by Lisa Reisner
Abigail’s hips gyrated with uncontrollable desire. She needed to mount his rigid shaft. “I have never wanted anything more than I want this, right now,” Abigail insisted as she unbuttoned his trousers and freed his rock-hard member.
“The feeling is mutual,” Marcus groaned, as he placed his pulsating shaft against her slick entrance. Marcus stopped only to look deep into Abigail’s eyes. “Promise me you will be with me forever.”
Abigail hated making promises she couldn’t keep. Whether she liked it or not, Abigail legally belonged to another man. She would likely be on the run for the rest of her life. It wouldn’t be fair to draw Marcus into her troubled world, but in the heat of the moment, Abigail would have said anything to make him happy. “Forever.”
At the sound of Abigail’s pledge, Marcus thrust himself inside her drenched warmth. She rode him hard, desperately trying to push him deeper and deeper, until her insides quivered, and she reached a violent climax.
Marcus grunted his approval as he grabbed her by the waist and flipped her onto her back. Waves of sensuous satisfaction were still running through her body when Marcus greedily spread her legs and repeatedly plunged into her soft flesh. Abigail felt his entire body tense as he found his own powerful release.
Several minutes passed before either one could speak. They lay in one another’s arms, unwillingly to let the other go. Nothing could have broken the magnificent spell they both were under. Nothing except the downpour of rain that came crashing down on them.
With gallant speed, Marcus lifted a giggling Abigail into his arms and carried her into the cottage. For one precious moment, all her worries were gone, and anything was possible.
∞
The instant Jane informed Marcus of Abigail’s whereabouts, he was off to find her. He rode well after nightfall, eventually spending the night at the Red Rooster Bed and Breakfast. Marcus didn’t really want to stop because it would prolong his reunion with Abigail, but his poor horse needed to rest in order to continue the full journey.
Apparently, Marcus also needed the rest after many sleepless nights. The awareness that Abigail was temporarily safe, and the sheer exhaustion of the ride, made it easy to fall into a deep slumber on the inn’s comfortable four poster bed.
Marcus’s dreams were hot and passionate. In his hazy mind, he made love to Abigail in every way he knew possible. There was fast and fierce lovemaking, along with slow, intense couplings. His hands caressed every luscious inch of her body and it seemed he could never be fully sated. The need to take Abigail over and over again was overwhelming. When he awoke in the morning, his erection was almost painful. It was clear there was only one woman for him, only one woman to share his bed, only one woman to share his life.
His heart was pounding in his chest as soon as he reached Shetland Park. The last time they were in each other’s company he had callously thrown her out of his home, so he didn’t know if his presence would be welcomed.
Marcus was about to knock on the front door when the sound of Abigail’s voice stopped him dead in his tracks. He followed the sweet echo into the yard behind the cottage. What he saw took his breath away.
Abigail wore a simple lavender day dress that brought out the richness of her violet eyes. Her creamy complexion seemed a bit more tan than usual and her cheeks were rosy from exertion. There was an adorable smudge of dirt on her chin that Marcus longed to tenderly wipe away, but perhaps the most enticing part were the strands of glossy raven hair that escaped from her tight chignon; they fell around her lovely face, perfectly framing her high cheekbones. His palms itched to take down her hair and run his fingers through the silky mass. As far as he was concerned, she was the most beautiful creature on earth.
His loins throbbed as he admired the swell of her plentiful cleavage. Marcus imagined freeing Abigail’s soft breasts from the strain of her stiff corset. He would suckle both rosy nipples until they were taut with desire.
Marcus’s thoughts would have continued to go astray, but he quickly realized Abigail was not alone. A frown marred his face as he overhead the conversation. The woman, who he assumed was the housekeeper, was kindly implying that she needed to eat something and subsequently told her she appeared to be melancholy, offering Abigail encouragement on the possibility of meeting a new man.
Abigail’s amethyst eyes shined with a mixture of deep sadness and steadfast honesty as she answered the housekeeper. He couldn’t wait any longer for her to realize that he was there, so Marcus asked the question he needed answered. It was imperative he knew what was in her heart. Her ardor needed to match his because he was unwilling to accept anything less.
At first, Abigail was shocked, then her face lit up with pure joy. It was a look that nearly brought him to his knees. For a moment, she was speechless, but then the sweet words that came from her lips solidified Marcus’s resolve to never lose Abigail, ever again. He would risk anything to keep her safe, even if it meant uprooting his entire life.
The next succession of events blurred together into the most zealous lovemaking he had ever experienced. Before Marcus had the opportunity to catch his breath, he was on the ground, impaling himself into her moist heat. Abigail tightly grasped his steely shaft with each thrust. Marcus was angry with himself because of the quick pace. He wanted to slow down, desperately trying to prolong their pleasure, but it was a lost cause. His rigid staff erupted with an earth-shattering climax and he spilled his seed deep inside her womb.
He grinned as he felt the cool rain against his skin. Marcus was very well aware of the fact there was a long, detailed discussion waiting for them in their near future, but for now he just wanted to bask in the splendor of the moment and the musical sound of Abigail’s laughter as he carried her inside.
Chapter 26
“Jordan, your mind seems elsewhere today. Perhaps now is not the time to go over the contracts,” Robert Sunderland suggested. He had received a blank stare from Jordan after asking two direct questions about the conditions of the textile plant they were about to acquire. “Quite honestly, my own mind is very much preoccupied with my new son and daughter. So, I would be more than happy to finish this up next week.”
“I apologize, Robert. I admit I am not quite myself today.” The truth of the matter was he had barely been able to concentrate since his encounter with Jane. “I am just concerned over Marcus’s current state of affairs. The last time he went through such turmoil it nearly destroyed him. I would hate to see that happen again.”
Robert sighed. “Caroline is also terribly upset over the whole thing. Bloody mess, if you ask me.”
“I agree. As odious as Abigail’s husband is, she is still bound to him by marriage. Marcus needs to be practical about the entire situation. I know this may sound heartless, but I think he should find her a safe hiding place, settle her with a large sum of money and simply forget about her.”
Robert shook his head in disagreement. “Jordan, your plan appears quite sound and logical, but it does not consider that Marcus appears to be very much in love with this woman. Days ago, he was about to propose and now he should just pretend Abigail never existed?” Robert paused to emphasize his point. “It may be difficult for you to relate, but when you are truly in love with someone, it is near impossible to let that person go. If I were in similar circumstances, I know for certain I would do anything in my power to be with Caroline.”
Jordan was not offended by Robert’s statements. It was a well-known fact amongst his closest friends he did not believe in the concept of love or the institution of marriage, but that hadn’t always been the case. Five years ago, he would have moved heaven and earth to spend the rest of his days with Jane Whitworth. Back then, everything was so full of promise and innocence. It was a special time when he thought anything was possible. Nowadays, his life was so mired down with cynicism he couldn’t even remember the last time he had felt truly happy.
Jordan had always taken pleasure in the array of beauties eager to share his bed, but now it had b
een replaced with sheer boredom and annoyance over the insipid flirtation that went along with it.
Over the years, he had become one of the most successful and wealthiest businessmen in all of England. However, the thrill of his financial successes had somehow lost their luster. In truth, he was desperate for something more than this life had to offer, but he had no idea what that something was.
He wished all the joy in the world for the Sunderlands, but he could not help but feel a twinge of envy every time Robert spoke of his newborns. Robert’s life had purpose, he had a family to take care of and people who depended on him. What did he have but a huge, empty mansion with nobody to share it with? Where did everything go so terribly wrong?
Jordan didn’t have to wait long for his answer, as Jane’s melodious voice filled his foyer.
“Who could that be?” Robert asked with a wicked smile. “Perhaps one of your numerous admirers?”
“I assure you, Lord Sunderland, neither Jordan nor I are great admirers of one another,” Jane answered as she bypassed the butler and made her way through the open study door. Jane’s eyes were filled with anxiety and she appeared to be breathing heavy, as if she had rushed over. “I am here because of an urgent matter involving Lord Everton and my closest friend.”
“It is always a pleasure to see you, Miss Whitworth, but let us dispense with formalities for now and discuss what is troubling you,” Robert insisted with genuine concern. Jordan felt Robert’s glare on him when he added, “We are all eager to give assistance in any way we can.”
“Oh, yes, I’m hanging on your every word,” Jordan sneered. A part of Jordan hated himself for behaving so childishly. Usually, he held a tight reign over his emotions, but for some reason he couldn’t quite control his anger around Jane. How one tiny woman could make him feel half insane was beyond his comprehension.
Jane rolled her eyes. “Thank you, my lord. You were always a fine example of what a gentleman should be,” Jane said as she turned her head towards Jordan. “Some men could learn a great deal from you.” Her gaze shot back to Robert as she focused on the reason she had come. “Actually, I am quite glad you are here. You may be able to offer just the help I need.”
“Anything at all,” Robert offered without a moment of hesitation. “Lord Everton is a close friend and I would like to aide him in any capacity I can.”
Jordan’s initial anger subsided. He didn’t want his temper to interfere with helping his fried, so he did his best to put the past behind him and focus on the present. “I apologize for my behavior. Marcus’s plight is the most important thing on my agenda. It was very wrong of me to let anything get in the way of that.” Jane’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “Please tell us what brought you here.”
Robert poured her a glass of sherry and she accepted it as she sat down. “My news is very bittersweet.” Jane took a fortifying sip of wine. “Lord Bainbridge returned home after the pummeling he received from Marcus. He was bruised and battered, but that did not stop him from hiring an investigator to find Abigail. Clayton was smart enough to have Lord Everton followed. By now, it is likely he has knowledge of her whereabouts.”
Jordan noticed the nervous way Jane wrung her hands together. It took all his resolve to fight the natural instinct to comfort her, so he focused his energy on the story. “Do you know this for certain?”
Jane bit her lip. “Unfortunately, I do not have that information because Clayton Bainbridge fled his estate yesterday. He was about to be arrested on murder charges.”
Both gentlemen spoke at the same time. “What?”
“I could hardly believe it, either,” Jane said in a tone of utter disbelief. “Clayton Bainbridge was already insane, but the night he found out about Abigail’s ruse, it pushed him over the edge.” A tear slid down Jane’s cheek. “Unfortunately, an innocent serving girl, named Molly, got in his line of fire. He struck her so hard she sustained irreversible head injuries. She finally succumbed to the damage and died two days ago.”
Robert handed her his handkerchief. “That is awful, how terrible for her family.”
Jane dabbed her eyes. “Molly was a very sweet girl. She always had a smile on her face. During her free time, she would help out at the orphanage. She was loved by everyone and our entire community is in an uproar. They are determined to make him pay for his crimes.”
“Murder is a hanging offense. If he is found guilty, Abigail would become a widow, and nothing would stand in Marcus’s way of making her his bride.”
Jane nodded in agreement. “Although I feel sick over Molly’s death, at least some good would come out of it, but we all know it will be difficult to convict Lord Bainbridge. He is nobility and Molly was a mere servant.”
“Not if the matter is handled properly,” Robert declared. “I know some very influential individuals in the House of Lords. If there is enough evidence against him, I will make certain he receives the severest punishment for his crimes.”
Jane’s expression turned hopeful. “You are a saint, my lord. Someone needs to ensure justice is done. Molly’s death should not be in vain.” Jane’s gaze drifted over to Jordan. Jordan inhaled sharply. He remembered the last time she looked at him in such away. Her face reflected admiration, as if he could succeed at anything. “Jordan, it is up to you to warn Lord Everton of Clayton’s imminent arrival. My main concern is that Lord Bainbridge may feel he has nothing to lose by harming Abigail. Especially now, he blames Abigail for what happened to Molly and his impending imprisonment. He claims he would never have lost control of his temper if it had not been for the news of Abigail’s deception. Of course, he has conveniently forgotten the times he assaulted numerous servants in the past without the least provocation.”
Jordan was determined to get to Marcus before anything dreadful happened. He would like to believe his resolve was based solely on the desire to help his friend, but Jordan knew an ulterior motive was at play. The simple truth was he wanted to see that look on Jane’s face again. “I will leave, at once.” Jordan turned to Robert. “Send word to the magistrate in Gloucestershire. Tell them a criminal will soon be in their midst. Also, explain everything that has happened to Liam. He is the best man to compile evidence against Lord Bainbridge. That villain will see the hangman’s noose if I have anything to do with it!”
Robert bid his farewell and took his leave to complete Jordan’s requests. Jane watched as Jordan gathered a few things and strode for the door, but before he made his exit, he noticed a peculiar look on her face. “Is there something wrong?”
“Not at all.” Jordan took his last glimpse of Jane’s lovely profile and walked out the door. He never heard Jane whisper, “It is just that you reminded me of someone I used to know.”
∞
“You missed a spot, goddamn it!”
Lord Bainbridge’s valet surveyed his master’s bruised face. “I might reopen the wound under your eye if I shave there, my lord.”
“I guess the only way for things to be done right is if I do them myself,” Clayton declared as he grabbed the razor. He held the blade up to his face and scrutinized his battered appearance in the mirror. “This is all that witch’s fault,” Clayton raged as he threw the razor to the ground. His eyes turned into slits as he inspected his dingy surroundings. “Look at the squalor I have been reduced to!”
The valet looked around. “It isn’t that bad, my lord.”
“I don’t recall asking you for your opinion.” Lord Bainbridge had spent the past two nights keeping a very low profile at the Crown Hotel in Cheapside. It was the perfect place for a person to stay if they wanted to go unnoticed. Obviously, not the expensive quarters he was accustomed to. “Just get out and leave me be!”
Clayton’s stomach ached with nervous anxiety as he watched his valet scurry off. It was only a matter of time before the magistrate caught up with him. Clayton thought it was ridiculous he should be tried over the inconsequential death of a little nobody. Of course, he would never be in this predicament in the fir
st place if it weren’t for his scheming wife. He was going to make her pay for everything she had put him through.
A knock sounded at the door. “I thought I told you to get out!”
“But I only just arrived,” came a throaty female voice from behind the door. Clayton stalked over to the door and jerked it open so hard it nearly came off the hinges.
“Did you find her?” Clayton asked with demented urgency. “Did Lord Everton go after her?”
Cynthia Applewood’s lips twisted into a vengeful smile as she handed him a piece of paper. “They are both your problem to deal with now.”
Chapter 27
“Is anyone else here?” Marcus asked as he gently put her down on the settee in her bedroom. “You will need to get out of those damp clothes before you catch a cold.”
Abigail smiled over his concern for her well-being. She still couldn’t quite believe he was here. If it weren’t for the slight soreness between her thighs, she would think she had just imagined everything that had just happened, each any every glorious moment. “We are all alone. The housekeeper had errands to run in the village, so she won’t be back till the morning,” Abigail answered as she went behind the dressing curtain to remove her wet dress and put on a robe. Her hands trembled with nerves as she attempted to undo the buttons. Marcus must have seen her struggle because he came up from behind and undid them for her. “Thank you, my lord.”
“My lord,” Marcus repeated with a hint of amusement. “Rather formal considering what we did just moments ago, don’t you think?”
Abigail could feel her face flush as she tied her robe closed and stepped out from behind the curtain. “Actually, I am quite unsure of how to act or what to say. I don’t know where to begin.”
Marcus closed the gap between them and dragged her down onto his lap as he sat down on her bed. His eyes were full of warmth. “You can start by telling me the truth. Liam filled me in on many of the particulars, but I want to hear everything in your own words.”
