She was safe.
He took a deep breath for the first time in hours, the tightness in his chest loosening.
The incidents were getting too close.
The next time, he might not be able to protect her.
Something had her rattled. Since nothing normally broke her iron composure, it left him on edge while he waited for her to tell him what was really wrong.
She kept her back to him as she spoke, her shoulders so tense she looked like she might shatter at a touch. “When you proposed marriage, I assumed you would eventually set me aside.”
Gabriel struggled to keep his tone even while dread knotted in his gut. “You knew what I expected.”
“I thought you would…I expected…I don’t know.” She shrugged. Whatever happened to her in the park had drained her normal bright vitality, left her pale and shaken, and he resisted the urge to gather her up in her arms.
His voice roughened at the thought of her trying to back out of the marriage. “What changed your mind?”
“You kept your vows to your first wife.”
Gabriel couldn’t take it anymore, and something inside him snapped.
“I killed my last wife!” He stood, too agitated to sit still. He rubbed his brows, sick to his stomach as he recalled the details.
“Emilie was sick. I forcefully removed Meredith from London because Emilie wanted her mommy. Meredith resented being taken away from her parties and wouldn’t even speak with her own daughter. Later, she would scold Emilie to straighten up her appearance, that she was a disgrace.”
His chuckle held no joy. “I forced her out of the room, and the entire time I ranted at her, she just sat there, then calmly asked to return to London, completely unaffected by her daughter’s tears or my threats.
“It was the last straw. I said she was welcome to leave, but I was cutting her off, and that she wouldn’t be welcome back. She took her jewelry and bribed one of the men in town to take her to London. It turned out the man was not a local. He accepted the bribe, drove her to Scotland and abandoned her. She was found wandering the moors the next day after a vicious storm had swept through. A week later she died of pneumonia.”
Diana approached him carefully, wishing she could gather him in her arms. “It was not your fault. She made her choice.”
“I should have been there to protect her. It was my job as her husband, and I failed.” His mouth tightened. “I won’t fail you.”
Diana’s heart clenched at all the guilt he carried around with him. He couldn’t control his wife, so he tried to control every other aspect of his life. “You do realize you might not have a choice.”
“You will survive.” His reply was emphatic, daring her to argue with him.
His words frightened her. Such a commitment would make him reckless. She couldn’t bear it if anything happened to him—not because of her.
Chapter 11
Diana woke the next morning after a troubled sleep to find the number of birds outside the window waiting to be fed had doubled. She dressed and exited her room, only to stop short to see Wolf slowly backing out of Gabriel’s chamber, a boot in his large maw.
“Wolf!”
His head snapped up and a large string of drool plopped to the floor. She snapped her fingers and pointed to Gabriel’s room. Tail tucked down, he crept back inside, and then he sulked as he made his way back toward her without the incriminating evidence. When she glanced up, her attention snagged on the bed…or more precisely, the man sprawled on top of the bed.
Gabriel lay sleeping, his naked chest on display, the blanket low on his hips, and she nearly swallowed her tongue. A smattering of hair dotted his chest, trailing lower before disappearing beneath the blanket, and her fingers itched to trace the path and explore those glorious muscles and tempting skin.
She was really coming to hate his no-touch rule.
As if sensing her stare, Gabriel began to stir.
Diana stumbled back at the thought of being caught ogling, when Wolf reared up, grabbed the knob with his mouth, and pulled the door shut. Her heart thudded against her ribs, threatening to pound out of her chest, and she could’ve kissed the mutt.
“I’m blaming you for this.”
Wolf bared his teeth in a smile, and she knew he was laughing at her. “Why don’t we find Emilie?”
He padded down the hall, his nails clicking on the stairs as he travelled to the third floor, and Diana followed.
Wolf pushed open a far door, revealing a bower fit for a princess. Sunlight flooded the room, the floor littered with every kind of toy she could imagine. Sitting amid the chaos was Emilie. “Did you come to see me?”
“Of course, Muirneach.” Diana was taken aback when Emilie launched herself at her, and she bent, accepting the hug. Wolf licked Emilie’s face, causing her to giggle uncontrollably, and they fell to the floor wrestling. The way the temporary nurse for the day smiled indicated that this was their usual daily greeting.
After a few minutes, Emilie sat and peered up at her with those big, inquisitive brown eyes. “Why do you call him Wolf? Daddy says s’not a proper name.”
She spoke like she was an authority on the issue, and Diana repressed a smile. “I never thought about it.” In truth, she hated to get close to anyone—it hurt too much to leave them behind. “Do you think he wants a name?”
Both pairs of eyes locked on Wolf, and he promptly sat. Emilie giggled. “Yup.”
Charmed by the little minx, Diana decided to play along. “What do you think we should call him?”
“Me?” Pure awe softened her voice to a whisper, her eyebrows disappearing under her bangs.
Diana nodded, her heart breaking at how eager Emilie wanted to please everyone.
“Jack.”
“Jack?” Diana was surprised by the prompt answer, and she stared at Wolf in bewilderment. “Why?”
Emilie bounced with excitement, struggling to stop wiggling. “He pops up just like my toy. Dad calls it a Jack-in-the-box. Every morning when I wake up, he pops up at the end of my bed.”
“Then let’s see if he likes his new name.” They turned toward Wolf. “Call him and see if he answers.”
“Jack!” She hollered the name, and it echoed in the room. Wolf barked, then pounced and Emilie fell back, her giggles filling the room.
Diana spoke softly. “Then Jack it is.”
She watched them wrestle for half an hour before the three of them trooped outside to feed the ever-increasing number of birds. Afterward, she detoured through the kitchen and picked up a snack for Jack and Emilie. His ears perked up when he noted the direction, practically prancing, and he licked his chops. Emilie giggled at his antics while she nibbled on her cookies. Tossing him a small bite, Diana smiled when he groaned in ecstasy, earning a few snickers from the staff at his goofball antics.
When he ate his fill—or more like inhaled the waiting snack and couldn’t find anyone else he could beg for scraps—Diana scooped up a near-sleeping Emilie, headed up the stairs, and tucked her into bed.
“I’m not tired.” Emilie tried to pout, but ruined the effect by yawning.
“But Jack is exhausted.” Even as she spoke, Jack jumped on the bed, circled and settled himself, dutifully closing his eyes. “Why don’t you keep him company while he naps and see if you can keep him out of trouble?”
Emilie bit her lip as she studied the dog, then nodded her head. “I ‘supose.”
By the time Diana reached the door, both of them were snoring.
Diana walked toward the dining room and stopped short to find Gabriel sitting at the head of the table.
Images of his naked chest flashed through her mind, and she immediately glanced down at his chest, disappointed to find him immaculately dressed once more. She was debating whether to back out when he cleared his throat.
“You might as well come in.” He didn’t even look up from his paper, dratted man.
Diana took a breath and collected an assortment of foods from the sideboa
rd. In the past, knowing food could be scarce, she never turned down a meal. She piled eggs, kippers, toast, and sausage on her plate. She stared longingly at the other dishes, but her plate was already stacked to overflowing, so she decided against adding more.
Gabriel stood, and she tensed, surprised to find herself disappointed he was leaving. Only he didn’t leave. He strode to where she stood, then reached around her and grabbed a piece of toast. His heat immediately soaked into her back, and she imagined that only inches separated them. His masculine scent wrapped around her, and to her utter embarrassment, she couldn’t stop herself from leaning toward him to catch another whiff.
It immediately went to her head, and she practically trembled in expectation of what he would do next.
“You stayed,” he rumbled.
Diana blinked.
When she turned, she found him back at the table, seating himself. Her brows furrowed as she followed and realized he had really expected her to flee from him in terror.
“I have no intention of going anywhere. I’ve been hunted by the best, and I know when I’m threatened. You would never hurt me.” Avoiding Gabriel’s look, she sat and picked up the toast. With great relish, she methodically spread a thick layer of marmalade on the piece with even strokes and took a healthy bite, enjoying the rich texture on her tongue.
Once she’d finished the first slice, she licked her fingers clean. Gabriel cleared his throat, and she glanced up, having completely forgotten his presence.
He appeared dumbstruck, his eyes focused on her mouth.
Diana dabbed at her lips, and he blinked, those deep blue eyes turning to a delicious cobalt that made her forget her surroundings.
“You wouldn’t by chance happen to know how my boots became soaked?”
Choking on the dry crumbs, she reached for her tea. The hot liquid burned her tongue, and she fumbled the cup, nearly dropping it before setting it back into its saucer. She sucked in a breath, desperately trying to think of an excuse.
“How about my paper?” Gabriel held the paper aloft.
Nothing seemed wrong, but Diana wisely kept her mouth shut. She watched him calmly unfold the paper, then raise it higher…and stared meaningfully at her through the section missing smack-dab in the center. The rest of the paper appeared to be glued together by drool. He ruffled the sheets, and she heard the soggy separation of two wet pages.
He stuck out his boot, turned it one direction, then another as he admired it. “Don’t you just love the decorative tooth marks? Maybe they will become a new fashion trend. What do you think?”
“Ahhhh…Wolf obviously likes you.” She forced a shaky smile, then dropped her gaze to avoid his unnerving stare. He rested his elbows on the table and leaned forward, his fingers rubbing his jaw.
“And how do you suppose he gets into my room?” His too-congenial tone put her on edge, and she leaned back, sensing a trap.
He was trying to be polite and ease the mention of her magical talents into the conversation…too bad the answers weren’t so easy. Her pulse skittered, and she considered lying for a few seconds, but quickly dismissed it.
Gabriel had more than earned straight answers.
Diana plucked up a fork, shoveled a mound of eggs into her mouth and mumbled an answer, hoping to delay the inevitable and praying for a miracle to interrupt them. The congealed mouthful of food slid down her throat like a slug.
“What was that?” He cupped his ear to emphasize his point, his voice far too pleasant.
Diana was not fooled. He would not relent until he had the answers he wanted. She swallowed the eggs, and they slid down her throat in a large lump. She stared at the plate, dispirited. “Jack opened the door.”
“Who?” he asked, his gruff voice dangerous.
Refusing to be cowed, she looked him in the eye. “Emilie named the dog Jack after the Jack-in-the-box you gave her.” She hoped the mention of his daughter would soften him, but his expression never changed.
“You are telling me a dog—”
“Jack.”
He spoke through gritted teeth, and gave a slight nod of concession in her direction. “Jack…opened and closed my door?”
Diana bit her lip, not sure what to say to make things better.
“Call him.”
Diana stood and strode toward the door, when he stopped her.
“I want to see him open the door unaided.”
He was silently asking her to use her gift, not wanting to sound crazy by voicing his suspicions out loud. Diana resumed her seat, conscious of Gabriel watching, and clenched her hands in her lap to cover her nerves. Magic sizzled under her skin, her back twitching as her tattoos tighten in warning, the air thickening with static as her powers rose.
Gabriel reached out toward her, touching the air as if he could sense the magic, but didn’t say a word. The handle to the door began to rattle, then slowly turned, and Gabriel dropped his hand to his side, his eyes widening as if he hadn’t really believed what he suspected.
The door opened and Jack entered, seating himself at her side.
Gabriel carefully leaned back, tapping a finger to his lips, his face a shade paler than normal, as he glanced between her and the dog.
Diana braced herself for condemnation, stoically waiting for his rejection.
“So Pastor Williams…” He trailed off, a mask falling over his expression as he waited for her response.
“I have never lied to you.” His lack of reaction felt like someone punched her in the solar plexus. Jack whimpered in sympathy, and Diana clutched his neck with one hand for comfort, his thick fur doing nothing to sooth her as it normally did. “Williams is an evil man. He has no intention of turning me over to anyone. He plans to use me to further his blackmail scheme.”
Speaking past the ache in her throat became difficult, and she lapsed into silence. Hope dwindled until her heart felt like a cold lump in her chest, each thump of her heartbeat painful.
“This was a mistake.” Diana launched to her feet, struggling to escape the chair that seemed to have turned into a cage. She rose without looking at him, unable to bear that her last image of him would be cold indifference, and darted toward the door.
Gabriel moved so quietly she didn’t hear his approach until he gripped her arm.
Instinct and fear took over.
She turned and thrust out with her foot, angling her shoulder into his chest to knock him off balance. Gabriel startled glance met hers as he fell backward, but instead of letting her go, he tightened his grip. She tumbled forward and ended up sprawled on top of him. He grunted on impact, his arms coming to settle around her protectively. She froze when she realized only inches separated them, and she became trapped in his stare.
His eyes darkened to cobalt, churning with the same emotions she saw whenever he didn’t think she was looking…almost as if he was baffled about what to do with her. She could recognize hate and disgust, having seen it so often, but this was something she’d never witnessed before.
“You’re not afraid of me.” A sense of wonder left her light-headed.
His hands tightened on her hips, the naked yearning in his expression leaving her aching to be touched…everywhere.
“You’re perfect,” he whispered.
Her breath caught at his reverent tone. When his gaze dropped to her mouth, her lips tingled at the curiosity and desire she saw there.
Jack latched onto her boots and tugged.
She wiggled her leg, trying to kick loose, and a growl of possessiveness rumbled from beneath her. Gabriel’s hand slid around her, and a dark flush filled his face as he inexorably drew closer, never once removing his hungry gaze from her face. A curious warmth filled her stomach, and her common sense evaporated.
He sucked in a breath then stilled, lying completely still beneath her. His lids lowered, his complete attention on her mouth. Diana inhaled, and his sandalwood scent filled her head until it spun.
He cupped the back of her head, his fingers sinking
into her hair, tugging her closer, and she gave into temptation and brushed her lips ever so lightly over his.
Her whole body tingled at the contact.
Breathing became unimportant.
“For shame, Lord Mendenhall! You and your harlot are making a spectacle of yourselves. Cease your vulgar behavior this instant! I won’t stand for it, do you hear me?” Mrs. Ashmore stood in the doorway, practically vibrating in outrage.
Before Diana had time to surface from the pleasurable haze of his kiss, Gabriel thrust her away as if she had forced herself on him. Embarrassment stung her cheeks, and she began to wonder if she misinterpreted his interest.
Gabriel helped her to her feet, refusing to look at her, and the hot spark of desire turned to ashes as dread tightened her gut.
“You’re right.” At Gabriel’s words, the back of her throat burned.
Gertrude looked suspicious but triumphant. “I’m so glad you see the error of your ways.”
“You don’t have to stand for it.” Gabriel put his hands behind his back and began to circle Mrs. Ashmore. “You are in my home. Since my wife and I are newlyweds, it’s only appropriate that we’d want to spend time alone. You will, of course, move out by the end of the day in order to spare your delicate sensibilities.”
Gertrude gasped and sputtered. “You would kick me out of my own home?”
Gabriel halted in front of her and rose to his full height, towering over the old crone. “My home, you mean?” When she opened and closed her mouth, sputtering for a reply, Gabriel continued in a silky voice. “I’m sure you’ll want to spend more time with your family, anyway.”
With a short bow, Gabriel marched out of the dining room. A minute later the door to his study slammed shut.
Diana couldn’t move.
Gertrude quivered in outrage, her eyes narrowed with spite while she glowered at her. “You’ve ruined everything. I won’t let you get away with it.”
She whirled and stormed out, the door quivering as she slammed it shut behind her.
Druid Temptation (A Druid Quest Novel Book 2) Page 15