War of Hearts, A Historical Romance

by Lynn Hubbard

  He immediately seized her and his hands and mouth were everywhere. Grasping, nipping, and tearing. Perhaps this was not such a good idea, she thought. She cried out as he lifted her dress and ripped off her bloomers. This was ridiculous; between him and Tristan she might as well walk around naked.

  “Bed,” she gasped, hoping he would take the hint. He did. Picking her up, he tossed her onto the filthy mattress as he fumbled with his pants. Sarah panicked as he came toward her; she reached under the pillow and pulled out the knife. The moonlight glinted off the blade and she gasped when he grasped her wrist trying to wrench it from her.

  His other hand went for her throat and she gasped for air as her free hand feebly tried to pull it loose. She kicked out at him with her legs as she felt her breath leaving her. She was barely aware as the room washed in light as the door opened and closed quickly.

  Her throat was released as she sucked in air desperately, her oxygen-depleted mind trying to comprehend what was happening. Two figures scuffled and she rolled away as her hand was released. Still holding the knife she tried to make out the new comer, but it was too dark. They fell onto the bed in a tangle of limbs and Sarah was glad Randall appeared to be losing. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she could see the rope wrapped around Randall’s neck. His body jerked one last time as his soul returned to hell.

  Holding the knife in front of her, she questioned her rescuer. “Who are you?”

  “Shhh, it's okay, ma’am.”

  “Ryan?” she questioned, recognizing his soft voice. “What are you doing here?”

  “My apologizes, ma’am. Randall left the note behind in our room and I read it. I thought you might need some help.”

  “How did you know I was planning to kill him?”

  “Well, ma’am, I think there’s a long list. I’m just happy I was able to help.”

  Sarah, accepting his answer, set the knife down as she slunk to the floor. Her throat ached and her wrist hurt like the dickens. She moved it, testing out her range of motion.

  “Did he hurt you badly?”

  “No, I’ll be fine. What do we do now?”

  “Let’s hide him under the bed. Hopefully he won’t be found for a couple of days.”

  The two worked together to roll the large man onto the floor. After much pushing and pulling, they found it more feasible to just move the damn bed. So they did. They straightened the room and left the door unlocked with the key on the side table. Sarah put the knife back in her bag and wrapped it around her wrist.

  She motioned to the window for them to escape and Ryan looked down hesitantly. Sarah climbed out first and hanging from her fingertips, dropped silently to the ground below.

  She nodded encouragement to Ryan, whom dropped down next to her. Helping him to his feet they walked arm in arm to the alley. She had a million more questions for him, but he shushed her.

  “Not here.”

  They arrived at the horses and Ryan led the way, heading in the opposite direction she had come. Fear filled her heart as they headed away from home. Another two blocks and Ryan finally turned toward their destination.

  “Just a small ruse in case any one notices us,” he assured her.

  “I still don’t understand why you helped me,” Sarah replied, removing her wig and shoving it in her bag.

  “The good Major was not comfortable with the Colonel’s relationships. He threated to report it. The Colonel can be very devious when pushed. He was aware of your mistreatment by Randall and had me follow you.”

  “And I am very glad you did,” Sarah whispered, her hand rising to her injured throat.

  “If you confess your escapades to Mr. Radcliff, please leave the Colonel out of it.”

  “Oh, of course! Um, Ryan?”

  “Yes?”

  “Thank you, for saving me.”

  “Anytime; after all, who would I take to the ball?”

  Chapter 20 Better off Dead

  Sarah groaned as she woke. She had collapsed in her bed with exhaustion after replacing the knife in the drawer and returning the wig and dress to the chest. Her body ached from head to toe and her breath sounded raspy as she took in air past her swollen throat.

  She needed to check herself in the mirror, to see if she could hide her wounds from Tristan. However, she could not muster the strength to face the day. She jumped at a knock on the door.

  “Miss Smith?”

  It was Cecilia’s voice.

  “Are you still ill? Should I bring a tray up for breakfast?”

  “Yes,” Sarah barked out. The footsteps were barely discernible as they moved down the hallway. Minutes later, another knock sounded. This knock was much louder, and she froze as Tristan called out to her.

  “Sarah?” he asked again, unlocking the door when he received no answer.

  She wanted to shout out for him to stop, to not enter. But she did not have the strength. Instead she hid under the covers to hide her shame from the world. She felt the bed sink down as he sat on the edge.

  “Are you feeling better?” he asked. His voice was thick with concern and her heart ached at her deceit.

  With her eyes broadcasting her pain and fear, she lowered the covers so she could peek out, and shook her head no.

  “Do you need a doctor?”

  The door creaked open and Cecilia stepped into the room, her arms laden with a tray of food & beverages. “She’ll be fine. I’ll tend to her. Why don’t you go down and have some breakfast?”

  “No, I think I’ll stay,” he replied, taking the tray from her and shutting the door after she left reluctantly. Sarah tried to push herself up into a sitting position with her injured hand and gasped out in pain. He was at her side in an instant; he pulled back the cover and his eyes widened with shock as he took in her bruised neck and arms. “Who did this to you? It was Randall wasn’t it?” Tristan spat out, his rage barely contained. “I’ll kill him.” He turned to leave, to do just that, as Sarah flung herself forward and grabbed onto his arm.

  “Please stop! It’s too late. It’s too late,” she sobbed as her body shook with emotion. She let go as her injured wrist gave way and she held it to her body, rocking back and forth in the bed.

  Tristan turned to look at her as the door opened again. The Colonel stepped inside and shut it behind himself.

  “Have a seat, Tristan.” The Colonel waited patiently as the worried man set on the edge of the bed. “Major Johnson is no longer with us. I can personally vouch that Miss Smith was in the house the entire evening. I surmise he ran off with a trollop. He always was careless with his conquests.”

  “I don’t understand,” Tristan muttered.

  “Exactly.” The Colonel winked at Sarah before turning and heading down to breakfast.

  “What the hell happened last night?” Cold blue eyes turned to her and she shut her eyes tightly, tears cascading down her face.

  “I’m so sorry Tristan. I didn’t mean to get everyone involved.”

  “Well what were you planning?” he asked.

  “I was going to kill the bastard myself. He threatened me, forced himself on Cecilia, and was planning on getting you locked up,” she whispered, even though it was painful.

  “Why didn’t you tell me? I don’t need your protection. I’m supposed to protect you.” He reached out and lifted her colorful wrist. He held it gently as he ran his thumb over the angry bruises.

  “I have nothing to lose. You have everything,” she said, lifting her good hand to caress his face.

  He shook his head. “If I lost you, I would have lost everything.”

  Tears filled her eyes with his tenderness as he leaned over and gently kissed her mouth. He pulled away reluctantly. “Now, what happened?”

  “I tricked him into meeting me at a bar. I took a knife from the kitchen and planned on slitting his throat. He grabbed my wrist and started choking me. I would have died if it were not for Ryan. He saved me and we escaped together.”

  “Then I am indebted to Ryan.”<
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  “Lay with me?” she asked.

  He carefully moved next to her and pulled her into his arms. She buried her head into his chest as she listened to his heartbeat. Soon she was asleep.

  Chapter 21 A Proposal

  The days ticked by. Tristan headed off to finalize plans with Gabriel as Sarah helped Ryan pick out tablecloths. Randall’s name was never mentioned in the house, but Ryan told her during an outing to the florist that he had been found three days later. Surprisingly, the body was found floating in the river. She guessed the Tavern didn’t want the army snooping around. Not that the army had been looking for him.

  This freed up her mind some and she was able to fully concentrate on their plan. Her neck was healing slowly and she wore a scarf and gloves to hide the bruises. Her wrist was feeling much better; no permanent damage had been done.

  She was eager to see Tristan. He had been sleeping in her room since the incident. He just lay next to her and held her; she felt so safe. She was desperate for more though, and she would wait no longer.

  There was much less tension at dinner these nights and Sarah ate her fill, needing to regain her strength. The rescue was coming up soon and she needed to be ready.

  Tristan cleared his throat as he laid the napkin on the table. “I have a proposition to make.” Everyone looked up at him; however his eyes were only on Sarah. “I’m going to be leaving soon; we have a new shipment for London. Sarah, I would like for you to go with me. Let me take you away from all this war nonsense.”

  Sarah covered her mouth in surprise. They had not discussed this; it was brilliant! “Umm, why I don’t know. It’s so sudden.”

  “I know, but I need to return to the sea, and I want you with me… as my wife.”

  Sarah mouthed the words, unable to speak. The Colonel clapped his hands in glee. “Brilliant! We can simply turn the ball into a wedding! How grand is that?”

  Sarah looked from one man to the other in confusion. Was this part of the plan or had he simply gone mad?

  “I appreciate the offer, Colonel. However, I would prefer to marry in London with my parents in attendance. They have the most wonderful cathedrals,” he added, picking up Sarah’s hand and kissing it.

  “I don’t know what to say,” Sarah replied, finding her voice.

  “Say yes,” Ryan chimed in with a soft smile.

  “Umm…yes?” she said a bit shyly, wondering if she should kill him for putting her in this position. He grinned from ear to ear as he leaned over and captured her lips in his.

  “Excuse us but I think we will skip the pudding tonight.” He stood up and gently pulled Sarah to her feet, guiding her upstairs to his bedroom.

  The door had barely shut as Sarah turned on him. “What the hell was that?”

  He smirked, pulling her into his arms. “I thought it was an excellent idea. Plus, it buys us more time and a reason to leave the party early.”

  She still frowned at him, which was difficult being so close. “What about the wedding?”

  “I’m sorry; I just wanted to see the expression on your face. You looked so surprised, it was perfect.”

  “I see. I’m glad I could amuse you.” She turned angrily and tried to hide the tears that sprang involuntarily to her eyes. For a second her heart had hoped it had been real. How foolish could she be?

  “Sarah, it’s not like that. I didn’t mean to upset you.” He again pulled her into his arms and kissed her tears away. She cursed her body for responding to him. She turned her head defiantly and he just used the action to gently kiss her throat.

  “What’s the matter?” he asked, finally pulling away.

  She shook her head. “It’s my fault. You never promised me anything except a ship, and until tonight, I haven’t thought about my future. For so long, I haven’t even been sure if there would be one.”

  “Sarah…”

  “I don’t have time for fairytales; my priority is saving those men. No matter what the cost. We will need lots of blankets, clean clothing, fresh water and food. I assume you can arrange that?”

  “Already done.”

  “Thank you,” Sarah whispered, stepping toward him and pulling his head down in a hungry kiss. She did not know what the future held but she would enjoy him while she could.

  Tristan returned it with equal vitality as he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He tried to lay over her, but she twisted at the last second knocking him to his back.

  Taking advantage of his prone form, her hands ripped at his shirt eager to feel his flesh. Tristan lifted his hips, pulling his shirt free from his pants and allowing her to find what she sought.

  Hiking her dress up to her thighs she straddled his waist and sat on his pelvis. Surprise covered his face, which soon changed to desire as she drew her fingernails down his chest to where his pants started. She then slid her hands back up to his neck and gently caressed his chest, letting his chest hair slide through her fingers as she spread her hand opened and closed repeatedly.

  She had never explored him like this before. He moved to pull her down and she slapped his hands away as her fingers drew small circles around his nipples. She watched in amusement as they stiffened up and she leaned down to nibble on one with her teeth. He moaned beneath her as he shifted her bottom to accommodate his growing need. She ignored him as she moved to his other bud, offering it the same attention.

  She could feel his member pushing against the cloth separating them. Feeling a bit guilty, she moved down to release it. Unbuttoning his pants was more difficult than she had expected. She glared at him as his hands moved in to assist her.

  Freeing him from the confinement, his member stood up proudly. She took the time to trace his length with her finger. Even though they had been together numerous times, she had never been able to see him like this before. Usually he was tucked away under the covers. Not tonight; tonight she would give him the attention he deserved.

  She pulled at his pants as he leaned down and swiftly removed them completely. She sat next to him on the bed and resumed her exploration. She gently cupped his sac and marveled how it seemed to wither from her touch. Moving her hand back to his manhood she encircled it with her fingers. She held it loosely, slowly moving her hand up and down along his length.

  She heard a groan from him and she pulled her hand away quickly, afraid she had hurt him. He was grasping the covers with his fists and his eyes were tightly closed.

  “Did I hurt you?” she whispered.

  “You’re killing me,” he groaned, unable to take anymore. He pulled her down to him and kissed her lips.

  His hands expertly removed her dress and she felt the cool night air from the window washing over her like a caress. She gasped as he flipped her onto her back, moving to cover her. His hand slipped down between her legs, surprised to feel her sopping with need.

  “I need you,” he whispered, spreading her legs wider and slipping inside.

  She gasped; she felt so complete when she was with him. All thoughts were soon wiped from her mind as his pace picked up. She dissolved into pure emotion, gasping his name out as he brought her to the brink and past.

  She felt him growl, his body shuddering above her. She felt his strength seep into her body as he collapsed on top of her. He kissed her damp cheek, sliding off of her so she could breathe. Keeping his arms around her, it was his turn to think.

  He added the marriage part in a spur of the moment. He had not been serious about it at the time. Hell, he had never even thought about marriage before. He was not the family type.

  They had made no plans past the rescue. However, he could not imagine being apart from her. When he saw what Randall had done to her he was livid. Sarah was such a loving, giving creature, and she had asked so little in return.

  Would marriage be that bad? He thought about having her in his bed for the rest of his life, and the idea was not unpleasant.

  ***

  Sarah woke. The warm arms surrounding her reminded her she was
in Tristan’s bed. The rays spraying through the window spoke of dawn. Regretfully she sat up to face it.

  Tristan mumbled at the interruption and she ignored him, gathering her things to leave. She arrived at her room unseen and moved to wash in the basin. She had regrettably promised Tristan she would accompany him today. They were to pick up her gown for the ball and finalize plans for the rescue with Gabriel. He would meet them on the Vixen.

  Ruffling through the trunk, she came across the dress she had worn here; the dress that had sustained her for many months in the field. It was threadbare in places but held so many memories. She packed it in the small satchel she planned to bring with her. It was too precious to leave behind.

  She looked around the room at all the grandeur. Yet it meant nothing to her. The only things of importance in this world were people. She just didn’t understand how the King could not see that? His heart was filled with greed for coin and land.

  Hopefully, she could return to Washington’s army, and if she could bring back some strong men, it would be even better. Of course returning to the army meant facing Robert. That would be uncomfortable; however it was he who had told her she should seek out Tristan.

  She did feel a bit guilty for tricking the Colonel. Hell, Ryan had even saved her life. No. She would not fill her heart with regret; there just was no room left.

  She sat down and brushed out her hair. She cursed Tristan for undoing it at night. It was not he who had to fight with the tangles every morning. Brushing them free with vigor, she braided her hair in two plats and let them fall down her back.

  Looking in the mirror, she thought the braids made her look younger than her eighteen years. She may look young, but her soul was old. She had seen too much death, too much pain. Refusing to give into tears she stood and headed down to breakfast.

  For once she was the first one there. Not wanting to sit and wait she headed to the kitchen to see if she could help. Cecilia greeted her warmly.

  “Sleep well?” she asked.