The gloom of the alleyway swallowed them. Water from deep puddles soaked her shoes and splashed up her stockings while she continued to struggle. With his fingers clamped tight to her mouth and his arm banded around her waist, there would be bruises all over her by the time he was finished with her.
If she survived her ordeal.
No, damn it, she would. She hadn’t waited all this time for her debut to be ruined. Lila thrust back a foot and it connected briefly between his legs. Though she suspected she’d only caught him lightly, he gave a grunt and the hold on her waist loosened just enough for her to wriggle and turn. She punched him, letting loose a scream that even had her ears rattling. He gripped her wrist, undeterred, his eyes glittering in the thin ribbons of moonlight.
The man used his free hand to reach for something, and Lila wrenched her arm from him, feeling the burn of his hold on her wrist and shoulder. She swung at him, then clawed. Then jabbed a finger in his eye. He cursed and released her. She turned and smacked into someone’s chest.
“Run for help.”
Ash Cynfell thrust her back. She eyed his wide shoulders and a shudder wracked her. Her feet seemed glued to the ground. The glint of the knife blade made her vision narrow until it became nothing but a small dot.
Ash approached the man, his arms spread wide, ready to fight with his fists against a knife. Air seemed to evade her. Each breath felt hot and the dot narrowed further.
“I’ll kill her,” the chief told him. “Then you’ll take the blame. I’ll make sure of it.”
Lila vaguely realised the ground was coming up to greet her as she tried to suck in a breath, but she never felt the impact. The darkness of the alley closed in around her.
Chapter Three
“What were you thinking?”
Ash narrowed his gaze at Harris. “There’s a serial killer out there. A powerful and dangerous one.”
His brother paced in front of him while Ash sat on a chair too small for his build outside of the bedroom.
The bedroom that held a currently enraged Lila. The crashes of furniture had stopped only a short while ago. It seemed no one had noticed that Lila had gone. Her family, according to Harris, had assumed she’d retreated to bed. They were, as his brother said, a little scatter-brained.
He couldn’t deny he had come to that conclusion from his short acquaintance with them, but Harris spent more time in society so his opinion was likely correct.
So that at least gave him time to decide what to with Miss Lila Radley.
Pin her to the bed and kiss away her fury?
He smirked to himself. No. Tempting as that was, he suspected that would only increase her ire. Since she’d awoken from her faint, she’d been full of fire. He wouldn’t tell her that he had enjoyed picking up her soggy form and carrying her to his brother’s carriage far more than he should have done. He also certainly wouldn’t mention how she’d curled a hand around his neck and burrowed herself against him.
He released a sigh. If it wasn’t enough he’d already near fallen for her on sight, she was now appealing to his need to protect. There was nothing quite like being needed by the opposite sex. And when she’d tucked her face into his neck, he’d been lost.
“We need to return her home, but no one can see you. I do not even know how we’ll sneak her in.”
“She’s not staying in London. She’ll be dead within a week. And the chief will have me pegged as the killer.”
Harris stopped his pacing and folded his arms. “He fled when I found you. Surely he’s not fool enough to remain in London now three of us know of his identity.”
Ash tried not to grind his teeth. “I know it isn’t over. I just know it, Harris. In my gut.”
His brother nodded at this. If anyone understood gut feeling, it was his brother. They’d had a connection neither of them could explain to anyone else since they were boys. When one of them got hurt or sick, even if they were far from each other, they knew.
That was what Ash was feeling now. He just knew. Something bad would happen to Lila if he didn’t protect her.
“If she’s still missing in the morning, her family will notice. You will terrify them.”
Ash pinched the bridge of his nose. “I am aware of that.”
“Can we not just convince them to hire some protection? Then go to the papers or something? Or the police?”
“I...” The truth of it was, he inexplicably did not want to leave her side. There was something about her—something beneath that elegant gown and beautiful face that called to him.
Lord, but he was a fool. He needed to sleep. The after-effects of the headache were addling his wits.
“No.” He shook his head. “We don’t know who else could be in on this. If Newton Holdsworth, Chief Superintendent has been killing for a while he could have people in the police department covering for him.” Ash gave his brother a severe look. “You know, you’re likely in danger too.”
“I didn’t see his face. I only know what you told me.” Harris pushed a hand through his hair. “It’s pretty hard to believe.” He held up a hand before Ash could speak. “Not that I don’t believe you. Of course I do. But I’m your brother. I can’t see others being so easily convinced. For all we know, he’ll make good on his threat and frame you as the killer.”
“And he’s got the means to do it.” Ash pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the slight ache that hadn’t left him all night grow. “I have to get her to safety. Once she’s safe, we can figure out how to reveal this man.”
His brother gave a low chuckle. “You know of all of us, I never would have thought you’d be the one to kidnap a woman. Jasper, perhaps. Maybe even Pierce. But you...”
“Jasper wouldn’t need to kidnap a woman. He only needs to look at them and their clothes fall off.”
“Come now, I do not do so badly myself.”
Ash couldn’t help but let out a dry chuckle. His brothers had always done well with the ladies. He was no virgin, but his headaches often scuppered any plans of seduction and his reputation for being late and unreliable never did him any favours. However, Jasper could beat them all hands down, and he was convinced Harris was mightily jealous of the fact.
“I’d wager Jasper has bedded ten times the amount of women you have. And wasn’t there that rumour about a French countess before he married Harriet?”
“Yes, a rumour. I’d wager our brother used to make up half of that nonsense himself.”
“Jealous, Harris?”
“Not at all. Besides, if anyone should be jealous, it should be you. If you made a little effort, you’d do well enough with the ladies.”
“Well, perhaps I do not wish to make the effort.”
Harris drew in an audible breath. His family had long resigned themselves to the fact he was the way he was. Tired, late, lazy. Better that than weak and sick as far as he was concerned.
The door rattled behind him and another shout sounded.
“The beast has awakened.”
Ash narrowed his gaze at his brother.
He held up his hands and grinned. “I won’t envy you when you have to release her.”
Considering how furious she’d been when he’d stepped into the room and tried to assuage her before stepping out quickly to lock the door, he didn’t envy himself either. He pinched the bridge of his nose and released a long breath. This night had been disastrous. Westerling dead, a serial killer on the loose and a pretty—no, beautiful—woman locked up in his house. The Cynfell brothers were excellent at getting themselves into trouble, but this was beyond ridiculous.
“We’ll leave before dawn. Once she’s calm, she will realise how much danger she’s in.”
“You know, if it is discovered you took her, they’ll likely expect you to marry her.”
Marriage. The word usually sent a shudder through every one of them. His eldest brother had lost several wives—one of whom betrayed him. And their parents had suffered an awful marriage. Although four of his brothers
seemed happy, he had concluded they were just lucky. After all, what were the chances of all seven of them finding women like his brothers’ wives?
For some odd reason, that usual cold, dripping sensation that pooled in his stomach failed to occur.
Ridiculous. He hardly knew the woman. Certainly she was the most attractive thing he’d ever laid eyes on. And her spirit was to be admired. There was something innately warming about her, as though she glowed from the inside...
Ash pinched the bridge of his nose harder. He needed to get a grip.
The door handle rattled again.
“You might as well get some rest, Harris. We’re going to be in for a long night.”
Chapter Four
“This is ridiculous. I demand you take me home.” Lila smoothed down her skirts and ran her fingers through her hair.
It had been so beautifully done, she thought mournfully. But being attacked and then kidnapped hadn’t done it any favours. She still recalled the excitement whirling in her belly at the thought of her first ball. How long ago that seemed.
Now she was trapped in a carriage with two men. Two identical men. Two devastatingly handsome, identical brothers.
Harris flashed her a grin. She narrowed her eyes at him.
“My family will have you arrested.” While Ash ignored her, peering out of the carriage window, Harris’ grin widened. “Does the thought of being arrested for kidnap amuse you?” she asked incredulously.
“We come from one of the richest families in England, Miss Radley, and have had our fair share of trouble. A little kidnapping is nothing.”
“A little kidna—!” She cut herself off with her own annoyance as her voice shot impossibly high. These men were utterly insane, and there was no reasoning with them.
“The fact is, Lila—” Ash turned his gaze on her, those deep, dark depths drawing her in “—that someone very powerful is trying to kill you. And frame me for it.”
“Why can’t we just go to the police?” She folded her arms across her chest. “And I do not see how kidnapping me will help.” An involuntary huff escaped her. “I was meant to be attending Almacks in two days, and now I’ll miss it.”
Lila never intended to have a pouty tone to her voice, but it was how she came across, like a petulant, spoiled child. She knew it when Ash simply lifted a brow and Harris chuckled. This wasn’t her. She was elegant and charming. Really, she should be able to convince them to release her with ease. But her charms had fled, leaving her feeling awkward and ridiculous.
“Is attending Almacks really worth your life?” Ash asked her.
“Yes.”
Wonderful, now she sounded even more ridiculous. She had not meant that either. But all this running away seemed ridiculous. Someone would believe them surely? After all, the Cynfells were rich and powerful as they had just stated. And her family were hardly going to be ignored. They would simply finger the man who had tried to hurt her and she could return to her lovely life.
Lila clamped her hands around herself. This whole horrible, sickening event could be forgotten.
“I’ll admit it would be a mighty shame for you to miss out on dancing with all the old stiffs at Almacks, but you have us for company. Surely that more than makes up for it?” Harris offered her a tilted grin.
She almost felt her lips twitching into a smile. Though identical, she could tell them apart. There was something innately charming about Harris, even though she knew he was doing it deliberately. The very idea that being kidnapped by two—albeit handsome—men was better than a ball was ludicrous, and yet she could not help wonder if there were not many women who would happily reverse roles.
“Where are we going anyway?”
Ash tapped a finger on his thigh as if debating how much to tell her. “To a place where you’ll be safe.”
“Which is?” She glared at him until his jaw began to twitch. “I think it only fair you tell me considering you have ruined everything for me.”
“Everything?” he snapped. “We are saving your life and frankly, saving you from all those pompous fools who were fawning over you yesterday.”
Lila darted her tongue over her bottom lip, her mouth feeling suddenly dry. Those delicious eyes were suddenly quite dangerous looking. Except she knew she was not in danger, did she not? Why would he save her if he intended to harm her? And her knowledge of the Cynfells told her that while they were the scandalous sort, they would never harm a woman.
Even if they were holding her against her will.
“T-they are not pompous. Nor are they fools. But I do not see that it is any of your business.”
“They are all fools,” he grumbled, “and you—” he thrust a finger at her “—became my business the moment I rescued you.”
She thought of Lord Curly Wurly and the Earl of Pomade. They probably were a little foolish, she supposed. Before coming to London, she’d rather expected to be surrounded by handsome young men much like...well, much like Ash and Harris. But most of the men were ten years older than her, if not more. A lot more. Some of them were the same age as her father.
Slowly, the second part of his statement filtered in her mind. He’d turned his attention away from her while Harris looked on in amusement. The fact that he wanted to protect her struck some chord inside her. His fierce determination that he was responsible for her somehow whirled deep inside and made her want to smile.
In spite of the ridiculous circumstances.
Lord, it was all thanks to her foolish notions. She’d spent too long dreaming and hoping for a man who would sweep in and rescue her like some dashing knight. Ever since childhood, she’d adored fairy tales.
But this was no bold, dashing knight. He was a grumpy, implacable man in a rumpled shirt.
“I did not ask to become your business,” she murmured, but he had closed his eyes and thrust his feet out. “Is he asleep?”
Harris nodded. “Ash always was good at sleeping. I’ve forever envied his ability to nap anywhere. Though I do believe you’ll have to excuse him. After all, he was playing guard all night.”
“You must see how ridiculous this is.”
“Cynfells stick together.”
“Meaning you do see.”
Harris leaned back and lifted a shoulder. “I suggest you get used to the idea that my brother, for whatever reason, feels you are now his responsibility. And that also makes you mine.”
“You do everything together, do you? Even kidnapping innocent women?”
“Not everything.” He offered her a wink.
She pretended to have no idea what he meant and lifted her chin to perfect an entirely prim look.
“Lila, the fact is, you are in danger and my brother is now involved. If the chief makes good on his threats, I do believe he will get to you and frame Ash for your death. As chief of police, he has the means and resources.”
A knot wedged in her throat at his serious tone. For the first time since meeting him, he wasn’t smiling.
“How am I even to return home? There shall be scandal.”
“Well, then you’ll just have to marry one of us, will you not?” He grinned, and she knew he was joking though it offered her no answer as to a real solution for her return.
And yet the idea of marrying a near stranger rather than one of the pompous old sticks...no, no, no she didn’t really mean that.
Did she?
Lila swung her attention to the sleeping twin. With his dangerous eyes closed and his lashes fanning his cheeks, he looked peaceful and almost...sweet? She nearly giggled at the idea of how he’d react if she told him that. She glanced Harris’ way, and he watched her with a knowing smile, as if he understood her thoughts. Oh deary dear, what a pickle.
Harris leaned forward and eyed her through dark eyes that did not seem to have nearly the same effect on her as Ash’s did. How odd. “Lila, no one shall blame you. I promise all scandal will be shouldered by us and rest assured we have weathered many scandals in our time.”
“You’re really not concerned what my family shall think? Kidnapping is a crime!”
She shook her head more to herself than anything. Who were these men? How could they just take her and not have one jot of worry what might happen to them? The police would catch up with them soon. They had to, surely? Someone must have seen something and her family would begin an investigation.
She pictured Uncle Bernard blustering about, trying to organise a search party. A sigh escaped her. As much as she loved them all, they were not the most practical of people. It would probably take them several days to even notice she was gone, such was the size of their family. It had always been quite easy to get lost amongst all the cousins when they’d had their big family gatherings.
However, soon enough one of her eager suitors would call or ask for her. Then there would be panic. She did hope they weren’t too distressed. As much as she didn’t wish to be with these men, she knew they presented no danger to her person.
“Will you tell me where we are going?”
Harris shifted a sideways look to his brother. Ash remained sleeping as though he had not a care in the world. It was the first time she’d seen him look carefree. Throughout their short acquaintance he had looked as though the weight of the world was upon that severe brow of his. What could make a man who had no responsibilities, plenty of wealth, and devastating good looks so angry? As far as she could see, he had every reason to smile.
His brother offered her an uneasy one.
“Harris?” she prompted.
“Stourbridge House in Surrey.”
She let the name sink in. It was familiar to her. Realisation dawned and snippets of words drifted through her mind, words she’d picked up from the ladies’ columns. Words like scandal, affair, lewd behaviour and many other unsavoury notions.
“Oh no,” she declared. “You are not taking me there.” She stood in the confines of the carriage and rapped the roof.
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