“Just Blake, please. You would as well if you saw and heard what I do. I see the love these people have for the Angel and what she does — after all, she does it for them. I see the way their lives have improved since she started thieving. I know it’s your duty to capture this woman, but I cannot help feel a bitter sadness at the thought.” Blake took a deep swallow of his drink, thinking he would actually die inside if she was caught.
“I only know she has committed crimes against the Crown, and it is my sworn duty to see she is captured and punished. I cannot allow my heart to rule my actions. She must be stopped — no matter what her reasons may be.”
“I admire your dedication, David. But I must disagree.”
Rina stepped out from behind the heavy drapes and pointed her pistol at the two surprised men. “Perhaps what I do is against the law, but I assure you, my reward is much more gratifying than yours. You may gain the favor of the King himself, but mine comes from the people. You see, my heart does rule my actions, and I hope never to change.”
Finding his tongue, David asked, “Despite the fact you may forfeit your life?”
“Oui, I’d gladly do so. It is not so difficult to die; living is what challenges us, non?”
Silence filled the room as the young lieutenant looked at the Angel in Black, his confusion apparent. “Why are you here? The guests have all gone. You have little to gain by robbing us two.”
“You went to great effort to set a perfect snare for us and I hated to disappoint you, monsieur. ’Tis Christmas Eve — a time for giving, not taking.” She walked over to him and read the unspoken question in his eyes. “Merry Christmas, David.”
She handed him a small box and watched when he opened it. Neatly tucked among the paper was his pocket watch. “I read the inscription and knew it must have great sentimental value. Since I do allow my heart to rule my actions, I could not keep it.”
David opened it and read the familiar words; he had thought he would never see this treasure again. When he looked up, the Angel was gone. Alarmed, he ran over to the door and out into the empty hall. He turned to Blake, knowing he had watched her flee, but said and did nothing.
“I must go after her.” David hesitated a moment, his words sounding more like an apology than a statement. He reminded himself of his duty.
Blake nodded. “Do what you must, David. Goodnight.”
After the lieutenant and his men rode off in search of the Angel, the night grew still. Blake poured himself another drink and lifted the glass in salute, “To my Angel.” After draining the glass, he walked slowly up the stairs to his bedchamber. There was nothing he could do for her now.
Once inside, he pulled off his jacket and vest; tossed them carelessly over a chair. Blake stood before the fire, his mind wandered to another night — the night at the inn. He recalled them sitting before a fire as he brushed Rina’s long, velvety hair; and later, when he held her close while she slept, still trembling from shock. Suddenly, he could smell the delicate scent of roses in the air. When he whirled about, he came face to face with Rina.
“Am I dreaming, little one? Or are you real?” He whispered the words — afraid she would disappear into a mist of dreams and leave him painfully alone again.
Rina came closer and caressed his cheek, his face tingling from her touch. “I am real, Blake. You’re not dreaming.”
“Why have you come?” Without realizing it, Blake held his breath, fearful her answer would not be what he wished to hear.
“I want you, Blake. I need you.” Rina spoke so softly Blake wasn’t sure of what he heard.
“Oh little one, now that you are here, I am afraid to believe it.” The desire kept in check for so long caused his voice to crack.
“I am here and I shall not go.” Rina put her arms around his neck, her own voice husky with passion. “Blake, we will have tonight, but I can promise you no more. Love me, if only for the few hours till dawn, and I shall love you in turn.”
All the love Rina felt she offered freely and she searched Blake’s face for his answer. The warm tenderness in his eyes was his reply, and he slowly bent his head to taste her lips. The kiss began soft and tender, each savoring the moment as the rest of the world melted away. Neither thought of the past nor the future, they thought only of each other. The kiss grew more passionate and a heat stirred deep within Rina. Her pulse quickened as Blake’s lips, hungry and warm, moved to her neck. He sent shivers through her, his hands expertly caressing her back and hips. Standing back, Rina shyly removed Blake’s shirt, kissing his chest and running her nimble fingers teasingly through the hair covering it.
Each touch made Blake delirious, but he fought to control himself, wanting to prolong the magic. He removed Rina’s clothing and shucked the rest of his. The flames cast shadows over their bodies and Blake looked at his golden girl. She was more beautiful than he remembered. He tenderly lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
With her arms still wrapped tightly about Blake’s neck, Rina pulled his lips to hers and hungrily possessed them. She felt his hands touching her intimately, leaving a trembling wherever they trailed. Her smaller hands boldly took on a life of their own, exploring with delight his lean, muscular torso. She could feel his desire for her and she instinctively hugged him to her with her long, slender legs.
Blake’s lips moved to one perfectly rounded breast, and he suckled the already hard nipple, his tongue teasing and wet. Rina could feel the throb in her loins when he moved from one rosy-tip to the other. Her senses reeled as her hips moved against his and a low moan escaped Blake.
His warm lips traced the slender curve of her neck and kissed the base of her throat, where her pulse beat wildly. His tongue licked out to feel her cheek and ran along her closed lids, where he tasted her soft, fluttery lashes. Wandering further, Blake nipped at an earlobe and quickly kissed it afterward, his hands continuing their exploration of her silken skin. Again, he claimed her sensuous lips, his tongue plundering the sweetness they offered, only to wander back to her delicious breasts.
Blake left a burning trail as he played his way down to her soft, flat stomach. Rina thought she would go mad with desire, with wanting this man. Her hips arched in the ancient rhythms of love, seductive and sensuous, demanding his maleness find her wet need.
A small gasp escaped Rina as Blake went lower, his warm lips and tongue touching the center of her passions. A startling, warm sensation slowly filled her, Blake expertly sending her higher and higher, as a strange and wonderful heat spread through her like fire. The intensity within built until Rina felt a tremulous explosion within. Calling his name, she dug her nails into his back, tremendous pleasure shattered through her. Slowly, she drifted down, feeling wonderfully drained. She pulled Blake to her — his lips tasted of her.
Blake rekindled the fires in Rina, making her pleasure his own. He gently moved his weight onto her and his manhood found her softness, moist and ready. Rina wrapped her slender, muscular legs around his hips pulling him close. Slowly he entered her tightness, the silky warmth sending waves of pleasure through him. He paused momentarily when he felt the resistance of her virginity, his eyes questioning her. Smiling in answer, Rina urged him on with her hips, arching her back to send his hardened shaft deep within her. Rina felt the pain as he destroyed her maidenhead, but it only added to her passion.
Blake began a slow rhythm with his hips, deeper, faster, Rina’s desire building with his movement. Her passionate response, wild and unguarded, gave Blake pleasure he never dreamed existed. They peaked together, the ultimate lovemaking leaving them spent and trembling in each other’s arms.
As Rina lay curled in Blake’s arms, she felt truly happy; knowing the love she had given was total and complete. Then they slept.
Chapter Twelve
THE SUN WAS BARELY peeking over the horizon, casting its first rays of light on the snow-covered land as the streaked fans of pale yellow plunged through the misty fog. Rina stretched lazily, a contented smile o
n her lips. Blake looked so peaceful and Rina lovingly caressed his face, the slight roughness of his morning beard scratchy against her sensitive palm. Unwillingly, she slipped from under the warm covers and out of Blake’s arms. She found her bag, discreetly placed just inside the door by Jacob. Silently she dressed, her mind still clouded from his lovemaking.
“Where do you think you’re going?”
Turning back, Rina found golden eyes watching her and Blake leaned casually on one arm. All the feelings they shared during the night flooded through her, making her legs weak.
“Where are you going, little one?” he repeated.
Rina longed to go to him but knew it could not be. “I must go, Blake; it will be full light soon.” She picked up her bag and walked over to the bed.
Sitting up, Blake grabbed her hand, a frown creasing his forehead. “There is no need for you to go, Rina. You will stay here now, with me.”
Rina stared at him in confusion. “I cannot stay, Blake.”
“Now, don’t be stubborn, Rina. After last night I have no intention of letting you go.”
Rina’s eyes widened, the old anger bubbled to the surface. “Please tell me you are joking.”
His possessive hold on her hand tightened. “No — you’re mine now.”
“Yours? You egotistical …” Rina twisted free of his hurting grip. “I promised you last night, no more. Have I not made it clear that I belong to no man? I will not be your whore.”
“Are you not already?” His voice was low, barely suppressing his frustration and fury at her stubbornness, her rejection.
The words stabbed Rina’s heart. She stalked back to the bed and slapped Blake hard across the face. Pain choked her, kept her from speaking. Instead, she turned to leave. Before she could make it to the door, Blake scrambled out of bed and blocked it.
“What does it take to buy you? I know another has attempted to do so.” He reached over and jerked a drawer open and retrieved a small leather pouch. Blake threw it at her. “Is this what it takes? Jewels? Who gave you those pretty trinkets, Rina? Did you promise him your virtue — just a tease who did not deliver? So why did you choose me to take it? What tricks are you planning in your devious little mind?”
Rina stood frozen, unable to move, staring at the worn, leather pouch. She didn’t need to look inside to know what it held; she knew the items well. Inside was the last precious gift her father and mother had given her. Blake must have followed her to the pawn shop and assumed they were a would-be lover’s gift. Where else was he to think she had gotten expensive jewelry?
“Tell me — what made you come to me?” He seized her shoulders and shook her slightly. “I want to know what price you have put on your virginity.”
Unable to stand any more, Rina swung at Blake. Hurt blossomed into rage and she struck him with her fist, wanting to wound him as he did her. She kicked and clawed liked a caged wildcat, but he did not budge. Finally, Blake managed to grab both her wrists and jerked her against him, his face only inches from hers.
“Who gave you the jewelry? How many others have you lured with your spells, witch?” Each brutal word tore into Rina; draining her will as it did her strength. He could not have been crueler if he had taken a whip to her.
Evil jealousy wound its way into Blake’s heated mind, setting his temper free to rampage. “Perhaps one of them was my own grandfather. Why else would he have been so fond of you? Or do you tease and temp all men? I’ll not be made a fool of, Rina, and you’ll not draw me into whatever conniving trap you have planned. Tell me what the hell you want of me. Damn you, tell me.”
Something snapped inside Rina, his barrage of horrendous accusations creating such pain she feared she might collapse as it tore through her. From deep within all her anguish and fury erupted in a single word, “No!”
It echoed in the large room, as she twisted free of his grip. She elbowed Blake in the stomach and knocked the air from his lungs. As he gasped for breath, Rina desperately fumbled with the knob and finally managed to open the heavy door blocking her retreat. She ran from the room and fled past a confused Jacob and came close to colliding with Ryon as he stumbled into the hall, a robe carelessly thrown on in his haste. She pushed past him, down the stairs and out of the house.
Blake grimaced at the commotion her flight caused, retrieved his pants and shouted for everyone to mind their own damn business. He pulled them on in his haste, ranting to the empty room. “Damn her and her stubbornness. What did the deceitful chit want?”
Why? She was a virgin — why did she give herself to him? It made no sense. She refused to be his mistress and she knew he could not marry her, so why? The questions went unanswered as Blake jerked on a shirt and ran out, not taking time to put on his boots.
When he reached the stables, Jenkins already had Hera saddled and stood with her, waiting. At the questioning look, the stable master replied, “I seen her storm out of here madder than hell, an’ figured you would not be far behind.”
Like a bolt of lightning in search of its storm, Blake thundered out of the yard on his horse. He must have answers.
Rina felt numb, unable to think. Her throat constricted with tears that failed to come and ease her pain. She loved him, but he cared nothing for her. He considered her a whore; to use until he tired of her, then carelessly toss aside without further thought. Never had she felt so empty and alone.
When she rounded a curve, she ran straight into Lieutenant Greerson’s path. Blackstar reared when their mounts nearly collided. Caught off guard, Rina struggled to hold on. She tumbled to the ground in a heap. The lieutenant leaped from his mount and ran to her.
“Are you hurt?” His voice urgent with fear.
Rina quickly gathered her wits and tried to stand, and with the young man’s help, managed. “I’m fine, thank you,” mumbled Rina, embarrassed.
“You could have been killed. Why on earth were you riding so damn fast?”
Rina pulled from his grasp — took her anger out on him. “I ride fast because I like to.”
David took a step back, the anger in her eyes warning him to be wary.
Blake rode up and jumped from Hera before she halted, pushing past the lieutenant.
“Rina, are you all right?” He looked her over to see if she was injured. Once his initial fear subsided, he felt foolish for having shown concern over her welfare.
With a determined shove, she pushed him away. “Leave me alone, Blake. I never want to see you again.” She started to turn away, but Blake stopped her.
“We have things to discuss, Rina.” Blake’s voice was hard as he made an effort to control himself in front of the lieutenant, who stood dumbfounded. It was then Blake realized he stood barefoot with his shirt unbuttoned, in the freezing snow.
“I believe you made everything perfectly clear only minutes ago. Now let me make something clear for you. I don’t ever want to see you again — not ever.” Rina was close to hysterical.
“Rina — we must talk.” Blake’s lowered his voice in an attempt to keep their argument more private. “I must know why.”
Rina stopped and looked at him, a blank expression in her eyes. “It’s too late — leave me alone.” She walked over to her horse and Blake came up behind her. When he touched her, she turned, and hissed, “I hate you. Don’t ever touch me again, or I’ll stick my knife into your cold, unfeeling heart.”
Mounting the black stallion, Rina left without another word. This time Blake made no move to stop her. His pride would not allow him to go after her, not a second time. He would not make a bigger fool of himself than he already had. He did not need her — he would easily forget her.
“Good God, man — what did you do to make her so furious?” David exclaimed, bringing Blake’s attention back to him.
“It’s not important, David. No woman’s worth going through hell for.” He turned, mounted Hera, and headed back to Windsong.
David watched Blake ride off, amused by what he had seen. “Ah, Blake, I beli
eve you are wrong. For this woman I think you will go through hell — but you don’t realize it yet.”
IN DESPERATION, BLAKE TRIED to forget Rina, but the weeks passed in agonizing slowness. He buried himself in his work, hoping it would occupy his mind and exorcise the tormenting memories. But no matter how hard he worked, thoughts of her would creep in and shatter his willpower. Several times he caught himself riding to Tattershall. He always stopped himself before he arrived. Pride would not allow him to seek her out.
Slamming his fist down on the desk one day, Blake shoved back his chair angrily. What power did she have over him? No other women tempted him; he wanted Rina more now than before. Their one night of lovemaking only increased Blake’s insane desire for her. Never before had he experienced total and complete fulfillment with a woman. Rina was as passionate in love as she was in everything else she did. How could one woman be so intriguing — so beautiful and so stubborn? He walked over to the brandy, poured himself a generous portion, and drained it.
“I don’t think drinking will help solve your problem, Blake.”
Ryon entered the room and casually took a seat. Blake’s scowl would have warned any other man off, but Ryon was used to his brother’s surly moods. In fact, Blake was in a black cloud all of the time of late.
“What do you want, Ryon?” Blake snapped impatiently.
“Why don’t you go to her? I am sure she is as miserable as you are.”
Blake sloshed some more of the amber liquid into his empty glass. “You always were too nosy for your own good. As for Rina, she is out of my life for good. She’s more trouble than she’s worth.”
“You’re lying, Blake. I’m not blind but I am beginning to think perhaps you are. For the first time in my life, I believe you’re acting the fool. God, man! You’re in love with her and too damned stubborn to admit it.”
Blake smashed his glass into the fireplace and in two long strides reached his brother. He grabbed him roughly and pulled Ryon to his feet, drawing his fist back to strike.
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