by Dawn Brower
The carriage ride was swift and bumpy as they traveled to the dockyard. Pia glared at Thor the entire journey, obviously still blaming him for the fiasco they were now dealing with. Once they arrived at the docks, Thor jumped out and helped Pia out of the carriage, and they began to search for signs of the three children.
"I don't think they are here."
"We need to go farther down the wharf to make sure," Thor replied. "The docks are extensive and they could be hiding behind something."
They continued down the pier, Pia trailing after Thor, holding her skirts so they didn't skim the dirty waterfront. Night had fallen, and the only light they had to guide their path was the moonlight streaming down from above, making it difficult for them to see anything clearly. They searched the entire area surrounding them without any luck locating the children.
"I don't see them," Thor exclaimed.
"Do you see them anywhere?" Pia asked at the same time Thor spoke.
"No, I don't see them. I'm beginning to think they're not here," Thor repeated his earlier conjecture.
Pia sighed as irritation set in; Thor could be so difficult.
"So, you're ready to give up on finding them. Leave them out here alone and cold."
"Of course not. I just think this was a diversion of theirs. They probably went someplace else. Liam knows more about Marsden Shipping than you realize."
"Have you started dragging him to business meetings already? I told you not to overwhelm him with all the inner workings of your many projects. He's too young to worry about these things."
Thor stopped in his tracks and pinned Pia with a furious glare. She sucked in a breath as rage flared across his features. She'd gone too far and now he'd finally snapped under her constant rants. "Enough, Pia, I'm not going to listen to you shriek the rest of the night. As far as Liam goes, I don't want him unprepared. It's why I was taken advantage of."
Pia knew Thor hated any reminders of her grandpère; the Comte had tried to murder him to gain control of their shared company. He failed, but it hadn't ended there. Thor kidnapped Pia to get revenge on him. It didn't turn out as planned; it had gone a whole lot better. If he hadn't wanted revenge, they would never have found each other. They both agreed everything ended the way it was supposed to. Of course, agreeing they belonged together didn't mean they always agreed on how to handle their children.
Pia forced herself to calm down and reply to him in an even, neutral voice. "Liam isn't you. He doesn't have a business partner; he only has you. Give him time to grow up." This wasn't a new argument. Pia often berated her husband for trying to get Liam working at Marsden Shipping; hollering at him wouldn't make a lick of difference.
Thor scowled at her and explained, "I haven't been. It doesn't mean the lad isn't curious. He finds himself in my study all on his own. I'm not going to turn him away just because you think he's too young to learn it."
"Hmmph. Fine. I still think he's too young, but if he comes in on his own, I see your point."
She didn't see any reason to argue any further about it. Thor believed he needed to start learning and soon. It was his belief if he didn't start soon he would be at a loss when it was time for him to take over. Pia just wanted him to enjoy his childhood for as long as possible before taking on so much responsibility. When he gained his majority he could take his rightful place at Marsden Shipping and learn all he needed to know. Pia didn't think he would ever have a disadvantage, especially with Thor at his side each step of the way.
"Do you think someone may have kidnapped them?"
"What? No, of course not. No one would dare."
"You seem awfully certain of that," Pia whispered.
"They know what I used to be and an ex-pirate isn't someone to mess with. No one would hurt our children for fear of what I might do to him. No, the kids just ran away to prove a point."
"Which is your fault."
"Don't start again, Pia. I'm not going to make Liam marry someone. When he gets married, it will be his choice."
"Still, we wouldn't be out in this frigid weather if you hadn't gotten inebriated with your crony the earl last night."
Pia couldn't stop herself from berating him, her worry for the children clouding her judgment. She wanted to find them as soon as possible and Thor made a good target for her anxiety. His face was etched with worry barely visible in the moonlight. She bit her lip and tried to prevent another irate outburst from spilling out of her mouth.
"Pia, do you really want to sit out here and argue or do you want to look someplace else?"
She inhaled and exhaled, her breath visible in the darkness. "Where do you suggest we look?"
"Noah's townhouse. They're not stupid and would know they needed someplace warm to stay. Since Noah is our guest, naturally they would go to his home."
"Do you really think they went there?"
She studied him, her pale blonde hair escaping the tight chignon and framing her face. He reached over and cupped her face in the palm of his hand. She stared up into his eyes finding her own love reflected back at her. No matter what, she knew she could depend on him. Yes, he had made a mistake, but he was willing to rectify it. He had done as she asked and retracted the betrothal contract with the Earl of Devon. He would have done it regardless because it was the right thing to do. Pia realized how awful she had been acting toward him and wished she hadn't acted like a shrew. No one else, besides her, loved the twins more. She knew if he thought the children had gone to Noah's townhouse, then they had. She needed to trust him as her instincts screamed at her to do.
"Yes, I do."
"All right. I will trust your judgment. Let's go look."
Thor led her to the carriage and helped her back inside. Once she was snuggled under one of the carriage blankets, Thor told the driver to take them to the Duke of Huntly's townhouse. The carriage rattled along the uneven road and the clip-clop of horses' hooves lulled them with their even rhythm. After what seemed like hours, the carriage came to a stop. Thor looked out the carriage window. Pia could see an ornate townhouse from the open slot in the carriage. Thor opened the door and hopped out, turning to assist Pia.
"I thought we would never get here," she exclaimed.
They raced up to the front door and knocked. After an eternity, or what seemed like one, the door finally cracked open. A wrinkled man in his bedclothes answered the door. His eyes narrowed at them, and with a gruff voice he asked, "What can I do for you?"
"Pardon the late hour, but has the young Duke of Huntly been by with our children, Lily and Liam?" Thor asked.
"His Grace was here briefly about two hours past. He ordered a carriage round to take him to the country estate. I didn't see any other children with him."
"Are you sure?" Pia bit her lip and wrung her hands together as worry nestled deep inside.
"I'm fairly certain I didn't see anyone else. His Grace came inside all alone. He awaited the carriage and after it arrived I only saw him enter it. I can't say if he picked anyone else up along the way."
"Well, there's nothing else we can do. Thank you for your time." Thor nodded at the older man and walked away from the door.
"What do you mean there isn't anything else we can do? We have to keep looking for our children."
"Of course we do, but they're not here."
"Clearly, but where are they?"
"That's easy enough; they are at the country estate of the Duke of Huntly."
"But the old man said he didn't see them." Pia's face scrunched up in puzzlement.
Thor leaned down and placed a quick kiss on her lips. "We have very intelligent children, Pia. They waited down the road and hopped in when no one else was paying attention. They tried to make it look like young Noah went home alone."
Pia bit her lip as she considered his words. She nodded her head, agreeing with his assessment. "So we're going to Huntly Manor?"
"Yes, we are. Get ready for a bit of a journey, love."
They both huddled into the carriage and
sat back for the long ride to the country. The kids had a two-hour head start on them and would hopefully be safe inside by the time they arrived. There would be hell to pay once they caught up with their wayward children.
Chapter Three
The carriage traveled down a long, winding driveway flanked by large, barren trees, the branches towering above them. Moonlight illuminated the dark winter sky down the path toward Huntly Manor. Liam stretched his arms over his head to alleviate the kinks in his stiff muscles. Lily's head bobbed on the side of the carriage, her dark curls escaping from her long braid. Noah gazed out the window of the carriage, a solemn look on his face.
"So we finally made it?" Liam asked.
"Yes."
"Should we wake Lily?"
"Probably a good idea; we'll be at the front door soon enough."
"I know why we did this, but my parents are going to go crazy once they figure out we left."
"That's the point, isn't it?"
Liam looked over at his sleeping sister and back at his friend. He didn't like what his father had done, but what about their own actions? Were they any better? Did they have the right to worry their parents with their rash actions? Now, after hours of travel, he'd had time to think about the situation. They might have acted carelessly and should have talked to their mother first. She wouldn't have allowed him to be forced into a betrothal contract. His mother was dead-set against forcing either one of them into an unwanted marriage.
"It was. I'm not so sure about this anymore."
"There's no going back now. We're at my ancestral home now. All we can do is sit back and wait. They'll be here soon enough and it will be settled."
Liam nodded. "I suppose you're right."
"Are we at Huntly Manor?" Lily lifted her head, her blue eyes still droopy from sleep.
The carriage came to a full stop. Liam looked out the window at a large towering manor. There were at least forty tapered steps leading to the front door. Large sections of it resembled a medieval castle.
"Why didn't you tell me you lived in a castle?" Lily exclaimed, excitement filling her voice.
"Yeah, all you need is a moat and drawbridge and you'll be living in ancient times," Liam joked.
With a dry, humorless tone, Noah explained, "They were removed a century ago when the stairs were crafted. They've done a bit of remodeling, my ancestors, to make it into more of manor instead of a castle. A lot of the main structure still stands, but it is as modernized as they could make it."
"You don't like it here, do you?" Lily asked in a quiet tone.
"Not so much. It's never been much of a happy place. My parents hated each other. The best times I've had have been at your home. Sometimes I don't think you two know how good you have it."
"I'm sorry, Noah. You don't talk about your parents much. Why didn't you ever tell me?" Liam asked.
"I don't like talking about it and I've already said too much. Let's go inside and wait for your parents to come get us. I hope they still allow me to spend Christmas with you."
"Of course they will. They adore you and they'll know it's not your fault. We can be a bit—difficult—to say no to." An impish smile formed on Lily's face.
They all hopped down from the carriage and walked inside Huntly manor. They were greeted by a surprised housekeeper. "Your Grace." She curtsied. "We weren't expecting you."
"My apologies, Molly, this was a bit last-minute. Can you get some rooms ready?"
"Certainly. How many will you be needing?"
"Besides mine? I suggest getting four ready. We'll probably be getting some extra guests soon."
"Right away, Your Grace." Molly nodded her head. "Will you be requiring anything else? Perhaps some refreshments?"
"No, we're rather tired; just prepare the rooms."
"Very well, Your Grace. I will gather a few maids and have them organize the chambers for you and your guests."
Molly left to get the rooms ready. Noah led Lily and Liam into the library. The butler had lit a fire to keep them warm as they waited. They sat back and relaxed on the chaises until they could retire to nice warm beds.
"How long until you think they’ll arrive?" Lily asked.
"Knowing Father, they are probably not too far behind us. With any luck we'll be asleep in a nice warm bed and they'll leave us there until morning."
"Do you think they will?"
"Not bloody likely."
Liam studied his sister and best friend. What were they thinking, running off in the middle of the night? They'd be lucky if their parents didn't murder them. He sighed and leaned his head on the chaise. Nothing to do about it now; they just had to sit back and wait for disaster to strike.
***
Pia's head rested on Thor's shoulder. She finally gave into her exhaustion and allowed herself to get some rest. Thoughts kept whirling through his head, not allowing him the same luxury. He couldn't help praying he was right and that the twins had coerced the young Duke of Huntly into going to his country estate. The carriage rattled along the roadway, the dark sky lightening as the sun rose in the distance. They had wasted a lot of time traipsing around London trying to locate them. At the rate things were going they wouldn't make it to Huntly Manor until dawn broke.
Pia lifted her head from his shoulder and yawned. "How much longer until we arrive?"
"I'm guessing an hour at least. The sun's beginning to rise."
"Did you get any sleep?"
"No, I have too much on my mind."
Pia's eyes pinned him. She stared at him for several seconds, biting her lip as if deep in thought. Thor didn't know what was rolling through her mind. A part of him was terrified of the answer; she hadn’t been happy with his actions of late. He'd really messed up, his dealings with the Earl of Devon playing havoc on his family. At least he knew he'd taken care of it and could reassure Liam he was not betrothed to marry Lady Gemma Kemsley.
"As you should; they wouldn't have run away if not for your actions," Pia retorted.
"I've had enough of this." Thor smacked the side of the carriage with his fist, a sharp sting spreading through his fingers. "Can you just let it go?"
"I'd rather not." Pia glared. "It's all that is keeping me focused right now."
Thor nodded. "I make an easy target, love, but you know me. Just try and see it from my point of view."
"You’re right. I know you better than anyone." Pia folded her hands in her lap. "They're going to be fine. I can't keep blaming you. The twins are headstrong and it's hard to predict what they may or may not do."
"I set us on this course and I do know what my actions caused. I'm responsible for their rash actions."
Pia placed her hand on his shoulder and stared into his eyes. "You're right; you did, but you didn't tell those two to run away. They did that all on their own. If they had bothered to think, they'd realize you wouldn't have gone through with that betrothal contract."
"I know, but I can't help feeling the guilt. It should never have existed. Drinking in excess is no excuse. We both feel the same way. We want our children to be happy and dictating who they choose to marry isn't going to give them any kind of joy."
"I love you, Thor."
"I love you, too."
Thor pulled Pia into his arms and placed his lips on hers. She opened her mouth, allowing him full access. His tongue rolled over hers with gentle swirls. His hand cupped her cheek as he deepened the kiss. Thor pulled back and stared into her blue eyes. He reached down and scooped her fully into his lap and began trailing kisses down her throat and across her shoulders. A soft moan escaped Pia's mouth. Thor could feel himself begin to harden as desire flooded him. He would never get enough of his wife. He always wanted her, and he needed to be inside of her. She reached down and undid his breeches as he lifted her skirts and settled them around his lap. Pia lowered herself on his length, engulfing him in her warm passage. Once he was deep inside her, she began to ride him, up and down in slow, agonizing strokes. Thor rested his hands on her hip
s, guiding her to go faster, until he could feel her channel start to ripple with the onslaught of her orgasm. He could feel his own orgasm begin to crest as her inner muscles gripped him. Soon it exploded through him, draining him of energy. He groaned as pleasure washed over him in waves. Pia's head fell forward, resting on his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her and held on tightly, his member still buried inside of her.
"We haven't made love in a carriage in a very long time."
"We probably shouldn't be doing it now."
"Why not?" she asked. "I wanted you, and you clearly wanted me. I don't see anything wrong with what we just did."
"Our children are missing—"
"But not for long. We're almost to Huntly. We'll deal with our naughty children when we reach them."
A small weight lifted off his shoulders with his wife's reassuring embrace. They would find them and in the meantime they could enjoy each other for the remainder of the long journey to Huntly Manor.
"You're awfully sure about this, love." A warm, yet cocky smile formed on his face.
"Because nothing can go wrong now." She lifted her head and lightly touched her lips to his. "You're ready for another round, aren't you?"
"Well, we do have a little time..."
They began all over again, and Thor allowed himself to just enjoy loving his wife. Their children would feel their wrath when they caught up to them, but the worry dissipated with the assurance they were fine at the young Duke's estate.
Chapter Four
The sun began to stream through the windows of the bedroom Liam had been assigned at Huntly Manor, bright enough to wake him from a sound sleep. He sat up and rubbed the sleepy fog from his eyes. His gaze fell on the window.
"Should've remembered to close the curtains," he said to himself.
The bedroom door creaked open and Noah stepped inside. Tired from their journey, Liam noticed they both decided to sleep in their clothes, leaving them a rumpled mess. "I thought I might find you awake. I was so tired last night I forgot to close the curtains. As we were all exhausted, I thought perhaps you had forgotten to as well. I see your room is equally as bright as mine."