A Thin Line

by Tammy Jo Burns

  “Mack is your brother.”

  Chapter 25

  “Half-brother, just as Steven and Andrew were.”

  Kala sat in silence as she mulled over the implications. That explained his jealousy in regards to Mack. It also explained the whispering that followed Mack anytime he entered a room, especially if Gabriel appeared in the same room. Mikala could not help the sorrow she felt for those two men who were so much alike. Deep down she felt if they took the time to get to know each other, they might come to like one another. They were some of the only family each of them had. Mack’s mother had died several years ago and his father had disowned him for some unknown reason. Kala thought perhaps she now knew why.

  “Perhaps you and Mack should…”

  “I’m not going to talk about this now. And I don’t want you referring to him as Mack.” Mikala thought better of asking him if he were jealous. “I just don’t know what to do with Mother.”

  “You sound exhausted and there is no reason to make those kinds of decisions now.” She stood up and took his hand tugging him towards the bed. “Let’s get some rest.”

  “You’re going to stay with me?” Surprise laced his voice.

  “Yes.”

  “Are we just going to sleep?”

  “I guess that depends on how tired you are.”

  Sometime later they lay in each other’s arms. She had needed this, to know that he at least still needed her physically. It had been closer to two weeks since he had last touched her. Since that time, he had disappeared, and they had fought non-stop. Mikala rolled onto her side and felt her husband pull her into the cradle of his warm body. She felt herself slowly relax and fall into a peaceful slumber.

  ***

  Mikala woke early and slipped from her husband’s lax arms. She desperately wished she could gaze on his supine form. She wanted to see him in sleep, with no cares creasing his brow. Slipping into her room, she quickly dressed and made her way down to the breakfast room. When she arrived she found Judith already breaking her fast.

  “Good morning, Mikala.”

  “Good morning. How is Sarah?”

  “Sedated. I’m sorry that happened.”

  “I’m sorry you all felt the need to keep it from me. I am surprised you don’t all hate me.”

  “Mikala, you get that thought out of your mind right now. Sarah brought much of this on herself. And goodness knows, Andrew had problems. I am glad that Gabriel has you and feels he can at least share things about his life with you.”

  “Yes.” As if talking about him made him appear, Gabe stood in the door of the breakfast room.

  “I thought I might find the two of you in here.” He dropped a kiss on the cheek of each woman before taking his seat. He ripped what sounded like a piece of paper to Mikala before she heard him curse under his breath.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No,” he read the note again. “I can’t believe the nerve of him.”

  “Now you have to tell me. My curiosity is piqued beyond its limit.” There was a pregnant pause. “If you tell me, I might be able to give you advice. You know I am a very bright young woman, at least my father thinks so.”

  “He would.”

  “Gabe,” she said in a warning tone.

  “Fine. Your brother, my best friend, talked me into letting another buyer in on our shipping business. Derek said this man wants to remain anonymous. This man was a soldier wounded in battle. His parents were taken for their money, and he is trying to help them recover.”

  “Ah, he guilted you, didn’t he?”

  “Yes. Now this anonymous ex-soldier is trying to dictate what we go after in our next shipment.”

  Kala pushed aside the twinge of guilt she felt over her false identity. It couldn’t be helped. If Gabe knew, he would refuse her outright. Besides, she needed the money earned from these next shipments, didn’t she?

  “Perhaps he has some good suggestions. Read them off to me.” She listened as Gabe began reading off the list Judith had composed for her. When he came to the last item on the list, she leaned back and sipped her hot coffee.

  “Well, what do you think?”

  “Perhaps this anonymous soldier has a mistress who is a member of the ton.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “The fabrics that you listed will go over well with the women of the ton. You don’t know how many I heard complaining about the lack of exotic fabric choices. As for the tobacco, the men of the ton complain just as much about that. Snuff is out, and America is making smoking tobacco much more popular.”

  “It’s a dangerous journey across the Atlantic.”

  “Yes, it is. But right now it is safer than facing French ships, isn’t it?”

  “You have a point.”

  “If you bring things from the islands and America, it will be a new fascination to people. They are used to items from the continent. This will give them the exotic items they crave.”

  “You might be right.”

  “What’s the worst that could happen?”

  “We could lose the ship and its crew.”

  “You could. Or you could be optimistic and think about the profit that it could make. Who knows, if the profit is enough, you might even be able to purchase a second ship.”

  “All right, you have talked me into it. What do I tell the men?”

  “Maybe they are ready for a change of scenery as well. From my studies, I understand that waters are warm where they will be sailing.”

  “What happens if I lose my men to the climate instead of the dangers?”

  “That’s just a chance you’ll have to take,” she said with a smirk, delving into her food. He left not long after, but promised to come back for their day out together.

  “I can’t believe he took your advice,” Judith said.

  “He wanted to do it as well, otherwise nothing I said could have convinced him. He just needed someone to verify his thoughts.”

  “Do you think he suspects you are the anonymous investor?”

  “His voice didn’t betray anything if he did. I don’t see how he could. Everything that I told him are things you can hear anyone speak of at social engagements. And as for the weather and climate, those are things that I learned about in studies with Papa.”

  “Just be careful. Perhaps you shouldn’t act like you know so much about the situation. He is bound to become suspicious if you keep providing him with ready answers to all of his concerns.”

  “Perhaps you are right, but it is too late this time. Maybe I should just act like I know everything about all subjects.”

  “That would hurt his ego.”

  “Or infuriate him.”

  “Or both.” Kala leaned back in her chair with her hands crossed across her midriff. “Judith, I am so bored, I am about to go out of my mind.”

  “There, there. Everything will work out. Perhaps this is God’s way of teaching you patience.”

  “Perhaps.” She took a deep breath and blew it out. “Well, at least there haven’t been any incidents this morning with moved furniture.”

  “Thank goodness for that. I spoke to Hamlin last evening after our meal. He insisted that he informed all the staff but would talk to them once more. You know you really have won them over.”

  “The staff? Really? How? I do nothing all day but try to memorize rooms, play the piano or be bored silly.”

  “I think it is the way you don’t let Gabe get the best of you. Remember most of the older staff have known Gabe since he was in knickers and have seen the change that has come over him. When you are around there is a glimmer of the old Gabe.”

  “I wouldn’t say that I have had that much of an effect on him.”

  “I would. Look, he is going to take time off from work to take you to the park. That is something.”

  “I suppose.”

  “Come, let’s go pick out what you are going to wear for your outing.” Mikala let herself be pulled along and realized she actually ate all
of her breakfast this morning, thinking with a smile that perhaps she had found some solace in her husband’s arms.

  ***

  The little maid ran out the servant’s entrance after informing one of the stable lads to bring around the carriage. She met her new lover exactly where they had met during their previous encounters. If her fellow servants knew, they would brand her a harlot. But she had fallen in love at first sight. Something about him made her heart race.

  He stood there behind the mews, a hat pulled low over his face. She didn’t understand why a man who looked as he did would want to hide his handsomeness. She sashayed up to him and ran a hand caressingly down his chest. “Hello, love,” she whispered before leaning up to capture his lush lips.

  He flipped around and pinned her against a shadowed portion of the wall where they would not be seen. “Oh, I’ve missed you,” he moaned into her hot, wet mouth.

  “I snuck out here the day before yesterday.”

  “Yes, but that was too long without you.” He lifted her skirt, running his hand up her leg and hooking it around his waist. He ran his hand further up, encountering no clothing. “Oh love, what you do to me.” Her breaths were coming in short, raspy pants. He quickly undid his pants, allowing his manhood to spring free, and entered her in one swift movement. Her lover thrust and parried harder and faster until she came violently. She felt her passionate scream captured by his mouth. He kept pounding until he too fell over the edge.

  She felt disappointed when he pulled away and refastened his clothing. Her back against the wall provided her only support. “So how did you manage to break free love?”

  “The butler sent me to let the stable master know that Her Grace would need the curricle for a trip to the park this afternoon. Then I skipped my break to come see you,” she whispered coyly, her fingers walking a path up his chest.

  “What did you say?” He asked somewhat violently not hearing anything she said past her first sentence.

  “Which part?”

  “About the duchess.” His lover repeated herself. “Who is she going with?”

  “I believe the duke’s grandmother. They were going upstairs to pick out what they should wear.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He grabbed her shoulders and shook her as he questioned her.

  “What does it matter?” His grip felt punishing. “Stop, you’re hurting me.”

  “You silly bitch.”

  “What did you just call me?” She asked, her voice coming out in a high-pitched squeal.

  “Shut up,” he slapped her across the face. The violence caused desire to well in him once again.

  “Stop,” the little maid whimpered pummeling his chest with her fists.

  “Yes, fight me,” he growled as he savagely ravished her mouth.

  “What’s happened to you?” The maid cried after she ripped her mouth from his.

  He quickly undid his pants again, this time taking her with force and no apologies. She did not enjoy the love-play this time and fought him. This was not the same attentive lover she had fallen in love with over two weeks ago. What had happened to the man she spent her nights dreaming of? She tried to push him away, but he was stronger and pinned her arms to the wall beside her head.

  “I’ll tell you what has happened to me. You have given me the perfect opportunity to kill your mistress.” He watched her eyes widen in horror and he felt himself grow even harder within her. “Yes,” he continued stroking. “She knows too much and she will be out from under her husband’s watchful eye. But, my dear, now you know too much as well.”

  “No! I won’t tell! I promise!” She whimpered as he ravaged her body. “I’ll go away!” Even as she pleaded, she knew it was useless. Her mother had always warned her about being a dreamer, that it would get her in trouble. “Mama, I’m sorry,” she cried, tears coursing down her cheeks.

  “Yes, you know what’s going to happen don’t you, love?” He whispered in her ear. At just that moment, when he reached one of his most satisfying climaxes ever, he twisted his lover’s head until he heard the unmistakable snap that told him her neck had broken. He felt her life’s breath sigh out of her body and tickle his ear. Her body fell to the ground and he quickly straightened his attire. It took a few minutes for him to gather control of himself. He dragged the body over to a refuse pile and kicked some hay and trash over it. Tugging the rough hat over his brow, he whistled on the short stroll to Hyde Park.

  Chapter 26

  Kala held herself stiffly next to her husband in the open curricle. The sun shone warmly on her face, which happened to be a rare feat on autumn days. She found herself thinking about all the revelations Gabriel had shared with her the night before. Anger suffused her at all he had been put through. How could a mother do that to her child, regardless of his age? Did Sarah not realize the anguish Gabe lived with?

  “Stop.”

  “What?” Mikala asked, confused.

  “We are supposed to be enjoying the day. You are not to think about anything that will cause you to get angry or brood.”

  “How did you know?”

  “You might have lost your sight, but I have not. Your eyebrows scrunch together and you get this look about your face when you are angry.”

  “I am angry, Gabriel James Hawke. I don’t know how you can even refer to that woman as your mother after all she has done. And to blame you! I don’t care that she blames me, but you are her son!”

  “Mikala,” he broke in calmly, “now is not the place to vent your spleen. I will not have the family troubles aired in public for all to hear.”

  “Fine.”

  He sighed heavily, “Mikala, we will deal with Mother later, I promise. Please, can’t we just try to enjoy the day and each other’s company for a change? Believe it or not, I am as tired of this fighting as you are.” She felt herself relaxing slightly as he turned the curricle. “You look quite beautiful today.”

  “Thank you. Judith picked out the outfit for me.”

  “She did an outstanding job.” Mikala wished very much she knew what colors she wore. She had gotten so tired of asking people to describe the colors of her clothes or things about her that she just quit asking. She did know she wore a walking dress and a pelisse as well as a bonnet, which she kept adjusting. “Stop fidgeting with your bonnet. It looks delightful.”

  “I hate bonnets. I would rather go about with my hair down or pulled back with a ribbon.”

  “I would prefer it as well,” he said huskily. Mikala wished he would quit saying things like that. Words like that made it difficult to remind herself that she hated him more often than not, well, disliked him at least. She felt the gig come to a halt and dip as he jumped to the ground. Before she knew it, she felt his strong arms at her waist, lifting her down. “You smell as good as you look.”

  How she wished she had her sight and could see his expression. Did he tease her? Did he mean it? Damn her sightless eyes! She felt his leather covered thumb caress her cheek.

  “If we weren’t in public, I would kiss that frown off those beautiful lips.”

  “Gabe,” she said breathlessly.

  “Come, let’s take a turn about the Serpentine.”

  “Are there many people here?”

  “More so than usual at this time of year. Many men want to remain close for news of the war; therefore, many families are staying in town for the holidays. Speaking of the holidays, they are coming up in a few weeks.”

  “Yes, they are. I had almost forgotten with everything that has been going on.”

  “The Countess has invited us to Blackburn Hall for Christmas.”

  “Why don’t you call her Tessa?”

  “When I have earned her respect, I will.”

  “I would love to go to Blackburn Hall for the holidays. I know we can’t spend much time there, but it would be nice to be with my family. Judith could come with us.” She refused to allow his wretched mother anywhere near her family.

  “I will ask her.�
�

  “Do you know what I learned last night?”

  “I thought I asked you not to discuss this here.”

  “What I discovered,” she continued as if he hadn’t said a word, “is that I am no longer love-struck over you, thinking you some sort of hero. Now, you are only a man with faults just like any other.”

  “Kala, that is all I have ever wanted to be. I am no hero to be worshipped.” They walked on in silence for quite some time. He chuckled.

  “Did you just laugh?” Kala queried, fearing she might now be losing her hearing.

  “Perhaps.”

  “About?”

  “Just thinking about our future children. They will be smart, robust, and strong of character with the two of us as parents. And most definitely stubborn.”

  “Ahhh,” she drew out, not prepared for this conversation. “The requisite heir. Already thinking about keeping me with child and tucked away in the country? Tell me, will you get tired of me and if you do, will you employ a mistress?”

  “I don’t know,” he replied. “Perhaps if she promises to be more biddable than you,” he fought back, angry at her attack on his character.

  “If you find your pleasure elsewhere, I will do the same. After the required heir and spare have been produced of course,” she clarified.

  “Bloody hell if you will.”

  “I see my life very clearly now. You know I’ve always dreamed of being a brood mare.”

  “Kala, do you truly think so little of me? Why does everything have to be a fight with you? I had merely been thinking about how the future might be. Hell, I can’t make one woman happy, and you expect me to keep two women happy?”

  She looked towards him and fought not to inhale sharply. His image looked like muted colors washed together, but she could make out his form. A halo of light shone around him. She turned her face away from him, not wanting him to see the nervous excitement on her face. For the first time during their stroll, she tried to make images come into focus. She could only see the play of light and shadows intermingling, albeit brighter than ever before. They almost looked grotesque the way one swayed into the other.