Victor’s eyes started to roll back in his head, but Seth gave him quick shake bringing him back from the edge. Through gritted teeth, he repeated his question. Victor nodded in affirmation.
“Well then, since we understand each other, let me make one more thing clear. If anything happens to Phoebe, if anything happens to me, I’ve left instructions guaranteeing you will die a slow and horrible death. Is that clear?”
“Yes.” Even by lamplight, Victor looked pale as a sheet. Seth obliged him by removing his blade from its resting place. He then knocked on the carriage wall to let Gavin know they had concluded their business.
A quick glance out the window of the coach told Seth that Gavin must have thought it a good idea for Victor to familiarize himself with the less affluent areas of London. When the carriage slowed to a near stop, Seth tossed Victor out onto the road before continuing several more blocks, stopping to free the coachman from the rear compartment.
A few roads over, they hailed themselves a coach to Viridis— to Phoebe and a stiff drink.
Chapter Twenty One
William looked over the notes he’d taken, one more time. He’d spent hours going through the books of information on the module, and hours more trying to figure out what it all meant. He knew this could be what he needed to solve the murder, but there were still far too many names and too much intelligence to sort through.
From what he could figure, Lilly had been truthful about Niles working as a spy. There was information regarding the Cause, names, places, dates, probably gathered and turned over to the Secret Service. If there was a revolution brewing, the SS would do everything in their power to put an end to it.
It had come as no surprise to find both Phoebe and Seth’s name on the list of those supporting the Cause. He already knew of their involvement, but thought their contributions to be more humanitarian than revolutionary, though he’d not want to wager a guess on which side of the line they’d fall if a revolution occurred. Hanging for treason tended to be a good enough deterrent for most.
The book of information labeled Secret Service contained more names, places and dates, however this time the list appeared to be the names of those working as spies for the SS. Although it’d certainly be useful information for Niles to have, he doubted this list was for the SS. Niles must have done some digging around, and compiled the list on his own. But why? Perhaps Lilly was indeed correct about Niles sympathizing with the Cause once he’d learned more about it.
The part he understood the least, though, was the third book labeled with Phoebe’s name. It held multiple formulas and calculations for Viridis, and then more information regarding her other experiments.
He had not a clue what the SS would want with Viridis or Phoebe for that matter, and he also could not imagine she would allow anyone access to her research.
It was becoming all too clear that someone close to Phoebe had betrayed her.
Chapter Twenty Two
Phoebe arrived at Viridis in a flutter of nerves. Though she could not be happier about her engagement to Seth, she dreaded seeing Gabriel. The cuts and bruises from her altercation with Victor were still obvious, despite her best efforts to mask them with cream and powder.
As always, Gabriel was behind the bar at the Sanctorum, but his smile faded when he saw her. “Phoebe, what happened? Your lip.” He immediately came from around the bar to her side.
“It’s nothing.” She took the arm he offered and gave him a small smile. “May I speak to you in private for a moment? I have other matters I wish to discuss.” Unlocking her office door, they went in, closing the door behind them.
“Phoebe, what’s happened?” Gabriel reached out and took her hand. “You know you can talk to me about anything.”
She reached up and cupped his face. He had certainly grown into a fine young man, but when she looked into his eyes she still saw the young lad she helped raise. “I know, love, but it’s not a matter I wish to discuss when I have happy news I’d rather share. I wanted you to be the first to know. I’ve agreed to marry Seth.”
Smiling, he pulled her off her feet and swung her around in an embrace, before setting her down, a huge grin on his face. “I’m truly happy for you. And if you don’t mind my saying, you took your sweet time about it.”
She laughed, the clenching in her gut now gone. “I do believe Seth may hold that very same opinion.”
“A toast then.”
Gabriel was pouring them each a whisky to celebrate when there was a knock at the door. Opening the door, she was surprised to find herself suddenly swept off the floor in a hearty embrace.
“Phoebe, love. How I’ve missed ye.” Caught completely off guard, Phoebe couldn’t help but laugh, resting her hand on Gavin’s cheek and kissing him on the forehead, her feet dangling a good foot off the ground.
“It’s been too long.” When she spoke, she couldn’t keep the catch from her voice. It had been eight months since she’d seen him last, and she’d missed him terribly.
Seth cleared his throat, eyeballing the two of them. “Not that I want to interrupt the happy reunion, but would you mind putting my betrothed back on the ground?”
Phoebe blushed, suddenly conscious of Seth and how it must look to him. But Gavin was still holding onto her as if she weighed nothing more than a feather.
“Congratulations, lass.” His voice was tender when he spoke and she could not help but look into his eyes as he held onto her gaze. He then gave her a kiss, just a brush of the lips, before landing her on her feet.
***
Phoebe handed Seth the glass of Viridis, letting him pull her close for a quick kiss. It had turned into a late night, the combination of their engagement and Gavin’s presence fueling the revelries. Gavin had accompanied them to her home, accepting her invitation to spend the night in the guest room, since his own sleeping quarters were on the other side of the city.
Phoebe’s house servants, Sarah and Martha, busied themselves around the house, obviously excited to have guests. They brought numerous plates and platters up from the kitchen, each piled high with finger sandwiches and other delectables. How they had managed so much in so little time and with no notice was beyond her, but she made sure to lavish them with praise and thanks before dismissing them for the night with assurances they could manage on their own.
“What happened to your hand?” She asked, taking notice of Seth’s scraped and swollen knuckles as he raised his glass to drink. “I hope you boys weren’t getting yourselves into trouble.”
Seth momentarily glanced at Gavin, who returned his look with raised eyebrows, sending a shard of panic through her. “I was going to tell you, but wanted to wait for a more appropriate time.” He steered her towards a chair, crouching before her so she could easily look into his eyes. “There’s nothing to trouble yourself over. I just need you to know you’re now safe. Victor will not bother you again.”
Phoebe inhaled sharply at the sound of Victor’s name. “What did you do, Seth?” She felt all the blood drain from her body, and thought she might faint for the second time in as many days.
Seth took her hand in his. “He’s fine, my love, with little more than a broken nose and wounded pride. I promise, he’ll not lay a hand on you again.”
She felt her cheeks flush in embarrassment at the mention of Victor’s assault while Gavin was still present. She chanced a glance to see if he’d heard and then hissed at Seth through gritted teeth, her embarrassment turning to fury. “Did I not ask you to leave it be? Do you know what you have done?”
Seth sighed heavily. “A moment if you would, Gavin?” Gavin gave him a nod and then got up, flicking a quick glance at Phoebe before leaving the two of them alone.
How could such an intelligent man be so damn stupid? Phoebe paced the room, not saying anything, picking up and putting down the occasional object, trying to ward off the desire to hurl said object at his head. In the state she was in, her aim would not fail her. “Do my requests mean nothing to you, Seth?
What were you thinking?”
“Phoebe, you could not expect me to sit idly by after the man assaulted you.”
“I know you felt it necessary, but the man is powerful and wounding his ego is far more dangerous than wounding his person. I only fear what he’ll do in retaliation.”
Seth pulled her into the safety of his arms, holding her close, some of her anger now gone. “Do not worry, my love. I promise, he’ll not harm you again. I vow to protect you, with my own life if necessary.”
She looked up at him, fear still gripping her as he leaned forward and kissed her. When she spoke, cradled against his chest, it was barely but a whisper. “It’s not myself I worry for.”
***
Phoebe went out into the hall and found Gavin pacing the hall, his kilt swinging with each stride. Standing well over six feet tall, his presence overwhelmed the small space. “I’m assuming you were with him.”
He stopped pacing and gave his head a shake, anger sparking in his eyes. “I could not let him go alone. Truth be told, I dinna blame him one bit for what he did, and you shouldn’t either. He didna tell me what happened, but I can take a guess, aye? I can also tell ye the man’s lucky I hadna seen ye before we paid him a visit. Seth’s a far nicer man than myself, for I’d have them fishing pieces of the bastard out of the Thames.”
“Is that so?” She repressed a shudder, knowing he likely spoke the truth.
“Aye lass, it is.” He changed the subject. “Has he told ye I’m to marry the two of ye?”
“Are you now?”
Gavin tilted his head to the side, answering, “Aye, that I am, unless ye’ve reason to object.”
“Bloody hell.” She gave her head a shake, trying to ignore the quickening of her heart. Pushing her fears aside, she let a smile slowly creep across her face. It was good to have Seth and Gavin back, the three of them together once again.
Gavin gave her a hint of a smile, his voice soft and sweet. “Come on, lass. We dinna want to leave yer poor man wondering what we’re getting up to.”
“No. We certainly wouldn’t.” She turned to go, but he stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. “What is it, love?”
“Phoebe, about what happened.” He gave his head a shake, making her stomach clench. She knew he was not speaking about the incident with Victor. “I’m sorry, aye? I hadna meant to—”
“I hope you’re not being too hard on the lad, my love.” Seth walked into the hall, making Phoebe’s heart race.
She gave Gavin a quick glance, before walking over to Seth, managing a bit of a smile. “No more than he deserves.”
The three of them sat by the fire, eating and drinking, conversation slowly returning to normal. The tension between them eased, though Phoebe could not help but notice Gavin’s gaze drift back to her on more than one occasion. She knew what he truly wanted to speak to her about when they were in the hallway, but no good would come from rehashing something of so little importance—especially not when she’d finally agreed to marry Seth.
After several more hours of talk and drink, they decided it’d be wise to retire for the night. “Ye’ll let us know if ye need anything, aye? A good night to ye.” The lilt had crept back into Seth’s voice with the help of Gavin’s company and a fair bit of drink.
“And a good night to ye both.” As Gavin made his way to the guest bedroom, Seth then turned his attention to her.
Phoebe got to her feet, and the world tilted around her, leaving her to wonder exactly how much whisky and Viridis she’d had. Sensing her state of inebriation, Seth pulled her into his arms, holding onto her with a firm grip around her waist. Head spinning, she melted in Seth’s arms, desperate to feel his touch. With little effort, he scooped her up and started to carry her towards her bedroom. “I do believe ye’re drunk, my love.”
“I do believe you’re correct.” The words felt thick on her tongue. But nestled as she was in his arms, her lips found their way to his neck with ease before moving on to nibble at his ear.
“Phoebe, love, keep that up and I’m liable to drop ye, being that I’m not exactly steady on my own feet.” His grip tightened and he picked up his pace, fumbling with the doorknob to her room.
Reaching down, she gave him a hand, flinging the door open to let them through. She heard the door close behind them, and then Seth lowered her onto the bed as her world continued to dance around her. Rolling her onto her back, he struggled with her gown and corset, as Phoebe managed to doze between his curses. She then watched dreamily as he rid himself of his own kit, leaving her to marvel drunkenly at his magnificent form.
Sliding in next to her, he said, “Ye need to sleep or ye’ll be in a world of hurt come morning. Come on, love. Lay yer head.”
He pulled her into his arms, and she nestled up against him, her head on his chest as the sound of his heart lulled her. But the herbal coursing through her veins was putting something other than sleep on her mind. Her fingers traced imaginary patterns across his chest, her lips following the trail— until Seth wrapped her snug in his arms, effectively putting a stop to her progress. She looked up at him and pouted— something she could assuredly blame on the alcohol.
Seth frowned at her. “Sleep.”
“That’s not exactly what I had in mind.” Phoebe thought he was trying awfully hard to be good, poor man. Though he was twice her size, he too had consumed an ungodly amount of Viridis— from her private collection, no less— and she could not imagine it wasn’t having an effect.
She turned away onto her side, taking his arm with her so that he was forced to lie cradling her from behind, a position she knew would give her the upper hand. They were a perfect fit, their bodies molding to each other with her head fitting just under his chin, their legs a tangle. Her skin buzzed with energy, a rush of need coursing through her every fiber. She felt the hard heat of him pulse against her and knew he was as helpless against the herbal’s effects as she was. She shifted in his arms, pressing herself up against him, her need for him now bordering on desperation.
“Phoebe.” Her name was just a murmur on his lips, before he bent his head towards hers, covering her mouth with his, hungrily taking. He tasted of whisky and Viridis. His hands ran down the length of her, setting her skin on fire.
She shifted so as to better face him. Her hands reached down to stroke his hard length, eliciting a moan as he let his head fall back. His hands, rough on her hips, flipped her onto her hands and knees, as he sidled up behind her, mumbling.
She looked over her shoulder at him, thinking for sure she’d not heard right. “What did you say?”
He burst out laughing. “I was just saying that, by the god’s, ye’ve got the most bonny wee arse— nice and plump.”
She swiped at him laughing, throwing herself off balance in the process. With his hands still on her hips, he pulled her back into position, and said, “Be still with ye. Is this not what ye wanted?”
She was still laughing when he thrust into her. That certainly got her attention, her eyes went wide for just a moment, her skin prickling with the sensation. She leaned back into him, shifting so her hips rocked against him, before he thrust into her again, another wave crashing over every nerve ending.
Dropping to her elbows, she lowered her head into the pillow to try and stifle the scream that wanted to erupt from her very depths. He continued to drive into her, his pace torturously slow as he let the energy build, wave upon wave, negating her own efforts to quicken their pace.
Seth reached out and grabbed a fistful of hair, gently pulling her head up out of the pillows, his arm holding her up against him, offering the support she needed to keep from sinking into the mattress in a trembling heap. “That’s better now. I want to see your face. I want to see it when I make you scream my name.” As if to guarantee she would do just that, his free hand dipped between her legs, stroking her deftly as he continued, thrust after torturously slow thrust.
She knew she could not take much more, moaning to keep from screaming,
all too conscious of Gavin only a door away in the guest room. She could barely get the words out, her mind melting into a sea of sensations. “Seth, please. Gavin— he’ll hear.” But his only response was to pick up the pace, his eyes on hers as he left her quivering in his arms, his name torn from her lips.
Chapter Twenty Three
Gabriel let himself into his family home, its familiarity doing nothing to calm his nerves. Since Gavin had stayed the night, Phoebe sent word that Gabriel should join them for a late breakfast. He would have enjoyed himself if he didn’t have so many other things gnawing at him. Yet he had no one to blame but himself and his own stupidity.
Gabriel found them all sitting around the fire having tea as Gavin regaled them with his stories. “Hope I’m not too late.” He gave Phoebe a warm smile as she rose to greet him.
“Not at all. Shall we retire to the dining room? I’ll let Sarah and Martha know we’re ready.” He gave her what he hoped was a confident nod and watched her sweep out of the room, lighter on her feet than he’d seen her in a long while. She was the only one left of any importance to him, and soon she’d be embarking on another part of her life. He liked Seth— couldn’t ask for a better man— and he really was truly happy for them, but it still felt like she was taking yet another step away from him.
He knew the distance he felt between them was of his own doing. She had always been the one he turned to with his concerns and worries, and it was harder than he’d thought to keep things from her. Perhaps he could speak to her. But he dismissed the thought from his mind, and not for the first time. His problems were his own and of his own doing. It would not be fair to ruin her happiness, especially when there was little that could be done to help the matter. He’d need to find a way to deal with things without involving Phoebe.
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