by Dawn Brower
Separated from My Love
Linked Across Time Book Seven
Dawn Brower
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Separated from My Love Copyright © 2017 Dawn Brower
Cover art and edits by Victoria Miller
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.
Created with Vellum
I know what you’re all thinking. Finally! It’s about damn time she wrote this book. Genevieve and Trenton had a long journey to find their way back to each other. When you’re reading this try not to be too hard on them—sometimes it’s hard to keep hope alive. So this book is for all of you. The readers who’ve stuck with me this long and have waited to read about these two lost souls.
Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Epilogue
Excerpt from Linked Across Time book 8
Prologue
About the Author
Books by Dawn Brower
Prologue
Genevieve Byrne stared out the window at Weston Manor. In the distance, she could make out the cliff’s edge. Something about the majestic rocks always drew her in. The stark ridge was like a flame that drove the moth in her to the precipice of disaster.
What a ridiculous analogy. It wasn’t as if she was going to jump off and plunge to her death…
She shook her head, pushing those ridiculous notions out and twisted away from the window. There were much more enjoyable things she could turn her attention to. It was the weekend of the annual charity ball at Seabrook Manor. Trenton had promised he’d take her and secured the invitations necessary to attend, but he still hadn’t returned from his trip to London. If he didn’t come back soon she’d either have to skip it or go on her own. The idea of showing up alone didn’t appeal to her. Maybe she could talk her cousin into going with her? Aubriella would appreciate a reason to escape for the weekend. She was deep in debt because of her stepmother and a few credits shy of her doctorate in history. Her cousin preferred burying her head in the past than dealing with the atrociousness of her present.
Genevieve bit her lip and picked up her mobile phone. What were the chances Aubriella could make it to Weston in time to go with her? She wasn’t even sure where her cousin was. Aubriella was always off researching some castle or falling down pieces of rock to finish her degree. It rang three times before her cousin’s voice filler Genevieve’s ears.
“Hello?”
“Brie,” she began, “Please tell me you’re close enough to Weston Manor to come for a visit. I need you.” Aubriella wasn’t just Genevieve’s cousin—she was her best friend. They had always been able to count on each other. No matter what was going on in their lives, they always dropped everything if the other needed support.
“Actually,” Aubriella said, “I’m heading in that direction. I’ve discovered some fascinating information regarding the history of that estate. I was hoping to talk the duke into letting me look through his family’s archives.”
What were the chances? “Let me guess,” Genevieve replied. “You’re hoping I’ll help you bend his arm.”
Genevieve didn’t want to discourage her cousin, but there wasn’t a chance in hell they’d be able to talk Bradford, the current Duke of Weston, into letting them dig through anything. There wasn’t a man more cynical than him—at least none Genevieve had met. He didn’t like anyone invading his space and hated people in general. He deigned to put up with Genevieve because of Trenton. Otherwise, she’d never have been allowed to enter his home. He was rude on a good day. Today was not one that he’d willingly put up with her cousin’s intrusion. When she’d accidentally hit him earlier, he’d exploded with rage. She had no idea what had pissed him off, but she didn’t want to make him angrier. A part of her hoped he left for the ball at Seabrook before Aubriella arrived. Then she could put off her cousin’s inquiry a little longer. She couldn’t very well rummage through the duke’s stuff while he wasn’t here to give his permission.
“Pretty please,” Aubriella begged.
“As much as I’d like to, it’s not a good idea. But I am glad you’re on your way. Perhaps we can do something. It is starting to look like Trenton won’t be returning from London today.”
Damn man. Why did she have to fall in love with a man obsessed with work more than anything in the world? He was trying to climb the ranks of his father’s company as if he had something to prove. Perhaps he did in some way. His father, Marshall Quinn, was a good man but quite obsessed with his wife, Catherine. Their marriage is what brought Trenton and Bradford together. They were stepbrothers who became friends not because, but despite their parents’ marriage. They had the neglected forgotten kid syndrome in common. Not an association that people generally wanted to have as a connecting factor between them.
None of that mattered though. Not when Trenton stood her up and forgot to let her know he was running late or not coming at all. He wasn’t someone she could depend on. Maybe one day he’d realize exhausting himself at his father’s company wouldn’t gain him a damn thing. Unfortunately, by the time he came to that conclusion it might be too late to change what was broken between them. It was perhaps time for her to let go and move on. Sometimes love wasn’t enough to see them through. She couldn’t make something work if the other person wasn’t helping as well. Aubriella on the other hand was her rock. The one person she could talk to about anything and everything.
“I’m sorry, Eve,” Aubriella said. “I hope for your sake he does.”
“It doesn’t matter,” she said. “It is what it is. When are you going to arrive?”
“I’m pulling up the long driveway now…”
Genevieve laughed. Of course she was. Aubriella had a one-track mind where her research was concerned. She didn’t even think twice about how she might not be welcomed. Perhaps she should ask her cousin exactly what she was researching. It wouldn’t hurt to at least feign some interest. “Then I’ll hang up and meet you at the front door.”
Genevieve didn’t wait for her cousin to reply. She hit the end button on her phone, slipped it into her pocket, and then headed to the front door. She passed the butler in the hall on her way and told him she’d let her cousin in. She didn’t want him to feel the brunt of Bradford’s displeasure. She stopped in front of the large mahogany door and swung it open as Aubriella was skipping up the front steps. Her rose-gold curls were bouncing over her shoulders with each step. She halted when she reached Genevieve and lifted her honey-colored eyes to meet her gaze. “I’m not going to apologize for presuming I’d be welcome. Even if his highness won’t allow me access to his family’s records, a visit with my favorite person in the world is enough to endure his wrath.”
Genevieve pulled her cousin into her arms, hugging her tight. “Don’t worry about Bradford. He won’t be a problem—at least not for long.”
Aubriella stepped out of her arms and asked, “How so?”
“Well…” Genevieve bit her lip. “That is part of the reason I was calling you. Trenton and I were supposed to go to this high soc
iety fundraiser. It is a once a year thing, and I’ve always wanted to go.” She looped her arm through Aubriella’s and led her inside shutting the door behind them. They headed to the nearest sitting room. “I hear that the man who throws the party is gorgeous too, though I’ve never met him,” she added the last part for her cousin’s benefit. Trenton was incredibly handsome, and she hadn’t even thought twice about looking at another man. “Do you want to go?” She gestured for Aubriella to head inside, then closed the door and followed behind her.
“I don’t know…” Aubriella frowned. “Wouldn’t we need to dress fancy or something? I’d rather not. It’s not my kind of thing.”
Of course it wasn’t. Genevieve should have realized it. They could still spend time together. It just wouldn’t be at one of the Marquess of Seabrook’s elegant events. At least the money they spent on tickets would go to a charity. All of the proceeds went to a good cause from the event. Genevieve liked that about him. She often wondered what he was like and hoped to meet him someday. He must be a wonderful man who thought well about the world in general. Making it a better place was a worthwhile endeavor. Maybe one day she’d get a chance to make her own mark. For now, she’d focus on her cousin and spending some quality time with her.
“That’s fine,” she said. “Bradford is going to it. Trenton is…”
The door opened and closed with a click. Genevieve turned and noticed the manor’s owner enter the room. He wasn’t going to be happy to find Aubriella making herself at home in his sitting room.
“Running late,” Bradford said. “He asked me to relay the message to you.” He nodded at them. “Sorry to interrupt. I didn’t realize you had company.”
“He called you?” And ignored me? How dare he! When he made it back to Weston Manor he’d realize what a colossal mistake that was. Her jaw clenched tightly, and she clutched her fists at her side. The need to hit something was growing as each moment passed. She pasted a smile on her face and forced herself to remain cordial as she asked, “Did he give you any indication how late he’d be?”
Bradford shook his head. “I don’t know. He left a voicemail. I didn’t actually speak to him. I’m sure he’ll make it up to you once he arrives.” Her fake grin wavered as he spoke. He looked at her and said reassuringly, “It’s all right to arrive late. Zane doesn’t stand on ceremony.”
That’s right. Bradford was good friends with the marquess. Most didn’t refer to the man by first name. Trenton usually called him Mr. Rossington. Lord Seabrook was too formal most of the time and Zane was too personal. Maybe one day she’d know where she fit into that mold. She might never have a chance to attend one of the events at Seabrook Manor again. The idea of going anywhere with Trent no longer appealed—even if he decided to show up in the next few moments. She was ready to depart Weston Manor and not look back. Bradford meant well, encouraging her even if it was out of character for him.
“Thanks,” Genevieve said. “But I’m no longer interested. If it’s all right with you, can Aubriella remain here with me for the night? I don’t plan on being here long, but it’s getting late to travel.”
“Stay as long as you like,” he said diplomatically. “You’re always welcome. Now I must depart or I’ll never make it on time.” He nodded to them and turned to leave. The door clicking shut to let them know he was gone.
“Care to tell me what he was really thinking?” Aubriella said. “His expression belied his offer of hospitality.”
Genevieve laughed lightly, “I try to refrain from listening to his thoughts. They can get rather dark. Besides I have other things on my mind—Trenton’s lack of attention of late.”
“I’m sorry,” Aubriella said. “Trenton does love you. He’s just… His priorities are skewed right now.” She pulled Genevieve’s arm and guided her to the settee. “Sit and tell me what is going on with you.”
Genevieve sat down but stopped listening to her cousin. Her heart was breaking into a million pieces. Trenton didn’t love her enough. Aubriella was right in her assessment, but wrong too. Trenton knew what his priorities were, and unfortunately she wasn’t even close to the top of that list. He called his stepbrother and let him know he was running late. But her? No, she didn’t even rate a text message. What did that say about her importance to Trenton? To think she thought Trenton was her one true love and they’d spend the rest of their lives together. How wrong could she possibly have been?
“Are you listening to me?” Aubriella snapped her fingers in front of Genevieve’s eyes. “Don’t go to whatever dark place is inside that head of yours. It’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be.”
Genevieve sighed heavily. “Take my mind off of it.”
“For what I have in mind we need alcohol. Wine isn’t strong enough. Bradford has to have brandy somewhere in this mausoleum.”
“He keeps the best stuff in his study,” she said. “Follow me.” Genevieve stood and headed out of the room. Aubriella was on her heels. They went down several hallways and turned as many times until they reached the duke’s study. She opened a cabinet and rolled out a minibar. It had more than brandy on it. Whatever poison a person chose to drink, Bradford had it in supply. “What will it be?” Genevieve raised a brow. “Brandy, rum, vodka, or tequila?”
“I say…” She leaned against her. “We try all of them.”
Genevieve stared at the decanters. “But which one should we start with.”
“Surprise me,” Aubriella suggested. “In the end, it won’t matter.”
Good point. So she grabbed one and poured them each a glass. The night was young and anything was possible. Though she was feeling mean enough to make sure she was drunk before the end of it.
Ignore her? Trenton would rue the day he ever did something so foolish. When she was good and ready, she’d make him feel the brunt of her wrath. In the meantime, she’d have a nice girl’s night with Aubriella and erase her pain with all of Bradford’s nice alcohol. He had said to make themselves at home…
Trenton pulled at his tie. The day hadn’t gone well at all. He still didn’t understand why he bothered. He hated business and especially the company his father had built. The old man didn’t ask much of him though. So when he’d approached him for help—he’d felt obligated. Someone had embezzled a lot of money from the company, and Trenton’s particular skill set was designed to ferret out the man. He had a head for numbers and cataloging unique information. If there was something out of place, he would be the first person to recognize it. That made him a good asset to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau. He took a sabbatical from the NFIB to help his father out and hopefully catch the culprit.
Most people didn’t realize what he did or how he played a part in catching criminals. Only his close family members were aware of it. He wanted to tell Genevieve, but he was sworn to secrecy for now. If they married, he could tell her, and it was something he hoped to one day do. He had planned on proposing before the mess with his father’s company arose. He hated disappointing her. She was the love of his life. Genevieve was his everything, and he wanted to make all of her dreams come true.
That was why he’d bought the tickets to the fundraiser at Seabrook Manor. He wanted to give her everything. She was special and should always feel that way. Unfortunately, he was making so many mistakes, and her smiles were showing up less frequently. He was a complete and total ass. Somehow, he’d have to find a way to make it up to her. In the end, they’d have it all. A lifetime of love and laughter—that is if they made it through their current bump in the road.
He’d driven like a mad man to get back to Weston Manor and take her to Seabrook. The closer he got to his stepbrother’s estate it became clear it wasn’t happening. Trenton prayed Genevieve would forgive him. She’d had a lot to forgive over the past year. He was close to finding out who was stealing from his father though. She had to be patient a little longer, and then he could tell her everything.
Trenton pulled into the driveway and parked his car. He slip
ped his hand into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulled out a velvet box. With a quick gesture, he flipped open the lid and stared down at the diamond solitaire ring nestled inside. Soon he’d get down on bended knee and ask her to be his forever. Sadly, that night wouldn’t be this one. He closed it and put it back into his pocket where he carried it around with him at all times. It was his way of making sure he had it with him if the opportunity finally presented itself.
Genevieve was going to be pissed off at him. This wasn’t the first time he bailed on plans they’d made. He kept waiting for her to leave him. As much as it would hurt if she did, he couldn’t blame her… It was time to face her and grovel at her feet. He pushed open the car door and headed inside. The sounds of female laughter greeted him once he walked in the house.
“Eve?” he called out.
More laughter echoed through the house. What was she doing? He moved down the hall until he was outside of Bradford’s study? Giggling filled the room, and it was then he realized Genevieve wasn’t alone. He pushed the door open and found Aubriella and Genevieve rolling on the floor. Two empty decanters lying next to them. They each had a half full one in their hands. How much had they had to drink? He prayed Bradford hadn’t kept all his alcohol fully stocked for once.
“Oh, look who finally decided to make an appearance,” Genevieve said. She blew out a breath and pushed her auburn locks away from her ice blue eyes. Her gaze seemed to look right through him. “My prince,” she declared and then lifted the bottle and saluted him. “This one’s for you.” She guzzled the amber liquid straight from the bottle.