Rogues Always Wear Black: A Steamy British Historical Romance Novel (Forbidden Kisses Book 1)

by Catherine Mayfair

  Her sisters dismounted and the three tied their horses to a nearby tree branch. Taking out the canteen, Constance was thankful they found a creek the day before; however, the water was getting low once again. Taking the smallest of sips, she handed the canteen to Mary. “Take only a little, we must make this last until we find another place to refill it.”

  Constance turned in a complete circle in order to study their surroundings. All around them were thick trees as far as the eye could see, which in the dense woods was not very far. Moss covered stones, and old leaves littered the forest floor, and it all looked the same as every place they had stopped in the past four days.

  Her sisters went to sit beneath a tree, and Constance's heart went out to them. They appeared as tired as she, their hair and clothes disheveled, and dirt smeared their faces. What she had thought to be a brilliant plan had turned into them getting lost. She had let down her sisters in the worst possible way.

  “I am sure you have already realized, but it appears we are lost,” Constance said, wishing she could have kept the confirmation of her failure a secret a while longer. “Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do?” She took the canteen from Emma and headed back to the horses to put it away in her saddle bag.

  “Perhaps I could climb a tree,” Emma said. “That way I can see if there is a village close by.”

  “You would fall and hurt yourself,” Mary said. “I suggest we follow the sun. That way we know we are going in a straight line.”

  Constance nodded, thinking the idea brilliant. Why had she not thought of that?

  Then two things happened at once. Mary and Emma let out a shriek and the sound of crunching leaves came to her ear. Before she could respond, an arm grasped her from behind and a cold blade was pressed her throat.

  “Don’t ye move or scream,” a deep, gruff voice said. Constance's heart threatened to explode from her chest as the man continued to make demands. “You two,” he waved the knife at her sisters, “give me those rings off yer fingers.”

  A highwayman! Constance thought, panic rising. “Please do not hurt them,” Constance whispered, fearing the man would do it once he took their jewelry.

  “You don't need to worry about ‘em,” the man said as her sisters did as he asked. “Now, ‘urry up there, both of ye.”

  Emma began to cry as she and Mary stood and walked toward the man, their hands outstretched with their rings in their palms.

  When they were but two paces away, he growled, “Now, hand ‘em over to her.”

  Constance thought the instruction odd, but she took the rings from her sisters and put them in her pocket.

  “You two, go back and sit.”

  “But…” Mary started to say.

  “Now, or I’ll kill ‘er! And don’t ye tempt me; I could do with a bit a killin’ right about now.”

  “Do as he says,” Constance said, forcing any signs of trembling from her voice and hoping she was successful.

  “Ye’re coming with me,” the man said and then whispered so only she could hear, his breath rank and hot on her ear, “Ye’ll fetch a goodly amount for me in London.”

  The fear was so great that Constance thought her heart would never beat again as the man began guiding her back.

  “Constance!” Emma cried, her hand outstretched.

  “Both of you remain,” Constance commanded, fearing the worst for herself but not wanting harm to come to her sisters. “You will be fine. Just get to our destination.” It would do no good allowing the lout who held her to know where they were going.

  “Get on yer ‘orse, and we’ll leave together,” the man said, coming to her side. “Maybe I’ll take one for meself. I’m sure yer sisters won’t mind sharing.”

  Constance caught her first glimpse of the man. He was perhaps thirty or so with a dirty face and neck and several missing teeth. He smelled as if he had not bathed once in his entire life.

  “Mount up or I’ll kill ‘em!”

  “Do not hurt them,” Constance said. “I will do as you say.” Placing her foot in the saddle, she raised herself up and sat upon the horse.

  “If ye want yer sister to live,” the man said, pointing the knife at the other two women, “then ye’ll remain where ye are until I’m well gone from ‘ere. If not, I’ll kill ‘er!”

  “Bravo!” A man stepped out from between a set of trees, clapping gloved hands together. “A wonderful threat made even greater by the pointing of a knife!” The man wore all black, including riding boots that came to just below the knee. “But you, sir, are an amateur. Perhaps the worst I have ever seen.”

  “What’s that?” the man with missing teeth asked, clearly perplexed. “Amcher?” He stumbled over the word.

  The newcomer laughed and removed a dagger from his waistline. “It does not matter.” He then pointed the knife at her sisters. “You two, stand up.”

  Constance nodded to her sisters, hoping it would provide them a chance to escape.

  “And you on the horse, you must dismount.”

  “She’s comin’ with me,” the highwayman growled. “And not goin’ anywhere with the likes of ye.”

  “I’m afraid you are very wrong in your assessment of the situation,” the newcomer said. “That woman,” he pointed the dagger at Constance, “is very valuable to me. After all, she is my fiancée.”

  Fiancée? Constance went from terrified to confused. Were both men mad?

  The newcomer gave a dignified bow to the highwayman. “Forgive me. Perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Stephen. What is your name, good sir?”

  “Paul,” the man said as he moved the knife toward Constance. “Now that we know each other, it’s time for me and yer misses to leave.”

  Stephen laughed as he shook his head. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, but I would like my fiancée returned to me.”

  “I don't care what ye say,” Paul said. “If she tries to escape, or ye try ’n stop me, I’ll kill ‘er.”

  “Kill her?” Stephen said with wide, mocking eyes. “That would be a shame.” He frowned and then smiled as if a new thought had occurred to him. “In truth, if you were to take her life, it would save me years of misery, for such is the reward of marriage.” He winked at Constance, who understood he was indeed mad. Then he heaved a dramatic sigh. “I suppose I have given my word, and it can never be said that I go back on my word. Therefore, you must release her. If you do not, you will perish this very day.”

  “I’ll not ‘ave some…” the highwayman started to say, but his words were cut off as a hand covered his mouth. Behind him stood another man, the largest Constance had ever seen - at least half a man taller than Stephen, with arms as thick as tree trunks and a chest the size of a barrel. Large he might be, but she doubted he had a bit of fat on him.

  “You see?” Stephen said with a laugh as he slid his dagger into the waist of his breeches once the highwayman was relieved of his weapon. “He did not believe me.” He let out a laugh as he walked toward their assailant. “Luke, release the man.”

  The giant did as requested. The highwayman, now bereft of his weapon, stared wide-eyed and terrified from one man to the other.

  “You will leave these woods immediately and never return,” Stephen said in a cold and calculating tone. “If you do not…” He removed the dagger once more and placed it to the man’s throat as quick as lightning, “you will surely die. Do you understand?”

  “Yes!” the kidnapper managed to croak. “I swear on everything, I’ll never return.”

  Stephen smiled and tapped the knife twice against the man’s throat. “Very well. Now, run before I grow bored and kill you for sport.”

  The man turned, ducked his head, and ran off, disappearing into the woods.

  “Well, that was quite easy,” Stephen said, returning the dagger once again to its place. “Would you agree, Luke?”

  The giant nodded but said nothing.

  Stephen walked over to stand beside Constance’s horse and raised his hands. “Com
e,” he said with a smile. “You need not be afraid. You are safe now.”

  Constance looked at her sisters and then back at the man, who squinted from the sun above them. With his dark clothes, jet-black hair, and deep brown eyes, he looked menacing. Yet, somehow she felt safe.

  As she moved to dismount, he grabbed her by the waist and set her down on the ground. For a moment, Constance gazed into those eyes and time seemed to stand still and all air disappeared around them. It was as if they were the only two in the world, and for some reason, she did not want him to remove his hands.

  Unfortunately - or perhaps fortunately now that her senses had returned - he did remove his hands and the world set in motion once more. She glanced at the giant man named Luke, who wore a grin similar to the one Stephen wore. Then she ran to her sisters and pulled them into her arms.

  “You are safe now,” she whispered, kissing each of them on the cheek. “Do not cry.”

  They nodded, and Emma whispered, “Those men, do they mean to hurt us?”

  “I am unsure,” Constance replied just as quietly. “However, if they do, you will need to run, both of you.”

  “We can hear you,” Stephen called out, and Constance turned around. “You must learn to lower your voice, especially when one is making plans to escape.”

  “If you wish to harm me,” Constance said stepping in front of her sisters and spreading her arms to protect them, “allow them to leave now. I will not try to escape myself, but I want them to be safe.”

  Stephen shook his head and turned to Luke. “It is simply no fun when they do not fight,” Stephen said with a laugh before turning back to Constance. “Tell me, Miss, what are three ladies doing wandering lost through the forest?”

  “We are not lost,” Constance said defiantly, jutting her chin. “In fact, we were just taking a rest when that man accosted us.”

  Stephen smiled and Constance realized that he was, in fact, a very handsome man. She shook her head. What a silly thought considering the circumstances!

  “I can see you ladies are quite experienced in the ways of the woods,” Stephen said with a wink. “Very well, we shall leave you be. Hopefully that man keeps his word and does not return.”

  He and Luke turned as to leave, and panic rose in Constance. She and her sisters were lost, she could not deny it. Perhaps these men would be kind enough to help them.

  “Wait,” Constance said and both men stopped and turned her way. “It is true; we are lost.” She removed her ring and offered it to Stephen. “I can give you this as payment if you help us.”

  Stephen sighed as he walked over to her. Removing his glove, he reached for the ring, but when his hand touched her, a warm jolt coursed up her arm and ran through her body. Once again, everything around them seemed to disappear.

  He wrapped her fingers around the ring and released her hand. “Keep your jewelry, Miss….?”

  “Constance,” she managed to say, though breathing was difficult. Perhaps she was more fearful than she had thought.

  “Miss Constance,” Stephen repeated. It was almost a caress. “I do not need, nor do I want, your jewelry. Yet, there are other rewards that are much more worthy.” Constance went to ask what, but before she could, the man planted a kiss on her lips but it was not just any kiss. It was possessive as though he had just laid claim to her and caused a yearning Constance had never felt before.

  How could any man believe he could simply steal a kiss! Yet, he did so, and Constance found herself at a loss for words. And lack of breath. She glanced toward her sisters, who thankfully stood with their heads together whispering to one another.

  “Do not worry,” the man said with a light chuckle. “They did not see.” He gave her a quick wink, and Constance could do nothing more than swallow and nod her head. What he had done was unbecoming of a gentleman, yet he had saved them from impending harm, so she withheld her scorn. For the time being.

  “You are some distance from the nearest town, and it is not safe to be alone. Where were you heading?”

  “We are on our way to London,” she said. “Are we close?”

  Stephen laughed. “I’m afraid not,” he replied. “London is that way.” He pointed to his left, which was not the direction in which she had intended to head. “And quite far. Perhaps a six days’ journey, I would guess.”

  “Six days?” Constance mumbled. “Then we went east instead of north.” Shame filled her for getting them lost.

  “Are you hungry?” Stephen asked.

  “Very hungry!” Mary called out. “We have not eaten for two days, and our water supply is low.”

  Constance motioned for her sister to remain quiet, but when she returned her gaze to Stephen, she was greeted with a kind smile.

  “You are welcome to come back with us,” he said. “Though Luke is imposing, he is gentle and will bring you no harm. And neither will I.”

  The man had saved them, and she could detect no malice in his words, but she could not keep fear from rising inside her. What if he had saved them only to use them for his own needs?

  Constance gave one last glance at her sisters, who stared at her with pleading eyes, and sighed. “We would like that. Thank you, sir, for your help.”

  “It is what I do,” he said with a deep bow. “Please, take your horses and follow us. We have quite the journey ahead.”

  Chapter Four

  The forest seemed to grow darker, though Constance was unsure if that was a fact or an illusion brought on by fear. Not even an hour had passed since their unfortunate encounter with the highwayman, and she began to doubt her decision to leave with Stephen and Luke. Emma walked in front, the giant named Luke leading her horse, with Mary following on horseback just behind them.

  “I know my words mean nothing since we are strangers,” Stephen said, breaking the silence, “but you and your sisters are safe. We mean you no harm.”

  “Thank you,” Constance said, glancing at the man and wondering if he heard the thoughts of others as Emma seemed to do. They walked side by side, and she wondered why the man wore such a mischievous smile. “I cannot lie. I do worry.” She shrugged. “However, at this point, I do not know what else to do but trust you.”

  “If we meant harm, we would have done it already,” Stephen replied. “Please, do not carry any more of a burden than you already have.”

  Constance’s mind raced, wondering what the man meant. What burden could he possibly suspect she carried?

  He looked at her and gave her another wink. “I presume the other two are your sisters,” he said as the ground beneath them begin to slope down. “And you, as the eldest, are trying to protect them.”

  Constance swallowed hard. “I…That is…we are…” How could she reply without saying too much? If he knew they had run away from their stepfather, would he send them back? Most men would, she was certain.

  “Worry not,” Stephen said with a kind laugh. “Whatever caused three ladies to leave the comforts of their home for the woods cannot be good. Whatever it may be, you are safe now. No harm shall come to you.”

  Constance nodded as she released a small sigh of relief. “How did you come to find us?”

  “Your voices carried loudly throughout the forest,” Stephen replied. “I suspect it is how the other man found you.”

  “Do you know him?”

  “No.”

  Constance stumbled on a protruding root, and Stephen reached out and grabbed her elbow to steady her. Her body felt flushed for a moment, but then he released her and the heat subsided, though her embarrassment remained.

  Stephen did not seem to notice anything beyond her near fall. “I did not know him, but I’ve met many like him.”

  “Highwaymen?”

  “Yes. Thieves, kidnappers, and evil men are abundant, and sadly, the forest is home to many of them. These are dark times, and as men grow desperate, vile acts increase. The forest provides them shelter in which to hide, but it always allows them a way to prey on those who are weak and lost.
”

  With effort, Constance pushed aside the bristling of being deemed weak and lost. How better to describe her at the moment?

  “These desperate times of which you speak,” she said. “I have seen it myself. It is why we are in the forest.” She clamped her mouth shut. Why had she revealed so much? In order to change the conversation, she asked, “Do you live in the forest?”

  Stephen nodded. “We do.” However, he did not expand on it, and she glanced over at him once more.

  Unfortunately, the land sloped just as she took her eyes from the ground before her, and she almost lost her balance once more.

  “If you wish to ride your horse, it may make it easier to traverse the ground.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m fine.” As soon as the last word left her mouth, her foot came out from under her, and with arms flailing at her sides, she soon found herself flat on her backside. She was unsure if it was Stephen’s laughter or the actual fall that caused her greater humiliation.

  “You are no woman of the woods,” he said with a chuckle as he reached out a hand to her.

  With burning cheeks, she took his hand, amazed at how his completely engulfed hers. He pulled her up from the ground, and she found herself pressed against his body. His chest muscles were firm beneath his shirt as were his arm muscles. A dizziness overtook her, but she had eaten very little in the past two days, giving what little food they had to her sisters. Yes, the feeling of disorientation had to be caused by her hunger and not from the nearness of the man who currently held her.

  “Please, Miss Constance,” Stephen murmured, “do not seek to take advantage of a kind soul such as myself.”

  It was as if she had been splashed with a bucket of cold water. “I have never heard such crudeness,” she gasped as she pushed away from him. “Please remain a gentleman and do not speak like a rogue, for it is unbecoming of you.”

  What foolish talk! she thought. She did not even know this man! What made her believe he had ever been a gentleman?

  “Of course,” Stephen replied with a laugh and a deep, mocking bow. “Whatever the lady asks, I shall do.” His smile made Constance’s cheeks burn once again.