by Imogene Nix
Aeddan pulled his hand away, a shocked look settling on his face. Wordlessly, he moved forward and fitted his lips to hers. The connection between them was as explosive as wildfire. Sensations rippled through her, stealing both her senses and her breath. It was a blazing fire in need of quenching, and only he could douse the flames. His lips moved, ruthlessly, claiming what was his, and she gloried in it.
Firm hands tugged her out of her chair, and she gave into his demands. He settled her in his lap, his arms holding her close as she slipped her fingers into his hair. The kiss deepened and tongues tangled in her mouth.
Knock!
Face flaming, she tugged away and nearly fell from his lap. His hands held her in place as she gasped, hoping to settle the jittering emotions fighting within her body.
“Come in!” Aeddan’s roared words surprised her, and she stood, then straightened her skirts.
A small maid scurried in and started clearing away in silence, but Elspeth noticed the way the girl averted her eyes from them. Elspeth resumed her seat and drank deeply of her now cooled tea, waiting for the door to shut once more.
“So, what plans do you have for today?” She fitted her hand over her belly, certain she was once more under control.
His wolfish smile set her veins humming once more. “I have many plans. But the first one is to find a suitable mount for you.”
She gasped, and he smiled.
“Sirrah! Just what do you...”
She’d heard the stable boys talking like that and knew exactly what the word mount meant.
He grinned broadly. “A horse, Elspeth. You will need a horse of your own.”
She subsided with a gulp as her face flamed once again. What has he done to me? But the truth was there, he’d opened her eyes to the pleasures of the flesh.
He leaned back, a small smile playing on his full, sensuous lips. “But yes. I have that in mind as well.” His eyes became grave under her gaze. “I am... I would consider myself a sensualist. So the pleasures we have shared are merely the beginning, Elspeth. I want to share that and more with you. To open your eyes to a world of such pleasure that you never would have experienced. To share it with you. Only with you.”
Breathing became almost impossible as if some great blockage had settled in her chest, stopping her from drawing enough oxygen into her starved lungs. His words sank in, while her mind whirled. There was more? What they had shared was a mere beginning and one he would share only with her? Her mind clamored that last night had been unimaginably...satisfying. Her beleaguered mind struggled to find a more appropriate word choice given the subject matter.
“I...” She opened her mouth and closed it again as he laid his hands on hers.
“I’ll never do something that makes you uncomfortable. But pleasure and its pursuit are skills I have actively sought. I want to share that with you, Elspeth.”
She gave a small nod. What else could she do? She’d need to ponder on this though, she told herself firmly as she stood up.
“Where do you wish to seek a horse?”
He smiled, obviously aware that she felt at sea, then named the markets. He eyed her dress critically. “You’ll need to change, though I find that gown most alluring.” He gave another wolfish grin. “I could come and help you.”
She scurried for the door. “I’ll be done as quickly as possible.” She fled the room to his bark of laughter.
* * * *
The following morning they rose early, and he watched as Elspeth dressed in the dim, predawn light. She’d been scandalized that he’d expected her to ride dressed like that, but he’d shushed her, telling her, “In case we need to move quickly.”
She’d made a sexy, little moue with her lips, and heaven help him, it had taken all his willpower to ignore it. To walk away and not touch her.
He’d chosen a frisky, white Arabian mare for Elspeth and had been adamant that before he took consignment, she had to show that she could handle the horse. Of course, Elspeth had more than proved her mettle in both the side saddle and astride.
Riding astride had been under duress, but once she was in control of the reins, her face had shone with pleasure. “Why, it’s so much easier to control her!”
He’d smiled at her enthusiastic response as she crooned to the animal. The horse had pranced, but she had brought the horse back under control with gentle yet firm commands.
Now comforted that she was more than capable, he watched as she belted in the pants he’d purchased for her.
“It feels so odd, Aeddan. I just hope no one sees me.” Her long hair was fastened back in an utilitarian plait, which she’d fashioned into a bun high on her head, and the white shirt he’d insisted she wear molded to her figure.
Lust thickened his tongue, along with other aspects of his body, before he pressed the dun-colored leather jacket into her hands. “Put this on.”
She gave him a questioning look then shrugged into it. It subdued her natural femininity, but nothing could hide the fine features of her face or the long neck that screamed woman.
They made their way down the stairs, where his man waited with refreshments. “Drink and eat now, and we’ll be on our way. We will stop later in the day to break our fast properly.”
Elspeth followed his instructions, drinking the bitter coffee and nibbling at the pastry she’d accepted, finishing both in silence. Then, swinging her hat onto her head and tying it in place, he gave her one last, long look and nodded. Together they left the house, though he noted the longing look she cast at the building.
“We’ll be back soon enough.”
At the bottom of the steps outside the front door, his men waited, most of them already in the saddle, and he herded her over to Sana Zahrah, her horse. With a quiet boost, he hoisted her into the saddle, then his man brought his around, the big-chested Waler he’d purchased on arrival in India.
Devil’s Chaos was in a tetchy mood. He sidestepped and snorted, but Sana acted like a lady. He marveled at how calm and quiet she was, and congratulated himself on the choice again. The traits might just help keep Elspeth alive if there were any incursions by the locals.
Elspeth held her reins with just the right touch, sitting high in the saddle, and smiled. “Well then, I believe I’m ready.”
With a last look around, he nodded and clicked his tongue. The horse surged forward, muscles bunched tightly, as if knowing that a long journey lay ahead and he was keen to begin.
Elspeth brought her horse alongside, as they’d agreed the night before. “How many hours do you expect to travel today?”
He squinted, eyes on the horizon. “Maybe eight to ten, depending on how far we can get. From here we are traveling to Barasat.”
She raised a hand and squinted into the distance. “Did we set off so early because of the temperatures?”
“That, and we can get further and take breaks in the middle of the day.”
Elspeth nodded soberly as they trotted through the city. It was quiet to look at, but he knew it was a seething mass below the surface, rather like the political situation. In his pocket he carried letters from Lytton to the many officials, in whose cities they would travel. They offered protection as well as introduction. The cities were the least of his concerns.
No, if there was any attempt to abduct Miss Forster—his wife, he corrected himself firmly—they would take place in the unprotected areas. Most likely at night, while they were encamped. He gripped the leather reins in his hands. “I’ll be damned if I let that happen.”
Elspeth glanced at him. “Did you say something?”
“No, just thinking about the route ahead.”
Her eyes narrowed and she nodded shortly, accepting his words at face value.
But the presentiment of danger remained.
Chapter 13
Elspeth swiped the dust from her face, the heat of mid-morning stealing her energy. After four days on the road, she was gradually becoming accustomed to the dust and flies that seemed to gather in any
place where there was a live creature or human. But the heat was energy sapping.
The jingle of harnesses caught her attention as Aeddan signaled they stop. Elspeth cupped one hand over her brow, searching the horizon to see what had suddenly caused his concern. There were trees and a shimmer, leading her to wonder if there was water ahead. Surely the horses would welcome a waterhole as much as she would.
One look at her husband’s face, though, filled her with disquiet. Devil’s Chaos snorted and pawed at the ground, as if sensing his master’s concern.
“What’s wrong, Aeddan?”
He stayed her with a sharp hand movement, and she waited as he gave an order. The men and their horses circled around her, and she sucked in a deep breath. Whatever concerned him, she surmised there was far more to it than ensuring she felt comfortable and safely escorted.
A rider appeared ahead and behind a palanquin was carried at a trot by men. It drew level and a hand appeared, curling imperiously, summoning Aeddan. He grimaced and dismounted, handing the reins to her before sauntering forward.
Whoever was within engaged in a sharp and short conversation with her husband. She noted that Aeddan reached within his coat and pulled out a packet of letters, sifted through them, and then handed one over. Intriguing. She filed the information away for discussion later.
Another quick, short conversation took place, too low for her to make it out, then Aeddan drew away with a low bow, receiving the letter that was pushed into his hands before the palanquin moved on. He stayed on the ground, watching for several minutes before heading back to the knot of riders. Remounting, he urged his mount forward.
“Who was that?”
“Merely a friend.” His tone was dismissive, and for the first time she felt her ire rise. He was keeping secrets. She hoped they weren’t dangerous ones.
“Aeddan...”
“Not now, Elspeth. We can discuss this later.” His visage was grimmer, and though he’d adverted his gaze so she couldn’t see his eyes, his jaw was more tightly chiseled than before.
He led them toward the river, this part of the journey being taken at a trot, until they reached the banks of the small body of water. “Come, dismount and let the men water the horses. This might be the last body of water we see until we reach Jessore.”
She allowed him to take her hand and help her down. Then she stretched, working the kinks from her back and legs. “Aeddan, who was—”
“Later, Elspeth.”
Anger writhed in her gut. Twice he’d cut her off without any explanation. If the heat and flies and her sore backside weren’t enough, now she had this to contend with. If there were dangers ahead, surely she should know? After all, she was his wife and not some weakling miss.
“Why are you refusing to answer me, Aeddan? What’s—”
He turned quickly, squeezing her hand. “Not now, Elspeth. It’s not something I wish to discuss right at this point.” In his eyes, she saw him pleading for her to accept his demand. As before, she quieted.
“Later. You’ll explain later.”
He bowed stiffly. “I have instructed the men to light a small fire and make tea. Then we eat before we continue. There is a tiny settlement ahead. One I’d like to make before the light fades.”
“So we’ll be staying…”
His face tightened further. “We’ll encamp just within sight of the village.”
She accepted his words, drank the proffered tea, and waited until they mounted once more, assessing what she knew of her husband.
He was a strong man, one who was open most of the time. Or at least gave that impression to those around him. She understood the majority of men would do anything to shelter their loved ones from harm. Maybe that’s what this was? Perhaps she was jumping at shadows and had forgotten how to hand over control, and that was making her irritable?
They rode on, the heat taking its toll so that by the time they stopped for the night, she was exhausted. And she was sure her body was drained of all liquid.
Aeddan was there, helping her down to the ground, holding out a water skin. She drank deeply while the men went to work, setting up tents and lighting fires. He gripped a long, smooth stick in his hands, and she narrowed her eyes before dismissing it.
“Come.” He led her to a bush not far away, rattling his stick, then gave a nod. He waited while she ducked behind it to relieve herself. As she emerged he held out the water, dribbling it over her outstretched fingers. “Wash your face. You’ll feel better for it.”
She did so silently, letting it splash her back to awareness. “Why, Aeddan?”
His lips tensed. “There’s an outcropping I can see. Let us go sit and I’ll explain all.”
She let him lead her to a mound of rocks, the pale red of the dust kicking up beneath her feet. Elspeth made to sit down, but he grabbed her shoulder. In the distance she could see the flickering lights of the township. The one they weren’t staying in. She held her counsel on that subject.
“Wait.”
She stilled, and he pushed and prodded, banged the rocks, and waited. A number of slow-moving bugs emerged, and he hissed. “Now you can sit.”
“What was that all about?”
“Snakes and spiders out here can be dangerous. You need to be careful.” The look on his face was tense, and she nodded.
“I will be.”
He sighed then slumped down to the rocks beside her. “I have told you who I am, but not what.”
Elspeth tensed at his words. “What do you mean? What? There are more secrets?”
“I’m a spy, Elspeth. I’ve been working with Lytton, trying to flush out the infiltrators in the Colonial Government. After your arrival, when I became aware that your father had been working with the government before his death, helping to send information back to England, as you know Lytton directed me to flush out those who’d try to control information for their own benefit. They were important dispatches—ones that needed to be sent covertly. However, it seems our enemies became aware at around the same time. The discussion earlier with the man on the Palanquin? It confirmed what we’d already suspected. That we have traitors in our ranks.”
“Who are they?”
“Those who would sell out their countrymen? Spies in Government House. I was returning from overseeing a meeting between Russia and the Afghan Sher when I came aboard the Zephyr. It was more luck on my part. Lytton got word through other sources that they were going to try kidnapping you. Hold you prisoner until you to either refused to carry the information, or agreed to intercept it and copy it. Lytton needed you safe. And we need to find out who is leaking the sensitive information. Lytton plans to capture them while I have you far away—and this was the safest and most expedient way to ensure that.”
Something inside her chest, the feeling of well-being that had grown in the last weeks, crumbled. Pain, excruciating pressure, replaced it.
He hadn’t wanted her. It had all been a ruse. A part of his role as a spy.
“You...” She couldn’t form the words. Her spine straightened, and she refused to let the tears form in her eyes. She wouldn’t let him see how much his words speared her.
“Elspeth?” He leaned in, and she had to stop her instinctive reaction, the one that said don’t let him touch you.
“You are a spy, for Lytton. I understand. Then I will do everything I can to help you.” She couldn’t let the emotions loose. Not yet. She needed to know it all. “The man you met on the road?”
“He’s one of the lesser princes. The letter of introduction also requested safe haven if necessary and safe passage. He had information. I sent word back with one of the men I trusted.”
She nodded wordlessly, deeply wounded by his words. “Fine.”
For a moment she looked out, seeing the vista before her, the red-gold slashes that extended through the sky as night started to close in. The men moved about with efficiency, starting fires to cook over, the tents a dirty, dusty white against the ancient backdrop. Her hopes
became ashes while they tended to their daily tasks. It was all so damned unfair.
“I find myself greatly fatigued. If you’ll excuse me.” She rose, calling on the innate dignity, cloaking herself in it.
“Elspeth, wait...”
“I...” The pressure bloomed again in her chest. She had to get away before the tears escaped from her burning eyes. “I should go change.” Then she left him, striding across the sandy soil.
* * * *
He knew the way she’d left him sitting there that he’d said something to upset her. But for the life of him, he couldn’t work out what it was, exactly. She’d been stiff and formal in the way she’d left, and that had him confused.
Women had come and gone in his life, but he’d never really made attempts to understand them. No, it had always been about the pleasure—on both sides, of course. Now he was at a loss. His wife was no open book with easy to understand answers. For the first time, he wished he’d paid more attention in his younger years.
Aeddan searched the horizon, noting the streaks of red and gold fire stretching across the darkening vista. With the current political instability, you couldn’t rely on anyone to act in any pre-determined manner. They could be safe here given the letter from Lytton that he’d presented to the prince, or they could come under attack at any time.
“God damn it!” He didn’t have time to worry about his wife’s behavior. He had their lives to be concerned with, he reminded himself ruthlessly, but that didn’t soothe the restlessness or dissatisfaction.
Removing his hat, Aeddan brushed his hands through his hair as he thought over the information he’d gathered in Satkhira. Many he’d spoken to told of marauding gangs, and while he didn’t discount the problems they might cause, he hoped there were no more organized mercenaries looking for them. He’d instructed the men under his command to prepare to leave Calcutta as early as he dared—well before dawn on the first day—but if anyone realized that they’d left as early as they did...
He narrowed his eyes, scanning the horizon once more, looking for any telltale signs of travelers or something more worrying, but it remained unblemished. The best they could hope for was clear day ahead. They’d been traveling slowly. Mainly walking the horses to allow them some rest, and they had a lot more baggage than usual.
