Seduced By A Devil

by Vella, Wendy

  “I have said more than I should. Go now, and take the duchess home. Please.”

  “Does someone want to harm you, my lord?”

  He wanted to smooth the frown lines away.

  “Get him!”

  The words came as Henry slipped between Gabe and Dimity and ran down the hallway. Gabe followed, taking the stairs down two at a time.

  They reached the kitchens, and Henry sprinted through, ignoring the squawking from Mrs. Wood and the young lady peeling vegetables. Seconds later he’d disappeared out the door with Gabe on his heels.

  The boy was quick, but Gabe’s strides were longer. They reached the end of his road, and he was closing on him, when he ducked to the right, then left. He followed, but soon there were more streets and alleys. Minutes later, Henry had disappeared.

  “This way!” Gabe was spinning on his heel, looking about him trying to find the boy, when Dimity ran by clutching her skirts.

  “Stop!” he roared. Of course she ignored him. He followed as she disappeared into what appeared to be a building. When he arrived, Gabe noticed it was a very narrow lane.

  “Dimity!” Gabe roared with a faint hope she may stop. She didn’t. He caught her as they neared the end. Wrapping a hand around her wrist, he hauled her to a stop.

  “I know where he lives,” she rasped, breathless. “Hurry.”

  Gabe hesitated as he admired her flushed face and heaving breasts.

  “Give me the address.”

  She gave him a pitying look. “You’d never find it, my lord.”

  “Why?” he gritted out.

  “Because you’re an earl and have no call to frequent such places.”

  Gabe hated being pitied or judged because of his title. He absolutely refused to acknowledge that he constantly judged people.

  “I found you in that pit of despair, did I not?”

  “Lucky guess.” She wrenched free. “Stop bandying words and move. Or is all this running too hard on your peerness?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “I doubt you have to run much,” she said, a small smile tilting the corners of her mouth that simply enhanced what was already beautiful.

  “You have no notion what I do.” He sounded pompous. “And ‘peerness’ is not a word.”

  “It should be. Now move.” She ran, and God save him, he followed.

  “We could return for my horse.”

  “It will take too long, but you go back if you wish, my lord.” She was mocking him now.

  “I wondered how long you would last in your subservient role,” he muttered, following her.

  She led him through a labyrinth of twists and turns for what felt like hours, and then suddenly she stopped, bent at the waist, and braced her hands on her knees.

  He was pleased to see she was breathless, the air wheezing in and out of her mouth. Joining her, he waited until she straightened. Her eyes narrowed as they glared at him.

  “Why are you not breathless?” Her whisper was a furious hiss.

  “I keep myself healthy.”

  “I’m healthy,” she wheezed.

  “Clearly not as healthy as me,” he said in a smug tone he knew would annoy her.

  “You sit about reading a newspaper drinking that brown sludge, so don’t try and fool me,” she whispered.

  “Brown sludge?” He raised a brow.

  “Coffee.”

  “I call it the elixir of life. And I do not sit about the place. I have many responsibilities, as you very well know from your time in my household.”

  She sighed.

  “What?”

  “I know.”

  “Then why did you say it?”

  “It annoyed you.”

  He had nothing to laugh about, but he snorted anyway.

  “Just there, through that gate is where Henry lives.” She pointed down the narrow lane.

  “How do you know where he lives?” Gabe moved closer. So close that his body touched hers as he leaned around her to take a look.

  “I walked him home on his day off once. He lives there with his mother and sister. It is a struggle for him sometimes to provide food and clothing, so I also helped with that.”

  “And no one thought to bring this to my attention?” Gabe snapped. “I’m not a villain. I would have helped them.”

  She turned, her face now inches form his. “We did not think you would be receptive.”

  “That’s an extremely unflattering opinion you have of me, Miss Brown.” It hurt to know what she thought of him, and that a staff member of his was suffering when he had so much. Hurt and infuriated him.

  “Imagine having an unflattering opinion of someone.”

  “I did not have an unflattering opinion of you,” he fumed.

  “You thought I was a prostitute,” she said in a flat tone.

  “Which I have apologized for.”

  “Actually, you didn’t.”

  Surely he had?

  “It matters not,” she dismissed. “What are we to do now?”

  “We are to do nothing. I will approach. Stay here.” He pulled the pistol from his boot.

  “Why do you carry that in your boot?” She peered at it.

  “To protect myself and those I care for.”

  “But you had it in there in your townhouse,” she added.

  “I like to be protected at all times.”

  “Even in you—”

  He placed his hand over her mouth. “Shut up. There are reasons I carry a gun, and I’m not about to get into them with you. Now, stay here.” He crept forward, ignoring her hissed curses.

  It was darker here, even though it was still early afternoon. Tenements climbed on both side, housing families. Reaching the gate, he listened.

  “What do you hear?” Gabe jumped at the whispered words.

  “I told you to stay!” he hissed. “What part of that did you not understand?”

  “I’ve never been good with commands.”

  “Imagine my surprise.”

  “You may need me.”

  “Why?” Gabe shot her another look.

  “Protection. I’m handy with my fists,” she whispered, her breath tickling his ear.

  “Stay!” He held her face in his hands, eyes locked with hers. “Here.”

  Gabe opened the latch and slid inside, closing it behind him. The humph told him Dimity had tried to follow. Moving to the back door of the house, he listened again. The sound of raised voices had him holding his pistol in one hand and the door handle in the other. Entering, he found two men. Henry, his mother, and his sister were seated on the floor at their feet.

  “I told you what would happen if you didn’t succeed,” one of the men said in menacing voice.

  Henry saw him, but Gabe shook his head, and the boy looked away.

  “You’ll pay now.”

  “I think not.” Gabe stepped closer, aiming at the man who’d been talking.

  They both turned.

  “Well, well, Lord Raine. Now this is handy. We no longer need to find a way to get rid of you,” the other said. “If you shoot him, that will leave me to shoot you.”

  “Think again.”

  The pistol appeared first, then the woman. Gabe didn’t look her way, but he would have several heated words to say when this was done. He should never have given her back that weapon.

  “Two on two,” Gabe said. “Move your family behind us, Henry.”

  Only when the family had done as he directed did Gabe strike out with a hand, so quickly no one saw, and dislodge the gun of one man. He then put a bullet in the leg of the other, who dropped to the floor in agony.

  “I told you to stay!” he roared at Dimity as he tore off his necktie and threw it at Henry. “Tie one of them up.”

  “I don’t take orders from you,” she said, pulling the ribbon out of her hair and hurrying to tie up the moaning man.

  Gabe watched as she nudged him over with her boot, then stood on his chest. God’s blood he lo-liked her, he corrected s
ilently. Where the hell had that thought come from?

  “We are so grateful, sir,” the elderly woman Gabe guessed was Henry’s mother said. Pale faced, she clutched her daughter to her side.

  “It’s all right, ma’am,” Gabe said. “But it is no longer safe for you to stay in London.”

  “I can protect my family,” Henry said, looking terrified at the prospect.

  “Which is commendable,” Dimity said. “Hello, Mrs. Ding, do you remember me?”

  The woman nodded, her lined face smiling. “You brought us food and clothes. You and that other one.”

  “Hogan. Yes, we did. Now you need to listen to the earl. He will ensure you are safe.” She turned her eyes on him, and he saw the absolute certainty in them that he would do the right thing.

  It humbled him that although she was not pleased with him, she trusted him.

  “Here’s what is going to happen,” he said.

  …

  “Thank you,” Dimity said as they watched the hackney carrying Henry and his family roll away. “They will be safe now.”

  “Yes.” Gabe had organized for the family to go to his hunting box three hours from London. They’d stay there until it was deemed safe for them to return. “Does this make me more receptive and approachable now?”

  She snorted, then began to walk away.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I need to see if I still have a position as a companion,” she said as he drew alongside her. “I ran out on the duchess, and as you know, she is not the most forgiving woman.”

  “I will put in a good word for you.”

  “I can look after myself.”

  “I know that, and you promised me you would not use your gun again.”

  “I didn’t promise you actually. You asked if I would, but I never agreed.” She sighed, that little sigh he’d heard from her before.

  “Let me look after you.”

  “No.”

  He turned her, pressing her body to the wall, holding her there while he kissed her. She didn’t fight him. In seconds, her hands were in his hair holding him close.

  “Why would you deny us this?” He whispered the words against her lips.

  Her answer was to tug his mouth back to hers. Gabe wasn’t sure how long they stood there, only that every other thought was obliterated from his head but one: her.

  His hands found her breasts, and his thigh pressed between hers. He lost all reason and let need drive him.

  “Well now, this looks like fun. Mind if we join in?”

  Gabe wrenched his mouth from hers and turned. The look on his face had the two men scurrying away.

  “W-We need to go.” She stepped sideways away from him, and he fisted his hands to keep from pulling her back into his arms. His body ached, and he realized in that moment that he’d lost control. He never did that. He would have raised her skirts, lowered his breeches, and taken her right here in this filthy street, because she made him forget who he was.

  Christ, what was I thinking?

  “Dimity, I’m sorry.”

  She had started walking away from him, but stopped, turning to face him.

  “You are not the only one at fault, Lord Raine.”

  “But I should have known better.”

  Her chin rose, and he knew that his words had infuriated her.

  “Because you were bred to know better? A mighty earl, whereas I am a simple servant who is unaware that it is wrong to be pressed to a wall and ravished in a filthy lane?”

  “That’s not what I mean, and stop assuming when you clearly have no idea what I’m thinking.”

  She exhaled slowly.

  “You’re right, I have no idea what you are thinking, but I know what my thoughts are.” She sounded sad suddenly.

  “Gabe, thank God! We were worried.”

  Michael and Zach appeared.

  “I am well,” he said. “Take Dimity up with you, Zach.”

  “I don’t need—” Her words turned to a squeal as Gabe lifted her in front of his brother. He then climbed on behind Michael, and they headed back to his townhouse in silence.

  “My lord!” His butler opened the front door when they arrived. “All is well?”

  “It is, thank you, Fairfax.” Gabe dismounted and lifted Dimity down. She walked away from him and into the house.

  “Mr. Nathanial is presently keeping the Duchess of Yardly company.”

  “I bet he is loving that,” Michael said.

  “Henry, my lord?”

  “Is well and will not be returning for a while, Fairfax. There is danger for him and his family here. I have removed them until such time as they are once again safe to return to London,” Gabe said, watching Dimity’s straight back. “Call the staff together. I wish to speak with them.”

  “At once, my lord.”

  He followed Dimity, with Zach and Michael on his heels.

  “O my Luve is like a red, red rose

  That’s newly sprung in June;

  O my Luve is like the melody.”

  These words greeted them as they stepped into the parlor and found the duchess seated on the sofa with Ella in her lap. Also four of his maids, a footman, and the cook were watching his brother recite Robert Burns.

  “Burns, I cannot tolerate him,” the duchess moaned. “’Tis flowery drivel, and the only place for it is the fire!”

  The little girl chuckled and clapped her hands as Nathan made faces at her.

  “Don’t listen to that crotchety old woman holding you, darling. Uncle Nathan knows best.”

  “I’m not entirely sure, but is this my household?” Gabe said to anyone who would listen.

  “Brother!” The relief on Nathan’s face told Gabe he’d been putting on a show for the duchess but was in fact extremely worried.

  “I am well,” he said as Nathan approached.

  “Your Grace, forgive me for leaving. There was a situation.” Dimity hurried to the duchess’s side.

  “I heard, and I want a full accounting. But this Deville has been most amusing, so I forgive you. Even if he likes Robert Burns. We will leave now. Ella, you go to your uncle.” She lowered the child to her feet, who then walked to Nathan.

  “I’ve not been gone long, and suddenly you’re an uncle and spouting poetry,” Gabe muttered, heading to the whiskey that Fairfax kept stocked on the cabinet. He poured his brothers glasses, and himself.

  “She woke. Her father still sleeps. So the maid brought her here to us. She has been changed and has a full belly.” Nathan blew a disgusting noise into Ella’s neck.

  Gabe threw back his whiskey, needing the burn as it traveled down his throat. Dimity was standing as far away from him as she could.

  “Walk us out, Raine!” the duchess demanded, thumping her cane on the floor.

  “At your service.” He bowed, then walked the duchess and Dimity from his house.

  She didn’t look at him again, just nodded a farewell to the Deville brothers. Ella, she kissed on the cheek.

  He held her hand as she stepped up into the carriage, letting his thumb caress her knuckles. The little shiver was her only reaction. He then closed the door and watched the carriage roll away.

  “Tell us what happened, Gabe,” Nathan said when he returned. He was still holding Ella in his arms. His brothers were slouched around the furniture.

  He told them everything that had happened… not everything, he thought, thinking of the kiss.

  “The men are where?”

  “Still tied up on the floor of Henry’s house, as I could not bring them back with just Dimity as help. We will return soon and speak with them.”

  “She’s a remarkable woman,” Zach said, feeding Ella a piece of fruitcake.

  “I can’t believe she came to your rescue brandishing a pistol.” Nathan laughed.

  “It’s not a vision I want to see again,” Gabe said.

  “She is actually the perfect wife for you,” Michael stated.

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” Gabe
’s heart was thudding so hard in his chest, it was painful. “I cannot marry a woman like her.”

  “Like her,” Nathan said, pulling a face to Ella. “What does that mean exactly?”

  “She has no noble blood!” Gabe snarled. Ella gave him a look, her lower lip trembling. “Sorry, Ella. Your uncle Gabe is being a grouchy bear.”

  “And yet you have feelings for her,” Michael added softly.

  “No, I do not. This conversation is over,” Gabe said, feeling like his head was about to burst. The life he’d always lived was shifting, and he couldn’t adjust. Suddenly he was questioning himself and his beliefs. Questioning his actions. It would not do!

  “Very well, we will discuss it no more now,” Nathan said.

  “Ever,” Gabe added.

  “We will discuss it again,” Michael argued. “But for now, we need to plan how to flush out Ombrage. There will be no peace for you until we do. You will not be able to wed anyone, noble or not, if you’re dead.”

  “Charming.”

  “It’s the truth,” Zach added. “But finding Ombrage also means our king is safe and the plot to kidnap him will not happen.”

  “Hello.”

  Gabe looked to the doorway where his cousin now stood.

  “You look better,” Michael said.

  “I have slept for hours and eaten a remarkable stew that restored my spirits.”

  He had Zach’s smile, Gabe realized.

  “May I come in?”

  “Of course.” Gabe rose to wave him to the only remaining seat.

  “Papa!” Ella climbed off Nathan’s lap and hurried to him.

  Much to his relief, the topic of Dimity and her lack of noble blood was dropped, and he didn’t get time to think about her again until he lay in his bed later that night.

  She was in his blood, Gabe realized. There would be no peace for either of them unless they kept their distance from each other. That he knew, would be easier said than done.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Gabe and his brothers stepped from the carriage and made their way up the front steps of the Duke of Rossetter’s townhouse. He was a man well respected in society, as was his family. Abby’s husband’s brother was married to the duke’s sister and also close to Lord William Ryder, his brother.

  “Forrest is looking much healthier. It’s a good idea for him to stay with us longer, Gabe. Just until he has acquainted himself better with London,” Nathan said. “We will also need to introduce him into society.”