by Rebecca King
Luke instinctively shied away from the very thought of what could have happened to her if he hadn’t found her in the park. Somehow he suspected that Clarence hadn’t been expecting Poppy to return to the house that morning. He just didn’t know how he could tell Poppy that. The man was, after all, her father.
“I don’t know,” Luke sighed. “I think that matters will unfold in time.”
“Not too much longer, I hope. I want to get this over and done with,” she replied sadly.
Luke sympathised. “We need to question either Clarence, or one of his associates, but until one of them surfaces and we can get our hands on them, we will carry on as normal.” He didn’t add that she wouldn’t be left alone, especially now that Clarence was outside. “There is more I need to tell you about my meeting with Peter, but for now please don’t worry. I am here, and shall not allow anything to happen to you.”
He had never meant anything so much in his life.
“There is something you are not telling me, isn’t there?” Poppy slumped into a chair wearily when Luke nodded.
“Clarence has a mistress, Poppy. I think it is that woman in the coaching inn. Peter said she has a son, but nobody knows if it is Clarence’s son.” He closed his eyes when he heard her gasp. “I think it is safe to assume that there is no creditor. That park meeting was a set up to get you to hand the money over to Helena’s son. It is a way of getting money off you, or Peter, without you being aware that Clarence has it.”
“Did he intend to abandon me, do you think?”
Luke hated to do it but he had to nod. “I think so. He knew Peter would never loan him that kind of money, or anything really because of the bad blood that lay between them so he had to send you. However, he didn’t want you to keep the money. A woman in London is very vulnerable, especially without the means with which to support herself.”
Poppy battled tears as the weight of her father’s ultimate betrayal sank in. She shouldn’t be surprised to find the selfish ingrate she had spent too many years trying to get to like her was so calculating.
“Peter wants you to keep the money. When Clarence is out of the way, he wants you to go and see him before you make any decisions about what to do with your future.” Luke declared, glad that his colleagues had given them a few moments alone to discuss matters privately. “I do, however, want you to consider our relationship.”
“What do you mean?” Poppy whispered. She suspected that her heart was in her eyes but she couldn’t help herself.
“I ruined you, Poppy. Not only that but I didn’t take the proper precautions to prevent a child.” He couldn’t prevent a soft smile from curving his lips at the thought of Poppy carrying his child. The idea thrilled him; to the point that he fervently hoped it was a reality. “I want you think about staying here with me once Clarence has been dealt with. We need to spend some time together, Poppy so we can discuss making this a permanent arrangement.”
“Pardon? You want me to stay in this safe house permanently?”
Luke mentally winced when he realised how stiff and formal he sounded and shook his head. He was really thinking aloud, mentally plotting his argument in case she refused to marry him. When he realised just how idiotic he had just sounded he sighed and kissed the back of her hands.
“I want you to think about marrying me. After what we have shared there really cannot be any other outcome between us,” Luke declared quietly. He felt her jerk at the mention of marriage, but refused to back down. “Think about it. I am not rich like your cousin, Peter. However, I am no pauper either. I have a house of my own in Hertfordshire, and can furnish you with a comfortable life without worry or fear of deceit. I won’t lie to you, or take a mistress.”
Poppy wasn’t quite sure what to say. She hadn’t expected profuse declarations of affection. They barely knew each other after all, in spite of what they had shared physically. But his suggestion sounded more like a business arrangement than a mutual meeting of souls. She knew her heart belonged to him now, especially given everything they had shared so intimately. After what he had just said though, he clearly didn’t feel the same. A small part of her, deep within the centre of her chest began to ache fiercely, and she felt the telltale sting of tears that she had to blink away before she did something stupid, like bawl all over him.
“I will think about it,” she declared quietly, more hurt than she cared to admit.
Luke sensed there was something amiss but couldn’t make his mind up what it was.
She must be worried about Clarence. Yes, maybe that is it, he mused.
In spite of his reservations, he nodded and pushed away from the table. In the end, although he knew he should give her some time to consider what he had just said, he just couldn’t leave her, not when she looked so worried.
“I know what you are thinking,” he whispered as he drew her into his arms.
“You do?” she replied in a voice that was just as husky as his. She remained perfectly still while his head moved closer to hers and she voiced no objection when his lips captured her sigh. It was several minutes before he finally lifted his head and rested his forehead against hers.
“There are men in the group who are married, with children, and are extremely happy. Once they married, they set up home and now travel to help with the investigations. They mostly work in the locale they reside in as sort of local Star Elite. They work closely with magistrates and investigate more local crimes, using the populace they live amongst to help them. It works for them and enables the men to live happy family lives. Why, some of my very close friends have married in the last year alone, and settled down without any problems whatsoever.”
“So you wouldn’t have to sacrifice your work to have a life?” She didn’t know what she was asking for really. She loved him, but did he love her? She couldn’t consider marriage without his love, but how did she find out what he felt for her? She could hardly ask him outright. Although his apparent willingness to marry was wonderful, she couldn’t help herself wanting something - well – more from him. Perplexed, all she could do was remain silent.
“I would sacrifice anything to be with the woman I love,” he replied honestly. In fact, if he had to make a choice between spending his days chasing his own children around in the garden, or in the shadows watching criminals, it would be a foolish man indeed who would live a shadow of a life, and Luke was no fool.
When his words registered on her, she jumped back in her seat and stared at him in shock. “You are in a relationship with someone?” She touched her still throbbing lips in stunned disbelief.
“Yes,” he replied with a smile. “You. Consider this a relationship as of now, and one thing you should know about me is that I am very, very possessive.” His gaze locked with hers and he watched her absorb his meaning.
“You are?” She murmured, delighted.
“Very,” he whispered.
She smiled at him, thrilled that he might truly care for her after all.
Luke’s lips quirked, and he dipped his head for a very loving kiss. They were still kissing when Barnaby sauntered into the house nearly half an hour later.
“Oops, sorry,” he mumbled but made no attempt to leave.
“It’s alright,” Luke replied. Although he lifted his head, he didn’t relinquish his hold on her. “What do you know?”
Poppy stared at him, inwardly thrilled at the new direction her association with Luke had just taken but a little abashed at the public nature of the affection. She felt a little wanton if she was honest, but then was equally thrilled by his blatant display of affection in front of his friends. He didn’t seem to care that his colleagues and friends saw how intimate their relationship was. It went some way toward convincing her that he had meant everything he had said. Still, she was awed and slightly humbled by the knowledge that he would be prepared to sacrifice his work for a life with her. Did that mean he loved her though? Could she really be that lucky?
Barnaby helped himself to some wine, p
oured Luke and Poppy some, and settled his hips against the dresser as he spoke. “Marcus has followed the accomplice. There was nobody out back. I think Clarence left when Toby saw him.”
Poppy looked down at the mention of the young pick-pocket and fought a smile. “You need to make sure you get it back off him.”
“What?”
She nodded to his empty vest. “It’s gone.”
Luke stared down at the spot where he knew his fob watch had still been resting when he had entered the house earlier. “What the devil?” he frowned and began to search the kitchen.
“He must have taken it as he left,” she murmured.
“He can’t have done,” Luke grumbled. “I touched it as I came through the door so I know it was there. I would have felt him tug at my waistcoat.”
Her smile grew when a jaunty series of knocks rapped on the door. Luke yanked it open and growled when he saw the young boy on the doorstep, his fob watch swinging from one fist.
“Heaven’s above boy, you really are something,” Luke growled as he snatched it off him.
Toby handed it over with a grin. “You just don’t learn boss,” he declared holding his hand out.
“What?”
“One penny please, I have a surprise for you,” Toby replied obliquely.
Luke sighed and handed him a penny. “What do you have?”
“The watcher went to a house in Canary Wharf. Its lodgings mainly but he went into number five, Tobacco Road. He is there with some woman.”
“Did they see you?” Luke asked, clapping the boy on the shoulder in delight. He handed the lad another shilling to go with the monetary prize and shook his head in disbelief at the speed the lad could work.
“Nah. He is an amateur. I’ve gotta go. I’ve got work to do.”
Before Luke could say anything else, the youngster raced off down the side of the house and disappeared from sight.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
A week later, Poppy was going quietly out of her mind with boredom. Everyone seemed to have something to do but her and the lack of things to hold her interest left her feeling fretful and restless. She had nothing to do with her day except worry about Luke’s safety. While his bruises had almost healed completely, the dark shadows on his skin were a constant reminder of the dangers he faced. She worried about him from the moment he left the house to the second he returned. While it was nice to be able to spend some time with Luke, and get to know him, he was in and out of the house just as frequently as everyone else. On the occasions when they were able to spend some time together all he had to do was smile at her and draw her into his arms, and his kisses swiftly turned into considerably more. They had yet to have a full conversation outside of the bedroom.
A secret smile curved her lips. She wasn’t worried about it. She rather liked the fact that neither of them seemed able to keep their hands off each other. In fact, the desperation in their love making always left her stunned, well loved, and blissfully happy. He was always just as eager as she was to make the most of their time alone. Unfortunately, he had his investigation with his colleagues to focus on as well whereas she didn’t.
She folded the wiping cloth and placed it on the freshly scrubbed kitchen table. The entire house had been cleaned, the laundry washed, cooking done, and she was still bored. She was contemplating whether to scrub the kitchen floor again when Luke suddenly walked in.
“Hello,” he murmured with a grin.
“You look tired,” she murmured gently as she eyed the dark smudges beneath his eyes. She settled into his arms and kissed his chin.
“I am,” he replied but didn’t look in the least bit regretful about it. “No regrets?”
“Other than the fact that I am bored out of my mind?” she groused with a frown.
“You need something to do?” he asked teasingly. Before she could reply he dropped a teasing kiss on her lips that rendered her helpless to do anything except cling to his broad shoulders and return the caress.
An hour later, they lay replete beneath the covers in Poppy’s room. Luke held her close while their bodies cooled, and absently played with the gentle curls of her hair while he considered the last several days. It never ceased to amaze him just how right she felt beside him and, as far as he was concerned, making her his wife was just a matter of time. However, he was also aware that there was the issue of Peter’s news to deal with first, because that had an effect on how Poppy saw her relationship with him.
“Have you had any thoughts about going to visit my house in Hertfordshire once Clarence has been dealt with?” he drawled. Although he tried to remain relaxed, he tensed as he waited for her to reply.
“I would love to,” she replied with a smile. “Although I don’t know how we can go about dealing with Clarence. I have to say that the last few days have gone terribly quiet. I cannot help wondering why.”
“I don’t doubt he will appear at some point. We will be ready when he does.” Luke rolled over until he was facing her. He didn’t want to talk about Clarence right now and looked deep into her eyes while he searched for a way to change the subject. In the end he realised that a more direct route was the best way of resolving the doubts that were now starting to plague him.
“Clarence calling by again is just a matter of time. Then we will get this matter dealt with so we can move on with our lives. However, after what we have shared over the last several days, I fully expect our futures to lie together. I won’t stand for you trying to go back to Cumbria. The house belonged to your mother, according to Peter. That made it Clarence’s upon their marriage. It is therefore his house to sell and means that even if you go all the way back there; the house is no longer there for you to go back to. It is just my opinion you understand, but I think you may be just opening up old wounds by returning. I think it would be best if we just started completely afresh and visited Hertfordshire. If you like it, then we can call that our home.”
“You make it sound so permanent,” she whispered. Deep inside she was still stunned at the strength of the desire that flowed between them, but there was still the very important problem that he hadn’t yet declared how he felt for her.
“When you first gave yourself to me we made it permanent. I won’t have it any other way, Poppy. I thought you knew that.”
“You have been nothing but kind and protective since the day we first met in the park. I just don’t want you to feel obliged to continue to look after me. After Clarence, I don’t want to be any man’s burden,” she whispered.
“God, Poppy, how can you think that? I don’t make a habit of sleeping with the women I am supposed to protect.” He dropped a kiss on her lips. “In fact, I can honestly say that you are the very first, and most definitely will be the last. You are mine, Poppy Cleghorne, and don’t you forget it.”
Poppy sighed. “I love you,” she whispered, unable to hold the words back.
“Thank the Lord for that,” he replied huskily. He felt as though she had just handed him the moon and couldn’t prevent the delighted smile that suffused his features.
“Really?”
“Really,” he declared firmly. “I love you too.”
Poppy jerked and leaned back to look at him hopefully. “You do?”
“Of course I do,” he whispered. “Very much. Poppy, marry me,” he burst out.
Poppy opened her mouth to speak but before she could reply was interrupted by a knock on the front door.
Luke groaned and contemplated ignoring it for a moment. Unfortunately, the persistent pounding of the heavy thumps didn’t pause.
“Wait there,” he ordered as he gathered his clothing up. Tugging on his clothes, he stormed out of the room and stomped down the stairs. He was so busy thinking over what he was going to say to Poppy to get her to say yes that he yanked the front door open before he thought to check who was outside. He realised all too late who was on the doorstep and tried to slam the door closed but was too late to prevent the intruder from storming into the house.
The gun pointed at his nose was enough for Luke to comply. He didn’t speak as he took several steps backward and prayed that Poppy would have the good sense to remain upstairs out of sight so he could deal with matters as swiftly and brutally as necessary. He didn’t need an introduction to know exactly who the intruders were.
“I wondered when you were going to turn up,” he growled. He threw the man holding the gun, the accomplice, a dark look before he turned his attention once more to Poppy’s sire.
“Poppy, get out here,” Clarence shouted. “I want a word with you.”
Luke sighed. There was nothing he could do to prevent the forthcoming confrontation so was left with no choice but wait for her to join them.
“Poppy,” he called again when she didn’t appear quickly enough to suit him.
Luke suspected she was busy getting dressed, but made no attempt to hurry her along. When she did appear in the doorway she thankfully moved to stand directly behind Luke, partly shielded from the direct aim of the wicked-looking pistol the accomplice pointed at them.
“Yes, me, darling daughter,” Clarence snarled at her. “I didn’t realise you had a lover,” he added with a nod toward Luke.
“Leave her alone,” Luke growled.
“Protective aren’t we?” Clarence drawled.
Luke nodded to the assailant. “You are relying on this oaf to do your dirty work for you Clarence?” he asked in disbelief. “If you are then you are even more of a fool than I took you for.”
“Oh, I am no fool,” Clarence replied lifting his own gun for Luke to see. “I suppose she has poured her sorry sob story out to you, eh? The wastrel father and the poor, put-upon daughter.” Clarence ran his scornful gaze up and down Poppy as he spoke with every ounce of hatred he felt for her written in his eyes.
“I have merely told the truth,” Poppy snapped. The sight of the guns filled her with absolute horror, especially given what had happened the other night, and one was now pointed at Luke. Determined not to allow him to see just how terrified she was, she bravely tipped her chin up and stared down her nose at the man she least wanted to see.
