What the Earl Desires

by Burke, Aliyah

  “No one will hurt you again,” he vowed. “They would first have to get through me.”

  Pug brushed some hair back from his face and nodded in understanding. A nod that Colin returned before he departed the room. Berry met him in the entrance hall.

  “My lord, the boy--”

  “Stays. Have a more suitable room readied for him. And employ a tutor.”

  A pleased grin lifted Berry’s lips. “The paperwork?”

  “Yes. Take care of it for me, Berry.”

  “Right away, my lord. Also, Captain Bottomley arrived.” Colin opened his mouth only to snap it shut when Berry continued, “I put him in your study with food and drink.”

  He clapped Berry on the back. “What would I do without you?”

  With a light step, he strode to his waiting friend. Captain Royce Bottomley and he had become friends during some battles. Royce was in the army and had been transported with his regiment on Colin’s ship. Their instant bond had only grown. He had not seen Royce in a few years.

  Opening the door, he said, “Royce!”

  “Colin,” the response came, the voice more rasped than before. “It has been a while.”

  “Too long.”

  He walked briskly toward the man who rose from the chair and faced him. The change in the man so great he almost missed a step. Gone was the stalwart man who appeared capable of battling--and defeating--the devil himself. In his place stood one who had seen too much and lost even more. Sunken in brown eyes overflowed with pain, gaunt features, and a body that had been undernourished. Royce’s cloak hung off his frame, almost engulfing him.

  Colin embraced his friend and felt one hand tentatively on his back in return before the men broke apart. Needing a moment, Colin went and poured himself a drink. Then he turned and proceeded to a chair by the fire where he sat. Royce followed suit.

  “What is going on, Royce?” he asked concerned for his friend. “No offense, but you look like hell.”

  “Not much use for an ex-Army officer with only one arm.” His remark fell with disturbing eeriness.

  “Damn. When?”

  “Africa. A few years ago. Look, I know you have your own things with your recent familial losses but you always said to come to you if…” He trailed off and hung his head. “I feel disgusted with myself for even thinking of asking.” Royce got to his feet. “I will see myself out.”

  “Royce, sit down. I meant what I said and if you are looking for work I could use your help. It would not be here in London but in the country. Some of my shipments have been getting hijacked. You know strategy and could teach some men to better defend themselves.”

  Hope sparked in those otherwise lost eyes. “I have three other men from my old regiment.” It was almost a question.

  Colin didn’t even hesitate. “Of course. I will send a carriage for them. Once they arrive, we can discuss things in more detail.”

  Gratitude filled Royce’s eyes and they shone with unshed tears. He never said a word just inclined his head.

  Archer had Royce relaxing in a room while a coach went out to gather his other three men. While that happened, Colin sat in his study and thought about his business in Huntingdonshire. Royce and his men could be just the answer he sought.

  Late that night, Berry tracked him down. Colin sat alone before the fire and glanced up when Berry sat opposite him. No words were spoken as Berry poured himself a drink and swallowed it quickly.

  “Captain and his men are all settled in,” Berry said after a while.

  “Excellent.”

  Berry rolled his shoulders and shifted in the chair. “They had been living on the streets.” Berry shook his head and stretched out, his own eyes drifted closed. “I do not understand, Commander. These men fought for the Crown. How are they treated like this?”

  Exactly what he’d been thinking. “I have no idea, Berry. But it makes me think there is a good chance there are more ex-soldiers and naval men who have fallen on difficult times. We might be able to help some.”

  “Hard to see men in such a situation, especially ones you have fought alongside.”

  Colin agreed. “Tomorrow we can see if there is more we can do.”

  “Aye, Commander,” Berry said getting to his feet and leaving. His limp even more pronounced than usual.

  Where would Berry be now had he not come with him? Would he be on the street not knowing where his next meal would come from? Or if it would come at all.

  Colin stared into the flames, drifting off. He jumped when a hand touched his shoulder. He peered up to see Berry there.

  “The men will be up soon, my lord. Thought you might like to bathe before you meet them over breakfast.”

  He’d fallen asleep in front of the fire. With a groan, he got to his feet and stretched. “Lead the way.”

  Time passed and he fell into bed exhausted each night only to rise and do it all over again the following day. Pug had settled and things were shaping up for Captain Royce and his men to head out to begin working for him. In fact they would be leaving at the latest in two days time. All was ready, he just kept putting it off. He wanted to go along but he needed to ensure he kept his promise to Najja and check on Jo daily. At the same time he wished to accompany the men and settle them in.

  A knock at the door had him call out. “Enter.”

  Archer approached with a sealed note on the silver platter. “Message for you, my lord.”

  “Thank you, Archer.” He found himself hesitating a second before reaching for it. Breaking the wax seal he unfolded the paper and read.

  Thank you for watching over them

  Najja. She had returned. He almost rose to go see her, the need that strong. Forcing it down, he slid the note into a drawer and locked it then pocketed the key. Momentarily, he hesitated but knew he no longer had to put off leaving. Najja, delight that she was, would have to wait. He strode from the room calling out orders. Within an hour, he was in his carriage with Salvage tied to the back and another coach following that carried Royce and his men. His country estate their destination.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The smell of hay and horse permeated her nose as she stepped into the stall and wrapped her arms around a horse the color of polished ebony. His small, refined head dipped down and seemed to return her given affection.

  “I have missed you, old friend,” Najja whispered. She would miss him even more when she left. He had to remain behind for Father knew how attached she was to him. It would break her heart to leave him here but at least he would remain alive.

  Fineas whickered and she blinked away tears. His warm body warded off the bitter cold.

  “Shall we?”

  Jo’s query caused her to open her eyes. Her friend held the reins of her own mount. With a silent nod, Najja led Fineas out and swung up on her stallion. Jo did the same and soon after they were headed off into the early afternoon.

  “Is everything okay, Najja?” Jo asked after they’d rode a while in companionable quietness. “You have been withdrawn ever since you and Papa returned. What happened?”

  The trip to Cornwall had been a tense one. If possible she felt more on edge than before. They’d located his long lost love, Elizabeth. She had been cold and reserved but had sworn she had not given Hayworth a thought in years. As for the bracelet, she’d claimed having sold it years past. Hayworth had been appeased.

  Najja had not.

  There had been madness in that woman’s gaze. Insanity. Oh, she had been good at masking it, but a few times her composure had slipped. When it did, Elizabeth exposed Najja to the real woman hidden behind the carefully constructed disguise.

  “Najja?”

  Blinking rapidly, Najja forced a smile. “Just a bit tired is all.”

  Jo narrowed her eyes. “You look tired. Should we go back?”

  “No. I have missed riding Fineas.” She stroked the stallion’s strong neck. “Lead the way.”

  With a joyful tinkling laugh, Jo urged her mount to a faster ga
it, sending up puffs of the powdery snow as they progressed. Najja set Fineas after her and they just rode. She ignored her exhaustion and focused on keeping Jo safe.

  “Oh look, Najja. Colin is home.”

  Jo’s pronouncement sent her stomach into upheaval. Head up, she saw five horses and riders along with a stopped coach. She recognized Salvage even from the distance. Colin conversed with whoever rode in the carriage. The other four men she didn’t know.

  “Jo,” she uttered, a warning leeched into the single word.

  Thankfully, Jo knew her well and slowed enough so they moved side by side. Najja had never longed to run before. She did now. For some reason she didn’t feel strong enough to face Colin. She accepted that was not a viable option and so turned her attention to the other men with Colin. Well, honestly she couldn’t be sure they were with him. They all sat their horses well and presented the bearing of military men.

  The distance between them lessened and suddenly Colin lifted his head and stared at them. At her. Najja felt tingly all over. A slight smile turned up one corner of his mouth. Immediately she wanted to kiss his lips, trail her tongue along the seam of his mouth and let him hold her.

  He sat upright in the saddle and tipped his hat. “Good day, Miss Adrys. I had no idea you had returned to the country.” His gaze never left Najja’s face while he spoke.

  “Hello, Colin,” Jo replied. “We arrived late last night.”

  “Wonderful.” His eye color deepened and his stare roved over her, setting her aflame. “Miss Najja.”

  Swallowing the lump in her throat, she dipped her head. “Lord Clifton.” She could read the displeasure in his gaze but he said nothing aloud.

  “These are friends of mine. Captains Bottomley and Patterson.” He gestured to two of the men. “And Majors Slater and McCutcheon.” His finger pointed out the others.

  “Lovely to meet you, gentlemen,” Jo said.

  Najja noticed all of them were coiled tight as if expecting an imminent attack. Their intensity set her on edge. One lacked an arm and another an eye. Somehow, it made her believe these men were even more dangerous. Or could be. She bet a lot of people underestimated them.

  “And this is Countess Valewood,” Colin said, bringing her attention back to him.

  “My lady,” Jo commented.

  Najja slid her gaze to the woman leaning out the window of the coach. Thin, aristocratic, and beautiful with her thick, red shiny hair and piercing pale brown eyes. It didn’t take a genius to pick up on the way the countess watched Colin. Proprietary. The knowledge soured her stomach and Najja drew upon years of being invisible and emotionless to keep her own personal hell off her face.

  “Awfully young is she not, Colin?” The question was bitter and stung with a lash.

  Najja saw the steel stiffen Jo’s spine and she sent a whispered word to Jo. The defiant tilt of Jo’s chin should have warned her it wouldn’t be that easy. Jo lifted her reins and said, in a haughty tone any royal would be proud of, “Good to see you again, Colin. If you have time I know my father would love to visit with you. Once you finish visiting with your mother…” everyone gasped, however it seemed only Countess Valewood was offended, “…I mean your friend. Come Najja.”

  They rode away and Najja struggled not to laugh.

  “Do not dare say a word, Najja,” Jo ordered on a low hiss of air.

  She couldn’t even open her mouth for fear of laughing so hard she’d lose her seat. When they had made it out of earshot, Najja allowed herself to at least try. Doing her best to contain her laughter, she held up a hand. Jo reined her mount to a halt and met her gaze from beneath her riding hat.

  “I know, I know,” Jo said with exasperation. “She just…argh! I hate England.”

  “You have got to temper your mouth, Jo.”

  Blue eyes flashed with fire. “How come I must and that…that…woman does not?”

  “She has no manners.” When Jo began to encourage her horse to continue on, Najja used Fineas to block them. “Stop giving credibility to the rumors of you being a wild child.”

  Jo lifted her chin and stared down her nose. “What do you know about it?” she snapped. “You do not have to try and fit in for you never will.”

  It was like a knife spearing her in her heart. Najja took a breath before she responded. “My apologies, Miss Adrys. Of course, I have no understanding of what you would be going through. I am sure your parents will be relieved to know you will fit in just fine with the rest of Society.”

  She backed Fineas up and waited for Jo to head on. Her jaw hurt from clenching it so hard and yet the pain in her heart and soul she relished. For it showed her she’d allowed herself to get too emotionally involved with the Adryses.

  “Najja, I did not mean that. Not how it sounded.” Jo’s pleading voice almost cut through the rapidly erected wall around her emotions.

  Meeting Jo’s gaze, Najja blinked and said tonelessly, “It will be dark soon. You should head back.”

  “Can we talk about this, Najja?”

  She didn’t answer, just touched her heels to Fineas. He moved out and Jo’s mount followed. Najja had totally withdrawn into herself by the time they entered the front of Kittle Manor. Lord Adrys waited and Jo ignored him for a moment.

  “Najja, please.”

  Directing her gaze to Hayworth, Najja said, “I will be in my room if you need me.”

  Lord Adrys nodded but stopped her as she headed for the servant’s staircase. “Najja?”

  “My lord?”

  “Is everything okay?”

  Beyond him, she could see Jo staring at her with beseeching eyes. “Fine, my lord.”

  “Will you be joining us for supper?”

  “I will have a tray in my room. Good night.” She walked away, ignoring Jo’s sharp gasp and her father’s subsequent query.

  Najja forwent food altogether that night and instead slid into bed early. The knock came sooner than she’d expected and with slow steps she crawled out of bed and padded to the door where she cracked it open.

  “Yes?”

  Jo stood there, her hands bunching the front of her dress.

  “Can I come in?”

  “I am sorry. I do not feel the best. I will see you in the morning.” She closed the door in Jo’s face and headed back to bed.

  The next week was busy. She saw Colin once when he had arrived for a meal and his branding stare seemed to melt through her icy reserve. Najja took her meal alone in her room that night as well. Jo was kept at a distance and while it hurt her to do so, Najja did not change her ways. Hayworth noticed and she was positive Honoria had as well, but neither said a word, despite the odd looks she received from them.

  She was in the stable, grooming a horse, one afternoon when the skin on the back of her neck tingled, alerting her to the presence of one Colin Faulkner. She spun slowly on booted feet and drank in the vision he presented. He stood, leaning in the open stall staring at her with hunger in his gaze. His greatcoat amplified the broad width of his shoulders.

  Neither spoke, merely scrutinized one another, eyes boring into each other. His gaze darkened with promise and desire. The effect on her instantaneous. She wanted him. Craved him with a passion she’d never had toward anything else. Toward anyone else.

  He stepped inside the stall and paused. She read the command in his verdant eyes and she followed it, moving from the brown gelding to stand before him. Colin gathered her close in his embrace and buried his face into her hair. She allowed him to hold her, grateful for his strength.

  Her nose assuaged with the heady masculine scent of him brought her the sense of calm she’d never known before him and lacked without him.

  “Are you all right, luv?” His hushed question echoed in her ear.

  Turning her head, the wool of his coat abraded her cheek. “Yes,” she whispered.

  He pressed feather light kisses along her hairline. “I missed you.”

  “Looked like it,” she said, her words containing the bit
e she wished she could have kept from him.

  Colin pulled back and angled her face up toward his. “Could you be jealous?” he asked, one eyebrow lifted.

  Yes! She blinked once and sighed. “I made a statement.”

  “Those three words said way more than that.”

  Her emotions hovered perilously close to the surface. This man had an innate way of breaking down her protective walls with a simple look or touch.

  “If you say so,” she remarked without any hint of the emotion which raged within.

  He cupped his hands along her face, thumbs trailing over her parted lips. His eyes smoldered with longing.

  “Everything does not have to be a battle, Najja.”

  “So I should agree with you?”

  “Yes,” he said with smooth arrogance.

  She took a deep breath, fought her reaction to his scent and stepped back. “Seems to me you would do better with a young chit or even Countess Valewood. I already have one person in my life with whom I must agree without question. I have no desire to have another like Father.” She ducked by him and strode from the building, not stopping even when he hollered after her.

  Pressure built up and struggled to escape. Her heart pounded erratically and the world shifted. She needed to get away. Away from it all before she lost it. Everything went in and out of focus when it came back in she noticed Colin approaching from one way while Jo and her father closed in on her from another.

  It was as if she had walls closing in on her. Her chest hurt with the fierce palpitations, blood pounded in her ears, cold sweat, the grip on her lungs made it hard to breathe and her eyes blurred as she tried to concentrate. The closer they got the worse she felt.

  With her last bit of control she sent a call she knew would be answered. And it was. Fineas cleared the fence containing him and came to her. He barely stopped before she swung upon his back and rode him off into the woods, heedless of anything but the need to get away.

  From it all.

  Colin froze as he watched Najja ride Fineas away as if the hounds of hell were after her. He met both Lord Adrys and Jo’s blue gazes and found they were full of a mix of shock and concern. Crossing the rest of the space between himself and Lord Adrys, he paused before the man he’d come to respect greatly. Jo’s eyes shimmered with tears and he focused more on Adrys.