“Wot? You think you’re gonna scare me by tellin’ me you’ll kill me? I ain’t afraid of death. It’s been chasin’ me since I was a boy. Death and me is friends. God knows I’ve given ‘im enuv business over the years. ‘e’ll treat me as a friend, ‘e will.”
“Oh, I’m not going to kill you,” said Joseph, continuing his advance. “If you hurt Teddy, we’ll each beat you within an inch of your life. But we’ll keep you alive for the hulks. And when we send you there, we’ll tell them you’re a snitch. You know what they do to snitches, don’t you?”
From the look on Tony’s face, it appeared he knew quite well what they did. But he did not loosen his grip on Teddy or the knife. “I think you’re goin’ to kill me anyways. I might as well take as many o’ you wiv me as I can. Wot’s this? Since when did a lady come down to Bow Street? Wot’s your name, sweetie? Maybe you and I can spend some time together after I take care of business.”
Joseph turned in horror to see Evelyn standing in the doorway, her eyes wide. Obviously in shock. Everyone in the room was looking at her. And he knew he would protect her with his life. He wanted to tell her to run, but then she did something astonishing.
She pulled her skirts up, exposing her legs from the mid-thigh down. Recognizing a great diversion when he saw one, Teddy broke Tony’s hold and bolted out of the way.
Then Joseph moved in quickly, knocking Tony out with the brass knuckles he’d pulled off a desk. The other Runners swarmed the unconscious criminal immediately. They trussed him up, ensuring there was no chance of escape once he regained consciousness.
Evelyn was frozen to the spot, still holding her skirts above her knees. Joseph grasped her arm, pulling her from the room. “You can put your skirts down now,” he hissed, as he more or less carried her back to his office. Fortunately, she’d left the door open or he would have had to kick it in.
He sat her down, bolted the door, then paced.
“You were very brave,” she said. “I thought for certain he would kill that young man, but you…”
“What in the devil did you think you were doing? I told you to stay here and lock the door!” All the emotions of the last several minutes were now raining down upon him. The readiness for battle, the anger, the fear he’d felt when he’d seen his man in peril. Then on top of that was the terror he’d known when he’d seen Evelyn in the same room as that murderer. To think she could have been hurt. It was all too much.
She tilted her head and looked at him. “Did I embarrass you? I wanted to distract him and that was the only way I could think to do it. You were splendid when you…”
Once again he cut her off, but this time he lifted her out of the chair and tossed her onto the desk. He stood between her legs and began kissing her. Not in the polite way a gentleman would kiss a lady. But like the raw, common, uneducated bastard that he was.
His hands were all over her, divesting her of her coat, gloves and bonnet. His lips took her mouth hungrily, then slid down her neck, sucking at her pulse point. He was using every trick he knew to seduce her and didn’t care that he wasn’t playing fair. If she told him to stop, he would. But he wasn’t about to volunteer.
His hands had already deftly untied the laces holding her bodice closed. He slid one hand to her breasts, squeezing both until she moaned. Her hands were roaming his body. One was at his back to keep her balance. The other was sliding down his chest until it reached his cock. He moaned. Loudly. But he could not be quiet. She smiled, but her fingers stilled. He placed his hand over hers, pressing her to him, hard.
“Rub me, sweetheart. Grip me hard.”
She did as he asked and he almost exploded.
He reached down to pull up her skirts, then he laid her down so her back was on the desk. He found the slit in her drawers with one hand, while with the other he freed himself from his pantaloons. Her fingers wrapped around him and he almost came.
He was holding on to sanity by the thinnest of threads. But he was lucid enough to know he could not make her first time be on top of his desk at Bow Street. That would make a mockery of what this was. He looked into her beautiful green eyes. “I’m not going to take your innocence. Not here. Not like this. But I want to do things to you no gentleman should do. May I? Will you allow me?”
Words seemed to fail her, so she nodded enthusiastically.
He pressed his cock through the slit of her drawers, until he was pressed against the wet heart of her. And she was very wet. She must feel at least some of the attraction he did. He began moving against her, wanting nothing more than to be inside her, but using whatever restraint and honor he still possessed to be satisfied with rubbing against her. It became more difficult when she began riding him. She’d caught on to the rhythm quickly, matching his pace, rubbing against him. He wouldn’t last long, not with her behaving like the wanton he loved.
Loved.
He did not dwell on the emotion long. But he would later.
“Come for me, sweetheart,” he said. “Come for me.”
She did as bid and not a moment too soon. As soon as she crested, he pulled away, turned his body and with two quick strokes found his release.
They were both breathing heavily and he could barely stand. He looked down at her, hoping he wouldn’t see the recrimination he surely deserved – he’d taken her on a desk at Bow Street – but her face and chest were flushed. Her eyes were still dilated, her lips were swollen and parted and all he wanted was to drive himself into her. This time all the way into her and not just near the place he wanted to be.
He stepped back just in time. She tried to sit up, but wobbled. He was there immediately, helping her to right herself. He laced her up as best he could. Her hair was in disarray and she looked like she’d just been thoroughly tumbled. But no sooner had she focused her eyes than they went wide with horror.
She must have just figured out what they’d done. He braced himself, but once again she surprised him.
“You’re bleeding!” she cried, gently running her hands over his shoulder where blood was indeed seeping through his shirt. “That man cut you with his knife.”
“No, love,” said Joseph, as he opened his shirt to check the bleeding. “I simply reopened my wound when I fought with him. This is from when I was shot while helping Liam rescue Rosalind.”
“Someone shot you!”
“A few people have had that honor. But I am fine, I assure you. Jane did an excellent job tending to my wound before.”
“Then you must see her again now.”
“I’m fine.”
“Joseph Stapleton! I will not be denied in this matter. Your health is too important to me. You are too important to me. You will see Jane forthwith and that’s all there is to it.” With that, she hopped off the desk, and set about putting herself to rights.
Joseph had no choice but to do the same, after eliminating all evidence of what they’d been doing. “I’m still upset with you for putting yourself in danger. I told you to stay in here and lock the door.”
“I’m upset with you for wrestling with that big oaf so soon after being shot.”
“It’s my job.”
“And it’s my job to look after you,” she said, marching to the door and opening it. “Pray be quicker about leaving. Or must I enlist Sergeant Fisk in my cause?”
He had to laugh. This elegant lady was determined to look after him. “No, Evelyn, I shall come with you now,” he said, as he kissed her lightly on the lips.
She relaxed against him. “I could not abide it if something happened to you,” she said quietly.
“Nor I if something happened to you, love.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
With the exception of Vi, who was playing with her dog Merry Man while she was supposed to be napping in the nursery, everyone was in Evelyn’s bedchamber at Lynwood House watching as Jane examined Joseph’s shoulder. Ned had already called for a bottle of Liam’s best Scot’s whisky, both for sterilizing the wound and to help with the pain. Then he took
a shot of it himself.
“I’m not sure why Joseph needed to take his shirt off. Couldn’t he have bared just his shoulder?”
Jane smiled as she pulled the last stitch. “I needed to check for signs of infection.”
“He looks bloody well healthy enough to me,” muttered Ned before taking another shot.
“You were very brave today, Joseph,” said Lizzie, “though we’ve come to expect that of you. And Evelyn you were remarkably clever in your choice of diversion.”
“She shouldn’t have been in there!” said Joseph, still trying to stop reliving the fear he’d been engulfed with when he’d seen her enter the room. “Ladies should not put themselves in harm’s way.”
Arthur snorted. “Try convincing my wife of that.”
“Or my wife,” said Hal.
“It’s not like mine is particularly well-behaved under any circumstances,” said Marcus.
“I admire Evelyn’s quick thinking,” said Vanessa. “She likely saved that young man’s life. If you ever want a position at the Home Office, Evelyn, you need only ask.”
“Don’t even think about it,” said Joseph.
“Might I remind you, Joseph, that I met Ned near the battlefield in Belgium?” asked Jane. “If I had not been there, I would not be here. Who would tend your shoulder then?”
“I must admit there’s no shortage of courageous, willful women in this room. But I cannot like it when any of you put yourselves in harm’s way.”
“Perhaps you should just put on your shirt and refuse further treatment,” said Ned.
“Ned, you’re an idiot,” said Lizzie. “At least this settles the question of where Joseph shall be tonight.”
“My home,” said Joseph.
“Absolutely not!” said Lizzie. “You must stay here. If Rosalind were here she’d insist upon it. After all, you injured your shoulder when you rescued her.”
“My shoulder is fine. I simply ripped a few stitches today.”
“But I am worried about you,” said Evelyn. “What if they tear open tonight at your home when there is no one to care for you?”
“Jane has done an excellent job. They will not tear again since I have no plans to wrestle any more madmen. At least for the nonce.”
“It looks like Ned wouldn’t mind wrestling you,” said Hal. “He’s ready to forcibly clothe you.”
“I would prefer it if you stayed here, Joseph” said Jane. “I would like to check you for signs of infection in the morning.”
“Then you must stay,” said Evelyn.
“Excellent,” said Lizzie, heading for the door as if it were all settled. “I shall tell Rak to ready the adjoining bedchamber. That way if you need Evelyn, you only have to call out to her.”
The last thing Joseph wanted was the temptation of having Evelyn in the next room. But there was no stopping the Kellingtons when they wanted something. And, apparently, they wanted him to be with Evelyn.
* * *
“Might I interest you in a game of chess?”
Joseph welcomed Marcus’s invitation. Evelyn was with the ladies discussing Jane’s and Lizzie’s impending childbirth. Ned, Arthur and Hal were building a dollhouse for Vi, under the girl’s strict supervision.
Joseph watched as Marcus set up the board in Liam’s study. “Lizzie seems to be in fine health. I know you must be concerned about her confinement.”
“Concern does not begin to convey the depth of my emotions. I am, of course, happy to be a father, though I’m also frightened by the very prospect of being responsible for a child. I do not want to make any mistakes, though I know that is a standard no one could achieve. I’ve already told Lizzie I do not wish to hold the babe until he or she is unbreakable. And when I think of the myriad things that could go wrong with the birth, I am beside myself with fear. I could not bear to lose either one of them. I cannot imagine how I would ever go on.”
“There is a dark side to love.”
“There is. One of great pain and suffering. Yet, I cannot think to avoid the pain by avoiding love. If they are necessarily joined, then at least the one shall be balm for the other.”
Joseph moved his pawn. “Is there something you wish to say to me, Marcus?”
Marcus moved his pawn. “Only that when love presents itself, a man is wise to take it, regardless of potential difficulties down the road.”
“But what if the difficulties do not affect him? What if the most severe penalty would be directed at the woman he loved? Not that it’s love, of course,” he hastily added.
“Of course. I think it would be appropriate for him to be concerned for her welfare, but the lady herself should have a say in her future.”
Joseph made a move that was quickly countered by Marcus.
“Have you spoken to Evelyn about a future with you?” asked Marcus.
“There can be no future.”
“If I may be so bold,” said Marcus, as his bishop entered the play, “it appears there is a physical attraction between the two of you.”
Joseph stiffened. He had not wanted it to be so obvious. But how could it not be when he fairly vibrated every time he was near Evelyn?
Marcus continued. “While I have only just met Lady Evelyn, she does not strike me as a woman who would give of herself – in any physical way – to a man she did not care for very much. If she has done so, there is every possibility that she has an emotional attachment to him.” He captured Joseph’s rook. “It does not make sense that you would not at least broach the subject of a future together.”
“I am not good enough for her.”
“We all disagree.”
“You’ve spoken of this as a family?”
“Of course. You know this family. You’re part of this family. How could you think it wouldn’t be a topic of conversation? You might also consider that marriage to you would enable Lady Evelyn to keep her land and fortune, as well as help her tenants and servants.”
“She could marry anyone and do that.”
“I do not think she wants to marry just anyone. I believe she wants to marry you.”
Joseph could not afford to allow himself to even consider the possibility. But he couldn’t imagine a better life than one spent with her.
“Check,” said Marcus.
“Are you purposely trying to distract me to win this game?”
“Yes. And I see that it’s working admirably.”
Joseph shook his head, then turned his concentration to the board.
Hope filled his heart, but it was tempered by practicality. He could not allow the woman he loved to suffer. He would not allow it. And in the end, that was all that mattered.
* * *
“What I would like to know, Jane,” said Lizzie, from the overstuffed chair in the sitting room where she had her feet on an ottoman, “is why you did not warn me of the swollen ankles and the sudden crying and everything else I’m going through. I love this babe more than life itself, but I thought pregnancy would be a more serene, goddess-like state.”
Jane laughed so hard she snorted. Daintily. “Dearest, there is nothing serene about it. You will go through the whole range of emotions, cry at the smallest provocation and, by the time you get to my stage, stay awake all night while your husband sleeps peacefully at your side. It’s enough to make me want to poke Ned in the ribs to wake him, if I didn’t know he would awaken in a panic, certain the babe was on the way.”
Melanie laughed. “You’re making me frightened to ever attempt to have a child.”
Now it was Lizzie’s turn to snort. “With Hal as a husband, I imagine you attempt it on a thrice daily basis.”
Mel’s only response was a vivid blush. She did not, however, contradict her sister-in-law.
Vanessa smiled shyly. “I like hearing you talk about it. The good and the bad.”
“Have you seen a physician yet, dear?” asked Jane.
Vanessa sat up straighter. “Why do you ask?”
“You’re expecting, are you not?”
asked Jane with a smile. “I’ve been wondering for about a week, but didn’t want to pry.”
“I’ll pry!” said Lizzie. “Is it true? Are you going to add to the Kellington family?”
Vanessa could not stop her broad grin. “I do not know for certain. But I have not had my courses for almost two months.”
“Arthur must be excited,” said Mel.
“He does not know. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew for certain.”
But a probable pregnancy was enough cause for celebration for the Kellington ladies, as they all hugged Vanessa. Evelyn hugged her as well, but felt like an intruder at this important family moment.
“I should leave you alone,” she said.
“Please stay,” said Vanessa. “I never had sisters until marrying Arthur and very few friends. I am blessed to finally have them.”
“None of us had sisters,” said Lizzie. “Imagine growing up with my four brothers. Although I did manage to stand up for myself.”
“I would have liked to have had sisters,” said Evelyn. “Or a brother.”
“It must have been especially difficult after your father passed away, being as alone as you were,” said Jane.
“It was. But I made do.”
“Mayhap, you won’t have to go through life alone anymore,” said Lizzie. “Perhaps you’ve already found your soulmate.”
Evelyn felt her face grow heated. Was she so obvious that everyone knew?
“Joseph is a very good man,” said Vanessa. “He’s risked his life for just about everyone in this family. But I sense a real sadness about him. A deep loneliness. I believe you two would be happy together, though I know what it would mean socially.”
“I do not care about the ton,” said Evelyn. “I have spent most of my life out of it. I do not care to be in it, although I have enjoyed being with all of you.”
“That would not change,” said Lizzie. “Personally I have very little use for society as well, and almost got myself kicked out all on my own. It was one of the reasons Marcus proposed.”
“Nonsense,” said Jane. “He was besotted with you for years. He simply used that as an excuse to approach Liam.”
Never Turn Away (Kellington Book Six) Page 15
