Page 2 of The Rogue’s Offer

As he lowered the flute, long fingers stroked the fragile neck of the glass, invoking the strong image of his hand trailing down the side of her throat. A raw sensation spiraled through her. It was unlike anything she’d experienced before. Butterflies swirled in her stomach as his tongue flicked out to erase a droplet of wine from his lips. She had no doubt it was a deliberate act on his part, and it sent a shiver skimming down the back of her spine.

In a split second, her nipples grew stiff beneath her corset until they pressed against her chemise. The soft linen roughened the hard peaks until a pleasure that was almost painful in its intensity assaulted her senses. It aroused something unfamiliar inside her that was as startling as it was unexpected.

Another tiny shudder sped through her. It traveled downward to settle between her legs and made her sex ache. It created a need for his hand to caress her as intimately as he did his glass. Confused by the sensations flowing through her, Ophelia jerked her gaze away. What in heaven’s name was wrong with her? As she fought to regain her faculties, a light touch on her arm made her jump.

“Ophelia, how lovely to see you this evening.”

The quiet greeting was a welcome distraction, and she quickly turned to see the youngest member of the Rockwood family standing in front of her. Dressed in a dark mauve-colored gown, the only other color the Viscountess Westbrook wore was the Stewart plaid in a sash over her breast.

Despite Louisa’s somewhat austere appearance, Ophelia thought her friend was even more beautiful than when they’d both been girls riding across the fields of Melton Park. It had been almost a year since they’d last seen each other, and she greeted her friend with an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

“Louisa, oh it’s wonderful to see you. Our paths never seem to cross anymore.”

“The season holds little interest for me anymore, and I seldom come to London. Aunt Matilda and I brought the children from Scotland last month for Sebastian’s and Helen’s tenth anniversary celebration. Everyone pressed me to stay for a bit longer, although I confess I’m eager to return to the solitude of the countryside.” A sorrowful look darkened her friend’s hazel eyes as her mouth curved in a small smile. “I find Callendar Abbey suits me far better. The boys do well in the fresh air, and Aunt Matilda loves having company.”

“How is your aunt?”

“She’s quite well, and she has a suitor. Although, I don’t think she’s willing to admit it. She grumbles about his arrogance.”

The laugh that parted Louisa’s lips reminded Ophelia of a time when her friend had been happy and carefree. The death of her husband and her brother in a tragic fire more than two years ago had changed her friend. The tragedy had changed all the Rockwoods. Their impulsive natures had been enhanced by their clear determination to live life to its fullest. Even Sebastian, who as the eldest had always been the least impulsive of the Rockwoods, had become less rigid in manner. Ophelia was certain his marriage to the countess was the main reason he was seen as less staid by many in the Marlborough Set.

“And the boys?”

“They’re sprouting up like weeds. Charles is six now, and has become enamored with botany. I wouldn’t mind so much if he didn’t bring half the earth with him wherever he goes.” Louisa smiled with motherly exasperation, yet more than a hint of pride. “And Willie is becoming increasingly precocious. Just last week he demanded we begin addressing him as Wills since he is no longer a baby. He has taken an intense dislike to being called Willie.”

“It sounds as though he’s a great deal like his mother. I remember a time when you were equally determined to be taken seriously. As I recall, the look on Sebastian’s face was one of abject horror.”

“Good heavens,” Louisa gasped with surprised amusement. “Are you referring to the time I told Sebastian I would unscrew the wires in his piano if he didn’t stop calling me Weezie?”

“Yes,” Ophelia nodded with a laugh. “I have never forgotten his horror-stricken expression.”

“My threat worked though. He never called me Weezie again,” Louisa sighed softly. “We were so young back then.”

“I’m sorry life has been so terribly difficult for you, Louisa, I truly am,” Ophelia said as she touched her friend’s arm. A haunted look flitted across Louisa’s face before her mouth curved in a smile reminiscent of earlier days, and she patted Ophelia’s hand.

“Thank you, Ophelia. It’s kind of you—” Louisa suddenly gripped Ophelia’s hand tightly. “You’re in trouble.”

“What?” she choked out in a soft gasp staring at her friend in surprise.

“Do not deny it, Ophelia. The an dara sealladh doesn’t come to me as often as the rest of my siblings, but I do possess the family gift,” Louisa said in a stern voice as she squeezed Ophelia’s hand and shut her eyes. “There’s a man. He has something that belongs to you. Letters? No, there’s only one, but it’s very important to you. You know him, but…”

At her friend’s words, Ophelia grew chilled. Although the Marlborough Set knew of the Rockwoods’ gift of sight, it was always discussed with great discretion. As children, she’d been accustomed to Louisa’s ability to know things others didn’t. But this was the first time her friend had seen something about her. Louisa’s eyes flew open, and she stared at Ophelia with a worried frown furrowing her brow.

“You must tell me what’s wrong, Ophelia. I trust the an dara sealladh, even when the images are confusing and make little sense.”

“There’s nothing wrong,” she prevaricated with as much aplomb as she could muster. “Father lost an important paper the other day, and we’ve been trying to find it. Perhaps that’s what you’re seeing.”

“No, I don’t think so,” Louisa murmured as she studied Ophelia closely. “I couldn’t see the man’s face, but he was much younger than your father.”

“Then perhaps you’re seeing someone I’ve yet to meet.” Her lips curved in a placating smile, Ophelia struggled to hide how close to the truth Louisa’s words were.

“Perhaps…” Louisa said with a look of concentration before a smile of pleasure suddenly curved her lips. “Mathias, you came. Percy said you might be here tonight. Why haven’t you joined us for dinner? I know he’s invited you to several occasions, but you keep avoiding us.”

“I would never willingly avoid dinner with the Rockwoods,” a deep voice filtered its way past her shoulder as a tall figure stopped at Ophelia’s side and bent to kiss Louisa’s hand. “I’ve simply been extremely busy.”

As she turned her head, Ophelia immediately recognized the owner of the hypnotic voice, and her heart stopped beating for a full second before it resumed again at a faster pace. The most intense jade-colored eyes she’d ever seen locked with hers, and his penetrating gaze made her feel as if he could see the darkest secrets she possessed.

“Ophelia, are you acquainted with—”