Scent Of Danger (A Sinclair & Raven Novel Book 4)

by Wendy Vella

Cam looked at Emily; her eyes were on him. She lifted a hand and he took it in his, squeezing it gently. He wanted to retain it, keep her close, but his family would think that odd, so he let her go. But their eyes caught, and held, the entire journey home.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Emily opened her eyes, and then slowly moved her body. She was sore and bruised, but considering what she had endured four days ago, well. Her head no longer hurt from the knock it had taken, but she still felt several twinges. Something warm was pressed to her side, and she knew what it was, because Emily had woken with the same feeling every morning since she’d been abducted. Looking down, she saw a fair tousled head of curls.

  The hand she lifted to touch them shook. Her darling little sister lay along her side with one arm thrown over her waist. The thought that she could have been taken away and never seen her again was a terrifying one.

  “Em?”

  “Here, Samantha.” She brushed the curls as the girl turned to face her. Sleep softened the blue eyes that sat in a pretty pale face.

  “Are you well today?”

  “Very well, and I have you to thank for nursing me back to good health.”

  Samantha and James were the late duke’s only children born in wedlock, and raised by the tyrant. Because of this she held tight to those she loved. When one of them was injured she panicked, fearing they would be taken from her. Her father had beaten and locked her in her room constantly, and then brought a governess into the house who was little better. James had not known Samantha existed until after his father’s death. They had since forged a bond that was only strengthened by what they’d endured as children.

  “You were the color of porridge the day James carried you inside. I was scared.”

  “And yet here I lie, talking to you, and now the picture of health, so there is no longer a need for fear.”

  “You do look better.”

  “I think I slept better having you close.” Emily cupped a soft cheek. “I really am all right, Samantha.”

  Samantha was Emily’s half sister, they shared a father, but Emily’s mother had been a servant at Raven Castle.

  “I love you, Em.”

  “And I you, my sweet little sister.”

  Samantha rose to her knees and leaned over Emily. The hug brought tears to her eyes, as did the kiss that was placed on her cheek.

  “Why did those men try to take you away from us?”

  “I have no idea, but you can be sure that Max and James will be searching for that very answer, and in the meantime I shall be safe here with you.”

  Samantha smiled, her mind eased.

  “Shall we go to the breakfast parlor this morning, Emily?”

  “Oh most assuredly. I find I am quite famished, and have no wish for invalid’s food any longer.”

  Samantha bounced on the bed, and Emily fought the wince that followed. Her muscles were still very sore.

  “All right, but I don’t think we can go to the park today, as you will not be up to it. So we shall read in my rooms.”

  “Yes, your majesty, but to be honest I think a walk in the sun will help me a great deal.”

  “There is very little sun to be had today, so we shall see what Essie has to say on the matter.”

  “Very well, but first I must ask how is Cambridge, Samantha?” Worry had gnawed at her over his condition. He’d fallen from that carriage and surely hurt himself while trying to save her. Was he all right, or had her family not told her the truth due to her condition?

  “He was in bed for a day, then rose. His back was sore, but Warwick told me Lilly healed him while he slept.”

  “Did she?” She knew Lilly had magic in her hands, had seen her heal with just a touch, although it was never spoken of.

  “She can do that you know, Em. Take the pain away with just a touch. She checked you also, but said all you needed was rest.”

  She wasn’t sure how to respond to that. Emily knew that the younger Sinclairs also had special senses, but wasn’t sure just how much Samantha knew.

  “I know the Sinclair family is different, Em, but they’re also special, don’t you think? I always feel better when they’re around.”

  “Yes, they’re good people.” In fact they were so much more than that. The Sinclairs seemed to fill the air with energy when they were nearby.

  “Well, I’m going to get changed because I’m hungry.” She bounced again, this one accompanied by a sweet-sounding giggle. Samantha then got off the bed and ran from the room. “I shall see you soon.”

  “Oh, to be so resilient,” Emily said, throwing back the covers. Moving slowly to the edge of the bed, she took a few seconds before standing.

  Bracing a hand on the end of the bedpost, she stood there inhaling and exhaling. Her body was still one big ache, but at least she was warm now. There had been times in her life when Emily was cold with no means of warmth, but what she’d felt that day had eclipsed all those memories.

  She remembered the blissful warmth of the bath water they had lowered her into, and Essie forcing her to drink something bitter, and then she’d slept. It had been wonderful to fall into the oblivion of darkness after the terror of the day.

  Cam saved my life.

  Emily wasn’t sure she would ever be able to describe what she’d felt seeing him above her on the roof of the carriage, knowing instinctively that he would save her. Relief had given her strength to rise, and fear that he would fall had urged her on, and then the carriage had swerved, and he was gone. She’d had no idea if he lived or died, and then as the carriage crashed into the water she’d believed she would never know, as surely she could not survive her plunge into the water, especially bound hand and foot. She was right, she had died, but Cam had brought her back to life.

  “I am now indebted to Cambridge Sinclair,” Emily whispered. How was she ever to repay him?

  Looking around the room, she saw it clearly for the first time in days. She and Samantha had picked the colors and furnishings. Her bed was large, and when she’d first lain in it, she’d spread out her hands and legs and barely been able to reach the sides. A cover of jonquil and cream matched the curtains. She had a comfortable chair before the fire, and rugs to keep her feet warm. Emily had placed a writing desk beneath the window, and spent many happy hours there. A vase full of blooms sat on a side table, which Samantha had told her James insisted on.

  Someone had tried to take her from all this. The safe haven that was finally her home. This had been her fear, that suddenly she would be plunged back into the life she had once been forced to live.

  “But they did not succeed,” she reminded herself.

  Emily had dreamt over and over again of Cam roaring her name as that man had grabbed her off the street. Felt his hands forcing her onto the floor as he bound her hands and feet. She’d known fear before, but not like that.

  Death had stared her in the face that day, and the biggest surprise to Emily was how hard she’d fought against it. Suddenly survival had been paramount, and she’d fought against the water dragging her under. Fought with everything she had, but then despair had gripped her as it covered her head. She hadn’t known just how much her life meant to her until that moment.

  “Miss Tolly, should you be out of bed?”

  Her maid entered the room.

  “I wish to wash and dress please, Belinda. I have bed sores on my sores from lying about for so long.”

  Having a servant at her beck and call had also taken Emily some time to become accustomed to. She had once been the servant, doing everything for herself and her brother.

  “I can do this,” Emily said, making for the door thirty minutes later, after her maid had departed. She was tired and sore, as this was the most activity she had done in days, but dressed and determined to at least eat with her family today. Hopefully walking should ease some of the stiffness in her limbs.

  The Duke and Duchess of Raven’s house was large, as it should be for a man of her brother’s status. Unlike when she’d
first moved here, after her brother’s death, it was no longer austere. Eden had seen to that. The duchess had placed color everywhere. It was in the furnishings and paintings. Floors held rich rugs, and dressers delicate ornaments. She often had to pinch herself to ensure that she was no longer living in poverty and fighting to put food on the table.

  Reaching the room she wanted, Emily placed a hand on the door and pushed it open.

  “Emily!” James rose from his place at the table. “Should you be out of bed?”

  “I could not lie there another minute.”

  “And yet you are still pale, and breathless. The walk here has obviously taxed your strength. Come, sit.”

  She sat in the chair he held out for her.

  “I am fine, thank you, James, and it is time for me to get back on my feet.”

  He took his place across from her, a frown marring his brow.

  “Would you like tea?”

  “I can pour it, James.”

  Emily was not entirely comfortable with this brother, a fact Cam had spoken of at the lecture. She wondered if anyone else had noticed.

  “I can pour my sister tea.”

  His words were brusque, surprising her. James rarely used that tone with Emily.

  “James?” The silence stretched as she waited for him to speak. “Are you all right?”

  His gray eyes held hers for long seconds, and she saw the worry then, etched deep in his handsome face. Was it worry for her, or was something else bothering him?

  “Someone tried to take you away from us. How do you believe that made me feel, Emily?”

  “I am sorry for that, James. The thing is—”

  “Was it your fault, then?” He cut her off.

  He wasn’t like the James she’d come to know. The calm, patient one. This one was tense, his words clipped.

  She shook her head.

  “I didn’t think so. More tea, thank you.” He nodded to the maid as she brought in a rack of toast.

  “I’m sorry you were worried.”

  “Did you think I wouldn’t be?”

  “James, what is wrong?”

  He exhaled loudly, but before he could speak someone else entered the room.

  “What the hell are you doing out of bed!”

  Emily turned in her chair to watch Cam stalk to her side. Her heart did not race faster seeing him; she was just still recovering from her walk.

  “Well?”

  He had bruises under his eyes. His hair was unbrushed and his necktie slightly crooked, as if he’d been tugging it. Emily felt it again, the ache of longing. She pushed it aside. She was good at that, hiding what she really felt.

  CHAPTER SIX

  “I should be asking you that.” Emily watched as he pulled out the chair next to hers and eased himself into it. Cam rarely lowered himself sedately, which told her he was not feeling as he should. “You look in no better state than I.”

  “I was not abducted.”

  “However, you were thrown from a carriage, and Samantha tells me you hurt your back.”

  He waved a hand about, dismissing her words. “I am well.”

  “Yet you lowered yourself gingerly into that chair,” she persisted.

  He stopped slathering butter on a piece of toast to send her a sharp look. Nothing was wrong with his eyes, it seemed.

  “Lilly fixed me. I am merely a bit stiff. You, however, have been sleeping and bedridden for days.”

  “I was not bedridden, but tired.”

  “Yes, Essie said as much, but you looked pale.”

  “You came to my room?”

  “Just to see for myself that everyone was not lying to me. I promise, I did not step over the threshold and into your maidenly bower.”

  “Cam,” James cautioned. “Behave yourself, Emily is still unwell, as are you. Now if you will both excuse me briefly, I need to collect something from my office.”

  Emily watched James leave the room, unsure how she felt about being alone with the man who had brought her back from the dead.

  “Are you really all right?”

  Cam’s hand settled over the one she had on the table. Warmth traveled up her arm and down the other one—which was ridiculous and not possible, Emily reminded herself. His eyes held hers, the green depths filled with concern.

  “I am, thanks to you. Cam, I—”

  “Don’t.” He squeezed her fingers gently. “No good can come of thinking about that day, Emily.”

  “How can I not,” she whispered. “You gave me life.”

  “As you would have me were our positions reversed.”

  Her eyes ran over his face. Yes, she would have done anything to ensure this man lived were it in her power to do so.

  “Why was I taken, Cam? What did they want from me?”

  “I don’t know, but we will find out, I promise you.”

  “But you know something?”

  He shrugged.

  “Not really, but we will understand more when you have told us exactly what happened. James would not let anyone question you before you were ready.”

  “Is he all right, Cam? James seems upset.”

  His eyes ran over her face. His expression, like her brother’s, was suddenly tense.

  “Can you really not understand why?”

  Emily frowned.

  “Why do you struggle to comprehend how your brother feels about you?”

  “I don’t struggle with it. I understand the way of things.” Emily pulled her hand free.

  “No, you don’t. In fact, you are oblivious.”

  “I am not!”

  “Totally oblivious.”

  “I wish for you to be quiet, as you have no idea what you are talking about.”

  “James is important to me, and a friend, and your continued restraint toward him is causing him pain, Emily.”

  “I don’t know what you mean.” Surely his words were not true? How could she hurt the powerful Duke of Raven?

  “We discussed this at the lecture, Emily. I know you remember that, because you just lowered your eyes.”

  “You saved my life, therefore, I had thought for the next few days at least I should make an attempt not to insult or argue with you.”

  His snort of laughter had her looking up. The smile made him seem younger suddenly. The tiredness was still there, but when he smiled his face came alive.

  “Do you really believe that is possible?”

  “We are adults, so yes I do.”

  “Emily, Emily, Emily.” He sighed. “Whatever the hell this is between us is not going away because you choose to play nicely for a few days.”

  “Wh-what do you mean... between us?” Emily could not believe he had said those words. Surely the only thing that lay between them was animosity... wasn’t it?

  “Do you ever give thought to why we argue constantly?”

  “No, and neither should you, so desist in this foolish conversation at once!” She hadn’t meant to raise her voice, but it had happened anyway.

  “One question?”

  “What?”

  “You get to ask me just one question, Emily, which I will answer, but I get the same right.”

  “No.” She shook her head. There was no way she wanted this man to ask her anything personal, which he surely would.

  “Not curious about anything?” he teased. “No burning question you’ve always wanted answered about me?”

  “You flatter yourself that I would even have you in my thoughts,” Emily lied.

  He clutched his chest. “You wound me.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  “You can go first.”

  Dare she? The opportunity was almost too much to resist.

  “Have you ever loved?” The words came out before she could stop them. “Don’t answer that, I’m not—”

  He held up a hand, his face serious.

  “You asked, and the answer is yes. My family of course, but I once loved a woman called Miss Louisa Grossley. She was beautiful right down
to her dainty feet, and had a heart as cold as a lump of ice. She liked to have many men dangling after her, and I was one. She broke my heart when she turned down my proposal.”

  “I’m sorry, that must have been painful for you.”

  “It was, but I got over it quickly.” He smiled.

  “Which would suggest you didn’t really have your heart broken.”

  “Or I’m shallow. And now for my question.”

  Emily exhaled slowly. She’d given him this right because she’d asked him the first question.

  “What is keeping you from allowing a bond to form between you and James?”

  She looked away from him to give herself time to think.

  “Guilt,” she whispered, realizing she could not lie to this man, not after what he had done for her.

  “About what?”

  “That is a second question, so I’m not answering.”

  “You can’t just say guilt!” His brows drew together as he glared at her, attempting to intimidate her into explaining.

  “You should have formed your question better.”

  “Damnation, Emily—”

  “Don’t speak to me that way!”

  “They are already fighting, and to the best of my knowledge Em has been out of her bed only a short time.” The voice carried in through the open door.

  “I will have my answers,” Cam whispered.

  Not if I have any say in the matter.

  Relieved, Emily watched Max walk in with Essie. Everything was slightly off-balance between her and Cam at the moment. Yes, they were still arguing, but there was something else simmering between them since they’d shared that kiss.

  “Are you feeling better?” Max kissed her cheek.

  “Much. Thank you.”

  He was different from James. There was a toughness about this brother, a wildness that had never quite been tamed, even though he appeared everything that was civilized, from his clothes to his manners. Yet life had imprinted itself on his face, the hard life of a boy abandoned by his mother and thrown into the hands of a cruel sea captain. It was Essie who brought him back into the light. Their love was a wonderful thing, Emily thought, watching the look he threw his beloved.

  “What are you doing?” She looked down at the plate of buttered toast Cam had just placed before her.