“That’s what this has been about from the start,” he said, more to himself than her.
“I never asked for your help. Actually, I recall quite clearly that it was you who insisted we embark on this façade,” she said. “I warned you time and again, but you didn’t listen. Everything I have done up until this point has been for my mother.”
“Even when you slept with me?” he asked quietly. “When I touched every inch of your skin and you cried out my name, even then?”
She bit her lip and shook her head.
“I don’t believe you.” He wiped his hand across his mouth in frustration as more theories formed in his mind. “In fact, I am not sure what is and isn’t real when it comes to you. Maybe you’re right and this entire thing has been one giant deception, only I wasn’t aware I was part of the audience. You’ve put a spell on me.”
“What?” she asked, taken aback. “That is ridiculous.”
“It explains so much,” he said, beginning to pace. “The desire I feel for you, as if I’m drowning in it, only to be rescued by your touch, your kiss. The way I want to do what is right and just, after living a life of complete delinquency.”
“Hayden—,” she whispered.
“No, Gwen. It all makes perfect sense. For you I would confront my father. For you I would enter into marriage, after finding it abhorrent. And only magic could explain how I have grown to love you so deeply in such a short time.”
“What did you say?”
She held her hand out to him, but he stepped out of her reach as he headed for the door.
“Well, I guess I should congratulate you on your victory.” He bowed to her. “Your mother is soon to be released, I fell head over heels in love with you, and you have secured my wealth by either an engagement, or a baby in the womb.”
“There is no spell, you bloody idiot!” she screeched.
“That’s exactly what a witch would say,” he said as shut the door behind him.
Chapter 11
Hayden tapped his hand against his thigh as he walked to the Den of the Fallen. It had been three weeks since he had seen Gwen, two weeks since he had received her letter, which was firmly stowed in his pocket, and one week since his life had changed drastically. Again.
He turned the corner, his gaze seeking out the familiar building, nested firmly between other upper echelons of real estate available in the city. Its appearance was greatly different than he remembered, but then again, it had been night and he had been quite drunk. However, no amount of alcohol could erase his memory of Gwen. And he had tried to, on many occasions over the past several weeks. He had not been lucid when her letter had arrived, but as soon as he saw it was from her, he’d sobered instantly.
It had read:
Lord Greystone,
This letter serves more than one purpose and I pray you will read it to completion. I will start with my gratitude first. My mother arrived home, unscathed from her time in confinement, with a full pardon. During our last conversation you had disclosed that you had elicited your father’s help in this regard and so I would like to formally thank you and him as well. I cannot express what it means to me to have her back, but now I wish for you to experience this as well.
Your brother, Gabriel, is alive. Yes, you read that correctly. I “found” him and marked his location on the map which I’ve enclosed. What I would stress is that he is in need of assistance to continue his journey home, so make haste. I wish you the joy of reuniting with a loved one, just like I experienced.
And lastly, I am formally calling off our engagement. I know with the return of your brother that all demands made to your person by your father will disappear and you will no longer be in need of a wife. Although things did not end as I had hoped, I am still grateful to have met you.
With affection,
Gwen
After receiving her instructions, he’d wasted no time in finding his brother. Having Gabriel back was the greatest gift Gwen could have ever given him and yet he was still miserable. He’d read the letter more times than he’d care to admit, even to himself. No matter what he did, he could not stop picturing her face, or conjuring the feel of her underneath him. It was torturing him night and day. He’d awakened this morning, desperate to have it all end.
Within two minutes of knocking on the door he was seated in Sunny’s office, with an audience.
“Lord Greystone,” Sunny greeted coldly. “What can I do for you?”
“Is there somewhere we could talk privately?” he asked, eyeing the two other gentlemen in the room.
“No,” she said flatly, crossing her arms. “These are my business partners, Lucas Barnett and Ethan Wakefield.”
Hayden’s gaze shot to Ethan and his gaze narrowed on the blonde man who had become on good terms with Gwen. Jealousy shot through him, making his skin hot. Ethan just looked at him with a knowing glance and Hayden’s jealousy turned to anger. Lucas glanced briefly at Hayden with a bored expression and then turned his eyes back to the book in his hand.
“Whatever it is you need to say can be done in front of them,” she finished.
“Very well,” he said, making his way over to her on the settee.
Two sets of male eyes watched him as he crossed the room and sat next to the madam. They did this with as little movement as possible, making it extremely uncomfortable. But their bizarre behavior did not dissuade him in the least. He needed Gwen removed from his life.
Leaning over to whisper in Sunny’s ear, he said, “This concerns magic. I know all about you and Gwen.”
“Yes, she told me all about the teapot incident,” she said with a wave of her hand as though it was a fly to be swatted away. The charms on her bracelet clinked together, the only sound in the quiet room.
“She did?” he asked.
“She is my cousin,” she replied as if he were a dunce.
“I see.” He cleared his throat.
“Don’t be shy, my lord. Lucas and Ethan are very much aware that I am a witch. They, like Gwen, are family.”
He stared at her in amazement for speaking so nonchalantly about her supernatural abilities. He’d known about Gwen for three weeks and was still in shock over it.
“Well, alright.” He took a deep breath, and feeling like a complete idiot, made his request. “I need you to remove the spell Gwen put on me. I think it’s a love spell of some variety.”
Her eyes widened with what could only be surprise before she promptly burst out laughing. Her merriment was extreme and it didn’t take long before she wiped tears from her eyes. Hayden sat there fuming as he waited for her to calm down.
“What is so damn funny?” he asked.
Maybe it was just his imagination, but he could have sworn he heard a low growl come from the man named Lucas. They locked eyes and Hayden saw a flash of glowing silver in Lucas’s gaze before he spoke.
“Don’t.”
It was a warning. And one that Hayden received fully, nodding once in Lucas’s direction to show he understood. Hayden turned his attention back to Sunny, whose eyes were darting back and forth between the two of them.
“My lord,” she said, all traces of hilarity gone. “There is no spell on you.”
Hayden shook his head in denial because all words fled him. He could not have heard correctly. All of the heartache he felt could not be coming from within, it had to have an external source. It was overwhelming at the best of times, debilitating at the worst.
“The poor bastard is in love,” Ethan said as though it was a death sentence. Considering his current state, Hayden was inclined to agree.
Sunny reached over and placed a cool hand on Hayden’s knee, gaining his attention. “Magic is a type of energy and when you walked in I could not sense it on you.”
She looked over to Lucas and he nodded. Hayden thought it a weird exchange, but said nothing. Why would she need confirmation from him?
Sunny withdrew her hand.
“I know you don’t believe me and I have
no way of convincing you, but I swear there is no magic on you.”
“Thank you,” he said rising.
He would find another way to end this torture since there was solution to be had here. Her hand on his wrist stayed him and he looked down at her amber eyes.
“You are not the only one who is suffering, my lord. If you wish to end this, go to her.”
“She is the one who called off the engagement.”
“What was she supposed to do when you said such cruel and insulting things?” Sunny shook her head, blonde curls swaying to and fro. “You’re lucky she did not put a curse on you,” she muttered.
“There is still time,” Ethan suggested with a grin.
Hayden glared at him, disliking him more intensely with every word he spoke. Turning back to Sunny, he said, “I will consider it.”
“You’d better do more than consider it, my lord,” she said in a huff. “If you do not repair the damage you’ve done, you will have more to worry about than a witch coming for you. I am not the only supernatural being in this city and you’d do well to remember it.”
“Duly noted, madam,” Hayden said.
She gave him a bright smile as though she had not just threatened his life.
“Good. Then I will be expecting my invitation in the mail soon.”
“Invitation?” Hayden asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“To the wedding you idiot,” Ethan supplied.
“You,” Hayden said, pointing at Ethan, “will not be invited.”
Chapter 12
Gwen finished the incantation of the spell she’d been practicing for days under the watchful eyes of her mother.
“There, it is done,” she said, looking at her mother for a response.
“Gwen, you have flourished under Sunny’s tutelage!” the duchess said.
The pride in her voice warmed Gwen’s heart, but there were still parts of it that felt empty and hollow. Very large pieces. She covered her heartache with a smile.
“Thank you. You told me that in order to ensure your freedom I needed to get control of my magic and so I focused on nothing but that since you’ve gone.”
“Nothing else?” the duchess asked. She sat down beside Gwen on the bed and took both of her hands, holding them tight.
“What did you see?” Gwen asked.
“A glimpse of what your future could be,” her mother said softly. “Unfortunately, I do not think this one will come to pass.”
Gwen squeezed her mother’s hands, drawing strength from her. “I believe you are right, but I still miss him.”
“Of course you do. In my vision the two of you were happy and it was the only thing which kept me from breaking out of the jail.”
“What?”
The duchess nodded emphatically.
“My vision of your happiness was contingent on my arrest and confinement, as well as you finding your cousin. I was sure if all of those elements were present, then you would find him.”
“Are you saying you went and stayed at the jail on purpose?”
“Yes. And I would do it again if it ensured your happiness.”
Gwen flung her arms around her mother, holding her tightly as tears started to fall. “I did find him,” she said through sobs. “I just wasn’t able to keep him.”
“As you know, my visions only show what could be, but I had high hopes,” the duchess said, a note of regret in her voice
“So did I.”
“Your grace,” the butler called from the other side of the door after knocking gently.
“Enter. What is it, Grims?”
“There is a gentleman caller, by the name of Lord Greystone, here for Lady Trescott. Shall I tell him she is not receiving visitors at this time?” he asked.
“No!”
After wiping her tears, Gwen jumped up and dashed towards the door, placing a kiss on the elderly man’s cheek on her way out. His voice followed her as she made her way down the hall.
“Well, your grace. I assume from that display, Lady Trescott is eager to receive her guest.”
Gwen slowed her steps to a walk, forcing herself to take deep breaths. Hayden was here. Although she didn’t know for what purpose, her heart stupidly refused to focus on anything else. She saw him from the top of the stairs and his aura was a deep blue. He was miserable. Her mind immediately went to his brother, Gabriel. Had Hayden gotten to him in time? Maybe he had dismissed her letter without reading it. The thought sent a piercing stab through her lungs, making the act of breathing a challenge.
“My lord,” she called out softly, unable to put much volume into her voice. It hurt to see him, but it was nothing compared to being without him.
“Lady Trescott,” he said with a bow.
Their gazes collided, but his eyes were unreadable. They were blank, as if he lacked the will to survive. Her heart clenched.
“Are you ill?” she asked, unable to keep concern from her voice.
She descended the stairwell as quick as her skirts would allow. If he noticed she was almost running, he did not comment.
“In a manner of speaking,” he replied.
She brought a cool hand to his forehead before her mind registered what she had done. “You don’t feel feverish.”
Touching him was akin to feeling the presence of magic, it felt natural, but she pulled her hand away. He most likely did not want her fussing over him, let alone touching him. He caught her hand and placed it against his chest, covering his heart.
“This is what needs to be healed,” he said softly. “Do you know of a spell to fix a broken heart?”
She bit her lip to keep from crying.
“Is everything ok with your brother?”
His gaze darkened and his hand tensed over hers. “Why do you ask about him?”
“I wasn’t sure if you read my letter and got to him in time.”
“I did.”
She sighed with relief. “You must be very happy to have him home.”
“Are you happy about it?”
“Me?” She blinked in confusion. “This has nothing to do with me.”
“Now that I think about it, this has everything to do with you.”
“How so?”
She withdrew her hand and he allowed it. This conversation was taking a direction she had not anticipated and wasn’t sure how to navigate. She guessed he was still upset over the fact that his brother proposed to her, but that could not be the reason for his visit today. Disappointment flooded her.
“Are you in love with him? Is that why you gave me his location, so I could retrieve him for you?” he asked.
“Hold still while I turn you into a donkey,” she said, lifting her hands.
His eyes widened.
“Gwen.”
“You are acting like a complete jackass, Hayden.”
A startled chuckle escaped him, but he continued to eye her hands warily. Magic swirled through her, but he was in no real danger from her. Although she was annoyed by his irrational jealousy, it made her realize he cared about her.
“Do you know why I turned down your brother’s offer of marriage?” she asked, lowering her hands.
Hayden swallowed deeply and shook his head.
“He was a paragon of expected behavior, which made him a bore to be around. He didn’t challenge me, pursue me, or make me feel wanted. He didn’t inspire passion within me or ignite my soul. In other words, he wasn’t worth the risk of someone finding out about my magic.” She replaced her hand over Hayden’s chest, in the exact spot as earlier. “He’s not you.”
His heart raced underneath her palm and the rumble of his voice traveled through her.
“I came here today willing to do anything it took to remove the pain I’ve been feeling since I left you. I know you say it isn’t a love spell, but even if it is, I want it, but only if you’ll have me.”
His hand moved to cup her cheek and he brought her closer. Now they were standing toe to toe, chest to chest, with only a breath o
f air between them.
“You are the only person who has ever valued me above my brother,” he said. “I never realized it until now.” He paused for a moment and then a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Are you saying my brother is boring?”
“Worse than any sleeping spell.”
Hayden laughed and Gwen watched as his aura lightened from blue to purple. And then from purple to pink, the color for love. She was certain her aura was identical, except it was shimmery.
He gathered her in his arms and held her close, pressing his check to the crown of her head. “Forgive me,” he said into her hair. “I know the things I said to you were vile and that I don’t deserve it, but I can’t continue like this. I need you. And, spell or no spell, I love you.”
“Can you love me despite the fact that I am a witch?” she asked. Her words trembled.
“Can you look past the fact that I am now a second son, without any title, and only stand to inherit a portion of the wealth I would have had?” He pulled away from her and looked down at her. “My father is giving me one of the estates, north of Bath. It will not bring as much, but it is still a generous annual income.”
“If any of that meant something to me, I would already be married,” she said.
“That is true. I couldn’t get you to marry me when I had everything. How am I going to convince you to marry me now?”
Gwen smiled. “You could just ask.”
“Very well then.” He cleared his throat. “Gwendolyn, would you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?”
“Yes, Hayden.”
They shared a kiss and then he said, “I’m so glad, because my next plan of action was to kidnap you.”
Chapter 13
The wedding was at sunset.
The first handful of stars began to make their appearance, a prelude to the natural decoration the night would bring. The swirling oranges and pinks overlapped in the sky, complementing the garden filled with similarly colored flowers. Fireflies danced in the gentle breeze as the bride walked gracefully down the aisle, gaining admiring glances from the guests and a wink from the Marquess of Winterbourne. This earned the Marquess a glare from the groom who muttered under his breath about how much he disliked Sunny’s business partner.
The Masquerade (Den of the Fallen Book 0) Page 8