Too Many Secrets

by Marie Higgins

  “I can’t? And why not? It’s not like you escorted me out here.”

  Chuckling, he shook his head. “No, but I’m sure if others saw us together this far away from the main house, they might assume that very thing.”

  “Then perhaps I should leave.” Nicole turned, but he gently grasped her elbow.

  “Please don’t go.”

  She wasn’t really going to leave, but she was happy to know he wanted her to remain right here. “Then I will stay.”

  He released her arm, exhaling deeply, and folded his arms across his wide chest. “Tell me, Cinderella, how do you know my name?”

  “My cousin told me who you were.”

  Mr. Lee cocked his head. “Randall really cannot keep his mouth shut, can he?”

  “You have that right.” She paused briefly. “My cousin mentioned you are one of the co-owners of the railroad.”

  “Yes, I am.” He reached behind his head and released the tie holding his mask before removing it from his face. He slid it in the pocket of his jacket. “So, now that you know my identity, I think it’s only fair that I know yours.”

  Although Ashton Lee was still mainly in the shadows, she could tell he was a strikingly handsome man. Just as she imagined him to be. She was tempted to tease him a little more, but in truth, she couldn’t wait to remove her mask as well. She’d definitely feel a little cooler.

  “You are correct, Mr. Lee.” She found the strings holding her mask together, and untied them. She stood more in the light of the full moon, and when she had removed her mask, his eyes widened and his mouth hung open. His response made her want to laugh, but she refrained. Not very often did men look at her like this, and she quite enjoyed the attention.

  He sighed heavily. “Forgive me, but you are more exquisite than I had imagined.” He lifted his hand as if to touch the side of her face, but then quickly dropped it to his side. “Will you tell me your name now?”

  “I’m Miss Nicole Bastian.” She curtseyed before tying the mask to her cloak.

  “It’s certainly a pleasure to meet you, Miss Bastian.”

  Her heartbeat increased by just gazing at him. “Tell me Mr. Lee, are you always this charming or is tonight so special because you’re dressed as a prince?”

  He laughed. “I would hope that I’m like this all the time, but I fear I’ve not had much time to court a woman, so I’m not certain if I’m always so charming.”

  From up the walkway, loud voices boomed through the calm night. She jumped and turned toward the sound. Several men, most of them holding a bottle of whiskey, were making a lot of ruckus. By the way they stumbled about, she was certain they were very drunk. She certainly didn’t want them to notice her, or Ashton Lee for that matter. That’s all she needed was for these men to ruin her very pleasant evening with a very captivating man.

  And what if one of them knew her cousin’s husband and said something to Randall about her being out here with a man? She’d definitely be in trouble for that.

  The scandal she didn’t want to create was on the verge of happening, anyway.

  * * * *

  Panic rushed through Ashton. He didn’t want those men to see Miss Bastian without her mask. She was a very stunning woman, and Ashton worried that the drunks might try to take liberties with her. If they attempted to do that in any way, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from violently striking them with his fists, and in doing that, he’d ruin her reputation.

  “Quick,” he said, taking hold of her elbow, “let’s head this way so they don’t see us. I know a few of those men, and they aren’t in control of themselves while intoxicated.”

  “I wholeheartedly agree.”

  She hurried beside him as he took them farther into the trees. The more distance he could put between them and the foxed crowd of men, the better.

  On the other side of a wide tree, Ashton brought them to a halt. They peeked around the trunk, searching for the drunkards.

  “I think we lost them,” she said breathless.

  He sighed and turned to look at her. It surprised him to see a wide grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. Shouldn’t she be worried that they were alone and in the shadows? Instead, she almost acted as if this was entertaining for her. “Tell me, Miss Bastian, why are you grinning right now?”

  She shrugged. “Well, as hard as it is for me to admit, I was thinking the same thing as you—about getting away from those men. I find it quite humorous that you can read my mind.”

  If only he could read it now. The way her stare held his gaze made him wonder what else was going through her mind at this moment. He stepped closer and dared do what he’d wanted to do a few minutes ago when she’d taken off her mask. He ran the back of his knuckles over her soft cheek. Her skin was just as smooth as he’d imagined. “I would like to read your mind now.”

  Suddenly, the laughter left her expression, and in its place was desire. He liked seeing that. Liked it too much.

  “No,” she said in a soft voice. “Reading my mind now would not be a good thing.”

  “And why not?”

  The side of her mouth pulled up into a half-grin. “What would you say if I admitted that you are no longer my Prince Charming?”

  “I’m not?” His heartbeat stalled, not knowing if that was a good thing—or bad.

  “No. You’ve swiftly become my knight in shining armor, instead.”

  Peace settled inside his chest. “Why, may I ask?”

  “For rescuing me from those drunks.”

  Strange emotions surrounded his heart and crawled up his neck, making it hard to swallow. “Oh.” His voice came out much too low.

  This time it was her turn to move closer as she placed a hand on his chest. Her touch almost shot his breath right out of his lungs as warmth spread through him, starting where her palm rested. He took hold of her hand, but kept it against his chest as he stared deep into her shadowed eyes. Desire stirred in him like never before. This wasn’t good at all! “Miss Bastian, you shouldn’t say such things to me.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I’ve never felt more like a man than I do right now in your presence.” He slid his free arm around her waist, and closed the space between them. “And that, my dear, could get very dangerous out here, all alone with me in the moonlight.”

  A small gasp sprang from her throat, but she didn’t move, nor did she pull away. Her head tilted back as she gazed up into his face. Heavens, she looked so lovely. He really needed to get control over his emotions. Feeling like this for a woman he didn’t fully trust wasn’t a good thing. But being with her had indeed made him feel more like a man than anytime he could recall.

  The smile remained on her pleasant expression. “Once again, Mr. Lee, your words have warned me to stay away from you, but your actions speak something entirely different. Do you or do you not want me to leave?”

  Chuckling softly, he shook his head. “I wish I knew my own mind right now because although you should leave, I want you to stay in my arms.”

  He leaned in further, wanting to kiss her so badly, but he fought the urge. Instead, he closed his eyes and rubbed his cheek against hers. Skin as soft as silk smelled faintly of roses. He could easily get lost in her fragrance. Her free hand slid up his arm to his shoulder, then to his head as her fingers threaded through his hair. The warmth from her touch melted him, and although he knew this shouldn’t be happening, he had no power to stop it.

  A quiver rushed inside him, and her body trembled against his. Smiling, he continued to rub his cheek against hers, but soon his face dropped to the curve of her neck. Her delicate skin was so close to his mouth, he just had to rub his lips over her to see how soft she was.

  Another gasp escaped her, this time it was much lower than before. No more were her hands stroking over him, instead they were grasping the material as if she didn’t want him to pull away.

  Her breathing grew heavy and breezed against his ear. This woman definitely knew how to make him come al
ive—which had never happened to him before. He didn’t know if it was their costumes, their roles of Cinderella and Prince Charming, or if it was just because he was looking for a distraction from the stress happening in his life right now, but Miss Nicole Bastian was certainly affecting him in ways he could not comprehend.

  “Ashhh-ton,” she sighed deeply, “what are you doing to me?”

  The sound of his name on her lips was like heavenly harps playing in his ears. He wanted to laugh with delight, knowing he was affecting her the same way she was affecting him. But laughing would only ruin the mood right now, and he could not have that.

  He lifted his head just enough to peer into her face. Her eyes had been closed, but then opened slightly as she met his gaze. His heartbeat pounded so fiercely like a runaway train, and he knew he must kiss her or collapse.

  “What am I doing to you, Nicole?” he whispered.

  The smile touched her eyes seconds before her mouth stretched wider. “You’re making me believe in fairytales. You’re making me think dreams really do come true.”

  Releasing a heady sigh, he pressed his mouth against hers. Immediately, her arms wrapped around his neck and she responded to his kiss just as he hoped she would. Fireworks exploded behind his eyes. He’d never experienced such a kiss, and he wanted more kisses like this…more from her and only her.

  Ashton tilted his head, preparing to deepen the kiss, when voices were heard close by, both from a woman and a man. Ashton wanted to curse the interruption, only because that meant he had to stop the excitement and happiness pumping through him. But he didn’t want Nicole to be caught with him in such an intimate embrace, either.

  She must have heard the woman’s loud laughter, because she quickly pulled away. Her fingers fumbled with her mask as she placed it back over her eyes and tied the strings behind her head.

  Following her lead, he replaced his mask as well. The voices were still far enough away, and he was assured they would not be caught, but they’d have to make haste now.

  He took her hand and led her back around some trees, making his way toward the house. He scanned the perimeter for anyone with prying eyes, but thankfully, he didn’t find anyone else out here in the shadows.

  As he neared the lit walkway, he slowed his steps. When he was certain nobody would see them, he tugged Nicole with him onto the trail. With a straight back, he hooked her arm around his elbow and escorted her back up the slope.

  He glanced down at her. Her shoulders were pulled back and her chin raised, and she gracefully floated beside him, but he could tell from the rise and fall of her bosom that the heated moment between them was still fresh on her mind. He was relieved to know he wasn’t the only one feeling such emotions.

  “Miss Bastian, I want to apologize—”

  “Don’t.” Her gaze snapped up and met his. “Unless you are really sorry for kissing me.”

  He didn’t have to think about the answer at all, but would he be any less of a gentleman for admitting he had wanted to kiss her and enjoyed doing it? “No, I’m not sorry. Are you sorry for what happened?”

  A tiny laugh bubbled up from her throat and she shook her head. “Not in the least. Believe it or not, Mr. Lee, I needed this to happen to me. I needed to feel that someone actually wanted to rescue me, and that I was someone special—if only for one evening.”

  It shocked him to hear her words. Why wouldn’t such a lovely woman feel special? His curiosity grew. Certainly, this was one lady he needed to figure out. Getting to know her secrets would make his life seem less stressful, for sure. Keeping company with such a beautiful woman—and even stealing more kisses—might be the very thing he needed, too.

  FOUR

  Ashton sat behind his desk, staring out the window of his office at the railroad station. It was still too early for people to walk from shop to shop on the streets. The sun started to peek in the horizon with splashes of red and yellow blending with the light-blue sky. The scenery was so peaceful; he could stare at it for hours. He always enjoyed the early mornings. Except the bright sun would soon bring people from their homes, and disrupt his solitude.

  Today was no exception. Only one thing was different. He couldn’t stop smiling.

  Although he was at work, he couldn’t keep his mind on his job. In a few hours, he’d venture farther into town in hopes of seeing a specific woman. Anticipation kept him from getting much sleep last night, especially when remembering the kiss he and Nicole had shared. The kiss wasn’t long enough, and if he had his way today, he’d give her the kind of kiss he’d wanted to give her last night.

  After the excitement of the kiss was over, he’d have to discover why she had lied to him. The only thing about Nicole that he knew was true was that she was Randall’s wife’s cousin. What was it in Nicole’s life that she didn’t want him – or anyone – to know?

  From outside the window, loud, upset voices boomed through the air. He rose from his chair and looked out. Two policemen stood near the office, talking with Glynn and Steven. Glynn shook his head as he rubbed his forehead, and Steven barked orders at the policemen as he waved his hands in frantic gestures.

  Taking long strides, Ashton hurried out of the office and stepped on the boardwalk. All eyes turned toward him. “What’s going on?” he asked.

  “Another train robbery,” Glynn grumbled.

  Frustration rose in Ashton’s chest. “The government money was stolen again?”

  “Yes,” Steven snapped.

  Sighing heavily, Glynn raked his fingers through his thick, light brown hair. “If these thieves can’t be brought to justice, the government is going to stop using our railroad to send their items.”

  Up until now, there had been two train robberies in the last six weeks. This one made three. Ashton was surprised the government had used them at all this third time. He switched his focus to one of the policemen. The older looking of the two, had streaks of white in his black mustache. “Have you found any leads?”

  The man shook his head. “These bandits are calculating. It’s like they know that some of the depots are not patrolled.”

  “Any witnesses?” Ashton asked.

  “Just the same ones,” the other officer answered as he scratched behind his ear. “The people in the mail car are the only ones who see them, and just like the last robbery, they reported one man wearing black clothes with a red bandana around his neck.”

  Steven grumbled. “Only one man, and yet, there are two guards. How is one man able to steal the money when the odds are not in his favor?”

  The police officer shrugged. “We asked the guards this very question, and they say the man wasn’t suspicious when they first saw him. They claim the man drugged them.”

  “Drugged them?” Ashton gasped. “With what?”

  “The guards didn’t know. But they vaguely remember him wearing black and a red bandana around his neck.”

  Steven threw up his hands, muttering something under his breath as he paced the area around them. He was a thin man, but his stubborn temperament made up for his size.

  “Was anybody hurt?” Ashton wondered.

  The older of the two policemen shook his head. “As long as the guards do what they are asked, nobody gets hurt. This bandit is just there to take the money. He doesn’t go into any other railcar, either.”

  “Something needs to be done about this, and quickly!” Glynn snapped as he pointed his finger at the policemen. “I will offer a reward for the capture of these criminals. We cannot lose the trust of the government because of these robberies.”

  “I agree.” Steven nodded. “And I’ll match the reward that Nickerson makes.” He turned his focus to Ashton. “Are you with us?”

  “Of course I am,” Ashton said.

  The older policeman released a heavy sigh, folding his arms across his chest. “Fine. I shall post it in the newspapers.”

  “Thank you,” Glynn muttered. “What price shall we say, men?” His attention switched between Steven and Ashton. “O
ne thousand a piece?”

  Larson nodded. “Yes.”

  “That’s a good amount.” Ashton raked his fingers through his hair.

  The younger policeman gasped. “That’s a lot of money, Mr. Nickerson.”

  Glynn lifted his chin and stood in a stubborn stance with his arms folded across his bulky chest. “Indeed, it is, but I’m serious about stopping these thieves, and nowadays, money talks louder than anyone I know.”

  The policeman took Glynn aside and wrote down what needed to be said in the newspapers. Sighing heavily, Ashton followed Steven inside the office. Ashton moved behind his desk and sat.

  “I don’t know if this will be enough,” he said softly, more to himself than to his friend.

  “What won’t be enough?” Larson asked as he sat his slender body behind his desk, kicking his long legs to the side.

  “Money.”

  “Why don’t you think the money will be enough?”

  Ashton shook his head. “I don’t know, but I have a feeling the police are going to have a hard time capturing this man. From what they have described in each robbery, we’re dealing with a professional. This one man dares to take on two guards? That doesn’t sound right in my book. But what worries me even more is that someone is going to get hurt or even killed before this is over.”

  “Yes, I fear that might happen, as well.”

  Rubbing his chin, Ashton stared out the window in deep thought. There had to be some way to assist the police. Although Ashton had never truly been allowed to be an adventurous person, he’d do anything to help bring justice to these criminals no matter what it took.

  Slowly, anger welled within him. While growing up, he’d been pampered by his wealthy parents. Even in school, his mother had the vapors if he came home from school with a tear in his breeches. Because of the way they had coddled him, the other children in school would tease him endlessly. He learned to fight with his fists, but he was still fearful his parents would find out, and his father would use his power and money to buy off the family in order to leave Ashton alone.