In was crucial that she was protected and kept out of the clutches of the cit. He didn’t doubt for a minute the man would treat her gently, not after rejecting him. When he wasn’t around, he was going to make certain a few of his burley servants guarded her and heaven forbid if anything happened to him, they would whisk her away to one of his friends.
He predicted if he was killed the cit would break into the house and steal her away. The blackguard would most assuredly violate her and force her to wed him. He was going to do everything in his power to make certain it never happened. Determined to make sure he kept alert for any attempts on his life, he quietly let himself out of the bedroom and hurried downstairs to speak to Turner.
Chapter Fifteen
Slowly coming awake, Modesty stretched and hummed. She was feeling deliciously sated and peaceful. Snuggling deeper under the covers, she sighed, her foggy thoughts began to clear and it was only a few heartbeats before she remembered everything that had happened. She was growing confused; she wasn’t feeling so ashamed or embarrassed any longer. How strange. In fact, she was feeling rather wonderful. What she’d shared with Killian had been a truly amazing experience.
Lifting her lashes, she rolled over expecting to find him sleeping beside her, but all she found was an empty bed. With a huff of irritation, she wondered where he was and how long he’d been gone. She wanted to share the intimacy between them again, now she would have to wait.
After discovering what it was all about and what happened, she wouldn’t be frightened next time. The only thing she wasn’t certain about was if she liked being completely naked and it made her wonder if it would have been different if she’d remained clothed.
The feeling of his hot, naked flesh against her own had felt marvelous and she had definitely enjoyed touching him. It had been extraordinary how his muscles flexed and quivered beneath her touch. She also liked the way he had caressed her; his clever hands and fingers did extraordinary things to her.
Perhaps being naked wasn’t so bad after all, she would think about it later. Right now, she would love to soak in the tub, between her thighs was a little tender. Tossing the covers aside, she scooted out of bed, scurried into her room and rang the bell for her maid. When Iris came in, she quickly ordered hot water and waited for it to arrive.
She hoped Killian didn’t have any plans to go out this evening. She was afraid everyone would be able to tell they had been intimate because she was doubtful she could hide the fact. She would prefer to keep their personal business to themselves.
While the tub was being filled, she studied her reflection in the mirror. Other than her swollen mouth, the pinkish glow on her skin from his stubbled beard and the brilliance of satisfaction radiating in her eyes it was clear to see that she had been thoroughly satisfied.
Yes, there was no hiding the fact that she had been intimate with her husband and utterly enjoyed the experience. When the room emptied, she undid the belt of his robe and slipped it from her shoulders, as it puddled at her feet, she stepped over it and into the tub. She lowered herself and sighed as the heated water caressed over her skin, sending a ripple of pleasure through her.
Heavens, how strange that even taking a bath could easily stir desire in her now. With a shake of her head, she grimaced and wondered what other innocent things would set off her passion. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the stirrings of her heart. She was afraid that now she’d been joined with Killian, she was starting to develop more than affection for him.
It had to be stopped; she couldn’t allow her emotions to grow even stronger. She had to remember to guard her heart at all cost. Falling in love with Killian would be the worst possible thing she could do.
Though he promised and swore he would remain faithful, truthfully, she would be foolish to trust his word. Though she desperately wanted to, she didn’t want to risk taking the chance and then be crushed when he failed.
No, it was better she keep her feelings locked away and the key hidden. That way she wouldn’t be hurt or disappointed. It was also doubtful he’d let himself feel anything other than passion for her and when that eventually waned, which she suspected that it would, she wondered what would happen between them then.
Would he set her up in one of his country estates and return to London to take up with another woman? Though she couldn’t abide a faithless husband there was little she could do about it. At least there would be no children, well, she prayed there wouldn’t be. The very last thing she wanted was to bring a child into a loveless, failed marriage.
Suddenly feeling morbid, her lashes lifted and she sat up. Deciding she was becoming pitiful, she washed quickly and stood up. Stepping out of the tub, she snatched up a towel and wrapped it around herself. Ringing for her maid, she decided to find out where her husband was. After Iris helped her dress, she went downstairs and found Turner.
After the butler reassured her that Killian had gone out and that he would be home in time for supper, she found her aunt in the family parlor. “Would you like a sherry, Auntie?”
“That would be lovely, dear. I say you’re not feeling under the weather, are you? You’re looking a bit flushed.” Lucy watched her niece in concern.
The question made her face grow even warming and ducking her head, she poured them each a glass of sherry. “No, no I’m fine.” She murmured and handed her aunt a drink, she sat on the opposite sofa.
“Will Killian be joining us for supper, dear?” Lucy smiled knowingly and decided to save her niece any further embarrassment.
“Yes, Turner said he would be. I hope Killian doesn’t want to go out tonight. I would prefer to have a nice quiet evening at home.” And that was the truth, she was tired of having to dress up and attend functions. About to take a sip of her sherry the glass froze halfway to her mouth when she heard the butler’s frantic shout.
“Your Grace, are you alright? My God, what happened to you? There’s so much blood.”
Alarmed that something terrible might have happened to her husband, she surged up out of her seat. In a panic, sherry spilling over the rim of the glass as she placed it down on the table. Gripped with fear she raced from the room and down the hall, when she reached the foyer, she swayed on her feet at the sight that met her eyes.
***
After leaving his sleeping wife and speaking to his butler, Killian met up with several of his friends at Whites. They shared a few bottles of brandy and after discussing the matter of Modesty’s safety, it was agreed upon that if anything should happen to him, she would be whisked away to Garth’s residence. Since he was the only one of them married, it was the most logical place. Then she would be secretly taken out of London and would reside at one of the man’s estates until the cit was taken care of and no longer a problem.
When everyone agreed it was a sound plan and that it wouldn’t fail, they shook hands. They made arrangements to meet again before he and his wife left the city and bid each other goodbye. Along with Garth and Gideon they rode back to his residence. Even though she knew his friends, he wanted Modesty to feel comfortable and she would have complete trust in them.
They had just reached a quiet section of town when the sudden explosion shattered the air. Out of reflex he dove to the side, but the bullet creased the left side of his head. Clasping the reins tightly, he tried to stay seated on his skittish horse as he fought against the excruciating pain. Thankfully Garth reached out and calmed the animal.
Blinding agony tore at his skull and blood poured from the wound. “Damn, did you see who did it?” He just finished asking when another shot was fired. He waited for the impact and fiery torture, but nothing happened. Confused, he looked around, but couldn’t see any danger, then the sound of running feet could be heard.
“Get him home, I’ll see what’s going on.” Garth yelled as he rode away.
“Can you stay in your saddle, Killian?” Gideon asked with concern.
Swaying slightly, Killian cursed. “I’ll be fine. It’s not far.”
He didn’t bother to argue when his friend reached out and took control of his stallion. He was desperately trying to stay seated upon his horse. He cursed himself for not being alert, he should have been ready for something like this instead, he’d been unprepared.
“Let me help you from the saddle and inside.” Gideon helped his friend to dismount, with an arm around his waist, guided him up the stoop and kicked on the front door. “I hope your wife isn’t the type who faints at the sight of blood or becomes hysterical.”
“Are you joking? You do remember who she is, don’t you? She’d probably shoot me herself for being shot.” He tried to make a joke of it, but he wasn’t certain how Modesty would react and Killian’s head felt as if it was going to implode into a million pieces. He winced when his butler started bellowing. “Please don’t shout, Turner. I’m fine.” He looked up and saw his wife, her face drained of color and she looked ready to swoon. “Oh hell.” He muttered, but he was relieved when she instantly rallied, he gave her a roguish grin. “I think it might be wise if you send for the physician, sweetheart.”
“Quickly, Turner you heard him. How badly are you hurt?” It took a few seconds to pull herself together and when she did, Modesty took control of the situation. “Can you manage to take him up to his room by yourself or do you need help?” She asked lord Carlyle who was holding up her husband.
“I can manage.” Gideon didn’t waste time, he half carried his friend up the staircase, into the room and helped him onto the bed. “Well, she didn’t faint or become frantic.” He teased with a laugh.
With his eyes closed, Killian had trouble ignoring the intense throbbing in his head. “Once I’ve seen the doctor I want you to take her to Garths. I don’t think she’ll be safe here.”
“Good luck in explaining that. She’s bound to argue.” Gideon didn’t doubt it for a minute, but he knew his friend was right.
Before he could answer his wife came rushing into the room and sat down on the mattress beside him. Killian smiled weakly when she clasped his hand tightly in hers. “I’m fine, the bullet only grazed me.”
“But there’s so much blood.” Modesty was terrified and noticing her husband was still bleeding profusely, she jumped to her feet and rushed behind the screen. Grabbing a towel, she hurried to his side and carefully placed it against his wound. Biting her bottom lip, she ducked her head. Seeing him like this it made her realize just how deep her feelings were for him. To hide her emotions, she rallied at him. “You have a lot of explaining to do. Just why in the blazes were you shot and who did it? And you call me reckless. Really, Killian I have a good mine to injure you myself for upsetting me.”
“Head wounds are notorious for bleeding. All I’m suffering is a bad headache and why you’re blaming me being shot is beyond me,” he grouched but when he heard the rushing footsteps coming closer, he looked over at the door and saw Garth enter the room. “What did you find?”
Reluctantly, Garth strode over to the bed. “Someone shot the man who shot you.”
“Is he dead? Did you recognize him?” Something in his friend’s eyes when he looked at Modesty with hesitation told him that Garth knew who it was. Killian gut knotted in dread as he waited to find out who had tried to kill him.
“No, he’s not dead, badly wounded and yes I recognized him. Look — hell, there’s no way to soften this or sugarcoat it, but it was her Grace’s father.” When he heard Killian’s wife gasp in shock and the way she looked at him, Garth winced.
“My father? I don’t believe it. My own father tried to kill you?” Modesty was reeling from the news and dropping her gaze from lord Brookes pitying one, she stared at her husband in sheer disbelief and utter consternation. “This is all my fault. Because of me, my father tried to kill you.”
Squeezing her hand, Killian quickly tried to reassure her. “Listen, you’re not to take any blame for his actions. You know how desperate he was and how selfish he is. Stokes probably threatened him into doing it.”
“But, Killian my own father tried to kill you.” Tears started trickling down her face; Modesty wouldn’t blame her husband for despising her or not want to have anything else to do with her.
“Listen to me, love, you aren’t to blame. There’s absolutely no reason you should feel guilty.” When he saw her nod reluctantly, he looked up at Garth. “Is her father being taken care of?”
“Yes, I made arrangements for a doctor to see him. I don’t know if he’ll survive though. I’m sorry.” Garth turned to Killian’s wife, saw the understanding in her eyes and sighed in relief.
Just then Turner hurried in with the physician. Killian gritted his teeth over all the prodding and poking. He adamantly refused to take the sleeping powder. “No, I need my wits about me. Thank you, doctor for arriving so quickly.”
“You’ll need rest for a few days, but other than that you’ll be fine. I’m afraid I’ll have to report this, your Grace.” The doctor packed up his equipment ready to leave.
“I doubt it could be kept quiet anyway. But before you go, I have a request to make.” If it wasn’t for his throbbing head, he would have grinned at the doctor’s confusion. “If anyone approaches you and asks after my condition, I want you to tell them it’s grave and I might not make it through the night.” He squeezed his wife’s fingers silencing her when he sensed she was about to protest.
“It’s highly unorthodox, but I’ll tell them. I’ll be by in the morning to check on you, your Grace.” With a bow of respect, the doctor left.
Alone again with his wife and friend’s, he knew he was going to have a fight on his hands. “Modesty, sweetheart, I don’t want an argument. Until Stokes is taken care of it won’t be safe for you here. I want you to gather up a few things and along with aunt Lucy. I want you to stay with Garth and his wife.” When she opened her mouth to disagree, he released her hand and placed a finger against her lips. “It’s for your own protection. Stokes won’t know where you are. Please will you do this for me? I won’t rest unless I know you’re safe and out of danger.”
Though she wanted to protest, she could see the truth in his pain filled eyes and grudgingly nodded. “I most assuredly don’t like this plan and what about you? What if he realizes you’re still alive?”
Before he answered, he noticed his friend’s slipping out the door giving him some privacy. “I’m already making plans and taking precautions that will keep us both safe. I promise nothing else will happen to me. My only concern is making sure you’re protected and in no danger.” He brushed away the tears falling down her cheeks.
Laying her head on his chest, she wept. “You swear you won’t let anything else happen to you?”
When she lifted her head, he smiled tenderly. “I swear. You’re not going to get rid of me that easily. Now kiss me and then go and pack.” He wrapped his arms around her when their mouths met and, in that instant, he knew he’d won her heart, but what shocked him even more, he realized she’d laid claim to his own. When their lips reluctantly separated, he let her go and she rose to her feet. “It won’t be for long, love.”
“I know, but I don’t like leaving you when you’re injured and need me.” She saw his jaw was set in determination and sighed miserably.
“I’m fine, just have a bugger of a headache. Now off you go, we don’t have much time. Stokes could have someone watching the house.” For a few moments he watched her indecision, but in the end, she obeyed him and left the room. Once Garth took her and aunt Lucy from the house with Gideon’s help he’d set his trap.
Stokes had gone too far this time and needed to be stopped. He’d escaped death by the skin of his teeth this time, next time he might not be so lucky. And now knowing he’d lost his heart to Modesty he was determined more than ever to stay alive and keep her safe. He wanted to spend the rest of his life loving her and being loved by her.
Chapter Sixteen
After explaining to her distraught aunt and frantically packing a few items of clothing, Modesty returned to Killian for a final
tearful goodbye. Praying it wouldn’t be the last, she let his friend take them secretly from the house. Her heart pounded in fear until they reached the safety of lord Brookes’ home where they were met with warmth and understanding by his lovely wife. After seeing her aunt settled in a room with a decanter of sherry for her nerves, she returned downstairs and shyly entered the parlor. “I want to thank you for taking us into your home.”
“Think nothing of it. Garth explained everything to me, you poor thing. How horrible for you. The man’s demented. Come and sit down. Garth, dear, I’m sure her Grace could do with a brandy to calm her down.” Laura smiled in reassurance.
“Please call me Modesty. You’re very kind, but I’m more concerned about Killian. Stokes is a madman and it seems he will stop at nothing to have me. I know my father doesn’t have any scruples, but to try and kill my husband, he’s sunk very low indeed.” Modesty accepted the tumbler and took a hasty sip.
“Killian will be fine. We were discussing the matter while you were packing and came up with a solid plan. If Stokes tries anything else, he’ll be taken care of, I can assure you. Though I know it doesn’t help you from worrying,” Garth sat down beside his wife and held her hand in his. “We were all surprised by your sudden marriage, but it’s easy to see you care a great deal about each other.”
With a forlorn sigh, Modesty took another sip. “We were both surprised as well. Truthfully, I didn’t expect I would grow to care for him, but somehow, he made me care a great deal about him. But it doesn’t make me blind to the man he is though. He’ll grow bored with me soon enough and his eyes will start wandering.”
Laura jabbed her elbow in her husband’s ribs when he started to shake with amusement. “If my husband says Killian has affection for you then it’s true. My husband wouldn’t lie about matters of the heart, would you dear?” She looked pointedly at Garth warning him not to contradict her.
Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke Page 14
