Chapter Nine

The next few weeks were a complete torture for the duke.

Julianne was acting nonchalant and seems to be keeping a respectful distance from him. She is also doing a great job in preventing them to be alone together which the duke had tried several times.

Julianne preferred to sit with Edward whom had recovered slowly but steadily. Gavin noticed she had ordered for her breakfast to be delivered to her rooms every morning yet the duke knew that she preferred to have her meal in the dining room.

Every morning the duke will wait for her, desperate to get a glimpse of her. But as Gavin casually inquired about her whereabouts, Swinton informed him that his mistress had gone to sit with Edward.

She also ordered her luncheon to Edward's room where in no doubt, they ate together. After lunch, she would retire to her rooms to take a nap and after having tea with Edward, they would stroll together in her rose garden or she would donned her dreadful work gown, nursing her roses. Julianne made sure that she was not alone. She made sure that Edward or Swinton or one of her servants kept her company.

The duke was unhappy with her actions, yet he persuaded himself to be more patient and give Julianne the time she needs to calm down. Gavin was certain in due time, Julianne would talk to him again.

He was not sure of his feelings to her yet. He would be up all night, thinking of her and her speech about marriage. As of now, Gavin really didn't think that love in a marriage is a necessity but apparently to Julianne is a great deal. The duke measured himself if he was capable of love.

Gavin was sure that Julianne felt something for him, else why would she gave herself freely if she so despises him? He grew hard at the thought of their lovemaking. Of how she whispered his name. Of how she pleaded him to end the sweet torment.

As the dawn breaks and as every morning since the last day they talked, Gavin would be totally aroused, heavy with need. He would be bathed in perspiration, his breathing labored.

At 8 am that morning, a determined Gavin marched purposefully to confront Julianne. No doubt she is at present, and as always sat with Edward in his bedchamber.

The duke yanked the door, but discovered the room is empty except for Edward who is sprawling on his bed and he was leaning against the headboard with two large pillows supporting his back. Gavin noted the bandage on his head was gone, the bridge of his nose was still covered with a small bandage.

His eyes were bruised but it was healing noticeably. The cut in his lips had recovered. Yet his right arm is still in a sling.

Edward looked up from his newspaper and smiled genuinely when he saw his friend.

"It is about time you visit me. Good morning" Edward fold his newspaper in half and gestured Gavin to enter with his good arm.

Hesitantly, Gavin moved about the room. He looked sadly at the soft Aubusson carpet by the fireplace where he had first made love to Julianne. Gavin realized he misses her terribly.

"Jules is not here, if you are looking for her. She has gone to town to buy her gardening supplies"

Keeping his vision downcast, Gavin spoke, "Just as well. I came here to apologize. Well, Julianne told me to-"

Edward smiled. "If we weren't sworn as blood brothers, I swear I kick your ass"

Gavin smiled sadly as he cast his good friend a rueful look.

Edward's smile vanished as he took a quick stock on Gavin. "What the hell happened to you?"

Gavin sighed and sat on a chair across Edward. "Julianne and I had a little argument. Apparently she hates me so much she didn't want to speak to me"

Edward was a smart man. And he knew Gavin too much to be told further.

"No, Gav. She doesn't hate you. But do not get me wrong. Jules never breath a word about your spat to me" Edward paused, fixing his friend a serious look. " You have a temper that can put Mount Vesuvius to shame"

"It was your fault. What are you doing flirting with her?" Gavin demanded hotly. His gut clenched as he remembered the scene.

Edward chuckled, shaking his blond head. "I was only accompanying her. She could use a friend, Gav. Jules is a very lonely woman"

"She didn't need any more friend. Not with the likes of you" The duke clenched his jaw.

"Will you listen to yourself, Hemington? You are jealous and possessive. If you keep this up, Jules will never accept you"

The duke sprang to his feet instantly, knocking the chair across the room. "She will accept me, either she likes it or not! Else she will run off with you as soon as I turned my back!"

But Edward refused to be intimidated. "Julianne is not Daniela" Edward's calm words stunned the duke. "Why can't you trust Jules and stop confusing her with Daniela?"

Edward sighed and gestured his friend to sit on his bed. The other man silently sat, hanging his head,

hands clutched together as he braced his elbows on his knees.

"Listen to me, brother. You have to stop living in the past" Edward sighed. "What Daniela had done to you was probably the most vilest thing a human had ever done to another a human being. But please do not punish Julianne because of your history" Edward paused, pursing his lips "She is not part of your past" he added.

Gavin sighed as he mutely divulged his words.

"Did you proposed to her?"

"Yes, I did" Edward answered finally, with a wistful sigh. "She turned me down"

"Why?"

Edward shrugged. "I haven't the faintest idea. Mayhap she had another bloke on her mind. I think-"

"Why do you proposed to her?" Edward fixed his friend with a stern look.

"I love her, Gav" He whispered. " She is the most fascinating woman I have ever met"

The duke took a deep breath. For once in weeks, he felt defeated. An emotion he didn't expect to feel whenever Julianne was concerned.

"I am willing to provide her the comfort that you were so hesitant to offer"

His head turned sharply at that. "That is where you are incorrect. I am eager to offer her the protection of my name" Hell, he would drag Julianne to the nearest chapel just to prove his point.

Edward cocked his eyebrow humorlessly. "Oh? When did this happened?"

"Weeks ago"

"And?"

"She refuses me"

Edward whistled low. "Why?" The Duke shrugged, sighing.

He gave Gavin's shoulder a light squeeze. "Do you love her?"

Gavin sighed, massaging his eyelids rather roughly. There is the question again. First it's Julianne, now it's Edward. His feeling towards the woman is still a mystery to him. He asked himself the question over and over again but to no avail. He had done so in days. Is he capable of love? What do a person look like when he is in love? Gavin wondered briefly. Certainly not as miserable as he is now.

"I do not know" he answered, feeling more restless than ever.

" 'Tis a confusing state. Love is" Edward said, propping back at his pillows, his fingers lacing together on his stomach as he directed his stare to his friend.

"You are out of your mind" Gavin snapped, instantly putting his guard up.

Edward snorted. "Denial is one of the signs when a person is in love"

The Duke sensed it is his cue to cut short his visit. Swiftly, he stood up before Edward could say more.

"I just want to report to you that I have to leave for Devon tomorrow at first light" Gavin paused, rising one black eyebrow. "I trust you shall not do any more monkey business with Julianne?" At Edward's waggling of his eyebrows, his tone grew harsh.

"I mean it, Sandhurst " Gavin warned. "She is off-limits"

Edward chortled, holding up his good hand in surrender.

"And again I am truly sorry for, you know-" Gavin coughed, gesturing at Edward's sling arm.

His friend smiled.

That is all he needed to exit the area while he silently hoped that Edward could do his damndest to keep his thoughts to himself.

* * * * * * * * *

The soft rap on his door jolted him from his deep sleep. The duke squinted in the darkness, certain he was hearing things. His bedchamber was in total darkness, illuminated only by the dying embers which he remembered vaguely, lit a satisfying blaze to keep him warm.

What time is it? Gavin wondered as he settled back in his pillows, determined to grab a few hours of sleep before his departure to Devon.

But then, there was a second rap, more distinctive this time.

"Who in hell?" He stalked naked to his door, deciding to knock the person's head down into his throat.

The duke yanked the door open, almost ripping it off from its hinges. Instead he was looking down at Julianne, looking breathtakingly exquisite in her hideous bed gown, which modestly covered in a cotton wrapper.

Her hair was unbound, cascading down her back like a river of gold.

Even when she was going to bed, she smells good. Gavin noted as they continued to stare at each other.

The duke was aware he was naked as he noticed the pretty blush creeping Julianne's face. But Gavin didn't make an effort to cover himself up. Instead he mentally grinned. His body reacted instantly to Julianne's nearness as he felt himself hardened.

"I-I.." Julianne started to speak but failed miserably as her cheeks grew hotter. "I-I shall see you in the morning. I apologize for disturbing you, Your Grace" She quickly turn to leave but Gavin caught her arm and gently pulled her into his rooms. Julianne did not resist, which Gavin saw as a good sign.

The duke close the door silently, his eyes, full of longing, never leaving her face.

She was beautiful. Gavin made a mental note, pulling her closer to his aroused body. Her blush deepened as she felt the proof of the duke's arousal on her belly.

"I missed you" he whispered, brushing his lips lightly to hers. "Don't you ever do that again"

"Do what?"

"Ignoring me. Avoiding me while you traipsing with Sandhurst"

Julianne instantly shook herself free and took a step back.

The duke tried to draw her back into his arms but this time Julianne resisted.

"I came to talk to you about Edward" Julianne began as she watched Gavin moved about the room, unconscious of his unclothed flesh. He crouched down at the fireplace, attempting to start the fire.

She was in total shock when he opened his door awhile ago. Julianne never knew that the duke would sleep naked. The thought gave a delicious shiver running all over her body as she imagined herself snuggled to his naked warmth.

Julianne mentally shook herself at the turn of her thoughts.

She took several deep, even breaths as she forced herself to concentrate her next words. It didn't help her any as Gavin took a steadying advance with a meaningful look in his eyes. Even in the shadows the duke's powerful body seems to glisten invitingly. Julianne suddenly felt her mouth went dry.

"It was noble of you to apologize to Edward. You do view him as a brother" She knew she was babbling.

Gavin smiled tenderly as he took Julianne's hands.

"Just so you know. I do not hate you. And I am certainly are not mad at you anymore" Julianne finished quickly, swallowing hard as she stood before the duke. The air seems to fizzed around them.

"I'm glad"

Something in his smile made Julianne's insides melt.

She could almost hear the thump of her heart in her throat as her head started to spin.

"I should go. You need your rest" Julianne whispered as she tried to turn.

The duke grabbed her hands. "No. Stay with me tonight"

At Julianne's silence, Gavin lifted her chin, looking deeply into her sapphire blue eyes.

"Will you stay?" At her slow nod, Gavin released the breath he didn't know he was holding.

The duke smiled tenderly as he fingered her hair. He wanted to make this night a special night for her.

After tonight, Gavin will make sure she marry him and be his forever.

The duke opened his arms and Julianne stepped in sighing with total surrender.

Hugging her tightly, Gavin lifted her chin for a kiss.

It was full of longing and sadness, Julianne felt her heart constricted.

Her tongue snaked out and invaded his mouth. Gavin gave a deep growl as his instinct took the rein.

His hands grew bolder, roaming her body. Julianne whimpered as she disengaged herself almost instantly.

"What is it?" Dazedly, the duke stood. His body hot. His manhood swollen and he swore he will go insane if Julianne changed her mind.

Involuntarily, she shivered.

His concerned face came to view. "Sweetheart. What is it?"

Julianne gave a weak smile, hugging herself.

"Nothing. It is just these rooms.." Her voice faded as she peered cautiously around the shadowy chamber. Julianne looked as if she wanted to faint.

Gavin's strong arms supported her. "T-the earl, my late father used to sleep here"

The duke nodded in understanding as he quickly shrugged into his robe, grabbed a candelabrum and exiting the chamber while tugging Julianne behind.

"Where are we going?" Julianne whispered as the duke guided them expertly into the semi-darkness.

"To your rooms. Where is it, exactly?"

Julianne gasped. "Are you insane? We certainly cannot go into my bedchamber!"

The duke grinned wickedly. "Fine. Shall we finish our business here then? In the hallway?"

Julianne humphed as she snatched the candelabrum from the duke and led the way.

She was silent as they reached her door. Gavin fumbled a bit with the knob and casually strode in, glancing curiously around.

Her bedchamber was half the size of his rooms, with feminine furnishings and certainly smells like her.

"You cannot enter here! This is inappropriate!" Julianne protested as the duke paused by her vanity table, fingering her hairbrush lightly.

"Come now, sweet. You certainly don't go knocking on my door at 3am just to tell me I am forgiven, do you?"

She was silent as she look away, her arms curling underneath her breasts as she was uncertain for once to formulate an answer.

When Edward retells to her of Gavin came to him to apologize, her heart tugged a bit.

She had tossed and turned all night as she is in quandary whether to face up to him and tell him that she had forgiven him. Julianne knew the Duke will be heading to Devon at first light and she wanted to have a clear conscience before he departed. That's why she came to his door at this ungodly hour.

Gavin saw the uncertainty playing on her features and he was immediately sorry for his teasing.

Slowly he came up to her. Julianne didn't back down as she straightened her spine and challenging him with her eyes.

"I am sorry, love. I am still forgiven, am I?" he teased lightly, his arms snaking around her waist as he pulled her closer.

Gavin kissed her lips lightly but it was enough to leave her breathless.

"You know this is not proper. I shall be ruined beyond repair" She whispered.

Gavin frowned. "You will not be ruined, Julianne. Not with the protection of my name"

She was quiet for a moment as if weighing his words. "Let's not talk about that tonight. Just kiss me"

Her simple request nearly brought him to his knees.

Slowly his lips descended to capture hers in a searing kiss and she welcomed him eagerly. His hands were roaming her back as if he wanted to imprint her as his own. Her soft moan brought him to the present.

Still kissing her, he lifted her up into his arms and carried her over to her bed.

"Gavin?" She called when the Duke left her on the bed.

"In a minute, sweetheart" came his reply from the semi darkness room.

Suddenly he appeared by her side, the bed dipped from his weight.

Julianne was lying still not sure what to do next as Gavin loomed over her, his powerful chest bare except it was covered with wide expanse of dark hair.

Julianne could not help but run her fingers through the springy hair and she was surprised it felt soft to her touch. The last time she could not see well the contours of his strong body, how beautifully sculpted his face were. Now even in the shadows, she took her fill in examining him.

Gavin was still, holding his breath as Julianne lightly ran her hand on his shoulders, marveling the muscles rippled beneath it, down to his upper arm and up again on his neck.

Her fingers lithely played the soft hair curling at the back of his head and Julianne smiled as she felt the duke shuddered.

Then, their eyes met. Ever so slowly, his lips descended down to meet its mate. Julianne sighed as she lifted her lips, openly inviting him. She felt her heart thudded in her throat as Gavin applied pressure to their kiss while his other hand quickly slipped the buttons of her bed gown from its moors.

Apparently frustrated, the duke broke away and ripped opened the front, satisfyingly popping the buttons free.

"Gavin! My gown..!" Julianne gasped as she realized what the duke had done.

The duke grinned sheepishly. "Sorry love. You shall not be wearing bed gowns anymore.

Especially hideous ones" Gavin pushed away the garment revealing the true Julianne.

The duke smiled appreciatively as he scrutinized her, running his hand on her naked flesh.

She was all gorgeous. Long lean legs, full high breast, tipped with dusky rose nipples, narrow waist and perfectly shaped hips. Instinctively, Julianne hugged her breasts, embarrassment evident on her face. She never revealed her feminine limbs to anyone before, less to a man.

"Please sweetheart. Let me look at you" His voice hoarse as he felt the rampant desire and lust riding his member. Julianne's expression was so innocent, almost angelic like as her eyes that before were filled with doubts and uncertainty had vanished entirely, replaced with open trust, it brought him nearly to his knees.

"I want to make love to you, Julianne" the duke whispered, surveying her face.

Julianne smiled. "I shall die if you don't"

His right hand started to travel again, down to her chest, paused on her breast, his thick fingers teasing lightly on one taut nipple. The shuddering sensation wracked her whole body straight to her core, shooting gold and white stars as it went and settled in her heart.

She could not think, much less protest of what Gavin was doing to her. He once again wove his spell around her, leaving her brain paralyzed, her senses numb as the duke expertly dragged her closer to the sun.

His fingers leave her nipples, traversing down to her woman's mound where he found her, throbbing and soaking with need.

"That's it, sweet. Open for me" the duke whispered delightfully as he rubbed her secret point, his teeth gently grazing her nipples simultaneously.

Julianne nearly die from the sweet torment. She never imagined in her wildest dream such act could exist between a man and a woman. She felt she was spinning out of control as Gavin continued his expert administration with his fingers and mouth. She desperately open her eyes, trying to focus.

"Gavin. I don't think I can wait anymore" she rasped nearly close to tears when she felt her inner muscles started to contract.

With a grunt, the duke shifted on his knees, the bed creaking in protest, spread open her legs as wide as he dared and plunged forward.

Julianne groaned as she held on tight, meeting his hips as her trembling climax overtake her instantly. Gavin swooped down, sucking her lips, effectively silencing her scream.

The duke continued to pumped urgently, seeking his own release. His handsome face was lined with deep concentration as he wanted to prolong his lovemaking to her.

Julianne moaned, lifting her hips in order to match the pace of his rhythm. Gavin answered with a growl by Julianne's encouragement.

Suddenly he changed his pace. He effortlessly grabbed her buttocks as he thrust deeper and faster.

Julianne had to bite her bottom lip from screaming her second climax, bathing her with sunbeam when suddenly Gavin stopped, groaning loudly as he filled her.

* * * * * * * *

Gavin nearly fall into slumber when he was suddenly awake by a loud pounding on the door. The duke winced at the sound but decided to ignore it and as he pulled Julianne's naked body closer to his, there was that knock again followed by a muffled conversation.

Beside him, Julianne didn't stir. After their fourth mating, Julianne literally fell asleep. The duke chuckled, thinking that he never came across on someone who can fall asleep at the drop of a hat.

Gavin was halfway shrugging into his robes when he heard Swinton pounded the door, shouting for his mistress.

"Swinton? Gavin? What is going on?" Apparently the loud commotion awoken Julianne as she rose from the bed, donning her wrapper.

Clearly they have forgotten about propriety being caught together in the same room as the duke yanked the door wide revealing Swinton and Alda on the doorway. That was then Gavin caught the acrid smell.

"Swinton? Wha-? Oh my god!" Julianne nearly swoon at Gavin's feet when she observed the billowing thick black smoke.

"We have to get out now, Your Grace, Miss Julianne! The fire had overwhelmed most part of the Hall" Swinton had to shout over the hysterics.

Gavin have started coughing and his eyes watered. He makes use the sleeve of his robe to cover his nose.

Impulsively he shoved Julianne to her Abigail. . "Alda. Get her dressed warmly. Bring a blanket if the need arises. Get out from the Hall quickly and keep her safe" It was not a request, but more like an order. Her maid gladly complied, half dragging, half ushering her back inside her bedchamber to grabbed any nearby decent clothes for her mistress.

Julianne did not have the chance to argue as the duke jogged off with Kelly and Swinton trailing closely at his heels.

Julianne was momentarily amazed by Gavin's authority as he firmly directed the army of servants to exit the Hall in calm manner.

As soon as they were outside, the duke instructed Swinton to inspect that every servant was out and safe.

Julianne watched with horror as the raging fire ransacked her beautiful house. She could feel the heat on her face and she briefly grimaced and took a step back. She brought the blanket closer to herself as she stood by with Alda, feeling helpless for the first time. My home! She nearly choked out. Julianne felt the sting in her eyes, realizing it was not from the smoke of the fire rather than the thought of losing her home.

"It shall be fine, Jules" She turned to Edward who was limping slowly towards her, smiling encouragingly.

"How it shall be fine?" she demanded, valiantly trying to hide her tears.

Edward shrugged. "Gavin will take care of the arsonist"

"Arsonist?" Julianne squeaked. "You mean someone intentionally burn my home?"

Edward nodded. "From what I have heard, whoever it was, also lit a fire at the plantation and the rose nursery"

My roses! Julianne thought, feeling sick and disgusted the same time. She left Edward and Alda to march towards Gavin. The duke was clustered within a small group of men, apparently he was holding a conference without her. Julianne briefly fumed.

"What is it I have heard that somebody had purposely started the fire?" She demanded, squeezing herself between Gavin and Kelly. Placing her hands on her hips, she gazed expectantly on both men.

Kelly colored slightly. Swinton manufactured a cough while the duke looked startled but pursed his lips.

"Aye, Miss Julianne. What ye 'eard 'tis true blue. Someb'dy or some'un went and did it" Kelly answered, glancing nervously to the duke.

"There is nothing for you to do here, sweetheart. Why don't you go to a nearby inn and get some sleep?" Gavin gently prodded.

Julianne threw the duke a warning look. "I fear you need not to interfere with the situation, your grace. I and the rest can handle the matter without you"

Gavin sighed, struggling his damndest not to lose his temper. "Julianne, I do not have time for this. I do not want you to jeopardize your safety"

His words, meant to soothe her only brought forth her ire.

"Let me remind you that the Hall and the plantation is still under my jurisdiction. If you think-"

"Gav! Gav! The villagers are here!" her words were cut short as Edward's voice rang in the air.

The duke looked entirely relief as he strode on with the rest to meet the crowd but not before saying to her. "I want you to stay away from the fire. No heroics"

Her eyes rounded with disbelief. "See here-"

"I mean it, Julianne" without warning, the duke drew her into his arms, took her lips quite roughly into his own as if emphasizing his point and then jogged off to join Kelly. Clearly caught off guard, Julianne struggled to regain her balance, observing the duke paused by Alda and Edward, as they talked a bit, simultaneously throwing their gazes at her.

Well, if he thinks that he can order her about, taking control of her staff and taking over her position, he have another thing coming. Julianne thought, trudging towards the boisterous group of villagers determined once and for all to take over the matter in her hands.

"The fire had raged half of the Hall, Your Grace!" She overheard one of the under footman yell. "It is beyond our power to control it now!"

"What!? What about my rose nursery?" Julianne demanded loudly. Gavin and the rest whirled around looking worriedly at her.

"Julianne! I thought I told you to stay where you were!"

She stubbornly pursed her lips. "May I remind you who is in charge here?"

"I do not have the time and patience for this!" Gavin clasped her arms tightly as he dragged her away.

Julianne winced, struggling free. "You are hurting me! Let me go!"

"Don't be such an ass Julianne! " She gasped horrifically but Gavin looked menacingly down at her, daring her to defy him.

"Here. Take her away" The duke shoved Julianne to his friend. "Make sure she didn't go wandering off again!" Gavin growled turning on his heels and took off.

"Come, Edward. We shall go around the back" Julianne make a move to walk to the side entrance of the Hall but Edward quickly caught her hands, shaking his head.

"I think we should adhere by Gav's order, Jules"

"What?" Disbelief laced her voice. "But my home! My plantation and my nursery!"

"Which undoubtedly will be well handled by Hemington"

His words struck a raw nerve inside her. "I do not believe this! All this time I thought you are on my side!"

"I am on both side, Jules" Edward corrected her, raising his brows . "Hemington is indeed correct. You seems rather fatigue. We should go and find an inn" Why the woman appeared as if she hadn't sleep for days.

Fixing him with a cold stare, she muttered coolly. "I can assure you, Your Grace. I shall be fine. I could not stand by here watching my home burnt to the ground. I am going over there and help"

Edward shook his head linking his good arm with hers and gently yet forcefully tugged her away to a clearing.

There awaits a big and black carriage with four equally large black bays, pawing the ground impatiently, snorting , their breaths turned into translucent vapors and disappeared into the air.

Alda suddenly materialized beside her and gestured her to enter the large carriage.

"Rutherford has instructed us to leave immediately" Edward supplied, climbing into the spacious vehicle.

Alda sat primly to her right while Edward slid into a seat across from her. Julianne pursed her lips, unable to say or protest. It seems that she doesn't have a say anymore.

"Your Grace?" a groom shouted clearly waiting for Edward's orders.

Edward stuck his head out the window. "Do you know any nearby inn or tavern?"

"Aye. A good two miles from here" came the reply.

Edward returned to his seat, using his cane to tap at the roof of the carriage, the vehicle immediately sprung forward.