Ian (Las Vegas Sidewinders Book 15), page 10
She shuddered against him again and again, the aftershocks shaking both of them. Her eyes were still closed, fingers clutching his biceps like a lifeline, but now that it was over, a wave of emotion washed over her that was so strong it brought tears to her eyes. Dammit, what the hell was wrong with her? She’d had plenty of sex in her life and had never cried afterward. Jesus, she continually made a fool of herself in front of him no matter how hard she attempted not to.
She tried to pull away, but Ian wasn’t having it, reaching out with his thumbs to wipe the two tears that had leaked out.
“Ah, lass, what happened? Did I hurt you?”
“N-no.” She shook her head but the words froze in her throat. “I’m sorry, I don’t, I mean…” She squeezed her eyes shut even tighter.
“It’s okay, love. I’m right here.”
For a long time after that, neither of them moved. Ian kept his arms wound around her back, holding her against him, wondering what had brought on the surge of emotion in her. The sex had been fantastic, but something had shifted between them. It wasn’t a love thing so much as a bond. They were keenly in tune with each other, from how he’d known she needed more than a tow for her car the night they’d met, to how she’d rubbed his back last night. Both of them were hurting, and though she hadn’t opened up to him about her demons, he was positive they were there.
The tears in her eyes after they climaxed had been more telling than anything she was able to articulate right now, so he kept her close and let her sort it out internally. If she wanted to tell him, it would be great, but if not, that was no problem either. He wasn’t worried about her secrets nearly as much as her soul. Whatever was happening between them was happening quickly and barreling over both of them emotionally. The other stuff was almost like background noise and he wanted to focus on nothing but what they had together.
“You all right, love?” he asked when she seemed to stop shivering.
“Yes.” She curled deeper into his arms, though, her body language giving him a different answer.
“If we’re not getting out of bed today, at least let me call the boys. I promised them golf.”
“No, I’m fine.” She moved a little, though she didn’t look at him. “It’s just been a while since it felt…like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like you belong to me and I belong to you. And it’s been, what? Three days? It’s ridiculous.”
“It’s not ridiculous.” He kissed her temple, dragging his lips down her cheek and to hers. When he touched them with his she made a little sound of contentment that simultaneously warmed both his heart and his cock. He wanted her again but he had a commitment to the boys and she was supposed to spend the day at Edinburgh Castle. He also planned to have a very strong talk with his brothers, other than Finn. They had something they wanted to discuss, and that was fine, but they were going about it all wrong. Giving him attitude in front of his mates from the team and the new woman in his life was unacceptable.
“I’m feeling a little silly now,” she whispered, finally meeting his eyes. “I’ve never reacted to sex that way before. I don’t know what came over me.”
“Sweetheart, there’s a big difference in fucking and making love—and we just made love, which can be emotional. It’s nothing to feel silly about. I’m feeling a bit emotional myself.”
“I’ve never had a one-night stand,” she said quietly, looking away again. “And I think deep down in my heart, I was afraid that’s what this would be. You know, a couple of nights of vacation sex. It scares me because now that I’ve met you, and gotten this close to you, I can’t imagine never seeing you again.”
“Is that what that was about?” He cupped her cheek with his hand and lightly kissed her. “Love, I’m not goin’ anywhere but to the golf course. And if you want to come, you’re more than welcome.”
“No.” She shook her head slightly. “I’m going to explore another castle today.”
“Then let’s have a shower, yeah? I might need to ravage you again.”
“I thought you only had one condom?”
“Don’t need a condom for what I have in mind.” He rolled over and got to his feet before reaching down and scooping her up in his arms.
“Ian!” She laughed as he carried her to the bathroom, and the sound warmed him all over again.
A one-night stand was the last thing on his mind and he wondered, what had made her think he would take three days to get her into bed and then not want to see her again? They definitely needed to talk about whatever demons tortured her soul, but not today. He had one more day with his friends, a big dinner tonight and then getting the boys off to the airport tomorrow. After that, he planned to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening in bed with her before his big meeting with his grandfather on Monday morning. Until then, he didn’t want to think about anything serious.
16
Everly drove him home after they’d showered and had breakfast downstairs. The owners of the establishment didn’t care if they fed just her or the two of them, so he’d enjoyed a fantastic homemade breakfast that rivaled most of what Merrie made. She’d dropped him off and promised to be back at seven for drinks, and dinner would be served at eight.
He walked inside and slipped upstairs to his room, opting to change clothes since he’d had no choice but to wear the same thing he’d been wearing last night. His brothers were being obnoxious these days and he didn’t want to embarrass his mother, though she undoubtedly knew he hadn’t come home last night since he hadn’t gone to breakfast.
His phone buzzed and he laughed at Dax’s text:
DAX: Where are you? Are we golfing or not?
IAN: Keep your knickers on. I’m getting dressed and will be down in a minute.
DAX: Wait, you’re here? I thought you didn’t come home last night???
Ian opted not to answer him. Not for any other reason than it was no one’s business. He finished changing and grabbed his wallet and phone before heading back down and into the dining room.
“Good morning, darling.” His mother’s eyes twinkled. “Sleep in today?”
“A bit.” He kissed her cheek and got himself a cup of coffee.
“Not eating?” Tore asked him. “This haggis stuff is awesome.”
Dax grimaced. “Jesus, no.”
Zaan peered at it curiously. “I’m goin’ in.” He took a bite. “Not bad. It’s…distinct.”
“It’s good.” Ian grinned at his friends, pleased that they’d truly immersed themselves in life here in Scotland the last week.
Liam came in then and Ian got to his feet. “I need to talk to you,” he told him.
“I’m hungry,” Liam muttered, going to pour himself some coffee.
“Now. Outside.” Ian folded his arms across his chest. Liam just gave him a dirty look but when Ian didn’t blink, he shrugged.
“Fine.” Liam picked up his mug of coffee and stalked toward the terrace.
Ian followed him with his own coffee cup and made sure to shut the French doors behind him.
“What’s up?” Liam turned, a bland expression on his face.
“Whatever it is that’s up your arse, get it the fuck out. You have something to say to me, or a problem with me, you come to me. You don’t say fuck all in front of my friends when we’re out.”
To his credit, Liam took a breath and nodded. “You’re right. Sorry. I should’ve waited.”
“Yeah. So what’s on your mind?”
“You know what’s on my mind.”
“It’s been brewing for five bloody years and you had to get the attitude last night?”
“You’re carrying on with an American.”
“Oh, now you hate them too?”
He scowled. “I don’t hate them, but does she know you’re coming home? Is she willing to leave her job, her career, and become the next Duchess of Halloway?”
Ian squinted slightly. “Are you serious right now? I’ve known her three bloody days. How the fuck do I know? We’re still getting to know each other. And frankly, I don’t even know if I want to be the Duke, so why would I care about whether or not she wants to be a duchess?”
“And there it is. You’re breaking the old man’s heart, you know that?”
“He has a heart?” Ian asked dryly.
“That’s cold, brother.” They glared at each other.
“Listen to me: You want to be the next Duke, take it up with Granddad. I don’t give a fuck.”
“That’s the problem! You don’t give a shit about anything but yourself and your bloody hockey career.”
“My multimillion-dollar hockey career, you mean?” Ian shot back. It was a sore spot with them because Liam and Lachlan both worked for the family company and received the same salaries any new employee would make. They lived at home and had money in trust from their father, of course, but their salaries were a stark reminder that their grandfather expected them to earn promotions and raises, which would take a while. Mac was still in graduate school and Finn had another year of his undergraduate program, so it didn’t apply to them yet, but Liam got snippy about money on the regular.
“You’re not doing right by the family,” Liam said after a moment, his jaw tightening. “You’re my brother and I love you, but it’s time for you to make a decision.”
“Granddad and I have a meeting Monday morning,” Ian said, throwing up his hands and nearly dumping his coffee out. He righted it before it all spilled and then shook his head. “So through dinner tonight and tomorrow when I take the lads to the airport, could you just let it go? We’ll meet Monday and then see what there is to see.”
“You’re not going to quit, are you?” Liam asked, suddenly slumping against the terrace railing. “You’re going back to Vegas in August.”
“I don’t know. I love hockey and you know that. I’m only twenty-seven, so I have a few more years left in me, and I make a lot of money. Grandfather is still in excellent health and he’s not stepping down any time soon, so what difference does it make?”
“It makes a big difference to him. It’s a shame you don’t understand that.” Liam reached for the doorknob. “But I’ll keep the attitude in check today. We going golfing?”
Ian had been hoping Liam would stay home, but he didn’t say that. Instead, he nodded. “Aye. Leaving in a few.”
Everly got to Huntington Castle at exactly six fifty-nine. She was so nervous about meeting Ian’s grandfather, especially after this morning’s intimacy and emotional breakdown, she sat in the driveway until Phay knocked on the window, scaring the crap out of her.
“You all right, Miss Everly?”
“I’m fine, Phay, thank you.” She quickly grabbed her handbag and got out of the car. “I think I’m a little nervous about meeting His Grace, the Duke.”
Phay nodded and smiled. “He’s a bit blustery on the outside, but he’s one of the best men I’ve ever known. Kind and generous, loved his wife and son more than life itself. Losing them both so young broke his heart, it did. Just be yourself and you’ll be fine.”
“Thank you.” She smoothed down the only formal dress she’d brought with her, a calf-length, sleeveless black sheath dress with a sheer overlay embroidered in silver. It was a little formal but Ian had said it would be better to overdress than under, so she’d put it on along with black stilettos, and added a small evening bag. She hadn’t known whether or not she would need to dress up at any of the places she visited so she’d brought one nice outfit, but Ian would see her in it tonight. She didn’t know what she would do if he took her someplace else that required her to dress up. And new clothes weren’t in the budget, especially if Margot was going to send Gracie to camp for a week or two.
She lifted her hand to knock but Ian opened the door before she could. He did a long, slow inspection before letting out a soft whistle. “Bloody hell, you’re beautiful, Ev.”
“Thank you.” She flushed with pleasure and let him lead her inside. “I’m nervous as fuck,” she whispered.
“I’m right here. You’ll be fine. Remember, address him as Your Grace when I introduce you, but otherwise, nothing special to say or do.”
“I don’t have to curtsey or anything, do I?”
“No.” He kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry.”
They walked into a room she’d never been in before, a great room of sorts, where almost everyone Ian had introduced her to so far mingled. Except for the gray-haired, austere-looking man standing by the fireplace laughing with Tore and Dax. He held a brandy snifter in one hand and a cigar in the other, and she momentarily faltered.
“Everly, dear. You look stunning this evening.” Constance approached her with a smile and air-kissed her on both cheeks.
“Thank you. So do you.” Everly was a little in awe of the gorgeous dress Ian’s mother wore. It was a pale, sky blue with rhinestones adorning the collar and hem. She was every inch the lady of the castles in all the fairy tales Everly loved, except Constance was real and Ian was now leading Everly toward his larger-than-life grandfather. He had a hand at the small of her back, gently propelling her forward, and she hoped she was smiling.
“Granddad. May I present Miss Everly Adamson. Everly, this is my grandfather, His Grace, the Duke of Halloway, Ian Campbell.”
“Your Grace.” Everly extended a hand and prayed it wasn’t shaking.
“My dear, I’ve heard a great deal about you this week from both Constance and Ian. You seem to have charmed the whole family.”
“Thank you.” Lord, was she supposed to thank him for that? She had no idea, but she managed to keep smiling.
“Have you gotten the young lady a drink?” the duke asked his grandson.
“Wine?” Ian asked her automatically.
“Yes, thank you.”
“Pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc?”
“Pinot, please.”
He nodded and left her there, alone, with the most intimidating man she’d ever met.
17
“Tell me about yourself, Everly.” Ian’s grandfather had Ian’s bright green eyes and for a moment she saw a vision of what Ian might look like in fifty years or so.
It made her smile a bit more genuine and she relaxed, telling him about her work as a photojournalist, a topic she was confident and comfortable talking about.
“I’d love to see some of your photographs,” he said. “Are any online?”
“Yes, of course. I’ll send Ian some links to share with you.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Thankfully, Ian arrived with her glass of wine and slid an arm around her waist. “Can I steal her for a few minutes, Granddad? I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to talk to her over dinner.”
“Of course.” The duke smiled pleasantly and Ian pulled her to the other side of the room, his lips against her ear.
“You okay?”
“I am now.”
“You’re a little pale. You sure?”
“I’ve never met anyone like that before.”
“Hey, you had sex with an earl this morning… Saying hello to a duke should be old hat after that.” His voice was low but filled with humor, and she snorted out a laugh. “Nice.”
“Everly, I love your dress.” Isla approached with a friendly smile.
“Thank you.” Everly smiled back.
“Do you have plans for Monday?”
Everly frowned. “I don’t think so. I mean, everything depends on weather for me. If it’s gloomy, I can still get some great photos, but if it’s actually raining, not really.”
“Since Ian will be tied up with Granddad, would you like to go shopping? And then go to tea somewhere? High tea can be very fancy here, and very much a girlie thing that Ian probably wouldn’t think to do with you, so I’m offering because I love high tea and don’t get to indulge very often. What do you think?”
“It sounds lovely. And I need to shop, because I want to find something special for my best friend at home, who couldn’t come with me.”
“Have you heard of heather jewelry?” Isla asked thoughtfully.
Everly shook her head. “No.”
“Well, it’s stones made from the heather plant. They’re cleaned, dyed, compressed, and then baked in an oven. Jewelers cut and shape the blocks, and they make beautiful pieces that are entirely Scottish. Also, no two are alike.”
“That sounds perfect.” Everly smiled. “Thank you for telling me about them.”
“Of course.”
“Time for dinner,” Constance said, raising an arm to get everyone’s attention.
As the crowd filed out and walked toward the formal dining room, which was apparently different than where the family had breakfast most mornings, Ian slid his arm around Everly’s waist.
“You doing okay?”
“I am. Your sister is amazing. I like her a lot.”
“She seems to like you a great deal, also.”
“That’s good to know.”
“You two going shopping Monday?”
“Depends on the weather, but yes, I think so. I also did a little research and discovered there’s a falconry experience at Dalhousie Castle and I think I’m going to treat myself by doing it. It’s something I’ve always found fascinating.”
He shook his head. “Is it now?”
“Yes.” She frowned. “Why are you making that face? Is that weird?”
“Not at all. It’s just that falconry is my grandfather’s biggest pastime when he’s not working. We have a whole range of birds of prey right here on the grounds. He built an aviary about thirty years ago and Granddad personally trains some of them. His favorite is an owl named Tonto.”
“After the Lone Ranger’s sidekick?”
