Garden of Shadows (Dark Gardens Series Book 1)

by Meara Platt

  “They come and go,” she admitted.

  “Since when?”

  “They’ve really been bothering me these past two days.”

  He let out a deep breath. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

  “I don’t know. I wanted to, but…”

  “That explains the odd glow in your eyes tonight.” He let out a grunt of disgust, then looked upward and inhaled. “I can smell honeysuckle in the air. Tell me what happened.”

  “I’m not sure.” She wanted to confide in him, but King Cadeyrn’s warning still rattled in her brain. Lord Eastbourne would abandon her. He held secrets. Fear stilled her tongue.

  He let out a soft growl. “Damn it, Julia. I can’t protect you if you hide the truth from me.”

  “As you hid the truth from me?” she shot back.

  “I’m not proud of luring you to London under false pretenses, but I did it to protect Charlie. I was wrong. I admitted it.” He grabbed her arm and held it out before her. “But you have to start trusting me or you’ll… damn, I don’t know what will happen to you, but look at your arms. The webs are growing darker.”

  A sob tore from her lips. “I know.”

  “Trust me, Julia. Please.”

  “I can’t. You’re going to abandon me. King Cadeyrn told me so.”

  He said nothing for a long moment, then eased his grasp and drew her into his arms so that she nestled her head against his chest and felt his strength and vitality against her cold, dying body. “I won’t. I promise you.”

  She gazed up at him, wanting to trust him, yet afraid. “How can I be sure? Do you have secrets that you’re holding back from me?”

  He nodded. “I had no intention of keeping them from you once I learned the truth in London. I tried to tell you earlier, but you were too tired to listen. It isn’t your fault, of course.”

  “Will you tell me now?”

  He hesitated. “Not now. You’re too distraught. Get some rest and we’ll speak tomorrow, by the warm light of day.”

  “Promise?”

  He nodded again.

  “I’ll hold you to your word.”

  “I’ll keep it.”

  “I hope so,” she whispered.

  “I will. Trust me.” He stroked her hair and held her body close against his, holding her in his lap until her heart calmed. “I can’t leave you alone now, not after what’s happened. Julia, will you let me stay with you?”

  She was in desperate need of his touch, for she was slipping into a terrifying darkness, and only he, a man she’d known merely a few weeks, a man who had wanted to steal Charlie from her, had the power to save her. His question resounded in her heart, will you let me stay with you, but she needed something more tonight or she would lose herself to the faerie realm forever. “Yes, I want you stay. I need you to hold me. I need you to… how pathetic I must sound.”

  “No, sweetheart. Not at all.”

  He sounded sincere, felt strong and protective. But he held secrets and would abandon her. It made no logical sense that he could save her. Yet, nothing in the past few weeks had been logical, not even the profound effect he had on her heart.

  There was a connection between them, a bond that held them together, if only for a short while. He was the only bond she had to the mortal world. Without him, she would have crossed over into the Fae realm and Charlie would have followed soon after. Perhaps, she and Charlie were already lost, for they were able to see the faerie king and his courtiers. Perhaps nothing could save them now, but she had to try or they’d be lost forever.

  “Douglas,” she whispered, knowing the intimate use of his name would please him, “I have a request of you.”

  He seemed surprised, but pleased. “Anything. You have only to ask.”

  She closed her eyes and reached up to kiss him lightly on the lips. “No halfway measures this time.”

  When she opened them, he was gazing at her intently, his eyes dark and turbulent. “Are you certain, Julia?”

  She reached up again, but he held her back with a gentle grip of her shoulders. “Once we do this, there’s no fixing it, if you have regrets.”

  “Yes, I want this. I don’t know how else to be rid of these faerie shackles. Even now, I feel their tug in the very depths of my soul. I give you permission to do whatever you must. I’ve made my choice.” I choose you. “I want to live in this mortal world with all its risks and heartbreak.” She splayed her hands across his chest and felt his muscles ripple beneath her palms. “Show me what I must do.”

  He let out a short, aching breath, then tipped her chin upward and closed his mouth over hers, his kiss hungry, demanding, and at the same time protectively reassuring. The next kiss was more urgent, more consuming. And the next, as soft as a velvet caress, designed to tame her as well as her fears. It was as though Lord Eastbourne spoke to her with each kiss. Trust me, I’m your anchor, your safe harbor, I’ll protect you, his lips conveyed.

  He slid his hand beneath her shift.

  She closed her eyes and savored the vibrant tingles of heat that rushed through her body, knowing only he had the ability to stir her passion, make her feel exquisitely hot and alive. He nudged the delicate fabric over her breasts, lingering to caress their tender tips before slipping the shift over her head, heedless as it fluttered to the floor.

  A cool rush of air washed over Julia.

  She stood naked before him.

  She opened her eyes and smiled.

  “Julia,” he murmured, his gaze burning along the length of her body, “you’re so beautiful.”

  “So are you, my lord.”

  “Douglas,” he said softly. “My name is Douglas. Remember.”

  He lifted her into his arms and carried her to bed, setting her down on its soft, feather mattress before turning away to strip off his boots and trousers. She watched his lean, graceful movements and held her breath as the mattress tipped beneath his weight when he returned to her side and stretched out naked beside her. He nudged her onto her back and settled atop her, propping onto his elbows to gaze at her.

  “Douglas,” she repeated in a breathy whisper.

  His hard member throbbed against her thigh.

  Curious, she rubbed against it.

  He let out a pained laugh. “Sweetheart, don’t.”

  But his obvious pleasure seemed at odds with his taut, tense body.

  That she had the power to affect him, surprised her.

  He’d aroused sensations within her from the first. That she possessed the power to do the same to him opened up a world of delightful possibilities.

  “You’re studying me like a school book, Julia.” He let out a soft, sensual growl that sent more heat coursing through her body. Still eyeing her tenderly, he wrapped his fingers in her hair and lowered his head for another deep kiss, more intense and probing than any of those earlier kisses. Then in one smooth motion, he slid his hands down her body to her waist and rolled her atop him, never breaking the kiss.

  She let out a soft moan.

  When the kiss ended, he melted her heart with a lopsided smile that promised delight beyond her imagination. Then his smile faded and he rolled her back under him. He lowered his mouth to her breast and began a slow, sensual onslaught with his tongue that sent jolts of pleasure through her body. Her skin tingled and her heart pounded to a rampant beat. She felt boneless, lighter than air.

  She gave in to the hot sensations, arching into him as he suckled one nipple then the other until their tips were hard and budded. Her blood was a pulsing, pounding stream of molten lava.

  Her curls cascaded in waves across the pillows and over her shoulders. “Julia, the things you make me feel. I want you. I never want to let you go.” Another soft growl tore from his lips.

  An urgent moan tore from her own lips.

  He ran his hand along one breast, circling the tip with his thumb while his mouth closed over the other. Then his hand moved between her thighs, his intimate touch igniting bursts of pleasure, hot bursts
as intense as fireworks exploding across the night sky.

  “Sweetheart,” he whispered, settling between her thighs. He nudged them apart and waited a heartbeat, as though expecting her to call an end to the madness. But she’d made her choice and had no regrets.

  Nothing less than their union would destroy King Cadeyrn’s deadly grip on her soul.

  Lord Eastbourne knew it as well, for she could see by his thoughtful expression that taking her maidenhead was no light matter for him. “Douglas, I give my heart to you freely.” She meant it, somehow realizing amid the exquisite heat of his kisses that she had to be true to her feelings, that she had to be honest and not hold back, no matter the consequences. She had to trust him as completely as her heart and body trusted him, but could she do it? He’d told her that he had secrets to share.

  His eyes grew darker, more turbulent, and she felt his tension as he lowered his head and kissed her roughly on the lips, a possessive kiss filled with unsatisfied hunger and yearning. A perfect kiss, for this one was longer, deeper, and had a harder edge than his first kisses. Those were exciting but controlled. This one was wilder and better, for it revealed his own untamed desire. “Do you trust me, sweetheart?”

  “I think you’re wonderful.” She cast him a hesitant smile, for she’d given him her heart but not her trust and he knew it. She saw the flash of disappointment in his eyes. Would he accept what she was willing to offer? Was it enough for now?

  “So are you,” he said as though they were truly lovers or were truly in love.

  Then he was inside her.

  She closed her eyes once more and made believe he loved her.

  *

  For Douglas, Julia’s smile meant everything to him.

  That she was hot and ready for him, willing to give her heart to him, changed something deep inside. She didn’t trust him. He hadn’t earned that yet, but had only himself to blame.

  Still, she had surrendered her heart and that was something to be treasured. But in surrendering, she was also saving him. Julia brought magic into his cold life; a real, earthly magic, a joy that he’d never known existed until he’d met her.

  She didn’t quite trust him, he understood that. But she had faith in him and it was enough for now. Later, once all secrets were revealed, he’d ask for more. He wouldn’t command it, but hoped that she would believe in him in due time.

  He began to move inside her, slow, deliberate thrusts at first, until he felt her body respond and eagerly arch to match his thrusts, to accept him, to move as one with him. Her passion, so innocent and genuine, heightened his own. He fought against his devouring need to claim her, but the siren song of her silky skin and lightly swollen lips beckoned him and he was helpless to resist. He needed to conquer her, body and soul.

  He lowered his hands to her hips in order to guide his thrusts, deepen the connection between them. He lowered his mouth to hers to taste her rapture, to feel the curve of her smile against his lips. She tasted as sweet as an apple plucked at its peak and bursting with the sweet, quivering juices of temptation.

  Lord!

  Her soft, passionate cries threatened to send him over the edge.

  He held on, sweat beading across his brow, for he refused to lose control before she experienced the slow build of her own pleasure, and when it came with exquisite force, he took her joyful cries into his mouth, and plunged again and again into her liquid warmth, gently, deliberately, losing himself in the beauty of her body and guiding her to its soaring release.

  As he conquered her body, she conquered his. They peaked together, the moment coming with euphoric force as wave after wave of intense pleasure washed over him. He was caught in a riptide of sensations and Julia’s lovely, expressive face mirrored his own sensual delight.

  Those waves that sent him soaring, reeling and bucking to his own explosive crest that held for a blessed eternity, also had her caught up in its exquisite force. He reveled in watching her absorb each roll and swell, her lips moist and parted and her eyes aglow. Her body was damp as she arched toward him so that the taut tips of her breasts grazed his chest with each ragged breath she took.

  She wasn’t the first woman he’d pleasured. But somewhere deep within his heart, he knew this was different.

  “Douglas,” Julia whispered, tipping her chin up to meet his gaze and casting him a smile of breathless wonder.

  He was still hot and panting, barely calmed down after his release. Yet she was so incredibly enticing that he was ready for another go even though he didn’t think it was physically possible.

  She cast him another soft smile. “What are you thinking?”

  He rolled her atop him and held her close, her glorious, round breasts flattened against his chest so that their hearts beat in thunderous harmony as they lay entwined in each other’s arms. He studied her slightly too-broad mouth and ran his thumb gently across her kiss-swollen lips. “I’m thinking,” he said, smoothing a golden curl off her brow, “that we just experienced something quite spectacular.”

  He ran his hands up and down the sleek curves of her body. Her skin was warm and pink and there was a violet twinkle in her eyes. “I thought it was splendid.”

  “It will always be so between us.” And with that statement, he realized that one night with Julia would never be enough for him. “Let me see your arms, sweetheart.”

  She held them out for his inspection.

  He stroked along their creamy smoothness and smiled. “They’re completely gone.”

  “For how long, I wonder.”

  He rolled her back under him, his body hot and ready as he planted a searing kiss on her lips. “For always. Forever.”

  Chapter 17

  Douglas knew he had to leave Julia’s chamber before cock’s crow or risk damage to her reputation. He slipped his arm out from under her body and paused a moment to watch her sleep. Soft, gold curls cascaded down her back and over her slender shoulders. Wilder curls settled over her breasts, partially covering the rosy nipples.

  He watched, fascinated by the gentle rise and fall of her breaths.

  Her hand, which had been resting on his chest until moments ago, now lay loosely fisted on the pillow. He placed his hand over hers.

  Still warm.

  He lifted the covers to study her arms and long, sleek legs.

  No blue webs.

  He let out the breath he’d been holding and eased off the bed, amazed by how difficult it was for him to leave Julia’s side. The physical act of pulling away was nothing, but their coupling had been more than a mere physical expression. There was an even stronger bond between them now, as palpable as a string connecting not only their bodies, but their hearts.

  He tried to dismiss the tug at his heart as nothing more than concern over bedding a virgin, for Julia had been that until last night. All his life, he’d maintained a strict rule against bedding such women.

  He’d shattered that rule last night.

  What would she expect of him now?

  What was he willing to give? Would anything less than his whole heart be enough to keep her in the mortal realm?

  How do I save you, Julia?

  He returned his gaze to her sleeping form, to her long, dark eyelashes resting on soft, pink cheeks, and to her even softer, slightly parted lips.

  Lord, she was lovely.

  He donned his pants, but carried his boots for fear he would be heard returning to his quarters. Unfortunately, Homer emerged from Charlie’s room at the same moment Douglas closed Julia’s door and prepared to steal quietly down the hall. “My lord? What were ye doin’ in there?” he asked, his confusion turning to quiet rage as he arrived at the obvious conclusion.

  “It isn’t what you think,” Douglas muttered, silently cursing his bad timing. The Bow Street runner was not only wise to the ways of the world, but quite protective of Julia. “I’ll explain later.”

  Homer frowned and formed a fist. “I’d rather hear yer reason now.”

  “Understandable, but
I haven’t quite puzzled it out yet. You’ll have to trust me, Mr. Barrow.” He ran a hand through his hair. “Can you do that?”

  The old man studied him a long moment, then cast him a reluctant nod. “Aye, m’lord. I suppose.”

  Douglas let out the breath he’d been holding. “Good. Now tell me, how’s Charlie?”

  “Sleeping as peacefully as an angel.”

  Douglas entered the boy’s room, lifted the covers and inspected his bony, little arms and legs.

  Not a trace of blue faerie webs.

  “Anything wrong, m’lord?” Homer whispered.

  “Thankfully, no.” He left for his own room, his stern glance warning Homer that he was not to follow or ask further questions.

  Rather than steal an hour’s sleep, Douglas washed and dressed, then went downstairs to order the coach readied. He ordered a maid to assist Julia, for he wished to leave The Stag and Princess soon after daybreak.

  Julia joined him downstairs shortly afterward, seeming in better spirits but still fragile, as though the slightest misstep would shatter her composure. Douglas wished he could reassure her. But in saving her from the faerie king, he may have placed her in greater peril, for there were consequences to what they’d done.

  By Julia’s sidelong glances, he knew she was worried as well.

  Homer and Charlie soon joined them and all four climbed into the coach.

  “All will be well, Julia,” Douglas whispered as he settled beside her, glad for the close quarters. He sensed she needed his physical touch, the constant contact occasioned by the bumpy ride. And both preferred not to look at each other for they needed time to think about what had happened last night and how it would change their lives.

  Charlie, obviously unaware of their turmoil, chattered excitedly throughout the ride. He asked questions about the Eastbourne estate that were easily answered, providing Douglas needed distraction from the harder questions he and Julia would soon have to address.

  What if she now carried his child? It was possible, for he had fully embedded himself inside her, thrusting and grunting like a mindless boar as he spilled his seed into her womb not once, but twice. When he was done with the traditional manner of making love, he’d taken her in other ways. His hands and lips explored and tasted so that every one of his senses connected to her and he knew the salt and peaches taste of her skin, the sweet fragrance of her afterglow, the delicate beauty of her long legs and slender arms entwined around his body like a bower of roses clinging to a hard oak.