A Bride by Arrangement (The Bride Series Book 2) Read online

  Justine looked at her like she had gone mad. How on earth could she think that was funny? “Why are you laughing?” she asked.

  Erica shook her head. “Your emotionless and uninterested husband is doing his best to try to keep his eyes off of you. But he is losing.”

  Justine looked over at Darren. He and Nick were speaking with another gentlemen. Darren was looking at her and she felt the caress of his eyes move over her body. He gazed at her longingly, before tearing himself away to focus on the conversation. Her heart started racing in her chest. Hope flared inside of her. Could it be? Was Darren really not so cold and uninterested as the was trying to make himself out to be?

  His eyes settled on her once more and she felt the heat of his gaze scorching her. He was certainly not unaffected by her. He wanted her.

  Dinner was announced and the men came to escort their wives to their assigned seating at the dining table. They all waited until their hostess was standing at her position at the head of the table. The Countess, standing in all her finery, gracefully signaled for everyone to take their seats. Taking his place next to her, Darren sat closer to Justine than was normally accustomed.

  The Countess, who had an ever a sharp eye, saw this abnormality. After signaling her servants to serve the first course, she turned her inquisition onto them, at full force.

  “Darren my dear, while I am so happy to see that marriage agrees with you, I am less inclined that you show your wife your affections at my dinner table.”

  Justine’s face turned a brilliant shade of red. Darren smiled at his old friend, and said, “I apologize, Madam. Justine and I have only just returned from our honeymoon.”

  “Why, yes,” the Countess said. “I hear that you are back three full days earlier than was expected. How unpredictable of you.”

  Darren nodded. “There were pressing business matters to see to.” Looking at Justine, he said, “My wife understands this and has stood by me as I focus on my endeavors with Nick.”

  Nick nodded in support of his brother. He had been happy to learn that Darren had caught up to Justine at the inn and he was delighted that they had extended their stay. What he didn’t understand was why they hadn’t continued their journey to the coast. The arrangements had already been made and everything had been prepared for. All that Darren had said when Nick asked him about his early return was that he was anxious to get back to work. Looking at his brother now, Nick wondered why Darren would not choose to spend a few extra days lingering in his marriage bed with his stunning new wife.

  The Countess was pleased to hear that Darren had Justine’s full support. He was the grandson of one of Agnes’ dearest friends. The Countess had been devastated as she watched the Wellington fortune waste away. She and her husband, Nathaniel, had tried to intervene many times to help Edward Wellington square his finances away. He just couldn’t seem to end his habit of gambling and his streak of bad investments. The Countess and her husband had lost a small fortune, trying to get him out of hot water. However, it had all been for naught.

  Nicholas Wellington, the new Duke of Eastham, was nothing like his father. The Countess looked at him now with pride. He had come so far with what little he had. Nick had worked tirelessly with his idea to grow a shipping fleet, to the extent of capturing himself a bride. The Countess now had a good idea that his scandalous encounter with Lady Erica had been arranged beforehand. Nonetheless, they were such a wonderful couple and were so deeply in love. The Countess sighed. She was happy to have played her part in their marriage. It was she who had discovered them in an intimate embrace right here at her home, outside on her balcony at a ball. She had demanded that Nick protect Erica’s honor. She had known that it was the right choice at the time.

  Lord Darren was now following in his brother’s footsteps. She had been worried about him initially, because his dear mother, Lady Hannah, had told her that he didn’t have a mind for business. However, all of the reports she was hearing were saying that Darren is exceptional in his new role. The Countess was positively thrilled by this news. She had faith in these young men to build their empire and restore their fortune.

  The Countess was delighted that Lady Justine was in full support of her husband. It would certainly help him to establish his place in Campbell-Wellington Industries. Evidently, Justine had her husband’s full support, as well. Darren was captivated by his new wife, but trying not to be. That was interesting. She would get to the bottom of it.

  “Lady Justine, how goes things at Hawley Manor?” she asked.

  Justine looked up in surprise from her soup that she was delicately spooning into her mouth. “Just fine, my lady.”

  “Just fine?” the Countess asked. “Hawley Manor was one of the grandest manors on the Wellington property. Is it not, any longer?”

  Her face flushing pink, Justine said, “It is the most grand estate, Madam.”

  “Indeed it is, Madam,” Erica interjected. “We had the entire home repaired and washed before Darren and Justine moved into it. It is still ever so grand.”

  “So everything meets to your satisfaction?” the Countess asked Justine.

  “Yes, Madam,” Justine answered. “I am most happy there.” She paused, glancing at the corner of her eye at Darren. He was carefully watching their exchange, wondering where this was going. The Countess smiled to herself. There was clearly trouble already. It was time to nip it in the bud, immediately.

  “Lord Darren, I am most delighted to hear that your new bride is ‘most happy’ at your new home. You are making her feel welcome, aren’t you?”

  Darren paused in eating. “Indeed, I am. Why do you ask?”

  “No reason,” the Countess cooed, feigning complete disinterest. “It’s only that with all of your business endeavors, it must be tempting to avoid them when you have such a beautiful bride waiting for you at home.” Darren and Justine both flinched. Ah, that was it, the Countess thought. Darren was indeed doing very well in the business world, but his marriage was suffering, because of it.

  The Countess pressed on, “Indeed, you must rush home after your work affairs to join your lovely wife.”

  Darren dropped his spoon to give the old woman his complete attention. What was her game? “I try to make it home as quickly as possible, yes.”

  “And what kinds of activities do you pass the time with? Parcheesi? Chess?”

  Trying not to laugh, Nick said, “I don’t believe you want to hear the exact way that he spends his time with his new bride at your dining table, Madam.”

  This garnered delighted laughter from the other dinner guests. Darren saw that his old friend’s eyes were sparkling, too. She was clearly up to something.

  “Justine does not mind me inquiring on her new life at Hawley Manor at all, am I right, dear?” Before Justine could utter a word, the Countess said, “Besides, far be it from me not to politely inquire on how a new husband dotes on his wife as newlyweds.” Watching Darren’s jaw clench, she continued, “Finding such a beauteous woman to take to wife is a very rare thing indeed. I am sure Darren knows just how lucky he is.”

  Justine was blushing hard as she spoken about in such a manor. Darren was annoyed that his wife was the subject of the old woman’s scrutiny. The woman could be very blunt and intrusive, when she had a mind to be. He didn’t want Justine to be embarrassed. Darren slid his hand under the table and covered hers, which was clenched in a fist on her lap. He caressed her fingers and her grip relaxed. He kept his hand on top of hers, gently squeezing, supporting her.

  “I do indeed know how lucky I am,” Darren said, and smiled at Justine. She looked at him warily, but still with affection. She was not able to deny him. He wondered at the gentleness and sweetness at her gaze. How could he ever have thought that he would be able to deny her from his life? He needed her like he needed air to breath. He squeezed her hand once more and she smiled a radiant smile at him, appreciating his support.

  There, the Countess thought. That was more l
ike it. “So, I see.” Signaling to her servant she said, “Adams, the next course, please.”

  Their carriage ride home was a tense affair. Justine squirmed as Darren continued to stare at her with his hot and hungry gaze. He looked as though he was going to reach across and grab her. She very much wished that he would. To her frustration, he continued to sit in his own seat and keep his hands off her. His eyes wandered down to her bodice and landed on her breasts. She could feel the sizzling heat from his look as he continue to caress her with his eyes. Her nipples tightened and he swallowed hard.

  “Did you enjoy yourself this evening,” he asked hoarsely.

  Justine nodded. More than anything, she wanted him to touch her. However, she was very pleased that he was now taking the time to talk to her. “I had a wonderful time this evening,” she said, trying to keep her voice from trembling.

  “Very good. I would like to have my brother and his wife over for a visit soon,” he said.

  Justine smiled with great pleasure. She enjoyed their company and she would love to see them as often as possible. “That sounds most wonderful, husband. I do adore them.”

  His jaw hard, he watched her carefully. “And me? Do you also adore me?”

  Her heart fluttered in her chest as she became aware of his vulnerability. Justine realized that even with all that had happened, her love for him did not diminish at all. She was hurt so badly when he had snapped at her and pushed her away. No matter what, he had her heart. She nodded slowly. “Yes, I do adore you, husband.”

  They arrived home and before Justine could react, he pulled her into his arms and left the carriage. He carried her all the way up to their room and tore off their clothing. Their lovemaking was wild and passionate. It felt as though they had been apart for so long. He drove her to two shuttering climaxes before collapsing on the bed. Darren pulled her against him and kissed her repeatedly. She was lulled to sleep by the sound of his heart beating under her cheek.

  Chapter 13

  Justine awoke alone in her bed again. She smiled and stretched like a contented cat as she thought back on the previous night. Darren had made love to her. He was not indifferent and unaffected by her. She rolled onto her back. Her marriage did not have to take the hard turn that her parent’s marriage had. Darren was not emotionless and cold. However, he did need to start seeing her as a priority. If he gave her a quarter of the attention that he gave to his business matters, Justine knew that they would have no problems at all. Now, how to turn his head in her direction?

  Sitting up, Justine reached for her dressing robe that was hanging next to the bed. She put it on and tied it around her waist. Walking over to the window, she peered out and saw that Darren’s carriage was still in the drive. That meant that he would be in his study. Turning, Justine saw their clothing littered across the carpet. Suddenly, it came to her. She knew how to gain her husband’s attention.

  Her cheeks grew pink at the thought of herself initiating making love to her husband. She had never done that before. With the little experience that she did have, Justine had a good idea of how to proceed. It was settled. She was going to seduce her husband. Delight rippled through her as she walked to her closet. A true seductress would need a truly seductive gown. Her eyes settled on her red satin ball gown. It had helped her to take Darren’s mind off of his business affairs the first time she had worn it. She recalled his enraptured attention being securely on her as she made her way down the stairs. Yes, he had been very tempted by her then. Smiling to herself now, Justine withdrew the gown from her hanging closet and stood in front of her mirror. Holding it against her, she admired the way that it looked against her pale, creamy skin. It emphasized her shiny blond curls. A box on her dresser caught her attention. The diamond necklace that he had given her. Oh, yes, she thought. A seductress would absolutely wear a dazzling diamond necklace.

  Putting her plan in motion, Justine rang for Mrs. Tindle to help her dress. The servant entered the room and paused. “Why is your evening gown out at this time of day?” she asked.

  Smiling, Justine said, “I see that the dress has caught your attention. Shall we see what else the dress can catch?”

  Seeing the diamond necklace laying in its open box on the dresser, she asked, “Are you going out today, ma’am?”

  Laughing, Justine said, “No, Mrs. Tindle. I would like to stay in.” She watched as the maid’s eyes widened, as she realized the reason why.

  “Oh, you clever girl,” she gushed. “I knew you were a smart one. Here, sit down! Let us get you all made up very nicely for your husband. We will make certain that he is unable to resist you.”

  Darren looked over the document he was holding for the tenth time. It was a rather complex stipulation to an already established agreement and he was having a difficult time trying to determine exactly what it meant for Campbell-Wellington Industries. A knock sounded on the door to his study. “Enter,” he called out. He looked up to see Justine enter the room, wearing the enticing dress that he had found her so bewitching in before. She closed the door behind her. And locked it. She walked toward him with her hands folded in front of her. Darren’s pulse raced. She looked absolutely ravishing. His wife had never looked as divine as she looked now. His mouth watered as he gazed at her. She continued to make her way over to where he was sitting behind his desk. When she was standing next to him, he turned to look up at her. Her luscious mouth was trembling. Her hands twisted nervously.

  “Good morning, husband,” she said.

  She was clearly trying to keep her wits together, he thought. “Good morning, wife. Did you sleep well?” he asked with a slight smile. He knew that he had damn well knocked her out cold with their lovemaking. She hadn’t been able to move afterward and had fallen asleep soon after. With the way that she was dressed right now, it appeared that she was trying to look appetizing again, so that he would make love to her.

  Justine confirmed his reasoning when she moved in closer to him and put her hand on his shoulder. “I slept very well last night, my love,” she said. “But you left too early for me to properly thank you for our splendid evening.”

  He watched her mouth say the words and he wanted to press his lips against hers and bite at them. He resisted the urge, because it was in the middle of the morning and he still had a lot that needed to be accomplished. Justine gained his entire attention once more when she suddenly turned and slowly descended until she was sitting across his lap.

  Darren stiffened in reaction. His wife had never been so bold. She lifted herself against him until her lips were inches from his own and her tasty bosom was close by, as well. The temptation was too good to resist. Wrapping his arms around her, he decided to give into his wife’s game. Darren squeezed her against him as he kissed the breath right out of her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and clung tightly as Darren kissed his way down her throat. He licked and nibbled at her until she was trembling.

  Pulling down the bodice of her dress, he pressed his face against the heaving globes, palming them, lifting them up for his mouth to worship. Justine’s head fell back as his mouth moved over her. He delighted in teasing her sensitive skin and continued to pay both breasts equal attention. He pulled her dress down to her waist and his hand slid down to cup in between her legs. Justine moaned, spreading her legs wider for him. He caressed her through her undergarment and he felt her grow wet.

  He suddenly stopped, chuckling at her gasp of disappointment. He pulled her to her feet and turned her away from him. He took off every stitch of her clothing, with the exception of the diamond necklace. It looked sexy as hell against her bare breasts. He pulled her back over his lap, so that she was straddling his thighs, naked. He didn’t give her time to be embarrassed, his mouth descended on hers once more as he pulled her bare body tightly to him. His tongue swept inside to slowly tease hers, savoring the flavor of her. She writhed against him in her arousal as his hands touched her everywhere. He knew the fabric of his clothing was adding to her pl
easure. He knew what would feel even better.

  Darren broke the kiss and said, “Take my shirt off, wife.” Dazed, Justine looked at him. “Undress me,” he said with a grin.

  Justine started from the top of his white cotton oxford shirt and unbuttoned her way down, as he played with her breasts. He kneaded them and lightly pinched her nipples. She gasped in pleasure and said, “Oh, husband,” as her thighs clenched tighter around his.

  Her hands had stopped unbuttoning in her pleasure. Laughing, he said, “Finish, my sweet.” She shook off her haze and finished unbuttoning him. He shrugged out of the garment and she took off his undershirt without any prompting from him. She kissed his neck and made her way down to his chest. She slid back far enough so that she could unbutton his trousers. He watched her with hot eyes as she took his ridged member into her hands. Not wanting to wait any longer, he lifted her and guided her gently onto his staff. Her eyes crossed in extreme pleasure. He guided her to ride up and down him, until she developed a rhythm all on her own. She continued until she climaxed and he kissed her mouth as he spilled his seed into her.

  Justine lay panting against his chest, and pressed a sweet kiss against his skin. She pulled back to smile at him. “I’m so sorry to interrupt your workday, husband,” she said.

  He grinned at her, “I sure as hell am not.”

  She laughed delightedly. “You mean that you do not mind stopping to play with your wife?”

  Holding her gently, Darren asked, “I haven’t been making enough time for you, have I?”

  Justine shook her head.

  “Well, I think it’s about time that I made up for that. How about we ride out to the fields for a picnic today?”

  “Really? A picnic?”

  Darren laughed. She looked so hopeful and pleased. He was pleased that he could make her could make her this happy. His lovely wife wanted to spend time with him. He found himself wanting to spend time with her, as well.