by Dawn Brower
The Stallion and Snapdragon had a convenient location for a lot of his business, and he came to it more often than he liked to admit. The staff was accustomed to his peculiarities, and in a strange way it was comforting. He didn’t have to explain anything to them because they already knew. Of course, on some levels, it wasn’t good for anyone to have that much information on him. If they’d still been at war, he’d have been more careful. He didn’t work in the war office anymore though. He did more domestic things these days. The home office sent him on other excursions to investigate. He had contacts all over the place, and the higher ups didn’t have issues with utilizing them.
The mess growing in this part of the country didn’t bother Brandon. Surely the gathering of the working class wouldn’t result in anything disastrous. That was a concern for another day; he had something more important on his mind, or rather, someone. He shook his head and returned his attention to the bartender. Generally, when he was at the inn, he didn’t imbibe much, but his circumstances were rather different now.
“A brandy,” he said. “Make it a double.”
The bartender nodded and poured the amber liquid into a glass then handed it to him. Brandon downed it in one gulp and set it down motioning for the bartender to fill it again. He lifted a brow and did as Brandon asked.
“Having that good of a day?” A man sitting next to him asked. He had a slight Scottish brogue that inflected in his words.
Brandon turned to look at the man in question. He had long inky black hair, tied back with a leather band. His eyes were a dark brown that bordered on black. He’d never seen the man before in his life. That didn’t mean the man didn’t realize who Brandon was. Some men tried to find a way into his inner circle. This man could be a gentleman who aimed to become acquainted with a higher circle than he currently traveled in. He couldn’t be certain until he conversed with him a bit. The truth was he could use someone to talk to. He had no idea how to handle a woman like Serenity. Oh, he understood how to make love to her and make her his in that regard. But outside of a bedroom—he was at a loss.
“I’ve had better,” Brandon replied and motioned toward the man’s tankard of ale. “No strong stuff for you?”
“Can’t abide brandy,” he replied. “Ale is a better drink, but if I have to drink something harder, its whiskey for me. My lands border Scotland and its easier to come by.” He shrugged. “Besides, I prefer a clear head, and it takes longer to imbibe a whole tankard.” He gestured toward Brandon’s empty glass. “You keep swallowing your drink that fast someone will be carrying you out of here.”
Sensible. Brandon liked him already. “That’s the truth,” he agreed. “I needed it though. After this one, I’m calling it a night.”
“Female problems?” the man asked.
Brandon groaned. “The only kind that will drive a man to drink—well, debt might, but I don’t have problems of that nature.”
The man nodded. “I have one of those too.” He frowned and then said, “Female that is. She appeared out of nowhere and has been an albatross around my neck ever since. She’s clueless and needy.”
Brandon barked out a laugh. Serenity wasn’t like that. Sometimes he wished she was. It would be much easier for him to handle. “She can’t be all that bad.”
“Trust me, she is,” he replied. “If I could find a family member of hers, I’d pass her off. But she claims she’s an orphan and has nowhere to go.”
Brandon frowned. “That’s rather sad. At least you’re not throwing her out to the wolves. A female needs protection.”
“Aye,” he agreed. “She’s lucky my mother raised me to be a gentleman.” He glanced across the room and frowned, then turned back to Brandon, “I’m the Earl of Thornbury, but you may call me Killian.”
“Duke of Branterberry,” Brandon said. He considered not giving him leave to use his first name, but he had a feeling they’d be friends before the night was done. “Brandon, if we’re going to use our given names.”
Killian smiled. “You sure?” He lifted a brow. “I can ‘Your Grace’ you ’til you’re blue in the face if you like.”
“I’d rather you didn’t,” Brandon replied. “I have enough of that from the servants.”
There were a lot of benefits to being a duke, but sometimes he wished he could disappear. He woke up every day and did his duty. There was a certain freedom in knowing what he stood for and how he would go about his day. Some people weren’t that fortunate, even a few in his own class. Having a purpose gave him a reason to keep moving forward.
Killian chuckled. “It’s a hard life,” he said lightly. “But someone has to live it. Tell me about your lady troubles.”
He opened his mouth to tell him about Serenity, but found it difficult to come up with the right words to describe her. There were none appropriate enough to bring life to all that she was. “I’m not sure they’re problems or not,” he finally said. “It may be that I’m making it more difficult than I should.”
“Your Grace,” Killian said. “I believe the problem is that she has you under her spell. If you give me a wee bit more detail, perhaps I might be able to assist you in breaking it.”
Did he want to? He rather liked Serenity and wanted to explore what drew them together. Instead of telling his new friend that, he said, “She has dark red hair and eyes bluer than the sea.” He sighed. “I’m afraid spending the rest of my life with her will be a trial I may not survive.” Brandon was resigned to his fate. Serenity would be his wife in truth once they were done with their current escapade. He was certain she’d lead him on a merry chase forever, and he rather liked the idea of it.
“A wife has that effect on a man,” he said gravely. Killian frowned and then took a drink of his ale. His dark eyes narrowed as he stared across the room. “Is she, perhaps, the woman talking to my nuisance?”
Brandon turned and looked for Serenity across the room. She was in an animated conversation with a woman. The other lady had rose-gold hair that fell in waves down her back. Serenity had her arms folded across her chest and her lips were pursed in displeasure. “She has a dark green traveling dress on,” Brandon said gesturing toward her. “And if your lady is the one with a light blue dress waving at her like a mad woman, then I’d say yes.”
The two women appeared to be arguing about something. He could be wrong, but they seemed awfully familiar with each other. As far as he was aware, Serenity wasn’t acquainted with anyone other than him. Her family was in the twenty-first century. She hadn’t had a reason to leave his estate and only associated with the people that resided there. At some point, she would meet others when they started to socialize. As his wife, she’d be required to be part of society and meet more of his acquaintances.
Brandon turned back to Killian and asked,” What are the chances they know each other?”
He frowned. “Aubriella said she didn’t have family or anyone to lean on. If she’s lied to me, I think its best I find out now.”
Bloody hell. This was going to be a mess.
“Brie,” Serenity said. “Shut up before you draw more attention to yourself.”
The last person she’d expected to see was her stepsister in the Stallion and Snapdragon. She’d been aware that Aubriella had gone through the mirror on some mission that only made sense to her. Trenton had explained it to her when they’d traveled back in time to save Genevieve. What she hadn’t realized was that she’d gone back to the same time as they had. If Serenity had, she would have tried to figure out where she’d gone.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Aubriella hissed under her breath. “You’re going to ruin everything.”
Serenity closed her eyes and silently counted to ten. They hadn’t had the best relationship growing up, and it hadn’t softened now that they were adults. She couldn’t really blame Aubriella. Serenity’s mother had treated her abysmally. “I’m not here trying to ruin whatever you have going on,” Serenity said. “It’s an unfortunate coincidence.”
“That explains absolutely nothing,” Aubriella said irritated. “If Killian realizes we know each other, he will insist I go off with you. I’m starting to make progress, damn it. You can’t let him figure it out.”
Serenity didn’t give a damn about this Killian person. Her duke was all that mattered to her. “If I promise not to tell him we’re related through marriage, will you stop throwing a temper tantrum?”
Aubriella glared at her. “I can feel every emotion you’re throwing my way.” She gritted her teeth. “Can you roll some of it back before I punch you?”
“I dare you to,” Serenity said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to hit someone.” Her stepsister was driving her mad. “I’m not the only one throwing heat. You’re a bright red, and its glowing so bright it’s pouring into me. Calm the fuck down.”
Aubriella blew out a breath and Serenity mirrored it. Their gifts tended to feed off of each other. It was one of the reasons they’d not gotten along growing up. Every emotion was amplified tenfold. Now that Aubriella was calming down, Serenity could breathe easier.
“I’m sorry,” Aubriella said. “I’m overreacting.”
“You think?” Serenity spat out. “It’s not like I intended...”
“To do?” Brandon asked.
Shit. How much had he overheard? The damn duke was too stealthy for his own good. She couldn’t let him realize that she and Aubriella were acquainted. Whatever she had going on required ignorance on her part.
“She spilled her damn tea all over me,” Aubriella said.
That actually had happened. When she turned to find her stepsister behind her, she’d fumbled the cup and spilled the darn tea down the front of her dress. Her light blue skirt was stained from it. She had been at a loss on what to tell Brandon when he approached. The tea stain was a good enough excuse. Nice save on Aubriella’s part too. Serenity was afraid she’d have kept opening and closing her mouth like a fish out of water. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d been at a loss for words. Finding Aubriella at the inn had ruined her composure.
“I didn’t mean to,” Serenity said. “She startled me. I didn’t realize anyone was behind me.”
Brandon frowned. A man stood directly behind him. His scowl matched her duke’s as he stared at Aubriella. Was he the Killian her stepsister had been talking about? He was gorgeous; no wonder Brie wanted to stay. Serenity couldn’t blame her either. Hopefully their ruse fooled both men. After a moment, the duke let out a breath and sighed. “The dress can be replaced. There is no reason to argue about it.”
“Easy enough for you to say,” Aubriella scoffed. “I don’t have many dresses as it is. How am I going to find the means to replace this one?”
Several ladies and a few men on the other side of the room had stopped to stare at them. Serenity made out several shades of curiosity glowing from them. They were probably hoping for a spot of entertainment, and lucky them, they were the evening’s show.
“Lass,” the other man said with irritation. “Stop making a bloody scene. I will buy you a new dress.”
“No,” Aubriella said defiantly. “I’m already a burden to you. Something you remind me of every day.”
Damn, her stepsister was good. Aubriella normally didn’t do the damsel in distress thing, but she played it to a hilt. What game was she playing with her guy? Serenity grinned and unclasped the necklace around her neck. It was a simple emerald pendant on a gold chain, a gift from her mother when she’d been in a generous mood. She didn’t need it and it would help Aubriella. Serenity handed it to her. “Here, sell this and buy a few dresses.”
“Oh, I couldn’t,” Aubriella said bringing her hand to her chest. “It must be dear to you.”
Aubriella was aware where the necklace had come from. She must be reluctant to take it because of that. “I insist,” Serenity said. “It will go to a good cause. I don’t need it and you do.”
Her stepsister took it reluctantly and closed her hand around it. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I apologize for losing my temper with you.” Her stepsister was truly sorry, but not for what the men believed. Serenity saw the truth in her aura. Brie was letting her know that her earlier outburst had been impetuous and begged forgiveness. Her stepsister turned toward the man beside the duke and asked, “Were you able to secure a room, Lord Thornbury?”
He nodded. “Aye,” he replied. “A serving wench was supposed to show you to your room already.” Lord Thornbury frowned and searched the room. “Where did she disappear to?”
“I wouldn’t know, my lord,” Aubriella said demurely.
Serenity covered her mouth in an attempt to hide her amusement. Aubriella had this man completely fooled. What would he do when he realized she wasn’t this meek woman? She’d pay good money to see that unfold. It would be better than a soap opera cat fight.
Brandon crossed to her side and leaned down to whisper, “What exactly do you find entertaining, my dear?”
She hoped he didn’t suspect anything, but somehow doubted she’d be so fortunate. Until he said otherwise, she’d assume he was clueless. Serenity reined in her need to laugh. “Nothing,” she said. “Perhaps it’s time to retire for the evening.”
Lord Thornbury glanced in their direction at her statement. “Please don’t let us keep you,” he said. “Miss Byrne, give Her Grace back the necklace. I will provide what you need.”
Aubriella glanced at her and lifted a brow as if to question Killian’s statement. Serenity wasn’t sure if it was to give the necklace back or his assumption she was married to the duke. Either way, she had to stop her stepsister before she gave up her own charade to correct him. Serenity glanced at the duke, who had narrowed his gaze on her and then glanced toward Aubriella. What was he trying to figure out by staring at them?
“That’s not necessary,” Serenity told Lord Thornbury. “She needs it more than I do. I gave it to her, and I refuse to take it back.”
“You’re too kind,” Aubriella said evenly. “Perhaps his lordship is correct though and I should return it.”
What game was she playing now? Serenity glared at her stepsister, sick and tired of it all. “I don’t have the patience for this,” she blurted out. “Keep the damn necklace, Miss Byrne.” Then she turned toward Lord Thornbury, and said earnestly, “I wish you luck, my lord. I fear you’ll need it.”
Then she spun on her heels and left her stepsister to her fate. She was exhausted, and all she wanted was to lay her head down to rest. The excitement of finally seeing the duke naked was even fading. She didn’t bother to find out if he was following behind her. If he wanted her, he knew where to find her. Her interaction with Aubriella drained her, and she had to recharge. The duke could wait a little longer…
Chapter 7
Brandon followed behind Serenity as she headed toward their room at the inn. He wasn’t entirely sure if she knew where she was going or had stormed off in a fit of rage. He couldn’t wait to get her alone and interrogate her. There was more going on in that little scene they’d left behind them then the minx wanted him to be aware of. He’d suspected as much when he’d approached them, but the more the two women spoke he became even more certain of it. He’d been working clandestine meetings long enough to puzzle through them without much aid.
Serenity pushed open a door and rushed inside their room. When had she figured out where they were sleeping? Probably when he’d been engrossed in his brandy and conversation with Killian. He’d ask her about it later. There were more important things he wanted answers too at the moment. She stopped in the middle of the room and screamed.
“Couldn’t hold it in any longer?” he asked sardonically.
She spun around and met his gaze. Her mouth fell open with surprise. She sighed and then said, “I didn’t realize you were there.”
“I gathered as much,” he said, closing the door behind him as he entered the room. “You should learn to be a bit more circumspect, my dear. Always be aware of your surroundings and defini
tely make sure the door is secured before letting your indiscretions out.”
“I’ve nothing to hide,” she declared flippantly. “No need for caution of any kind on my part.”
She sounded—sincere. Brandon studied her for a moment, deciding how to proceed. Serenity was hiding something; he’d bet his life on it. Something about her encounter with Killian’s Miss Byrne wasn’t right. He’d bet they were very familiar with each other. Serenity didn’t realize the thin ice she treaded on. When Brandon was done with her, he’d have the truth of the matter. Slowly, he untied his cravat and stalked forward. If she wanted to play, who was he to deny her? This had been a long time coming, and fighting it had come to an end.
“My dear,” he said as he pulled his cravat away from his neck and twisted it in his hands. “I fear I must disagree with you on that.”
Serenity took a step back. She licked her lips and glanced down at his cravat. He almost laughed in triumph at her harried gaze as she took another cautious step backward. She’d pushed him for far too long, and he’d decided to let his inner beast out. He couldn’t wait to have her at his mercy.
“Whatever you’re planning,” she told him, taking another step backward, “isn’t happening. I won’t allow it.”
Brandon grinned wickedly. He couldn’t recall the last time he’d been this excited or had fun of any kind. Hell, he couldn’t recall ever being this carefree. His entire life had been one serious moment bleeding into the next. This woman before him gave him something he’d never had and probably wouldn’t find with anyone else. The chance to be free and enjoy life—it was a gift he never dreamed he’d have.
“You’ll allow it,” he said. “And you’ll love every minute of it too.”
She lifted her chin defiantly. “You can’t make me do anything.”
“I wouldn’t even try,” he replied. He almost laughed at her defiance, but held it back. Every step they’d taken led them to this point. There was no turning back now. “But you can’t deny you want me any more than I want you.”