Caleb sat across from Jane staring out the carriage window. He had retrieved her from her bedchamber early this morning and led her to their waiting carriage before the sun had crested the horizon. By the time the sun rose, they had departed for London with little notice, and were now several hours into the journey. Much like the previous evening when he’d left her outside of her bedchamber door, neither spoke a single word beyond monotonous pleasantries, adding to the uncomfortable atmosphere of the carriage. He shifted in his seat, readjusting his stiff back and shoulders.

Perhaps he should say something, but what? Caleb had no idea what to do with a wife—actually, he knew perfectly well what to do, but what to discuss—that was a different thing all together. He slanted his gaze in her direction, wondering what she did now. With a sigh, he relaxed back against the plush velvet seat. It seemed he need not concern himself with entertaining her after all.

Judging by the gentle rise and fall of her chest, Jane had fallen asleep. He allowed his gaze to roam over her from the raven curls gathered at the back of her head to the pout of her slightly parted lips, then lower following the curve of her hip to her slipper covered feet sticking out from below her skirt. For the first time, he truly studied her, taking in every visible inch of creamy skin and feminine curves. He had always thought her to be an unremarkable wallflower, her coloring too dark, womanly curves too pronounced, and lackluster personality left nothing for a man to desire—or even take note of. He did not doubt that if she were not Lord Shillington’s sister he’d have no idea who the woman was. As it were, the Shillington’s were part of his circle. They often found themselves at the same gatherings, and shared several acquaintances and friends such as the Duke of Goldstone and the Duchess of Abernathy, who as it happened was rather fond of his new bride.

He narrowed his eyes focusing on her hair. It shone like onyx in the sunlight streaming through the carriage window. His fingers twitched with the sudden desire to touch the carefully styled tresses. Would he find the locks soft and silky? What of her lips? He had thought them to thin and taut in the past, but now as he studied the bow of her restful pout, he wished to feel them pressed to his. Relaxed as she was, they appeared to be lush and pliable. He’d wager they were sweet and yielding as well. The kind of lips made for kissing.

He tore his gaze from Jane and shifted in his seat. How the devil had he not seen her beauty before? More importantly, how was he to ensure her safety if he were distracted by her womanly charms? He simply had to maintain a distance between them.

The last time he’d been responsible for a lady’s well being he’d failed miserably. His heart ached at the memory of what he allowed to happen to his sister. Maggie had been out in the woods with him when they’d come upon a river. A log lay across it and he thought it would be safe to cross the water using the large hunk of wood.

He pushed back his rising emotions as the long ago memory continued its assault. A patch of wild flowers grew on the opposite bank and Maggie had wanted to pick them. Even now he could hear her screams, smell the water and sediment. He squeezed his eyes shut against the painful memory. Caleb lost a piece of himself—the most important piece— when he allowed Maggie to die.

He was no longer capable of loving another, the heartbreak he’d experienced too much for a life time. Nor did he trust himself to ensure someone else’s safety. It was the very reason he put off acquiring a wife—the reason he fancied himself a perpetual bachelor.

The clubs of London, lady birds and lonely widows, were safe. None of them required him to love or even care about anyone other than himself. Rather they welcomed his debauchery—encouraged it even, allowing him the freedom to numb his pain or douse his boredom as the case often was. He could use a strong drink and friendly game of cards at present.

Nonetheless, his course had been set. It would serve him best to embrace his new position in life.

His gaze landed on Jane once more. Somehow he would have to make amends with their situation. Forgo blaming her for his bad judgment and misdirection. She deserved to have a good husband, an honorable one even if he could never love her. But how the devil was he to accomplish the feat?

Jane’s eyes opened, her gaze meeting his. “It is terribly cold,” she said in a sleepy tone as she pulled her legs onto the carriage seat, closer to her body.

Caleb retrieved a blanket from beneath his carriage bench, then sat next to her. “Come. Lay your head on me. Share my warmth.” He reached out one arm waiting for her to snuggle against him.

Jane nibbled her lip, contemplating.

“Do not be silly. We are wed. It will do no harm for me to keep you warm.” He reached out for her.

“Of course. I fear it will take some time to get used to being a wife.” She arranged herself next to him. Her head on his chest, body pressed against him and legs curled up on the seat.

A shiver shot through him as her soft curves molded to him. Ignoring the unsettling longing, he spread the blanket over her then wrapped her in his embrace, lending his body heat.

He inhaled the floral scent of her hair while he rubbed her arm, warming it. Their marital state would take him more than a little while to grow accustomed to, though he could quickly get used to the feel of her in his arms. “There, how’s that?”

“Much better. Thank you.”

“Good.” He pulled her closer. “Get some more sleep.”

* * *

As Jane lay listening to Caleb’s heartbeat, feeling his heat, his embrace, she could no more sleep than think straight. Her mind bounced from one idea to the next. Should she reveal to him that they had not made love? Make small talk? Feign sleep to avoid the awkwardness surrounding them?

She closed her eyes deciding her last thought was the best course of action. Still her mind continued to circle. What was he thinking as he held her? Did he find her figure too full? Was he terribly disappointed to be wed to such an unattractive lady? Part of her believed it must be so since he’d neglected to consummate their marriage the prior evening—not that she had wished too. Or rather she did, but at the same time wanted to avoid him discovering how she had misled him.

Her deception had not been intentional. Everything simply happened too fast. Before she could point out that her virtue was still intact they were arguing, then Henry and the others barged into her chamber. What was she supposed to do?

Unable to resist, Jane peaked up at Caleb. Would he forgive her for not speaking up? His actions had compromised her all the same as if he had deflowered her. He was still in her bed without a stitch of clothing and caught half dressed in her chamber.

His gaze met hers and she looked away, hoping he would not make anything of her gazing at him.

“What is it, Jane?” he asked.

“Nothing.” She bit her lip. Pray do not let him press on with his inquiry.

He gave her a slight squeeze. “Are you still terribly cold?”

Forcing herself to meet his eyes, she said, “No, I am far more comfortable now.” In fact his embrace coupled with the blanket had chased the chill completely from her bones. She sat up, pulling the blanket tight around her shoulders. “I find that I am no longer in need of rest. Might we talk?”

“What do you wish to discuss?”

“Any topic that is not considered polite will do.”

He chuckled and she smiled at her own witty reply.

“I dare say I cannot tolerate one more conversation on the weather or upcoming season.”

His smile landed on her, sending heat spiraling through her. “I too am weary of pleasantries, though I fear I may shock your delicate sensibilities if I speak of impolite topics.”

“Try me?” She gave him her best saucy grin. “I would very much like to learn about you, your past and how you currently spend your time.”

“All of London knows my reputation. Let us not delve into it other than for me to confirm that all you have heard is likely true.” He settled back against the seat. “I believe you would be a far more interesting topic of discussion.”

Disappointment pricked her heart. She should not have expected any other response from the rogue. All the same she’d hoped to discover that there was more to him than his reputation. “Very well. What do you wish to know about me?”

He leaned closer. “How you taste.”

Before she could process his words, his lips were pressed to hers. She stiffened against the unexpected kiss not at all sure what to do.

Caleb wrapped one hand around her neck, pulling her closer, angling her head.

She relaxed under his tutelage, allowing herself to enjoy the gentle pressure of his lips against hers. She’d reveled in his kiss when he’d found his way into her bed and desired more of the same. The way he had used his tongue to probe her mouth and caressed her with his large hands had set her blood on fire. Yes, she wanted this—wanted him. Emboldened she drew on the memories of their first encounter—her first kiss—and parted her lips inviting him to delve further.

He met her desire with his own, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. He rubbed the nape of her neck adding another delectable sensation to the ones already coursing through her.

She moaned against his mouth, her body weakening as she gave herself over completely.

As suddenly as he’d brought his lips to hers, he pulled away. She looked at him wide eyed. “Why did you stop?”

He moved to the opposite side of the carriage. “If we continue, I will want all of you. I’ll wager you are sore from our previous coupling and I have no wish to cause you further discomfort.”

A pang of regret went through her. She swallowed hard, not at all sure how to respond. After a few heartbeats she opened her mouth to confess. “We did—”

“Let us not discuss the topic just now.” He reached into a pocket in the carriage door and retrieved a book. “Would you care to read aloud?”

She accepted it, opened to the marked page and began reading. Perhaps it was best to keep her mouth busy and mind distracted.