Page 78 of The Rake Desires the Diamond

“Hmm,” Harrington murmured.

After that declaration, how could her brother deny that Katrina and Evan belonged together? Evan couldn’t help his grin. Surely it was toothy, big, and absurd. Most importantly, it was genuine, for this might be the greatest moment of his life. He, Evan Eaton, the youngest of The Troublesome Eatons of Trent, an irresponsible rake with a love for cards and quim, and the attention span of a gnat, now had an important purpose.

Evan scampered after Lady Katrina Harrington, the bravest woman of his acquaintance.

Together, they would paint the world in vibrant rainbow colors as they made love a million times a day.

Chapter thirty-one

July 13th, 1818

Much to Kat’s surprise, the ride to the East Midlands was hardly tedious or uncomfortable, and the time passed quickly. How thrilling to learn that Evan wanted to pursue his art, because she wanted to teach art. Her brother nodded in what seemed to be approval, and he didn’t remind her that teaching might be an improper goal for someone of her status. The four of them also discussed plans to petition parliament for the rights of people to love whomever they choose, despite their gender. In between their deep conversations, Kat read or worked onher needlepoint with Anna.

Evan sat across from Kat, his scorching gaze making her ache for his touch. Unfortunately, her brother sat diagonally, his glare tempering her libidinous thoughts. At least Ethan’s mood was much improved. He’d stopped bellowing and talked to her as if she were his equal. And Ethan and Evan laughed as much as they had before she’d ruined their friendship.

Each afternoon, they’d pull to the side of the road and picnic on tea, cheese, bread, and dried meats. Their driver and the two footmen accompanying them joined them for the companionable meal. At night, they’d stay at comfortable roadside inns.

And yet…

Curling up beneath the counterpane alone in a strange room brought with it a torturous ache between Kat’s thighs. Her feeble touches did little to curb her needs. She craved Evan. The way he’d whispered naughty words in her ear. How he licked her feminine folds until she came apart. The memory of his hard length deep inside her….

But there was nothing to be done about her lascivious feelings since her brother made sure she and Evan were chaperoned every second. She simply had to make do with Evan’s knowing grin and heated gaze. That and her own unsatisfying explorations. Once they reached Trent Castle, and Ethan was preoccupied, she and Evan could sneak off and make love until she lost herself.

The swaying carriage lulled Kat into a dreamy, half-asleep, half-awake state. Warm, cozy, and fuzzy-brained, she drifted…

The carriage jolted her awake. Heart racing, she sat up.

“’Twas only a stone beneath the wheel,” Evan said, hisgaze smoldering.

Instinct told her he’d been watching her sleep. Her belly quivered.

Ethan leaned between them and cleared his throat. “I believe we have reached our destination.”

She watched over Ethan’s shoulder as Evan’s gaze switched from heavy-lidded to wide-eyed.

He peered out the window and smiled. “Aw, my happy little village.”

Kat’s heart warmed until she thought it might burst from her overflowing adoration for this man who loved his home and family.

Looking out her window, she absorbed every detail. A charming pub, an exquisite church with spiraling conicals, Tudor-style storefronts, colorful flowers, and trees as old as time dotted the main street.

“You can see Trent Castle from here.” Evan pointed to a four-story building perched on the hill above them. One majestic turret reached into the sky. “I hope you are not disappointed. It is quite small by castle standards. No moat or balustrade. Only two hundred years old. Actually, more of a manor home with a huge turret. But ‘tis home.”

As the carriage climbed, Kat took in the Gothic stained-glass windows. The sunlight played off the colorful panels, creating an artist’s dream. An old, rather charming stone chapel sat off to one side.

“Not disappointing in the least,” Kat said. “’Tis really quite lovely.”

“I find it spectacular,” Anna said.

“Not nearly as dank as Hockley Castle,” Ethan said.

Evan’s gringrew. “I am so glad you all think so.”

Kat absorbed Evan’s contagious excitement. Deep in her soul, she knew her new life awaited her in that magnificentcastleon the hill.

A handsome boy of about thirteen or fourteen and two barking dogs greeted Kat’s party in the foyer.

“Evan,” the boy cried out as he wrapped himself around Evan’s hips.