Rescue Me Please

by Nichole Matthews

  Parker’s eyes narrowed, he was pleased with the desire that had flickered, albeit briefly in her eyes, but knew that she wasn’t ready for anything more intimate than what he had already given her. There were still moments when she flinched at his slightest touch.

  “You’ve done enough, my lord.” The words were spoken so softly, they were barely audible. His nearness and touch sparked deeply hidden longings that she would prefer stayed buried.

  “Are we back to formalities so soon?” His knowing gaze focused on her face. Stepping back, he waited.

  “Parker,” she quickly corrected.

  “That’s better.” His voice casual. “I’ve done nothing but offer you a kindness. There is nothing extraordinary in that. I would hope any human being would offer the same.”

  “You would be surprised,” she blurted before she could stop herself. Her eyes widened, and she slapped a hand over her mouth and stared at Parker with shocked eyes.

  “Very little surprises me, Persephone.” His gaze darkened. “But I do have hope for my fellow man.”

  She couldn’t stop the derisive snort that escaped. She drew comfort from the fact that she wouldn’t be a scared mouse forever and that he didn’t expect her to sit meekly by with no opinion of her own.

  One eyebrow rose, and his gaze stabbed her to silence. And he waited.

  Persephone blinked and frowned. “I can’t…”

  He lifted her face with a finger under her chin. “One day you will.” After caressing her cheek, he set her aside and stood with an unconscious prowess, towering over her, but trying not to intimidate her with the disparity of his size.

  Relief swept through her so powerfully that she shuddered.

  He saw her tremble. Her fear was still too great. Whoever had done this to her must hold a great deal of power to keep her this frightened even from a distance.

  She was surprised that he didn’t press more. Didn’t demand that she tell him all of the details. All of her secrets. She could see he possessed a dominate nature, but he did well with keeping it in check. He wasn’t a brute like her uncle. He was just a man who was used to wielding a lot of power and getting his way more often than not.

  “Are you still afraid of me?” His voice was gruff and deep.

  She shifted uncomfortably, but quickly answered, “N-n-no.”

  His lips quirked as she stammered out her reply. “Excellent.” A change came over his face. “Then we are on the right path.” He held out his hand, his head tilted.

  She cocked her head to the side and stared curiously at him. “Aren’t you tired of my tears?”

  He crouched in front of her at eye level and leaned her way. “I’ve lived with two sisters for twenty years.” He gave a light chuckle. “I’ve grown accustomed to tears.”

  Persephone sighed. Tension was gone, swamped by raw emotion.

  He stared at her a long time and gave thanks that he could make her feel safe. “Would you allow me to escort you back inside?”

  Persephone shook her head. “I believe I will remain a bit longer.”

  He looked up at the blue sky. “It is a beautiful day. There won’t be too many more left before winter is fully upon us.” He rose, bowed and made his way into the house and back to his study, but not before Dobbin’s stopped him with a message. “And Lord Rockwell is waiting for you in your study, my lord.”

  “Thank you, Dobbins.”

  Parker entered his study to find Rockwell sitting in the tall leather chair in front of his desk with his booted feet propped on the edge.

  “Dear Lord, Rock.” Parker’s voice one of mock disapproval. “Do have a care for my outrageously expensive furnishings.”

  Rockwell barked in laughter, sitting up straight and placing his feet on the floor. “Touchy.” Rockwell grinned. “I believe Peyton was correct when he said you were becoming an old stick.”

  Parker rolled his eyes pacing across the room to stand before the tall window, broke the seal on the letter and read what Fothergil had discovered.

  “Is this about Miss Smith?” Rockwell knew the instant Parker’s facial expression turned serious, that it was.

  An idea crawled into Parker’s head. Bracknell was only about twenty miles from Ashford; perhaps he and Rockwell could take a ride that direction to seek out more information. Perhaps they could do that tomorrow.

  There was so much more to Persephone. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he could recognize fear. And her eyes were full of it.

  “Are you up for a tedious fact finding mission tomorrow?” A scowl settled over Parker’s features.

  “When have you ever known me to turn down a little adventure?” Rockwell’s deep voice was threaded with subtle amusements. He looked at him with a narrowed gaze. “It is serious?”

  Parker sighed deeply. “Yes.” His thumb and forefinger rubbed over his lower lip.

  “It’s about time.”

  “I’ve never experienced anyone quite like her.” He closed his eyes. “She’s been through so much, yet she is still so strong.”

  “Well, my friend,” Rockwell said with a nod. “Let’s get the fucking bastards that did this to her.”

  Parker sat down in his chair. “Why does it seem like we are always rescuing someone?”

  “Give it up, Parker.” Rockwell shook his head. “You’ve always been a knight.”

  “Fuck.” He glanced at Rockwell and almost laughed out loud at the serious expression on his face. “Bracknell it is.”

  Persephone’s heart skipped wildly as she slipped around the corner and leaned heavily on the wall distressed at what she’d overheard. Her heart began a fast race and the blood ran from her cheeks leaving her feeling weak and desperate.

  Bracknell.

  She wished she would have heard more than the last word, but she knew what it meant.

  ***

  “Kneel.”

  She sank to her knees not only because she’d been ordered to, but because she wanted to. The command sent a dark thrill down into the pit of her stomach and heat between her thighs.

  Granville turned to the two other men in the dark room. “I believe the whore is ready.”

  He knew damn well she would want to run screaming through the halls if she knew what they had in store for her, but instead she went down on your knees at their feet in misplaced, yet eager anticipation of their next move.

  He lifted the rope and wrapped it round the back of her head. With the two loose ends dangling between her breasts. His warm hands brushed underneath them sending shivers down her body as he twisted the rope under and over them. She looked down and realized he was leaving her breasts exposed, but tied tightly enough they wouldn’t budge. He wrapped the rope around her neck and a sliver of fear broke through the need building. Then he secured her hands behind her back and attached them to her ankles leaving her naked and helpless.

  He took a few steps back to admire his handiwork. His cock hard and throbbing seeing her bound and at their mercy. “Ready, gentlemen?”

  Suddenly the rope around her neck grew tighter and her breath came in small pants, her mouth opening for air, but none came.

  Help. She mouthed the word but didn’t have enough breath to be heard and it didn’t appear as if they cared. She squeezed her eyes together when she caught sight of his wicked grin, a shudder running down her spine when she realized she had made a terrible mistake.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  I had a little hen, the prettiest ever seen,

  She washed up the dishes and kept the house clean.

  She went to the mill to fetch us some flour,

  And always got home in less than an hour.

  She baked me my bread, she brewed me my ale,

  She sat by the fire and told a fine tale!

  “Goddamn it, Cooper,” Granville yelled, pounding his desk with the flat of his fists. “She took something of great significance from me.” His carelessness disgusted him. How could he let something that important just walk away?
r />   Cooper’s eyes went wide and he fell silent.

  “If you don’t find it, and something untoward should happen to the chit, then I will be linked to her,” he growled. “I. Do. Not. Want. To. Be. Linked. To. Her,” he gritted out slowly and clearly. “Have I made myself clear?”

  Cooper stared at Granville for a moment swallowing uncomfortably and then nodded. He grunted before replying, “Yes, my lord.” His heart pounded and his palms sweated with dread and a well-inspired fear.

  Granville leveled his gaze at Cooper. “I’m beginning to grow weary of all your mistakes.”

  Cooper swallowed and his shoulders straightened. “Yes, my lord.” Not knowing what more to say.

  Granville’s jaw ticked as he stared at Cooper. “Take care of this once and for all.”

  ***

  Parker’s mount danced and trotted in a circle as they final slowed upon reaching their destination. “This looks to be a respectable inn.” He glanced about the clean yard and well-tended animals. “Surely they would have memory of a starving girl and a baby.”

  “We can only hope.” Rockwell looked around the busy yard his brows lifted skeptically. “It’s a busy inn.” He glanced around at the many carriages and conveyances that lined the yard.

  They dismounted handing their reins to the stable boys that ran out to greet them. Parker tossed each a coin. “Take good care and there will be more when we have completed our business.”

  “Yes, m’lord.” Parker and Rockwell watched as both boys eagerly walked the horses to the stables.

  “Ready?” Rockwell asked.

  “Ready to know what the hell is going on,” Parker said soberly.

  A large man with a receding hairline appeared as soon as they entered the bustling room. Eager to assist the two expensively attired gentlemen. “My lords.” He bowed. “Would you care for a private parlor?”

  Parker held out a gold coin. “I’m looking for information.” He witnessed the greedy light that flickered in the proprietor’s eyes at the flash of gold in his palm.

  “This way, my lords.” He led them through the busy taproom into a private parlor and shut the door.

  “What is your name?” Parker asked.

  “Drummond, my lord.”

  “You run a bustling business,” Rockwell observed stepping into the nicely appointed private dining room. “By all appearances, this establishment seems quite profitable.”

  “We always have guests.”

  Parker halted the curl of his lip as he watched the man preen like a peacock.

  “I try my best to keep a clean, pleasing décor.”

  “I imagine you see many strangers pass through your inn,” Parker threw out in a conversational tone in an effort to gather information. He watched as the man tensed at the question.

  “Yes, my lord.” Drummond’s brows furrowed at the comment. “Many pass through here.”

  “A few weeks ago a ragged girl with red hair and a babe passed through your inn.” Parker circled the nervous looking man. “Did she require any aid?”

  Drummond frowned.

  Rockwell interjected, “What my friend means is did you offer a woman of that description any kindness.” He pressed closer. “Perhaps food or drink?”

  “I do not run a charity, my lords.” Drummond huffed. “I would soon have to close my doors if I offered every down and out traveler food and drink without benefit of coin.”

  Parker watched as the man immediately regretted his words spoken in haste when he saw the dark looks that covered both men’s faces. He swallowed and then swallowed again.

  Parker turned from the useless bastard, his eyes closed against the sudden rush of rage, but he kept a lid on his temper. “Have other’s recently called asking after a girl and a baby?” He gritted out before turning back with a neutral look upon his face.

  Drummond was silent for a minute, then he said, “Actually, yes. Now that you mention it.” He seemed surprised that they would be asking. “About a week or so ago.”

  Once again Parker had to put a tight leash around his anger. He wanted to pound this obtuse, greedy man into the floor.

  Rockwell spied the look on Parker’s face. “What did they look like?”

  “One was tall, one was shorter.” Drummond frowned again. “I don’t remember much else.”

  Parker looked at the proprietor with hard eyes. “How much did they offer you to remain quiet?” he asked, his hands clenched in tight fists at his side.

  Parker watched as his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “My lord?” Beads of sweat popped out on his forehead.

  Parker gripped the man by the lapels and lifted him up on his toes and scowled. “I said how much did they pay you to keep quiet?” His voice froze him with its tone.

  Drummond shifted a little on his feet. “One hundred pounds…”his voice trailed off, his confidence waning as Parker’s scowl deepened.

  Rockwell let out a shrill whistle. “That is a lot of money, man.” He stood right behind Parker’s left shoulder. “The girl’s whereabouts must be rather important for some strange men to offer that much blunt.”

  “I’ll triple it, if you give me the information that I seek,” Parker said. “But I will make you remember this day forever if you lie to me again.”

  “Yes, my lord,” Drummond’s voice sounded thin to his own ears.

  Rockwell touched Parker’s arm.

  Parker set the man back on his feet and released his coat. “Bring us some ale and food.” He walked to the table and sat down watching as the man scrambled out of the room to complete his command.

  ***

  “When do you suppose the men will return?” Persephone asked. She couldn’t sit still a second longer. She missed him, craved him as much as her body craved food, but she was also worried. Would he find out anything significant?

  Piper’s eyebrows rose almost to her hairline. She glanced at her aunt with a smile as Persephone asked the question for the third time, pushing aside the curtain to peer out the window.

  “The sun is beginning to set.” Persephone pursed her lips, concentrating on the horizon in the distance. She chewed on her thumb nail worriedly. Parker and Rockwell had left that morning saying they had to take care of some business. She knew of what business they spoke. Bracknell. Would they find out anything of import? Could they find anything out? She didn’t see how it was possible. She had only been a passing stranger, nothing more.

  The past few years had disrupted her life—the untimely deaths of her parents, forced her on a different path. Instead of marriage, she had mourned. Instead of a new Season full of garden parties and moonlit balls, she had been held as a prisoner in her own home. Now she worried for Parker’s safety. Did he have any clue as to the men who searched for her? How dangerous they could be?

  “Rockwell advised me that they would return in time for dinner.” Piper cocked her head to the side. “Please be seated, Persephone.” Piper patted the place next to her on the settee. “You’re beginning to make me nervous.” She gave an amused chuckle.

  Disconcerted, Persephone returned to the settee and sat only to jump up a few minutes later at the sound of footsteps in the hall. Her heart leaping in her chest, thudding in excitement and fear at the same time.

  Parker and Rockwell strode into the room. Rockwell made his way immediately to Piper, leaning down to kiss her upturned cheek.

  Parker paused as he stepped into the room. “I trust you ladies had a pleasant day?” He asked everyone in the room, but his steady gaze made Persephone want to fidget. It took a great deal of control to keep herself still all the while her heart thudded in her chest.

  Piper spoke up first. “It was simply marvelous,” she gushed. “We did absolutely nothing, and enjoyed every minute of it.”

  “That is not so,” Adele countered. “We did manage to take a turn about the garden.”

  Piper grinned. “Of course, how forgetful I’ve become.”

  Parker tipped his head sideways. “Did
you have a pleasant day, Persephone?”

  Persephone paled as she locked eyes with him, clearing her throat in order to answer, “Yes, Parker.” She needed to know how much he knew. The unknown disturbed her; she turned her head to conceal the flush across her cheeks.

  “I am pleased to hear that.” His tone soothed as a warm smile transformed his features.

  She stared at him in fascination. She had missed his smile.

  He lowered his voice for her ears only and she realized she had spoken aloud and heat inflamed her already smoldering cheeks. “I missed your smile today, as well, Persephone.” She smiled, feeling the wonder of his words clear to her soul.

  Persephone jumped as a chuckle came from besides her knocking her out of her daze. She heard Rockwell mention washing off his dust before dinner.

  “I believe I will accompany you upstairs,” Parker added as he rose to his feet and headed out the door without a backwards glance. Persephone on the other hand couldn’t remove her gaze from him.

  ***

  Rockwell leaned back in his chair. “Please send my regards to Mrs. Harris, she has outdone herself tonight.”

  “I’m sure she will be pleased to have gained your approval once again Rock, and that you enjoyed the meal she prepared.” Parker stood. “I thought we could forgo brandy, and play some cards.” Parker’s brows rose over his blue eyes. “Will you join us, Aunt?”

  “I will be but a fifth wheel, Parker.” She smiled. “I believe I will retire and allow you young people to enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  “If you would prefer to play, Adele,” Persephone jumped in. “Please do. I can find something else to occupy my time.”

  Adele shook her head. “Thank you, but no, my dear.” They all stood and Parker walked from the end of the table to kiss his aunt on the cheek.

  “Sleep well, Aunt.”

  “I will say the same to you, Nephew.”

  Parker’s eyes narrowed, disturbed by the twinkle that flickered in his aunt’s eyes.