A Scandal By Any Other Name

Rowan let out a long, shaky breath, closing his eyes as her lips touched his skin. The terrible fear in his chest finally began to slowly melt away.

When she pulled back, Rowan opened his eyes. He looked down at her. He noticed her bare shoulders and the messy state of her dress.

He moved his hands gently. With slow, incredibly careful movements, he brought the top of her dress back up over her shoulders. He pulled the soft fabric up to properly cover her chest and tied the belt around her waist. Then, he reached down and carefully smoothed the skirts of her dress down to completely cover her legs. He made sure she was warm, decent, and perfectly protected.

He stepped forward again. He reached out and held her small hands securely in his large ones.

With a very gentle, easy pull, he brought her down from the hard edge of the desk.

Delaney’s soft shoes touched the carpet quietly. Her legs felt a little weak from the intense rush of emotion, but Rowan kept a firm grip on her hands to steady her.

"Come here," Rowan said softly.

He did not let go of her hand. He turned and gently guided her across the study. He walked toward his large, comfortable leather reading chair sitting near the warm fireplace.

Rowan sat down heavily in the large chair. He let out a tired, contented sigh as his back hit the soft leather.

He gently pulled Delaney down with him. He did not make her sit on the sofa opposite him. Instead, he carefully guided her to sit sideways directly across his lap.

Delaney settled comfortably onto his strong thighs. She tucked her legs against the side of the chair. The warmth of the fire crackled nearby, making the corner of the study feel incredibly warm and cozy.

Rowan brought his hand up. He gently brushed a stray, dark curl of hair completely away from her forehead, tucking it neatly behind her ear. His touch was incredibly gentle, avoiding the white bandage on the other side of her head.

He lowered his arm and wrapped it securely around her waist, holding her safely against him. He made sure not to press anywhere near her healing ribs.

Delaney smiled. She shifted her weight slightly to get more comfortable. She naturally wrapped her right arm loosely around his neck, resting her hand lightly on his broad shoulder.

They sat together in the quiet study, the silence between them completely comfortable and deeply peaceful. The wild, burning fire of their passion had settled down into a steady, warm glow of love and companionship.

Rowan looked down at her face. A small, slightly resigned smile touched the corners of his mouth.

"Guess I will just have to wait till after the wedding," Rowan said softly, letting out a small, dramatic sigh.

His fingers began drawing slow, gentle, absentminded circles and patterns on the fabric at the very back of her waist. The slow, rhythmic motion was incredibly soothing.

Delaney felt a warm blush rise to her cheeks at his direct words, but she felt entirely bold and secure in his arms.

Delaney giggled. It was a bright, happy, musical sound that made Rowan’s chest swell with joy.

"I do not think you would wait that long, Your Grace," Delaney teased him lightly, a wicked little sparkle returning to her hazel eyes.

She moved her hand slightly. Her soft fingers began playing gently with the short strands of hair at the very nape of his neck.

"Besides," Delaney added softly, resting her head against his shoulder. "It has already healed significantly. It was truly just a mild pain, that is all. You simply surprised me."

Rowan tightened his arm around her waist just a tiny fraction. He kissed the top of her dark hair.

"I will take no risks with your health, Delaney," Rowan promised her firmly. "I can wait for you. I would wait a hundred years for you if I had to."

Delaney smiled against his coat, her heart fluttering happily at his romantic words.

They sat in comfortable silence for a few more minutes. Rowan watched the dancing orange flames in the fireplace, simply enjoying the warm, solid weight of her body resting perfectly in his lap.

Then, an important thought crossed his mind.

Rowan spoke, remembering their earlier conversation. "Speaking of which, Del... when exactly are you going back to the manor?"

Delaney shifted slightly to look up at his face.

"Two days from now," Delaney spoke, her voice clear and decisive. "The doctor said I need to rest, but I feel strong enough for a comfortable carriage ride. I will leave for Oakridge with my Aunt Renee."

Rowan nodded his head slowly, thinking about the logistics. Oakridge Manor had been completely empty and closed up since the death of Arthur Kingsley. The servants had all left. The grand house would be dusty, cold, and entirely unready for a young lady to live in.

"Should I send my people over to help you get properly settled?" Rowan asked, his protective nature taking over. "I can send a dozen of my best maids to clean the rooms. I can send my footmen to chop wood and light the fires before you arrive. I do not want you lifting a single finger or getting stressed out, Delaney."

Delaney looked at him with deep affection. She knew he only wanted to make her life perfectly easy and comfortable.

But Delaney shook her head firmly.

"No need, Rowan," She replied, her voice soft but entirely resolute.

She looked at the warm fire, thinking about her true childhood home.

"I want to do it myself," Delaney explained quietly. "Oakridge is my home. It belonged to my father, and now it belongs to me. I want to walk through the front doors on my own terms. I want to hire my own servants, open the curtains myself, and let the fresh air back into the rooms. I want to completely relish in my childhood memories."

Rowan listened to her carefully. He looked at the strong, determined set of her delicate jaw. He realized that this was not just about cleaning a dusty house; this was about her true independence.

Rowan did not argue. He did not insist on sending his servants. He respected her completely.

He nodded his head in absolute agreement.

He shifted his body, letting his muscles relax completely into the soft leather of the large chair. He lowered his head and rested his cheek gently against the top of her breast, resting his ear right above her steady, beating heart.

He closed his blue eyes. The rhythmic thump-thump of her heart was the most beautiful, comforting sound he had ever heard in his entire life.

"Mmmm," Rowan said quietly, a low, contented hum vibrating from his throat as he relaxed completely in her hold.

He wrapped both of his arms securely around her waist, holding her close to him.

"Anything you say, my Duchess," Rowan whispered softly.