by Tracy Kay
Raven sent Damon a smile as he opened the door. “I will have your ship readied, Damon. Take care of yourself and I will see you in a few days,” he advised the younger man. “Brandon, I am putting guards on your house. Don’t argue about it,” Raven added, sending him an intense stare before Brandon could disagree again.
“And Sandy,” Raven put his arm around the buxom woman. “Have Bruno keep a watch on the door for an irate father.” He ushered her out with Brandon following, shaking his head. Raven was going to take a detour before he readied Damon’s ship, right into Sandy Wilks’ willing embrace. They have all known Sandy for years and she was another member of their family. However, she and Raven had a special relationship, and Sandy was always ready for a quick tumble with one of her favorite male companions.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Brandon, wearing black trousers and a dark red, silk dressing gown, was relaxing in an overstuffed chair in his bedroom with a barely touched drink in one hand and the latest copy of The Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine in his lap. As he distractedly scratched Juno’s chin, his white, Persian cat, who was curled up on the arm rest, there was a soft knock on his door. “Come,” he replied, continuing to read. He glanced up when Madeline flounced into the room wearing a long, white, cotton nightgown.
She walked over to him, took his drink from his hand, downed the remaining liquid in one swallow, and placed it on the table beside him. She stood staring at his amused expression for a moment before commenting. “Still reading medical journals, I see.” She gestured towards the periodical in his lap.
“It is better than reading Lord Byron’s drivel,” he replied sarcastically, waiting for Madeline to get to the reason why she sought him out.
“Oh, he is wonderful,” Madeline swooned with a dreamy look on her face.
“Too sentimental.” Trying to hide his teasing smile, Brandon glanced back at the periodical. He knew she and her friends had a mild infatuation with the lord and they read everything he published. He had met the man some years ago, and although he was amused by Byron’s antics, he found him lacking in morals with a reputation worse than his own. Brandon had determined that his sister would never have an occasion to meet the man. After she didn’t say any more and a few minutes of silence went by, Brandon sighed and looked at her. “Out with it, Madeline.”
“I am sorry, Brandon. I should not have yelled at you and you were right about Joselyn,” she apologized in a rush. She didn’t want to be at odds with him anymore. She had been wrong and she knew he had said the things he did because he loved her.
He studied her intently for a moment and then smiled kindly. He could never stay disappointed with her for long. “It is all right, Madeline. You were upset.” Changing the subject, Brandon informed her, “Your friend Amy is going to be fine, but she will not be staying with her family any longer.”
“Why not?” Madeline crinkled her brow in curiosity.
“It is not safe for her there,” Brandon stated, ending the conversation and going back to the periodical. When Madeline didn’t leave, he looked at her again, and lifted a black brow in question.
“I am scared, Brandy.” She gazed at him with sad, big, green eyes, using the nickname she had given him when they were younger. Since the attack and their argument, she was feeling vulnerable and apprehensive. She had sought out her older brother because he always made her feel safe and he seemed to understand her. She knew he wouldn’t stay angry with her and he would offer her comfort. She could always count on him to be there for her, no matter their differences.
Setting aside the periodical, Brandon sighed and drew Madeline onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. “You have nothing to be afraid of, puss.” Juno gave him a cross glare for disturbing her repose. With a flick of her white tail, she leapt onto the bed and began bathing.
“Do you think Farrington is the one who tried to kidnap us, and he is the one who did all the awful things Joselyn said he did?”
“Yes, it is a good possibility,” Brandon answered, tucking her head under his chin and stroking her hair. He wished he could take away her fear. He hated it when he couldn’t protect her, and if he could keep her locked in the house, he would.
“Then he could really hurt us, couldn’t he?”
Brandon gave her a tight squeeze. “He might try, but I doubt he will succeed. He usually goes after those who are weaker than he is.” He was determined to ensure Farrington didn’t harm his family. It was past time he dealt with the man.
“Are we stronger?”
“Yes, sweet.” He pulled away to look at her. “Madeline, I don’t want you worrying about Farrington. I won’t let him hurt you.”
“But what if . . .”
He put a finger to her lips and cuddled her closer. “You will be safe, as long as you do not leave this house without Nick or myself again. Between the two of us, we should be able to protect you.” He gave her a tight squeeze of reprimand and reassurance.
“But . . .” Madeline started. She was still apprehensive, despite her brother’s protection. No one had ever wanted to hurt her before and the day’s attack had her unsettled. She was truly frightened.
“Ssh, no buts. I will keep you safe, sweet,” he interrupted again and stroked her hair. After a few minutes, he asked, “Are you all right now, puss?”
“Mmm,” Madeline murmured and nodded her head against his chest, feeling secure and warm.
“You want to go back to your room?” He questioned, already knowing her answer.
“Can I sleep with you tonight, Brandy?” She pleaded, gazing up into his green eyes so much like her own. She couldn’t stand to be alone now. She needed to feel safe, and she knew he wouldn’t reject her. He would keep her with him until he thought she could manage on her own again. He would hold her for as long as she needed.
“Your mother won’t like it if she learns you were in my bed. You know how Elizabeth feels about me,” Brandon tried to dissuade her, knowing that her mother would not like Madeline in his room, but what her mother liked or disliked didn’t matter. Elizabeth would think the worst, believing he would have relations with his sister. He was aware of his sexual prowess, and his ability to seduce anyone he desired, but he did have principles after all. He certainly wasn’t ever going to seduce his sister. However, he wanted to make sure Madeline understood the consequences of her sleeping in his bed. Her mother would make a fuss about it and she needed to be prepared for it.
Elizabeth knew she had no say when it concerned Madeline. Only he made the important decisions regarding Madeline, no one else, not even Madeline herself. He didn’t care what others thought about his unconventional treatment of the women in his life. If he felt one of them needed his loving care, he was going to provide it, and in this moment, Madeline needed his reassurance and care. Nothing else mattered to him.
“I don’t care. I can sleep better when I am not alone. I hate being alone, Brandy,” she cried, ashamed of her weakness and the tears that rolled down her cheeks.
Brandon wiped the tears away with the tips of his fingers. “It has been a hard day, hasn’t it, puss?” With the nod of her head, he kissed her forehead. He knew she was still frightened and distressed from the events of the day. He didn’t have the heart to send her away, and he refused to cause her more distress when she needed his comfort. “All right, puss, you can stay.” He leaned over and blew out the lamp, leaving only moonlight streaming into the room. He stood with Madeline cradled in his arms and gently placed her on the bed. He picked up Juno and placed her on the chair. Then, he slipped off his robe, and when he joined Madeline, he pulled her into his arms, and drew the covers over them.
In a small, timid voice, Madeline asked the question that had been burning in her heart since her discussion with Joselyn the day before she came to live with them. “What is it like to . . . you know, be with someone?”
Brandon chuckled and gave her a squeeze. It amused him how quickly she could switch topics and find something else to
worry herself over. However, he had no inclination to touch this subject with her. “You will find out when you are married. Now, go to sleep.”
“Brandy, I need to know. Please, tell me. I don’t want my husband to think I am completely ignorant,” Madeline pleaded. It was humiliating for her to know so little and she wasn’t about to ask anyone else. At least with Brandon, he would be honest with her and not ridicule her for her ignorance. Besides, now was as good a time as any with it being dark and being cuddled next to him, feeling safe. The humiliation would be less knowing he couldn’t see her blushes.
“Your husband won’t expect you to know too much, Madeline. Didn’t your mother tell you what happens between a man and a woman?” He questioned, a little surprised that she wouldn’t know at her age.
“She didn’t tell me exactly how it was done. I guessed that on my own, but she told me that it would hurt the first time, that it was my duty, and that I would want to . . . do it with the right man,” Madeline replied tentatively and blushed with embarrassment from the sensitive topic.
He smiled at her in the dark and stroked her hair, soothing away her discomfort. He was pleased her mother had at least gotten something right. “That sounds about right, although you won’t think of it as a duty if it is with a man you love. I seriously doubt your mother thinks of it as a duty.”
“But according to Joselyn, she is lying so that I will accept it more easily.” Madeline lifted her head up, studying Brandon’s face illuminated by the moonlight. “She said it was messy and very painful.”
Brandon gently pushed Madeline’s head back down to his chest, concerned that Joselyn was trying to manipulate Madeline by causing her fear. “Why does she say that, puss?”
“When those men attacked her family, she saw them copulate with her mother and sister before killing them. She claimed it must be very painful because they were screaming and the men were grunting,” she explained innocently, not understanding Joselyn’s explanation.
Brandon sighed. There must be some reason behind Joselyn’s lack of emotion and her need to use people. If Nicholas was seriously considering Joselyn for a lover, he would have to talk to him about her conversation with Madeline. He was not pleased he had to have this discussion with Madeline. She shouldn’t have to worry about things like this. He wanted her to stay innocent, but he knew the day was coming when he would have to give her to another man and she would lose that innocence. He lifted Madeline’s chin up to meet his eyes. “That was rape, Madeline, not making love. It is two very different things.”
“How is it different?” Madeline asked naively, sitting up to face her brother. She felt a bit foolish for not knowing the difference.
“Rape is an act of violence meant to hurt and to use a woman. Making love is pleasurable for both the man and the woman,” Brandon explained patiently.
“So, if a man uses force, that is rape.” Madeline was having a hard time sorting it all out in her head. She was confused and uncomfortable by the topic.
“Not necessarily, sweet.” Brandon dragged her back down beside him before continuing. “A man can be forceful with you and you may enjoy it because you love and trust him, but it is not rape. However, when a man, particularly one you do not love, takes you cruelly and you do not want him, then that is rape. Most likely, he is going to be more than forceful with you. He will genuinely hurt you and he will take pleasure in your pain. This is what happened to Joselyn’s mother and sister.”
“So, Mother is right and so is Joselyn,” Madeline yawned, putting her head onto his naked shoulder, innocently swirling the dark hair on his chest with her fingertips.
“Yes, considering their experiences.” Brandon captured her hand in his, stopping her unknowingly provocative touch.
“But how can I help Joselyn understand that it is not always painful?” Madeline inquired.
“You can’t, puss, only a man who is a good lover can show her,” he explained, stroking her back with his free hand. Although he was sure Joselyn had been traumatized by her family’s murder, he still couldn’t dispel his feeling that she was more experienced in sex than she led Madeline to believe. He was more than positive Joselyn had had lovers, and he was a bit annoyed that she had caused Madeline fear regarding the marriage bed.
“Oh.” After a few minutes passed, Madeline lifted her head from his chest. “What if . . .”
Brandon chuckled and pushed her head back down to his chest. “Go to sleep, Madeline.” He smiled in amusement.
She sighed, knowing he was not going to tell her any more. She snuggled close to him and drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and content in her brother’s arms.
Brandon waited until Madeline slipped into a deep sleep before he whispered to the presence he had felt enter the room some moments ago. “Cassie.”
“Interesting description of sex,” she whispered softly as she moved out of the shadows. “Did I deserve my . . . forceful lovemaking, Cat?”
“You liked it and you know it,” he hissed in reply.
She grinned. “So I did.”
When Madeline stirred, Brandon began stroking her back again to soothe her. “Keep your voice down. You will wake her.” When her breathing became even again, he said, “This is not the time nor the place for me to demonstrate rough sex for you, Cassandra.”
She snorted. “That is not why I am here.”
“No?” Brandon sounded disappointed.
“No,” Cassandra responded decisively. “I came to inform you that Farrington has changed his focus.”
“How so?” Brandon lifted an eyebrow in question.
“His henchmen have departed my premises and ventured onto yours,” she remarked dryly.
“Damn,” Brandon swore softly.
“It seems he has become quite interested in you, your family, and the Parkers. My people tell me he has been asking a lot of questions,” Cassandra explained with some worry in her voice. Farrington had been a problem for her over the years and his shift in attention was cause for concern.
“Thanks for letting me know, Cassie.” He was relieved that Farrington had stopped watching Cassandra, but not at all pleased with where his focus had turned.
Cassandra strolled over to the side of the bed and sat on the edge to brush his hair back off his brow. “Raven and I have set some extra guards to watch the house,” she whispered, softly caressing his cheek with the back of her hand.
“Thank you, sweet. What about the Parker’s home?” He grasped her hand and brought it to his lips to place a loving kiss in her palm.
“Aren’t they here?”
“Not Beatrice,” he murmured, kissing her wrist. “The stubborn old woman will not leave her home.” Brandon gently sucked on her thumb, sending shivers down her spine.
She swallowed hard and whispered, “I will send Cedric and Guy to watch her.” Brandon nodded in reply and Cassandra motioned towards Madeline. “How is she doing?”
“She has her fears, but she will be fine.” He placed Cassandra’s palm against his cheek. “I need to find her a husband soon.”
“Why not Damon?” She suggested, knowing that Damon would make a caring and loving husband.
“Damon?” Brandon chuckled softly, kissing her palm. He loved her hands. They were always so sensitive to his touch. “As much mischief as she gets herself into, do you honestly think he could manage Madeline?”
“Yes, I think he could. It is something to consider. Damon would make her a good husband. He has an easy-going nature, a sense of humor, and he is very patient. Not to mention that he is wealthy, strong, and handsome. The type of man a woman can’t resist,” she teased with a mischievous light in her eyes.
Brandon lightly bit her finger. “Careful there, sweet, or you might make me jealous and I will be ‘forced’ to do something about it,” he reprimanded, reminding her of their earlier discussion.
Cassandra cleared her throat. “Yes, well . . .” She cleared her throat again nervously. Sometimes, it wasn’t wise to provoke Br
andon. “Back to Madeline.” She paused when she heard his low chuckle and to regain her composure before suggesting, “What about Raven?”
“Good god, no,” Brandon groaned. “She would drive him crazy, and her bottom would never survive all the spankings she would receive for her shenanigans. The last time Raven had to deal with her, Madeline received a taste of Raven’s firm hand on her backside for disobeying him and she complained about it for days.”
“His hand can be a little too harsh,” Cassandra agreed, remembering the last time Raven found it necessary to discipline her, and to her consternation it had not been that long ago. Even though she was a grown woman of twenty-seven, Cassandra answered to Raven, as did Brandon and all the other members of their family. A person simply did not defy Raven. His and Conrad’s word were law.
“Know from experience, huh?” Brandon smiled meaningfully, quite aware that Raven had disciplined her over the years, including the punishment he had administered only a few months ago for disobeying his orders. Giving her hip a light caress, he remembered the times he had found it necessary to discipline her when she had disobeyed him.
“All too well,” she admitted grudgingly. Knowing what he was thinking, she blushed from the same memories.
“Which you deserved, of course,” he grinned and winked.
“Of course,” she acknowledged. She leaned towards him and kissed him, only meaning for it to be brief, but he prolonged it, licking the inside of her mouth and massaging the nape of her neck until she groaned deep in her throat. Finally, she pulled away, breaking the enticing kiss. Swallowing hard, she stood and smoothed her clothing. “Good night, Cat.”
“Good night, Cassie.” He grinned, giving her another wink as she turned to go, leaving the room as quietly as she had entered it. Brandon gazed down at his sister and brushed her hair back off her face. He wondered whether Madeline and Damon would do well together . . . maybe . . . just maybe. It was definitely something for him to ponder on. Putting his worries aside for the moment, Brandon closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.