“That poor shop owner,” Rebekah bemoaned.
“Oh, she will have plenty of business over the next few months just from people wanting to see where the ‘great showdown’ took place. Besides, I had forgotten how atrocious her hats truly are,” Clarissa could not suppress a shudder. “Now enough recriminations, let us instead discuss tomorrow evening. I don’t want you and Thorn arriving by yourselves to face the crowd alone, better to do that in numbers.”
The rest of the trip home, they made plans. They decided that Clarissa and Justin would pick up Thorn and Rebekah before the quartet arrived at the London townhouse of the Duke and Duchess of Richmond. The carriage rolled to a stop and a footman opened the door for Rebekah to exit. Not good with physical demonstrations of affection, she sat across from Clarissa a moment.
“Thank you for everything. I would not have had the first notion what to do.”
“It is my pleasure. I’m just glad you are back in our lives once more.” Rebekah nodded and started to leave the coach but was halted by Clarissa’s next words. “Please remember what I said about trusting your husband.”
“I shall consider it,” she said and escaped before the other woman could say more about the matter. Rebekah entered the house to squeals of laughter coming from the study. She pulled off her gloves and laid them on the hall table before following the sound. When she walked in it was to find Thorn crawling around the floor on all fours with his nephew on his back and clinging to what looked like a cravat wrapped around the man’s chest. All of a sudden, Wulfe reared up and the little boy laughed, holding on for all he was worth.
“My turn, my turn,” Ivy shouted, laughing at her brother.
Rebekah found her self starting to bring a halt to the fun, but decided to wait and see how Thorn would handle the situation. Surely he had enough sense to not allow the little girl to participate in such activities with a broken arm. But no. Zachary climbed off and carried a small foot stool over next to his uncle and before her eyes the little boy was helping his sister climb on the fake horse. Zachary helped her wrap her good hand snugly in the cravat. She kept hearing Clarissa’s advice to trust him, so she remained where she was instead of rushing over.
He just moved around the room at a slow pace. Rebekah made certain she stayed out of view of the trio. Just when she felt herself relaxing and trusting that he would not do anything foolish, he raised up on his knees as he had done with Zachary. The little girl squealed. Rebekah flew into the room.
“What are you doing?” she yelled at Thorn and jerked Ivy off his back before she could fall. The little girl started crying and tried to push out of her aunt’s arms with her good hand. “It’s all right, darling,” she cooed to the little girl.
“I want Uncle Thorn,” the little girl demanded.
Rebekah’s arms went slack, letting Ivy slip from her arms. The little girl crossed the distance and threw herself at Thorn. He picked her up and talked to her so softly that Rebekah could not hear what he said. Wulfe finally got a watery chuckle from Ivy, and she nodded her head at something he had told her. He kissed her on her tear-stained cheek before putting her on her feet. “Zachary go with your sister to the nursery. It should be almost time for your supper,” he said as he ruffled the young duke’s hair.
“Yes, sir.”
“What just happened?” Rebekah asked, but was answered by Thorn holding up a hand indicating she should wait. Angry, and getting angrier by the moment, she watched as he stepped in the hall. After a few moments, he waved, then stepped back into the study before shutting the door.
“You were saying?” he asked calmly, turning to look at her.
“I want to know what just happened. What kind of a fool plays so roughly with a child that less than a week ago broke her arm?”
“First, nothing happened until you walked in and distracted everyone. Secondly, I guess I am that fool because we have spent a pleasant afternoon playing until you arrived.”
“What are you trying to say?”
“I am not trying to say anything, Rebekah, I am very definitely saying it. You are smothering the children. I don’t know what you are trying to protect them from, whether it be life or me, but you must let them be children.”
“They play when I am around.”
“They play safely. I remember when Teddy and I were their ages, we were always covered with cuts and bruises much to mother’s dismay. These children are perfect except for Ivy’s broken arm. Children should not be perfect.”
“I am just trying to see to their welfare,” she growled.
“Don’t you think I know that? However, it is time that you begin to see to your own welfare, or rather as your husband, I should see to it.”
“What does that mean?”
“I hired a new nanny,” once again he held up his hand when she would have spoken. “No, I did not wait on you, but seeing as the final two candidates we both agreed upon, I determined it would be a mere matter as who the children approved of.”
“You let the twins decide?” she asked incredulously.
“Why not? They are going to be spending the most time with her.”
“And what did they decide?”
“They couldn’t, so I hired both.”
“Both? Oh, you are a fine money manager,” she said sarcastically.
“I believe so. The favored candidate from today is good with older children and has a strong educational background. She will do well until we need to hire a tutor. The one we preferred from yesterday is excellent with babies and young children according to her references. When we add to our numbers, it will be nice to already have someone in place to assist you, not takeover,” he added, already hearing the argument in his mind.
“That is very presumptuous of you,” she said, crossing her arms.
“What is?”
“That I would even allow you to touch me long enough to attempt conception.”
He took a step towards her and gently gripped her upper arms, pulling her close. “Damn you, Rebekah. You and your shrewish nature would turn most men off, yet I find myself more attracted to you than ever.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she wedged her forearms between them and attempted to push away from him, but he was too strong for her.
“I think you do. I think you feel it as well, but you continue to erect this wall between us. Tell me why, Rebekah.” When she remained silent, he studied her carefully. “You leave me no choice,” he finally said.
Before she knew what had happened, her mouth was being ravished by Wulfe. She tried to remain still, tried not to react, but waves of passion began to sweep through her body. Her tongue was the first of her body to betray her this time, starting to duel back with his. She heard someone whimper. Was that me? she thought, mortified for a moment. Rebekah found herself pushing against him, helping him to deepen the kiss, taking what she needed from him. Her arms were still pinned between them, but it leant an air of excitement, not being in control or able to hold on. She felt space open between them and used it to move her hands up and tunnel her fingers in his hair.
She felt like she was floating in air for a few minutes before she felt a solidness beneath her legs and back. She felt her bodice loosen and droop, all the while the kiss continued keeping her distracted from an in-depth study of what was happening. Rebekah loved this, loved kissing Wulfe. He was a master of it. All too soon, he pulled away and dropped kisses along her jaw and down her neck. He alternately kissed, sucked, and licked, careful to not leave any marks she would be embarrassed about. Just when she would have protested, he was back at her lips, giving her what she craved.
He began to show the other side of her jaw and neck the same attention. She felt as if he were worshipping her body. Feeling a tug, she looked down and saw that he had pulled the neckline of her dress down to embrace the bounty of her breasts, lifting them up to him. She moved to cover herself, but found he had also used the dress to trap her arms at her sides. He plundered he
r lips once more before pulling away and giving her a wickedly sinful smile that caused a molten heat to pool low in her pelvis.
She watched as he gently cupped both breasts in his hand, using his thumbs to rub back and forth over the hardened peaks, tormenting them. Keeping eye contact with her, he bent low and took an unfurled tip into his mouth and suckled strongly and tenderly while pinching the tip of the other one. Rebekah let her head fall back in ecstasy while clenching her thighs together.
“No,” she moaned, shaking her head. She felt a firm, strong hand travel down her body and try to insinuate itself where she most needed the pressure. What’s happening to me? she thought. I’ve never felt this way before. All of a sudden his hand was there. Even though it was between several layers of fabric, it was too much all at once. Everything, all of his touches overwhelmed her and what might have been beautiful, she refused to let happen in fear. “No!” she yelled and pushed him off the divan and onto the floor. Rebekah shook as she yanked her dress back up to cover her body.
“I won’t be taken like a cheap whore or a local strumpet. If you want to have your way with me, it will be in a bed and not hay, and I will be respected and not forgotten before the act is even over,” she stood, attempting to make herself presentable.
“What in bloody hell are you talking about? What hay?”
“Nothing for you to concern yourself with,” she said. “You made a fine decision on the nanny and governess, although I doubt we will have much use for them after the twins get older,” she said, composed once more. “I hope you were honest about me spending your money, because I believe Clarissa spent a great deal of it for you on my wardrobe.”
“I am on tenterhooks to see what she chose for you.”
“I met an acquaintance of yours this afternoon.”
“Oh?” Thorn asked, knowing it would not be good if she ran into any of the people he knew.
“Yes. I believe she said her name is Aimée. A rather attractive woman. I was rather stunned at how much we favored,” she musingly finished.
“Where did you meet her?” he croaked out.
“At one of the shops,” she waved her hand airily. “Now if you will excuse me, I have things I must do,” she turned and swept from the room as regally as any queen.
“What the bloody hell just happened?” he asked the empty room from his position on the floor. His body ached from unfulfilled lust and he found himself confused at the swift change in her behavior and actions. He collapsed against the floor and attempted to get his body under control. Once he finally succeeded, he lay there a moment arms askew, legs tented, and absently studied the ceiling replaying the moments that led up to her disappearing. Something happened in her past and he was going to find out what it was or die trying. With his wife and her temper, the second might be more of a possibility than one might think.
Chapter 13
Rebekah spent most of the next morning into the early afternoon helping the new nanny and governess become acquainted with the children. While a maid took the children outside, Rebekah sat with Miss Smith, the governess, and Nanny Beatrice to come up with an appropriate schedule for the children. Rebekah found herself preening at how impressed Miss Smith was at what the she had already taught the twins. The women were shown to their rooms to unpack and then they all met back in the nursery with the twins in tow.
Rebekah sat in the rocking chair and pulled the children close so that she could explain to them the situation. Never before had they been assigned to anyone’s care other than the occasional maid. Rebekah worried at how they would take this change to their lives. When she finished she asked, “Do you have any questions for me?”
“Don’t you love us anymore, Aunt Bekah?” Ivy sniffed, tears shimmering in her eyes.
“Quit being such a baby,” Zachary shoved his sister, but he could not hide the worried look on his face.
“I promise we’ll be good,” Ivy begged.
I can’t do this, Rebekah thought to herself as she looked into the eyes of the twins. She felt as if she and the children were being torn apart after years of being their everything.
“How is everyone settling in?” Wulfe’s deep voice boomed as he entered the room. He took in the children sniffling and clutching at Rebekah’s hands and her shimmery eyes. Letting out his breath in a sigh, he knew he had to diffuse this situation quickly and gently, or she would never let the children out of her sight. “Ladies,” he nodded to the new nanny and governess, “welcome to our household. Barkley!” A few moments later his valet arrived in the nursery.
“You bellowed, my lord?” the man sarcastically asked.
Wulfe shot him a look promising retribution which Barkley seemed to ignore. Sometimes the man had Thorn wondering who belonged as a member of the ton more. “This is Miss Smith and Nanny Beatrice Collins. Please take the women below stairs and introduce them to the rest of the staff and show them around the house before bringing them back to the nursery.”
“Very well, my lord.” The valet left the room with the two women trailing after him.
“Now, what’s the matter with my little ones?” Thorn went down on one knee in front of the twins and Rebekah, who remained in the rocking chair.
“We don’t want anyone else to watch us,” Zachary spoke out.
“Aunt Bekah doesn’t love us anymore.”
Thorn heard the pained sound his wife could not hide. “Now that is not fair, young lady. Your aunt and I love you very much.”
“Then why isn’t she going to do things with us anymore?” she asked mutinously.
He saw Rebekah quickly swipe at the outer corner of her eye before blinking rapidly. “We will still do things with you, but it is time for your aunt and I to do things with other adults.”
“Why? She never did anything when we lived at Wulfecrest,” Zachary piped in.
“Tell me, how would you feel if you did not have each other to play with?”
“Sad,” Ivy said.
“Lonely,” Zachary added.
“And now that you have made friends with the other twins and Jace? What if we told you that you could not play with them anymore?”
“But we like them!” Ivy cried.
“Of course you do. Now think about your Aunt Bekah. Have you ever known her to go to a party and leave you behind?”
“Not unless Papa made her,” Zachary answered.
He watched Rebekah stiffen. “Pretend I am taking your Papa’s place. I think it is time your aunt made friends of her own. Sometimes I will accompany her, like I am tonight. Other times she will do things with other ladies. But you need to know that just because we are not always present, does not mean we love you any less.”
“Promise?” Ivy asked, her head ducked as she looked at him through her upper lashes.
“Always. In fact, what if I promised that every day you will have some special time with me or your aunt, or the both of us?”
The children looked at each other, before Zachary took Ivy by the hand and pulled her in the corner. The two adults watched the twins. They looked as if they were in talks for a peace treaty to end the war. Rebekah felt a heavy hand cover her fisted hand and give it a gentle squeeze. Soon the children stood before them once more.
“Every day,” Zachary said.
“One of us or the both of us, every day,” Thorn agreed.
The children nodded their heads, and Thorn stood.
“I do love you both so very much,” Rebekah said hoarsely, refusing to let any more tears escape. She pulled both of them into her arms, kissing and hugging them in turn. Miss Smith and Nanny Beatrice stepped through the door.
“Ladies, I do believe everything is worked out. Please make note that in the children’s schedule, sometime during the day, at least an hour will be spent in dedicated time with me, my wife, or the both of us. I cannot guarantee it will be at the same time everyday, so you will have to be somewhat flexible in your schedules.”
“Of course, my lord,” Nanny Beatrice bobb
ed in acquiescence.
“Not at all typical, but if that is what you want, it will be done,” Miss Smith answered grudgingly.
“Thank you, ladies for being so accepting of our eccentric behavior. We now leave the twins in your very capable hands.” He turned and offered a hand out to Rebekah to assist her in standing. They reminded the children to behave before they left the room.
Once they entered the hall, Rebekah felt herself collapsing within herself and leaned against the wall, trembling. Then she felt herself tugged into firm arms that wrapped around her protectively. She refused to let any tears fall, but she did soak up the warmth of his embrace. The soothing comfort of his hand rubbing up and down her back eased her. Finally, she pulled away from him, standing on her own. “Forgive me, I should not have let the twins get to me like that.”
“The twins know they are your weakness, and they use that to their advantage.”
“They are only four.”
“I’m not saying they are intentionally being manipulative.”
“That is exactly what you are saying.”
Thorn grabbed her upper arm and led her down the stairs, away from the nursery. “Do you really want to have this argument now?” he asked when they reached the floor where their bedrooms were located. He took in the look on her face. “Fine,” he said and dragged her into his room before shutting the door. “The twins do not intentionally know they are manipulating you. They only know that their mother and father have both been permanently taken away from them. They see us turning them over to other adults as two more people disappearing from their lives. That is why I promised them that everyday one of us, if not both of us, would be spending time with them. We have to reassure them that no matter what, we will always be there for them.”
Rebekah studied him silently for several moments before saying, “Thank you.” She crossed the empty space between them and stood on tiptoe to brush a kiss across his lips. “I am going to begin preparing for the ball.”
He watched her turn and leave his room. Her scent surrounding him, making him ache. “Damn you, Teddy,” Thorn said, not for the first time since his brother’s death. “I don’t have time for a reluctant wife and temperamental children. What did you think you were doing to me by making me a husband and father?” he raged at the ceiling. Wanting to throw or punch something, he contented himself with slamming his hands against the doorframe, and kicking it with one boot for good measure.
Taming the Wicked Wulfe (The Rogue Agents) Page 15
