first place.”

Brynn swallowed her tears, her chin lifting defensively. “Our entire marriage was a mistake. I tried to tell you, but you wouldn’t listen.”

“It is far too late now to undo it. And I won’t tolerate your continued wantonness.”

“I have not been wanton.”

“What do you call luring helpless young bucks to pant after your skirts?”

“I call it the effects of the curse.”

“I can more easily believe you’ve been dallying behind my back.” Her husband grasped her upper arm tightly, forcing her to look at him. “I warn you, Brynn. I intend my heir to resemble me.”

Taken aback, she stared at Lucian in genuine shock as she comprehended his meaning. “I would never be unfaithful to my marriage vows.”

“No? You draw the line at driving fools wild? ”

Brynn felt a measure of alarm at the dark glitter in his eyes. She had seen Lucian angry before, but she had never been treated to the full force of his temper or his outraged sense of pride and male jealousy. He was wrong about her, though. She would never dream of cuckolding him. Nor would she be his doormat.

Brynn reined in her anger and hurt and stared at him rebelliously.

The atmosphere was suddenly charged with a new tension. Danger and desire.

He wanted her, she could see it in the fierce blaze of his expression. Against her will, Brynn felt a now-familiar curling sensation stirring in the pit of her stomach: sexual longing.

Their gazes clashed; hers defiant, his heated with primal emotion. His hands closed over both her shoulders in a tight grip.

“Don’t touch me,” she warned, trying to pull back.

The blue of his eyes became deeper, stormier. “Are you daring me, wife?”

She shivered, knowing the peril of challenging him, yet she couldn’t stop herself. “What if I am?”

Something dark and thrilling flared in his expression. In a single smooth motion, he raised the skirt of her gown.

“I shouldn’t think you would want to risk any more scandal,” she taunted.

His expression was hard and sensual, his eyes dilated and dark with arousal as he insinuated his hand between her thighs.

Brynn suddenly felt breathless, stunned by her body’s instinctive response. Lucian had only to touch her and she grew wet for him. A scalding heat flared between her thighs while her nipples tightened to rigid peaks. She had no doubt he could feel her readiness, smell her musky scent.