Savage In Silk

by Donna Comeaux Zide

  Mariah broke out in a cold sweat, as his hands wandered over her. She was forced to remain pliant but her nature rebelled and she twisted instinctively away from his fondling to escape the seeking hands. Through sheer willpower, her mind withdrew from the lewd violation and she submitted, allowing him to push her into the position he desired. He took her quickly though it seemed like an eon, and after it was over, he fell heavily on top of her.

  When he had caught his breath, Drew sat up, leaning on one elbow to gaze down at her face. It reflected a cold detachment though her complexion was pale as snow. He resented her composure. It was time to spring his next surprise. Caressing the edge of a perfect, rounded breast, he said, “I enjoyed that, Mariah, but it’s just the beginning of a long relationship.” Her thick, spiky lashes fluttered in startled surprise, the first reaction she’d shown in the past hour. “I thought…” Humiliation shone clearly in the depths of her eyes. It was useless trying to protest his control.

  Still playing with her, Drew laid his head on the pillow next to her and nibbled at her ear, whispering, “In a few minutes Jared will be brought in.” His face reflected satisfaction as she tensed in protest. Quelling her movement with his free arm, he whispered again, “Remember your behavior could determine whether he lives or dies: I want him convinced you’re leaving him for me.”

  Mariah forgot Drew’s threats, forgot everything but his insane demand. “I won’t…he’d never believe I’d choose you over him! It won’t work, even if you force me to do it.” Her eyes blazed with contemptuous fury.

  Throwing his body atop hers, Drew pinioned her arms, stretching them high above her head until he was satisfied with the painful grimace on the lovely face. “I’m in control, Mariah. If I want, I can have you flogged alongside Jared. Think of it, Mariah, permanent scars marring that smooth, flawless skin.” At the sound of a knock, they both tensed and before he called to his servant to enter, Drew cautioned her once more, with icy intent. “Make him believe you.”

  When the door opened, the guard brutally shoved Jared forward, sending him sprawling brokenly at the foot of the carpeted dais. Half-hidden by the bed curtains, still pinned beneath Drew’s body, Mariah gasped at the swollen welts across his back, smeared with his own blood. Eyes closed, she steeled herself for the moment he would first see her. She knew how incriminating it looked…The scene left little to the imagination and even she would have believed in her guilt. There was nothing she could do, no way to communicate to Jared without harming him further.

  He gasped for breath and struggled slowly to his feet and in the heavy silence, his sharp intake of his breath was audible.

  Mariah’s eyes opened reluctantly and stared at him for what seemed like an eternity, desperately trying to transmit a silent message that would make him understand she was being forced to lie. The agony in Jared’s eyes as he took in the scene was unbearable and she made a jerking motion toward him, stopped by the cautioning tightening of Drew’s grip.

  “We’ve been waiting for you, Jared. I hope the flogging wasn’t too painful. Actually you have Mariah to thank for that; she insisted your arrogance needed dampening.”

  The unseen pressure of his fingers on her arm urged Mariah to remember his threats and she controlled the trembling of her voice as much as she possibly could. “It’s true. You shouldn’t be so surprised, darling. I’m amazed I managed to deceive you so long, but then you were an excellent tutor.” Her heart wrenched as his eyes widened in disbelief and then hardened into two heated coals burning with hatred. He barely glanced at Drew; she was the target for the bitter, sneering glare.

  Even with his feet shackled and hands tied behind his back, Jared managed to appear coldly contemptuous. His gaze swept insolently over her nudity, noting how she relaxed in his half-brother’s embrace.

  “You’ll pardon me if this leaves a bad taste in my mouth,” he sneered, eyes flickering coldly to Drew, who grinned in amused triumph. “Once a whore, always…Drew. I wouldn’t be so confident. She’ll stay with you only as long as it pleases her. If a better prospect comes along, she’ll sell to the highest bidder.” He bowed mockingly to Drew, the action breaking open the lash marks on his back. Facing Mariah, Jared asked caustically, “Madam, might I inquire whether you also intend to desert your child?”

  Mariah bit down hard on her lip. Drew had succeeded in making the final break between them. Never, even if they escaped this torture, would he believe she’d been forced against her will. She saw all too clearly how compromising her position was.

  Detached and withdrawn, Mariah balanced precariously on the brink of losing control. There was no way to vindicate herself. She replied in a dull and lifeless tone. “You told me once before that I was unfit to be a mother, Jared. This is your chance—I’ll leave Jenny to you.”

  Drew shifted aside and lay next to her so that the full length of slender nudity was prominently displayed. She turned her head, glaring hatred for the added torment. To Jared, the look was secretive and intimate.

  It was obvious to him, even to the guard who openly leered at Mariah, that they had just finished making love. The rumpled, twisted sheets combined with the memory of Mariah’s passionate nature blinded him with a black, choking rage. He lunged forward, growling with animal fury, only to have the guard’s hamlike arm close around his throat. He strained against the steel bands, trying to reach Mariah where she lay with her lover.

  Drawn to his face by the sounds, Mariah stared in horror, well aware that if he were free, he wouldn’t hesitate to press those powerful hands around her throat. Strangely, at that moment, she would almost have welcomed the relief that death would bring from her heart’s pain. The emotion suddenly dropped from Jared’s face and with a tremendous effort, he controlled his hatred.

  Drew laughed, crudely issuing a command to the guard and Jared was dragged from the room. Relaxed, he continued his sick laughter until Mariah turned on him like a vengeful spirit.

  “You’re revolting! How can you be so cruel?” A pitiless sneer met her question. Mariah lost control of her temper and her palm cracked his face in a satisfying blow that stunned the mockery from his face. His eyes narrowed to slits, glaring black pinpoints of rage before he lunged forward and pinned her to the bed.

  “I’m not totally without mercy, Mariah,” he snarled, his face close to hers. “I’ll overlook what just happened because of your emotional state, but I warn you to control your behavior in the future!” The odd warning left no doubt as to his intent if she disobeyed.

  Turning away from the sight of his hateful face, Mariah felt helpless tears slip from her eyes. It wasn’t enough, she thought, that she and Jared were totally at Drew’s mercy. She could actually sense his gloating stir the air as though it were a tangible force. Her hands were released and Drew moved off the bed to dress. Finally the door slammed. She was alone with her misery and she flung herself over, sobbing into the pillow.

  Chapter 50

  A week passed at the stone chateau, a week filled with empty, idle days for Mariah. Each night and at odd times during the day, she had to submit to Drew, unable to prevent his dominance. Her only satisfaction remained in repelling his feeble attempts to arouse her.

  Now, she sat by the large, arched window in the main hall, staring miserably at the drifting snow and wondering when the ordeal would end. Several times suicide beckoned its icy fingers as a release from a life that no longer had any meaning. Something, some dim flicker of hope kept her from surrendering to it. She entertained the foolish thought that there might be a possibility of escape for them—if Jared knew the circumstances of her forced betrayal, would he forgive the ugly scene he had witnessed? If only Drew would let her go back to Scutari, she thought. She’d find some way to get help. Mariah laughed at the foolish hope. There was no reason for him to risk taking her somewhere she could escape.

  As if in answer to her thoughts, Drew entered the room and walked toward her. He bowed over her hand, raising it to his lips. Mariah barely represse
d a shudder, remembering that Jared’s life still depended on her cooperation. “You look lovely this morning,” he commented and added tauntingly, “If I hadn’t more important business to attend to, I’d be tempted to retire to our room.” He sat down opposite her, frowning as her gaze returned to the window. “This business of mine should cheer you. We’ll be off to Scutari tomorrow to arrange for a trade of information.”

  The startling admission drew a sharp response. “What kind of cruel game are you playing now? Haven’t you done enough? You have no intention of ever releasing Jared!” Her voice shook with contemptuous hatred.

  “Ah, but you’re wrong, my dear Mariah. When I have what I want, your husband will be turned over to his compatriots, only a little worse for the wear. With the money I receive from the information I give the Russians, you and I will be able to live in comfort the rest of our lives. Doubtless, we can never return to Mother England, but then that’s no great loss.” His manner was slick with an oily arrogance. “If you play your role correctly, we should be back within a week and Jared will be released. That’s what you’ve been anguishing over the past week, isn’t it?” He stood up, and sneered down at her. “You’ll be able to bid farewell to your former lover, though Jared will be joining us tonight for supper.”

  Turning abruptly, he stalked away.

  How could two brothers be so different, Mariah thought. She wouldn’t be able to face Jared, and Drew knew it. It was just another of his crude tricks to set them at each other’s throats. Only the hope that she could try to turn this idea of Drew’s against him allowed her to control the trembling fear that seized her.

  Later in the day, after presenting her with a new gown to wear at dinner, Drew again forced himself on her.

  It seemed every action of his had some twisted motive behind it, for when she was dressed in the low-cut, clinging, black silk gown, the mirror’s reflection proclaimed her a well-kept whore. The physical exercise had given her a flushed appearance she knew would be noted by Jared. How clever Drew was, in such a devious, cunning way! He planned everything well ahead of time, leaving nothing to the imagination. And worst of all, there was absolutely nothing she could do about it. Silently cursing, she turned to face him, noting the desire flaring in the dark eyes as they slithered over her figure.

  “You should dress like this all the time, my dear. It provides an excellent contrast with that pristine innocence you affect. Well, shall we join your husband? I’m sure he’s anxiously awaiting your arrival.” He stood up, offering his arm in pseudo-courtesy.

  Downstairs in the ornate dining room, they found Jared already seated. Contrary to the way she thought he would look, Jared was dressed in clean, casually elegant clothing. Only his lean, haggard features showed the effects of his imprisonment.

  Watching his wife enter on the arm of his half-brother, Jared was torn by a desire to kill them both. The white lawn shirt he wore fit perfectly and the dark fawn-colored breeches were stretched taut across his thighs and tucked into knee-high leather boots. With icy control, he smiled at Mariah as she was seated across from him. Inclining his head, he greeted her. “Forgive me for not rising, m’lady.” He moved his foot and his leg irons clanked loudly. “Your beauty leaves me immobile with shock.” His gaze swept dispassionately over the clinging gown and returned to her face noting, with a degree of pleasure, the guilty blush that crept over her face, turning it a pale crimson. Mariah kept her eyes lowered, staring down at the tablecloth as Jared continued to stare at her. Searching desperately, he sought an insult that would wound her and penetrate the shell of callous hardness she had developed.

  Drew was infinitely pleased by the tension at the table. “You seem to have improved during the past week, brother. I thought you might enjoy joining us for this last supper. Mariah and I are returning to Scutari for a little visit. Pity you can’t come, but once we return you’ll be released.” He paused for a reaction to his statement but noted with dissatisfaction that Jared’s face remained stonily set.

  As the servants began to serve the first course, he tried again. “I don’t think you’re aware of how talented Mariah is, Jared. Not only will she secure your release, but with the information she gathers from Allied headquarters, we’ll be able to live comfortably for a long time.” Drew smiled confidently at Mariah, giving the impression that she had planned the entire scheme. “Thank God, Mariah has no qualms about using any means to secure our future!”

  The taunt had its desired effect. Jared flushed, no longer able to repress his fury. “I can’t believe you’d sink so low, Mariah!” Deep lines of disgust creased his features into a glowering hatred. She had glanced up from the table when Drew made the announcement, staring at him with wide, hopeless eyes. She turned slowly to face Jared, her expression silently begging him not to believe the lie. Jared hesitated momentarily, swearing he saw bewilderment deep within her eyes, but he shook his head slightly, dismissing the idea. He could accept the thought that because of his treatment of her in the past, she might want revenge, but to betray others…it was too deceitful for him to believe. Surely some of what he’d seen in her had been true; not all of it had been a lie. “You haven’t denied it, Mariah. I want to hear you tell me. You’d willingly sacrifice innocent lives because of your greed?” he asked incredulously.

  Mariah’s mind was a whirl, seeking a way out of this new torture Drew had devised. Throwing caution to the wind, unable to continue the deception, Mariah took a deep breath and began to confess Drew’s plan.

  Before she could speak three words, Drew’s hand came down over hers in a silent warning. He squeezed lightly, reminding her of the consequences of a confession.

  Mariah looked down again, biting her lip to keep from crying. It would have been such a relief to explain, to let Jared know how much she loved him. Still, for his sake, she had to swallow her own pride and convince him she was as devious as his brother painted her. Steeling herself to face Jared, she raised her eyes and as calmly as she could, answered him. “You heard correctly, Jared. I don’t see why it should surprise you so, you’ve already judged me. I’m only living up to your belief in me.” The words came out convincingly heartless, hiding the strangled feeling threatening to choke her.

  “I should have trusted my instincts, Mariah. It seems I've been more than foolish in dealing with you.” The blue-gray eyes narrowed, deepening to a dark stormy color. Raising his glass, Jared snarled with cold contempt, “I salute your cunning, madam.” With a quick action, he tossed the wine toward her, watching as it splattered across her gown and neck.

  Pure shock assaulted Mariah, rooting her to the spot. The sticky, dark red liquid trickled, almost unnoticed, down her neck, streaking paths across the white swell of her breasts. In a daze, she heard Drew call in a guard and Jared was dragged from the room. Drew picked up his linen napkin, blotting at the wine staining her throat. Returning to reality, Mariah disgustedly shoved his hand away, glaring at him, and swept from the room with as much dignity as she could find, leaving him alone to enjoy his success.

  Later that night, lying awake in the huge bed while Drew snored drunkenly next to her, Mariah searched for a way to spoil his plan. Even if she could bring herself to submit to him for Jared’s sake, there was no way her conscience would allow her, as Jared had phrased it, “to sacrifice innocent lives.” He would never forgive her, even if he knew the truth and she realized she wouldn’t be able to live with herself either. Somehow, she had to see Jared alone. Quietly, slipping from the bed, she donned a silk nightrobe and tiptoed to the door. Pausing to make sure Drew’s breathing remained even, she slipped outside.

  Glancing down to the end of the hall, she spied the door to Jared’s room. Drew had laughingly told her that he’d assigned Jared a room rather than keep him in a dungeon cell, that it was a concession to her because she’d pleased him. In the dim flickering light, she could just see the young Russian who stood guard by the door. She’d seen him several times and his gaze had followed her with obvious relis
h. Quietly she moved toward him, steeling herself for the task she was about to attempt.

  The boy was close to her own age, with high Slavic cheekbones and an unruly shock of black hair falling across his forehead. He slouched in a chair, a half-empty bottle of wine held in one hand. As Mariah approached, he noticed her and stood, obviously puzzled at seeing her here at this time of night. The wine must have dulled his senses enough not to question her actions. Greedily, his eyes followed the lines of her figure, outlined by the clinging gown. It was apparent that she wore nothing beneath it and she watched breathlessly as he wet his lips at the sight.

  Standing close, Mariah whispered to him. The scent of her perfume hung in the air, adding to the alluring picture she made. The gown was drawn together and belted but allowed the tall, young guard a view of softly swelling breasts. Sickened by using her body to tempt him, she nevertheless proceeded. “If you allow me to visit the prisoner, you’ll be reimbursed for your trouble.”

  Her hands reached to unfasten the expensive locket Stuart had given her for Christmas. She hated to part with it, but she had to see Jared and it was the only thing of value she could use as a bribe. His eyes brightened as she handed it to him and he considered it carefully before reluctantly returning it.

  “Too much dangerous,” he said brokenly, watching as she twisted the delicate chain in her fingers. Again he stared with open lust and reached out a large hand to touch her hair. “Soft. I let you see, if you first come with me.”

  Mariah’s hopes had fallen at his rejection of the bribe and now she shuddered as she realized what he intended. His smile bared a row of dirty, yellow, broken teeth as he leered down at her anticipating her reply. Stale wine fumes wafted in her direction and she took an involuntary half-step backward. For a wild moment, Mariah considered fleeing, but her resolve to see Jared and explain the truth steeled her to stay. Unable to stand the sight of his gaze already stripping her naked, she nodded in dejection, staring at the floor.