The Duke Takes a Wife Read online

  Chapter Five

  Two months and thirteen days was as long as it took for Zeva to arrive in Northumberland. Jasper counted each one as he waited for her to arrive. While they spoke every day by phone or video chat, he still missed her terribly, and the only thing he had to soothe him was the memory of her kisses and the scent of her skin. He’d ushered her home under the cover of darkness because he wanted no one to know about her until the following night.

  He looked around the formal dining room of his manor home and saw all the people he invited milling around in their fine dresses and expensive suits. Curiosity etched their faces as to why Duke McTavish was having a formal dinner and announcement. Only his mother and the twins from hell guessed they knew the answers, and all three sat smugly waiting for him to speak and give them what they wanted. They thought he was giving up his title so his cousin could then be Duke and thus seal them all in wealth. There was a big surprise coming, and he was so happy to deal them the blow that would knock them down a peg or three.

  He wanted it over and done so he could spend time alone with Zeva. But for now he played the role, and when his mother caught his gaze, he lifted his glass in her direction with a nod. She smiled a saccharine sweet smile that was like poison to his soul. Jasper wondered how he could hate a woman so much, even the one who had given birth to him. He recalled their last conversation before Zeva came and knew exactly how. She came to his house by car, and he only knew it was her when he walked out of his shop wiping the sawdust off his hands and saw her standing in the gravel driveway.

  “Mother,” he said without even moving to embrace her.

  “Jasper darling, why do you always look like one of the common folk.” She sighed in disappointment. “I taught you how to dress like the English gentleman you are.”

  “I made it a rule to forget anything you ever taught me,” Jasper answered. “Why are you here?”

  “Well darling...” The way she used that word always grated on his nerves. “I was wondering what this lovely invitation was about? You never let anyone come to the manor, let alone for a dinner party and announcement.”

  “You’ll see when it’s time,” he answered. “There was no need for you to drive from father’s home to here.”

  “My home, darling.” Her voice took a cold note. “You’re father’s been dead and buried a long time.”

  “Yes he has.” Jasper didn’t take the bait.

  “I can only assume it’s to renounce your title so your cousin can be Duke, since you have not met the stipulations of the will...” she began.

  “Goodbye mother.” Jasper turned and walked back to his workshop.

  “You were never good at the Duke thing, darling, you weren’t meant for greatness, just to be a woodworker with calloused hands,” his mother called out. “Why your cousin couldn’t be the son I wanted I’ll never know. You are a disappointment, why God did that to me, I guess we all have our burdens.”

  Jasper pivoted on his heel and came striding toward her so quickly she stepped back. Her driver, a big burly man younger than her and whom no doubt she was sleeping with, stepped from the car.

  Jasper pointed at him. “You get your sodding arse back in the car before I punch through you until I burst your spleen.” The man got back in and closed the door, and he whirled on his mother. “God has nothing to do with you, mother. I thought you knew the devil was your master. Thank God I was never the son you wanted me to be, but I was the son my father raised. But soon, mommy dearest, you’ll know the true extent of what kind of man I am. I’d say don’t come to the party but I know the curiosity is killing you. Besides, I want to see your face when I make my announcement, I want to see it crack like porcelain and reveal the witch beneath.”

  He went back to work after that and funneled all his rage into his woodwork. Jasper pictured Zeva in his mind, smiling and happy, waiting for him, and that made it all the easier. She was his anchor in this swirling storm and soon the entire world would know she was his. In the months that he waited for her to be done with work in D.C. he’d grown to love her. Each and every day, though they were thousands of mile away, she had stolen his heart.

  He wondered if it had happened before he even left, while they were in bed making love or at the airport where she held him tight and each kiss was the last but there was one more after it. He stopped caring when, and only knew it was there and he treasured it. One of the people he hired for the night gave an almost imperceptible nod from the door to the formal dining room. It was time. Jasper moved to the door, from there anyone could see who was coming down the staircase that had been polished until it gleamed. He cleared his throat and tapped his glass lightly with a small spoon that had been placed nearby. Everyone turned and his mother stood from where she sat.

  “Good evening, everybody looks marvelous tonight,” Jasper said with a smile. “I can see on all your faces you are wondering why Duke McTavish, who basically keeps to himself like a beast in a castle, is having a formal party.”

  The crowd laughed and he waited for them to be silent before continuing again.

  “Well, this beast has an announcement that has brought me so much happiness, and I hope that you will be happy for me and give me your blessings in this new path of my life.” Jasper paused and looked around. “As you know, part of my father’s wishes when he died was for his only son to get married, and more than that, to be happy with his life. More happy than my father was in his own nuptials.”

  His mother’s face was mask of rage, and he certainly didn’t care if the truth was known far and wide about who she really was. “We all know that his marriage was not one he would’ve chosen for himself. Before he died, Dad pulled me aside and said to me, don’t chose who the public wants or the family wants, pick a woman you can find forever with. I work hard for what’s mine, I think many of you must have one or two pieces of my work in your home.”

  The crowd clapped and Jasper waited for it to end once more. “I’m happy to say I have chosen well, and tonight I would like to introduce my wife. I met her when I went to the United States, and we got married soon after in a simple ceremony. I’d like to introduce Sargent Zeva Troy, and now the new Duchess McTavish of Northumberland.”

  The crowd gasped in surprise, and his mother’s face was pure shock and unadulterated rage. Everyone was looking up the stairs and when Zeva appeared, she left even him breathless. She was wearing a jade green dress that looked like crushed velvet, her shoes were the same color and covered in beads that sparkled between the green.

  She wore a simple diamond necklace and earrings, a gift from him, and her dark hair was smooth and slicked back from her face and down her back. His guests cheered while she walked elegantly down the stairs and even when she stood by his side. Jasper pulled her close and kissed her amidst the cheering. There was some rambunctious whistles from a few of his friends who weren’t shy about showing their approval. His mother pushed her way to the front of the crowd, and when she spoke her voice was dripping with venom.

  “You married a darkie, and an American one at that?” Her hands were fists at her sides. “This wedding isn’t valid, your father’s will stipulated a time limit.”

  While people gasped at the racial slur and her anger, Jasper took it in stride. He wanted everyone to see her true colors and when he glanced and Zeva’s face it didn’t even seem to faze her.

  “Please don’t use that kind of language around my wife and among my treasured guest, a few who happen to be black,” Jasper said calmly. He could see by some of his guest’s faces they didn’t appreciate her verbiage either. “Secondly, this marriage is around three months old, isn’t that right luv.”

  Zeva laced her fingers with his. “Yes it is, and it’s been wonderful.”

  Jasper kissed her hands. “I’m sure you all remember and know Keith Wharton. The solicitor and his family have been part of this community for years. He was my witness, along with his wife, and our marriage certificate was sent to my father’s solicitor
who has confirmed and been verified. We sent formal notice to her majesty herself and have received her blessing. It’s all very much valid, and my marriage is secure.”

  “I won’t let this stand, you hear me, you rotten... I won’t let this stand!” his mother screeched.

  “Cornelia, calm down.” Uncle Brewster came from out of the crowd and put his hand on her shoulder.

  His mother slapped him. “You let this happen, you weak, pathetic man. Get away from me.” She raised her hand and called to the twin cousins waiting close by with fear in their eyes. “Girls, come along!”

  They scrambled to follow her, and Uncle Brewster stood there with a red face before moving through the crowd quietly. Jasper knew he was heading to the bar. He couldn’t stop him, not now, when Uncle Brewster became upset there was no stopping the drinking.

  Jasper put a smile in place. “With that bit of nasty business over, shall we celebrate, my friends?”

  Again the room erupted in cheers and he led her into the center of the room and started to introduce her around. The music started up and it played lightly in the background as people interacted. Zeva got to meet many of the residents that she would be seeing when she was in town and the surrounding area. They finally made their way to where Uncle Brewster stood, staring glumly into a tumbler glass of amber liquid.

  “Uncle Brewster, I’d like to introduce Zeva, from that night at the Gala,” Jasper said gently.

  “It’s very nice to meet you.” Zeva’s voice was sweet as she held out her hand.

  “Wonderful to know you will be part of the family, my dear. I am sorry I was not able to attend the wedding, I knew nothing about it.” Uncle Brewster took it and kissed her knuckles in a very gallant gesture. “I’m sorry for my sister and my daughters’ reaction as well.”

  “None of this is your fault nor should you feel guilty.” Zeva’s voice was firm. “Everyone is responsible for their own actions, this is not your burden to take on.”

  “I didn’t tell you, Uncle, because I didn’t want her to know and you can’t keep anything from her,” Jasper explained. “I didn’t want to put you in an uncomfortable position.”

  Uncle Brewster downed his drink. “I’m already there, my boy. I am living in a prison of my own making. But don’t let that mar your night, enjoy and be happy in your marriage.”

  Uncle Brewster walked away and they watched him leave.

  “I feel sorry for him,” Zeva said softly.

  “I do too, he needs to be happy.” Jasper turned and looked at her. “As much as I am right now.”

  Zeva gave him a wink and twined her arms around his neck. “Wait till later, you’ll be ecstatic.”

  He threw his head back and laughed, pulling her close, and it drew the attention of their guests once more who began to clap.

  “Are they going to do that every time we kiss or hug?” Zeva said close to his ear.

  “They’re happy their Duke took a wife.” Jasper pulled away to look at her. “And you look absolutely amazing tonight.”

  “You don’t look bad yourself, Duke.” Zeva kissed him. “Not bad at all.”

  The party went on until late into the night. It was after two on Sunday morning when they said goodbye to the last guest. Jasper had already asked two of his closer friends to get Uncle Brewster home after his inebriation started to make him loud and then overly emotional. The caterers and other staff would be back the next day to clean up and put his manor house back to rights. He made sure the house was locked up and took her hand to lead her upstairs.

  “I thought it went well,” Jasper said.

  “All but the part where your mother called me a darkie and acted like the demon queen of the underworld,” Zeva replied. “You said she was awful, but I think she is beyond that. Is she dangerous?”

  “She is a witch and a wicked one at that, but I don’t think she is dangerous,” Jasper answered. “Still, be careful around her if you see her and I doubt that will be an issue. Are you worried?”

  Zeva laughed as they walked up the stairs. “No, just gauging the enemy. I’m a military woman. I will kick anyone’s ass who comes at me wrong.”

  Jasper put his hand around her waist. “You are so badass, it’s hot.”

  He opened the door to the master bedroom and flicked on the light, bathing the interior with soft light. She had been so tired yesterday that when he picked her up from the airport, the jetlag took her and she crashed almost instantly. She’d slept most of the day while the caterers and party organizers worked downstairs and she’d eaten upstairs while relaxing in his large bed.

  “Tomorrow, we can brunch in town and you can explore, maybe take in some shopping. I set up an account for you and there is plenty of money in it so you can do as you please,” Jasper said.

  “I have my own money, Jasper. I have been very frugal thought the years.” Zeva stood in front of the vanity mirror and took off the necklace and earrings. That and the jewelry box that matched it were two of his favorite pieces he created and he put them in bedroom just for her. “I have enough savings that can get me through until I figure out what I want to do here.”

  He came up behind her and put his hands on her hips. “You don’t have to work, Zeva. Between my business and my inheritance, I am very well off. Much to my mother’s disappointment and I won’t share with her.”

  She leaned her head against his shoulder. “That’s all well and good, but I need to work. I’ve always worked. I can’t while away at home. I’d go batshit crazy.”

  “At least take a few months to get accustomed to your new life,” Jasper encouraged. “You’ve never really had one, have you?”

  “Not really,” she admitted and leaned her head back against his shoulder to look at him. “I missed you. I know we talked every day but I missed the physical you.”

  “I felt the same way.” He kissed her and instantly the arousal stirred within him. “I almost took a red eye a few times but I had so many order deadlines to meet I had to be patient.”

  Zeva ran her hand down his chest over the crisp fabric of his shirt. “You don’t need to be patient anymore.”

  “Bloody hell yes,” he said.

  Jasper wrapped his arms around her, leaned back, and pulled her curvaceous body over his. She smelled like heaven—a scent of perfume he only could attribute to her, exotic and heady. Her body molded to his as they kissed, and the passion that built for the time they were apart burst into a heated flame.

  Jasper loved when Zeva made a soft sound of pleasure that made his cock ache. Pulling her closer, he deepened the kiss until every nerve ending in his body screamed her name and begged to feel flesh against flesh. Each night while they were apart, he had ached for her and now they were finally together. Jasper broke the kiss and with lips barely a millimeter away from each other it was like he was sharing her sweet breath. He buried his hand in her hair and scraped her scalp, loving the way she purred and arched against him at his touch.

  “I want you so damn much, I was going crazy without you,” Jasper said the words on a moan. “You feel so right in my arms.”

  “You and these sweet words.” She pressed butterfly kisses onto his face.

  Jasper growled and captured her face, kissing her savagely. A primal sound escaped his throat as they both submitted to the desire that raged within them like a wildfire. I love her. The thought rushed through his head, and along with the passion he felt a sense of completion. It was all about Zeva, her taste, her smell, the strength and confidence that she exuded was all an addictive package. The soft velvet fabric of her dress crushed beneath his fingers as he undressed her slowly.

  He loved the feel of her hands as she did the same to him, leaving them naked to each other. The dim light from the fireplace played like nymphs across her skin. The patterns dared him to follow and trace the shadows with his tongue. He lifted her into his arms and placed her on the bed. Zeva returned his kisses hungrily, and when she slipped her tongue into his mouth he couldn’t help the groan
of pleasure that escaped him.

  Jasper pulled her across his body and loved the feel of her spread out above him. His hands moved from her hips to the curve of her ass. Zeva gasped as his hands roamed and massaged her body, then she spread her legs so they could connect more intimately.

  He cupped her breasts as she hovered above him, and he watched her reaction as he plucked at her nipple with his mouth. Her responses pleased him immensely as he re-learned every inch of her body since their wedding night. Jasper was already hard and aching, he could feel the moist heat of her sex against his cock. She moved sensuously above him, teasing his shaft between the soft lips of her sex but never giving him entry. He groaned and pulled her down to devour her lips in a kiss.

  He tore his mouth away from her. “Jesus, I’ve wanted you for months and now you’re home with me and I feel like it’s a dream.”

  She looked into his eyes. “I’m real, Jasper, and I’m here. Prove it, touch me everywhere and see I’m real.”

  Her hands roamed over the strong contours of his shoulders and she buried her fingers in his hair. Her touch inflamed him, as each caress was like a fire that made the ache within him worse.

  “Do you know how pleasing this is to me, to have you over me like this?” He moaned as he buried his face between the twin mounds of her breasts. “Do you like how my hands feel on you, the way I touch you?”

  “Oh yes, baby, I want more,” she whispered.

  His cock was already hard when she touched him and ran her finger over the tip of his shaft. Jasper’s chest rose and fell with each excited breath when she ran her hand down her chest. He groaned while he watched her in anticipation of what she would do next. She took his cock in her grasp and stroked, and his breath hissed out between his teeth. His hips rose and fell to the rhythm of how she stroked him with her hand in a firm fist around his shaft.

  Zeva gave him a wicked, sensual smile before she bent low and wrapped her lips around the head of his shaft and a low, agonized moan left Jasper’s lips. She took him deeper into her mouth and he thought he could die from the bliss her lips and hands were creating. The way she flicked her tongue down the length of his shaft was driving him wild.