The Kiss of a Rogue

by Bethany M. Sefchick

  Just then, a bolt of lightning split the night and the entire interior of the carriage was illuminated. For a moment, Abigail swore she saw a look of regret flash across his face, but then it was gone, replaced by a hard determination. "I do what I must to survive, my fair Abigail."

  "Including kidnapping." Perhaps it was not wise to challenge the man, but Abigail was feeling a bit put out at the moment - the entire issue of being stuffed unwilling into a coach aside. She hadn't even enjoyed one dance with Adam. And she had been so looking forward to waltzing with him, especially on a night renowned for a young lady being free to dance as often as she wished with one partner - her mask hiding her true identity from the crowds.

  De La Croix pushed back the curtain a bit to look out the window before replacing it and setting back into his seat. Thunder cracked in the distance and the man jumped as if he was nervous. Well, in Abigail's opinion, he should be. Especially when Adam caught up to them. She prayed that he had noticed her missing by now. Unless, of course, the women in bronze were a distraction for him as well. If they were, she prayed that he was not so foolish - or so fickle - as to fall for their tricks.

  "Including kidnapping." De La Croix folded his hands in his lap. "Even a few weeks ago, I made a vow not to touch what so clearly belonged to another. That is not my way. But desperate men do desperate things. Including abducing young ladies that are all but betrothed to other, far more powerful men. It is a risk that those foolish enough to gamble well over our heads and far beyond our means are forced to take."

  "You need my dowry. And likely my inheritance as well." This was not exactly news to Abigail. During her time in Society, just about all of her potential suitors had needed her coin for one reason or another. And had lied about it, promising with sweet words that she was all they could ever need, fortune be damned. Save for Lord Hunt who had been up front about his intentions, and Adam, who hadn't cared a whit if she was rich as Croesus or as penniless as a church mouse. "This does not come as a surprise to me, you know."

  "But my granting you your freedom will," he countered. "I am not a cruel man, Abigail." She supposed that since he intended to marry her, he assumed that he was free to use her Christian name. He was not, but she didn't bother to correct him. "I know that you do not love me. I, in turn, do not love you. In fact, I would imagine that you rather despise me."

  "At the moment? Yes." Abigail supposed she should be heartened by that bit of news, but she really wasn't since she was still in a carriage speeding north as a vicious storm crackled and threatened just outside the thin coach walls. "So why do you not wed the lady you claim to love? For I believe from the way you speak that there is one. It seems a simple enough matter to me. Or is it that she is not wealthy enough to suit your needs?"

  This time when De La Croix laughed, there was no humor. "Oh, she is wealthy enough, but her family will not entertain my suit. I am half-French, after all. Little better than a mongrel in their eyes and entirely unsuitable. No, my French blood shall never sully her oh-so-blue English blood that can be traced back to royalty." Once more, he looked away and this time when he looked back, there was something like pity in his eyes as well. "But it is no matter now. What is done is done. Also know that I was not the only one coming after you for your wealth tonight, my dear. I was merely the first to reach you. And, as I have said, once I get what I need, I will set you free. I promise."

  "Who else was coming for me?" Abigail felt her blood truly run cold now, for she had her suspicions, and, at present, knew that if she had to be kidnapped at all, this man was likely the better choice than the alternative. She could not believe she was even thinking such a thing, but then, better the devil you knew than the one you did not, she supposed.

  "Someone named Mr. Burleigh. I believe he is a business associate of your father's." Abigail swore softly, which did not go unnoticed by the count. "He meant to rip you away from everything and everyone including your family, beat you into submission for lack of fidelity to him, even though I know that was only in his mind, and all but chain you to his side for the rest of your life." When she narrowed her eyes at the man, De La Croix shrugged. "It is suspected by just about everyone that Lord Hathaway has already deflowered you. Mr. Burleigh sees this as a problem, for in his mind, you would remain chaste for him and him alone until he took you to his bed. It is, I think, fair to say that since you have not remained chaste, he is...enraged." This time, De La Croix truly did seem to regret imparting that bit of news.

  Abigail shuddered, though she did her best to remain calm. "What I do in my bed is my business. Not his."

  "He sees the situation a bit differently I'm afraid," De La Croix warned, "and if he had reached you first? Well, I am sorry to say that it would likely not have been pleasant for you. At the very least, he would not have shown you the respect due the woman about to become his wife as I have."

  "And you do not care that I am no longer a virgin?" She wasn't about to openly admit to what she and Adam had done the night of the Fairhaven Cup - or many times after for that matter - but nor would she deny it. Especially not to this man who meant to take her to wife.

  Once more, the count shrugged. "I would have preferred if you were a virgin, certainly. Most men would. However, I am not so foolish or stupid. I know that you are in love with the Dastardly Duke and he you. That you anticipated your vows was not...unexpected. Especially from a man like him."

  "I see."

  De La Croix shook his head and another bolt of lightning split the night. For just a moment, he looked sad rather than deranged, and Abigail wondered if there was a difference. "No, I do not think you do. Not entirely. For as I have said, for us, this is a business arrangement, and I do not expect time to change that. While I hold you in great affection already, I doubt that you will ever feel such for me, though a man can hope certainly." He gestured around the carriage. "Especially not after the way this marriage, for that is what will happen when we reach Scotland, has started."

  In her heart and mind, Abigail had known that was what was in store for her all along. She simply hadn't wanted to admit it. De La Croix was taking her to Scotland so that he might wed her to get his hands on her dowry and the fortune she would inherit in a few short years, once she reached the age of thirty. Sooner, if she bore a child, which this man likely knew. It seemed there was not a lot about her that he didn't know. And she had the impression that as soon as possible, he would attempt to get her with child. Possibly even here in the carriage if he could manage it.

  Unless she was already carrying Adam's child. In which case she would fight to the death to make certain the man she loved knew his child - be it son or daughter. She refused to let De La Croix claim the child as his own.

  When she didn't say anything, he rushed on. "I know about the child clause where your funds are concerned, Abigail. All I ask is that you give me a child as soon as possible. Once you have accomplished that, I shall be well set. And you? You will want for nothing, of course. And you may go to your beloved duke's bed as often as you like. Discreetly of course, for I would never divorce you or anything so crass as that. But you could be with him. Every night if you wish, at least until it is time for another child for our family. I would not stop you."

  Abigail felt sick to her stomach. This man was talking about using her for her fortune and for breeding so that he might obtain more of her coin. He saw this as a perfectly acceptable thing to do, so long as he stayed out of Newgate.

  "And if I refuse?" For she intended to do just that.

  "Do not force me to make that choice, my dear." Gone was the hint of softness she had seen in him before. The cold determination was now back in his gaze. "I may be without many means, but I do have a country estate in the wilds of Durham. It is not much, but it is secure and I could easily secret you away there when we return from Scotland until you bear me the heir I need, however long that takes. You would not see your duke again for a good, long time. You do not want that, do you? For now that he is back in
Society's good graces again, it is likely that some enterprising mama will attempt to snag him for her daughter by means fair or foul."

  Closing her eyes, Abigail prayed for a miracle, though she doubted one would be coming. It hadn't thus far. "So you want me to give you my dowry, a child, and the fortune that comes with that child, and in exchange, you will allow me to bed the duke whenever I wish. Does that about sum it up?"

  "So long as you do not bear his bastard, then yes." De La Croix eyed her speculatively in the dim light. "And we could get started on the child part right now, if you like. If you allow me, Abigail, I can bring you greater pleasure than you could have ever imagined. Far more than your duke ever could, I suspect. And it will be so much more delightful for you if you do not fight me."

  The count patted the front of his trousers where she could see his erection through the fabric. He was already long and hard, likely in anticipation of planting a child in her belly. Given Mama's thoughts on the issue of conception and child bearing, as well as fertility, there was a good chance that, should he mate with her now, she might well become pregnant with his child. Again, if she wasn't already bearing Adam's child which, given their shocking lack of precautions was extremely likely. She could also see from his expression that in De La Croix's mind, this plan was all perfectly logical and benefited everyone. Especially him.

  Abigail was about to tell him precisely what she thought of his plan, but then the coach rattled to an abrupt stop and immediately De La Croix leapt to his feet. "Remain here," he hissed, but before he could so much as draw his weapon, the coach door was ripped open and he was yanked out by his cravat.

  "Abigail!" A man's voice cried out and she all but swooned where she sat. Adam had come for her. He had not let her down. And her heart swelled so much that she thought it might burst with love for the man who climbed through the open door and reached for her as she began sobbing uncontrollably. Now that she was safe, she could give in to her fear. When she did, she did not hold back.

  Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately - Abigail did not remember much after that, falling gratefully into Adam's waiting arms and losing consciousness once more. When she finally did awaken again, she was still in the coach but rolling southward this time, back towards Fairhaven.

  Pushing her tumbled mass of hair out of her eyes, she looked up only to see Adam's stormy gray gaze upon her from across the carriage. "He didn't touch me," she said before he could even ask. "I would have tried to bite him if he had even attempted it."

  "I know." There was a pain in Adam's voice she did not recognize. "He admitted as much to me when I all but pummeled the life from him when we found you."

  Abigail frowned, her head still muzzy. "I don't...remember that." In fact, other than bits and pieces from her conversation with De La Croix in the carriage, she didn't remember much of the last hour. Or what she assumed was the last hour. It could have been longer she supposed.

  "Best that you don't," Adam sighed and looked away once more. "It was ugly at times." Though he did not say how ugly, which made her suspect that it had been a truly horrible beating.

  "Is he still alive?" Abigail asked, not certain she really wished to know.

  Adam shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable now. "Only just. But enough to be dragged to the closest docks and set on a ship for America. Some of the other men have him now. Berkshire and Strathaven among then, if you must know." She didn't.

  Sold to a press gang, then. Well, there were worse fates, she supposed. Though for a man like De La Croix, perhaps not. "I felt a bit sorry for him," she confessed, which elicited a raised eyebrow from Adam. "He seemed almost...sad at times."

  "He wanted to force you to wed him and bear his children," Adam snapped back, his anger, which had long been controlled, finally bubbling to the surface. "If you are with child now, he would have raised my child as his! Do you know what that would have done to me? To see you with him and know that you and the babe you likely carry are mine! Not his!"

  By now, Abigail's head was hurting and her vision was beginning to blur once more. It also distressed her that other than when he had snatched her from the carriage, Adam had not held her, not even so much as kissed her temple to indicate relief that she was safe. Sometimes, she wasn't even certain he wished to look at her. How had this all gone so wrong? And why could she still not think properly?

  "You do not know that I am with child," she replied, though once more she thought back to her mother's words and warning and realized that it was extremely possible she was.

  "I know," he grumbled in return, crossing his arms over his chest almost defiantly.

  Yes, she decided. He likely would. She also realized that this was a side of Adam she had never witnessed before, and she suspected that the man she was now seeing sitting across form her was much like the man who had cut a wide swath through the beau monde of London, doing as he pleased and not giving a damn about anyone, so long as he was happy and satisfied.

  A part of Abigail knew that Adam was only behaving this way because he had been worried for her, but she did not like it. She could tolerate it, certainly, but only after she was certain her Adam - the man with the kind heart that she loved so very much - was still somewhere inside this grumpy, raging shell of a man. She wanted that Adam back and didn't much care to ever see this facet of him again.

  "Go back to sleep," he finally grumbled, his eyes still snapping with anger. "We understood from De La Croix that he wasn't the only one out to snatch you tonight. So there is still work to be done to keep you safe."

  Abigail was rather sleepy. "He told me that Burleigh was in the area as well. Said that man would be less kind than he was, though I have no idea how he knew." She yawned. "I don't think I'd much care for him."

  Adam grunted in response and for a moment, Abigail wondered if there was still danger lurking in the dark. Given his horrid behavior, she suspected there might be.

  "That is why we are taking the long way back to Fairhaven by way of several other neighboring estates." He shifted again and this time, she saw the barrel of a pistol peeking out from beneath his waistcoat. A part of her knew she should be afraid but another part was strangely reassured. "I need to make certain that the men out looking for Burleigh have time to round him up before we return to Fairhaven. Too many bloody hidden passageways there for my liking."

  On that, Abigail firmly agreed and she yawned again. She longed to cross the small space between them in the carriage and curl up next to Adam that she might sleep. Yet she didn't dare. He was far too angry. And she was far too tired to make sense of this nightmare. So instead, she tucked her legs up on the seat beside her and laid down as best she could.

  She was asleep within minutes and never saw the tears that tracked silently down Adam's face when he finally allowed himself the luxury of realizing that she was safe. She was with him. And no one would ever harm her again.

  Chapter Twenty

  Once they arrived back at Fairhaven, Adam was immediately greeted by the news that Lord Underhill and Baron Makesford had caught up with Burleigh as he was prying open one of Fairhaven's many side doors, having realized that De La Croix's attempt at absconding with Abigail had met with abject failure. He was also carrying a sack full of rope, a large bottle of laudanum, a gag and some other assorted things that the two gentlemen didn't even want to guess at how he would have attempted to use them. Burleigh was convinced that Abigail was still somewhere within Fairhaven, or would be soon enough, and had been ready to tear the place apart in search of his prize, bashing in doors if necessary. Which also explained the large metal pipe he was dragging along behind him.

  No one wanted to think that the man would have used it to bash other things. That was too unseemly. Even for a man like Burleigh.

  Underhill and Makesford had easily over-powered the other man who, to be fair, was already raving like a lunatic over his inability to find Abigail. Enwright, who by this time had already summoned the local constable from the village, susp
ected that Burleigh had likely always been mentally unstable and that when he was told that Abigail was not returning to Plymouth in what he thought was timely fashion, he had likely gone over the edge.

  Enwright had, of course, plenty of experience with unstable people as his own brother, Archibald, had spent some time in Bedlam. The duke could recognize the signs of instability all too well. Even when others could not.

  Fortunately, the constable had agreed with Enwright and had carted Burleigh off into the night, promising the duke that the man would never bother Fairhaven or its guests again.

  Adam received all this news and more as he hopped out of the carriage once it arrived back at the estate and swept a still unconscious Abigail into his arms before carrying her up the main stairs and to her room. No one, not even Enwright thought to question his right to do so, though Adam wasn't certain what would have happened if anyone had tried, either. Likely, they would have lost a finger or at worst a hand as he was not in the mood to suffer fools. Especially those who wished to keep him from Abigail.

  All except for Dr. Hastings, of course. The physician had been on alert ever since the search parties had gone off in search of the comte's coach, and when Adam finally laid Abigail on top of the counterpane in her room, the man was right there by her side, ready to begin the examination. He was also the only man brave enough to chase Adam out of her room, though he did so with the assurances that it was necessary to ensure that Abigail hadn't suffered any ill effects from the kidnapping.

  That reason and that reason alone was enough to send Adam from the room, even though he continued to grumble. The idea of something happening to his beloved Abigail terrified him, and if Dr. Hastings needed time alone with her to make certain she was well, then he would have it.