Betrayal Read online

  Even after suffering through the torturous telling of her abduction, she offered herself freely. It was a precious gift, and he could not refuse. She would be his in spirit and someday in name as well. No other outcome would do.

  Pulling the delicate bow free with one tug, the soft cotton opened like a gift from heaven, revealing soft curved breasts and strong square shoulders. He worshipped his way from the curve of her neck to her sweet breasts. His cock demanded relief from the exquisite agony.

  Her nails dug into his flesh, and she hooked one leg over his hip.

  His shaft nestled along her wetness begging for entry. “Lizzy, let me move us off the carpet.”

  She wrapped her other leg around him and pulled him tight. “No. Here, Reece. Now. Do not leave me like this.”

  Understanding her need because it matched his own, he covered her mouth and plunged his tongue inside. She met his every desire and matched his moves, writhing beneath him.

  Lowering his head, he sucked one beaded nipple into his mouth.

  She gasped and arched her back, digging her nails deep in his shoulders.

  If he couldn’t convince her to move from the wool carpet to the soft mattress, he would at least show her pleasures beyond a quick tumble on the floor. Her tight muscles and soft skin were the perfect enticement, and he couldn’t resist. Desire welled in him, pushing for more. His fingers trembled as he skimmed along her hip then found her folds wet and ready for him. He brimmed with passion, but her pleasure was paramount.

  His own maddening need purred beneath the surface. Everything he wanted wrapped in his arms, pulsing under his fingers. Feathering her most intimate place, he dipped one finger into her soft, wet folds.

  She wriggled beneath him, short gasps pushed through those pretty lips.

  Unable to resist, he devoured her mouth while continuing to slide through her silken flesh.

  She responded, swirling her tongue to circle his.

  Quickening the pace of his caress, he ached painfully hard, while her hips lifted with every touch, her eyes remained closed.

  “Look at me, Lizzy. Let me see you.”

  Her lids eased up, and she locked those dark eyes with his.

  So wet, he easily slid two fingers inside her in time to feel her clench around him.

  Wide, dark eyes brimmed with tears as her rapture took her. She gasped for air and smiled.

  Creating the pleasure that caused such an expression from her made him happier than he’d ever been. No flower bloomed more beautifully than what he had just seen. “Love, you are too much.”

  Her grin widened. “And you are just enough.”

  The joy blossoming inside him might have toppled any man. Cradling her head, he kissed the expression from her mouth, kept his weight on his forearms and slid forward until his cock pressed at the apex of her thighs.

  She stared up at him. “Yes.”

  He eased inside her in one steady motion. She gloved him and he couldn’t hold back a long sigh of relief. He focused on her eyes, warm with desire. Seeing no fear or pain there, he pulled back and drove home again.

  She bit her bottom lip and lifted her hips to meet his thrust.

  Every shift of weight and vibration of flesh spiraled delight through him. Wrapping his arms around her waist and back, he rolled over until she looked down at him in delighted surprise. He gripped her hips showing her a rhythm, until she found her own.

  She rode him slowly, her breath short and choppy.

  Every move delighted and brought him closer to spilling his seed.

  Gasping, she lost her rhythm, and he helped regain the motion, lifting his hips to meet hers. Her pace increased.

  His orgasm built, tightened, and quaked, leaving him at the edge of sanity. Spikes of rapture peppered him.

  Her back arched, and with her face to the ceiling, her center clenched around his shaft, pushing him over the edge. He cried out and pumped up while pressing his thumb to her bud. He rubbed until she collapsed atop him.

  Her mouth opened in a silent cry.

  He pulled her bottom lip into his mouth. “You are so beautiful.”

  Perspiration dotted her skin, and her hair stuck to her cheek. Her color glowed high and she vibrated in his arms.

  This was all he ever wanted, more than he could hope for, and now she was his.

  She rolled to one side, and he turned to face her. He tucked the damp hair behind her ear, kissed her top lip, then the bottom again. “Are you all right?”

  A moan trembled from her throat, and she snuggled in under his chin.

  “Oh no, we’re not sleeping on the floor, my love.” He stood and added wood to the fire. Then he lifted her from the floor.

  She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck until he settled them both on the soft mattress and pulled the covers up.

  Trailing kisses down her shoulder to the swell of her breast had him hard again in a few minutes.

  Rather than being appalled, she took him in her hand and caressed him until he begged with the need to bury himself inside her again. “Dear God, Lizzy. Are you sure?”

  “Make love to me, Reece. I’ll never have enough.”

  Slower this time, he eased down, worshiping every curve before he pressed his lips between her thighs, kissing her until she cried out his name and gripped his hair to the point of pain. She might have taken some strands with her when she finally eased her grip.

  The second time was less frantic and more loving, leaving him sated and happier than he’d ever been in his life. How he’d keep them both alive and convince her marrying him was the only option were problems to resolve another time, though they niggled at the back of his mind.

  * * * *

  Lizzy’s backside curved into the top of his thighs, her head resting on his upper arm. He curled his arm around her waist and pulled her in tight. “Tell me what you are thinking, sweetheart.”

  “I’m thinking that was nothing like what I expected.”

  His gut twisted painfully. “I’m sorry.”

  She turned toward him. “You misunderstand. Women do not speak of what goes on between a man and a woman except in the hushed tones one might use to describe a violent crime. What we just shared was the most beautiful experience of my life. I do not understand why women do not speak of the joy of love making.”

  Relief washed over him, and he tugged her into a tight hug. “I cannot tell you how good it is to hear you say that.”

  She wiggled against him. “I’m glad you are pleased.”

  “I’m far more than pleased, Lizzy. There are no words to describe how happy you make me.”

  “I’m happy too. I do not know when I’ve been this content.”

  “You should rest. We have a big day tomorrow.”

  She leaned up on one elbow. “Do we?”

  “Indeed. We must try to find out what really happened to Karen Sweeney, my training must be continued, and his lordship will return to go over the timetable again.”

  She rested her head on his chest with her arm draped across his middle. “I suppose you are right.”

  “I should not have added the wood to the fire. It is quite close in here.” He eased her from his chest, went to the window, and threw open the bolt. A blast of air swung the window open and slammed him to the floor.

  Armed, Elizabeth stood beside him before he could push to his feet. She handed him a pistol and crouched with her short sword facing the dark window.

  The voice of the master boomed from outside. “You think you can take what’s mine, hunter. Take from me? I am master. I will not suffer so those who mean nothing can live. You have no right to interfere with my plans, hunter. I will have what is mine, and you will have nothing.”

  The wind ceased and the voice faded on the last word.

  They ran to the window. The garden stilled and quiet settled over it, as if all the sound had been sucked from the world. No indication of the demon invasion a mom
ent before.

  “Are you all right, Lizzy?”

  “I had no indication he was near.”

  “Strange.”

  “I think it’s time this house had some protection, Reece. Perhaps we should ask if Mrs. Higginbotham can be-spell the townhouse.”

  “The witch? Do you think that is really necessary?”

  “It cannot hurt. It is obvious the master and his minions are aware of who and where we are. We must have a safe haven. If she was to protect the entire palace, perhaps she is still in London and might help.”

  “I will send Lilly a note in the morning.”

  “The morning is not far away.”

  Reece turned to face her. Unashamed, she stood naked, sword in one hand and the other gripping the windowsill. Her small firm breasts peaked against the cool air blowing through. The most stunning woman in England, and she was his. “We can go and pen the note now, but perhaps you would like to dress before we trudge downstairs.”

  She pinked and grinned, taking in the full length of him. “You might take your own advice, sir.”

  He grabbed her and yanked her forward. “I forbid you to call me sir. You may call me anything but sir or Mr. Foxjohn, Lizzy.”

  “I call you Reece all the time. Is that not familiar enough?” She petted the side of his face, tipping her head to one side.

  It would have been so easy to slide back inside her and pretend the danger had gone. She could chase away his demons, but not the real demons. With a sigh, he released her. “I love the sound of my name on your lips. I love it more when you are so enraptured no sensible words are possible.”

  Her laughter trilled like music, and her grin intoxicated him. “Let’s get dressed. Maybe if we can secure the house a few hours’ sleep will be possible later today.”

  It was a shame to watch her cover up her stunning body with clothes, but the memory burned in his mind, and he had trouble concentrating on anything else as they entered the study. Twice he had to toss the parchment aside as he’d allowed the ink to blob or wrote the wrong word. He began again more slowly and managed to pen a short note to Lillian, requesting assistance from the witch if she remained in town.

  Once he’d woken a footman to deliver the message, he went to spend a few moments cuddling on the couch with the woman he would marry. Perhaps even take the opportunity to convince her to accept his proposal.

  Her chestnut hair still stuck out in the distressed state caused by their earlier activity. She watched him cross the room. Those dark eyes smoldered, and the idea of talking suddenly seemed foolish.

  “Help!” The cry came from the back of the house.

  Reece ran for the study door.

  “Help me, someone. She’s been killed.”

  The last word ripped his soul as he ran down the hall and found Holmes, the gardener, holding his knees and gasping for breath in the open door. “What’s happened?”

  “The lady, I saw her take to the path. I thought it was late for a walk in the garden, but it weren’t the first person to need some night air.”

  “Show me.”

  Elizabeth ran to his side, and Garvey appeared, pulling on his coat. They dashed through the garden, down the path, and to the spot where they had removed the cursed stone when he’d first arrived in London. Crumpled on the path lay Connie, her skin whiter than the full moon illuminating the night. She wore her nightdress with no robe. Her graying hair spread out around her. A single strip of red marred her throat from one ear to the other.

  “Why was she out here?” Elizabeth cried and held the body.

  A few of the servants, roused by the excitement, had crowded the path.

  “Did anyone besides Mr. Holmes see Miss Mewborn come to the garden?”

  They all shook their heads, staring with terrified eyes.

  Garvey said, “Well then, let’s all go inside and start our day. There is nothing more to be done here.”

  When they’d all returned to the house, Reece turned to the gardener. “What did you see?”

  “I heard a noise and came out to check.”

  “When was that?”

  “An hour ago. Maybe a bit more.”

  That would have been before they had heard the master’s voice. “Where were you?”

  “Not far from my garden house. I saw the lady walking the path. I called out, but she ignored me and just kept walking deeper in the garden. Most folks ignore me, so I didn’t think nothing of it.”

  “But you did not go back to bed.”

  “No, sir. Not with someone wandering the garden. I waited to see her back to the house. It seemed like a long walk for the hour, so I went lookin’ for her in case she needed help finding her way back.”

  “Did you hear anything else, see anyone else?”

  “I heard a strange popping and a rogue wind blew through. When I got here, I found her just as she is.”

  “All right, Mr. Holmes. You should go about your business. We will see to Miss Mewborn.” Reece knelt beside Elizabeth.

  “She trusted us to care for her.” Tears streamed down her face.

  Reece’s heart pounded, and in spite of the cool morning, his skin prickled with sweat. “I know. We failed her.”

  Getting up, he scanned the ground but found no prints. Leaves that should have remained on the shrubbery during the warmer months were strewn along the grass and path. Rose petals littered the ground as well. “They must have entered via a vortex. I see no signs that demons trod the path. The only thing amiss is poor Connie.”

  “It’s a message, Reece. We took Tally and now he has taken someone we care about.”

  “I do not think this is entirely about Tally.”

  Elizabeth stood and clutched his arm. “What do you mean?”

  “The master was speaking to me. I took you, and he wants me to know he can take you back whenever he wants. Maybe that is why you were drawn to him at the church.”

  She opened her mouth, but he pushed forward with his thoughts. “It could be that whatever was done to you and the others last year has left a connection. It could be the reason for your headaches whenever the master is close.”

  Her brows narrowed. “But I had no headache or nausea in the bedroom. I did not know the master was near until the wind blew you from the window.”

  “Perhaps our union has somehow broken the bond.”

  “But it is not possible. Connie was without…um…company from time to time. If your theory is correct, should not any sexual congress have broken the spell. If that were the case, would she have been enticed to leave her bed tonight and seek him out?”

  “Connie’s profession is not the same as what we have shared. Tonight I made you mine, my love. Connie never belonged to another.”

  She pulled her shoulders back, and her hand went to the hilt of the sword strapped at her hip. “I do not belong to anyone.”

  God how he loved her. “No. You are your own. There is no doubt of that. But perhaps it is better for the master to see you as my possession than his own.”

  “What we did tonight changes nothing.”

  “I think it changes a great many things, though not my feelings for you nor my desire to make you my wife.”

  “Why is it not a desire to become my husband?”

  “You are incredible. Becoming your husband would be the greatest joy in my life, Lizzy. I would give anything to have that honor.”

  She looked back down at Connie’s body. “What will happen to her?”

  “We will see she has a proper burial. I’m sure Graves has already called for a cart.”

  Chapter 9

  Elizabeth didn’t dislike Lillian. She actually respected her quite a lot, but something about how she stormed into the garden set her teeth grinding.

  “What is going on here, Reece? We arrived and the staff is in a tizzy about someone’s throat being cut.” Lillian’s voice reached them before she rounded the corner and her questions were answe
red.

  Elizabeth took a step forward, putting herself between Connie and the storm that was Lillian Lambert.

  Reece stepped beside her and took her hand. “We have had another incident, Lilly.”

  Lillian’s eyes widened and she crossed her arms over her chest. “This is one of the women we rescued with Elizabeth. How on earth did she get into your garden, and who slit her throat?”

  Dorian knelt next to the body. “Look here, her palm is burned black.”

  “What?” She’d been so focused on the wound that killed Connie, she hadn’t noticed her palm having been scorched. She rubbed the small scar in the center of her own palm.

  Garvey and two men arrived on the path. “Sir, these men will take care of Miss Connie until arrangements can be made for her final resting place.”

  “Thank you, Garvey.”

  They left the men to carry Connie away. Elizabeth’s stomach knotted. She’d clenched her fists so tightly small moon shaped cuts marred her flesh, but she needed the pain. At least it kept her from saying or doing anything she’d regret.

  The way Lillian had burst in with accusations and ferocity had no effect on Reece. He kissed her cheek as old friends might do and shook her husband’s hand. “We have learned a great deal in the past days.”

  Once in the study, they told the other couple everything they had seen and done with relation to the master. Reece described the battle at Richmond, the master’s voice in the bedroom, and the events following. He didn’t mention their lovemaking nor that her connection to the master seemed to have been severed. She would have preferred he kept all the information private until they knew what it all meant, but at least he’d protected her from embarrassment.

  Lillian and Dorian peppered them with questions, all of which they answered, but she gave little detail and ignored Reece’s glances.

  Within the hour, Garvey entered to tell them that Mrs. Abigail Higginbotham had arrived and flitted around the property with her incantations.

  Elizabeth used the witch’s presence as a reason to excuse herself from Lillian’s critical gaze.

  She found Mrs. Higginbotham at Connie’s murder sight.