Leaning his gun against the wall, he grabbed Mariah’s arm, pulling her after him into a small, unused bedroom across the hall. It was dark but he knew the layout of the furniture and dragged the reluctant girl toward the sheet-covered bed. Impatiently he shoved her onto the bed, pulling the gown aside and after a few, fumbling moments unfastening his pants, he lay atop her, crushing her slight weight with his body. Mariah kept her mind blank, numbly reminding herself that Drew had already degraded her and one more humiliation couldn’t matter. Perhaps she was the whore Jared had named her. Instead of trading her body for money, she was allowing it to be used in exchange for a brief, ten-minute visit with a man who hated her. Mariah was only physically present when the guard finished using her and slumped heavily across her body. Disgusted, she was brought back to her senses as he began to paw at her again. “Either take me to the prisoner or I’ll tell your superior you left your post,” she threatened through tightly clenched teeth. The warning was sufficient to quench his returned desire and as he shook his head and rolled away from her, she straightened her gown, covering the evidence of his possession.
Moments later, they stood beside Jared’s door. The guard glanced anxiously about, making sure no one saw him. “Half-hour,” he cautioned, as he unlocked the door and shoved her through, relocking it after her.
The room was lit only by moonlight. Mariah’s hand clutched tightly at her breast, the guard’s knife clenched in her fingers. She’d managed to slip it out of its sheath while he lay recovering his breath; she was determined to leave it with Jared. Walking cautiously toward the bed, she saw that it was empty; rumpled covers lay thrown back in a pile. She sat on the edge, touching the still warm sheets, unable to think where Jared could be. Turning to survey the dark shadows of the room, she was startled into a half-scream as a hand closed forcefully over her mouth and she was thrown onto her back. Frightened eyes stared up at the hand’s owner, relaxing as they perceived Jared’s face, half-illuminated by the moonlight. Jared grabbed the knife from her frozen fingers and for the briefest second they merely stared at each other.
The bed shifted under Jared’s weight as he lay next to her, his eyes coldly contemplating hers. “I see you’ve come to finish the job, you bitch! I thought you might want revenge for this evening.”
Mariah’s eyes felt like they were burning as she desperately shook her head beneath his hold. As she watched, the knife glistened in the moonlight, coming closer until the point was held against her throat. A calm sense of release enveloped her as she waited for the knife to end the torture and misery of the week. There was no hint of mercy in the steely blue eyes that glared down at her. He uncovered her mouth, almost as if he wanted her to beg for her life before he put an end to it.
A desperate whisper broke from Mariah. “For God’s sake, Jared, do it quickly. I’m not strong enough to wait while you play with me.’
“What makes you think you deserve any mercy?” Beneath the pressure of his arm, her breast rose and fell with emotion. She couldn’t stand the glare of those once-loving eyes and closed her own, awaiting the movement that would bring a welcomed relief to her tortured mind. She was unaware that Jared’s expression had changed, becoming almost reflective as he saw her calm acceptance of his threat. She swallowed, and the sharp knife point drew a tiny bead of blood. It welled in crimson contrast to the slender white throat, startling him into withdrawing the blade. Jared groaned, low and hoarse, cursing himself for a coward. Knowing the slut’s heart that beat beneath the soft white breast, he still couldn’t bring himself to end her miserable existence. Even hating her, he loved her! It was a sickness twisting his guts with disgusting lack of self-control. He threw the knife across the room, ignoring the loud clatter as it fell.
The sound startled Mariah into opening her eyes and she found Jared glowering contemptuously. “It didn’t work, Mariah. Go back and tell your lover he’ll have to do the job, if he wants it done right.”
Tears welled out of the corners of her eyes. “I didn’t come to hurt you, Jared. The knife was meant for you, to use as a defense.”
The corners of the chiseled mouth turned down in a mocking sneer. “Every word that comes out of that beautiful mouth is a lie. I doubt if you’d recognize the truth if you saw it.” He began to rise, unwilling to stay near her, afraid his hands would close on her throat and accomplish the job the knife hadn’t.
Desperate to convince him and knowing her time was running short, she threw her arms around his neck, clinging tenaciously. “Jared, you’ve got to believe me. I’d never have hurt you! I love you!” Her body shook with sobs as she continued to cling, willing him to believe her.
Torn by indecision, at the same time hating her and yet wanting to believe the statement, Jared reached up to grasp her wrists in a vicelike grip and tear them away from his neck.
“You’re still lying!” He refused to be weakened by her pleading expression, by the tears that fell so freely from the wide green eyes. Their faces were only a few short inches apart. “I suppose you’re going to try to convince me Drew forced you into this. When I found you in bed, there weren’t any scratches—no signs of any struggle.”
“Because of you, Jared! Before I gave in to him, he had me witness your flogging! Your life depended on my cooperation! I know what it looked like.” Her eyes dropped in bitter shame. “He planned it that way. Drew is much more devious than you ever gave him credit for.”
Jared released her arms, shoving her back and sending her sprawling on the bed. The action threw her robe open, baring the slender white thighs that still bore damp evidence of her encounter with the guard. Jared felt a return of hatred. She had just come from making love to Drew! The slut had the gall to beg him to believe her innocence when…His eyes narrowed with furious intent.
Blocking out all reason, he ripped the robe from her and threw his own robe on the floor. Covering her body with his, Jared pinned her arms and his mouth slammed hard against hers, viciously forcing her into submission. Realizing his intent, Mariah began to struggle against the bitter hate that was transforming the handsome face into a cruel vengeful mask.
“Jared, don’t…not like this! I’d have given you anything but…” She could add nothing more as his body overpowered her, brutally using her as a means to dispel the twisted hurt that had built within him. It was as though she didn’t exist as a person, she was merely a defenseless object to be used and discarded. Afterward, lying hurt and dazed beside him, she tried to remember that it wasn’t entirely his fault, that he’d been given no choice but to believe she’d betrayed him.
Following the release of his pent-up anger, Jared felt nothing but self-disgust. Turning his head, he saw her profile in the soft light. The delicate features were still classically beautiful, especially in repose. Soft, feathery lashes lay on cheeks that were as creamy and velvety smooth as the day he’d met her. Pushing away the warm memories that flooded over and threatened to drown him, his voice broke the silence with smug taunting. “If you weren’t such a worthless creature, Mariah, you’d be the perfect mate. Even in this brief encounter, I enjoyed the use of your body.”
Taunted beyond endurance, Mariah sighed, knowing there wasn’t a hope of reaching him. Drew had done an effective job of killing the tender love they’d shared. Jared’s arm still lay across her, imprisoning her. “Now that you’re through, may I leave?” she asked. “Drew won’t be happy to find me gone.”
“By all means, return to your lover, bitch,” he retorted, releasing her, “before I change my mind and use that knife you so thoughtfully brought.”
Resignation left Mariah unmoved by the threat. “I wouldn’t care if you did.” She wrapped herself as best she could in the tattered robe, tying the sash tightly about her waist. Walking to the door, she looked back for a moment, before signaling the guard by a short knock. “I’d keep the knife handy, if I were you. I don’t intend to follow Drew’s orders to secure the information. You just might need it to defend yourself.” The door was
unlocked and Mariah left as Jared stared after her departing figure.
Chapter 51
The return journey to Balaclava followed the same path as their journey to the chateau. Finding Mariah sullen and silent. Drew stopped trying to make conversation, allowing her the small rebellion; he concentrated instead on his ultimate revenge. When Mariah had persuaded one of the officers at headquarters to part with the needed information, and they had returned to Jared’s prison, he fully intended to have Mariah watch as Jared was shot. He smiled confidently, turning to watch the flawless profile. It was doubtful that he could find a more beautiful companion and one so delightful to bed. To master the woman at his side would be a true accomplishment. Once she had Jared out of her head, she’d come around. Drew’s natural arrogance assured him she would be an effective asset at the Russian court.
After crossing the Russian and British lines again, Drew led Mariah toward the waterfront. A half-hour later they were aboard a small boat for Scutari. All through the trip, Mariah maintained her aloof silence, refusing even to look his way. The other passengers on the boat must have thought them a strange couple, traveling together but acting as strangers.
As Scutari finally came into sight, Drew took Mariah’s arm and eased her off to one side. In the comparative privacy afforded by the spot he went over his plans once more. “I expect you to ingratiate yourself with Cardigan’s staff, my dear. We both know how attractive you can be to the opposite sex. It should be fairly easy for you to work your way into someone’s confidence.” His eyes slid knowingly over the body he’d mastered. “I’ll leave the method up to you. Just remember that Jared’s continued wellbeing depends on your discretion.”
Mariah shivered beneath Drew’s possessive gaze. He always managed to make her feel naked, and her skin crawled with the memory of his hands running over her. She glowered coldly at him. “If I can force myself to accommodate you, nothing is impossible. In fact, the entire staff would be a welcome alternative.” A quickly suppressed flash of anger lit Drew’s dark eyes. He was well aware that she was essential to his plans and his overpowering greed controlled his anger. Still, his manner promised that eventually she would pay for the insult. Mariah sloughed off the thought, unafraid now that she was sure of her course of action. She and Jared were finished. The only way to salvage anything out of this miserable situation was to reveal Drew as a Russian spy and relay Jared’s position to Cardigan, praying that Jared would come out of it alive.
After disembarking at the Scutari dock, Drew hired a carriage and allowed her to return home to make arrangements for her assignment.
At the house, Beth welcomed her with a worried frown. Mariah had been away longer than expected and, with no word in over a week, Beth had become almost frantic. “I was just about to set off for Constantinople, Mariah. I couldn’t imagine you’d stay so long without sending word to me.”
“Well, as you can see, there was nothing to worry about,” Mariah assured her. Laying her hat on the hall table, she smiled somewhat stiffly and hooked her arm into Beth’s. In the parlor, while Beth rang for tea, Mariah tried to compose her thoughts. She desperately needed to confide in someone. She wondered how long she could remain silent before she exploded beneath the strain. Still, the fewer people who knew what had happened, the more chance her plan had of succeeding. The tea revived her spirits and she contented herself with small talk, chattering falsely to Beth about what a pleasant time she’d had.
Beth tried to hide the anxiety behind her cheerful questions about Mariah’s stay in Constantinople. There seemed nothing wrong with Mariah’s statements about Lady Hensley’s home and the sights she’d seen, but Beth knew Mariah well enough to realize there was an underlying tension in her that couldn’t have been caused by a simple visit to a friend’s home. Fine, light eyebrows drew together in puzzlement as she tried to pinpoint exactly what was wrong about Mariah’s behavior. Suddenly Beth realized that Mariah, who had been frantic with worry about Jared, had not even mentioned his name once since she returned. Biting her bottom lip in agitation, Beth inquired, “Mariah, what’s wrong? Have you heard something about Jared?”
Mariah realized she hadn’t fooled Beth completely. I should have known she’d see through me, she thought. The very mention of Jared made her eyes tighten with pain, but with a serious effort she bent her will to reassuring Beth.
“Don’t worry, Beth. I’ve no new troubles. I just hadn’t realized Lady Hensley’s would be such a social whirl. It seemed like one constant party.” She sipped the last of the tea and replaced her cup. “As a matter of fact, I’ve come back more tired than when I left. I think I’ll take a nap now, if you don’t mind.” Mariah stood up, smiling reassuringly at her friend. “Really, Beth, after a restful sleep I’ll be as good as new!” Beth’s expression was doubtful but she accepted the excuse. “Tony is still here, isn’t he? I’d like to talk to him later, if possible.”
She must want to talk to him about Jared, thought Beth. She suppressed her desire to inquire further. “Tony’s been feeling much better and he’s on temporary assignment to Colonel Bridges. He’ll be back later tonight.”
A sudden impulse made Mariah hug Beth close. “I’ll see you both tonight at dinner then!”
Watching Mariah leave the room, Beth fretted anxiously. She felt slightly hurt that Mariah didn’t trust her enough to reveal the source of her obvious agitation. Why did Mariah seem to want to tell her secret to Tony and not to her? Puzzled and shaking her head, she went off to discuss the supper menu with the cook.
In the sanctuary of her own room, Mariah gave in to the fears that had almost overwhelmed her in the face of Beth’s questions. Thank God, Tony was here! He was so level-headed, he’d be able to help her. At the moment, she desperately needed a masculine shoulder to help bear the burden of her knowledge. The choice of betraying Jared or the country he fought for was an intimidating decision to make and she wasn’t sure she was strong enough to make it alone. Slowly moving about the room, she undressed and climbed beneath the covers, thankful for the coolness of the sheets that covered her and, after succeeding in temporarily closing her mind to memories of the week’s humiliation, fell into a deep but restless sleep.
A hand gently shook her shoulders, and Mariah opened her eyes to see Anna’s face leaning over her. “Lady Elizabeth asked me to awaken you in time for dinner, m’lady.” The maid smiled and added, “It’s so good to have you back again.” The girl moved away and a moment later held Mariah’s robe for her. Stretching, Mariah realized how much better the brief nap had made her feel. Slipping into the robe, she requested a quick bath and asked for her dark-green, dotted swiss gown. Half an hour later, she was dressed, refreshed by the bath and more confident she could cope with her problems.
Downstairs, she found Tony and Beth awaiting her in the dining room and, as Tony rose at her entrance, she came forward to embrace him. “It’s so good to see you again! I hadn’t realized how much a week could make me miss you both.” Dinner was served and Mariah found she was hungrier than she’d been in days. At the villa, she’d scarcely Touched her food. Disregarding the curious stares of her companions, she attacked the food on her plate with obvious relish. Tony, warned by his sister that Mariah had wanted to talk to him and having been given Beth’s impression that something was wrong, watched Mariah carefully through the meal. She looked thinner, but aside from the dark circles beneath her eyes, she seemed the same as before she’d left on her trip. Beth had promised to retire early on some pretext so that he could find out what was wrong.
After the last course was served, Beth rose and putting a hand to her forehead, complained of a slight headache. Seeing Mariah’s concerned expression, she explained, “Oh, it’s nothing, dear, I get them occasionally. I don’t think my constitution is quite suited to this climate. I’ll be fine tomorrow. Go right ahead and have your talk with Tony.”
Tony escorted Mariah into the parlor, and anxiously began to question her.
“Beth is worried abo
ut you, Mariah. If there’s a problem you need help with, in Jared’s absence, I’d like to offer my assistance. You know how fond I am of you.” He poured himself a brandy and, after offering her a glass of sherry, sat next to her on the settee.
Mariah sipped the wine, for courage, and tried to find a way to begin. “Tony, I wasn’t with Lady Hensley the past week.” She paused as she saw his surprise and then continued.
“Over a week ago I went to see Colonel Bridges again about Jared. It was then that I ran into Drew. You’ll find this hard to believe, it’s so diabolical; but I desperately need your help!” She proceeded to tell him the entire story and the details of what had followed her meeting with Drew. Everything was recited in a monotone and her voice broke only once as she was forced to admit why Jared now despised her. Finally she finished, drained of emotion and sat, fidgeting with her hands in her lap, awaiting Tony’s reaction. If he didn’t believe her, if he doubted she spoke the truth, she knew Lord Cardigan would never accept her story.
Tony swore an oath, cursing Drew roundly. “I must admit, I never took to him. It was only Lord Maubrey’s kindness that made me regard the boy as redeemable.” Tony could hardly believe the horror of Mariah’s tale but he knew her well enough to realize she spoke the truth. “Correct me if I’ve read what you say as wrong. Unless you secure this information that Drew has asked for, Jared will be murdered?” Tony felt an overwhelming sympathy for the girl sitting next to him, and gathered both her hands within his. He waited until she looked up into his eyes and then continued, “You know Jared wouldn’t allow such a thing even to save his life. What do you plan to do?”
“I thought…oh, I don’t know, Tony! I thought you could help me explain to Cardigan. Possibly I could take false papers to Drew and have him arrested. I can give you exact directions to the villa where Jared’s being held. Other than that, I don’t know what else to do.”
Savage In Silk Page 40
