Free Nicole Jordan by The Passion Page A

doubt he’s alone in that—a woman as lovely as she is,” Nicholas replied.
    “Yes, but he would never have approached her while she was in mourning. Fortunately or not, her circumstances have shielded her from normal modes of courtship. In England she would have been much sought after for her rank if not her beauty, but her longstanding betrothal to Lord March kept any other suitors at bay, as did her father. I doubt Aurora is even aware of her effect on men….” Percy frowned. “Which reminds me, I feel I must speak up, Nick. My cousin is very much a
lady
. I hope you will go gently when you make her your bride.”
    Nicholas returned a cool glance. “I assure you, I have never mistreated a woman in my life.”
    “I don’t believe you would intentionally harm her. I just meant…restrain your lust…keep your customary wildness under control. Aurora is nothing like your usual paramours. She’s a complete innocent, with no experience in carnal matters.”
    “I will be considerate, I give you my word,” Nicholas swore solemnly. “Now, perhaps we should discuss financial arrangements. The war will make it difficult for Lady Aurora to access my funds in any American banks, but I will write a letter for her to present to my cousin Wycliff in England. I’m certain Lucian will honor my wishes and provide her marriage settlement immediately. He can reconcile the amount with my estate once the war ends.”
    The two men spoke for a time about business matters—Aurora’s jointure and what portion she would hold in trust for his sister and how the will should be written.
    When Percy was satisfied the main contingencies had been accounted for, Nick changed the subject once again by saying gravely, “I would ask one more favor from you, my friend. Make certain Lady Aurora leaves St. Kitts before my sentence is carried out. I don’t want my wife to see me die.”
    “That might be more difficult than all the rest,” Percy replied slowly. “Aurora may very well refuse to leave you until the bitter end. She has a strong loyal streak, you see. She could feel obligated to stay until it is over.”
    “You cannot let her see me hang, Percy.”
    “No, I agree.”
    “Get her to Montserrat, by force if necessary. Wycliff’s schooner should be docked there waiting to take my sister to England. They can embark directly from there.”
    “I shall see to it,” Percy said earnestly. He met Nick’s gaze. “I should be doing more to help you out of this damnable situation.”
    Nicholas grinned and reached out to shake his friend’s hand. “You’ve already done more than I have any right to ask. Believe me, if I can see my sister safe, I will die at peace.”
    When Percy was gone, Nick lay down on the cot, his mind at ease for the first time since being taken prisoner. An odd sentiment, considering that tomorrow was to be his wedding day. Matrimony was an institution he had always ardently avoided, deploring any shackles that would restrict his much-cherished freedom. Ordinarily the prospect of taking a bride would have him rebelling, resisting with all his might. But his circumstances were anything but ordinary.
    As was his bride.
    Aurora Demming was a contradiction—surprisingly tough for a lady of her class and upbringing, with a stunning combination of regal elegance and allure.
    Was he asking too much of her? She was the privileged, pampered daughter of a duke. Proper. Innocent. And enchanting enough to send blood rushing to his loins at the mere thought of touching her.
    She was a beauty, the kind of woman to haunt a man’s dreams, with pale gold hair and deep blue eyes and lush lips made for kissing.
    When he remembered tasting those lips, another fierce stab of desire pierced him. Nicholas swore softly at himself. How would he manage to restrain himself? He’d had countless women. Passionate lovers who could wring a man dry. Bold, exciting ones who challenged his expertise and stressed the limits of his control.