by Dawn Brower
Bradford was right. The room was empty. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out his phone. Bradford didn’t understand why Trenton hadn’t called, but then realized he had. There were several missed calls. He’d been so wrapped up in Regina he hadn’t felt the vibrations alerting him. She was dangerous to be around. He’d never been so involved he didn’t notice his surroundings.
He grimaced and clicked Trenton’s name in his contact list. After several rings the voicemail clicked on. Bradford cursed under his breath. “I’m sorry I missed your calls earlier. I’m going to head back to Weston Manor in the morning. Meet me there when you can. We need to talk. Don’t disappear again, Trent. This is important.”
“Trouble in paradise already?”
Bradford closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Zane was turning out to be a bad penny. One he couldn’t avoid and couldn’t get rid of either. If he wasn’t one of his oldest friends he’d have knocked him out already. “No one around who was willing to put up with you for the evening?” Bradford raised an eyebrow mockingly at him. “Poor Zane. What are you going to do with yourself now?”
“That’s rich coming from you.” Zane smirked. “Where’s the lovely Regina at? I thought you’d have been busy with her for the rest of the night.”
Why was Zane so interested in his interactions with Regina? Bradford narrowed his eyes and studied him. Did he stick around to witness what happened between them in the conservatory? He wouldn’t put it past him. Zane could, and would, listen at the door to gather information. Bradford wanted to call him out on it, but if he was wrong he didn’t want to bring it to his attention either. It was a conundrum and entirely his fault. He’d been too careless in his haze of desire. He’d thought he’d be loving Regina all night long. This turn of events was definitely not how he’d seen the rest of the evening going. He’d be damned if he admitted that to Zane though. The marquess was too smug to give him more ammunition to throw back at him.
“Who says I won’t be?” He grinned. “The night is still young.”
“Touché, my friend.” Zane nodded. “Don’t let me keep you then.”
Damn, he was stuck. He couldn’t admit he wasn’t going after Regina, but it would look bad if he stuck around. How to steer the conversation away from his potential bed partner though?
“Did you find any more information on our mutual ancestor?”
That should do it. Bradford doubted that Zane would have had much luck locating the documents that would help him, but it would at least change the direction of their exchange to a more business-like tone.
“Actually, I did.”
Bradford glanced up at him. Surprise filled him at his words. “You did?”
“You didn’t expect that answer did you?” Zane laughed. “It’s good to know I can still shock you.”
As if he’d lost that skill. Zane kept things too close to the vest to do otherwise. He could shock his own mother if he wanted to. Although it probably wouldn’t be in a good way—the marchioness was a stern lady and extremely prudish. Zane’s mother should have been born in another era.
“Don’t hold out on me. What did you find?”
“I didn’t find any of the documents or books you said she brought here with her.” He paused and gazed up at Bradford. “I did find a journal of hers in the library. Strangely, it was lying on my desk. I haven’t a clue how it ended up there.”
That was odd, but Bradford didn’t want to look at it too closely. It was another gift. Not the same as Trenton’s untimely interruption earlier, but a present nonetheless. “You’re sure it’s the former marchioness’s journal?”
“I didn’t read the entire thing to ascertain the contents, but I did read enough to know it is hers.” He reached inside his jacket pocket and dangled it for him to see. It was a small booklet no bigger than a large mobile phone. Bradford gauged it to be around six inches in length and four or five inches across, less than an inch in thickness. “I think it’s the first one she wrote after she married and moved into Seabrook.”
“Give it to me.” Bradford lunged forward attempting to snatch it from him.
“Not so fast.” Zane held it out of Bradford’s reach, a smirk settling over his face. “What do I get if I give it to you?”
Zane had a death wish. His oldest friend had suddenly lost his mind. There was no other explanation for his behavior. “What do you want?”
“I want Regina.”
Bradford blanched at his demand. He schooled his features as best as he could. The desire to strike was at the forefront and one wrong step from Zane and Bradford would blow. He had to play this right or he’d do something he’d regret. One thing was certain: he didn’t give a bloody fig what Zane wanted. He’d not give in for anything. Zane wasn’t going anywhere near Regina. He didn’t need the journal that bad. “She’s not mine to give.”
“Isn’t she?”
He’d like her to be his, but even then it wouldn’t be his decision to make. This wasn’t the dark ages when women were owned by the men in their life. Regina was free to do as she chose. It might grate on his nerves in the worst way, but if she wanted Zane he’d step back and leave her be. He didn’t think it would come to that. He hoped so anyway. It wouldn’t be pleasant to see her with his friend.
“Regina makes her own decisions.” Bradford gritted his teeth together. “What is this really about, Zane?”
The man tucked the journal into his pocket and crossed his arms across his chest. “I’m trying to figure out what is so special about her. I’ve never seen you this way over a woman.”
It wasn’t anything he’d ever thought he’d see himself. Regina was different. He couldn’t completely understand it. It was a realization that was hard for him to accept. She’d always been there in the back of his mind. Her sister had called him out on it when Regina was about to marry Trenton. He’d brushed it aside then, and if he’d had to he would have kept doing it. Now he didn’t have to. She was there and he could have her, but not without a cost to his soul, and perhaps his relationship with Trenton.
“Why do you care?”
He needed a damn drink. This night wasn’t going well. It had started out bad, with a little pleasure in the middle, and now was on the brink of completely falling apart. Bradford crossed the room and snatched the brandy decanter off a shelf. He poured some into a crystal goblet and downed it. He refilled the glass again and turned toward Zane. The marquess studied him with a blank expression.
“You’re one of my best friends,” he replied. “I don’t want to see you make a mistake over a woman.”
Bradford snickered. That was rich coming from him. “How many women have you fallen for? How many mistakes have you made?”
“That’s different and you know it. I enjoy women, and they equally return that sentiment. I don’t make commitments. It’s easier that way. But you...” He paused and stared at him. “You don’t fall for anything or anyone. Everything is carefully planned out to the nth degree. With Regina you’re a loose cannon, and I’m afraid for you.”
Bradford shook his head. His laugher echoed through the room. It was the God’s honest truth. This was all new to him. He didn’t know up from down and he was on a yo-yo course of destruction. He’d go one step forward and three steps back. There was no progress. He’d taken a giant leap with Regina only to find himself in the company of Zane regretting it. What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he make a decision and stick with it. He wanted her. Lord did he want her. It was a longing so deep it had embedded itself into his soul.
“Bradford?” Zane asked. “Are you all right?”
Was he? He doubted he’d ever be all right again. He lifted his glass and swallowed the remaining brandy in one drink. “So your solution to your fears is to demand I give Regina to you? In what world does that make sense?” He slammed the glass on the shelf. “If you think she means that much to me, why would you even suggest something so ridiculously outlandish? What kind of friend would do that?”
&nb
sp; Zane sighed. “I admit it was wrong. I shouldn’t have taken it that far. I was testing your commitment to her. I should have known it wasn’t the way to play it.”
Maybe he should be grateful Zane was willing to go the extra mile to make sure he wasn’t taken for a ride—albeit a pleasurable one—but it was his choice to make. He’d not been pleased by his way of assessing the situation. Zane did appear a little...deflated. There was no other way to describe his friend’s forlorn expression. Maybe he should go easier on him, but he couldn’t yet. Not until his blood cooled a little.
“Damned right it wasn’t. Now give me the bloody journal so I can read it. Maybe this can all be solved tonight and Regina can go back to New York tomorrow.”
“Do you really want her to go?” He pulled the book from his pocket and held it toward Bradford.
No. He didn’t want her to leave him, but it wasn’t up to him what she did. She wanted to find out what happened to her sister. The marchioness’s journal might hold all the answers she sought. He’d not deny her for his own selfish reasons.
“What I want doesn’t matter.” Bradford snatched the journal out of Zane’s hands and left him alone in the study. He had a long night ahead of him.
CHAPTER NINE
“Regina,” a female called out to her. “Wake up.”
She opened her eyes and met Eve’s eerie gaze. Great, just what she needed. Why wouldn’t she leave her alone? “What do you want?” She hadn’t been helpful thus far, and Regina didn’t see this visit being any different. “I’m too tired to deal with you.”
“He has the book.”
Like she cared? She’d rather keep her eyes closed and enjoy the comfort of her bed. Sleep was so wonderful. Regina waved her hand. “Go away. I don’t care about any damn book.”
“Are you always this difficult?” Eve sighed. “I’m trying to help you.”
Please, as if...Eve wasn’t doing anything for Regina. This was all about what the damned woman needed not what Regina did. She was done running around looking like an idiot. Nothing Eve told her had given her any solid answers thus far. Whatever news she had to depart, it could be dealt with later.
“No, you’re not.” Regina mumbled. “Your motives have everything to do with what you need, and nothing to do with me. I’m not inclined to roll out of bed and jump to do your bidding.”
“You’re right,” she agreed. “I need you, but you should know that this also has to do with your sister.”
“What?” Regina sat up abruptly. The room started to spin. She leaned down and put her head between her knees and took a deep breath. “Explain yourself,” Regina demanded.
What did Eve know about Alys? She kept alluding to her, but had yet to give her any real information. She was sick and tired of the cat and mouse game. Why couldn’t she come out and tell her what she knew. She wanted to know where her sister was. If Alys needed her she wanted to do everything in her power to assist her.
“The answers are in the book. Go find it and you will know everything—or most of it any way.”
Regina glanced up at Eve and rolled her eyes. “Are you serious? What’s with all the cryptic bullshit? Why don’t you tell me what you know and put us both out of our misery?”
Eve stared at Regina and remained silent. Her eyes held a tinge of sadness. Regina almost felt sorry for the other woman, but squashed it as fast as it entered her mind. She didn’t owe Eve anything. All the woman had done was freak her out several times. She was over it already. She wanted a clue as to what happened to Alys. Eve wasn’t helping, and Regina was tired of it.
“I can’t tell you.”
Of course she couldn’t. Probably because she was a figment of her imagination—answers didn’t jump out just because you wanted them bad enough. They had to be researched and discovered through normal means. Yet she couldn’t help carrying on a conversation with Eve as if she’d suddenly disclose all.
“Why the hell not?” Regina crawled off the bed and stalked toward Eve. “This is the last time you come to me with this crap. I don’t have time to deal with you and your secrets. If you can’t tell me, then quit popping into my head.”
“I’m not inside your head,” Eve explained. “I’m here in the only way I can be.”
“Again with the mysteriousness you impart every time you come to see me. I don’t want to know how you’re here.” Regina glared. “What I do want is for you to leave. I didn’t manage much sleep last night.”
“I know.” Eve nodded. “You were waiting for him, and he didn’t show up.”
Did she have to remind Regina of her stupidity? Yes, Bradford never showed up as he promised. He’d left her waiting. It’d left her with a sickness pooling in her stomach. She’d been a fool to think he’d finally changed. Bradford wasn’t ready to see where they were heading. No, the dense man had played her. He was acting like a rakish jerk. Maybe seducing him had been the bad idea to begin with. The rat bastard didn’t deserve her. If she said it often enough to herself, perhaps she’d believe it too.
“I don’t need your commentary on my night. I was there, thank you very much.” How creepy was it that Eve knew she’d spent the night waiting for Bradford? Did she watch her often? Had she witnessed their encounter in the conservatory? “Do you see everything I do?”
“No.” Eve glanced away quickly.
“You’re lying,” Regina accused. “What did you see?”
Now she was pissed off. She didn’t appreciate Eve’s voyeurism. Even if it was inside her head, thoughts and a person’s deepest desires—her desires—should remain private.
“I don’t see everything you do. That wasn’t a lie.” Eve met Regina’s gaze. “I did perhaps witness a part of your more, um, erotic dreams. I bowed out before I got an eyeful.”
Regina clenched her hand into a fist. “Erotic Dreams?” What was she talking about now? Oh...that. Damn it. She couldn’t exactly help what her subconscious conjured up. “I knew I didn’t like you.”
“I’m sorry.” Eve glanced down. “I had to speak to you, but my timing was off. I’m not infallible. My gifts are limited.”
Regina didn’t give one iota about her damned gifts or their limits. “Why don’t you tell me why you’re here and do me a favor and not pop in ever again.”
If she was lucky enough Eve would heed her request and leave her alone. She didn’t need her kind of help. All it did was irritate her. Yes, she’d given her some decent clues, but full on answers would have been better. Regina wasn’t one to appreciate mysteries. Never had liked them as they usually left her with a headache—something she tried to avoid as much as possible.
“I told you he has the book. It should tell you what you need to know. She promised me she’d leave a clue in there for you to find.”
“Who did?” Regina rubbed her temples. Speaking of headaches... “Why can’t you speak like a normal person?”
“Dreams are funny things. You can only manipulate so much.” She waved her hands. “I can tell you certain things, but you may or may not believe me. The mysterious makes you think and want to find the answers.”
“So you’re purposely being obtuse?”
Wouldn’t that figure? This was all a dream so it had to be weaved in vagueness to make sense. It didn’t surprise her that Eve’s explanation made sense. If this was a dream, anything was possible. The impossible was possible and the blurred was crystal clear—the yin and yang of the dream world.
“Oh, you understand. Good.” Eve glanced over her shoulder. “I’m out of time. Don’t forget to ask him about the book.”
“Who do I ask about the stupid book?” Regina yelled, but it was futile. Eve disappeared before she could get an answer. Damn it, how was she supposed to solve a mystery without all the clues?
“Darling, wake up.”
“Go away. I already had this conversation.”
Bradford’s light chuckle filled her ears. “I assure you we did not have this particular discussion.”
Regina ope
ned one eye and found him sitting on the edge of her bed. “I don’t want you here. Please leave, you missed your chance. Now I’m too tired to do anything fun.”
She was still pissed at him for not showing up when he’d promised. Regina didn’t forgive and forget easily. He’d have to do a lot of begging to get back into her good graces. As far as she was concerned, it would also have to include gifts, expensive ones.
“I’ll make it up to you.” He kissed her forehead. “Quit being difficult. It’s not becoming.”
She turned to stare at him. Who was this creature and what had he done with Bradford? Not becoming? Who said that kind of nonsense anyway? “I don’t care what you think.” All right, maybe she did a little bit, but he didn’t need to know that.
“I don’t have time for this.” Bradford sighed. “We have to head back to Weston Manor. Pack your things and meet me downstairs in thirty minutes.”
Her mouth fell open at his dictatorial manner. It took her several minutes for his words to fully sink in. He got up to leave as if his command was the end of their discussion. She was not a dog he could order around. She didn’t care what his reasons were or why he had to go back to his estate. So what if his plans had changed? They didn’t have to have an impact on what she wanted to do. The blasted man could leave and never look back. The way he bounced back and forth was grating on every last one of her nerves. “By all means, go back to your estate. I don’t need to follow you back. I rather like Seabrook, and the company it provides.”
She let that settle into the room before she hopped off the bed and rummaged through her travel bag. Let him suck on that for a little while. His little competition with Zane was sure to make him rethink his plans. He hadn’t liked her interlude with him. At the time, she’d rather enjoyed his jealousy and had taken it as a sign of his interest. Afterward, it led her to believe he wanted to be with her. What a joke. Bradford had wanted to win; it’d had nothing to do with Regina.