by Dawn Brower
Spellbound by
My Charmer
Linked Across Time
Book Five
Dawn Brower
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Spellbound by My Charmer Copyright © 2017 Dawn Brower
Cover art and edits by Victoria Miller
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Author’s Note
Spellbound by My Charmer
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
EPILOGUE
PROLOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
About the Author
Books by Dawn Brower
Author’s Note
Zane and Callista have become two of my favorite characters. They were fun to write and I hope you enjoy reading their story as much as I did writing it. At its heart this story is about not giving up. There is hope for a brighter future if you’re willing to fight for it. Everything isn’t always as bleak as it may appear. Hold on and believe. Someday the struggle will ease and if you’re lucky enough you might find your happy ending too.
Spellbound by My Charmer
Zane Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook is disillusioned and bored. He doesn't believe in love and lives his life the way he pleases. All of it changes when he finds a mysterious woman roaming around his conservatory at his annual Regency themed charity masquerade ball.
Lady Callista Lyon, the Countess of Marin had one desire—revenge. In the act of finally achieving her goal she is swept over a terrace and somehow finds herself in the conservatory at Seabrook Manor. Uncertain if she succeeded in her revenge, but determined to finally move on, she does her best to adapt to her new life.
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, can Zane and Callista discover something in each other they both believed lost to them?
PROLOGUE
Lady Callista Lyon, the Countess of Marin, glanced around the ballroom. A bevy of intricate gowns and equally elaborate masks filled the room. It was a sea of color that washed the senses with awe and amazement. Champagne flew freely amongst the guests; as soon as a glass was emptied, another would take its place. The Comte de Dreux was well equipped to throw the best balls, and no one turned down an invitation. It sickened her. This was the man responsible for ruining her happiness, and she alone would ensure he paid for it. But there were other things she must accomplish first.
Where was that blasted servant? Callista stared around the room anxiously.
“Pardon me, My Lady,” a female said from behind her.
Callista turned and noticed the servant she’d been searching for. “It’s about time,” she said, her breath hissing out. “Your tardiness could’ve ruined everything.”
Her anxiety level was at an all time high. The spy business was starting to take its toll, and she didn’t like it. Perhaps she was aware she was on the edge of finishing her task. Soon she’d have her vengeance and could retire from her role as a secret agent for England. She hadn’t started on the path to espionage for the sake of one country’s gain. It had all been for Edward. Once those who killed him were taken care of, her duties would be at an end.
“My apologies,” the lady said bowing her head. “I was detained. Here is the item you asked for.”
Callista snatched it from her hand and promptly dismissed her. “Go before someone notices you lingering around me too long.”
Lady Rosanna must be saved. She was an innocent and should never have been pulled into the depravity the comte was capable of. Callista palmed the violet mask that the servant had handed to her a moment ago. It was time to free Lady Rosanna Kendall, and afterward... The comte and she had one final meeting to embark upon. There, she would ensure the man never took another breath again.
Callista took one more glance around the ballroom. It wouldn’t do to be seen exiting. After she was certain no one was watching, she slid out and down the hallway. Once she reached the staircase, she rushed upstairs and toward the room Lady Rosanna was being held in. Her spies had given detailed information.
It’d been relatively easy to find the location of Lady Rosanna. She’d have done it even if Lord Dominic Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook, hadn’t enlisted her aid. Rosanna was her beloved’s sister, and Callista felt a slight kinship with the girl she’d once known.
She reached the doorway and paused before it. Her lock picking skills would come in handy. It might have been easier with a key, but she could do without one in a pinch. She pulled a couple pins out of her hair and worked the lock open with a soft click. With quick precision, she put the pins back in her hair, and turned the knob to open the door. Lady Rosanna’s back was to her, but she turned at the sound of Callista’s entrance. Oh, she’d grown so lovely in the past few years. Edward was missing so much, and it was all the comte’s fault. It didn’t matter; the evil man would pay for his treachery. For now, she’d ensure Rosanna was freed and returned to Lord Seabrook.
“Who are you?” Rosanna asked.
For a brief moment, Callista was disappointed. Rosanna didn’t recognize her—then she remembered... Of course, she wouldn’t. They’d not seen each other in years, and a mask hid a lot of her face. She removed her mask and set it on the bed. “Lady Rosanna,” she said. “It’s been too long.”
A slow recognition filled Rosanna’s features. She let out a gasp of surprise, and then moved forward toward Callista. They’d had a cordial relationship. Lady Rosanna had always been kind to her, and she’d not changed in that regard.
“I don’t understand,” Rosanna said. “How did you know I was here?”
Callista understood the girl’s shock. No doubt she was the last person Lady Rosanna expected to come to her aid. Why would she? After the funeral, she’d disappeared from her life. It had been Edward’s—Callista shook that memory away. If she dwelled on it, she’d not be able to see her task through.
“We don’t have time for a discussion. We need to leave now.” She held up the violet mask that matched Rosanna’s gown perfectly. “Put this on. We’re going to glide elegantly out of the manor and enter my carriage. Once we’re at a safe place, everything will be explained.”
The girl didn’t waste any time donning the mask. She put hers back on as well and gestured for Rosanna to follow her. They exited the room and headed down a long hallway. At the end, Callista glanced over her shoulder and perused the surroundings. They were still in the clear. She prayed it stayed that way. Her heart fluttered a little as a rush of anticipation filled her. Something wasn’t right, but she couldn’t figure out what.
“This way,” she said.
Rosanna continued to follow her down another hallway. A man hollered behind them, “What are you doing here?”
Callista cursed under her breath. Damn that man. She glanced over her shoulder—the comte was heading toward them. Their luck hadn’t held out. Why couldn’t that evil bastard leave them be? She’d planned on doubling back and dealing with him after Rosanna was safely away. It appeared fate had something else in mind. No matt
er, Callista was prepared to end it. So what if it happened a little sooner than she’d planned?
She lifted her mask off her face and, said in a flirtatious tone, “Ah, Comte de Dreux, how lovely to see you.” The comte had always been a sucker for a beautiful face and a touch of interest from a lady. “We were searching for the retiring room, and I fear I’ve managed to get us both lost.”
“Lady Marin,” the comte said and bowed. “This is most assuredly not the way to the lady’s retiring room. Please let me escort you to its location.” His face appeared to register a hint of surprise and pleasure at finding her. Callista’s stomach rolled with disgust. He held out his arm. “Who is your companion?”
Callista had hoped he wouldn’t take an interest in Rosanna. She was dressed differently, and with the lovely violet mask, she’d be disguised. It might not be enough though. Perhaps she could distract him. If she was successful, he’d not even give Rosanna a second glance.
“Oh, that would be lovely,” Lady Marin took the comte’s arm. “My friend has a small tear in her petticoat in desperate need of repair.”
If she could get away without mentioning Lady Rosanna’s name, all might not be lost. The comte wasn’t a complete fool, but there were moments he didn’t use all of his intelligence. She hoped this would be one of the times he didn’t think too hard.
“A tragedy. We can’t have any ladies with tattered gowns at the ball.”
He led them in the opposite direction of where she’d been taking Lady Rosanna. Callista hoped he would leave them in peace at the lady’s retiring room, but started to plot a way out of the situation just in case he wised up to who Lady Rosanna was. After a brief visit to the room they could try again to leave unnoticed. The girl trailed behind them and didn’t say one word. It took everything inside of her to keep her body’s reaction to Ulrich under control. Callista’s hated to feel his touch on her skin.
The comte slid his hand over her arm and rubbed it. She glanced up and desire flooded his eyes. The comte lowered his eyelids slightly and his lips tilted up into a wicked smirk. Did the man think he’d be able to entice her into the bedroom? Oh hell, he did. What did he think he’d do with Rosanna in that situation? Suddenly, she realized exactly what the comte had in mind, and she didn’t like it one bit. He wasn’t leading them to the retiring room. That was on the opposite side of the manor. This was leading them toward his bedroom. Her stomach roiled at the idea of lying with the man beside her. She’d rather die, and Lady Rosanna deserved far better.
An idea formed in her mind. She’d not wanted to put Rosanna in danger, but the comte’s planned changed everything. “A preventable tragedy. Gentleman should be more careful of where they’re stepping. It takes a lot for a lady to prepare for an evening out, and a gown is one of the most important parts or our ensemble,” Lady Marin said. “After the seamstress slaved for hours to create such an exquisite gown too—it almost matches her eyes. I’ve always admired the violet-blue color.”
The comte froze outside a room. So the mention of Rosanna’ eyes were not lost on him. Good, she’d been hoping he’d pick up on that clue. “Violet-blue, you said?” He spun on his heels to stare at the lady trailing behind them. The girl took an involuntary step back. “Lady Rosanna,” he stepped forward and grabbed her arm. “I don’t know how you managed any of this, but it’s fortunate I’ve discovered you before you’ve gotten any farther.” He opened the nearest door and pushed her inside.
“Don’t hurt me,” she begged.
Lady Callista followed behind them. Her lips tilted upward. The man didn’t realize the mistake he’d made, but he would soon enough.
“Oh, Ulrich.” Callista stepped inside the room and shook her head. His bedroom was decorated in a vibrant red brocade and lush velvet. A fire was blazing in the hearth giving the room a warm glow. Candles were lit in the sconces on the wall and outlined with crimson undertones. The balcony doors were ajar and a soft breeze blew out a nearby candle. “You’re a fool.”
He spun around and faced her. “Was this your doing? Were you helping her escape?”
The corner of her mouth twitched. “I can’t very well let you hold her hostage. Her brother had been dear to me at one time.”
That was an understatement. Edward meant the world to her. She’d always love him. After she ended things with the comte, she’d be able to live in peace. With his death, her vengeance will have been realized.
“What is this all about?” Rosanna asked, turning toward her, entreaty filling her eyes. “Callista, please, tell me what is going on.”
Poor Rosanna. Her confusion was a product of having no clue what her brother had been a part of and the mantle Callista had taken up in his name. A part of her felt bad for the girl. None of the males in her family thought she was bright enough or even held the strength to be told the truth. Someone should explain it all to her, but Callista wasn’t sure if she should be that person. Unfortunately, Rosanna was about to find out more than she bargained for. There was no helping that.
Callista’s heart hurt for her. She’d had so much pain and loss in her young life. Now she was on the verge of losing her innocence and once lost it was irretrievable. After this day, Rosanna would never be the same again. If it were possible to change it... She shook her head and the idea away. That was impossible and everyone had to grow up at some point. In time, Rosanna would see that as well. Life wasn’t easy and sometimes it was best to harden; otherwise, falling apart was the only option left.
“It’s simple enough,” she began. “I’d hoped to see you safely out of the house before having this confrontation, but it appears that’s not to be. I’ll have to do things the hard way.”
“I’m not sure you should do anything drastic,” she reasoned. “The comte won’t hurt us.”
The girl had no idea what he was capable of. Callista couldn’t blame her. No one had explained to her what had happened to Edward. If she’d known, she wouldn’t have been so trusting.
“Oh, he already has,” Callista said maniacally. “In so many ways. He took the love of my life from me. For what? To keep that man in rule for a few weeks longer? Was it worth it, Ulrich?”
Napoleon didn’t deserve to live any more than the comte. The dictator wouldn’t last long either. All bad things must end in some way.
“I did not kill Edward,” the comte said emphatically. “I wouldn’t dirty my hands with anyone’s death.”
Callista moved forward a little more. The contempt she’d held inside for this man was barely restrained. Why hold back now? She was so close to the end. The comte would die before the night was over.
“You’re right, of course.” Callista laughed. “You wouldn’t do something so crude as murder yourself. Why would you? That’s what you pay people for. Oh, don’t worry, I know who is to blame for Edward’s accident. You’re at the top of the list. The other man will see his end at the end of a rope.” Callista pulled out a pistol from a hidden pocket and pointed it at the comte. “Do you have any last words? A confession? No?” She paused briefly to see if he’d answer. When none was forthcoming she continued, “I didn’t really expect you to tell me what I wanted to hear. It doesn’t matter, after all. Edward is gone, and soon you will be too.”
“Callista,” Rosanna said. “You don’t want to kill him. We can leave and forget about this.”
Lady Rosanna was wrong. She wanted nothing more than to see the comte’s life seep out of him. Everything she’d done over the past several years was leading to this particular moment. Working with the crown, and the war office was a means to an end—the comte’s death.
“I’m afraid I must, dear,” she said. “I apologize. I never meant for you to see this, but I’ve waited too long to have my vengeance. The comte won’t live to see another day.” Callista continued to move forward. “Now, Ulrich, it’s time for you to die.”
The comte didn’t appear as if he was ready to do anything. He stood still and appeared to deliberate. “You’re not going to shoot
me. At least not until you know everything. I may have given the order, and you may think you know who actually arranged for Edward’s accident, but you don’t know why we took Lady Rosanna.”
Apparently the comte believed she was an idiot. He had no idea the information she held. Callista was more than aware of what his goals were. He hoped to destroy the crown’s spy network. The bastard was a fool or he’d have realized she was one of their best operatives. Dom was her equal, and the comte’s true target. Callista had every detail and made sure to have it documented. Her findings had already been dispatched to Branterberry. The duke wouldn’t have the comte though. He was hers to dispatch.
“Oh, I know the role of the stable master. He’s the one who rigged Edward’s carriage. He’s the culprit who made it all possible for that accident and the wheel to break at the most inopportune time. As I said, he’ll get what is coming to him soon. As for as why you abducted Lady Rosanna...” She shrugged. “It matters not since that plan has been thwarted and she will soon return home.”
He laughed. “Unlikely. I know the marquess is in Calais and searching for her. He’s the one we’re after, and if he comes for her they both will die.”
The comte was utterly ridiculous. Did he honestly believe he was invincible? Apparently so... No matter, he’d learn soon enough no one was.
“You are the biggest fool I’ve ever met.” Callista’s lip twitched. “As if Lord Seabrook would ever allow you to get near enough to do him harm. He’s not the crown’s best spy without reason.”
Lord Seabrook was also close. If they didn’t meet him soon, he’d start searching for them. Lady Rosanna was the love of his life. He’d willingly lay his life on the line for her. No doubt the comte counted on that very thing. It was up to Callista to take that opportunity away from him. Neither Dominic nor Rosanna would die, not on her watch.
“Hence the reason for Lady Rosanna being here. He won’t think of himself first. He loves her and he’ll do anything to save her. It’s time to bring the famous spy to his knees, and the lady is going to be the instrument of his downfall.”
