Hold Your Breath 02 - Unmasking the Marquess (28 page)

“Where the hell is she?”

His back forced against the wall below the staircase, Nettle glared at Killian, eyes cold. “Do you mean Lady Southfork? We went through this minutes ago, Lord Southfork. While I was pleased to answer your questions a moment ago, I fear I am beginning to not look lightly upon your intrusion into my home. And my neck.”

Killian pressed the blade harder. “My wife, Nettle. Or I will gut you where you stand. We know you have her.”

“I do not have your wife, Southfork. I can assure you—”

Killian cocked his pistol, pushing it into Nettle’s mouth, cutting him off. He eased the knife from Nettle’s neck.

“Do you have him, Devin?” Killian asked, eyes not leaving Nettle.

“Yes.” Devin stepped next to Killian, his own pistol trained on the man.

“He does not move a muscle.” Killian put his knife and pistol back under his jacket, turned, and rushed up the stairs.

At the landing at the top, Killian made a quick assessment on which door led to the room that had the broken window. He turned the knob. Locked.

He took a step back and kicked the door in with his boot. Splintering wood was still falling when he saw Reanna. Naked, skin red, sopping wet on the floor. Even in his haste to get to her, he could see some of her skin starting to blister.

“Ree.” His hands went onto her gently. She twitched, but didn’t awaken.

“Bloody fucker.”

Forcing the staggering rage out of his hands, Killian searched the room, seeing the rag she must have been wearing in a tattered heap. He grabbed a towel, setting it over Reanna’s body. Snatching another one, he draped it over his arms and slid his hands under her, lifting her as he tried to cover her skin.

Within seconds, he was down the stairs, rage turning him cold with every step.

In the foyer, Killian handed her inert body softly over to Devin, who managed to keep a pistol trained on Nettle until Killian could turn around to face him.

“Take Ree out to the carriage and hitch the horses up.” Killian’s voice had gone detached, emotionless as he stared at Nettle. “She cannot ride on horseback to London.”

Devin raised an eyebrow at his friend.

“Now, Devin. I will join you in a moment.”

Without word, Devin backed out of the open front door to carry Reanna to the carriage.

Minutes later, Killian walked into the stables.

“It is taken care of?” Devin finished tightening the leather straps on the left horse.

“It is.”

Devin stood tall. “Horses are ready. I set her on the back bench.”

Killian jumped into the coach, drawing Reanna’s limp form into his arms and spreading the towel along her body for maximum coverage. “Get us to home quickly. No heed to ruts or bumps. I will shield her.”

With a quick nod, Devin closed the carriage door and vaulted up to the driver’s perch, and set the horses to London.

Reanna cracked her eyes, lucid for the first time since she had been dunked into the scalding water. She had vague snippets of memories. Killian holding her. Talking in her ear. Something gooey being spread on her body. Broth going down her throat. A soft bed—a real bed under her.

And now her head was being tugged at.

Her skin throbbed in pain, and she knew exactly what that was from. Scalding water. But what was that tugging?

She opened her eyes further.

Turning her head on the pillow, she was greeted with Killian, comb in hand, working through the matted nest that was her tangled hair. A smile immediately touched her lips at the sight of Killian’s big hands holding her delicate tortoise shell comb, picking apart the tiniest snarl.

“Awake?” His eyes didn’t veer from the knot of dark hair he had up to his nose, picking it apart single strand by single strand in the low light of the lamp by the bed.

She nodded.

“Awake and forming real thoughts?”

Her smile widened. “Yes. You found me. I thought…”

Her words fell into thick silence. At that, his brown eyes left the tangled hair, staring into hers. “You thought what?”

She closed her eyes, shaking her head at the panicked terror she had felt, the memory of it still so raw in her chest, it was hard to quell it. Hard to grasp she wasn’t still being held by Nettle. “I thought you left me. I heard you. I saw you riding from his house.”

“So you did break the window, didn’t you? I came back, thanks to Devin. I had him waiting outside of the inn, and he saw Nettle taking you. He did not know it was you, at the time, and blast that, for what Nettle did to you. Are you in much pain now?”

“I will survive it. I stink, though.”

Killian laughed. “Yes, you do. The doctor said this was the best concoction for the burns. He did not make apologies for the smell, though. But your skin is looking less red, and the blisters seem to be shrinking. So hopefully you will only stink for another day or so.” He picked up a matted lock of her dark hair and started picking it apart. “One does get used to the smell. But I will be happy when you can get in a bath.”

She chuckled. “Charming, you are.” She watched him carefully extracting the lowest knot from the strand of hair. “You could have cut it. It would have been easier.”

“I was not about to do that. As long as I can be looking at you, I have all the time in the world.”

“Now that really is charming.” She shifted her hand to rest on his thigh. The movement stretched her tight skin, but she didn’t care. She needed to touch him, even if it was with just her five fingers. “Did Gertie make it to the Brook Street house?”

“Gertie? Who is Gertie? Your secretary said something about an older woman arriving there when he stopped by earlier, but I did not think to ask about it. I wanted to get back in here. Was that who he was talking about?”

Reanna breathed a sigh of relief. “Good. She made it. I was worried. She was with me in the asylum. She took care of me. She helped me escape. And then we split—I did not want her to get caught with me.”

“You sent a woman from an insane asylum to be around the children? Why was she in the asylum?”

“Unfortunate choices by her son.” Reanna recognized the concern in Killian’s voice. “You forget I was in there, as well. Do not judge her by where she was forced to live. She is the kindest soul, but she sees ghosts.”

“Ghosts?” Killian’s hands stopped as he looked up at Reanna, eyebrow arched.

“Ghosts, spirits. She sees them. But they do no harm.”

“You sent a crazy lady to the children?”

“Killian, she is far from crazy, and I take offense that you think that. Just because we cannot see spirits, does not mean they are not real.”

“Do you believe in her spirits now, as well?”

Reanna’s eyes flew upward, shaking her head. “It does not matter what I believe—it only matters what she believes she sees. And what Gertie sees does not affect her functioning or her interaction with reality. She just truly sees more people in a room than we do.”

“But with the children? Are you sure that is wise?”

“She would never hurt or scare them. She knows how and when to be silent about what she sees. Especially after what her own son did to her. She has all this love to share, so I sent her to the children. They will adore her, and she will adore them.”

Killian nodded. “All right, I trust your judgment. The children have been beyond crazy in missing you, as well. Aggie has been at the Brook Street house almost daily, trying to keep their minds off of worry and making sure all stayed in order.”

“Will tomorrow be too soon to see them?” Reanna tried a beguiling smile, but knew by her cracking lips that it was probably quite hideous.

“Good try.” He chuckled. “When you are in no danger of children bursting blisters when jumping on you, then I will let the little rascals near you. And not until then, no matter how big your eyes get at me.”

She nodded with a frown. He was right, but she didn’t need to like it. “Killian, you need to know something. I did not go with him. My father. I did not meet with him. I could not do that to you. It was Miss Collier—my god—Miss Collier—” She gripped his arm. “Killian, you need to get her away from the children. Right now, Killian, you have to—”

“Stop—I know. I saw it all. And Miss Collier is long gone. I was at the park across the street and saw exactly what happened to you, and then I was promptly knocked out.”

“You what? No.” Her hand went to his hair, searching for a lump or a cut. “Are you all right?”

He grabbed her probing fingers, setting her hand back onto his lap. “It was a month ago, and it only knocked me out for a moment. But in that moment, I lost you.”

Reanna watched as his face flickered into darkness. A darkness that unsettled her deep in her gut.

“Killian, what you said at that inn.”

His eyes flew wide. “You heard that?”

“I was above you. I could hear everything through the floorboards.”

“Then you heard the deal I made with your father?”

She shook her head. “Deal, what deal? I heard you say you did not want me.” She swallowed the lump in her throat. “That I was a burden.”

“God, Ree, tell me you didn't believe it. That I would never...”

Her eyes dropped. “I did. You said it, and then...then...I guess I gave up. It had been so long since I had seen you. My mind, it wandered in the asylum. Reexamined. Questioned everything. Even things I thought were in the past. Everything just eroded. And then you said those words. I did not want to believe it, but it was my worst fear, and there it was—from your mouth to my ears. The very thing I dreaded more than death."

"The words were false, Ree. You cannot believe I would betray you so.”

“I know. I knew it when I heard you at Nettle’s.” She looked up at him. “I think…”

“You are not a burden, Ree. You are my wife and the farthest thing from a burden. Never should you think that.” His hand went under her chin. “You are my life. My everything. What you heard was me trying to maintain some sort of desperate upper-hand with your father. I needed to try every possible angle against him. Those words were false, and I had to force myself to utter such atrocities. Of all things, do not dare question the fact that I would lie to the devil and God above to get you back.”

She sat up, panicked as his earlier words sunk in. “Killian—deal—what deal did you make with my father? Tell me this instant what you did.”

Killian’s eyes trailed upward to the grey canopy above as a sigh went deep into his chest. He looked at her. “I traded almost everything to get you back. Everything that is not entailed or in trust. The shipping companies. They are his.”

“What? No.”

“Lie back down, Reanna. It is done. I am at peace with it. You are here, and that is the most important thing.”

“But no, Killian, this is outrageous—unacceptable—he does not get anything from you after what he did to me.”

“Please, Ree. No. I am fine with it. I can rebuild what I need to. You need not worry on that. Please, just lie down. You need to rest. To heal.”

“Killian, you cannot let him do this—”

“It is done.” He cut her off, his voice raw. He leaned in, his fingers gentle on her temples, his breath caressing her face. “You…you are all that matters to me. I love you, Ree, and I would have traded the world for you. I would have traded heaven and hell, my life, my soul for you. So do not question what I did. It was my decision to make, and I stand by it.”

Her breath hard in her chest, Reanna nodded, tears welling in her eyes.

He searched her face, his eyes landing on hers. “You gave me the life I never even considered, never knew existed, but always needed. I will never take that gift lightly, Ree. From here, until we die, old and happy, and surrounded by bundles of grandbabies. You are my greatest treasure. There is nothing that means more to me.”

Tears slipped down, the salt burning trails in her raw cheeks.

But the pain only made it real. She was here.

Home. Home with her husband. Her love.

It was real.

A week later, Reanna’s skin had healed enough from the stinky salve doctor Leiars insisted get slathered on every four hours that she finally got to take a bath. Miss Melby helped her dress in a serviceable slate blue muslin dress, perfect for getting dirty with the children.

After concurring with the doctor, Killian had given approval for a short visit with the children later in the day. But Reanna had some other business to attend to before they went to the Brook Street house.

She walked into the study, finding Killian behind his desk.

He looked up as her footsteps thudded on the new Persian carpet she had chosen months ago. “You, my wife, are the most beautiful sight I could ever ask for in the morning. Please tell me you are going to pull me away from this most tedious tally of numbers. I am available for whatever whim you have in mind.”

Reanna laughed and moved to stand in front of the desk. “Excellent. I do have something in mind.”

“Whatever you wish. With high hopes, of course, that your whim either includes locking the study door, or heading back up the stairs to my bed. Your smell was just enough to deter me for days, but now my hands are already itching to be on you.”

Reanna smiled, putting her palms on the desk and leaning in. “We will get to that, soon, my husband. I promise. But first, where do you think my father is?”

Killian’s face lost all playfulness. “Why?”

“He must be in London after the deal you made with him, after all he gained.”

“Ree, do not think what I fear you are,” Killian said, head shaking.

“Where, Killian? I will find him one way or another. He has what he wants, and he would not be so stupid as to harm me again. Not now.”

“Ree, no.”

“Yes. I am taking a carriage and going to find him. I was hoping you would come with me, but if you cannot, I understand. I will be home after I find him.”

“No. Dammit, Ree. No.” His hand slammed onto the desk.

Reanna jumped, but she held her feet in the same spot.

“What he did to you, Ree. What he set in motion. No. Forbidden.” Killian stood, glaring down at her. “He does not deserve to speak to you ever again, Ree. Do not think to do this.”

“Killian, I know. I know because I feel the exact way you do about him. But I need to see him. The last time I saw him, he was punching me.”

Killian flinched at her words, and she could see rage pulsating along his jaw.

“So I need to end this, Killian. For me. For you. I need to see him. One time. If you do not allow me to go today, I will go tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after. You cannot keep me captive from him.”

Reanna held hard against his glare, unflinching until Killian sank down, leaning back in his chair.

“Fine. I will have the carriage brought about. But I am coming with, and you will not be alone with him. I refuse that, so do not even ask.”

She gave a crisp nod. “Thank you.”

~~~

Walking through the building by the docks that held the main shipping offices, Killian paused outside the door of a large room.

Reanna looked up at him, her voice a whisper. “Is this it? This was where you did business here? So he is in there?”

Killian nodded.

Reanna’s lips drew back in a hard line. “Good.”

She took a step in front of him and walked through the entrance. Leaving Killian at the door, she rushed forward. In one short motion, she advanced at her father, drawing the dagger from her prettiest peach reticule. She had the blade long against her father’s neck before her father, or Killian, could react.

Body contorted, leaning as far back from the knife as the wooden chair he sat in would allow, her father glared up at her, his hands gripping the desk. But he made no motion to try to rip the blade from her hand. The pressure she exerted, and the thin line of blood appearing above his cravat made sure of that.

“You are treading upon harsh retribution, daughter. Remove the blade from my neck this instant.” His precarious position did nothing to curb his arrogance.

“I would have hoped your first words were an apology, father.” Her words hissed out. “I would have, had I not experienced myself what you are capable of.”

His eyes veered over her shoulder. “Southfork, remove your wife.”

“I would prefer her not to be in your vicinity at all, Halstead, especially with a knife in hand,” Killian said, voice measured. “But do not dare to think I would interfere with her wishes.”

Reanna heard the door click closed behind her. Good husband.

She slapped down a set of folded documents, half out of her reticule, on the desk, capturing her father’s attention.

“What are those?” Halstead asked.

“Everything you took from Killian, you will return. You will sign everything back over to him.”

Her father scoffed. “I will do no such thing. Now, remove this blade from my body, daughter, or I will do it for you, and you will pay dearly for your insolence.”

Reanna twisted the blade on his neck. “What do you think is going to happen to you if you take this knife from my hand and threaten me, father? Let me answer. Killian will kill you before you blink.”

“He would not.”

“Take a look over my shoulder, father.”

Halstead’s eyes flickered over her shoulder.

“Is Killian there, frightened, wondering what to do?” Reanna’s eyes didn’t leave her father’s face. “No. Your threat was enough. He is standing there, murder in his eyes, waiting for me to move so he can step in and gut you, is he not? ”

His eyes flew to Reanna’s face. She could see his facade slip, cracking.

“I am the only thing right now between you, and death.” Her hand slapped the papers on the desk. “So this is your option out, father. This is how you stay alive. You will sign these papers. And then we will have you escorted to the docks, and you will leave this land forever. Or I will save Killian the trouble and kill you with my very own hand.”

“You would not dare.”

“No?” She pressed on the dagger. “Tell me father, who inherits everything when you die? Have you thought to attend to that, or have you been counting your coins?”

His mouth clamped shut, face turning red.

“Yes, I thought so. I will get it all back upon your death. And if I get it back, Killian gets it back.” She gave a slow nod. “That seems very fair. So enlighten me, father, why would I not hasten your death? Why do you think I am not as heartless as you? I am your blood.”

“Daughter—”

“Sign the papers, father.” Her voice was cold in its dead calm.

Murder set in his own eyes, Halstead glowered at Reanna, still attempting intimidation.

A long minute passed, and Halstead broke, his hand reaching for a quill. Reanna lessened her hold on his neck so he could lean forward and set ink to paper.

Setting the quill down on the desk, he leaned back, Reanna’s blade still tight to his neck.

She held her free hand out. “Your seal.”

He reached into his jacket pulling it from an inside pocket. Reanna grabbed it, ripping the chain apart as she yanked it from him.

“You will regret this, daughter. You will regret this.”

“Doubtful.” She leaned in, her eyes level with his. “Father. I am now done with you. Thank you for my food and clothes and shelter. Please consider keeping your life as repayment for services rendered.”

She straightened, her eyes and blade not leaving him. “Killian, can you please open the door?”

Killian opened the door, and she heard two men walk into the room. Taking a swift step away from her father, out of his reach, she looked to door, pointing to the two burly men waiting.

“Father, these two will be your escort onto a ship that is about to set sail.”

“But, daughter—”

“Get the hell out of Killian’s office, father. Out of our lives.”

He sat at the desk, not moving, scowling at Reanna until she flipped her wrist to the two brutes. They stepped in, each grabbing one of her father’s arms, and jerked him to his feet. Halstead gave an undignified squirm until one of the men yanked upward, taking him off his feet. He landed, slumping in defeat as he stumbled out between the two men.

“Thank you, good sirs,” Reanna said over her shoulder as they disappeared out the door. She was already busy setting wax and her father’s seal to the papers.

The door to the office closed once more, and Killian was across the room to her in two strides.

“Good God, Ree. Why the hell did you think to do that?” He grabbed her, snatching her into his arms and enveloping her body. “And where the blast did you even get a blade—you near keeled me over in fear.”

She let his solid arms shelter her for long minutes before she pulled her head out from his hold. Fingers pushing on his chest, she leaned back to look up at him, then tossed her father’s seal onto the desk and slid her arms around his waist. “You are mine, Killian. And I protect what is mine.”

He laughed, his chest shaking her. “I feel very safe. Safe on a whole new level. But do not ever do something like that again to me.” His hand went to the side of her face, cupping it. “Hell, Ree, you are trembling.”

She ducked her head, finding the crook in the middle of his chest. “It will pass. Just hide me again.”

Gentle, his hand went to the back of her head, pulling her completely into him once more. He kissed the top of her head. “Are you sure this is what you want? He is your father.”

“I want peace, Killian.” She didn’t lift her head from its cocoon. “Peace that can only be found with my father on a continent far, far away. I am sending him off alive. That is enough for me.”

“Do you trust that—him existing somewhere without accountability?”

She turned her head to the side, tilting her chin upward, but keeping her cheek on his muscle. “I am sure you will take care of that, dear husband. I doubt my father will take two steps in any direction without a report coming back to you.”

Killian smirked, landing another kiss on her forehead. “Already planning it out in my head, Ree.”

Her shaking subsided, and without letting her go, he shuffled the two of them toward the desk. Keeping one arm tightly around her, he reached out with a hand to grab the documents from the desk.

“Where did you get these?”

“Miss Melby snuck in your solicitor to help me yesterday when you went to see the children. He delivered the papers this morning to her. I read them. They look like they are in order to me. Are they?”

Over her head, he scanned the documents. After a moment, he looked down at her, eyes in awe. “They are. How did you…” He cut off his own words, dropping the papers and rewrapping both of his arms around her. “You, my beautiful wife, have amazed me more than one man deserves to be amazed in a lifetime.”

She looked up at him, light in her blue eyes shining. “It is a good thing you finally took notice of me, then.”

Killian laughed. Pure. Heartfelt.

“A good thing, indeed.”