When he saw Zane pull Ivy into his arms and comfort her, he almost lost it. He had never felt so jealous in his life. He tried to calm down but seeing them together just made it worse. His mother had tried to warn him all these years about their relationship, but Thorn had just ignored the warnings. Zane was a friend and knew of his feelings for Ivy. He was just watching out for her like he promised he would. But seeing them together, he was afraid that maybe Zane had fallen for his sweet Ivy too.
“Am I interrupting you two?” Thorn asked.
Ivy rushed over to Thorn quickly and grabbed his hands.
“No, Thorn. Zane has come looking for Charles; he is the agent we have been waiting for. I have filled him on everything that has happened. He said he is going to help you find Charles. Isn’t that wonderful? You two can find Charles and end the treason together.”
“Welcome back Thorn,” Zane reached out to shake Thorn’s hand.
Thorn shook Zane’s hand and pulled Ivy up against his side with his other arm.
“It is good to finally be home,” he told Zane as he looked into Ivy’s eyes.
When Ivy avoided his eyes, he pulled her body in closer to his and watched the blush spread across her cheeks at his display of affection in front of their friend. He knew that he was making it uncomfortable for her, but he was letting Zane know that Ivy was his and his only. Also, he was sending a silent message to Ivy, that he was not sharing her with anybody.
Zane laughed as he watched his friend show his dominance. He knew that Thorn was not indifferent to Ivy he just need a little guidance in the right direction. He was going to have a little fun in showing Thorn how desirable Ivy was to every man.
“Will you stay for lunch Zane?” Ivy asked.
“Yes, my lady I will.”
Ivy laughed as she bent down to pick up the roses. Thorn missed her laugh and was jealous that her laugh wasn’t directed towards him. She began to walk away from them before he could stop her.
“I will have cook set another plate for lunch,” Ivy said over her shoulder as she walked back inside.
Thorn watched Ivy walk away and clutched his fists in frustration. He wanted a moment alone with her, but was now stuck alone with Maxwell. When he looked over at Zane he found him laughing at him, so he snarled back at him. He walked away from Zane and knowing that he would follow him. Thorn made his way to his father’s study. He poured himself and Maxwell a drink of whiskey. He walked over and handed it to Zane as he made himself comfortable on the couch.
“I hear congratulations are in order my friend,” Zane said lifting his glass in a toast.
Thorn nodded his head and drank back the whiskey in one gulp. He went back and refilled his glass and settled in a chair. He waited for Maxwell to speak, knowing that it wouldn’t take long. He proved himself corrected when Maxwell started questioning him on Charles’s disappearance and whereabouts.
“Have you had any success in finding him? Do you have any clues where he might have gone?”
“No and the longer he is gone the more I fear for his life and for Ivy’s.”
“Why do you fear for Ivy’s life?” Maxwell asked.
“Because Captain Shears has a threat out against her; he wants her dead. I have not told her of that new information yet. So far, she has stayed close to the house. I have not had to worry. But I know that she is growing restless and wants to help. I am pleased you are here; you can help me go through these papers of Charles and help me try to understand them. They make no sense to me. Also, you can help me keep an eye on Ivy and keep her out of trouble. Can you stay with us?”
“I have taken a room at the Margate Inn. I think that would be for the best, I can find out more information that way. When you need me just send word to me as discreetly as possible and I will come to help.”
“Agreed. We had better go join them for luncheon before we get in trouble.”
“Oh, my friend I think you are already in very deep trouble,” Zane laughed as he followed Thorn.
As they ate luncheon Thorn watched Zane charm his mother and Ivy with his delightful stories of the ton. He filled them in with all the latest gossip. Katherine and Ivy told them how the ball and wedding plans were coming along. He watched both women blush and giggle at every word that came out of Maxwell’s mouth. He had had enough; they were wasting valuable time listening to his stories. He had a best friend to find and a treason plot to stop; he was tired of watching Ivy fawn all over Maxwell.
Thorn pushed back his chair and stood up from the table, “If you are quite finished here Maxwell; we need to get a start on going through those papers,” Thorn spoke testily.
“Of course old man,” Zane winked at both women as he stood up to join Thorn.
“It has been a delight eating luncheon with you two gracious ladies. Thank you for the delicious meal.” Zane bowed to the women.
“You are very welcome sir, it has been our pleasure,” Katherine giggled.
“Thank you Zane for staying to eat with us, I hope you can help Thorn. Also, thank you for helping in our search for Charles,” Ivy said.
“I will do what I can my dear.” Zane reached for Ivy’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
Thorn watched Zane kiss the back of Ivy’s hand and gritted his teeth. His lips seemed to linger a little too long on the back of her hand. He wanted to snatch her hand out of his, but he did not want to cause a scene. He did not want to offend Maxwell, he needed his help. But it didn’t mean he had to enjoy watching them together. He would just make sure that they were never left alone together; he would seek his mother’s help with that. He would keep Maxwell busy with Charles’s papers and use him to help in his search.
Maxwell walked out of the room and Thorn stood looking at Ivy. She starred back at him waiting for him to speak. He didn’t know what to say to her. Not wanting his jealousy to show, he decided not to say anything at all. He nodded his head at her and followed Maxwell down the hall.
All he did was nod at her. He didn’t speak to her all through luncheon. What was the nod all about? Couldn’t he say anything to her? She didn’t understand him at all. Ivy was glad that Zane was here; she needed a friend now more than ever. She has so many doubts and now she has even more. What was she supposed to think about with Thorn’s behavior? Zane had given her more attention in the last couple of hours than Thorn has given her since they left his ship. She couldn’t ask Katherine about her doubts; she would just reassure her that Thorn was busy in his search for Charles. She would wait until she was alone with Zane again and talk to him more. Maybe he could find out while he is working alongside Thorn what was troubling him.
Thorn and Maxwell poured over Charles’s documents way into the night. They skipped dinner and ate some sandwiches in the study. Charles’s notes were in code that only he could understand. They were not making any progress. George and Hamilton joined them and discussed what they had found out in the neighboring towns.
“From what we could gather as discreetly as possible, the attacks are going to take place from Brighton to here in Margate. All the towns along the coast have had evidence of Shears and his crew in their ports.” Hamilton explained.
“There has been no sign of Charles either,” George told them.
“Maxwell and I have had no luck trying to figure out Charles’s paper.” Thorn said.
“Was there any indications on when these attacks are going to take place?” Maxwell asked.
“That was the strange thing that we ran into. Nobody knows for sure of a definite date, just rumors that they had heard. But we had a sense that it was going to be soon. Has your crew had any luck with following Shears?” George asked.
“No, he is staying docked over in Hastings with no movement on his ship or with his crew. He still has a few of his crew watching your place. There have been no sightings of him near here, but I wouldn’t put it past him to try soon. He will not leave Ivy alone much longer. That is why we need to find Charles soon and put a stop to
Shears before it is too late.”
“Well gentlemen, I will say goodnight to you and head back to the inn. I will see what I can uncover in town and check back in with you tomorrow Thorn.” Zane said as he walked towards the door.
They told Maxwell goodnight as they walked him out of the study into the foyer. George and Hamilton continued to their bedrooms as Thorn walked Maxwell to the door. As they were waiting for the groom to bring his horse around, Ivy came down the stairs. She walked over to Zane and put her hand on his arm.
“Thank you so much for your help Zane, I will be forever indebted to you if you can help us find Charles.”
Zane lifted Ivy’s hand up from his sleeve and brought it up to his lips. He gently placed a kiss on the back of her hand, his lips lingering longer than was necessary. He winked at her as he lowered her hand back down.
“Anything for such a dear friend. I bid you goodnight my lady and I shall visit with you more tomorrow.”
Zane turned around towards Thorn, seeing his friend with anger in his eyes and his hands balled into fists at his sides. Zane smiled at him and patted him on the back as he turned out the door to leave. He started to whistle as he climbed on his horse. This was going to be fun; a little competition would be a good thing for Thorn. It would make him appreciate Ivy even more. Then maybe he would learn not to leave such a beautiful woman alone for so many years. Friends or not friends, Ivy deserved so much more and Zane was going to make sure that she got her happy ending.
Thorn slammed the door behind Maxwell as he left. He then turned around and leaned back against the door, watching Ivy through his hooded eyes. She raised her head, lifting her chin as if she was innocent of any wrong doing.
“You two seem awfully chummy, like a couple of bosom friends,” Thorn commented.
“Yes, we are friends.”
“It seems like more than just friendship Ivy.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about Thorn.”
“Don’t you Ivy? How about you explain what I saw in the garden earlier? That was not a friend’s kiss on the hand when he left. That was more like a lover’s kiss.”
“Are you trying to imply that Zane and I are lovers? I think you would know differently on that.”
“I’m just saying that your friendship seems a little too close.”
“Just because we are engaged to be married, does not mean that I will give up my friends. He has been a friend that has been there for me all these years. That is more than what I can say for you.”
“Is it more than just friendship Ivy?”
“Are you jealous Thorn?”
Thorn ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. He didn’t want to fight with Ivy; the truth was that he was extremely jealous. Maxwell got to touch her today more than he had in the last two weeks. All he wanted to do now was to pull her into his arms and kiss her. But he was not going to be cuckold by his own fiancé and friend. He knew he was being ignorant on this. His Ivy was too sweet to cuckold him. It was just her nature to be open and sweet to everybody. He also knew that Maxwell was just baiting him; he was taking pleasure out of it. He has never felt so frustrated in his life. Knowing that he needed to backtrack here, he decided to start over. They were alone and he didn’t know for how much longer they would be. So why was he trying to ruin this time together by arguing with her.
It was working. Zane knew what he was talking about. Thorn was actually jealous of Zane. Ivy laughed to herself. Ivy watched as Thorn tried getting his emotions under control. He looked so sexy when he ran his fingers through his hair, acting like he didn’t know what to do with himself. Why won’t he just take her in his arms and kiss her? Ivy craved for his mouth to be on hers. She ached for his touch. She just wanted any sign from him that he loved her and that he wanted to be with her. Zane had told her that she needed to make the first move. Ivy felt shy about being forward with Thorn, but knew that she had to try.
Ivy walked over to Thorn and laid her hand on his chest. She looked up into his smoky dark eyes as she ran her hand up and down his chest over the buttons of his shirt. She nervously licked her lips and watched his eyes darken even more. Reaching up with her hand, she brushed the lock of hair off his forehead to the side. As she slid her hand behind to his neck, she stood up on her tiptoes, bringing her lips closer to his.
She slid her lips along his slowly, brushing them gently across his lips. He moaned against her lips. Ivy slid her tongue across his lips; as she guided her tongue inside his mouth. She tasted the whiskey that he had drunk earlier that still lingered. Her tongue explored the power she felt at taking control of their kiss. She let him know of her desire as her tongue danced along his. What Ivy couldn’t say to Thorn, she showed him with her kiss. He let out a groan against her lips and tried to take over the kiss, but Ivy pulled away. She placed a soft kiss against his lips and stepped away from him.
“Good night Marcus,” she whispered.
She turned around and began to make her way up the stairs. She turned around and saw the look of shock and arousal on Marcus’s face. She smiled sweetly at him. He started towards her, but Ivy kept on walking up the stairs.
“Ivy?”
“Sweet dreams Marcus,” Ivy said over her shoulder as she continued to her room.
Marcus brought his fingers to his lips. He stood in awe of the kiss that Ivy just gave him. An amazing kiss that proved what an idiot he was being, then she just walked away smiling sweetly at him. I guess she made her point of what a jackass he was being. He was going to dream tonight, but after a kiss like that, they were not going to be of the sweet variety.
Chapter 18
Sammy settled into his seat at the bar talking with some of the crew, when he saw Earl Zane Maxwell come into the inn. He made his way up the stairs passing the bar. A few moments later he saw Captain Shears walk up the same stairs. Sammy nodded to his men at what he just saw.
“If I don’t come back down within ten minutes, get a message to the Capt’n on what we just saw. I’m going to see what I can find out,” he gave instructions to the crew.
Sammy made his way up the back stairs and wandered down the hallway, staying in the shadows. He put his ear to the doors as he past them, trying to find the room that the Earl was staying in. He wondered what the connection was between the two.
Zane had just closed the door to his room at the inn; when it was thrust open and Captain Shears sauntered in. The Captain made his way to the chair by the fire and sat down. Zane opened the door and looked down the hallway; making sure that nobody saw the Captain come into his room. When he saw that the coast was clear he shut the door again and turned towards the Captain with a scowl on his face.
“What are you doing here Shears?”
“My men have informed me that you have been to see our good friend Captain Thornhill. I have come to find out what information you have found out. Have they found Mallory yet?”
“I have no information for you and I never will.”
“But we had a deal Maxwell.”
“When you kidnapped Ivy all deals became void. If you go anywhere near her again I will destroy all that you have achieved.”
“Well, well, it seems Lady Ivy has quite the fan club. Has she shared her favors with you too?” the Captain inquired.
Zane advanced on Shears, grabbing him by his overcoat and pulled him out of the chair. He swung his arm back and around; connecting his fist with Shears face. The Captain never saw it coming.
“You will never speak of her that way again. Do I make myself clear Captain?” Zane said as he punched the Captain in the gut. He let go of the him quickly, walking to the other side of the room. The Captain struggled back up to his feet clutching his stomach.
“You are double crossing the wrong man,” Shears told Maxwell.
“Is that a threat Captain?”
“No, My Lord, that is a promise. Also, you will hold up on your end of the bargain or else the great Captain Thornhill and his lovely Lady Ivy will pay with
their lives.”
Shears did not wait for a reply from Maxwell as he opened the door and left the room.
Maxwell poured himself a drink as he dunked his hand into the cold water that was left out for him. He would have to ask the innkeeper for some fresh water to clean up with later. He has gotten himself in quite a mess. He needed to find a way out and quickly before any more harm came to his friends. But first he must find Mallory, before anyone else does. Mallory had all the answers and would know what to do. But where was he?
Sammy pressed himself back into the darkened corner as the door opened to the Earl’s room. The Captain stormed past him in anger wiping the blood from his face. Sammy had heard them arguing in the room, but was unable to hear much of what was being said. He needed to get word to his Captain and let him know what he had just seen.
Making his way back downstairs to the taproom, he told the crew to keep an eye on Earl Maxwell. They were to report to him of his activity. Sammy let them know that he was riding out to Thornhill Manor to let the Captain know of the events that just taken place. Sammy made his way out to the Manor. When he arrived, the house was closed for the night, so he made himself a bed in the stables. He would talk to the Captain in the morning with his report.
When Thorn made his way downstairs in the morning, he was told of Sammy’s arrival by the butler.
“Send him into my father’s study, Cleaves and bring us some coffee,” Thorn ordered.
“Yes Sir.”
Thorn made his way into the study to await Sammy. It must be very important information that Sammy has, for him to make his way to the Manor. Thorn knew how painful it was for Sammy to ride from his injury to his leg. The guilt plagued Thorn as he thought of how Sammy received his injury. He couldn’t ask for a more loyal servant; who was more a friend than a servant.
Sammy limped into the study making his way to the chair in front of the desk that Thorn was sitting at. He eased himself down into the chair, stretching his leg out. He reached down to rub the sore muscles. Sleeping out in the cool night air hadn’t helped the ache in his leg any.
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