*****Warning~ this chapter has adult content read at your own risk******

*Two days later*

Alicia after returning from Bath, heard all the rumors of Weathertons Ball. She did not want to take it to chance in case the rumors were true, she needed Raynauds help.

Hooded eyes took in the questioning appearance of the woman before him.

She was a bit disheveled and flushed and breathing heavily as she stood before him. Anxious.

He had to admit that what some did for love was astounding but this woman was straight out a loon. What she proposed was devious but it would just as well work in his favor. Somehow.

"So m'lady you want Evangeline gone?" He leaned back in his chair flexing his fingers focusing on her and her unsteady glint in her eyes.

"How much clearer do you want me to say it? Take her out of my way," she hissed.

"I know, but how do you suppose I do that?" He smirked.

"Does not her father owe you, was she not suppose to be given to you to pay off his debt?" She questioned.

"Yes, indeed. That was the case. But, St. James paid off that debt," he leaned forward.

She stiffened. "What did you say?"

"Like you heard it, I handed over the notes to him," he grimaced a bit not wanting to go into detail of how.

"But," he continued. And as he said it she stood rapt with attention.

"I have one more card up my sleeve that I've yet played." He gave a wicked grin.

Now piqued with curiosity with this new development she stepped closer.

"And what is that if I may ask,?" She took in his gaze of triumph.

Leaning back he pulled open his desk drawer and pulled out a document. He scanned it over before letting her look at it.

Anxious eyes stepped forward and pulled it close. Swallowing hard with difficulty she read the content in disbelief and awe. Slowly she raised her shaky fingers to her throat. Peering over it she took him into her gaze.

"Do you know the validity of this document, do you realize what sits in your possession? How did you come upon it?" she asked nervously.

"I found it in a safe in her home," he said.

"You know you can not use it, she can never find out about this," she shook her head.

With a low chuckle he rose a brow."oh that is your only ticket to be rid of her. See I have already put my plan to use. So I intend to use it to my advantage, and with it I intend to have her as well," his wicked grin widened.

"So what is the plan? We need to work quickly," she began to pace.

"We need to separate them," he shrugged.

"How do we do that?" Irritation evident in her tone.

"Well m'lady you honestly need to work very hard on your skills in seduction for this all to work in our favor," he gave her a wide devious grin as she scowled at him.

"By planting a seed of doubt between them it will slowly sever what ever it is brewing between them," he looked at her.

He thought clearly on the matter as he narrowed his eyes at the crazed unstable woman that began to pace before him.

"You have not read the paper yet have you?" he watched her.

"No, why?" She seemed perplexed.

"Oh! I Think you should read it, maybe it will fuel your ambition to do what it takes to have him" he smiled.

He leaned forward and handed it to her.

She picked it up to read over the paragraphs and stiffened. She could not believe what she was reading.

She stood seething with malice and hate as she read the Morning Gazette. Her chest tightening as the words offensively leapt off the page at her.

"He called off my engagement to be with this little tramp." She screamed.

Enraged and filled with so much anger she began to scream.

"I'm going to kill her," she cried out.

Immediately he stood up rounded the table to pull her to face him.
"You will not harm her am I clear," he clenched his jaw before she pulled away from him.

"The both of them are going to pay for this," she shouted.

She needed to get rid of that thorn in her side at any cost. A wicked sneer curled at her lips as she thought of the perfect way to do it.

She stormed off screaming for her driver. In no time she was driven away.

*~*~*~*~*~*
Eva sat next to Caroline listening attentively to her words as she read out loud the Morning Gazettes' social column.

Her name in bold print in front and center caught her eyes.

The heavens surely let loose one of its Angels upon us as she graced us with her presence two nights ago.

Miss Evangeline Chenoweth

Accompanied by her chaperone Lady Caroline of Fairhaven, was whispered amongst the most influential of the Ton to be without a doubt the Belle of Weatherton's Ball.

An enchanting beauty that possessed poise, elegance and true charm as she was embellished in gorgeous gems and breathtaking evening attire.

Ms. Chenoweth's charm and beauty did not disappoint as she was admired from afar by all of the evenings most eligible bachelor but, just as much she won the attention of the seasons most sought after bachelor, Lord St. James of Fairhaven.

The Earl, rumored to have been a true catch of the evening, made his intentions very clear as he whisked the enchanting beauty into her first Waltz of the evening until it's last, leaving all eligible debutantes in breathless reverie.

There is no doubt that after a brief courting of these two, an announcement of his proposal will follow suit.

Giddy and nervous with excitement she smiled at Caroline as the paper was placed in her hands.

"I can't believe they would say such things about me," she felt a flush over her cheeks.

Caroline laughed.

"Why not?,if it's all true darling," Caroline reached over and squeezed her hand with a soft laugh.

Suddenly Eva gasped crunching the paper to her chest. "What if Adrian sees this? What would he say?" She sunk in her chair, her gaze widening with fright rose to Carolines.

Before she could answer a deep velvety voice answered breaking the questioning silence in the sitting room.
"He would say he totally agrees with the paper," Adrian spoke.

Whirling around in surprise, Eva caught the gorgeous grin of Adrian as he stepped over the threshold of the door.

In two sprints with her most beautiful smile yet she jumped into his arms. Not minding Caroline's chastising her for such a display. He chuckled with not a care in the world either, he received her with open arms and twirled her around raining kisses lovingly all over her cheeks and neck.

"I've missed you," she beamed breathlessly pulling him down for another tight hug.

"My goodness you sound as if he has returned from the war," the cheeky voice of Arlington came from behind him.

Sliding down quickly from Adrian's hold, Evangeline peered behind him with a shy smile only to look into the handsome face of her husband dear friend as he winked with a teasing grin.

Shaking her head with a laugh she looked up to Adrian. He held her gaze with a loving smile as he caressed her back and tightened his embrace.

"What on earth are you doing here," she smiled.

Her infectious smile brought his lips to curve into a smile as well not able to contain his desire for her.

" I have come to make good on the announcement in the paper of a brief, courting so we can rush along the placement of a proposal," he gave a mischievous grin.

With raised brows of surprise Eva laughed. "How do you plan to do that m'lord," she rewarded him with her most coquetish smile.

"Plan to take you, my beautiful enchantress to a stroll in the park and later to the opera. What do you say?"

"Oh!Adrian yes, I would love that so much," she beamed happily.

He chuckled as she went up on tip-toes to press her lips to his. His features softened as he swept a stray brown curly tendril from her face behind her ear.

"You know that for you I will do anything Peach," he caressed her cheek softly.

The immense love he has for her was evident in his gaze and he was content that in the depths of her own eyes they reflected the same like a mirror image.

The soft cough pulled him from his musings to look over to two sheepishly amused eyes as he lost himself in his passionate encounter with her.

"I believe you two need some privacy, Just as we do," Arlington nodded to Adrian's study before turning to look down into Caroline's eyes with a sudden warm stare.

Silence was their only answer as Eva looked nervously up to Adrian's gaze slowly turning into a frown as realization set in of what Arlington meant and how he looked at Caroline.

She slowly raised her fingers to his cheek and lowered his gaze to hers as a way to distract him. Deep down she knew Adrian would not like this one bit, but she had to lighten the air around them.

The way she looked at him, she had him just how she wanted him. She stepped closer to him brushing herself lightly and closer to him. She could tell he was slowly battling with desire and a bit of anger that was rising.

But, she would be the victor in this war and she knew it. She only at this moment had his attention for a short time before he returned them to Caroline and Arlington so she needed to act fast. She didn't want them to argue.

She pulled him close and whispered in his ears the most sultry thing she could think of. He pulled back and looked down at her with a hooded gaze that darkened with lust and her stomach tightened with it.

Before she could react, he pulled her forward flushed against his body then he looked at Arlington with a heated glare. "You and I will talk later."

He yanked her eagerly behind him as he headed to his study. He slowly pulled her in and before she knew it she was standing before him.

The look he gave her just had her tingling from her head to her toes with anticipation.

Amused at her antics, he gave a wicked grin. His little peach thought herself so clever. He crossed his arms and leaned against the door, staring raptly at how she was biting her lip. Such a look had her heated and blushing fiercely.
It occurred to her as she swallowed nervously, that perhaps she should not entice a male with such fierce passion, and such potent lust.

When he pushed away from the door, she watched him slowly undo his jacket and then reach for his cravat then pulled it away. The hungry leisurely prowl in his walk quickened her heart. And with every step he took she slowly stepped back until she found herself against the edge of his desk. She couldn't pull her gaze away from his.

He had to admit that her tactic was unhandidly flawless and very clever trying to diminish a possible confrontation with Arlington. But, what she whispered in his ears gave him a most salacious image that he hardened immediately.

She thought she was getting her way. What a surprise she was in for. His little minx was going to learn that she should not play with fire. But for now he had to give her credit because he
found her crafty, plotting mind enchanting.

Stopping mere inches before her. Taking her by the waist, he set her on the desk while strong hands spread her legs wide as he stepped between them. Lust filled eyes as captivating as ever held his gaze. His eyes lowered hungrily to stare at the luscious lips he wanted to claim.

"My naughty minx I must say you have a very vivid imagination," he whispered watching her.

He glided a finger down her cheek to her neck. His husky voice made her quiver as his fingers lightly grazed her collarbone.

His eyes met hers. "What do you say we add my finishing touch," his velvety voice drifted past her ears and she gasped softly.

Her eyes drifted to his mouth. Absently , she licked her lips.
"Would you care to elaborate m'lord,"
She whispered.

He leaned in close, whispering in vivid detail just what he wanted. She barely got a whimper past her lips before he claimed them. His hands softly caressed her knees as he pressed his hips close.

Their tongues touched and he groaned pulling her closer. The world around them ceased to exist as he reveled in the sweetness of her lips, her caresses and the feel of her thigh around his waist.

He lowered his lips to her neck tasting and nipping her warm fragrant flesh. His fingers glided down the swells of her breasts leaving fire in their path.

Then they touched her knee, glided up her thighs just below her skirt.

"If I knew you were coming m'lord, I would have been better prepared."
He silently waited for her to explain.

"Bare for your pleasure," she whispered softly near his lips.

Such words had him nearly spilling his seed in his breeches. His lips dominanted hers, his fingers squeezed her rump and he began grinding his erection against her.

He groaned with her breathless whimper and the feel of her hands grabbing his rump as well as she deepened their kiss.

They barely heard the argument that grew beyond the study's door until it was late. Alicia threw it open screaming and shouting struggling and pulling away from Penniford.

They scrambled from the desk in time to see her storm forward. Adrian wasn't quick enough to guard Eva as Alicia advanced on her with rage in her eyes.

"You bitch," she screamed as she slapped her.

Immediately she fell into Adrian's arms. Shocked and terrified she held her cheek staring in horror at Alicia.

"What in bloody hell is wrong with you?" Adrian shouted as he he looked into Eva's frightened eyes and reddened cheek.

With so much venom in her voice, she hissed insults at them before raising the paper of the Morning Gazette and crumbling it to toss it viciously at them both.

"You whore, I should have known while I was with him you were f#cking him as well," she screeched with rage.

Silently they watched her seething with fury as she lashed out at Eva.

Adrian squeezed her close to him.

"But, then what do you expect from a filthy street urchin. What faster way to secure your future then to lay on your back you trollop," she sneered.

Adrian barely got a grip on Eva tightly holding her around the waist before she broke free and returned the slap.
"I am no one's whore," she cried out.

"You insolent ---" before she could retaliate Adrian held Eva tightly at his side blocking Alicia's attack.

He could feel her trembling in his hold.
He gave Alicia a murderous glare she nonchalantly brushed off.
"Of course your a whore, since he paid for you," she wickedly chuckled.

"That's enough Alicia," Adrian shouted.

Eva stiffened with her words.

"That's right you trollop he paid off your father's debt. He bought you like the prostitute you were sent to Raynaud to be. He should have just gambled for you like your no good father did." She gave a devious smile.

Before Eva could lunge for her again Adrian pulled her against him.

"What is she talking about Adrian?" Eva began cry.

His murderous glare never left Alicia's as she stood with a menacing grin watching her handy work unfold.

Anxious to stoke the fire more, she continued.

"Seems to me like someone has been keeping secrets, seems like he is trying to make good on his investment darling," she watched with rapt amusement as Eva, crestfallen looked up to Adrian confused.

"Shut your mouth Alicia," Adrian hissed through clenched teeth, now he trembled with fury.

"What is she talking about Adrian, answer me," she watched his jaw clench.

Silence was his only answer and she stepped back in shock.

Alicia maliciously laughed and neared him with a seductive grin gliding her fingers over his chest. Turning to look at Eva with her flushed cheeks and swollen lips. She ached to watch Eva squirm as she angrily replayed in her mind what she witnessed between Eva and Adrian when she entered the study.

In their little throws of passion they thought they could get away with what they did to her. They were wrong.

This was revenge and she was going to play it well.

"Do you really think a little chit like you honestly could gain the attention of titled man," she frowned with a teasing air.

"Unless there was a reason," she gave a wicked grin.

She faced Adrian that was now seething with so much rage.

"Come now love why so angry. You must not frown so it can create lines," she teased and caressed his cheek. He quickly grabbed her wrist in a vice grip so hard that an inch tighter he could snap it like a twig.

He yanked her forward and dragged her along with him towards the entry. Before shoving her through the door, he squeezed her by the neck and pulled her close. His eyes dark as ash held her now frightful gaze.

"If I ever see you come here again. I will make sure you regret the day we ever met," he shoved her out and slammed the door.

He turned around and marched quickly back to his study to find Eva weeping in Caroline's arms.

He inched closer standing behind her.

"Eva," he whispered.

He raised a hand and gently placed it on her back, but she shrugged away pulled out of Caroline's arms. Barely able to face him she turned and stormed off.

*~*~*~*~*~
After giving her space,
It wasn't until late in the night when he decided to face her.
Rubbing damp palms on his breeches, Adrian stood in front of the door of his room and let out a deep breath. It didn't help; every muscle remained clenched. He would give anything to just wish this moment hadn't happened. If there was a way to just ignore it . . . But there wasn't, and he knew it. This was it.

His heart pounded as he stepped into the room. The fragrant, humid air engulfed him. Everything smelled like her: Sweet Vanilla and Lavender.

She sat at the windowsill curled up staring out into the night. He slowly closed the door behind him and leaned against it. He watched her in silence as she refused to look at him and ignored him. She hugged her self tightly and squeezed her knees tighter to her chest.

He shoved his hands in his pocket and continued to stand there. The silence eerie but the tension in the air so thick it could be sliced with a knife.
Only silence. nothing but the fire at the hearth crackled as a log broke apart as fire on it died down to a low ember.

He watched her shiver. Then realized she had just taken a bath. Hence, the sweet aroma in the air. He exhaled slowly. And walked over to the low burning fire and began stoking it to bring it back to life. Still bent on his haunches he looked over to her.

He stood slowly staring at her still. He knew her too well. She was stubborn and when angered she was unreasonable.

He slowly undid his cravat, suddenly feeling the thickness of the air getting warmer it was almost suffocating him. He undid his shirt and cuffs.

He exhaled and finally broke the silence.

"How long are you going to give me the silent treatment, Eva?" he asked.

"When were you planning on telling me you bought me?" she bit out sarcastically still with her back turned to him.

"That is not true Eva," he gritted his teeth.

"Isn't it?" She turned to face him. Her red rimmed eyes pierced into his.

"How much was I worth Adrian?" She sarcastically asked.

Before she could finish, he strode