Mason scooped her into his arms as her knees went soft. “For fuck’s sake, Damon. You need not have done it. She’d have told you everything.”
Damon shrugged with a tilt of his head. “Perhaps. But this was quicker and a lot more informative.” A teasing smile then crossed his lips. “Now I know why you’re so fond of your little pet. I may have to borrow her.”
Lilly held onto Mason to keep him from lunging at Damon, dread filling her. “Leave it, Mason. Please.” She could feel matters teetering on the edge, and she’d not be able to endure any more pain or punishment.
Damon paid Mason’s anger no heed. “You’ve had precious little control over this situation, Mason, so I’m making Nelson the lead investigator. You’ll now be answering to him.”
Mason’s hands balled into fist. “Nelson? The man’s a blackguard. You think he’ll have better luck finding Jack Torrington?”
“Just be grateful I’m not pulling you from the case entirely. You’ve had your chance, but I’m afraid you’re…distracted and we cannot afford to have another body turn up dead. Think me wrong? Then prove it.”
“You think I won’t?”
“I think matters are more complicated than they appear. A quick word, if you would.” Before leaving the room with Mason, Damon tipped his head in Lilly’s direction, making her suppress a shudder. “It was a pleasure, my dear.”
***
Lilly held onto her glass of brandy as if it were the one thing keeping her from crumbling. Her body had yet to stop shaking, despite Mason enveloping her in the protective comfort of his arms. Every cherished memory, her most intimate moments—they had each been violated. She’d yet to shed a tear, but felt like a glass poured to the very rim and ready to overflow at any moment.
She took a swallow of the amber liquid. As the burning heat worked its way down her throat, she thanked the gods she could still get drunk. When she spoke, her voice sounded harsh from the spirits, and she inwardly cursed its unsteadiness. “What did Damon want to speak to you about?”
Lilly wondered if Damon had caught glimpses of her daughter in her memories, and it was the reason he’d pulled Mason aside. She did not care if Mason thought ill of her getting pregnant out of wedlock, but it wasn’t something she wanted to discuss, the subject still painful. Even worse was her fear that the Elders might punish her daughter for any trouble she caused.
“He reminded me that my position as chancellor is on the line if I don’t continue to cooperate with the investigation.”
Although she was relieved to know nothing was said of Emma, she worried she was partly responsible for Mason’s troubles. “So what will you do about Nelson?”
She felt Mason shrug, before he leaned in to kiss the top of her head. “Do not worry yourself, love. I’m still on the case, even if that arse is in charge. He’ll have no better luck.”
Perhaps if she’d been more honest about what she’d seen, both of them could have been spared. “I’m sorry if I’ve been the cause of your problems. I should have told you everything I saw of the murder.”
“Yes. You should have.” He sighed. “And I’ve no doubt you would have eventually. As for Nelson, he’s always falling over himself to get in the Elders’ good graces, and I’ve no doubt he’s been whispering in Damon’s ear. Unfortunately, this case is the perfect stage for his little act. The women’s deaths have too great a consequence for time to not be of the utmost importance, even if Jack has been difficult to find. The last thing we need is for him to continue on this rampage.”
Lilly went through the memory of Jack holding the bloody knife as he sliced into that poor woman’s body. How could she still think him innocent? With all that she’d discovered, especially with regard to his omissions, she questioned who exactly she was defending. The man she had once loved warred with a Jack she did not recognize, and the stranger was winning.
Mason emptied his glass and set it aside, before pulling her in close again. She thought about putting some distance between them, but truth be told, it was the last thing she wanted to do. She found Mason’s company comforting even if she worried she’d grown too attached to him since this mess began. It’d be reason enough to push Mason away, for she knew it would be far too easy to lose her heart to him—and far too easy for him to break it. For now though, she set aside the thought, and vowed to keep him at arm’s length in the future.
“Listen, love… now more than ever, I need your full cooperation. We need to find Jack so this can be over with. Nelson’s a ruthless bastard, and if he thinks you’re holding back information—even if you’re not—I don’t know that I’ll be able to protect you. You must tell me everything you saw today. ‘Tis imperative.”
She still could not shake the feeling of Damon inside her head. Weariness settled into her bones, and after the day’s events, all she wanted was to crawl under the covers and sleep for a week.
“I promise to tell you everything, but can it please wait? My head still feels like it was cleaved in two, and I do not think I could bear it.” She turned to look at him, silently pleading for some mercy. She knew he was angry and frustrated after all that had occurred, but hoped Mason would set aside his role as chancellor just this once. “I’m just exhausted.” It mattered not that it was barely noon.
He ran a finger down her cheek, his eyes searching her face. “You’ve been through a lot today. I guess it can wait until you’ve had some rest.”
“Thank you.” She knew it went against his role as chancellor, and she truly appreciated it.
He looked at her innocently, though it soon became apparent that it was anything but. “I’m happy to escort you home, but then again, there is a perfectly good bed in my sleeping chambers. It’d be a pity to drag you into the city when you’re already so tired.”
Lilly shook her head, and despite everything—despite Damon, despite the murder—a smile tugged at her lips. “You’re unbelievable, Mason.”
He gave her a shrug, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “You cannot blame a man for trying, love. It’s been a month since you last shared your bed with me, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s a month too long.” The spark was then replaced with annoyance. “Frankly, I could use the distraction. Left to my own devices, I’ll likely find Nelson and put a fist through his face.”
She scoffed. “It’s nice to know I’m no more than a pleasant diversion from your troubles.”
She knew not why she should be annoyed, when she’d used him in a similar fashion often enough. And yet things felt different between as of late.
“I hadn’t thought you were looking for anything more. You’ve repeatedly made that much clear lest I mistake your affections for anything more than what you intended.” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear and brushed her lips with a kiss. “Have things changed, love?”
Had they? She knew not. She sat up and out of his arms. “I’m exhausted, Mason. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to go home.”
“Lilly… stay. I promise I’ll not bother your rest. Truth is I’m rather tired myself, and would sleep better if I had you to hold in my arms.”
Though he looked sincere, Lilly wasn’t so sure. Then again, she was too tired to really care. “Sleep, Mason. Do you understand me?”
When a sly smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, she knew his next words were nothing but a lie. “Of course, love. Sleep and sleep alone.”
***
Lilly awoke nestled in Mason’s arms, his strong muscular form wrapping her in comfort and, most importantly, safety. Though Mason had not been able to keep Damon from violating her memories, he had tried. For once, his role as chancellor had not come first.
It left her wondering why. Had his feelings for her changed? And if they had, could she trust them to remain true for long?
Her heart fluttered a thready pulse as a slow realization washed over her. It would be a grave mistake to fall in love him, and yet she now found herself heading down that very slippery slope.
It was t
he reason she had not taken him to her bed until somewhat recently, despite knowing him since she first became a reaper. Perhaps it had been a mistake to do so, for she knew full well what he was like as chancellor.
So how could she have been so daft as to let her feelings for him get out of hand? The thought of falling in love with Mason, especially when he had something to prove to the Elders, sent a bolt of panic through her. He was a man who put his self preservation above all else and certainly not a man she could trust with her heart, even if he was the one person who could distract her from her past. For truth be told, there were few who quickened her pulse like Mason did—whether it be in frustration or passion.
The feeling of comfort and security that she’d felt while wrapped in his arms now gave way to a feeling of flight. She was certain that if she stayed to be wooed by his charms, she would be unable to keep her heart safe and her life sane—a battle she was already fighting hard to keep from losing.
With nothing between them but the thin cotton of her shift, his muscular form and warm embrace were too great a temptation. Trying not to wake him, Lilly slowly started to slip away, when he awoke and pulled her close against him with a sigh of contentment.
“Did you sleep well?” He nuzzled her while he spoke, his hand sliding across her belly and tightening his hold on her, their bodies pressed together.
As the heat of wanton desire sparked within her, so did her panic. Without a second thought, she sat up out of his arms and hopped out of bed, the only light coming from the fireplace.
Mason sat up, propped on his elbows, confusion lining his face. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I have reaps I need to get to. Just like we cannot have lives cut short before their time, we also cannot have people walking this earth past theirs.” She stepped into her underpinnings and then fastened her skirt.
“I told Pierce to take care of your reaps while we work on finding Jack.” He patted the empty spot near him where she lay only minutes earlier. “Come back to bed, love.”
“I cannot laze about all day long.” She had no idea what time it was with the heavy velvet curtains pulled shut to block out the sunlight. It had been nearly noon by the time the Elders left, so she’d hazard the day was creeping towards evening.
“Certainly not all day.” The sarcasm in his voice and the smirk on his face left her glaring at him.
She picked up her blouse by the shoulders and gave it a quick snap to straighten out the fabric before putting it on. While she did up the buttons she turned her attention back to Mason. “You surprise me, Mason.”
“And why’s that, love?” He slid out of bed and stepped to her side. Having him so close when he was half naked made her wonder if she could stay determined.
She crossed her arms before her chest, fortifying her defenses. “Is there not a murderer to catch? Or are you going to let Nelson take care of the matter?”
His gaze hardened. “Is that what you think of me? That I’m incapable of doing my job and I’m better off leaving it to Nelson?”
“Of course not, you fool. But I cannot believe you’re just going to lie in bed all day when there are women being murdered and mutilated.”
Anger sparked behind those hazel eyes before mellowing with a certain realization. When he spoke, his voice held no edge. “Why the sudden change, love? What is it you’re avoiding? For I cannot think looking for Jack would be anything but a distraction—and one you know I’ll not resist. You’re baiting me, and I want to know why.”
“Baiting you?” She laughed, though to her own ears it sounded shrill and panicked, knowing it was the truth and she was doing a poor job of masking it. She could not fall for him. And any time spent in his arms, rather than dealing with business, did nothing but weaken her defenses. “You make it sound like one of your Machiavellian schemes.”
“Then why the sudden interest in catching Jack?” He ran a finger down her cheek, his skin hot against hers. “I’m not daft, love.”
“Do you really think I want Jack left to Nelson? What chance for fairness would he have then?” Though it was nothing more than a way to cover up her feelings, it was also true. “And what of those poor women? I’ll not stand around and do nothing while innocent women are being brutally hacked to bits.”
“Lilly…” Mason shook his head and linked his fingers with hers. “How long have we known each other?”
She sighed in frustration and inwardly cursed herself for not being a better liar. “Ten years, and that’s ten too many.”
“And I’d hope that in those ten years you’d trust me enough to speak your mind and tell me if something’s bothering you.” He cupped her cheek and kissed her forehead. “What has you looking so worried?”
“Are you saying I shouldn’t be worried with Nelson now in charge of this investigation? With holes being torn into the fabric of fate?”
“Come then. Let’s go find Jack if it’ll set your mind at ease.”
***
“That’s your plan?” Lilly pulled away from him, as the carriage took them into London. Jack would be incensed. “We cannot go and see his family.”
“I don’t see why not. If he’s been there, he’ll have left his essence, and if not, I suspect he’ll know we’ve paid them a visit. Perhaps it’ll draw him out.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “Visiting Jack’s family will do more than draw him out, Mason. It’ll infuriate him. He’ll take it as a threat from you and the Elders.”
“As he should.” He pinned her with a stare, his hands clasping hers in a tight grip. “Lilly, the only reason any of us are here is because the Elders allow it. Forget that, and it’ll be your demise. I’d have thought that much was made clear this morning. Have you already forgotten?”
A cold shiver traveled down her spine as he spoke each word. “I’ve not forgotten, but visiting his family seems so extreme.”
“Less extreme measures have failed, my love. You wanted to go find him, and that’s what we’re doing.” He settled back in his seat, shaking his head. “I don’t understand you at times.”
“Perhaps that’s for the best.” She also sat back, but kept her distance. They rode the rest of the way in silence with her thoughts as her only companion—and a poor companion at that. When the carriage pulled to a stop, she reluctantly let Mason help her out onto the street.
“Try your best to not look like you despise me, love.” Before she could protest, he kissed her cheek and tucked her arm in the crook of his elbow.
Taking the stone steps to a large oak door, Lilly was impressed with the neighborhood and the home. She couldn’t help but wonder if Jack once lived here with his family, or if it belonged to the new husband.
When the footman answered the door, Mason gave him his calling card and cast a bit of glamour. “I’d like to speak with Mrs. Ana Chester.”
“Yes, sir. Please have a seat while I summon her.” The footman escorted them to the sitting room.
Typical of the day’s fashions, the décor was elaborate and busy. Cut crystal vases held a riot of summer flowers. The large mirror above the marble fireplace was gilded in gold, with the sofa and chairs covered in a butter yellow brocade. Pillows and figurines were present in abundance as were the paintings hung on every wall.
Mason wandered around the room, his head cocked to the side as if trying to sense something. “Do you feel it, Lilly? He’s been here.”
She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment to concentrate on the energies of the room. Mason was right, even if the energy was faint. “Visiting his wife doesn’t mean he murdered that woman, and I doubt we’ll find him hiding behind the curtains or under the bed.”
Mason let out a low laugh, but bit back his retort when the door opened and a woman in her fifties entered. Lilly felt a slight pang, for the woman before her was quite lovely and rather exotic in her coloring. It made Jack’s pain all the more real to see what he’d been forced to leave behind. Lilly could only imagine how beautiful she must have been
in her youth when Jack married her.
“May I help you?” Ana’s gown was of a fine linen in pale blue, which accentuated the amber of her eyes and her golden complexion. Though the cut was rather conservative, the styling was recent and likely cost a modest sum.
Mason gave her a slight bow of the head. “I’m sorry to disturb you this late into the evening, but I have a few questions I must ask.”
Ana’s eyes glazed over as Mason cast a glamour. “Has your dead husband visited you?”
“Mason.” Lilly was shocked he’d ask such a question, however, Ana nodded.
“Yes. Lately. He often visits me in my dreams. And though he does not look the same, I know without a doubt it is him.” A smile came to her lips as she recalled the memories.
“Can you feel him touch you? As if he is there in the same room with you?” Mason was soft spoken as he pulled the information he wanted from her.
Jack - A Grim Reaper Romance Page 8
