03 - The Wicked Lady

by Brenda Jernigan

  Chapter Thirteen

  Kristen relished her ride as she returned from Charity's. Today Kristen had ventured off without a groom so she could have a little freedom. She'd enjoyed her afternoon with Charity. At least it had made her forget about Trevor for a while.

  He had been gone four weeks, and she hated to admit she missed the man, but she did. He'd become a part of her life in such a short time.

  The pounding of hooves sounded much too close behind her, and for a brief moment she thought maybe Trevor had returned to surprise her. So she slowed her mount and turned in the saddle, her smile bright.

  It wasn't Trevor.

  The rider was coming too fast and seemed to be moving straight toward her. Had something happened at the house?

  As the man drew closer, she saw who it was. Someone she never wanted to see again. Her stepfather had found her! Kristen gathered her reins to make her escape; however, Ned was faster. He reach out and grabbed her horse's bridle.

  "Not so fast, girl."

  "What are ye doing here?" Kristen noticed Ned's clothing had changed, and that he was fairly clean. Where had he gotten the money for clothes and a horse?

  "I kind of missed me little family around me, and I wanted to see them."

  "Yer a bloody liar. What is it ye really want?"

  "Kristen, Kristen, Kristen." He leered at her, his yellow teeth turning her stomach. "You should be nicer to your old man. I could arrange for your little brother to disappear very quickly, you know."

  "What do ye mean by that?"

  "Don't you worry about it."

  "I am worried." Fright shook her, confusing her thoughts.

  "Hagan could make me a good little thief," Ned went on as if Kristen weren't there. "I've been thinking I could teach the boy a few things, and he'd come in right handy."

  Kristen swallowed hard, trying not to reveal her anger. "Ye had better leave Hagan alone."

  "Now, that's where you should be real nice to me, if you don't want me catching the baggage and taking him back to London."

  Kristen's annoyance increased when she found that her hands were shaking. "Trevor would kill ye."

  "He might, and then again he might not." Ned shrugged. "He'd have to find me first. And I can think of plenty of places to hide." Sarcasm laced his voice.

  "I hate ye," she spat.

  Ned reached to touch the side of her face, and Kristen jerked away. She didn't want his filthy hands on her. His touch turned her stomach.

  "Is that any way to talk to me?" Annoyance crossed Ned's face. "I should give you the back of me hand right now for speaking to me all disrespectful like that. It would pay for you to listen."

  "What do ye want?"

  "I want you to fetch me some valuables from your new house, so I can keep myself up."

  "What did ye do with the money Trevor gave ye?"

  Ned shrugged matter-of-factly. "That didn't last long. Had a terrible thirst, and I needed some things. But I'm thinking one or two pieces of jewelry can make things a little easier for me."

  "I don't steal anymore. Especially, not for the likes of ye," she said.

  "I'd think twice about that, if I were you. Or maybe you don't give a damn about that brother of yours."

  "Leave Hagan alone!"

  "I will as long as you cooperate. I expect you to bring me something valuable in two days."

  "And if I don't?"

  "Then you can kiss Hagan good riddance." He gave her a twisted smile. "Don't think the high and mighty wouldn't be very interested in knowing where you came from. It would sure bring the mighty duke down a couple of notches. It might even put the dowager in her grave where she belongs."

  "I hope ye rot in hell."

  Ned bent over her until he was in her face, foul breath and all. "If I do, rest assured I'll take you with me." He kissed her on the lips, pinching her cheek painfully as she tried to get away.

  Kristen slapped him and turned away to spit on the ground. It was all she could to keep from retching. Nudging her mount, she took off racing across the countryside.

  Just when she thought she had found a little bit of happiness, her past came back to haunt her. Would it always be like this?

  What was she going to do? She could go into her little stash and give Ned some of that, Kristen thought. Then what would she have to fall back on?

  She would have to start stealing from the household. She hated it, and if she started, would there ever be a stop to it? She was damned, for sure.

  Tears streamed down her face as she neared the stables. She dashed them away, then dismounted.

  "Are you all right, miss?" Baxter asked.

  "No, but don't worry. I'll think of something," she said, leaving Baxter scratching his head.

  Kristen had scarcely gotten control of herself when she entered the house and ran into her missing husband. She bumped his shoulder, and the connection forced her to backed up. She rubbed her nose as she stared at him. If it were possible, he was even better looking than she remembered. Dressed in a chocolate brown coat and cream-colored pants with gleaming Hessian boots, he was dashing and extremely regal in his stance. Evidently she'd surprised him, too because he'd yet to say anything--he just stared.

  "Ye've returned," she said as she tried to gather her wits. She had wanted him to come home, but when three weeks had turned to four, her hopes had faded. Then here he was without a word that he was coming or that he'd missed her.

  She smiled at him; however, Trevor didn't return the smile.

  "Why were you out without a groom?"

  "I missed ye, too," she quipped sarcastically.

  "Answer me, Kristen."

  Her nerves were stretched to the limit. First Ned had threatened her, and now she was faced with an irritated Trevor! "Because I bloody well felt like it," she snapped.

  "Do not go riding again unless you are accompanied by someone!"

  And to think she'd missed the bloody man. Kristen ignored him.

  It took a moment, but finally Trevor's face softened. "It's good to be back. I was gone so long. I missed you."

  "Did ye now?"

  Trevor stared at her. He couldn't believe he'd apologized to her. His intentions all along had been to come and go. But the time away hadn't diminished his desire for her. Evidently, it had for Kristen because she was treating him with ice-coldness. He wanted to touch her, hold her. Despite all his vows, desire burned deep within him. He placed his hands on her arms. She stiffened, but didn't shake them off. He didn't want her, he told himself.

  He didn't need her . . .

  But he most assuredly wanted to kiss her and hold her more than anything else.

  Pulling her close to him, Kristen turned her frowning face up to him. "I did miss you," he whispered before his mouth covered hers.

  Pleased with her response, he deepened his kiss, and soon his tongue was mating with hers. He'd missed her more than just a little, he realized.

  "I see you are home," Constance said from behind them. Reluctantly, Trevor let Kristen go.

  "Good to see you, Grandmere." Trevor stepped closer and embraced the older woman. "I hope you are feeling well."

  "As good as an old woman can feel. Did you get your ships ordered?"

  "I did. But it will be six months before I can get both ships. I managed to attain one vessel, but I had to cancel several shipments I had booked because of it."

  "Ye've had trouble?" Kristen realized that Trevor hadn't told her anything about his business. Of course, she hadn't bothered to ask either.

  "You could say that." Trevor frowned. "I lost two ships with very expensive cargo.

  "I'm sorry," Kristen said because she didn't know what else to say. Trevor turned back to speak with his grandmother, and Kristen was glad because she didn't know how to discuss his business. There was so much she didn't know, but she made herself a promise to find out so they'd have something to talk about next time.

  Her thoughts shifted to her other problem: her stepfather. If ever sh
e wished someone dead, it was that man. She knew he wouldn't stop with just a few trinkets; he always wanted more.

  She had no choice but to steal for him, though. Because she didn't doubt he'd get to Hagan somehow. And Ned would probably carry through with his threat to ruin Trevor.

  If only she could tell Trevor. But none of this was his fault. They had made a bargain, and Trevor had kept his part. Perhaps, if he loved her, things would be different.

  But he didn't.

  She knew she could hold Ned off for a little while with the things she had already gotten, and then she decided what she would have to do--take Hagan and run. It was that or keep meeting Ned's demands forever.

  Later that night Trevor had Kristen very much on his mind as he opened the door to her room. Should he tell her about her parents? What would she do? And his grandmother--that was another matter. She would have one royal fit when she found out Kristen belonged to the man Constance hated.

  Kristen sat on a sateen stool in front of her mirror, brushing her hair. Just the sight of her made Trevor's loins tighten. He stepped behind her and picked up a strand of auburn hair, and rubbed it between his fingers. Silk, he thought. Just like her body. "It's been a long time," he told her.

  "Aye, it has." She nodded her head, and her eyes locked with his. "I was beginning to think you'd forgotten where home was."

  "Never." He finally smiled. "Kristen, have you ever noticed that Hagan doesn't have the same accent as yourself?"

  She shrugged and stood. "Never thought much about it, but I don't remember my mother having my accent, either. Perhaps, I took after me da. Why do ye ask?"

  Now was the time to tell her. She had every right to know, but when he opened his mouth, something entirely different came out. "No reason. Come here."

  Deciding he would tell her later, he pulled her against him. Right now, he wanted the woman he held so much that it overruled every other thought in his head.

  Hunger ignited him as he kissed her. The feeling was so overpowering that his arm tightened, pulling closer as his tongue tasted her sweet mouth.

  Evidently, she'd missed him, too, because she didn't resist him in the least. Her arms slid up his chest and wrapped around him as she pressed herself against his arousal.

  "Did you miss me?" Trevor whispered against her throat. For some odd reason, he had to hear it from her.

  "Aye," she said breathlessly.

  Her admittance pushed him over the edge. He swept her up in his arms and pushed through the connecting door, then shoved it closed with his foot. He laid her on the coverlet of his bed, and her hair spread out across the bed like hot coals spraying in a grate. God, she was a beauty.

  She slipped her hands behind his neck and drew him down to her. "I want you," she whispered.

  Trevor dragged her against him with a groan. His mouth eagerly took hers and raw passion exploded. His tongue explored her mouth with tender stroked as he deepened the kiss. She clung to him as though she couldn't get enough, which pleased him very much.

  In very little time they had disposed of their clothes tossing them carelessly on the floor. Their eyes never leaving each. Finally they were holding each other again.

  Kristen couldn't get over how Trevor made her feel when he kissed her. He actually robbed her breath until she was talking in ragged gasps. She was withering within his arms, wanting more. Now she began to explore his mouth. The minute she reversed the kiss, his arms tightened around her.

  Every time Kristen was with this man it was a completely different experience. When she thought she could feel no more, he would awaken a new sensation within her. She marveled at the taste and feel of him.

  His lips were hot and insistent as Kristen lowered her hand ever so slowly and marveled at the texture of his skin beneath her fingertips. His skin trembled everywhere she touched until her fingers found his arousal, and then he gasped. She closed her hand around him, and felt the warmth of him. She realized he'd suddenly gone very still. "I'm not hurting ye, am I?"

  "N--no, love."

  She thought he sounded funny as she rubbed and stroked him, and she found she liked having control over him. Usually, he was doing things to her body.

  Finally, he moaned and brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her fingers. "I cannot endure any more of that, love. Now it's my turn," he whispered

  He kissed a path down her throat until he found a taut nipple. His lips closed tightly, and he began the sweet torture. Her hands twisted in his hair. She enjoyed the strange sensation running through her body. His hand slipped between her legs and she gasped when his fingers slipped between her curls and began to stroke her, making her wild with need. Her hips moved restlessly. She could hear her own whimpers as she clung to him.

  She couldn't stand any more, she thought as she tugged on him to kiss her again. He captured her lips with his and the hunger inside of her begged for fulfillment. "I want you to make love to me now," she pleaded.

  Trevor had waited as long as he could. He plunged inside her, and Kristen wrapped her legs and arms around him. She belonged to him, and he claimed her as he poured himself into her and they became one.

  The demons that plagued each of them dissolved and, for a little while, they knew peace and contentment.

  Kristen felt gloriously happy when she woke up in Trevor's arms. She felt so warm and protected as she lay in the morning light.

  Then, her stepfather's warning came barging back into her head, and she tensed at the thought of having to do what he wanted. She really had been trying to be good since she'd promised Trevor she would. Now the vicious cycle would start again. Somehow she would have to find a way to honor both promises. A way out of the house was what she needed, and without being noticed. She remembered all too well Trevor's warning yesterday about her riding alone.

  "What are you thinking about, love?" Trevor's deep voice startled her, and she flinched.

  Feeling silly, she realized he couldn't possibly read her thoughts. "Oh, nothing really." She hoped her voice didn't betray her distress.

  He brushed a finger up and down her arm in a leisurely manner, teasing her newly sensitive skin. "I think it's about time you learned how to run the household. It is, after all, your responsibility."

  "I thought it was yer grandmother's."

  "Only until I wed."

  Mixed feelings surged through her. " 'Tis perfectly fine with me if she continues. After all, she's been doing it for so many years."

  "But it's your job."

  " 'Tis a job I dinna know how to do." The admission stung, but it was the truth.

  "Then you will learn."

  Kristen rose up and leaned back on her elbow. She could see Trevor wasn't going to take no for an answer, so she reluctantly agreed with a sigh, "As you wish."

  He chuckled. "It's about time you learned to be obedient."

  Kristen punched him in the side with her hand, then scooted out of bed before he could catch her.

  She didn't want to run the house. Most of the servants were her friends. How could she order them about?

  Kristen tried to keep her mind on Constance's instructions while she followed the duchess around the house. She noticed that Constance was moving slower than normal, and wondered if the woman was feeling ill. The duchess would never admit she was sick.

  Kristen learned that everyone in the house had a special job they were supposed to do. There was a head cook and her staff, and that was just the beginning. There were so many maids that she lost count. The butler seemed to carry the most weight, and even though Frederick was old, he commanded respect when he spoke to the other servants.

  She was instructed on the proper way for the servants to serve dinner and tea.

  When they went into the kitchen, Kristen noticed a young woman scrubbing a spot on a tablecloth. Kristen thought it impossible to get that purple stain out, but after a few minutes the stain was gone.

  "How did you do that?"

  The girl's eyes grew large as she stare
d up at Kristen and said, "It's a mixture of water mixed with alkaline salt, black soap, and bullock's gall." She gave Kristen a quick smile. "It's never failed, mum."

  "Really?"

  "Yes, mum"

  "Kristen!" Constance snapped, and Kristen jumped. The woman didn't sound sick anymore and, as usual, she never failed to make Kristen feel like a child.

  Constance said nothing else until they were out of the kitchen. Then she turned and said, "It isn't proper to mingle with the help. Remember your station."

  Kristen knew better than to argue. She was losing precious time, and she needed to finish this ridiculous training and leave the house.

  The sun was slowly sinking behind the trees when Constance finally grew tired, and decided that Kristen had learned enough for one day. She dismissed Kristen.

  Kristen breathed a sigh of relief and headed straight for her room. Yanking open the bottom drawer, she grabbed the red, silk scarf and untied the knot. She selected a brooch and a ring, and slipped then into her pocket. Then, deciding she was in too big of a hurry to refold the scarf properly, she laid it loosely in the drawer and shut it. A little too late, she noticed that part of the scarf had caught in the drawer, but she'd fix that later. For now she had to hurry.

  Kristen hurried down the stairs, wondering where Hagan was. She couldn't remember seeing him all day. Hopefully, he hadn't gone out riding; she hadn't had the chance to warn him about Ned's presence yet.

  She ran to the stable. "Hello, Baxter," Kristen called as she opened Paznell's stall. "Have you seen Hagan?"

  "No, mum. He hasn't been to the stables today."

  "Good. Will ye saddle Paznell for me?"

  "Certainly, mum." He took the mare's halter. "I'll find a groom to accompany you."

  "No!" When Baxter's eyebrows shot up, Kristen realized how sharp she sounded.

  "But His Grace said--"

  Kristen waved her hand. "I know. But I'm only going down to the lake today instead of a long ride. It would be senseless to take up someone's time. I don't think he meant for you to waste your time unless I was leaving the grounds." She hoped God wouldn't strike her down for her lie.