Rescued (Flowers of the Bayou)

by Arlene Lam

  Jordan couldn’t ignore the catch in his heart and had to silence the words that threatened to leave his lips. She was young still, and he was truly the only man she’d encountered. Amelia thought she loved him. Of that he had no doubt but she didn’t, not really. How in the world could she?

  Wrapping his arms around her even tighter, Jordan kissed her forehead. “Princess you have to be the most beautiful creature on God’s green earth to think you love me.” Capturing her lips in a long overdue kiss Jordan reveled in the way she responded to him and kissed him back deeply.

  “Never have you been more beautiful than you are now.” Jordan whispered against her hair.

  Amelia would have said something but was silenced at the strange flutter within her womb. “Did you feel it?”

  Jordan pulled his hand away stunned for a moment before placing it back immediately. “I felt it Princess.” Laying his head on her chest Jordan lay without words to speak for awhile.“I can’t believe that in a few more months we will have a child, we will be responsible for the wellbeing of a life we created.”

  “Amelia?” Jordan began, lacing her fingers within his own. “I have to ask you something.”

  Closing her eyes tiredly Amelia awaited his question, but instead received a heated kiss to her neck. “Was that your question?” She teased happy that finally their formidable silence had been broken, glad that it had been easy. But mostly she was thanking God for at last being able to talk to her husband.

  Jordan rolled onto his back and pulled her atop him, moving one of her legs so that each straddled a side of him. “Do you trust me?”

  “Of course I do.” Crossing her hands in front of her bare chest Amelia looked to the left.

  “Stop covering yourself up.” Frustrated Jordan pulled her hands down to the side. Running his hands up her back Jordan gave a sigh as if preparing himself for his next words. However they didn’t come and he pushed up to again kiss her lips. “What did I ever do to deserve you? ”

  “I don’t know but I’m so happy you did it.” Amelia replied wrapping her arms around his neck.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Morning had come too soon for Jordan and he held on to Amelia as if it would be the last time he would ever see her. He simply did not want to leave bed. She shifted a bit in his arms and Jordan pulled her all the more into him and kissed her ear. “Wake up.”

  “No” Amelia twisted around wearily in his arms until she faced him. “Do not leave me today.”

  Jordan smiled at that. “You would have me all day?”

  “I would have you forever.” Amelia replied bringing her lips up to brush his. “Stay with me.”

  How could he refuse? Why would he want to? “If it pleases you Amelia you know I will.” He would do whatever she requested. She was his everything, a thought that rattled Jordan to the core. It frightened him the way she made him feel. He’d give his life for the woman before him, she was his life.

  Amelia gave a wide smile and wrapped her legs about him. Last night had been blissful and Jordan had made love to her so many times her mind was still reeling. “I wouldn’t have let you go anyways you’re my hostage.” Pointing to her thighs gripped about his waist she cracked up at the look he gave her. “I’m more powerful than you think.” She teased clinching her legs about him.

  “If you say so.” Jordan felt his body beginning to yearn for her once more even as he spoke the words and couldn’t help but give her a playful smack on her bottom, smiling at the little yelp of surprise she gave. “My strong Princess,” he teased between each light tap.

  Amelia for her part recovered from the sweet assault quickly and kissed him deeply with enough passion to leave him stunned.

  Jordan laughed at her teasing. “What will you have us do all day?”

  “Absolutely nothing let’s just lay in bed.” Amelia grinned from ear to ear at her suggestion. “What a complete waste of time.” Jordan reclined back on his elbows.

  “Well it’s not like we can have a picnic, besides how is it wasting time when you are with me?”

  “Point taken, you know we will be in our new home soon. I know how hard this journey has been for you.”

  “Sure you do.” Resting her head on his shoulder, Amelia took a deep breath. “To tell you the truth, it’s getting a little easier even as we speak.”

  “You will love London, the countryside is beautiful. The homes are extraordinary, most people are kind. The food might be a little bit of an adjustment but you are an exceptional cook yourself or you can hire someone you can have it all Princess, whatever you want I will make your own.”

  “Listen to you.” Positioning herself more comfortably on his chest, Amelia let her hands make small circles on his chest. “But I have all that I could ever dream of right now.”

  “But you have to want more?” Jordan questioned.

  “Why must I want more? Jordan I don’t care about those things. If you had not a penny to your name I would love you, I’d be happy, don’t you know that. I have all that I want when I’m with you what a selfish woman I’d be to ask for more.” Staring him in the eyes she hoped that he could just finally understand. What she felt for him was no fickle flight of fancy, it was real. “I love you Jordan no matter if you’re rich or poor. Strong and built like you are now or weak and fat.” She joked. “I love you, I love you, I love…” She was silenced by his finger to her lips.

  “And I you.” The words were spoken as if a breath. Jordan felt his voice getting ready to crack. He couldn’t believe what he’d just told her, he never thought there would be a woman on this earth to make him says those words after Regina. He felt panicked. How could he have made such a mistake, it was bad enough that he loved her, why did he go and tell her.

  She would use it against him; she’d know that she could. Abruptly Jordan slid her warm form off of his and made his way to the door. Without a word he opened it and let it slam behind him.

  What a fool he’d just been, Jordan could feel his head pounding and even as he heard her yell his name in confusion from the other side of the door Jordan found himself making his way to the deck his heart heavier than it had ever been.

  Regina, she’d taken his heart out and stomped on it. Now he was giving another women the opportunity to do the same. How could he let this happen, had he learned nothing?

  Regina with silky blonde hair and piercing blue eyes. The woman still was wreaking havoc on his life and he’d not laid eyes on her since she’d come to America.

  That had been several years ago. Automatically Jordan’s hand flew to the ragged scar on his torso. The conniving bitch, she tried everything she could think of to try and get his money and when that hadn’t worked she tried to take it.

  After the divorce she tried pleading with him to forgive her. It turned out Regina’s torrid affair didn’t work out quite as planned; the dashing Frenchman didn’t want to marry such a worldly woman.

  And when that was made clear to Regina she’d come back to him and tried to get him to marry her once again. As she’d proposed the idea he found himself laughing hysterically in her face and he was then sure she had to be demented. She showed up everywhere he was, did everything to try to win his affections back, his money back because his pockets were indeed fat.

  However she failed at every turn. Finally after many hate-filled threats she faded into the shadows. Jordan had wondered a few times where she’d gone, what she was planning and as soon as he’d been able to banish the banshee from his brain she appeared again in the Sunday paper.

  She’d managed to dig her nails in to the prominent Lord Barrington. That was a surprise unto itself seeing how everyone knew very well Regina’s reputation. He knew without a doubt her sexual escapades were what had attracted the aging Lord to her side to begin with. After reading more and learning of the engagement Jordan was sure it was just that which lulled Barrington into her trap.

  Over the years Jordan had learned that was how she worked, she preyed on those eithe
r old and senile or young and naïve and where he was young when she’d lied her way into his heart, Barrington was old, old enough to be her grandfather in fact.

  It had been Jordan’s outspoken opinion at the time that Harold Barrington should have left her in the sheets to do what she did best, not offer her up a proposal. That was like offering up one’s head to be chopped. He was shocked that the man would even dare be seen with her in public, however the fact that he did gave Regina a touch of respectability again, the fact that he was to marry her, demanded that all of London treat her as a Lady as well as show her respect.

  However he refused and in public Jordan shunned her as if she had the plague which didn’t sit well with Barrington. How could the American turn his nose up at his intended? How dare he do so, he was Lord Barrington and Jordan was simply the American Jordan Bradford, only accepted in the inner circles of the town because of his sizable wallet. He held no title and never would. Harold let his distaste for Jordan be no secret, Jordan had tried to warn the fool against her treachery but he refused to hear anything against his “Sweetie Plum,” the ridiculous pet name could constantly be heard on Barrington’s lips.

  The marriage had been attended by London’s finest if only because Barrington’s title demanded it be so. Jordan hadn’t intended to go and no one expected him to. Besides no one truly cared if the rich American came at all he wasn’t truly a part of England’s high society just a visitor there.

  However he surprised himself by showing up to the wedding of his deceitful ex, maybe he could save Harold’s hide yet. The whole church was draped in white; Jordan thought it would have been better if it was black to fit the witch’s heart.

  Ever the practiced actress Regina had made her way down the aisle looking like the softest sweetest angel a quaint smile on her pouty little mouth and Jordan found that the sight of her made him physically ill.

  He had listened while they took their vowels, his fists clenched so tight he almost drew blood. He watched as they drove away in a tacky white carriage. Then it happened, she saw him and he had caught a glimpse of something he didn’t recognize then, but knew all too well now.

  That was the last he’d seen of Regina for over a year but not the last he heard of her. Whispers were hot on ears of her wild ways and how she had run through all of what was left of Harold’s debunk estate. Turned out the old fellow was living off mostly title and his coffers were quite bare. He would have loved to see Regina’s face when she found that out. The marriage had lasted no longer than two years when Harold Barrington died. Jordan had misgivings about how he met his fate but kept his thoughts to himself.

  A short while after his death Regina had joined up with an American gambler whose looks and charms were a good match for her own. She sold what was left of the Barrington estate and absconded to the states.

  It was on one of his visits home that he had seen the last of her. He’d been coming home from the wedding of Margaret and Jasper. Seeing a form on the steps of his home Jordan could remember his gut churning and knew instantly who it was.

  He had made his way up slowly to the porch dreading whatever it was she had to say or ask for. But heavy steps and all he was soon face to face with the woman.

  It was almost a shock to see her and Jordan had to keep himself from asking out loud what had happened. Gone was the beautiful vibrant blonde and instead before him stood a worn and haggard woman. Harsh lines creased her face and her eyes no longer held their twinkle. For once her physical appearance matched her inner personality and Jordan let a deep chuckle escape from his throat. “I’m surprised at you Regina, one would think that with all of your scheming, conniving, and meticulous planning you would know better than to run off with a street tramp gambler.” Walking past her Jordan lay his hand on the knob of the heavy front door. Before her icy hand reached out to stop him.

  “I need some money.”

  “Oh is that all, well you wait right here while I run up and get my pocket book and I’ll get you squared away.” Jordan sneered.

  “Don’t joke.” Regina purred “You know how I hate it when you joke; Jordan things are so different now I understand that what I did to you was wrong. I was such a foolish woman.” Sighing heavily, Regina laid a hand on Jordan’s chest. “I couldn’t dare hope that you would truly forgive me but I pray that if what you once felt for me was real you’d consider it.”

  “I wouldn’t put too much stock in it my dear, and if you’re going to lie you must do it better than that. less you insult my intelligence. I’m no longer a young man easily lulled by a woman’s charm. You’re here for money, and money only, Lord only knows why you’d think I’d give it to you though. Please see yourself off my land.”

  “You once loved no one above me, I’m sure you remember.” Regina moved so that her body brushed ever so slightly against her first husband. “How can you just let desire die.” She asked in a sultry tone pursing her lips out in a fraudulent pout.

  “Regina the only way I’d be willing to touch you again was if God himself came down and commanded it. The only way I’d help you would be if he did the same. I won’t give you a damn dime so you can take your more-than-used goods elsewhere.”

  “You bastard!” Regina felt her fury burn. “How dare you speak to me like that?”

  “Get out of my sight.” Turning his back on her Jordan turned the knob. “I don’t know why we ever thought this would work.” Regina grumbled under her breath. “I told him we’d have to do it the hard way.”

  Her last sentence stopped Jordan in his tracks. “We?” he breathed and turned to face the hellcat. It was then that he felt the sharp pain in his side. His hands flying quickly to the offended area Jordan eyes grew big with shock as he lifted them up to see that they were stained by blood.

  Barely given time to process what had happened Jordan was just making eye contact with the protruding blade coming out of his side when the force of a blunt object to his head nearly knocked him senseless and sent him toppling to the ground below.

  “You didn’t have to stab him.”

  “Shut up Stanley you’re one to talk when you just clubbed him, just help me while he is down here.” Regina snatched open his lapel. “Empty out his pockets.”

  “Jesus he’s still not out he’s a strong one isn’t he.”

  “Stanley hurry!” Regina whined.

  Jordan saw the two figures through blurred vision before darkness took him.

  It had been a week before he woke again. Weak and pale from the great amount of blood he lost as he lay in front of his home for God only knew how long. It was Vivian who had found him he’d been told, but Margaret was the first face he’d seen upon waking.

  She had told him about all of the things that Regina had taken from the house, and he didn’t care. He could replace things, but he could never replace the little bit of faith he had left in women that she had stolen. He hated Regina with his whole being. He still did. She tried to take his life for a few dollars that she’d run through in no less than a month. She was low and evil—she was everything that he hated and despised. Liar, cheat, backstabber, thief, adulteress, the list went on.

  “Damn.” Jordan voiced out loud, it was true that Regina had destroyed his faith in women and in love, but Amelia had restored it. His sweet angel with her soft smile and gentle touch. “Damn!” Jordan said again.

  It was then that Jordan felt Amelia’s presence behind him and gave a heavy sigh. “Amelia…” He was at a loss.

  Wrapping her arms around him from behind Amelia lay her head on his back. “It doesn’t matter.” She whispered knowing he understood. Kissing his back she let him go. “But you will keep your promise. Below deck with you Captain, you have a day to spend with your wife in bed.”

  Jordan gave her a weak smile, he didn’t want to care about her, he didn’t want her to mean so much. But Lord did he love that woman. Letting her take his hand in her own he followed obediently behind her widening frame. Watching in a daze as her hair bounced
up and down with every step. He loved her more than he ever thought it was possible to love anything in this world. “Princess.” He began stalling any further movement.

  “What?” Amelia asked in an exasperated tone. “I already know what you’re thinking and I’ll hear none of it, we are going back to that ridiculously large bed you have down there and we are going to pull the covers right up to our chins.” At the last part she gave a finalizing nod.

  Jordan followed suit. why argue against something he wanted to do anyways? Nothing sounded sweeter than climbing into bed and holding his wife.

  When they came to the door he almost laughed out loud at her eagerness to pry it open. And once it was she gave a running leap and collapsed in the bed with a slight jump.

  “Be careful.” Jordan warned, worry marring handsome features. Lifting his shirt from his body Jordan once again found himself in the secure arms of his wife.

  “How many weeks until we reach London?”

  “Weeks, you mean days.” Jordan said surprising her.

  Amelia squealed in pleasure. “Are you serious, if you’re joking I’ll have to kill you.”

  “Days darling.” Jordan stated sternly. “You Mrs. Bradford will step foot on English soil by Wednesday.”

  “Jordan that’s in two days.”

  “I said days my dear, didn’t I say days?”

  “That you did.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  London would take some adjusting to Amelia decided as she made her way down a busy street. They had been at port for several days but had not yet found a home in which to stay. Jasper and Margaret however had headed over to their brick house on Myrtle Street in some prestigious area the first night they made harbor.

  Being silly she had insisted on staying with Jordan even though Margaret had bid her come along a thousand times. Jordan had tried to order her away but to no avail. She wished she had listened. She was beginning to acquire cabin fever.