“Why not? I thought all women wished to marry?”
“Not me.” She took a step back from the door. “My mother spent half her life waiting for my father. I’ve been waiting for him for the past year. What kind of life is that?”
“Oh,” he said.
“How comforting.” She took another step back because as she looked to her right, she realized something very important. Her room had a connecting door. “You’d better be going. You don’t want to miss John.”
“John? The man couldn’t give you a last name?”
“Nope. Secret identity and all that.”
“Eliza?” His voice had dropped low again. “What are you doing?”
But she didn’t bother to answer as she slipped through the other door.
Chapter Five
Dylan rubbed his forehead as he stared at the door. Why had she gone silent?
“Eliza?”
He scrubbed his hand down his face. He supposed it was better. He needed to go, and he could spend all night…what…talking?
Christ. He was worse than Bash. At least his friend was lucky enough to have married the lady he desired and was spending his time rolling about the bed… Then he paused. Had he just used the words married and lucky in the same thought?
He was going mad.
But striding down the hall he made his way through the kitchen and out to the barn where the carriage already waited.
The door was open, and Bash sat inside. “What took you so long?”
“Locking a lady in her room takes a bit of finesse.” Dylan snapped the door shut and took the seat opposite his friend.
Bash let out a grunt of dissent. “You did what?”
The carriage began moving, heading toward Hyde Park.
“How else were you going to keep her from coming?”
Bash sat forward giving Dylan a dark glare. “I planned to calmly and rationally tell her, when she arrived at the carriage, to go back inside. That I could handle it.”
“You obviously don’t know Eliza very well.”
Bash pointed right in Dylan’s face. “And you are far too familiar. One wrong move and you won’t be marrying Carmella Dumbly.”
Menace shrugged. “That’s your threat? Oh my saints. Not marry Carmella? How will I survive?”
Bash let out a low rumble. “But you’ll marry. Don’t play dumb with me. You know very well what I mean.”
Dylan sat forward in his seat ignoring Bash’s finger. Which was jabbing in his direction. “Tell me. What’s being married like?”
Bash dropped the finger. “I hesitate to answer.”
“Why?”
“Because.” Bash ran a hand through his hair. “What you are proposing with Carmella is the exact opposite of what I chose with Isabella.”
“And what did you choose?” He pressed his hands together in front of his face as his elbows came to his knees.
Bash looked up at the ceiling, seeming to collect his thoughts.
“When I met Isabella…” He paused again. “I felt this instant need to keep her safe. And when we’re together, I can barely breathe. She fills me with so much…” He stopped. “I’ve never experienced anything like it, and I doubt I will again. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Dylan swallowed. He viewed marriage as something to be endured. Certainly that was how it had been with his parents.
Would he grow to be protective of his wife in time?
Then he thought of Eliza and nearly choked.
He was protective of her already. More so than he’d been with any other person in his entire life. “Are you certain you want to keep Isabella safe because you love her? Perhaps she just really needs you.”
Bash smiled. “Maybe. But then again. I didn’t fall in love with any of the other sisters. Just her. Obviously.”
Bash had him there.
He felt no great need to keep Emily or Abigail out of trouble. Although, they didn’t have the same penchant for it.
The carriage began to slow, and Bash peeked out the window. Just on the edge of the park stood a lone horseman.
“The first thing I want is a last name. I’m not calling him John. I don’t care if he makes one up.”
Bash laughed at that. “I’m not even certain I know your given name.”
“Good,” he grunted. But it made him think of Eliza again. The way his name had sounded on her lips. What would it sound like after a passionate kiss?
Bash snapped open the door, yanking him from his musings. “Let’s get this over with.” And then his friend climbed out.
He followed.
As they stepped down, the sky was lightening the smallest bit. To his right he caught a flash of green and looked to see Eliza jump down from the footman’s seat. “What the devil?”
She gave him a winning grin. “You’re going to have to do better than that if you want to keep me from what I’m after.”
Bash actually chuckled next to him. “Bested by a woman.”
“What is funny? She’s at a clandestine meeting at dawn.”
“It’s not clandestine. I’m her family. And he’s…” He waved toward the lone rider. “A man who saved her life once already.” And then Bash glared at Eliza. “And you should have stayed home.”
She ignored Bash entirely and looked at Dylan. “He stuffed me rather unceremoniously into that very carriage.” She pointed back. “I told you I wasn’t missing this.”
Then she lifted her hand as though she expected him to offer his elbow. Which he did. As her hand slid against the sleeve of his coat, he leaned close to her ear and whispered so that Bash could not hear, “I swear that if I ever get you alone, I’m going to spank—”
Why did the idea of him lifting her skirts and touching her behind fill her with…wicked longing?
She ached and throbbed deep inside. She should be furious with him. He’d attempted to lock her in her room… To keep her safe.
He’d learn that it was a useless endeavor.
Then again, he likely wouldn’t. He was off to woo another woman while she…she was off to do whatever she wished.
But she didn’t want to think about the future now. First, she had to find out what John knew.
They approached the man on horseback who climbed down from his saddle. “This isn’t the sort of meeting I’d had in mind.”
Bash stood taller. “This is the only one you’re going to get.” His lips thinned over his teeth, stepping in front of his sister-in-law. “We have to keep Eliza’s safety in mind.”
The other man stepped forward. “You’re implying I didn’t consider her safety. I assure you, I did. A lover’s tryst, at least that’s what it would have looked like, doesn’t arouse much suspicion among thieves and criminals. But a summit…” He grimaced as he waved to the four of them.
Bash grunted in acknowledgement, but Dylan was not ready to give the man any ground. “We’ll get to the danger in a moment,” Dylan bit out. “Let’s start with a name. Yours.”
“It’s better that you don’t—"
“He’s Menace,” Eliza answered. “A name of his own creation. And he goes by Decadence,” Eliza pointed at Bash. “When he doesn’t want others to know who he is.”
The other man gave a quick nod. “In that case, call me…Dishonor.”
“I don’t like it,” Menace returned, pulling her a touch closer.
“Stop,” she softly replied before turning back to Dishonor. “How long have you been my father’s partner?”
“Three years,” he answered. “After he caught your uncle skimming from the books, he decided he needed help. Someone he could trust to help run the business.”
“And how did he know he could trust you?” She asked, glad to be holding Dylan’s arm. His muscles flexed under her fingers.
“I’m the son of an old friend.”
“All right.” She inhaled a deep breath. “So what happened then?”
“Just as I joined the company, your father tigh
tened up the books. He began going through all the ledgers and what he found scared him.”
Eliza wanted to ask what and why, but she waited for him to continue instead.
“On the surface, they appeared perfect. But when he crossed them with actual deposits, he found large sums of money were missing. Had been for a while. What was more, they continued to be missing after your uncle was cut out of the business.”
“Oh,” Eliza breathed. “Was someone else stealing from father besides Uncle Malcolm?”
He shook his head. “I think initially these people were skimming off the profits with Malcolm’s help. As far as I can tell, Malcolm owed them money, and this was his way of repaying them. And in case you’re wondering, he still owes them. Part of his behavior now is out of desperation and not just cruelty.”
“He’s trying to sell me into marriage,” she snapped back then checked herself. She wasn’t angry with this man. “Sorry,” she murmured. But she felt Dylan draw her closer again.
“Don’t apologize. I wanted to help you from the first. I’m sorry I’ve left you alone. I’ve been watching though, to make sure you didn’t get into too much trouble. There were a few times I nearly interceded.”
She swallowed as Dylan let out a soft groan. “She’s got a penchant for trouble.”
That was beside the point. “Who are these men and where is my father?”
“Your father…” Dishonor drew in a long breath. “As near as I can tell, is gone.”
“Gone?” she whispered, her throat closing. Something in the way he said it implied he wasn’t just missing but…
“His secretary returned a few months back to report that…” Dishonor hesitated, “to report that your father has passed on. He was killed, I’m afraid.”
Eliza’s breath stalled in her chest and she clutched Dylan’s arm. In her heart, she’d hoped he’d return. And she realized something else. She’d missed him. She’d been so busy being angry, she’d forgotten how much she cared. Sadness rose up, making her chest ache. “But he’s supposed to come back and take care of my sisters and—” She couldn’t keep going before her voice broke.
Dishonor shook his head. “I’m sorry. I had to tell you because I knew you’d be strong enough to hear it…” He paused when Dylan let out another deep growl of disagreement. “It turns out your father isn’t the only man this group is stealing from. He did travel to the Orient but not to secure a new contract. He was investigating; though, for my protection, he didn’t give me all the details of what he’d discovered to send him that far away.”
“Who?” Bash asked. “Who else are they stealing from?”
Dishonor pinched the bridge of his nose. “The Crown.”
“Bloody fucking bullocks,” Dylan ground out.
“The only reason I’m still alive is because the crime ring responsible doesn’t know who I really am. And the only reason the girls have been left alone is because they don’t know anything.”
“Didn’t,” Dylan added. “They didn’t know anything.”
“Hence the secrecy.” Dishonor pointed around the garden. “But there is good news.”
“What?” All three of them asked at once. She’d been fighting back tears but now…
“Your uncle had your father declared dead, remember?”
“Of course,” she answered. How could she forget?
“Well, I own ten percent of Carrington Shipping. Each of you now holds twenty. We’re partners.”
“Shut the…” Dylan started but Bash hit his arm.
“You’re one of the richest women in England.”
“Oh.” Eliza’s finger tightened on Dylan’s arm. She was likely leaving marks her fingers were digging so tightly into his flesh. She had the money to do as she wished. Why didn’t that make her happy?
“Is this good news?” Bash asked. “Doesn’t that put them in jeopardy? If they’re part of the business, will these criminals try to hurt them? Should I hire guards?”
“As long as everyone assumes they are in the dark about the theft, they should be fine.” He cleared his throat. “I’d cease trying to wed your sisters for now. I’m worried some of the suitors might actually be part of the crime ring responsible and pose more danger than they’d do good.”
“Oh,” she said again. Where had her words gone? Eliza considered herself able to handle most anything. Perhaps it was the night without sleep, but this turn of events was making her head swim and her eyes burn from unshed tears.
“Eliza?” Dylan’s voice was achingly gentle as he slipped his arm about her waist. Her knees grew weak and though the sky was getting brighter, darkness descended over her eyes. She fought the weakness, but she was afraid she might faint.
Chapter Six
Eliza’s knees buckled and Dylan pulled her tight against his side, both arms wrapping about her middle. “When was the last time you ate anything?” he asked close to her ear.
She pressed a hand to her cheek, disoriented. “I don’t know.”
She didn’t know a lot of things. How was she going to keep her sisters safe if they didn’t marry?
How would she ever leave England, her uncle, and the repulsive Mr. Taber behind if her sisters were still in danger? The simple answer was she couldn’t. They were hers to protect and always had been. But she wasn’t likely to leave England anytime soon. And how was she going to tell her sisters that their father was gone forever?
Hanging onto his memory had been the one light that had pulled them through the darkness of their mother’s death.
Her head swam and Dylan pulled her tighter against his chest. She heard him speak but didn’t really process the words. “Is there anything else we should know?”
“Keep her safe,” Dishonor answered. “I know where the club is. I can get information to both of you there.”
She rested her head on Dylan’s chest and she was aware of him half-carrying her back to the carriage. If Bash was concerned about the familiarity, he said little as he followed behind them.
He was right. She was tired. Deep down in her soul, exhausted.
He didn’t even bother to try and hand her into the vehicle. Instead, he swung her into his arms and climbed in, settling her on his lap. She was like a limp rag. She couldn’t seem to get her body to work no matter how hard she tried.
Bash cleared his throat. “Menace.”
“Not now,” Dylan grit out, settling her even closer.
She didn’t resist. He was strong and warm as he supported her full weight, cradled against his large body.
She wrapped her arm about his waist and that’s when she realized that she was crying. Big tears that slid down her cheeks and landed on his waistcoat.
And then a sob broke free.
He didn’t know this, of course, but she’d hardly even cried when her mother had passed. She’d allowed herself a few private tears when her sisters couldn’t see, but she’d had to be strong for them.
But held against Dylan, she couldn’t push back the wave of emotion that crashed over her and another sob broke loose. It was as if she was finally able to grieve. Here, in this moment, she didn’t need to be strong. He could hold that job. She was free to allow her feelings out.
He held her tighter to his chest, his cheek coming down to rest on the top of her head. “I’ve got you,” he said in a whisper. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
She swallowed down a lump as she continued to cry.
He stroked his hand up and down her back, his deep voice low and melodious as he mumbled unintelligible words of comfort.
How had she not realized what a relief it would be to rely on someone else? She’d needed her sister, Isabella, of course. But she’d never given over control like this.
She didn’t wish to be weak, but it was so…nice to have someone else be her strength for once. And somehow, she trusted him to still respect her, to support without judgment. The magnitude of that thought settled over her. Never in her life had she given over this sort of control to
another person. She trusted him…
“I…” she started, her voice breaking on the single word. “I don’t know why I’m so upset. I just…”
She shook her head, rubbing her face along his coat. She was lost in this moment. Where did she go from here?
“You learned your father is dead, and your plans needed to be put on hold, and that your uncle is even worse than you thought. Allow yourself a good cry, love. You’ve earned it.” The words were murmured into her hair and they sparked a fresh round of tears. And another wave of appreciation.
“I’m never leaving England, am I?” she asked into the quiet of the carriage.
She felt his smile against the top of her head. “That is up to you still. Didn’t you hear the man? You’re rich.”
She drew in a sharp breath. It seemed to fill her lungs with air but her muscles with some strength. “Are you suggesting I leave my sisters to fend for themselves?”
“First off, I don’t think you should go anywhere,” Bash said from the other seat.
Eliza started. She’d forgotten Bash was there. But of course he was. He was her guardian now; he wouldn’t have left her in a carriage alone with an unmarried man.
She’d gotten used to being independent in those months they’d been without either of their parents.
A plan was beginning to form in the back of her mind. Hazy and unclear, she needed some solitude to put it all together.
Which she’d get later. Right now, she intended to stay in Dylan’s arms. Because as much as she valued her independence, there was something undeniably wonderful about relying on this man’s strength.
“Try to understand, Bash,” she murmured, not bothering to turn her head and look at him. Dylan’s chest made the perfect pillow and her eyes fluttered closed. “I want to travel, see the world, do exciting things. I wasn’t meant to just embroider or sit at tea.”
Dylan chuckled and it reverberated through her cheek in the most pleasant way. She tilted her head back to look up at him. “Amen to that.”
“You don’t want to sit idle either?”
Marquess of Menace Page 4
