Rapture's Tempest

by Bobbi Smith

  Nathan looked at her, seriously considering her words. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I was only trying to protect you from further hurt.

  “There are two things. First, Westlake has announced his engagement to another woman…”

  “What?!” Annabelle was stricken.

  “That’s right. Yesterday he and Delight de Vries announced their betrothal.”

  “I don’t believe it…why, that bastard!” She was livid. It had been bad enough to live with the broken engagement, but to live down his marriage to someone else so soon afterward…well, that was another story.

  “I knew you’d be upset and I’m sorry.”

  “No, you did the right thing in telling me, Father. Thank you.” She spoke slowly, controlling herself with an effort. “What else?”

  “There’s a bit of intrigue to this part. Elroy was contacted today by Martin Montgomery. It seems he had some information that he wanted to sell to the right group of individuals. Namely—us.”

  “What kind of information?”

  “Montgomery overheard Marshall Westlake verifying that they were carrying gold and that Jim’s next trip would be sometime later this week.”

  Annabelle was instantly cautious. “Why would Montgomery want to give that information to us?”

  “That’s what we were wondering. But from what he said, I think he hates Jim Westlake and wants him dead.”

  “A man after my own heart…” she said coldly. “But why this hatred for Jim? I find that a bit difficult to swallow.”

  “Do you want my personal opinion?”

  “Of course.”

  “I think the man hates Westlake because he got engaged to Delight.”

  “You mean…you think Delight and Martin have a thing going on?”

  “I don’t know if it’s gone that far, but, as you well know, Martin Montgomery is far younger than Clara and when they married he didn’t know too much about Delight. All he knew was that Clara had a daughter.”

  “A h…so along comes Delight, all sweetness and virginity, and Martin thinks he’s in love…”

  “Something like that. Anyway, for one reason or another, the man wants Jim Westlake out of the picture, and we’re going to try to take care of that for him when we go after the gold on his next trip.”

  “Admirable,” she said with calculation.

  They were interrupted then as the maid announced Wade’s arrival. When they had explained the circumstances of what they’d learned that day, Wade was certain that the time was right.

  “I’ll do some checking on my end and even pull rank on Clayton if I have to. But, one way or another, I’ll have everything he told you verified by Tuesday morning.”

  “Sounds good.”

  “First, though, I think I’ll start with an unexpected visit to Dorrie Westlake. Maybe I can pick up something useful there tonight.”

  “We’ll be waiting to hear from you,” Nathan told him.

  “I’ll have my information to you no later than Tuesday.”

  Pausing with Annabelle in the front hall, he drew her close and kissed her fervently. “Don’t let Westlake get to you. You are still the most beautiful woman in town.”

  Annabelle needed his reassurances and kissed him back, “Thank you, Wade. If you get a chance to come by…”

  “I’ll be back,” he told her fiercely. “It may be late, but I’ll come to you tonight.”

  And, with that promise, he was gone on his quest for more information on the gold.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  “Dinner was wonderful, Renee.” Jim leaned back on the sofa next to Delight, a contented man…almost. Very shortly, they would be alone, and then he would be completely satisfied. His eyes wandered hungrily over her as she sat demurely next to him.

  “Thanks, Jim. I’m glad we had this chance for all of us to get together before you leave again.”

  “Have you made any wedding plans yet?” Martha Westlake asked Delight.

  “Nothing specific. We really haven’t had much time to talk about it.” She looked up at Jim adoringly.

  “Well, if you need anything, Mother and I will be glad to help,” Dorrie offered enthusiastically.

  Their lighthearted conversation was interrupted by a knock at the front door. Marshall went to answer it and he was more than surprised to find Wade MacIntosh on his doorstep.

  “Good evening, Wade.”

  “Marshall.” Wade knew that Marshall did not like him, but at this point he didn’t care. “I was wondering if I could speak to Dorrie for a few minutes?”

  “Of course, come in,” Marshall replied, with a graciousness he hardly felt. “We’re all in the parlor. Would you like to join us for an after-dinner drink?”

  “Yes, that’s very kind of you.” Wade handed his coat to a servant and then followed him from the hall.

  “Dorrie, you have a visitor,” Marshall told her.

  “Wade, it’s so nice that you dropped by.” Dorrie smiled. “Come in and meet everyone. You know my brothers, and this is my mother and father. Marshall’s wife, Renee, and Jim’s fiancée, Delight de Vries.”

  “Hello,” Wade said to everyone in the room generally. “Congratulations on your engagement Jim, Miss de Vries,” he told them cordially. While his manner was sincere he was, in reality, angry with Jim for causing Annabelle so much embarrassment.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re deserving of congratulations, too,” Marshall reminded him. “We heard about your promotion.”

  “I am pleased by it,” Wade told them truthfully, for he now had access to information concerning payroll shipments. “I feel I’ll be more greatly challenged where I am now.”

  “What would you like?” Marshall asked as he moved to the liquor cabinet.

  “A bourbon will be fine.”

  “Sit down and join us.”

  “Thank you.” Wade made himself comfortable on the chair nearest to Dorrie’s, knowing that he had to keep up the charade for just a few more days. He listened quietly to their chatter, adding a word now and then when they discussed something he knew about, but mostly Wade was an observer trying to pick up facts about when the shipment was going out.

  The rest of the evening passed slowly for him, with little real information being bandied about. Only Delight’s obscure reference to how much she was going to miss Jim when he had to leave again came close to telling Wade what he needed to know. Finally, realizing how late it was getting, he rose to go, and Dorrie accompanied him out into the hall.

  “It was a lovely evening. I hope I didn’t spoil anything by coming by unannounced,” he said, courting her solicitously.

  “Of course not. It was good to see you again.”

  “Would you like to spend the day together, tomorrow?”

  “I’m afraid I’ve already made plans with Mark, but thank you for asking,” she refused him gently.

  “I’ll be in touch,” he told her easily, making a mental note to arrange extra duty for Mark Clayton tomorrow.

  Kissing her gently on the cheek, he left the house, eager to return to Annabelle’s waiting arms. He made the ride to the Morgans’ house in record time and he was relieved to find that Nathan had already retired for the night and they were alone.

  “How did it go?” Annabelle asked him as she brought him a drink. She had changed into a burgundy velvet dressing gown that clung to her figure suggestively, emphasizing the delicacy of her curves.

  “I would rather have been here with you. I learned absolutely nothing of value. No reference was made concerning the next shipment or Jim’s upcoming trip.”

  “Damn!” She sat down next to him on the sofa, frowning in concentration. “We’ll just have to assume that this next shipment is it, unless you can get us any conflicting reports by Tuesday.”

  “Right.” He drank deeply from the bourbon she’d given him.

  “Have you figured out how to get on board yet?”

  “Gordon is working on that. We’re meeting Tuesday n
ight to review the entire operation.”

  “I want to go, too.”

  “I’m sure your father won’t object. After all, you were instrumental in getting the information.”

  Annabelle’s eyes gleamed at the thought of her revenge against Jim. Love and hate are but a wit apart, and Annabelle had crossed over that line.

  “I’d like Martin Montgomery to be totally satisfied with the raid,” she told him, her tone chilling as she visualized the attack on the Enterprise and Jim’s death.

  “I’ll do my best for you, love.” Wade set his empty glass aside and pulled her into his arms. “I’d do anything for you…anything.”

  “I know, Wade,” she said, before rewarding him with a kiss.

  Reluctantly, they moved apart. “I have to go. I have duty first thing in the morning.”

  “I wish you could stay,” she said with an honesty that had been lacking in her previous declarations to him.

  “Annabelle. You know how I feel about you. Say the word and I’ll marry you tomorrow.”

  “I know, Wade.” Annabelle paused. “When all this confusion is over and you’re back safely, I want you to ask me again.”

  Wade embraced her and then kissed her tenderly. “I will.”

  Jim closed the cabin door and turned slowly to face Delight.

  “Alone, at last!” he grinned. “I thought the night would never end.”

  Delight moved straight into his arms to kiss him.

  When the kiss ended, she unbuttoned his shirt and slipped her hands under it to caress the hard muscles of his chest. Resting her cheek against him, she listened to the pounding of his heart. “I’ve been wanting to do this all night….”

  “You’re not alone….” His fingers found the fastening at the back of her dinner dress and he worked to free her from the bothersome garment.

  He bent to kiss her, his lips taunting hers with gentle, sweet caresses as his hands pushed the dress from her shoulders. “You’re going to have to help me with this thing,” he finally complained when he couldn’t free her from it.

  Delight smiled, finding joy in his frustration. It felt wonderful to know that he loved her so deeply and that his passion equaled hers. With slow, easy movements, she shed her dress and underthings, all the while keeping her eyes on Jim’s face.

  Jim held himself back with an effort as he watched her approach him.

  “Now, it’s your turn,” she said, her voice husky with desire.

  “For what?” Jim couldn’t take his eyes from the glorious sight of her in the soft lamplight. He wanted to throw her on his bed and have his way with her, but he waited, excited at the prospect of what she might do next.

  “You are beautiful, you know.” Her tone was serious, surprising him.

  “Men aren’t beautiful—” he started to protest, but her hands were suddenly on him, distracting him from all thoughts, save one.

  Standing before him, she was caressing his chest, eagerly pushing his shirt and jacket off in the same movement. Jim, unable to deny himself any longer, lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed.

  Shedding the rest of his clothes, he joined her there. Their lips met in an ardent kiss as they moved together as one.

  It was after midnight when they finally made their way back to the Montgomery house. Neither had wanted to leave the haven they had found on board the steamer, but they knew it was necessary. In just a few more weeks, they wouldn’t have to part at all….

  Jim didn’t trust himself to say a quick good night to her inside, so he kissed her in the shadows on the front steps and watched until she had disappeared indoors. Once he was certain that she was safe, he left, eagerly anticipating their time together the following day.

  Delight was halfway up the stairs when Martin came out of his dimly lighted study.

  “So, you finally got home,” he sneered.

  She wanted to go on up to bed but his next words stopped her.

  “You bitch! All the while I thought you were so pure, you were giving it away to Westlake like a common slut!”

  “Martin, we have nothing to say to each other. I’m going to bed.” Delight was frightened, for she knew Martin wouldn’t be so openly bold unless her mother had long since retired for the night.

  “I’ll wager, from the look of you, that you just got out of bed,” he said caustically, and he let his gaze run over her knowingly.

  Delight gasped at his crudity and ran on up the steps as the sound of his mocking laughter followed her. She didn’t feel protected again until she had bolted the door behind her.

  Martin listened to her rapid running footsteps and smiled widely. The little whore…soon he would be the one receiving the comforts she could give. A mental image of himself lying between Delight’s legs and pounding into her submissive body sent a surge of heat through him, and he extinguished the lamp in the study before making his way quietly up to the third floor and Sue.

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  “What are your plans for the day?” Clara asked Delight as they relaxed together over breakfast.

  “Jim’s taking me for a ride in the country.”

  “You’ve certainly got the perfect day for it; the weather’s warmed up a bit.”

  “Spring’s almost here, and I’m glad. I’ve had enough of cold weather and snow.”

  “I think everyone begins to feel that way this time of year,” Clara smiled. Then, looking up at the sound of footsteps, she greeted her husband. “Good morning, darling. Did you sleep well?” She had been aware that Martin had come to bed late, so she had not awakened him when she got up.

  “Just fine, Clara.” Martin came to her side and kissed her cheek before joining them at the table. “Delight, you look lovely this morning.”

  “Thank you,” Delight murmured, wanting to avoid all contact with this hateful man.

  “Are you going out again today?” he asked. The undercurrent between them was antagonistic, but Clara seemed not to notice.

  “Yes, I have plans with Jim,” Delight said shortly.

  “I hope you don’t find yourself too bored when he leaves later this week.” Though his words were spoken conversationally, the expression in his eyes was hard.

  “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” She refused to let herself be drawn into an exchange with him. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s time I started getting ready.”

  “Of course, dear. You go right ahead.”

  Martin watched her go, his gaze lingering on the sway of her hips as she left the room. With an effort, he turned his attention to his wife, who was sitting patiently across the table from him.

  “She’s become quite a woman, hasn’t she?” Clara remarked obliquely.

  “Yes, Delight has grown up.” Martin did not want to discuss Delight with Clara.

  Delight made her way hurriedly up to her room. She was eager to be gone from this house and Martin’s obnoxious presence…

  With Rose’s help, she donned a comfortable daygown suitable for a trip in the country. When she heard Jim’s buggy pull up, she went down to meet him.

  “Good morning.” Delight’s smile was bright as she looked at the handsome man who would soon be her husband.

  “Good morning, love.” His voice was deep with affection as he kissed her cheek. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes, just let me get my cloak…” Putting on the wrap, she said good-bye to her mother and Martin.

  “Have a good time,” Clara called as they disappeared out the door. Turning back to Martin, she was surprised to find him staring out the front window. “Is something wrong, Martin?”

  “No,” he denied quickly, hiding the rage he was experiencing behind the facade of easy grace he’d perfected. “I was just watching them drive away.”

  “Would you like to go for an outing in the country today?” she suggested, hoping that they could spend some time alone together and just enjoy each other’s company. It seemed as if they’d had little time to themselves since her illness.

 
; “No, not today,” he answered curtly. “I have some work I need to catch up on…” Without another word, he strode from the room, leaving Clara to stare thoughtfully after him.

  Wade handed the missive to the young lieutenant. “See that this is delivered to Captain Clayton right away.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Report back to me.”

  He smiled as he watched the soldier rush to do his bidding. Rank did have its privileges. Then, frowning in thought, he leaned back in his desk chair. As soon as he had word that Mark had reported for his unexpected duty, he would head for the Westlakes to see Dorrie.

  Wade didn’t have to wait long, for the lieutenant was prompt in returning with the news that the message had been delivered, and it was only a few minutes later that an outraged Mark Clayton showed up.

  “What is the meaning of this, MacIntosh?” he stormed.

  “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean,” Wade answered coolly.

  “These sudden orders for me to report for duty. I’m scheduled to be off all day today.”

  “Sorry about that, Captain, but your ser vices are needed here,” Wade informed him coldly.

  “MacIntosh…”

  “That’s Major MacIntosh to you, Captain, and don’t ever forget it again. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I have a social call to make…” Smiling wolfishly at Mark, Wade got his hat and left.

  Feeling totally frustrated, Mark stalked to the window to watch Wade ride away.

  “We have to make one more stop before we go for our ride,” Jim told Delight as they rode away from her home.

  “Oh? Where’s that?”

  “To pick up our chaperone,” he grinned.

  “Our chaperone?” She was taken by surprise. She had hoped to spend the entire day in some country hideaway making love to Jim; so the news of someone’s joining them did not sit well with her.

  “I think you’ll like him.”

  “Him?” Now she was intrigued.

  “I stopped by to see Marshall for a few minutes this morning, and Renee gave me a very stern lecture on your reputation and how I needed to protect you from unsavory gossip. So, we put our heads together and came up with the idea of a chaperone.”