by Monica Burns
“Is it so difficult to believe a man is capable of being a gentleman where you’re concerned?” His question made her close her eyes for a brief moment as she struggled with her sense of worth.
“I expect only what any other woman in my position expects.” She paused to draw in a deep breath before she continued. “Whores quickly learn their real value to men.”
Silence greeted her declaration and she forced herself to meet his gaze. The raw fury on his face made her take a quick step back. Percy uttered a harsh oath, but didn’t move. Rhea watched his throat bob as if he were struggling to speak. His facial expression stern and forbidding, he cleared his throat.
“You are never to refer to yourself in that manner again.”
“I cannot deny who or what I am,” she said stiffly.
“You do yourself a grave injustice, Rhea.”
“No, I speak the truth. You know nothing about me or my past.” Tension held her stiff and unmoving as she eyed him with scorn.
“I know enough to believe you sacrificed your honor to protect others.” The gentle note in his voice sent a shudder streaking through her.
It was as if he were urging her to forgive herself for the past. She wavered on the brink of absolution before casting the notion aside. Forgiveness and acceptance could be dealt with when the children were safe. At the moment, Percy Rockwood was her biggest problem. She should have found a way to keep him out of her life. Rhea shook her head slightly as she stared up at him.
There was a stubborn tilt to his beautiful, firm mouth. Only moments ago, those lips had ignited a blaze that still smoldered in her belly. The thought made her tremble. She jumped as Percy stepped forward to capture her hands in his. Slowly, he caressed the tips of her fingers with his mouth. The gentle touch sent another tremor cascading through her, and she swallowed hard as she met his gaze.
“I told you this afternoon to trust me,” he said quietly. “I failed you a moment ago. It won’t happen again.”
“The blame does not lie solely at your feet,” she murmured as the memory of his touch caused a wave of heat to rise in her cheeks.
“Nonetheless, I’ll not take advantage of you again,” he said firmly. The resolve in his voice caused disappointment to spike through her. She’d enjoyed the way he’d kissed her. She’d relished the rush of pleasure his mouth had aroused in her.
“You didn’t take advantage of me,” she said softly as she pulled her hands out of his to brush her fingers over her lips as bewilderment swept over her. “Other than you, no man has ever kissed me before, and I thought it quite pleasurable.”
Rhea’s heart slammed to a halt. What in God’s name was she thinking to have made such an outrageous statement out loud—let alone think it? Her gaze met Percy’s and heat burned her face again. The dumbfounded look on his face made her mouth go dry. Her rash confession had made a bad situation worse. Percy’s astonishment quickly dissolved into a dark frown, which made her throat close with trepidation. Bowing her head, Rhea struggled to keep the humiliation out of her voice.
“I’m sorry. I should not have said that.”
“What? That I’m the first man to kiss you, or that you enjoyed it?” The words were brusque, but the gentleness of his touch as he forced her to look at him softened his response.
“Both,” she whispered. “I...I never thought I could—”
Rhea halted her response abruptly as she came close to revealing one of her dark secrets. Her heart pounded frantically in her chest. She’d never told anyone, not even Arianna, how she’d endured the revolting touch of all the men Ruckley had sold her to. It wasn’t a topic either of them had ever discussed.
She was certain it was because the subject was as disgusting, humiliating, and painful for Arianna as it was for her. Confusion held her in its grip as she saw the compassion and questions in Percy’s brown-eyed gaze. He didn’t say anything, he simply allowed her to decide whether to continue of not. Just as he’d done this afternoon, his understanding melted some of the ice encasing her heart.
“I…when…by not letting anyone kiss me, I was able…I could distance myself from the horror,” she whispered.
Each of her words echoed with shame and disgust, and a shudder ripped through her as she remembered all the times she’d lain beneath the foul-smelling men who’d bought the use of her body from Ruckley. Despite the warmth of the summer evening, Rhea was suddenly chilled to the bone. First one shiver and then another gripped her, and a second later she was engulfed in Percy’s warm embrace. He didn’t say anything, he simply offered her comfort. Rhea didn’t move for several moments, grateful for the strength flowing out of him and into her body. For the second time in just a few hours, she didn’t feel alone.
“I promise you Rhea, I’ll see that the bastard pays for what he did to you.”
The dark anger reflected in his voice made Rhea turn her face into his chest as she fought back tears. She knew he would do his best to make good on his promise, but he didn’t know Ruckley as she did. Somehow she would find a way to battle Ruckley on her own, if only to keep Percy safe.
Chapter 10
Behind the glass pane of Luke Ashford’s office door, Rhea heard the quiet murmur of voices. For a moment, she hesitated knocking on the beveled glass that formed the top portion of the door bearing Luke Ashford’s name and title in gold lettering. Had she recorded her appointment incorrectly on her calendar?
Certain she had the correct time, Rhea tapped the glass with her knuckles. Upon hearing the verbal command to enter, Rhea passed through the door into the small, almost barren office. The moment he saw her, Luke Ashford was on his feet. Another man sat in front of the investigator’s desk, and Rhea’s muscles tightened in dismay as she recognized Percy’s broad shoulders.
Slowly rising to his feet Percy turned to face her. With a jerky movement she rolled up the veil of black netting covering her face until it rested on the brim of her hat. Although she knew full well why he was here, Rhea swung her gaze back to the private investigator.
“Did I err in thinking we had an appointment today, Mr. Ashford?”
“Not at all, Miss Bennett,” the investigator said with a shake of his head. His hand extended in a polite gesture, he pointed to the second chair in front of his desk. “Please, won’t you be seated?”
When Rhea didn’t move, Percy arched his eyebrows as he silently challenged her to either stay or run. Irritated by his arrogance, she glared at him before taking a seat in the other chair that faced Luke Ashford’s desk. Deciding to confront Percy head on, she clasped her hands in her lap and turned slightly to look at him.
“Why are you here, Percy?”
“I came because I wanted to meet the man you selected to assist you in this dangerous venture you’ve taken upon yourself. I wanted to ensure your safety was in good hands.”
“And now you have,” she said in a dismissive tone. “So, if you don’t mind, Mr. Ashford and I have plans to discuss.”
“Plans that put you in harm’s way.” Percy’s quiet words made Rhea jerk in surprise before she narrowed her gaze in his direction.
“My plans are my business, and I would appreciate you not interfering.”
“If you’ll recall, I have a vested interest in your efforts.” The reference to his desire to make Ruckley pay for his transgressions made Rhea flinch. There was a determined glint in his eye that warned her not to challenge his presence. As silence filled the office, Ashford cleared his throat.
“Mr. Rockwood was expressing his concern for your safety tomorrow night.” The private investigator eyed her intently, and Rhea’s mouth tightened with anger. It was the same argument she had with Ashford every time they pulled one of the children out of Ruckley’s grasp.
“While I appreciate your concern, we’ve had this discussion before,” she said coolly. “We both know the children will be less than cooperative with you if I’m not there to ease their fears.”
“Nonetheless it’s still dangerous for you,”
Percy interjected quickly in a voice tight with frustration.
“Of course it’s dangerous,” Rhea snapped as she turned her head to study his irritable expression. “However, I’ll be well-hidden in a carriage with the driver to keep me safe from harm.
“And if Ruckley discovers where you are and has you followed? What then?”
“I’ve always taken extra precautions for these rescues.” Rhea eyed him with disgust. “I’m well-versed in how to deceive a potential mark. The only difference this time is that the mark is Ruckley, or rather the children Ruckley believes are his property.”
“A man who is capable of murder and won’t hesitate to express his fury where you’re concerned.”
Percy’s oblique reference to that night in the museum made her wince. She knew he was right. What she was doing was dangerous. But her life under Ruckley’s rule had been no less precarious. She tilted her chin upward as she studied the disapproval on Percy’s strong features for a long moment. Before he could say anything else, Rhea jerked her gaze toward the man seated behind the desk.
“Mr. Ashford, am I the one paying your fee or is Mr. Rockwood?” The question made Ashford frown with a look of discomfort. The man clearly didn’t like being caught in the middle of an argument between Rhea and Percy.
“You are, Miss Bennett,” the investigator replied politely.
“I’ll double your fee if you rescue the child without Miss Bennett’s participation.” Percy’s words rang out clear and firm in the office.
Stunned by his offer, Rhea jumped in surprise then twisted in her chair to eye him balefully. Satisfaction crossed his features, and he met her gaze steadily. The man was determined to thwart her being present during the rescue operation. The anger spiraling through her at his interference made her fingers dig into the hard wood arms of her chair as she glared at him in silence. She wavered between haranguing him like a fisherman’s wife or simply walking out of the room.
Even despite her anger, a small voice in the back of her head expressed delight that he would go to such lengths to protect her. But she didn’t want Percy Rockwood’s protection. What she wanted was to ensure the safety of the children Ashford had agreed to help her extract from Ruckley’s charge. Her gaze shifted back to the private investigator who appeared even more uncomfortable now.
The man had been placed in an untenable position. There was little she could do except find an alternative route to save the children. It meant taking a more dangerous, drastic approach, but Percy had left her little choice. Rhea pulled in a deep breath as she met the private investigator’s gaze.
“I cannot match his offer, Mr. Ashford,” she said in a cool, serene voice. “Therefore, I believe it necessary to terminate our business relationship.”
Not waiting for a response, Rhea rose from her chair and walked toward the door. The instant Percy gripped her arm she quickly jerked free of his grasp and eyed him imperiously.
“If you don’t mind, Mr. Rockwood, I have another appointment,” she snapped in low voice.
“Damnit, Rhea, I only want to ensure your safety.”
The harsh anger in his soft words emphasized his concern was genuine. Inside her chest, her heart skipped a beat. His persistent efforts to protect her made Rhea consider the possibility of giving way. It would be so easy to let someone else take charge of the operation. Percy clearly wanted to help. Rhea halted her thoughts and the direction they were headed. The children were her responsibility. It had been difficult enough trusting Ashford to help her. She refused to shirk her duties completely.
“While I appreciate your desire to do so, your assistance is unnecessary. I’ve managed quite well without your assistance until now.”
“Don’t be a fool,” he growled as he lowered his head until their foreheads were almost touching. “You warned me not to underestimate Ruckley, and yet you’ve done just that from the moment you started pulling these children out from underneath the man’s nose.”
“But that’s the difference between you and me. I have never underestimated Ruckley,” she said with quiet resolve. “I know how he thinks, how to respond in certain situations. You do not.”
“Just because you know the man, doesn’t make him any less dangerous.”
“I don’t deny that, but let me ask you this. If Ruckley had a member of your family in his power would you allow someone else to take charge of their safety?” Her question made Percy frown darkly then answered her question with a sharp jerk of his head. Rhea nodded with resignation. “Then you can understand why I’ll not surrender involvement when it comes to the children I care for. I didn’t make my decision lightly. It is simply a matter of love and obligation.”
With a barely audible growl, Percy shoved a hand through his hair. His frustration vibrated through Rhea as she watched his beautiful mouth thin with anger. With an explosive grunt of aggravation, he glanced over his shoulder at the private investigator who hadn’t moved from behind his desk.
“Consider your fee doubled, Ashford, simply because Miss Bennett will be present tomorrow night. See to it that an additional man is hired to ensure her safety.
“Gladly, Mr. Rockwood.” At the other man’s response, a disgusted expression darkened Percy’s features as he turned back to her. Grateful for his reluctant agreement, Rhea touched his arm in a conciliatory gesture.
“Thank you.”
“I need my head examined,” he muttered tersely.
“Perhaps we both do,” Rhea said with a sigh. “But I see no other way to resolve the situation.”
“Ashford, how many other children are there to retrieve out of Ruckley’s hands?” Percy asked as he turned back toward the investigator.
“After tomorrow night, three.”
“Isn’t it possible to rescue the other children at the same time?” Percy frowned in puzzled frustration.
“Only if they happen to be with the child in question. I monitor one child’s behaviors at a time. It’s the best way to plan for their rescue. If we were to attempt one single rescue of all the children, we risk certain failure and the definite likelihood of Mr. Ruckley seeing to it there are no further opportunities to mount another effort in the future.”
Ashford’s response made Percy nod his head then fixed his gaze on her again.
“You’re not to leave the carriage at any point during the rescue. Is that clear?”
“Yes,” Rhea said with a nod. Her brevity caused Percy’s mouth to twist in a wry grimace.
“Why is it I’m sure you’ll disobey that order if it suits you.”
“Actually, it's an agreement I've had with Mr. Ashford from the beginning.”
At her response, Percy released a quiet noise of exasperation then turned back toward the private investigator.
“I’ll be joining you in this venture tomorrow night, Ashford.” At Percy’s matter-of-fact statement the other man nodded.
“I recommend clothing that is of a…less fashionable kind. We need to be as inconspicuous as possible.”
“Understood.” Percy nodded and Ashford turned his gaze to Rhea.
“I take it I’m to use the standard phrase when approaching Rufus?”
“Yes,” she said softly. “Never forget Timothy.”
“Very well, we’ll meet here at nine o’clock tomorrow night. I need to point out that on several occasions the boy has been in the company of a girl. She matches the description you provided.”
“Fanny?” Rhea exclaimed softly. “You’ve not mentioned this before.”
“I’m not sure I should have now,” Ashford said with a sardonic note in his voice. “I don’t want to get your hopes up. However, I wanted you to be aware if we're able to rescue the girl as well. I know there will be accommodations you’ll need to make.”
“Thank you,” Rhea said with a nod as hope flared inside her.
If Ashford could help Rufus and Fanny escape Ruckley’s control, that left only Harry and Peter to save. It meant she’d be done with London, and she’d be
free. Free to live a quiet life in the country with the children. A life that would allow the children to grow up cared for and loved. A life they would never know in the East End. Her gaze darted to Percy’s patrician profile as he nodded at something Ashford said. Despite her best efforts, her life was becoming more entangled with his hour by hour.
The fact that Percy had taken it upon himself to become her knight errant dismayed and pleased her at the same time. It also made her question why he was doing so. Last night when he’d explained how his nephew had known about Timothy, she’d initially thought him a liar. The concept of someone speaking with the dead wasn’t something she found easy to grasp.
The small bit of trust she’d awarded Percy had immediately teetered on the brink of destruction when he’d explained he came from a family of psychics. The entire idea had struck her as an outrageous story one might use to explain away a lie. But it was his reluctant admittance that he had the same gift as his family that made her consider the possibility he was telling the truth. It had been quite clear he’d been uncomfortable telling her about his gift.
As the idea of his ability had begun to sink in, she remembered the night in the museum. Over the past year she’d tried to understand his words to her the night Ruckley had shot him. Then there had been the odd incident at the orphanage. Braced against the wall, he’d appeared ready to slide to the floor. The look on his face had alarmed her. He’d had the look of someone in a trance. The final point of note had been the reaction of Percy’s family to Jamie’s declaration.
None of them had exhibited any surprise at the boy’s announcement, only dismay. Oddly enough, she knew their reaction wasn’t because a secret had been revealed. Their behavior had been one of genuine concern for her and the distress Jamie’s words had caused. Their empathy and caring nature for her anguish had been more than evident as Percy had led her out into the garden.
She liked Percy’s family. They were a close, tight-knit group. She’d recognized the polite inquisition they’d put her through for what it was. They wanted to know whether she was good enough for him. Sadly, the answer to that question was a resounding no. The thought speared its way through her heart, and she barely managed to keep from gasping at the physical ache it caused.
