To Love a Thief (Steel Hawk) (16 page)

However, a short while ago, the Raven had resurfaced, his daring no less than it had ever been. Her heart thudded, breathing stilled as her body was encased in a cloak of ice.

Dear God, what would her father think of her behavior last night? In bed with man who was not her husband.

Aware of Nathan’s scrutiny, she pulled the edges of her robe tighter around her.

His mouth quirked into a faint smile, but he said nothing. “Are you embarrassed, Rosie?” His fingers grazed hers, triggering that heat that had sparked all this…this loving.

She yanked her hand away and held the note close to her chest. She knew he was asking about last night, about having second thoughts. Was she? She chewed her bottom lip, lifting her gaze to settle on him again. Second thoughts? Regrets? She shook her head. “Yes. No. Oh, I don’t know.” Thinking of her father brought her right back to reality. “There was no one at the door but a note.” She walked to the side of the bed and handed it to Nathan.

He reread it, brows furrowed, and then suddenly sprang from the bed, indifferent to his nakedness. “Bloody hell. He really is back.”

“Who?”

“Someone who thinks he’s the Raven.”

“Thinks? I don’t understand. He signed himself the Raven.”

“He isn’t. He’s an imposter. However, it doesn’t matter who he says he is. Not now.”

“But how does he know me? And what does that note mean?”

Nathan strode to the window and wrenched back the thin curtains to peer out into the street. “Shit.”

“What? What is it?” Rose came alongside him, desperate to understand what was going on.

“Nothing. There’s no one.”

The curtain fell back in place as Nathan stepped away, grabbed his clothes and quickly dressed.

“Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on?”

Nathan dropped to the side of the bed. “Whoever is acting as the Raven now is not the originator of such a moniker.”

“How do you know this? You’ve been out of the country for years.”

Nathan lifted his gaze to hers, and something in his eyes spiked a warning in her. It wasn’t fear, but a deep regret she witnessed there. “Because, squirt…oh, bloody hell.” He stood abruptly, pivoting toward the door. “I…we don’t have time for this. We need to get moving. Dissecting the past isn’t going to get your father back.” Nathan picked up the note from the bed. “This is a warning. Somehow he knows your father is about to be moved. He knows what’s going on with Prince Randolph.”

Something twisted in Rose’s chest, and she sank down on the bed beside Nathan. “But they say forever.” Tears falling, she clutched Nathan’s arm. “They’re going to kill him, Nathan. Kill him. I’ll lose him. I cannot. We have to do something.” Sudden realization flashed, and she dropped her hold on him as if his touch scalded. She sprang to her feet. “Oh dear God, last night…while we were…oh no, dear God, forgive me, Papa.”

“Rosie.” Nathan stood and stepped toward her, but she held up a hand to stall him.

“Don’t come near me. Never again.”

“Rosie, squirt.”

“Shut up. Don’t speak to me.” What had she done? “While we…” She couldn’t say it; thinking about what she had done overrode her words. “We played while my father’s life was in danger.” Shame clenched her heart, and she tugged the edges of her robe closer as if it would ward off the chill now seeping through her veins.

“He would understand.”

Rose rounded on Nathan. “Would he? He’s holed up somewhere, alive…dead.” She hiccupped. “This Raven had the wherewithal to know what was going on, yet we…we…” She scooped up Nathan’s boots and threw them at him. He caught one, but the other fell at his feet. “Get out, Nathan. Get out. I want to dress.”

“Rosie?”

She disconnected her gaze from him, lips pressed firmly closed.

For a moment, he stood there as if weighing what he should do; then silently he retrieved his second boot and straightened. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

But Rose didn’t answer him. Right now she wasn’t sure she ever wanted to see him or speak to him again. In truth, she wasn’t just angry with him but furious at herself. For letting herself down. Letting her father down.

The door closed behind him, and Rose stared at it. Part of her hated Nathan Hawk at that moment, but another part of her craved him, desperately wanted his kisses, his arms about her, reassuring her, loving her.

Forget it. Forget him.

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the images of last night, willing the heat of those images to abate and be replaced by the icy chill that would be her salvation.

But she couldn’t just stand there. The Raven’s note hinted that urgency was of the essence. Shoving aside her emotions, she quickly washed her face in the water from the jug in the corner of the room, then dressed and secured her hair with the few pins she could scavenge from the floor where they had fallen last eve. Finally, she tugged her cap on securely.

She glanced at her image in the small cheval mirror by the dresser. The mirror had been her mother’s.

Rose’s heart hitched.

Dear Mama.

She had promised as her mother lay dying that she would look after her father, and now look what had happened. She had failed.

She raised a hand to her cheek, trailing the tip of a finger along the seam of her lips. Lips that Nathan had kissed. Not once, but so many times. Delicious kisses.

Everything was different now, but she couldn’t let that intrude on finding her father. That was paramount. Not loving Nathan.

No. She didn’t love him. That wasn’t allowed.

Spinning from her reflection, she forced such thoughts away and yanked the bedroom door open, striding out of the room and away from the visible reminder of what had transpired last night, determined she would not fail her father again.

Nathan stood at the top of the stairs, leaning again the wall, arms across his chest, one leg over the other. He nodded to the bag at his feet. “I’ve packed some food so we can eat on the way.”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Not now, perhaps, but we need food to keep on going. We have no idea how long it’s going to take us to find Alex.”

Rose sidestepped Nathan and descended the stairs. But before she headed outdoors, she entered the workshop and gathered the small bag where she’d deposited her efforts from the last eve. Satisfied they were secure in the pocket inside her jacket, she returned to Nathan’s side. “How are we going to get to Randolph’s lair?”

“The same way we got away. By boat. Come on.” Nathan led the way, and they headed down to the docks. The streets were still empty, a few drunkards resting their inebriated souls as they lay sprawled where they’d dropped. Down at the closest dock, sailors prepared ships for departure, a few divesting themselves of their catch.

The air hung thick with the fragrance of fish and the curses of dockworkers.

They headed to where the smaller vessels were moored. Nathan called to one crew after another, requesting passage. All declined.

Frustration etched across his visage. “Bloody hell, you’d think they’d want to earn a bit extra.”

“Perhaps it needs a woman’s touch. Hide yourself.” Without waiting for Nathan’s answer, Rosie walked up to the closest vessel. She glanced back at Nathan, who still stood where she’d left him. She waved him away. “Go on. Shoo. Go hide.”

Confusion and something else glinting in his eyes, Nathan said nothing but obeyed her and went to stand a few feet away but not visible to whoever was on the vessel.

Satisfied he was well hidden, Rose approached the boat. “Hello. Can you help me?”

A rough-looking sailor, age indiscernible, straightened from his task of coiling an anchor chain and turned to her. “What you want? Ain’t taking on any crew.”

“I’m not looking for work but passage.”

“You?” The man stepped to the side of the vessel, his head to one side as he realized not all was as it seemed about Rose. “You be a girl.”

“I am, and I’m looking for a knight in shining armor.”

“What?”

She stepped onto the boat. “I need help. My husband is a brute. He beats me and…I am running away.”

“I don’t want to get involved.”

“But you must help me. I have no other way. Please.” She reached out and clutched the man’s arm, coming close. “I can make it worth your while.”

The man cocked his head, his interest clear. “What you suggesting?”

Just then, Nathan stepped aboard. “Nothing that you might fancy, old man.” He wrapped a proprietary arm around Rose’s shoulders and drew her into his embrace.

Rose tried to twist from him, but he held her fast. “What are you doing? Go away. You’ll ruin everything.”

“You’ll not flaunt yourself.”

Rose’s cheeks heated. “Don’t be so stupid. I had these.” Rose dug into her jacket pocket and drew out a pouch. She tugged at the rope and tipped out a diamond.

The boat master’s jaw dropped, his gaze riveted on the jewel.

Nathan knew it to be a fake. The man did not.

“We’re desperate. We need to get to Chorley Manor urgently, and by river is the fastest way.”

“What’s the hurry?”

“My father, he has been…apprehended by criminals. They are forcing him to do something he doesn’t want to do. We need to get to him.”

“Your father, eh?”

Rose nodded, struggling to curtail her rising panic. She clenched her fists at her side. “We have asked nearly every vessel owner along this dock. They all declined. You are our last option.”

“So you thought you’d bribe me.”

Shame churned in her gut and her cheeks heated. “I’m sorry, but time is running out. He’s all I have left.”

Nathan intervened. “What she says is true. Someone has kidnapped her father, demanding he recreate something so they can steal the original. We have had word they are about to move him, or…” His words trailed off, his meaning utterly clear. “If you don’t want the jewel, I can offer you a considerable sum.” Nathan dug into his pocket and pulled out a canvas pouch. Coins clinked from within. Untying the cord, he tipped the pouch, and several gold coins fell into the palm of his hand.

The captain’s eyes widened even more than when he’d spied the jewel.

“There’s plenty more in the pouch.” Nathan tossed the few coins back into the pouch and tied it securely.

Rose’s gut tightened as the man hesitated, looking at the gold, then the jewel still in her palm.

Finally, he reached for the pouch of coins. “No offense, miss, but a jewel ain’t much use to me. Gold, well, that be different.”

Rose exhaled a relieved breath. “Thank you.” She reached forward and kissed his cheek. “I knew you would help. You have a kindly face, and I see a ring on your finger. I guessed you have a wife, maybe a daughter too.”

“Aye, my Sally and I have been blessed with three daughters.”

“So you understand a good marriage and a daughter’s love.”

“Aye, that I do. Now, if we’re to get you two away, we must go with the tide afore it turns.”

Chapter Fifteen

Once the vessel took to the river, Nathan paced the length of it. The captain seemed capable. The wind filled their sails, and though they were making good time, Randolph’s home was some miles upriver.

But something bothered him. He chanced a glance at Rosie. She sat at the bow, her back rigid, eyes straight ahead. He recognized her desperation, felt it as if it were his own. He also recognized that he would do anything in his power for Rosie Valetta. Anything.

Last night had changed everything.

“Shit!” His expletive burst from his lips, and he upped his pace. Dropping his head, he shoved his hands deep in his pockets. His fingers caressed the crisp parchment of the Raven’s letter.

Something did not add up.

He withdrew the note and scanned the message once more.

Anyone could have written it.

But Nathan knew it wasn’t just anyone.

He had been gone for ten years, but to his mind it had to be someone who perhaps knew him from days of old. Very few could offer the same skills that he had used back then. Only one person came to mind.

Nathan fingered the parchment, recognizing the fine quality of the paper. Expensive. So it would seem that the Raven had considerable success that he could afford such luxury…or have access to it.

Again, one person came to mind.

“Look to port,” came the captain’s sudden call.

Nathan stuffed the note into his pocket. He’d deal with his suspicions later. Right now he had to find Alex and the diamond.

Under the captain’s watchful inspection, Nathan lowered the sails as the vessel neared the small wharf. He recognized it instantly. Now all they had to do was escape detection.

As he secured the hefted rope to his shoulder, Rose came alongside him. “You’re rather adept at handling a boat.”

“I crewed my passage to the American Colonies.”

“When you ran away?”

He nodded, then jumped to the wharf and quickly secured the vessel. Back on board, Nathan retrieved the pouch of gold from his pocket. “This is for you.” He held it out to the captain. “For prompt and efficient service.”

The man took it, his smile beaming. “I did what any man would do for his daughter.”

Rose leaned into him, gathering him in a hug and kissing his cheek. “Thank you.”

A blush stained the old man’s cheeks beneath his time-worn wrinkles. “Be off with you now. Go and find your father. He deserves a daughter like you.”

Rose eased away, and Nathan spied the tears glistening in her eyes. His gut twisted, heart thumping. He wanted to hold her, kiss her, and, sweet Jesus, he desperately wanted to make love to her again.

But I can’t. I’ll get in too deep.

Nathan fisted his hands. “We need to get going, squirt.”

The captain chuckled gruffly. “I think ’tis very appropriate. Small, but mind you, she certainly has spirit.”

Nathan laughed with him. “That she has indeed.”

Rose harrumphed and rolled her eyes. “Typical males, talking about a woman as if she were not there.” She pivoted away and jumped to the wharf, shoving her hat down hard on her head.

Shame she covered that beautiful hair of hers. He remembered threading his fingers through it and feeling it slide across his skin.

A shudder rippled down his spine. He needed to shut down those thoughts.

On dry land again, he waved to the captain, then nodded toward the pathway twenty yards ahead. “Along the same path we came out of. That at least will give us some coverage to get as close to the prince’s residence as possible without detection. Have you thought of what you want to do next?”

Rose cast him a glance. “Walk right in, of course. Just as I told you. It’s the only way. We already know he’s a greedy man, and that’s what I’m relying on.” She patted her jacket pocket. “We have the one thing that will draw out the prince.”

“You’re a clever wee thing, Rose Valetta.”

“Just think of it as understanding the rich and powerful. I’ve seen enough of them over the years in their dealings with my father. They always want more and more.”

“And that’s what we’re relying on, as far as the prince is concerned.”

“Exactly.”

Finally, they reached the perimeter of the palace grounds as the sun cast its afternoon shadows. To their right was an ornate wrought iron gate with the embellishment of a coat of arms at the center of the span across the entrance.

“What are you waiting for?” Rose had already entered the grounds.

“Are you sure you want to just barge in there?”

“There’s no alternative. Besides, if we sneak in, they’re likely to shoot as us.”

“And they won’t now?”

“Not if we’re open with them. Now come on, don’t dawdle.”

Nathan offered a jaunty salute, though it didn’t stem his disquiet. “Yes, ma’am, whatever you say.”

“You got it right, finally.” With a determined set to her shoulders and a long stride, Rose Valetta, the young girl who had blossomed into a ravishing beauty who set his heart to beat faster, set out toward the monolithic residence.

They hadn’t gone more than fifty yards, the residence still about another fifty in front of them, when the guards stormed from a guardhouse, rifles drawn as they charged toward them.

Nathan grabbed Rose’s hand and pulled her to his side.

The guards converged. One with an excessive amount of gold braid on his tunic and epaulets stepped in front of the others. “What are you doing here? This is private property.”

“We’re aware of that. We’ve been
guests
before.” Rose’s tone was strong, with not an ounce of hesitation, rousing Nathan’s admiration. “We have something Prince Randolph wants.”

“And what would that be?”

“The Pasha Star.”

The guard’s eyes widened. “What do you know about it?”

“I’m Rose Valetta. I believe you have my father here. He was seconded to help the prince obtain the diamond.”

The guard directed his rifle at Nathan. “Who’s he?”

Rose too glanced briefly towards Nathan. “Someone with a vested interest,” she said.

He’d followed Rose’s plan this far, but he sure as hell wouldn’t let her go into the lion’s den alone.

The guard beckoned. “Follow me, but any sudden moves and you’ll feel a bullet in your back.”

With Rose’s hand still secure in his, and girded by the posse of guards, they were led into the entrance, down numerous corridors, and up a sweeping grand staircase lined with copious portraits—all of a rather dour disposition. They finally arrived at a set of floor-to-ceiling double doors.

“Wait here.” The guard knocked on the door, and at a response, he entered.

Rose spied the prince. Bejeweled and bedecked in royal regalia everything seemingly glittering, and even at this distance, it was his gaze that held her captive. Dark. Cold. Evil.

She shivered, but determined to push away her fears. Her father needed her.

“Your Highness, I have two intruders. They claim to have the Pasha Star.”

“What? Are you sure?”

“That is what they say.”

“Then show them in. I’ve had enough with that Valetta. He’s of no use at all. Time to get rid of him for good.”

“That’s the other thing. The woman claims to be Rose Valetta.”

“The daughter?”

“So she says.”

“Send them in, Captain. Don’t wait. It is urgent that I obtain that diamond, and if she has it, then I want it. I will not wait any longer.”

The guard exited, fixing them with a hard glare. “He’ll see you, but be warned, if you’re lying, you will live to regret it.” His laugh was sudden, a raucous cackle.

Rosie’s grip on Nathan’s hand tightened.

The guard prodded Nathan’s shoulder with the butt of his rifle. “I’ll be watching, so no funny business.”

They stepped into the grand salon. With its soaring ceilings decorated with gilded angels and heavenly deities, Nathan could have believed he’d already died and gone to rest with the angels, though he knew this place was the furthest thing from heaven.

Prince Randolph stood with his back to the arched mullioned window, the now setting sun haloing him. “You have something for me, I believe.”

Rosie released Nathan’s hand and walked forward. “I do, and you, I believe, have my father. I want him back.”

The prince offered a thin-lipped sneer.

“And I want the diamond, but I’ll need proof.”

Rosie slipped her right hand into her jacket pocket and withdrew the pouch. The prince uttered a soft strangulated gasp.

With care, she unwrapped the stone and held it out in the palm of her hand. The royal’s eyes glittered with lust.

We have him.

“I could force you to hand it over.”

Rose didn’t blink an eye. “You could, but as you know, I have already met your sister-in-law, Princess Mary. She and my father have a history. Being old friends, they were set to meet this week.” Rose prayed her slight lie would work. “If he does not turn up and she finds he has disappeared, then that could cause a slight problem for you. Can you risk it?”

For a moment, it appeared that the prince considered Rose’s comments; then his autocratic demeanor returned. “Are you trying to tell me what to do? I have your father’s life in my hands.”

“And I have your future in mine. You want the diamond. I want my father—alive.”

“You’re very devious, Miss Valetta.”

Her fingers curled over the diamond. “Thank you for the compliment.”

“How do I know it’s the real diamond? Your father and, I believe, you, are both excellent paste makers.”

Rose’s brows lifted. “Another compliment. You’re outdoing yourself.”

The royal snorted. “Do not test me, missy, for I am not a patient man.”

“And your scheme to become the ruler of Zarrenburg proves that quite adequately.”

“That’s none of your business.”

“It became mine the moment you threatened my father.”

“The diamond,” the prince prompted, hand out to take it. “Give it to me.”

Time to step in. Nathan slipped the knife he’d stolen at the princess’s from his shirtsleeve. Though the guard had searched him, he’d not noticed the blade sewn into a secret pocket of Nathan’s voluminous shirtsleeve. “Your guard is outside, but he will not hear my knife enter your chest. Take the diamond, but you will not keep it, not until we have what we have come for.”

“Ah, Mr. Hawk, I wondered when you would speak. Why are you here?”

“Because of Rosie and Alex. We’re old friends. She’s asked for my help.”

“And this is not because of your lock? An excellent system, by the way. Unbreakable.”

Nathan did not hold back his gasp. “You’ve tried?”

“Of course! I will always do what I need to get what I want.”

“As will I to protect those…” His words faltered. He nodded toward the diamond. “Look at it to validate its authenticity, but then it is handed back. Otherwise…” Nathan waved the blade toward the prince. “You understand.”

“Oh, quite clearly.” The prince took the diamond from Rose’s hand, offering almost a purr as he turned and held it up to the fading light. “The clarity is perfect.”

“And the marks scratched into it by the original cutter are quite clear. No fake would have those cuts,” Rose informed the royal.

Turning again to face them, the prince hesitated a moment before he passed it back to Rose. “You made a sensible decision to bring it. Your father has been rather stubborn.”

“A Valetta trait, I believe,” Nathan quipped.

Rose shot him a glare.

He shrugged. “Well, you are pretty determined.”

“I want to see my father.”

“I would expect no less.” The prince reached for a small brass bell from the desk to his left and rang it. The double doors opened, and the same guard entered. Nathan slipped his knife to his side.

“Your Highness.”

“Bring in Valetta.”

The guard offered a curt nod, and then the prince added something in their native language. Nathan shot Rose a querying look, hoping she understood, but she returned a tiny shake of her head.

Damn. Nathan didn’t like not knowing what was being said around him.

Sending a threatening glare in their direction, the guard left. Nathan turned to the prince. “I’m surprised you’ve left yourself alone with us.”

“I’m not frightened of you. You want Valetta. I want the diamond. A simple trade. Besides, if you were to even think of harming me, your lives and that of Valetta would be extinguished before you left here.”

“You surround yourself with a multitude of guards.”

“There are those who would not want me to succeed.”

“Most of Zarrenburg, I expect.”

A knowing smile crossed the man’s gaunt face, stretching the already alabaster skin to the appearance of wafer-thin parchment. His blue veins visibly pulsed.

“They do not know what is good for them. Too much education for the general populace is dangerous.”

“And here I was thinking reading and writing were skills everyone deserved,” Nathan countered with disdain in his voice.

It seemed to take forever, but finally the guard arrived with Alex in tow.

Rose rushed into his arms. “Oh, Papa, Papa.”

Alex hugged his daughter, but Nathan could see the pain etched into the man’s face. Even now, despite the rigors of the last few days, the kindness Nathan had witnessed all those years ago had not dissipated. He went up to his old friend.

“It’s good to see you again, Alex.”

“Nathan, Nathan, my boy. Is it really you?” Alex drew away from his daughter and clasped Nathan’s outstretched hand in both of his.

“It is. I’m back.”

“Oh, you are a wonderful sight for an old man’s eyes.” Alex’s teary gaze shifted to his daughter. “Isn’t it, Rose? Just wonderful.”

“Enough of the family reunion,” Prince Randolph barked. “I want the diamond. You have your father. Now give it to me.”

Rose held the diamond to her chest. “You promised safe passage out of here.”

The prince stared down his aristocratic nose at them, his ice-blue eyes cold and distant. “Of course.” He held out a bejeweled hand.

“Looks like you’ve got enough jewels for a lifetime, but your jewels don’t impress me,” Rose sniffed. “As a jeweler, like my father, I’ve seen the best there is.”