Slave to the Night (The Brotherhood Series, Book 2)

by Adele Clee

  It had nothing do with being good or kind. He just couldn't say no to her.

  Elliot shrugged. "Based on her reaction, I imagine Lady Sudley would rather spend twenty years in Newgate than face the wrath of her husband."

  Grace sighed. "I know what it's like to feel fear at the hands of one's husband. But I know she must pay for what she has done. I'm just thankful we've found Caroline. Do you know if there'll be any lasting effects from the tincture?"

  "Once the laudanum has worked its way out of her system, she'll be fine. Caroline's lucky to have you. There are not many siblings who would make the sacrifices you have."

  She gave a weak smile. "It's strange, but I do not see it as a sacrifice. I have always been there for her and in the process of scouring the ballrooms of London I've had the opportunity to meet you. Perhaps I should thank her."

  Elliot swallowed in a bid to dislodge the boulder-sized lump in his throat. "What will you do now?"

  She took a deep breath and her bottom lip quivered. "I … I will need to speak to Caroline. I assume she'll have to come home to Cobham." She stared at a point beyond his shoulder. "Although I'm not sure it will feel like home to me, not anymore."

  I love you.

  Her words drifted through his mind again, to tempt and to torture him.

  "It depends on one's definition of home," he said, his tone melancholic. "Is it the place of one's birth or one's abode? Or is it the place where one's heart belongs?"

  He searched her face, her bright blue eyes reminding him of a forget-me-not: wild, vibrant, the emblem of constancy and friendship. He committed the colour to memory, knowing he would never forget her, knowing she was the only woman ever to touch his soul.

  A smile touched the corners of her luscious mouth. "Perhaps home has ceased to be a place for me."

  He inhaled deeply, calming waves rippling through his body. "Grace, with you—"

  "Perhaps I should thank Lady Sudley," Leo said striding into the room to spoil the beauty of the moment. "You know how the ladies love a scar. I think it makes me look more dastardly, more sinfully dangerous."

  Elliot forced a chuckle though his mind was distracted with thoughts of Grace. It would always be Grace. "I'm glad to see you've recovered and feel more like your old self."

  It suddenly occurred to him that Leo had not noticed the change in him.

  He supposed it was not evident outwardly. Yet inside he knew he was not the same man who paraded the ballrooms with his brother, looking for licentious ways to keep memories of the devil woman at bay.

  He would never be that man again. But who was he now?

  It was a question he could not answer, no matter how hard he tried.

  Chapter 19

  Grace brushed her sister's hair from her brow and straightened the coverlet. "How are you feeling?"

  Caroline shuffled up to a sitting position. "Still a little weak, but then I have been in bed for days. It is good of your friends to let me stay here. I couldn't face going back to Arlington Street."

  Hours had passed since escorting Lady Sudley home and dawn was fast approaching. Caroline had woken an hour ago and was starting to seem more like her usual self.

  "I assume it is Mr. Henshaw who pays the rent on the property?" Grace said.

  Caroline nodded. "He did, but Lady Sudley informed me he gave notice before he left for Europe. The blighter didn't even have the decency to tell me. I should have known he could not be trusted."

  Could any man really be trusted?

  Although the events of the last few days had altered her opinion — she could trust Elliot Markham with her life.

  Grace perched on the edge of the bed. "Do you remember what happened on the night you went to Hanover Street?" They had only heard snippets from Mrs. Jones and Lady Sudley. "What prompted you to go there?"

  Caroline stared at the pink floral wallpaper. "I received a note. I thought it was from Mark. It had been signed and sealed and having not received one before I had nothing to compare it to. I'd never met him at his home and thought he wanted to talk about the child."

  "Was it Lady Sudley who sent you the note asking you to come to Hanover Street?"

  Caroline nodded. Grace offered her a drink of tea, but she waved the cup away.

  "How was I to know Mark had planned to go abroad?" Caroline pressed the pads of her fingers to her temple and groaned. "Do you know what she said to me? I could hardly believe my ears."

  "Lady Sudley wanted you to give her the child you're carrying," Grace said unable to hide the note of sympathy. "So she could raise it as her own."

  "Can you believe it? The woman gave such a pitiful display. I couldn't help but sneer at her desperation."

  Caroline was not known for her compassion. Yet, under the circumstances, Grace could understand her sister's frustration.

  "Sometimes, in trying to please others, people can make the wrong choices." Indeed, Grace had made a similar mistake. "But in the long term, they only end up hurting themselves."

  Caroline's eyes widened, but then she winced and touched her fingers to her temple again. "Don't defend her actions, Grace. The woman is downright evil. Indeed, I was in such a rush to get out of there, I tripped over the rug and banged my head on the corner of the side table. I could have died."

  "But thankfully you didn't. It's all done with now. Lord Sudley was furious with her and packed her off to the country almost immediately."

  Grace swallowed deeply and gave a weak smile as she recalled the look of sheer terror on Lady Sudley's face. It was a look she'd seen in the mirror many times, and it had been painful to watch. Elliot had sensed her sorrow and put his hand to the small of her back. His touch caused all negative feelings to subside, and she'd wanted nothing more than to go home with him and lie in his arms until morning.

  "Good," Caroline said, breaking her reverie. "I hope she rots for what she has done to me. I still can't believe you let her get away with it."

  Oh, the pain of disappointment, of regret, of feeling unworthy, was far more damning than any physical means of punishment.

  "What are your plans now?" Grace asked ignoring her sister's irate glare.

  "Mark is not interested in the child, though I do so want to keep it, Grace." She gave a weary sigh. "I do love him, you know, despite his callous ways. Although I would never have chosen this life had it not been forced upon me. But I am tired, poor and have no one to offer support here."

  For a moment, Grace contemplated offering to stay in London. She could find work as a governess or a paid companion. As a widow, she would not suffer the same fate she feared had befallen Caroline. And she would be free to see Elliot. If he so wished.

  "I've decided to return to Cobham," Caroline continued. "I need my family around me." She reached out and took Grace's hand. "I need you with me, Grace. You're so organised and fastidious in your efforts to care for me. If it hadn't been for you, I would still be locked in the attic dosed up on laudanum."

  Grace forced a smile, but inside her stomach churned.

  "But what of your condition? People may be unkind," Grace said, feeling an urgent need to persuade her sister to change her mind. "How will you cope with it?"

  Caroline tutted. "I've been parading about as a courtesan these last six months or more. People have been more than unkind. Besides, I'll have you to fight my battles. My champion warrior. The only person upon whom I can depend."

  Guilt and responsibility weighed heavily in her heart. "I shall be sad to leave."

  Caroline sat up, a look of fear flashing in her eyes. "You've made some good friends by all accounts. But it is not the same as family. You're to be an aunt, and you've always been so good with children. Don't abandon me, Grace. Not in my greatest hour of need."

  What could she say to that?

  "When do you wish to return?"

  "As soon as possible. I have a few items to collect from Arlington Street. I'm taking all of the jewels and the clothes, whether Henshaw likes it or not."


  Grace nodded. "We could return to Arlington Street tomorrow. Mrs. Whitman will call in on her way back to Cobham. She still believes you're a paid companion. We'll tell her your mistress has gone abroad and won't need your services for a month."

  Even though the words were pouring out of her mouth, her mind was only engaged with thoughts of Elliot Markham. She would grieve for the loss; she would grieve until she took her last breath.

  "Unless you wish to leave sooner." Grace wanted to punch herself on the arm for making the suggestion.

  "Sooner?"

  "We could ask Elliot — I mean we could ask Lord Markham for the use of his carriage."

  Caroline narrowed her gaze. "Whatever he's said to you, it is all lies. It is all a game to win you over. Markham is a man ruled by his voracious appetites. He is crude and vulgar and excels in the art of manipulation. You cannot trust him, Grace." She sighed. "Thank goodness you found me when you did. Perhaps now it's my turn to save you. No. We will return to Arlington Street in the morning and travel with Mrs. Whitman."

  Grace had a burning desire to come to Elliot's defence. Caroline was wrong about him. But she knew her sister well enough to know she would never be convinced.

  "Very well," Grace said. "I shall go and inform Lady Hale of our intentions. You rest now. You'll need your strength for the journey. Is there anything you need in the meantime?"

  Caroline pondered the question. "Perhaps a bath, some perfume, lip rouge and a hot meal. Oh, and a sweet pastry or the like."

  Grace forced a smile, although inside her heart was breaking. "I'll see what I can do?" she said before heading downstairs to talk to Evelyn.

  Evelyn appeared a little shocked at the sudden decision to depart. "We are happy to delay our return to Stony Cross if you would rather stay in London a while longer. I am sure Elliot would welcome the opportunity to spend more time with you."

  "That's extremely kind of you, but trust me, after a full day spent in Caroline's company you'll be shooing us out the door."

  Evelyn gave a sad pout. "Does Elliot know of your plans?"

  "No." Grace felt a pang of sadness in her chest at the thought of telling him. "I should call around. I told him I would let him know how Caroline fares."

  What would she say?

  Would he make her an alternative offer or simply accept her decision? Either way, saying goodbye would be like wrenching her heart out.

  "Look," Evelyn said. "I have no plans for the day. I may try to catch a few hours sleep but nothing more. You go and spend some time with Elliot. I shall take care of Caroline in your absence."

  Grace shook her head. Evelyn had already done more for her than anyone else her whole life. "I can't ask you to do that."

  "You didn't ask. I offered. Now be gone. Elliot won't care if you turn up unannounced."

  "If you're sure. I'll wait until after breakfast. It will be safer, and the walk will do me good."

  "Katie will accompany you. You can send her back in a hackney."

  Evelyn stepped forward and took her hands. "Leo said that when you were in the room with Lord Barrington, you told Elliot you loved him. Leo said it worked to calm him, that he believes you spoke the truth."

  Grace gripped Evelyn's hands for dear life as she could feel the tears welling. "It's true. I did tell him. But it is an impossible situation. Caroline needs me more than ever. I must see her settled before I can think of anything else." Grace sniffed. "Besides, he made no reply. I have no idea what he thinks or feels."

  "He loves you. It is obvious to those who know him. But he is set in his ways. No doubt, he is struggling with the strange emotion. Go to him. Tell him again," Evelyn urged.

  Grace nodded, but she knew she could not commit to him. Not while she had Caroline's problems to deal with. If Elliot truly cared for her, he would wait.

  One way or another, and with a heavy heart, she would be forced to leave him.

  Chapter 20

  As the sun rose higher in the morning sky, Grace knew she would find Elliot sheltered in his bedchamber. Whithers left her waiting in the hall while he announced her arrival and she was shown upstairs to the only place she'd ever felt truly happy.

  It took a moment for her eyes to become accustomed to the dim light.

  "I wasn't sure when you'd come." Elliot crossed the room to greet her, taking her hands in his. His casual dress: a loose white shirt and beige breeches reflected the way she felt in his company. Comfortable and at ease.

  "I'm not disturbing you?" she asked as he stepped behind her to help her out of her pelisse. The pads of his fingers brushed against the exposed skin at her nape, and as she shivered with pleasure, she felt the soft touch of his lips against her skin.

  Grace closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. The smell of sandalwood surrounded her, penetrating her clothing, seeping deep into her soul.

  If only they could bar the door and never leave. She would be content to spend her days conversing, her nights wrapped in his strong arms.

  "My door is always open to you," he said turning her around and pulling on the silk ribbons of her bonnet. He lifted it gently off her head, all the time his vibrant green eyes staring into hers. She gave him her gloves, and he took all the items and placed them on the wooden chest. "Would you care for something to eat or drink?"

  His voice drifted over her like silk: smooth, soft and sensual. The simple question caused desire to ignite — a roaring furnace of emotion flooding her body. Just being in his presence made her head spin, made focusing on anything other than what it felt like to touch him, impossible.

  "No," she said, noticing the sinful way his mouth curled at the corners. "I've recently had breakfast. I don't need anything else."

  Only you.

  The power of her desire for him shocked her, shook her. Even the tips of her fingers were trembling in anticipation. Perhaps it had something to do with the emotional strain she'd endured this last day. Perhaps, with the mystery of Caroline's disappearance now behind her, her emotions were free from guilt.

  Or was it because she knew this was goodbye?

  A sob caught in the back of her throat and she swallowed to disguise it.

  "Your sister is well?" He asked the question while his hungry gaze swept over. He wanted her, too. She could feel it radiating from him, the air between them buzzing with a magical force.

  "There is much to tell," she said stepping closer to him. "But it can wait for now."

  A fever burned through her, making her delirious, making her body flame.

  She came to stand just a few inches apart, pulled his shirt over his head while he watched with a look of amusement. When her itchy palms settled on his bare chest, the same throbbing sensation that had accompanied her release pulsed in her core.

  A pleasurable hum escaped from his lips. "What do you intend to do now?"

  Her only coherent thought was that she needed to feel him. She needed to feel full with him. Only him.

  She swallowed down her nerves.

  This would be the last time.

  "I need you, Elliot." She caressed his chest, the dusting of dark hair tickling her palms. "I cannot wait. There's no time." Her breath came in short pants as she fiddled with the buttons on his breeches. Her fingers felt numb. She didn't have the strength push the buttons through the holes. Frustration surfaced. "I can't do it."

  Elliot looked at her and smiled. "Shush." He stroked her cheek, ran his thumb over her bottom lip. "Let me do it."

  Feeling a desperate need to hurry, she got to work on the buttons on her dress. Before she began untying her stays, he was already gloriously naked. Magnificently aroused.

  "Quick, untie me." She flapped her hands frantically, for no other reason than to speed up the process.

  "Love. What's the rush?" he said freeing her until the only thing standing between them was a thin chemise. "We have all the time in the world."

  There was no time.

  Time had run out for them.

  Throwing her chemise to th
e floor, she threw herself into his arms. The feel of his body touching hers caused the throbbing to return.

  "Don't wait, Elliot."

  She claimed his mouth as though she was gasping for air. He made no objection and soon settled in with the wild, erratic pace. Their moans and groans were loud, littered with mumbled curses. Their hands were everywhere, the need to touch sparking an excited frenzy.

  Elliot pulled away with a gasp, swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed.

  When his body covered hers, she felt no fear, only rapturous joy.

  Strangely, she wanted to feel squashed by the weight of him; she wanted his body to surround her, to push her down into the mattress until she could hardly breathe.

  He took her mouth instantly, their tongues soon lost in deep exploration. Instinctively, she wrapped her legs around him, squeezing his firm buttocks when she felt the length of his arousal against her inner thigh. He must have interpreted the sign as a need to heighten her pleasure as he trailed kisses along the column of her neck, moving lower still, edging down.

  "No," she gasped using the muscles in her legs to hold him in position. This time, she needed to join with him, to feel the soul-deep connection she knew existed between them. "I need you inside me," she added shamelessly, almost choking on the words. There was no time left for modesty.

  Elliot practically roared in response and nudged her legs wider. "You make me insane with need."

  He entered her in one long, deep, delicious thrust.

  Their mutual hum of appreciation rang out through the room. The muscles in her core drew him in, hugged him tight, never wanting to let him go.

  Remember this, she said to herself, knowing she would revisit the moment many times in her dreams. Remember the smell and taste of his skin. Remember what it feels like to be so in love nothing else matters.

  With him buried so deep, the pace shifted.

  The urgency subsided, as though they were both where they needed to be, where they belonged. She felt him withdraw only to fill her again, sliding slowly, the sensual movement sending waves of ecstasy coursing through her veins. Rolling his hips to rub against her, he stared deep into her eyes, letting her see the pleasure on his face, giving her everything of himself.