Oliver slowly brought his knife out of the wound; moving gently and with great care, until he dropped the bullet to the floor.
It hit with a soft plink and Rhia stared at the small piece of metal that could have very easily killed Cole.
She tried valiantly to quell any shaking that seeing his pain and suffering would cause her.
Cole let out a shaky breath. Rhia could tell he was in pain. His jaw clenched over and over, the sheen of sweat dotting his brow and upper lip.
She thought the worst of the surgery over for him; until Oliver overturned the bottle of whiskey on his shoulder.
Cole cried out at the pain of it, his body jerking on the floor. Making them hold him tight again. “Son of a bitch! That fucking hurts!”
Rhia gasped at the profanity, and so did Lily. Or maybe Rose. She couldn’t be certain, nor did she care. She had heard Aidan use profanity, but never Cole. But this she understood.
Cole had gone completely stark white when the whiskey soaked in, and his skin now was a ghastly shade of grey.
Cole was breathing hard, and shaking, his body strung taught from what had to be the pain, and he slurred his next words. “Sorry ladies.” And then his head slumped to the side in her lap, and he passed out.
Lydia and Oliver quickly sewed Cole’s shoulder up. When that task was done, Lydia directed a few footmen, John, Oliver and Aidan to bring Cole to his room.
Lydia left with them, and Rhia stayed on the floor. Her leg protested the position it was in, but Rhia needed a moment to calm herself. Today had not gone the way she expected it to. Not in the least. And it was really hitting her now, seeing the still wet blood on the floor from Cole’s shoulder.
Knowing a man had died in this room, whose body still sat. Made Rhia’s stomach revolt. She had to swallow the bile that rose in her throat. He had wanted to kill them all, and if she hadn’t cut Aidan free when she had, she could only imagine the torture he still would have been putting them through.
Rhia’s hand was shaking, and she pushed strands of her hair out of her face. It had been ripped free from the style Julia had put it in. Her scalp still stung in places, her cheek was raw, her lip bruised, and her arms and shoulders ached. But she was alive. Everyone she loved had survived the evil that had tried to snuff out the light that lived within Aidan and his family. Her stomach was in knots and she had started to shake.
The terror of the day hitting her as hard as a stone the longer she stayed there, next to that fresh blood. Julia noticed her shaking, and knelt beside her. “Do you need help to stand Rhia?”
Rhia shook her head. “No, I just need a moment. With everything that happened, I just don’t know what to do. How to feel. Never in my life would I have thought that I would have witnessed this today.”
Julia brought her arms around her and hugged her close. Rhia hugged her friend back and they both broke down into sobs.
Rhia didn’t know why Julia was crying, but she couldn’t make the tears stop long enough to ask. Today had been harrowing. She had almost lost the very people she held most dear in the entire world.
The family that had adopted her into their lives. That loved her despite her lack of a title, and fortune. That had never treated her like she was less than them. And seeing both Aidan, and Cole shot? It was too much to bear.
She was still reeling from the confessions Braddock had told them. That he felt he was owed something simply because he believed it to be so. Because he felt that he deserved a better life. One better suited to his wishes and desires.
One that he thought he should have led simply because he was raised by the man who wanted to also have it all. But yet, they had both paid the price with their lives. Rhia didn’t know the story of Aidan’s father, but she was certain that in time he would.
* * *
She couldn't believe the horrid things Braddock had said, about Aidan, their father, or whoever he ended up being. Hated that he had shaken up their entire world because of his selfishness. She was still unsure of all of that he had confessed. Rhia knew Aidan would answer her questions as best he could.
She was starting to understand a little of the evil Aidan had spoken of when he described his father. And though his story was hard to hear, she knew exactly the evil he had talked about. It had been in this room. Permeated the air like a dark cloud and Rhia hated every moment of it.
If this man had been taught at the hands of Aidan’s father? After hearing Aidan’s confession, she could understand why he was so evil. Why he could come into their house and demand to be given what he was owed. Why he could shoot Cole and Aidan with no provocation.
She knew that things could have very easily ended in a way that left them all scarred and more than likely dead. Rhia was beyond grateful that he hadn’t gotten that far.
Lily and Rose came around to either side of them and they all sat together, sobbing and holding onto each other tightly. They sat that way for a long time. Just holding each other and crying. Until the tears slowed enough for them to calm somewhat and Rhia looked over at Lily and Rose, and asked, “What did he say to you that made you both turn white as ghosts?”
Lily looked at Rose and Rose nodded. “Tell her. She needs to know. We can let Aidan and Cole know later. Mother already knows.”
Lily turned to Rhia, and Rhia held out her hand. Lily gave it a squeeze and gave a small, shaky breath. “Braddock said that he was grateful to know he had sisters as beautiful as we were. He told us that his father wanted to try for sons, but was disappointed that mother had us instead. He said that our father always liked telling Braddock about his time with our mother, knowing that he could so easily overpower his brother’s wife, and he was proud that he had gotten mother pregnant.”
Rhia gasped, and covered her mouth with the hand not holding Lily’s. “That just leaves so many more questions. And no answers. Your father was not really Lydia’s husband at all then? Oh my goodness. That- that is beyond anything I have ever heard. Who would be that twisted and cruel to hurt your own brother’s wife like that? To hurt your nephews all the while pretending they were your own children? I cannot imagine what was going through his head. How a person could treat an innocent the way he did your mother and brothers. It’s horrible really. But, did he say what really happened to Aidan and Cole’s actual father then?”
Lily shook her head. “I do not know. He just told us what I said. I hate it too. That he left us with more questions, and no real answers at all. Braddock was so similar to our father, both in his manner, his way of speaking, his walk, the way he held himself. Everything. It was horrible that he was just the same as our father. And, I do not doubt for a minute that our father was capable of doing just about anything. That thought is truly terrifying.”
The girls sat in silence for a few moments, all thinking different thoughts about the day.
Lily looked at Rhia with tears in her eyes, “You are right though Rhia, what really happened to Aidan and Cole’s father? That is the question we need to know.”
Rhia, Lily, Rose and Julia all looked at each other in confusion. The question was left unanswered, with no one except the man who still lay on the floor would be able to answer it. And since he was no longer among the living, the secrets he held would stay exactly where he wanted them to.
Rhia had to get up, had to move, leave. Couldn’t sit in this room any longer.
Rose said, “I think we need to find Aidan and see what we can do for Cole. Shall we?”
Rhia asked if they could help her to stand, and the girls all helped her to her feet. She almost groaned from the pain of it, but bit her lip hard to quell the urge. Her leg had been abused mightily today, and she was certainly feeling that now. But she didn’t care. The pain was nothing. Not now. She needed to see her love, and to see how Cole fared. Then, she could worry about her leg.
Julia made certain she was steady and together the four of them left the room. The room of sadness, secrets and pain. Both old, and new. The room that held the body of the
man who tried to change their whole world, and almost succeeded.
Rhia didn’t look back as they walked through the door. She couldn’t.
And then Aidan was there. His scent surrounded her, as did his large, comforting arms. She almost sobbed into his shirt. She hugged him tightly until he picked her up in his arms, snuggling her to his chest, and started kissing her.
She plunged both hands into his hair and held him close. Kissing him back with all the need she felt. Their kiss was wild and passionate for a few short moments, their tongues dueling, until Aidan pulled back reluctantly. Rhia it felt like it wasn't long enough.
He put his forehead to hers. Just breathing her in. He kissed her on the forehead and snuggled her into his arms. For everyone to see. He was bloody, as was she. But he didn’t care.
Rhia was grateful he just held her close. She shut her eyes briefly and just savored being in his arms. Oh, how she loved this man. Loved him with everything that she possessed. He protected her today, and forever more, Rhia would never take him or their love for granted.
Everyone went to see what needed to be done, and Lily, Rose, Julia, Aidan and Rhia all walked up the stairs to see about Cole.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Aidan
Northumberland, England Sept 1812
Later that night, the family had a small dinner, gathered around Cole’s beside. He was still asleep, but Lydia felt everyone needed to be together after the terror of the day.
After the meal that was almost completely silent, everyone went to their own rooms. Aside from Lydia. She told Aidan she would stay to watch over Cole while he slept. Aidan knew that Lydia had been shaken up from their ordeal. As had, everyone. But she almost lost her sons, and had had her past come screaming back into her life. In the worst way.
Aidan hated that she had to deal with that. It had taken her a long time to get over or at least try to get over everything his father had done to her. And now? It was like they hadn’t had those years of solace, of peace. He hated that. And if his mother needed him to, he would do what he could to help her through her memories.
Aidan kissed his mother on the forehead, “If you need anything, please come and get me.”
Lydia nodded and hugged him tight. “Go get some sleep, I love you my son.”
“I love you too.” He walked away, helping Rhia to her room.
Aidan hadn’t wanted to let Rhia go. He wanted nothing more than to hold her close all night, but he didn’t want to raise questions from his mother, so he reluctantly let her leave his side.
After a few hours of him lying in bed staring at the canopy, sleep far from his mind, Aidan couldn’t take it any longer. He needed to hold Rhia, to see her.
Wearing just his breeches, he made his way down the dark hallway to her room. Opening the door quietly, he slipped inside, knowing she would most likely be asleep.
She wasn’t. She was just sitting on the side of her bed, not really looking at anything, just staring straight ahead. When he took the first step into her room, she snapped her head around as if she was alarmed.
When she saw it was him, she gave him a small smile. “I am sorry if I am interrupting anything. I just needed to see if you were all right.”
Rhia nodded and then shrugged. “I am. As good as can be expected that is. I just couldn’t sleep. I cannot stop letting what happened today leave my thoughts. It just seems as if it is on a loop. Repeating every single thing over and over again. I don’t know what to do to make it stop.”
Aidan made his way to where she was sitting and knelt in front of her. He searched her eyes, and saw the pain there. He hated seeing that look, the haunted, scared look that resided there, and wished he could make it go away.
He reached up and took her into his arms. Needing her in them, to hold her close. To kiss her. To love her.
She slid off her bed and hugged him tight. Feeling the skin of his back, Rhia just held on. Shuddered in what he hoped was relief. He didn’t care that she was feeling his scars. They were part of him and she had accepted it. Long ago. They would never bother him again because of her unwavering love for them. He saw her move back a little when she felt the bandages his mother had put on his arm earlier.
Seeing her look at the bandages on his arm, Aidan saw that Rhia had to bite her lip as if to keep her emotions inside.
Aidan held her close, trying to let her know he was all right. She let out a soft sob. “I almost lost you today. I could have. So quickly Aidan. I just found you, and could have lost it all. He just shot you and Cole! Like it was nothing. Like your life didn’t matter. He would have killed you both. Killed Lydia, and your sisters. Like they were nothing but animals who were diseased. And then I would have been stuck with him. For the rest of my life. Would have had to endure hell for the rest of my days. I was terrified Aidan.”
Aidan leaned back so he could see her, putting a finger under her chin up so she was looking into his eyes again, “I would have never let that happen my love. Never. Our love is too strong to be only in this life. It goes beyond this world. You are the other half of my soul. I would have found you, and protected you no matter what. I am so angry Rhia. About today, about him coming in here and hurting my family the way he did? Trying to ruin our lives. I hated it. But, seeing that bastard hurt you like that? Seeing him hold a gun to your head was too much Rhia. I am so sorry my love. I am sorry I didn’t protect you better.”
A tear slid down her cheek, and he thumbed it away. “Aidan. You are not at fault here. You had no idea that man would want to hurt you and your family. I honestly believe that you did everything you could to protect us all. If you hadn’t thrown that knife? It could have ended so differently. Especially with how quickly he was able to shoot Cole and you. I am just so grateful we all made it out of there relatively unscathed. And even though there are still a lot of questions left unanswered, I know that you did the right thing. He would have killed us all, just like he said. I believe that. Today was not what I was expecting. But you shouldn’t blame yourself.”
Aidan swallowed hard. He shook his head over and over, his face ashen. “I wish that today was the day we wanted. The one that ended with you as my wife. I am sorry that it was stolen from us. Truly, Rhia. If I could change it, I would.”
Rhia cupped Aidan’s face in her hands. She made him look into her eyes and she smiled at him. “I wish it had been different for us as well. But I know that you did your best. And for that I am grateful. In my eyes, and hopefully yours as well, I already am your wife. When we made love for the first time in the inn, I gave myself to you knowing it would bind us together. I love you Aidan. We may not be husband and wife on paper, and in front of the priest, but to me, we are married. And that will never change.”
Aidan smiled at her. “I told you that I would make you my wife in the old ways, and to me it was binding as well. You are my wife Rhia. We just need to make it official.”
Rhia leaned forward and gave him a kiss, one full of passion and love. It made his body respond, and when she pulled back, her words shocked and aroused him.
“Aidan, make love to me. Please. I need to feel you against me. Inside of me. Skin on skin. To know you are still here with me. That we are both alive and still together.”
Aidan swallowed, and nodded his head. He stood, taking her with him, “I need that too. More than you can possibly know.”
He kissed her, and walked them quickly to his room, knowing it was further away from everyone else’s rooms. When he made it to his chambers, he locked the door, and put her on her feet. Then, he grabbed the collar of her nightshift in his large hands, and ripped the entire thing in two.
It fell to the floor and she stood before him, completely nude and beautiful. “I am sorry, I will buy you more. A dozen. Whatever you want, I just needed you naked.”
Rhia smiled at him, “Did you see me flinch? I want you naked too. As much as you want me to be.”
Aidan unbuttoned his trousers and let them fall, watching as
she took in his body.
She bit her lip, and he watched her eyes travel the length of his body. “You are such a handsome man. So perfect in every single way.” She walked around the back of him, softly touching his skin.
When she reached his back, she put her hands on him and softly kissed some of his scars. “These are some of my favorite things about you,” she whispered, and Aidan shuddered under the feel of her soft kisses.
When he could stand it no longer, he turned and picked her up. He kissed her softly, deeply, and then placed her on the bed. Climbing on the bed with her, he lay over her and they kissed, their tongues entwining and exploring. Tasting the sweetness that only she had.
When he broke away, they were both gasping for air. Aidan loved seeing her breasts heave as she tried to catch her breath. If he had anything to do with it, it would be a long time before that happened.
He kissed his way down her perfect body, stopping to pay homage to her breasts and the pink nipples that awaited him. He was careful this night, seeing the slight bruises that marred her skin, and he kissed those as well. Letting her know of his love for her and how sorry he was she had these marks.
He sucked and nibbled on the tight peaks and Rhia gasped and writhed beneath him, moaning at his attentions. Her fingers digging into the blankets on his bed, or clenching in his hair.
Then he kissed down her stomach. When he reached the V between her thighs, Rhia gasped, shocked, using her hands and stopping his downward motions. “What are you doing?” Her voice was breathless.
Aidan grinned, “I want to taste you.”
Rhia looked a little confused, both of her eyebrows drawn down in a frown, “Taste me?”
Aidan nodded, “Yes, taste you. All over that sweet, tight slit that drips wetness just for me. I have heard stories about it. Many tales that spoke of the wonders of this. Let me, Rhia.”
The Duke Who Loved Me Page 37
