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

by Wendy Vella

  “Of course we will.” Eden kissed his check, then Emily’s, and left, taking Essie with her and closing the door behind them. James took her hands in his.

  “Let me tell you something about Cam, Emily, which may help you understand him better.”

  She nodded.

  “When I first met him he was angry and confused. His father had betrayed the Sinclair siblings, and Cam took it the hardest.”

  “I did not realize. Cam has always seemed so confident and assured. I envied him that.” She had, and perhaps that was another part of the reason she always bristled when he was near; he was everything she could not bring herself to be.

  “Yes, I also. You and I were not raised to inspire confidence in ourselves.”

  “I’m sorry you suffered at our father’s hands, James. Samantha told me that she was mistreated, which led me to believe you must have been also.”

  “It is the unfortunate truth that our father was not a good man.”

  An understatement, Emily was sure.

  “But back to Cam.” He squeezed her fingers. “I understood quickly that his loyalty would never be questioned by those he loved or respected. He owed me money; I will not get into how that came about, should he wish it he will tell you. He had no means to repay it, so he worked for me, and worked harder than three men.”

  She was curious as to how this had come about but did not question him further, understanding that this was a matter that lay between James and Cam.

  “There was something else I came to realize about Cam. He could not be forced into doing what he did not wish. The man is as malleable as wood.”

  Emily thought about this as James placed her hand on his arm and started walking to where the sisters waited for them.

  “In a roundabout way I am trying to tell you that he would not be marrying you, Em, if he did not want to. The choice was his to make, and he made it because it was his wish to do so. Perhaps you can think about that if you have doubts.”

  She did think about it as Eden straightened her black velvet cloak, opening the front so her rose silk dress could be seen. Did Cam really wish to marry her? Essie then fussed with the band of matching pink flowers on her head, to which was attached a veil.

  “It is too cold to take off the cloak, Emily, but you can see the skirts of that lovely dress at least.”

  Emily had wanted to wear one of the many dresses she already owned, but no one had allowed that. Eden had gathered the other women in the family together and they’d come up with this dress, and several other new items of clothing and nightwear, all of which she had secretly left behind in another case, and brought her own.

  “Right, you’re ready. Now smile, and remember, my brother is a good man, and it’s my belief you will be very happy together.”

  “As do I,” James said solemnly. “But also remember if you need me I am here. To hell with the fact he is a Sinclair. I will not tolerate him upsetting you.”

  “I am a Sinclair, thank you very much, husband, and I object to you thinking my brother would hurt Emily. Cam is a good, kind man, and what’s more, you should know that by now.”

  “You are a Raven,” James said firmly. “And I do know that, but I need Emily to know I am here should she need me.”

  “I know it, brother.”

  He nodded, and she saw that he was emotional, just like Eden and Essie, who were also sniffing back the tears.

  James was to accompany her down the aisle. Max had told her he thought it right and was happy to stand beside Cam. She rose to her toes and kissed his cheek.

  “Thank you for rescuing me, James. My life has been wonderful since I came to live in your house.”

  “As has mine.”

  “I promise you there is no need to worry. I feel better now we have spoken. As Eden has said, Cam is a good man, and I’m sure we will rub along together.”

  “I don’t want you to rub along together!”

  “Pardon?” He looked fierce as he impaled her with his gray eyes.

  “I want you to fall in love with him, Emily. I want you to experience what Eden and I have.”

  “Oh darling.” Eden reached for the duke’s hand.

  Emily thought it unlikely she would ever have that, but she forced a smile on her lips and lied. “I shall try.”

  “That is all I can ask of you then.”

  As they’d arrived at the church, conversation stopped, and Emily wasn’t sure she could talk anyway, as the nerves that had been fluttering inside her stomach intensified.

  “You look lovely.”

  “Thank you, James.”

  The church, she knew, held only a few Sinclairs and Ravens, all who wished her well, but the steps up to it were some of the hardest she had ever taken, and there had been plenty of hard ones in her lifetime.

  “A nice deep breath in now, Em. That’s it, good girl,” Eden said, fussing about with her dress again as if she was about to marry the man of her dreams.

  Emily walked into the cool, dim interior seconds later and looked to the end of the aisle, and there he stood. Tall, elegant in deep brown, flanked by her brother and his. Somehow she made it down the aisle, but did not remember the journey. To her surprise there were a handful of non-family in attendance, all smiling at her. She recognized Cam’s aunt and uncle, and others she had become acquainted with over the years. Family friends, and it was a shock to see that many of them were indeed her friends now too.

  Emily did not look at Cam as she arrived at his side. Instead she concentrated on the vicar who was to marry them. James squeezed her hand, and then stepped away.

  “I think Emily looks lonely with only Eden and Essie at her side.”

  Samantha’s voice was loud enough to carry through the church, as was the shushing noise Lilly made.

  “I agree, and Dorrie and I have the flowers Dev gave us, so maybe we should stand beside her... just to keep her company.”

  Beside her Emily felt Cam’s arm shake. Casting him a quick glance she saw he was trying not to laugh, as was Max. Dev however was attempting to intimidate his siblings by scowling. Emily had absolutely nothing to laugh about. She was to marry a man who until recently she’d wanted to throttle at every occasion they’d met, although there was the kissing, but suddenly she did. Turning to where the little girls all sat in the front pew, she watched their little legs swinging back and forth.

  “I think Cam looks lonely also, Lilly,” Warwick Sinclair said. “I should stand at his side, especially if those three are with Emily.”

  “Come along then.” James sighed, signaling for them to come forth. “Sorry, Em.”

  “It is all right,” she said, and meant every word. She should not have stopped the children from enjoying the moment, even if she was not.

  “Yes it is.” Cam touched her hand briefly, just a brush of his fingers over hers. She met his eyes, and found him smiling.

  “Thank you,” Emily said. “For everything.”

  “Well, I cannot in all conscience take the credit for how you look today, but can I say you are quite magnificent and that beautiful seems inadequate, because you are so much more than that.”

  “Thank you, and you also look handsome.”

  “Do I?” He looked down his body. “I believe that is the first compliment I have received from you.”

  The sound of running feet interrupted them as the children rushed to join them. The guests laughed, but she could not tear her eyes from Cam’s.

  “It will be all right, sweetheart, trust me... trust us,” he added.

  She nodded. “I trust you, Cam... it is just—”

  He leaned in and placed his finger on her lips.

  “That you trust me is enough for now.”

  The children jockeyed for position, and then there they were, bright-eyed and alert, wedging themselves between Eden and Essie. Warwick was pressed between Dev and Max.

  “If you are ready,” the vicar said with heavy sarcasm.

  “Oh indeed, pray please continue,�
�� Samantha said, now smiling.

  There was laughter from the guests and the wedding party, which now totaled nine.

  Looking at her little sister, who smiled up at her, Emily felt the urge to weep... loudly. Tomorrow she would not wake up and see Samantha and Isabella. Not share story time with them. She would wake next to this large, handsome, and disturbing man at her side. The thought was an unnerving one.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today….”

  She got through the vows, and even managed to speak her part in a clear voice. Cam appeared calm and sounded steady.

  “You may now kiss the bride.”

  “I hate this part,” Emily heard Warwick say. “It seems to take a great deal of time to complete, when surely it is only a matter of touching each other’s mouths—which by the way is revolting, and I will never do.”

  “One day you won’t mind,” Dev assured him.

  Emily turned to offer Cam a smile, as if to say she knew he would not do that, not here with so many watching, but there he was, lowering his head.

  “Wh-what are you....” Her words fell away at the first touch of his lips, brief and soft. She felt his hand slide to the middle of her spine and move her closer so her body now touched his.

  It was over in a matter of seconds, but it left Emily’s head reeling, as it had when they’d last kissed.

  “Hello, Mrs. Sinclair.”

  “H-hello,” Emily managed to stutter out. Her cheeks felt hot, and the imprint of his mouth was on hers.

  Dear Lord, she was now Mrs. Sinclair.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  “I’m not sure why we need to go away for a few nights, Cam. It is not a wedding in the conventional sense of the word.”

  “And yet we are, and what would you know of a wedding in the conventional sense of the word, when you have only witnessed those of our families. Believe me when I say they are unconventional.”

  She was fussing about with her gloves, the small bag on her wrist, in fact anything that kept her eyes from him. Emily was nervous, and Cam could not fault her for that, as he felt the same. This woman was now his to protect, his to care for until he drew his last breath; the thought was a daunting one. It was also what he’d wanted, and he would do whatever it took to make her happy.

  When she’d entered the church on James’s arm and looked down at him, he’d felt something deep inside his chest. Relief? A rightness? He hadn’t known what, but he’d been extremely happy she’d arrived. There had been a niggling doubt she would not appear, and simply flee London.

  “Go to sleep, your eyes are half-closed, Em.”

  To his surprise she did, resting her head on the back of the seat.

  Cam had decided the best course of action was to leave London and their families for a few days immediately after the wedding. James and Max hadn’t wanted this, but he’d stood firm. He and Emily needed time alone together without constant interference from them.

  His eyes followed the curve of one cheek. It was soft and lightly tinged with color, and he wanted to touch it. He knew her dress was rose silk, but as she’d yet to take off her cloak he was unsure what the top looked like. His mouth watered at the prospect of seeing it... seeing her.

  He’d struggled to breathe watching her walk down the aisle toward him. She’d looked like an angel with those flowers around her head and the small veil down her back. Her face was flushed, bottom lip clamped between her teeth. He’d had the ridiculous urge to meet her halfway, gather her up in his arms, and tell her everything would be all right.

  The truth was he had no idea if it would. Their beginning had not been auspicious after all. But she’d said she trusted him, and for now that was a start.

  The service had been a blur to Cam. He’d read the concern on the faces of their families and tried to make light of the situation as he usually did. Only now while she slept did he draw a deep, steadying breath. She was his. The thought was a sobering one, when for most of his life he had been the irresponsible Sinclair.

  Moving to her side when he was sure she slept deeply, he pulled the satin bow of the bonnet she wore, and eased it from her head. The circlet of flowers still sat beneath. Small white buds decorated it, and rose satin ribbons. Finding the pins that held it in place, he removed each, then tucked them into his pocket. Lifting the circlet off her head, he placed it on the opposite seat.

  Emily slept on, her slumber deep, breathing even. Samantha told him her sister had not slept well last night, which was hardly surprising. He had, but then it took a great deal to keep him awake. The little girl then told him to look after her, as Emily was vulnerable, and sometimes woke at night upset. To which he’d replied solemnly that he would, and that she was welcome to come and stay with them whenever she wanted. She’d seemed happy with that.

  Pulling the blanket from beneath the seat, he tucked it around Emily as he eyed the mass of curls someone had pinned on her head. Surely her head ached having so many things poked into it?

  She murmured and wriggled, looking for a comfortable position. Cam eased her into his arms, and leaned back on the seat, turning his body slightly so she was half on his lap.

  “Cam?”

  “Sssh, sleep now, sweet.”

  Her eyes closed as he ran a finger between her eyebrows and down her nose, as he used to with his younger siblings when they failed to sleep. It worked, and soon she was breathing deeply.

  She was sweet, he thought. He had no idea what the future held for them, only that she was part of his, as he was hers.

  Closing his eyes, he let himself sleep for the first time, holding his wife in his arms.

  He woke with a start as the carriage rolled into the yard of the inn where they would change horses.

  Emily had wriggled until one side of her face was pressed into his chest, and an arm was flung over his waist. She still slept even as the carriage stopped.

  “Emily, wake up, love.” Cam leaned in to kiss a soft cheek. It was smooth under his lips.

  Her eyes fluttered open, and she turned slightly to look up at him.

  “Dear Lord!” She sat so fast the top of her head connected with his nose.

  “Ouch!”

  “Oh dear, forgive me.”

  “You use me as a pillow, and then punish me for it,” Cam groused, rubbing the offended appendage.

  “I’m not sure how I got into that position.” She squinted at him, struggling to focus.

  Delightfully rumpled, she wore the imprint of his lapel on one cheek, and her face was sleepy. One hand went to her head.

  “Where is my bonnet and the circlet of flowers?”

  “There.” He pointed to the opposite seat. “I thought you would be more comfortable without them.”

  She wasn’t sure what to make of that, and as her mind was still a bit foggy, Cam took the opportunity to open the carriage and step down.

  “Come, wife, let us eat and find some warmth inside while the horses are changed.”

  She threw him a look as she pulled on her bonnet, but didn’t comment further.

  The conditions had deteriorated since their journey had begun, now, howling wind and biting rain accompanied them as they hurried into the small building, Cam requested a room to sit in while they waited, and a meal.

  “Where are we going, Cam?” Emily said as she warmed her bottom by the fire

  “A friend’s country house. It is not huge, but comfortable and will afford us some breathing room for a few days.”

  “I could breathe in London.”

  She wasn’t looking at him, but his right ear. He doubted she’d spent much time alone with men, other than family, and though she knew him, much had changed. Now they were married.

  “Are you tired, Emily?”

  “A little.”

  “We could stay here for the night, and press on in the morning.”

  “No! I mean, no, we should press on now, and reach our destination.”

  What she actually meant was no, she was terrifie
d about what would happen when she reached her bed tonight. Cam wondered what knowledge she had about what happened between a man and a woman, and if any, who had taught her.

  “Emily, I will never hurt you.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “What will happen between us will be enjoyable for you, I promise. Perhaps a little discomfort to start but—”

  “I have no wish for that,” she interrupted him. “No wish to discuss the matter or to partake in it.”

  “And yet you will.”

  Their food arrived, and he did not pursue the matter further.

  “Roads are set to get bad this evening, Mr. Sinclair,” the innkeeper said.

  “Are they?” Cam kept his eyes on Emily as she avoided his.

  “Rain, and sleet. It’ll be icy out there.”

  “Do you have a room available for the night, sir?”

  “Cam.” Emily started toward him. “I don’t want to stay here.”

  “I do. I shall get it ready for you at once,” the man said, ignoring Emily.

  “Before you start in on me, may I remind you that you are not the only life at stake here. I have drivers and horses that need my care. Would you have them travel in such conditions just to ease your maidenly fears?”

  It had been just the right thing to say as Emily was a softhearted person, and putting anyone in danger would go against everything she believed.

  “Of course, forgive me. I thought only of myself.”

  “And the monster your husband obviously is.”

  “I did not say you were a monster, only that....” Her words trailed off.

  “Did anyone talk to you about what happens between a man and woman?”

  “Eden tried, but I told her I knew everything.” Emily didn’t look happy about the confession. “Perhaps I was too hasty there.”

  He couldn’t help it, he laughed.

  “I’m glad my fears amuse you, sir.”

  “They don’t,” Cam said, sobering. “Now eat up, Emily, and stop worrying, I will do nothing you do not wish for.”

  Her smile was blinding, and he knew why. She believed he would ask nothing of her now. Cam, however, had other ideas.