Cupid's Arrow Book Two Capturing The Duke

by Mysty McPartland

  “No, I most certainly wouldn’t. I’ve never seen the man so smitten or talk about a woman so much and I couldn’t be happier that he’s finally found a woman that means the world to him.” Though Garth took his wife’s silent warning to heart, he honestly spoke the truth.

  For a few moments, Modesty studied the couple, by the innocent expressions and the honesty in their eyes she started to believe it might be true. Could her husband really have deep feelings for her? Lord, she prayed that he did, but still she was hesitant to believe it. She forced a smile and nodded, then changed the subject. “Do you think my father will survive?”

  “I’m sorry, but I doubt it. The bullet to the chest looked bad,” Garth saw the resignation on her face, the sorrow in her eyes and inwardly cringed. Though he knew the relationship between Modesty and her father wasn’t a happy one he felt sorry for her. The man was an out and out coldhearted bounder, still it was only natural she probably had some affection for her parent.

  With a sad sigh, Modesty was feeling regret that she might lose her father, but little else. He’d never loved her and always treated her with contempt or just ignored her existence. All he was interested in was his own amusements. “He wasn’t a very nice man and a pitiful parent. Until he was deep in debt to Stokes, he had little to do with me. I’m sorry he might die, but after trying to kill my husband, I have little sympathy for him. Does that make me a bad person?” She asked them.

  “Oh, no. Definitely not. He sounds quite selfish. Children should be loved and cherished. Sadly, my father and aunt were very much like your parent. They had little love for me. I’m determined that when we have a child or two of our own they’ll know how much they are loved.” Laura smiled brightly as her husband squeezed her hand.

  “I’m sorry, that you suffered as well. As for children, thankfully Killian understands I’m not ready yet to have any. Lucky for me, he knows how to prevent it from happening. Though I now realize all those horrid rumors about him and his many lovers were all lies, he must have had some experience and he is extremely good at it.” Now, though knowing how much she loved him and having come close to losing him, Modesty was starting to change her mind.

  Garth choked on his drink and coughed at the intimate disclosure. “Yes, well I’m glad you’ve found that they were false … um as for knowing and ah being good at it most men seem to understand just what to do.” He only meant to tease her, but he could see Modesty took him at his word.

  “Oh, yes. I suppose you all do. It seems all men are born knowing, it’s all you ever think about and want to do.” Modesty agreed and nodded when Garth offered to refill her glass. “I don’t think I can stand not knowing what’s happening.”

  Good God, the woman said the most outrageous things and his wife was having a hard time not laughing. Poor Killian the woman must be driving him crazy, and though he knew of the few occasions his friend had indulged in taking a female to bed it was the man’s own business. Clearing his throat, he decided not to touch on the subject of sex. “Whatever occurs tonight, Killian will let us know the moment he can.” The woman was so open and candid, and though she was outspoken Garth was intrigued by her and he could see that his wife was as well. He could understand his friend’s fascination with his hellion; he also knew how much mayhem she caused and was grateful for his own sweet, loving Laura. He doubted he could handle a woman like Modesty. “It will probably only be a day or two and you’ll be back with your husband.”

  “I know and I’m being ridiculous. He probably won’t even notice I’m not there or that I’m gone.” Modesty hoped she didn’t sound as pitiful as she felt.

  Garth tried not to laugh. “Oh, I’m certain he’ll know you’re not around. If ever a man was besotted, Killian most assuredly fits the bill.”

  With a shrug of her shoulders, Modesty forced a smile. “I’m certain you’re wrong, but it’s nice of you to say so. My husband would consider it a weakness by loving me, besides, I’m positive he only feels desire for me, but love me, no. We have come to an understanding and are quite contented with the arrangement.”

  Deciding that she wasn’t going to broach that particular statement knowing Modesty wouldn’t believe her husband loved her, Laura quickly changed the subject. “Would you like something to eat or perhaps you would prefer to rest?”

  With a shake of her head, Modesty was too upset and frantic to do either. “Thank you, but no. I don’t think I could do either until I know Killian’s safe and the danger’s all over.”

  Garth cleared his throat. “How do you like being married?”

  The question took Modesty by surprise and she blinked. “Married! Oh, married. Not very much. Our marriage is one of convenience and nothing more. I never realized Killian was such a dullard or such a stickler for priority. Why the day I took his racing gig out, he chased me down and dragged me back home. Then he sat me down and lectured me for over an hour.”

  This time Garth couldn’t hide his reaction, he choked and spluttered on his drink. He could feel his wife shaking with laughter as she pounded on his back. Looking at Modesty through the blur of moisture in his eyes, he could see she had no idea he found her reply amusing. Once he was in control of himself, he smiled. “Forgive me. I swallowed my drink the wrong way.” Before he could say more the butler entered.

  “Dinner is served, my Lord and Lady.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” Laura inquired as she and her husband rose to their feet.

  “I’m certain. Please go and enjoy your meal. I’ll be fine.” Modesty reassured them and watched them reluctantly walk hand in hand out of the room. They were a lovely couple and very nice. She was grateful that they were willing to take her and aunt Lucy into their home knowing of the danger to themselves.

  When they disappeared from sight, tears welled up in her eyes. Killian, oh Killian why did you make me fall in love with you? How am I going to survive now if anything happens to you? There was no more hiding from the truth, she was utterly and soul deep in love with her husband.

  It wasn’t because of the joining of their bodies, she’d been gradually falling from the moment they said their wedding vows. Yet what made her chest ache in agony was not knowing if he felt the same way and what would she do if he didn’t?

  More confused than ever, she decided to worry about it when Stokes was taken care of and they were both out of danger. At the moment she had more important things to be concerned about.

  ***

  Furious that bumbling idiot, Anderson had bungled the job, but thankfully the incompetent fool wouldn’t survive, Robert Stokes waited for his spy to return with information. He knew the duke had been taken home bleeding from a wound to his head and the doctor sent for. How badly the man was injured, he didn’t know. If it was life threatening it would be easier to kill him. He paced the floor of his office as he went over the plan. It would be simple enough to break into the townhouse and smother his lordship in his sleep. The following day, he could steal Modesty away.

  No one would know what happened to her or could point the finger at him. By the time anyone suspected anything, it would be far too late, they would be already married when it was discovered. She couldn’t accuse him of the crime, since wives were not allowed to testify against their husbands. Besides, he’d have her tamed long before then.

  By the time anyone questioned her, she’d be too cowered to say anything that would incriminate him. It was a pity though, that he had to destroy her spirit, but he couldn’t afford not to. Anyway, what did it matter, she was only a means to an end. Once he had her under his control, he’d probably grow bored with her anyway.

  Power and wealth was his mistress and all he really craved. With her, he would gain both and that was all that mattered. Hearing the heavy, running footsteps, he spun around. “Well?”

  Roger stumbled into the room breathless. “I spoke to the physician like you told me to, he said the duke’s injury is grave and it’s not likely he’ll survive the night.”
/>
  “Excellent, but I think we’ll help matters along. Don’t want the man to suffer now do we? You know what to do and make certain you don’t make a mess of the job.” Robert warned harshly and was pleased to see the fear in the man’s eyes before he hurried out the door.

  Striding over to the cabinet, he poured himself a hefty shot of brandy and drank it straight down. Surely nothing could go wrong, how simple was it to murder a badly injured man? His grace would be too weak to put up much of a struggle and no one would expect an attempt on his life in his own home.

  There was only one person linking him to the assignation attempt and that was Anderson. If the man recovered enough to talk, then everything he worked so hard for would be destroyed. He had to make certain that it never happened. He couldn’t lose everything now, not when he was so close to success.

  Banging his glass down, he hurried from the building and after giving instructions to his driver, jumped in the coach. When the vehicle slowed down, he looked out the window and cursed when he saw several carriages and officers of the law. He opened the slat, ordered his driver not to stop and to continue on to his own residence.

  Damn the infernal weakling, no doubt he’d confessed and named names. It was now too dangerous for him to remain in town. Even if the duke died lady Modesty was lost to him now. If he tried to kidnap her, his guilt in the eyes of the law would be guaranteed. He would have no other option now, but to flee the country.

  Yet he still intended to have his revenge one day and if any of those lofty lords and ladies who owed him money thought just because he’d disappeared that they were now free, they would soon realize their mistake.

  Thankfully, he’d made plans just in case something like this ever happened and he’d still have control over everything and everyone. They would all still be in his debt until he decided otherwise. When the furor died down, he would return under another name and when he did, he wouldn’t fail again.

  The next woman he chose to marry, he would make certain that her parents or guardians were so desperate they would hand over their daughter without argument and the chit would be too frightened to do anything else, but what she was told.

  As for lady Modesty, he would eventually have the satisfaction of making her pay. He would destroy her completely. She would be shunned and ridiculed. No one would give her the time of day except to sneer at her. He’d bring her so low and take everything from her. Starting with her husband.

  While he was in hiding, he’d begin to take what very little was left to her. It was doubtful her husband was too busy bedding her to even consider making certain her future would be taken care of if anything happened to him. It was a pity though because the duke was a very wealthy man.

  It would have been a victory to have control of his fortune, it was probably beyond his reach now. Well, for now it was, there was always a chance he could end up with it. Who knew, the man might leave it to some weakling and if he did, all the better.

  At the moment, though he had more important matters to deal with and that was escaping before the law came after him. Luckily, he had plans already made for such eventualities and certain people he could trust to take care of things while he wasn’t here. He sneered in contempt, the judge and the three earls were weaklings and frightened of their own shadows.

  None of them would dare cross him in fear of retribution. If the tales of their sordid debaucheries and how deeply in debt they were leaked, they’d be ruined. No, they were too afraid and would never risk to do anything else, but what he ordered them to do.

  Long ago he’d learnt to use men’s weaknesses to control them and it had proved to be very rewarding. Though, he loathed and despised having to rely on such pathetic creatures, yet he had no other option for the moment at least. When he was settled in Paris, he would make other arrangements to keep everyone under his domination.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Thankfully after a few hours the excruciating throbbing in his head was easing, though it still ached like the devil it was bearable. The wait though was intolerable yet Killian knew that it would probably be late tonight before another attempt was made on his life. He did not doubt for a moment that Stokes would let him live. Not when there was still a chance the man believed he could still have Modesty. He also knew the coward would send someone else to do his dirty work and if the attempt should fail, which it was going to, the rat would be ready to flee the country.

  Every precaution for his own safety and making certain Stokes didn’t escape justice were in place. At least his wife was not in jeopardy and that relieved him greatly. A cynical smirk twisted his lips; he was still finding it hard to believe that out of all the foolish things to have done, he’d fallen deeply in love with her.

  How or when it had happened, he hadn’t the slightest idea, but coming so close to dying and seeing how distraught she had been over his injury, it had hit him like a ton of bricks. What he wondered though, would she ever admit to her own feelings or would she continue to deny them?

  The kiss they shared just before he sent her away couldn’t hide the truth from him. She’d put her heart and soul into it. If he tried to wheedle the confession out of her, she’d only become more determined to pretend she felt nothing for him. With a long-frustrated sigh, he wondered how he could go about making her admit the truth.

  It wouldn’t be easy, she was too proud and obstinate. In the quiet, dimly lit room, he continued to ponder the matter, but as the clock struck the eleventh hour, he still hadn’t come up with any ideas. When he heard footsteps approaching, he glanced at the doorway and saw Gideon and three of his brawny grooms enter the room. “Everyone’s aware of what they must do and are prepared.”

  “Yes. Stop worrying everything’s taken care of. No one will be able to leave once they enter the house and a dozen lawmen are watching Stokes’ office and his house. If he attempts to flee or comes here, they’ll nab him before he can take a step.” Gideon waved the men to their places and sat down on the chair that had earlier been placed in a shadowy corner of the room.

  “Thanks. Remember, I want whoever comes here to kill me to remain alive. He’ll make an excellent witness.” Killian closed his eyes and forced himself to relax. Being used as bait didn’t worry him, what he really wanted was to be present when Stokes was arrested. Hopefully the law would find enough evidence of all the rats’ crimes that the man would either be deported or hung.

  Either way, he wanted the despicable villain out of their lives for good. To keep his mind occupied, he made plans to leave the city the moment this mess was over. The gossips would have a field day and there would be many vindictive and hurtful things said. He wanted to spare his wife the shame and humiliation her father had caused.

  Though she wasn’t accountable for what her father had done, it wouldn’t stop the poisonous, spiteful remarks. Most members of the ton were cruel and malicious; they cared very little about anyone, but themselves. If they could destroy anyone of a higher rank, they would never let the opportunity pass them by. Not that he gave a fig about any venomous remarks, but he wanted to spare his wife.

  Suddenly a sixth sense alerted him and he lifted his lashes slightly, with his hand he signaled to the others in the room, he waited. Trying to keep his breathing shallow, he couldn’t stop his heart battering against his chest as the thrill of danger pulsed through him. It was nearly impossible to keep his body limp, he never imagined pretending to be at death’s door would be so hard. His foolish thoughts swiftly fled when two large shadows loomed in the doorway.

  From hooded eyes, he watched them creep closer and silently he reached the count of eight before all hell broke loose. A life-threatening scuffle broke out for several minutes before the would be assassins were knocked senseless and Turner rushed into the bedchamber with a lamp lighting up the room. Dragging himself up into a sitting position, he looked down on the two men. “Quickly tie them up and fetch the watch. Well done everyone.”

  The first part of the plan had been a
success, now he could only hope the second one would be as well. If not and Stokes managed to escape, he would hunt the man down until he was captured. As he watched his grooms bound the men, he grinned. “Turner I think we can all do with a brandy after such excellent team work.”

  “Very good, your Grace. I’ll see to it at once.” Turner placed the lamp down on the table and hurried from the room.

  Relaxing back against the headboard, Killian grinned in satisfaction. “That went rather well.” He said as he watched the servants drag the prisoners away.

  “Yes, but it was too damn easy. I was quite looking forward to a good fight.” Gideon grouched, rubbed his bruised knuckles on his left hand, then laughed along with his friend.

  “How do you think I felt lying here as if I was on the verge of cocking up my toes?” Killian heaved out a sigh. “Even though it’s late, I wish I could send word around to Garths letting my wife know that she hasn’t been made a widow and that I’m alive and kicking, but until the law has Stokes, I don’t dare chance it.”

  “No, it’s too risky.” Gideon chuckled. “I never thought I’d see the day you’d give your heart to a female. It’s a damn shame, but obviously the little sod cupid struck again.”

  With a smirk, Killian eyes sparkled. “Not just any woman. I doubted there would ever be another female that could accomplish the impossible. I’m still trying to work out how it had happened. Believe me, I never wanted to fall in love and it’s a mystery how Modesty achieved the unachievable. After all, she’s troublesome and causes chaos. The two things that are bound to drive me insane.”

  “Cupid doesn’t discriminate. Do you think Garth wanted to fall in love? Hell no. But be damned if I’m going to be the next victim.” Gideon thanked Turner when he returned and handed him the brandy. As he sipped, a flash of memory of an beguiling face from his past suddenly struck, he roughly shook recalling the devastation he’d experienced when he’d discovered her true nature. He frowned in confusion, why in the hell he was suddenly having thoughts of her was beyond his comprehension. Admittedly even so young he had found her utterly enchanting and they’d had a very trusting, intimate relationship until the fateful day she betrayed him. Since then, he hadn’t seen or heard of her for years. Confounded he shoved away thoughts of her and the episode refusing to think about it.