by Dawn Brower
Dom didn’t, not particularly, but his wife would. For her, he might venture into France again and find her friend. Before taking another mission on, he’d look over the document and gather more information. Then he’d bring it to Rosanna and discuss the possibility. His wife mourned what had happened to Callista, who had disappeared entirely, and Eve who’d she’d never seen again. He wanted to do whatever he could to lighten the guilt she still carried. Dom wouldn’t mind discovering what happened to Comte de Dreux either. Maybe if they found Callista they’d find him too.
“Thank you,” Dom said and put the document in a drawer. “I’ll consider it.”
“I’m sure you will.” The duke chuckled. “Do let me know if you’re able to help the chit. Would ease my conscience a bit.” The duke stood and left the room. “I’ll take your leave now.” He stopped at the threshold and turned. “But before I do, I must offer my congratulations. You’ve loved the lady from afar too long. I’m glad you’re able to find happiness. In the life we’ve lived, not many of us are offered that gift. I wish you both well.”
The duke left without saying another word. Dom realized how lucky he was to have Rosanna in his life. There wasn’t much else he could hope for. He did love her, and she loved him in return.
“What did the duke want?” Rosanna asked as she stepped into the room. “I thought you were done with the war office.”
“It was a bit of last minute details, nothing more,” Dom replied. “We shouldn’t see him again, or at least not privately. He might turn up at a social event or two.”
“Good.” She smiled. “Otherwise, I might have to stab him. You’re mine now, and I refuse to let him get his hooks into you again.”
Dom chuckled. “No worries.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I’m right where I belong. Nothing could tear me away.”
“I do love you so.” She leaned her head on his shoulder. “This is everything I wanted and didn’t dare wish for. But I’m so glad fate stepped in and allowed us to find our way to each other.”
“Me too.” He pulled her closer to him. “I love you.”
Everything else could wait. This was what he found most important. Her and their life together—the rest of the world would be there when they went searching for it. Rosanna was, and always would be, his home. Wherever she was, he’d not be far behind. Surrender had never been so sweet...
**Keep reading for an excerpt from Linked Across Time Book 5: Spellbound by My Charmer (Zane and Callista’s story)**
PROLOGUE
Lady Callista Lyon, the Countess of Marin glanced around the ballroom. A bevy of intricate gowns and equally elaborate masks filled the room. It was a sea of color that washed the senses with awe and amazement. Champagne flew freely amongst the guests; as soon as a glass was emptied another would take its place. The Comte de Dreux was well equipped to throw the best balls, and no one turned down an invitation. It sickened her. This was the man responsible for ruining her happiness, and she alone would ensure he paid for it.
But there were other things she must accomplish first. Lady Rosanna must be saved. She was an innocent and should never have been pulled into the depravity the comte was capable of. Callista palmed the violet mask in her hands. A servant had handed it to her a moment ago. It was time to free Lady Rosanna Kendall, and afterward... The comte and her had one final meeting to embark upon. There she would ensure the man never took another breath again.
Callista took one more glance around the ballroom. It wouldn’t do to be seen exiting. After she was certain no one was watching she slid out and down the hallway. Once she reached the staircase she rushed upstairs and toward the room Lady Rosanna was being held in. Her spies gave her detailed information. It’d been relatively easy to find the location of Lady Rosanna. She’d have done it even if Lord Dominic Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook hadn’t enlisted her aid. Rosanna was her beloved’s sister, and Callista felt a slight kinship with the girl she’d once known.
Callista reached the doorway and paused before it Her lock picking skills would come in handy. It might have been easier with a key, but she could do without one in a pinch. She pulled a couple pins out of her hair and worked the lock open with a soft click. With quick precision she put the pins back in her hair, and turned the knob to open the door. Lady Rosanna’s back was to her, but she turned at the sound of Callista’s entrance. Oh she’d grown so lovely in the past few years. Edward was missing so much, and it was all the comte’s fault. It didn’t matter; the evil man would pay for his treachery. For now she’d ensure Rosanna was freed and returned to Lord Seabrook.
“Who are you?” Rosanna asked.
Of course Rosanna wouldn’t have recognized her. They’d not seen each other in years and the mask hid a lot of her face. She removed her mask and set it on the bed. “Lady Rosanna,” she said. “It’s been too long.”
A slow recognition filled Rosanna’s features. She let out a gasp of surprise, and then moved forward toward Callista. They’d had a cordial relationship. Lady Rosanna had always been kind to her, and she’d not changed in that regard.
“I don’t understand,” Rosanna said. “How did you know I was here?”
Callista understood the girls shock. It had been several years since they’d last seen each other. It had been Edward’s—Callista shook that memory away. If she dwelled on it she’d not be able to see her task through.
“We don’t have time for a discussion. We need to leave now.” She held up the violet mask that matched Rosanna’s gown perfectly. “Put this on. We’re going to glide elegantly out of the manor and enter my carriage. Once were at a safe place everything will be explained.”
The girl didn’t waste any time donning the mask. Callista put hers back on and gestured for Rosanna to follow her. They exited the room and headed down a long hallway. At the end Callista glanced over her shoulder and perused the surroundings. They were still in the clear. She prayed it continued to stay that way. Her heart fluttered a little as a rush of anticipation filled her. Something wasn’t right, but she couldn’t figure out what.
“This way,” she said.
Rosanna continued to follow her down another hallway. A voice hollered behind them “What are you doing here?”
Callista cursed under her breath. Damn that man? She glanced over her shoulder and saw the comte heading toward them. Their luck hadn’t held out. Why couldn’t that evil bastard leave them be? She’d planned on doubling back and dealing with him after Rosanna was safely away. It appeared fate had something else in mind. No matter, Callista was prepared to end it. So what if it happened a little sooner than she’d planned.
“Ah, Comte de Dreux, how lovely to see you,” She lifted her mask off her face and, said in a flirtatious tone. The comte had always been a sucker for a beautiful face and a touch of interest from a lady. “We were searching for the retiring room and I fear I’ve only managed to get us both lost.”
“Lady Marin,” the comte said and bowed, “This is most assuredly not the way to the lady’s retiring room. Please let me escort you to its location.” He held out his arm. “Who is your companion?”
Callista had hoped he’d not take an interest in Rosanna. She was dressed differently, and with the lovely violet mask she’d be disguised. It might not be enough though. Perhaps she could distract him enough for him to not pay Rosanna any interest.
“Oh that would be lovely,” Lady Marin took the comte’s arm. “My friend has a small tear in her petticoat in desperate need of repair.”
If she could get away without mentioning Lady Rosanna’s name all might not be lost. The comte wasn’t a complete fool, but there were moments he didn’t use all of his intelligence. She hoped this would be one of the times he didn’t think too hard.
“A tragedy, we can’t have any ladies with tattered gowns at the ball.”
He led them in the opposite direction of where she had been taking Lady Rosanna. Callista hoped he would leave them in peace at the lady’s retiring room, but s
tarted to plot a way out of the situation just in case he wizened up to who Lady Rosanna was. After a brief visit to the room they could try again to leave unnoticed. The girl trailed behind them and didn’t say one word. It took everything inside of her to keep her body’s reaction to him under control. Callista’s skin crawled at his touch.
The comte slid his hand over her arm and rubbed it. She glanced up and saw desire flooding his eyes. Did the man think he’d be able to entice her into the bedroom? Oh hell he did. What did he think he’d do with Rosanna in that situation? Suddenly she realized exactly what the comte had in mind, and she didn’t like it one bit. He wasn’t leading them to the retiring room. That was on the opposite side of the manor. This was leading them toward his bedroom. Her stomach rolled at the idea of laying with the man beside her. She’d rather die, and Lady Rosanna deserved far better.
An idea formed in her mind. She’d not wanted to put Rosanna in danger, but the comte’s planned changed everything. “It is,” Lady Marin said. “After the seamstress slaved for hours to create such an exquisite gown too—it almost matches her eyes. I’ve always admired the violet-blue color.”
The comte froze outside a room. So the mention of Rosanna’ eyes were not lost on him. Good, she’d been hoping he’d pick up on that clue. “Violet-blue you said?” He spun on his heels to stare at Lady Rosanna. The girl took an involuntary step back. “Lady Rosanna,” he stepped forward and grabbed her arm, “I don’t know how you managed any of this but it’s fortunate I’ve discovered you before you’ve gotten any further.” He opened up the nearest door and pushed her inside.
“Don’t hurt me,” she begged.
Lady Callista followed behind them. Her lips tilted upward. The man didn’t realize the mistake he’d made, but he would soon enough
“Oh Ulrich.” Callista stepped inside the room and shook her head. “You’re a fool.”
He spun around and faced her. “Was this your doing? Were you helping her escape?”
The corner of her mouth twitched. “I can’t very well let you hold her hostage. Her brother had been dear to me at one time.”
That was an understatement. Edward meant the world to her. She’d always love him. After she ended things with the comte she’d be able to live in peace. With his death her vengeance will have been realized.
“What is this all about?” Rosanna asked, turning toward her, entreaty filling her eyes. “Callista please tell me what is going on.”
“It’s simple enough,” Callista began. “I’d hoped to see you safely out of the house before having this confrontation, but it appears that’s not to be. I’ll have to do things the hard way.”
“I’m not sure you should do anything drastic,” she reasoned. “The comte won’t hurt us.”
The girl had no idea what the comte was capable of. Callista couldn’t blame her. No one had explained to her what had happened to Edward. If she’d known she wouldn’t have been so trusting.
“Oh, he already has,” Callista said maniacally. “In so many ways. He took the love of my life from me. For what? To keep that man in rule for a few weeks longer? Was it worth it Ulrich?”
Napoleon didn’t deserve to live any more than the comte. The dictator wouldn’t last long either. All bad things must end in some way.
“I did not kill Edward,” the comte said emphatically. “I wouldn’t dirty my hands with anyone’s death.”
Callista moved forward a little more. The contempt she’d held inside for this man was barely restrained. Why hold back now? She was so close to the end. The comte would die before the night was over.
“You’re right of course.” Lady Marin laughed. “You wouldn’t do something so crude as murder yourself. Why would you? That’s what you pay people for. Oh don’t worry I know who is to blame for Edward’s accident. You’re at the top of the list. The other man will see his end at the end of a rope.” Callista pulled out a pistol from a hidden pocket and pointed it at the comte. “Do you have any last words? A confession? No? I didn’t really expect you to tell me what I wanted to hear. It doesn’t matter after all. Edward is gone, and soon you will be too.”
“Callista,” Rosanna said. “You don’t want to kill him. We can leave and forget about this.”
Lady Rosanna was wrong. She wanted nothing more than to see the comte’s life seep out of him. Everything she’d done over the past several years was leading to this particular moment. Working with the crown, and the war office was only a means to an end—the comte’s death.
“I’m afraid I must dear,” she said. “I apologize. I never meant for you to see this, but I’ve waited too long to have my vengeance. The comte won’t live to see another day.” Callista continued to move forward. “Now Ulrich it’s time for you to die.”
The comte didn’t appear as if he was ready to do anything. He stood still and appeared to deliberate. “You’re not going to shoot me. At least not until you know everything. I may have given the order, and you may think you know who actually arranged for Edward’s accident, but you don’t know why we took Lady Rosanna.”
Apparently the comte believed she was a fool. He had no idea the information she held. Callista was more than aware of what the comte’s goals were. He hoped to destroy the crown’s spy network. The bastard had no idea she was one of their best operatives. Dom was her equal, and the comte’s true target. Callista had every detail and had documented it. Her findings had already been dispatched to Branterberry. The duke wouldn’t have the comte though. He was hers to dispatch.
“Oh I know the role of the stable master. He’s the one who rigged Edward’s carriage. He’s the culprit who made it all possible for that carriage accident and the wheel to break at the most inopportune time. As I said he’ll get what is coming to him soon. As for as why you abducted Lady Rosanna.” She shrugged. “It matters not. As that plan has been thwarted and she will soon return home.”
He laughed. “Unlikely. I know the marquess is in Calais and searching for her. He’s the one we’re after and if he comes for her they both will die.”
The comte was utterly ridiculous. Did he honestly believe he was invincible? Apparently so... No matter, he’d learn soon enough no one was.
“You are the biggest fool I’ve ever met.” Callista’s lip twitched. “As if Lord Seabrook would ever allow you to get near enough to do him harm. He’s not the crown’s best spy without reason.”
Lord Seabrook was also close. If they didn’t meet him soon he’d start searching for them. Lady Rosanna was the love of his life. He’d willingly lay his life on the line for her. No doubt the comte counted on that very thing. It was up to Callista to take that opportunity away from him. Neither Dominic nor Rosanna would die. Not on her watch.
“Hence the reason for Lady Rosanna being here. He won’t think of himself first. He loves her and he’ll do anything to save her. It’s time to bring the famous spy to his knees, and the lady is going to be the instrument of his downfall.”
“It won’t come to that.” Callista moved forward, keeping the pistol trained on the comte. “And even if it does you won’t be here to see it.”
The comte stepped back and onto and open balcony, and out of the range of Callista’s pistol. She went out after him. A set of storm clouds were forming over head. Thunder cracked down on the earth followed by lightning filling the night sky. The wind whistled through the air as the storm surged forward.
The comte grabbed her wrist and attempted to wrench the pistol from her hand. They fought for what seemed like forever, but couldn’t have been more than a few minutes. An explosion rang through the air. Something shiny glinted in the moonlight and arched in Ulrich’s hand. A sharp pain hit her shoulder—something had stabbed deep into her. It didn’t matter. As the wind whipped through the room and sent the curtains streaming backward, Callista fell over the balcony. The comte clutched his chest and heaved back and tumbled after her.
Death was calling them both, but Callista didn’t care. Her mission, as far as she was
concerned, had been a success. Her shot may not have dealt the final blow and she was all right with that. The fall would finish him as he hit the ground. Callista closed her eyes and pictured Edward. “We’ll see each other soon my love.” Then the world went black.
CHAPTER ONE
Strands of music echoed through the room as Zane Rossington, the Marquess of Seabrook stared at his guests. The yearly charity ball had been a success. Every year people clamored to get an invitation, and this time was no different. In fact, it was probably one of the best functions and the designated charity would gain much needed funds.
But Zane was getting tired of them. This one seemed like a good idea at the time. The final ball was a sea of masks and dazzling gowns. The men were dapper in black and white. All of it soured his stomach and all he wanted to do was escape from it all. The obligations of his family name were starting to take a toll and he had no idea why he bothered any more. He lifted his hand and skimmed his fingers over his own mask. He’d decided on all black for his evening wear.
“Why are you standing in a corner brooding?”
Damn it. He didn’t want to play the host and make small talk, but mostly he didn’t want to humor his friend Bradford, the Duke of Weston. If he was close by his duchess wasn’t far behind. Regina would pepper him with questions and he’d have to keep his charming façade going longer than he wanted to. As soon as he was able to he’d escape. Zane craved a few moments alone where he could breathe and enjoy the silence.
“You’re mistaken,” Zane replied. “I’m scouring the room for my next conquest.”
Bradford raised an eyebrow. “Single women still come to these events hoping to snare you?”
Zane sighed. “You’re jealous you don’t have them clamoring for your attention.”
Truthfully if Bradford gave them any indication he wasn’t blissfully in love with his wife they’d be fawning all over him. It was almost sickening... None of them interested him as they used to. If they ignored him it would make him ecstatic. The women he met lately—bored him. Was it too much to ask for someone exciting to cross his path?