Tempting Danger: Sinclair and Raven series

by Vella, Wendy

  “Very graceful.” Nicholas lowered himself and gripped the edge. “Move back, Alice.”

  “Be careful.”

  He let go and also landed with a thud, which jarred through his body.

  “Are you all right, Nicholas?”

  “Yes. Now you need to listen carefully, love, for those men.”

  She nodded.

  Nicholas went first, with Alice at his back, taking the stairs as fast as he could but ensuring she stayed with him. Reaching the bottom he waited, looking at her.

  She shook her head.

  Taking her hand, he headed for the bank.

  “I can hear them, Nicholas, they are heading this way.”

  “How close?”

  “I don’t know?”

  “Why don’t you know? You can hear someone speaking several streets away.”

  He waved her to a crouch as they reached the water and started along to where the boats were.

  “It’s you. Remember I told you what happens sometimes when you are near?”

  “Right, strangely that knowledge is not endearing now,” he said, pulling her in front of him. If they were shooting, a bullet would hit him first.

  “Are they close?”

  “I think so.”

  He saw the boats then. “Run, Alice.” She did, picking up her skirts and sprinting for all she was worth.

  She scrambled into the first boat. Nicholas released the moorings of the other two and pushed them out into the river.

  “That’s very clever, I didn’t think of that.”

  “Yes, I spent years at Eton for just such a moment.”

  “Sarcasm is not becoming.”

  “Get in the bow, Alice.”

  “Where is that?” She looked left and right.

  “The front.”

  She scrambled there. Nicholas sat in the middle and picked up the oars.

  “Hurry!”

  He pushed off and started rowing as the men crested the bank. “Duck, Alice!” Nicholas saw a gun. Instead, she removed her knife again and stood.

  “Sit, you bloody fool!”

  But she didn’t, instead drawing back her arm. She then threw the knife. Nicholas watched as it flew through the air and embedded itself in the arm of the man aiming his gun at them. He screamed and dropped to his knees.

  “God’s blood, Alice Sinclair, you are a woman of surprises. Did your brother teach you that?”

  Now they were far enough away that without a shotgun they would not be reached, he felt marginally calmer. The men, however, were running along the bank, following their boat’s progress.

  “Wolf taught Kate and me to defend ourselves.”

  “At least I know you will protect me.”

  “Nicholas, I need to tell you something else.” She dropped down into the front of the boat once more.

  “Right now?”

  “Yes.”

  “The same something you tried to tell me before? The conversation started with ‘I doubted you,’ I believe?”

  The men were still running beside them, and Nicholas knew that at the first opportunity they would either fire at them or get in any vessel that could put them on the water. He had to get them to the opposite side, and fast.

  “Tonight, when we went to your house when I knew something was wrong, Hopkins told me you had gone to a gambling hell, and I was angry.”

  She looked close to tears. After what she’d just been through, it was this that was breaking her.

  “Because you believed I’d lied to you?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry, at first I was not thinking rationally.”

  “But then you realized I hadn’t lied, presumably, as you are here with me now?”

  “I was lying on my bed thinking of you when I remembered something you said to me.”

  “What?”

  “Two somethings, actually. First, you said the only reason you would ever gamble again would be if you had no other choice but to do so. Second, you said I told you in a vision you would soon be asked to do something that goes against the man you have become.”

  “I remember.”

  “I’m sorry for doubting you, Nicholas.”

  “It is all right to doubt me occasionally, Alice, as long as you don’t make a habit of it.”

  They reached a bridge, and he watched the men run over it.

  “Nicholas!”

  “I see.” He tried to stop the boat and head for the bank, but the current was swift.

  “It’s all right now, Nicholas, they are here,” Alice said with a wide smile.

  “Who?”

  “Our family.”

  And suddenly there they were. Running across the bridge from the opposite side. Wolf was in the lead, with Dev on his heels. James came next with Cam and Max. The men took one look at the approaching storm and fled.

  Wolf leaned over the side and shook a fist down at her.

  “You, Alice Sinclair, are in so much trouble!”

  “Oh dear.”

  “Don’t threaten the woman I love!” Nicholas roared back. Alice’s mouth dropped open as she looked at him.

  “I do love you.”

  “I know that, but you’ve told all of them.” She pointed at their family, who were smiling down at them... all except Wolf, who was scowling.

  “They already know, love. There are not many secrets in our family.”

  Alice laughed, and it was such a wonderful sound Nicholas found himself joining in.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Alice sat in her brother’s office, across his desk from him.

  “To have left the house like that, Alice. What were you thinking? It was reckless and foolhardy!”

  It was the fifth morning after her dash out of the house in the middle of the night to find and rescue Nicholas.

  This lecture had been going for twenty minutes so far, and she had already been the recipient of many others. Wolf just found new and inventive ways to say the same thing each time. Alice sat quietly and appeared to be listening, when in fact her mind was wandering... more accurately, it was focused on Nicholas.

  Where was he? When was he coming to see her?

  “To wake in fear like I did that night... I tell you, sister, it is not a feeling I would ever wish to recreate.”

  “Why did you not tell me you were badly wounded in the war, Wolf?”

  “Pardon?” He looked confused.

  “Dorrie, Somer, and Warwick told me they cared for you, Wolf. Why did you not tell me... us how you were suffering?”

  “You could do nothing for me, Alice.”

  “I would have found a way to come to you. To know that you were without us... it hurts deep inside, Wolf.”

  “Alice.” He gripped her hand. “You could do nothing for me.”

  “I could have been there for you.”

  “I know, but I did not know how to tell you, and then it just seemed better that I didn’t, as I knew you would worry.”

  “Oh, Wolf.” Alice felt the sting of tears.

  “I’m all right now, and I’m sorry you had to find out.”

  “Don’t apologize. We knew, you know, Kate and I. Felt your pain, but were helpless to do anything, as Mother would not travel. She said your letters stated you were all right.”

  “I never thought of that, you being able to feel my pain.” She gripped his hand hard. “But I’m still bloody angry with you.”

  The door opened then, and in walked Nicholas. Her heart leapt at the sight of him.

  “I hope you’re not haranguing my fiancée?”

  “She deserves to be harangued, and you have not asked me for her hand.”

  “Why is she crying?” Nicholas glared at Wolf.

  “Happy tears,” Alice managed to get out.

  “She is reckless, and I have been telling her so.”

  “For five days,” Alice added.

  “If you listened, I would not need to.”

  “Reckless, yes, but also brave and fearless,” Nicholas said, looking o
nly at Alice. “I want to marry her.”

  “Very well, I agree, and now I’m leaving, as this is making me nauseous. Please excuse me.”

  She heard the door close behind Wolf.

  “Alice.” He said her name as he lifted her into his arms and simply held her. “I’ve missed you.”

  “Where have you been?”

  “There was much to deal with. It took me from London briefly. But now I am back and won’t be leaving you again.”

  “I would like that.”

  “We are to go to James’s house shortly, it is Eden’s birthday.”

  “So I gather with large families, someone is always having a birthday.” He kissed her softly.

  “Tell me that Captain Young has been found, Nicholas. Wolf would say nothing on the matter, only that you would call to see me when you were able.”

  “Both Young and Braeburn have been captured by the authorities trying to flee England.”

  “But what of the children, Nicholas? What is to be done about them?”

  “I was given a ledger with records of the babies they have taken. There are many. I have handed it over to someone who will do the right thing with the information. But right now, will you come for a drive with me?”

  “Of course.”

  Alice ran to her room and tied on a bonnet, then collected her gloves. He was not in the foyer when she reached it. She went outside to see if he was beside the carriage.

  “Come into the carriage, Alice.”

  She heard his voice and stepped up and into the carriage. In his arms were two babies.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “That one is Jane Budd’s son, and the other is Meggie Todd’s.” He indicated each by nodding at them.

  Alice stood and looked at the screwed-up little faces on the infants. Then could do nothing to stop the tears.

  “Y-you are a good man.”

  “You make me want to be a good man, my love. But please don’t cry when I cannot hold you as my arms are full.”

  She reached for Meggie’s son and took him, gently settling him into her arms. She took the seat next to him.

  “I collected them from the homes they’d been placed in. The people who had paid for the infants did not fight me when I told them of the incriminating information I had against them. James and Cam came with me.”

  “I hope the others find their way home also.”

  “As do I, my love, as do I.”

  The babies slept as the carriage rolled through London, and Alice rested against Nicholas, content for now to be close. They arrived at Meggie’s house first.

  The door opened after the second knock.

  “Meggie,” Alice said, holding out the babe. “This is your son. We have brought him home to you.”

  The woman burst into loud sobs and took the babe, thanking them profusely through her tears. Nicholas said he would return tomorrow and explain the circumstances. For now, she needed time to be with her son.

  They reached Jane Budd’s house a few minutes later, after a short carriage ride. This time it was Nicholas who knocked on the door. Alice stood back and watched.

  “I have your son, Jane,” he said when she opened the door.

  “Can it be true?”

  “Here, take him into your arms.” Nicholas handed over the babe. “There will be time for questions tomorrow.” He took Alice’s hand. “Good day.”

  “At least we have seen two home to their families.”

  Nicholas pulled her onto his lap for the drive to James’s house. He kissed her thoroughly.

  “I want to marry you now.”

  “I feel the same way, but will you mind waiting for a few weeks? Mother has always wished for a Christmas wedding.”

  “If we must. James said to me today that he would like us to wed at Raven Castle. How do you feel about that?”

  “I like the idea very much.”

  She rested against him, and there was no place she would rather be than in his arms.

  “Nicholas, you must know that now you are redeemed.”

  He knew what she meant, but as he was busy kissing her neck, he did not answer immediately.

  “Nicholas.” She tugged his hair.

  “Ouch.”

  She cupped his face, holding his eyes.

  “Tell me you know my words for the truth? Tell me that your demons are gone and you see the man I do?”

  “I’m not sure my demons will ever truly be exorcised, Alice. But I do feel freer. It is not only what we have done that has redeemed me. It is your love also.”

  “I have always known you are the very best of men.”

  “Now that’s not entirely true.”

  “Perhaps not entirely.” Alice smiled. “I shall say then, that now I believe you are the very best of men.”

  “And you are the very best of women… if a little headstrong at times.”

  The family had all gathered in James’s study, as they often did. After giving Eden her birthday present, a pair of fine lace gloves from Alice and toffee from Nicholas, all wanted to hear the full details of what had happened since they had last seen him.

  They were welcomed with hugs and kisses. Nicholas left Alice briefly to look at James’s books. He found the one he wanted by the gold lettering on the spine.

  “Nicholas! What are you doing with that book?” Eden looked in a panic as he approached.

  “I thought it may come in useful for Alice. Housekeeping for Those in Need,” he read the spine.

  “Dear lord, he’s opening it.” This came from Lilly.

  “We are doomed.” Emily sighed.

  Rose giggled.

  Essex made a lunge for the book, but he simply lifted it out of her reach.

  “What is going on?” James was looking confused as were the rest of the men in the room. Alice was looking anywhere but at the women in her family.

  “Oh simply tell them, it is done now,” Eden said, folding her arms.

  Opening the book, he cleared his throat.

  “Entry by the Duchess of Raven. Nicholas will marry Miss Gillett by season’s end. I bet a new bonnet on the outcome.”

  “What?” James looked stunned. “That woman with the high-pitched laugh? Good God, what has he done to deserve such a fate?”

  “Entry by Emily Sinclair. Nicholas will marry Miss Hannah by season’s end. I bet a pair of silk stockings.”

  Cam crowed with laughter; in fact, he was soon laughing so hard he was crying.

  Nicholas continued to read the names. Rose was next, then Kate.

  “Entry by Alice Sinclair. Nicholas will marry Miss Krimpton by season’s end. I bet a pair of gloves.” He lowered the book and glared at her. “Miss Krimpton. I had no idea you could be so nasty. The woman would be like condemning me to purgatory.”

  “I didn’t like you then.” She looked smug.

  “I cannot believe you lot had a betting book right here in my study.” James was now looking proud. “The women in this family really are remarkable.”

  “The last entry is from my sister but dated four days after the others.”

  “You added yours later?” Eden did not look happy. “Surely that is cheating?”

  “I don’t see how it can be when at that stage he had not declared his love for anyone,” Dev said, coming to his wife’s defense. Lilly said nothing but looked quite happy with herself.

  “Entry by Lady Sinclair. Nicholas will marry Miss Alice Sinclair by season’s end. I bet her wedding gown.”

  He handed the book to Max, who along with the other males in the room huddled over it.

  “How did you know?” He went to his sister.

  “You were different from the start with her. I saw it in both of you.”

  Alice moved to his side, slipping her hand in his.

  “I knew you would love each other.”

  They spent the day with family, celebrating Eden’s birthday and the love they now felt for each other.

  In the early hours of the morni
ng, Nicholas found Alice waiting for him in the gazebo, his own garden nymph. His love, his life.

  She flew into his arms, and there in the moonlight he made sweet love to her, knowing that when the sun rose, she would have his heart as he had hers, and theirs would be a bright future filled with everything he’d never believed he’d have.

  “I love you, Nicholas.” She arched into him as he entered her body.

  “And I you.”

  After that, no more words were needed. He was finally complete.

  * * *

  Thank you for reading TEMPTING DANGER! I hope you enjoyed Alice and Nicholas’ story. Book 7 in the Sinclair and Raven series SEDUCTIVE DANGER is available for preorder now!

  Rory Huntington has vowed to live his life relying on no one, but when he's betrayed and left for dead, a determined raven-haired beauty rescues him, and he must put his trust in her to keep him safe.

  Kate Sinclair leads him back to his estranged brother and a family he wants nothing to do with. He's drawn into the yuletide festivities against his will and soon captivated by everything about her.

  Rory desires Kate more than any woman he's ever met, yet he cannot pay the price she asks, forgiveness of the past and reuniting with his family.

  SEDUCTIVE DANGER -preorder now!

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  Have you read the first book in my Langley Sisters Series, LADY IN DISGUISE?

  “I enjoyed this book so much I kept reading rather than sleeping!”

  -Amazon revewier

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  To save her family from ruin, Miss Olivia Langley is forced into a dangerous charade – pulling on a disguise, she takes to the road as a highwayman. Disaster strikes when she robs the one man she had hoped never to see again. Five years ago Lord William Ryder broke Livvy's heart. Now he has returned, and she fears that if anyone can succeed at unmasking her deepest secrets, it will be him.