The Lady and the Vixen Read online

  He paled before her eyes. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Oh? You may think I’m just a pretty face to warm your bed, but I hear things.” She curled her lip and jabbed her finger at him. “How could you think I’d let you seduce another woman—”

  “Enough!” he roared.

  She darted into the bedroom, but he captured her by the waist and slammed her up against the wall. The pictures hanging there shook, and one crashed to the floor. She yelped and closed her eyes when he cursed. After a moment, she opened her eyes. He shook, sweat beading his forehead and upper lip. His eyes were wide and his lips trembled.

  She’d been stupid to confront him alone. He had become wild and uncontrollable, which had been the case during the few times they fought. He’d never laid a hand on her in anger. For ten years, she had stuck by him through it all, his emotional outbursts, tantrums, and those late nights when he would awaken in a cold sweat from some nightmare. She had always been there to calm him down, and now she would have to do so again, if only to walk away unscathed.

  “Abbie.” He whispered her name like a prayer and lowered to his knees. He hid his face on her stomach, his shoulders shaking.

  She didn’t touch him until he set her hand on his head. She left it there, slowly moving her fingers through his hair.

  Eventually, he rose and cupped her face, pressed his forehead to hers.

  In a collected voice at odds at what was going on inside her, she stared straight into his eyes. “Tell me the truth about you and the marchioness. You owe it to me.”

  He released a stilted breath and ran his hand through her hair. “Saturday night at the marchioness’s ball, she’ll announce our engagement. We’ll be married before the year ends. She has agreed to this partnership because it will benefit us both. Irena will gain the support of Teague and his associates, and I’ll secure the respect of London society in order to bring down my father.”

  “What if your father dies? Then what?” She swallowed back acid-tasting bile bubbling in her throat.

  “Then I’ll take down every single one of the Daughertys, starting with Colby.”

  “You’ll break my heart if you do this.” She gripped the front of his shirt.

  “The marriage will be in name only. I don’t love her, only you.”

  “But you’ll have to consummate it at some point to make it binding, unless you’ve already have done that.” Her voice cracked as she envisioned him intimate with another woman.

  He didn’t answer her. She hung her head, weary to her bones. When he tried pulling her into a hug, she pushed him away.

  “Don’t touch me. How can you do this to us?” She covered her face with her hands.

  He didn’t touch her, but he was close enough she could feel his breath. “We can still be together like we’ve always been. It will all work out.”

  She stared at him in disbelief. “You think I’ll go along with this? I refuse to be like your mother, alone and dying of a broken heart.”

  He sat on the edge of his bed. “I could end up the most powerful man in London. No one will be able to stop me. Not even you.”

  Her legs trembled. This was not the man she had come to love. In his place was an imposter. “Aidan, one word from me and it can all end. All I need to do is go to Teague and tell him—”

  He shot up from the bed and circled her. There was wildness in his eyes that stopped her cold. “Teague supports me. He always has. You think he’ll listen to you, a poor maid with no real future other than serving drinks to men and barely saving pennies to make ends meet?” He twined a strand of her hair around his finger, pulling hard and making her wince. “Who will believe you, my mistress with a dying mother and an idiot for a brother? You’ll be laughed at and thrown in the street.”

  Fear settled into her bones. He had never lashed out at her in such a way with his hateful words. Her courage had left her. If not for her mother and Benji, she was willing to sacrifice her own life—

  She squeaked when he grabbed her from behind and swayed side to side. She gagged, sickened to her core by this man to whom she had given her body and heart without expecting anything in return. She’d never thought it would end this way.

  She had to find a way to leave. She couldn’t trust him not to hurt her. He wasn’t thinking correctly, too blinded by his hate.

  She laid her palm on his cheek. He exhaled and kissed under her ear, and she barely stopped from flinching. If he expected her to share his bed tonight, she might end up sick.

  “I may have been mistaken by what I saw between you and the marchioness. Sometimes, I get jealous of the women you’re friendly with.” She turned in his arms with an understanding smile. “Perhaps marrying the marchioness may be the best thing for you.”

  “I’m so glad you understand!” He caged her in his arms, kissing her cheeks and whispering how much he loved her.

  “Let’s lie down and rest before dinner,” she suggested, tugging him toward the bed. She hoped he wasn’t in an amorous mood and would soon fall asleep.

  He covered a yawn. “It has been an eventful day, hasn’t it?” He bussed her cheek. “I hate arguing with you. Let’s make a promise to one another never to do so again.”

  She nodded and turned down the covers. He took off his shoes and vest and seized her hand. She had no choice but to lie next to him. He didn’t comment on her keeping her boots on or her dress although she usually “napped” with him wearing only her chemise or nothing at all.

  He settled his head next to hers, his arms tight around her waist. “We’ll rest for a few hours and then have a late dinner. After, you can help me manage the gaming tables tonight. How does that sound?”

  She nodded and stared up at the ceiling. He sighed and called her beautiful. After giving her a kiss, he closed his eyes, and soon after started to snore.

  She didn’t leave right away. She lay there thinking of her fond memories of Aidan, whom she’d felt was her knight in shining armor. Her fairy tale had been destroyed by the hate eating away at his soul. Now, she would have to betray him in order to stop him from destroying innocent people who were his victims by association and their blood.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Lucy threw her arm over her head, snuggling deeper into the pillow under her cheek. When something brushed her breast, her eyes shot open. Tisha lay on her side with her chin on her palm.

  She stretched and smiled. “What time is it?”

  Tisha cupped Lucy’s cheek. “First, give us a kiss.”

  Her tongue tangled with Tisha’s darting one. She couldn’t help herself and stroked Tisha’s backside. Tisha snickered on Lucy’s mouth and situated her leg in between Lucy’s thighs. Tisha ended the kiss with a wicked smile and licked a circle around Lucy’s areola.

  Her nipples hardened and she spread open her legs to welcome Tisha to cup her mound. She could stay here all day snuggling with Tisha and become lost in the intimacies Tisha freely offered.

  The sunlight from the window speared the curtains and illuminated the bed. She blinked from the brightness and tried to gauge what time of day it was.

  “Oh no, is it morning already?” She groaned and covered her face.

  Tisha stopped her licking and dropped her palm on Lucy’s stomach. She rested her chin on Lucy’s shoulder and gave her a playful pout. “You didn’t enjoy spending the night with me?”

  “Of course I did!” she exclaimed, and her face warmed. She twirled a strand of Tisha’s hair around her finger. “It was wonderful to share your kisses and caresses, and the talk afterward.” She studied the room where Tisha’s various creations hung. After making love a second time, they both took sponge baths. Tisha demonstrated her clothing designs to Lucy’s delight. Tisha was very skilled with a needle and thread, and her dresses belonged in the front window of any dress shop on Bond Street. When she praised Trisha’s dressmaking skills, Trisha admitted to a long-lasting dream of one day owning and operating a dress shop.

  �
��There’s a but in there.” Tisha ran her fingers on Lucy’s stomach.

  “My sister and aunt have no idea where I am,” Lucy said. “I really should send them a message that I’m well and they have nothing to worry about.”

  “Oh? You feel safe with me?” Tisha kissed Lucy, silencing any argument from her.

  After a few seconds of exquisite kissing, she stroked Tisha’s chin. Tisha stared at her, not speaking. She seemed to wait for Lucy’s answer.

  She traced the cropping of Tisha’s freckles on her bosom she had examined thoroughly last night. “I feel safe with you even though everything inside of me says I shouldn’t. I don’t understand it.”

  “Luce, why question it? What we have here and now is something special. Sometimes it’s all right to live in the moment.” Tisha gave her another sweet kiss, this one soft and tender and the complete opposite of what they had shared before.

  She sat up, taking the sheet and pulling it under her arms. Tisha stayed on her side, not bothering to cover up. She slid her hand under the sheet.

  She cleared her throat, imprisoning Tisha’s hand when it tickled her cunny and a few of her fingers roamed over her slit. She wanted to talk, but that noticeable heat building in her belly because of Tisha’s clever fingers made her want to do more enjoyable things that involved tongues and stroking fingers. Sighing in surrender, she opened her legs, allowing Tisha to indulge her.

  “You’re so responsive. I love that about you.” Tisha winked and rotated her hand.

  She lay down. Tisha claimed her mouth in a hungry kiss and spread apart her slick folds. She began to whisper what she wanted Tisha to do to her, but then there was loud banging on the door in the other room.

  Tisha grunted, finishing off the kiss with a loud smack. She dug the heel of her hand once, then twice on Lucy’s mound, making her gasp. Tisha laughed and stopped with her playing. She rose and walked naked to a chair where her robe lay. The pounding on the door didn’t let up, and Tisha bellowed for them to stop.

  Not bothering to pin up her hair, Tisha tied her robe tightly and perused Lucy, ogling her well-satisfied body and disheveled and tangled hair. A blush climbed up Lucy’s face from the inspection.

  “I’ll get rid of the rude person calling at this ungodly hour. Then we can continue what we started.” Tisha rubbed her hands together, and, blowing Lucy a kiss, she pulled the door half closed and told the person knocking she was coming.

  She stared up at the ceiling while Tisha greeted the person. The female visitor apologized, but had to see Tisha right away. When Aidan and Colby’s name were mentioned together, and then her father’s first and last name, she sat up and listened carefully. The woman she recognized as Miss Hale grew louder and more emotional. She wrapped the sheet around her and went to the door to peek into the next room.

  Abbie stood there with her hair snarled and tumbling down her shoulders. She twisted her hands while Tisha chewed on her bottom lip. Both looked distressed. Something horrible must have happened for Tisha to be so upset. If it had to do with Lucy’s family, she would have some cause for concern.

  The floor under her creaked, and she winced.

  “Is someone in your bedroom?” Abbie asked Tisha, staring at the door.

  Tisha nodded. “Yes, I have a visitor.”

  She searched the room for something to wear. Finding another robe lying over a trunk, she put it on. It was a little bulky, but to her relief, it covered everything it needed to. Bracing for the lies she was about to tell, she entered the other room.

  Abbie looked rattled. “Ah, good morning, Mrs. Endcott.”

  Tisha guided Abbie to the couch. Lucy wondered if either she or Tisha should explain why she was here and wearing only a robe.

  “Mrs. Endcott and I once knew each other before she was married. When I heard she was coming to visit because of her father’s illness, I invited her to dine with me. Time ran away from us and she stayed overnight. I ended up telling her about Aidan and how he’s her half-brother,” Tisha explained.

  Abbie stared back and forth between the two women. Lucy started to crack her knuckles. Instead, she folded her hands and waited for more questions from the befuddled-looking woman.

  “Oh.” Abbie’s brow knitted as if she still tried to process what Tisha had said.

  “Lucy, sit down,” Tisha ordered softly. “Abbie has told me something upsetting about Aidan and his ultimate plans for your family.”

  She sat next to Tisha. Based on the queer expression on Abbie’s face, it couldn’t be good.

  Tisha dropped her hand on Abbie’s knee. “There’s no need to keep any secrets from Lucy, so you can speak freely.”

  Abbie ran her tongue along her bottom lip. Deep grooves bracketed her mouth, and when she lifted her hand to push her hair aside, her nails had been bitten down to the quick. “Aidan is in a very bad place, the worst I’ve ever seen. We had a horrible fight, and he said some things that scared me.” Her mouth trembled. “He plans to marry the marchioness and will announce their engagement tonight at her ball. He says it’s his way to finally become a respectable member of society, and with that…woman by his side, he’ll succeed with his final revenge against the man who left him and his mother to rot.”

  “My father, you mean,” Lucy murmured, sickened by the turn of events.

  “Yes, your father, Geoff Daugherty, is Aidan’s father. For years, Aidan wanted payback against the man. It’s all he thinks about. He constantly rants about bringing Daugherty down and embarrassing him in front of all of London. He thinks the marchioness can help him succeed.”

  “Oh, love, I’m so sorry.” Tisha patted Abbie’s knee.

  She also felt for the young woman who had been hurt and betrayed by the man she loved. It was apparent how deeply she felt for Aidan when she mentioned his name and the pain crossed her face. She knew far too well how it was to be misled and thrown aside like rubbish. It seemed fitting Aidan and Irena would come together.

  “I confronted Aidan yesterday and told him I won’t be his kept woman on the side. He became upset and almost violent. I calmed him by pretending to agree with him. Last night, I kept a close eye on him while he worked the tables, acting as if nothing was the matter. I wanted to talk to Teague about Aidan, but he’s away.”

  “Da is out of town. He’ll be back later this afternoon in time for the marchioness’s ball.” Tisha grimaced.

  “I’ve been invited also. My entire family has.” Lucy cleared her throat. “The marchioness and I were friends growing up. She was my neighbor once. It took me too long to realize how manipulative and vindictive she could be.”

  Abbie dropped her face in her palms, her shoulders heaving from the force of her crying.

  Tisha pulled her into her arms. “Hush now, it will be all right. You’ll make yourself sick.”

  Abbie tore out of Tisha’s arms and hugged herself. Tears ran down her face. “But I am sick! I kept Aidan’s secrets for too long because I loved him so much. I can no longer let him destroy himself and innocent people.”

  Tisha stared at Lucy in confusion. Lucy’s stomach twisted. Whatever secrets Abbie knew of Aidan’s must be very damaging.

  “Miss Hale, or may I call you Abbie?” Lucy asked, not bothering to wait for Abbie to give her permission to use her first name. “Abbie, you’re with friends here. You can trust us. What else have you’ve kept hidden for so long?”

  Abbie stared at the floor. She wiped her nose with her arm. “There’s a good reason the marchioness wants Aidan to marry her. A husband can’t testify against his wife or the wife against her husband if either is bought up on charges for a crime like murder.”

  “Are you suggesting Aidan or the marchioness has committed a crime?” Tisha asked.

  “Yes. Aidan is an accessory to murder.” A fresh wave of tears filled Abbie’s eyes. “One night, about three years ago, we both were drinking and he got piss drunk. He told me the marchioness’s husband’s death might not be an accident.”

  “Aidan
killed Irena’s husband?” Lucy asked in stunned disbelief.

  “He said the marchioness came to him, upset her husband had become abusive because he blamed her for her miscarriages. She lived in fear the marquess might kill her.” Abbie hunched her shoulders and shut her eyes. “He said he would help her. Soon after, the marquess was found dead and beaten, his jewelry and money stolen. Everyone thought he was killed by pickpockets. The night it happened, Aidan was here in plain sight of everyone. But it wouldn’t have stopped him from paying someone to off the marquess.”

  “You believe Aidan conceived a plot to kill the Marquess de Macey and paid someone to do the job?” Tisha asked.

  Abbie nodded. “He’s more than willing to fix things for others so they’ll be in his debt. Much like your father, Tisha.”

  She sat up, shaking her head. “No, no. Da would never let Aidan do such a thing. Da isn’t some street thug who uses his money and influence to control people. He even has friends who are in law enforcement. He goes out of his way to give to charities and help the neighborhood. He would never, ever allow it!”

  “You just said Teague is friendly with the police. He could have told them to dismiss the case regarding the Marquess’s death. It would be so easy to blame thieves and leave it at that,” Abbie said.

  Tisha rose from the couch, still shaking her head. “I just can’t believe it.”

  “Tisha, your father treats Aidan like his own son. Why wouldn’t he keep what Aidan did a secret?” Lucy motioned to Abbie. “Miss Hale has. Why not your father?”

  Tisha cursed and stared up at the ceiling, mumbling more curses under her breath.

  “Please don’t hate me. I love you and Teague…and loved, still love Aidan. You’ve all given me and Benji so much.” Abbie broke down in tears and started to fall to her knees.

  Tisha caught her, and Abbie sobbed in her arms.

  Lucy stood, uncertain how to proceed. She wanted to lend comfort and have it given in return. But Abbie and Tisha had years of friendship and love between them, and she didn’t want to impose on that right now.