Page 23 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

He shook his head. “There haven’t been as many as you imagine, but the ones I have been with paled in comparison to you. None of them came close. You were always there, haunting me with every thrust, every kiss. You haunt me still.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Garrett.” She did not know what else to say, although the thought of him with other women, however few, cut deep.

“Do you truly believe that I did not think of you out there, somewhere in the world, lying in another man’s arms? Moaning softly as you did with me? Urging him deeper, faster, as you did with me? Scoring his back with your nails as you cried out?” He clasped her arms and brought her closer. Their mouths were inches apart. “You said that you adored him, this man you married. Did you love him as you did me? Tell me the truth. Did you find the idyllic ecstasy we found in each others’ arms? Tell me.”

Abbie trembled. She couldn’t lie. Not about this. “I did not love him. I wanted to so very much—if any man lived who deserved to be loved, it was him.” A gulping sob left her throat. “Elwyn knew about you; I told him everything. He was well aware that I still loved you, but he told me he was grateful for the affection that I did show him. He was wonderful and kind and I couldn’t love him.” Tears trickled down her cheeks. “I enjoyed his lovemaking; we had a steady physical relationship up until he became sick, a year before he died. Elwyn was affectionate and giving. No, I did not find the ecstasy that we had shared, but I found something else. Constancy. A generous soul, a man who loved me unconditionally, accepted me, flaws and all, and did—”

Garrett covered his mouth with hers. The kiss was demanding, fierce, and desperate. He ran his tongue along the seam of her lips and she opened for him. With a ragged groan he took possession, exploring every inch of her mouth. The kiss was tender, then wild. Everything she remembered, only heightened. The flame that had simmered on low flared to life as he deepened the kiss. One of his hands grasped her breast, and she groaned in response as his stroking thumb made her hardened nipple ache. “I want you, Abbie. I never stopped. Never.”

The sound of voices approaching broke them apart. Good Lord, they were both flushed, with swollen lips, and… Garrett stood abruptly and faced the window. There was no mistaking his erection. Quickly brushing the few tears from her cheeks and smoothing the front of her dress, she then reached for a biscuit and nervously began to nibble on it.

A moment later, the earl and Megan entered the room. The earl’s eyebrows shot up and Abbie’s cheeks flushed further, because by the expression on his face, he had no doubt guessed what had passed between her and Garrett, as the air crackled with sensual energy.

“Oh, Mama. I must show you the portrait tomorrow when we have the tour. I look very much like the countess, though she is much more beautiful.”

“Not necessarily, my dear,” the earl said. “You have a little more growing to do. In the next couple of years, your beauty will shine all the more.”

Megan gave the earl a warm smile. Already they had formed a bond—how surprising. But then, Megan had never had a grandfather in her life before. Abbie stood. “It has been a long day, my lord. If we may be shown to our rooms?”

“Yes, at once. There will be a buffet-style brunch at about ten in the morning. Hope you brought your appetites, as breakfast is our favorite meal here at Wollstonecraft Hall. I have a maid who will see to your needs. She did such for Riordan’s wife, Sabrina, over the past several weeks.” The earl moved to the door and a footman entered. “Show Mrs. Hughes and her daughter to their rooms. Good night, ladies.”

Garrett turned his head slightly. “Goodnight, Abbie, Megan.”

* * * *

“All right, Son. The ladies have departed. What is going on?”

Garrett remained facing the window. His damned erection was still at half-mast. “Not sure what you mean, Da.”

Oliver laughed. “Come and sit.”

With an exasperated sigh, Garrett did, but growled when he observed the amused expression on his father’s face.

His father reached for a raisin biscuit. “You were kissing her, weren’t you? Quite vigorously, I would guess. The passion still exists between you. What do you plan to do about it?”

“Do? What can be done, with the curse—?”

“Hang the damned curse for the moment. The woman you loved—and no doubt still love—and your daughter stand before you hale and hearty. No tragedy has befallen them.”

“Did you ever stop to think they are ‘hale and hearty’ because I have been apart from them all this time? Now that we are in the same vicinity, the curse will return in full fashion…” The earl laughed, and Garrett’s quick temper sparked. “Do not laugh at me. You more than anyone know what havoc the curse can wreak. I watched Lady Gwendolyn rot away from childbirth infection. I watched baby Sarah gasp for every breath. I watched Fiona slowly die of a heart ailment. Factor in my mother’s death? Yes, it made a damned impression.”

His father ceased laughing. “No child should be exposed to such tragedies. But you cannot let it rule your entire life.”

Garrett snorted. “You haven’t remarried, neither has Julian. Deep down, you believe it exists. Admit it.”

“I married three times. I did not allow the curse to deter me or rule my life, not to the extent you are doing. As far as Julian is concerned, did you see the expression on his face when he was given the note from Alberta Eaton? I will be starting a correspondence with Miss Tuttle. If we both believed in the curse as fervently as you, wouldn’t we have pushed these lovely women aside?” His father crossed his arms. “Perhaps nothing will come from these attractions, or perhaps we will fall in love for the last time in our lives. I am willing to find out where this will lead. Are you? Or will you toss that beautiful woman away once again? I’ve seen the way you gaze at each other. The love is there, ready to be rekindled. Do not be hasty and dismiss it.”

Garrett grabbed handfuls of his long hair in frustration. “I honestly have no idea how to proceed.”

“Follow your nephew’s lead. Curse be damned—marry the woman you love. Riordan has shown more courage than any of us.”

Garrett glanced up at his father. “And if something should happen to his bride, what then?”

“We face it together, as a family. As we’ve always done. And, Garrett: Megan and Abigail should be a part of this family. Deep down you know it.”

“We’ve both changed, Da.”

“Suggest that she extend her visit. I have selfish reasons, for I wish to know my granddaughter better. Already I find her to be a delight. See where this leads. You’ve been alone long enough.”