CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Kathrine couldn’t take her eyes from him. He was handsome, beyond so. He didn’t wear a cap like most of the men in the room, and his thick, dark hair shone in the candle light. But it was his eyes they mesmerized her. So green and bright, they looked like the emeralds her stepmother liked to wear.
What was she supposed to say? Official introductions had been made. Was she supposed to speak to him or add him to her dance card? What now? All those years her mother had protected her from having to come to court, then she had died, leaving her with her father, and of course he remarried. Her stepmother, however, was very proper and wanted better standing. What better way than offering her husband’s only child to the Queen as a new lady’s maid. That was how good, well-bred girls found husbands, apparently.
“You are too kind, Sir. It is an honor to meet you.” She gave a slight curtsy, hoping he would take the lead. She was totally lost. So many people, so much color. Everything was too much for her brain.
Her mind rebelled against the raging, pulsing emotions of those around her. Kathrine could tell just by a glance who in the room claimed dominance over others. She could see the colors flaring around each individual—her mother had referred to it as an “aura”. Each person’s aura was slightly different, all of them swirling around the room in a sickening daze. But the worst part was the voices. If she didn’t keep her mental barriers up, she could hear all their nasty little sniping thoughts about one another, despite the smiles and happy facade they plastered on their faces.
She had spent years learning to control her unique talents, only to be packed off to court, a place where her barriers were nowhere near strong enough to hold back the energy of the crowds. At times like this she missed her mother’s calming influence, her rock-solid belief that Kathrine was special, she was chosen. Right now she didn’t feel chosen. She felt exposed and in danger.
“Miss Abell, are you quite well? You look a little pale. Perhaps some air would do to help?” The man still stood before her, clearly expecting something more. That was how this worked. You got introduced, found out if he had money, and then let him make an offer for your hand. That was if you weren’t half crazy or anything. Even then, if you had the name and the money, any man would marry the crazy one.
“Yes, some air would be wonderful, Sir Garret.” He offered his arm. Timidly she slid her gloved hand into the crook, and he led her slowly across the large ball room, through the mass of people, and toward the huge gilded glass doors.
“Just Mister. I am not quite as fortunate as some of the gentlemen here, I’m afraid.” His voice was calming, soothing the frayed edges of her mind against the inner cacophony generated by the people around her. She found she enjoyed his company, even if they had only just met.
He stepped forward and opened the door for her, allowing her access onto the large stone balcony. Other couples were already present, chatting in the soft, cool air of spring. Kathrine was expected to find a wealthy husband, get married, and give him sons as quickly as she could. If her stepmother had anything to say about it, she would be betrothed to Lord Argill before the night was out. The old man looked like he was about to pass out or fall asleep half the time. Distracted by her inner thoughts, she didn’t hear Mr. Garret talking until he touched her arm.
“Oh, do forgive me. I was gathering butterflies. Please, what were you saying, Mr. Garrett?”
His soft chuckle told her he took no offense as he led her to a stone bench, not releasing her hand until she was seated. He moved to sit beside her, stretching his long legs, his whole body relaxed. She didn’t think it was possible for him to look any more handsome than he did now, his eyes almost glowing in the darkness.
“I have to ask, Mr. Garrett. With so many Ladies in court tonight, why speak to me?” Oh dear, too bold. She had been warned about the bold thing. She was supposed to keep her mouth shut and just let the men do the talking.
“You seemed like the most interesting person in the room, Miss Abell. I can’t be doing with these frivolous females who look for nothing but power and a title. Besides, Reynold told me you liked to read. I happen to like a woman with a true head on her shoulders, if I might be so bold.”
He liked a woman who liked books? This was a good start. She didn’t think she could marry anyone who didn’t like reading. “Yes I will admit, to my shame, I enjoy Arthurian mythology. Though my father wishes I would stop reading altogether.”
“Arthurian? So you know the works of Thomas Malory?”
Mark another point for him, he knew a writer. Most of these men knew nothing more than drinking at their clubs, bedding their mistresses, or gambling their money away.
He drew her attention again as he continued talking, “I do admit, I enjoy the works of John Skelton myself. His The Bowge of Court aptly applies when you look upon the vices and dangers within those gilded walls before us.”
“Yes, I agree, very apt.” Did she just stumble on a gentleman with whom she might actually be able to have a conversation? One who would not lock her in the country when he came to court so he could woo pretty little ladies and bed mistresses?
Mammon was telling the truth when he said he was an avid reader. Not much else to do when you sat around in Hades waiting for your father to give you a task. The fact she knew the books he spoke of, coupled with the light flush of her cheeks when she got excited, made his skin tingle. But a hard lump was forming in his chest. He had to seduce this woman. Take from her that which only her husband was allowed to take. All so he might kidnap her from this world and take her to one where she would be treated like a queen but imprisoned within golden bars.
He had never really felt guilt before, and it burned his heart. Frowning a little, he rubbed his chest. How odd this female should raise such a feeling inside him. He was the Sin of Greed—not much else mattered to him other than getting what he wanted and as much of it as he wanted. He was pleasantly surprised to realize he wanted the female. Unfortunately, if he wanted the woman sitting beside him it meant Hades didn’t get her, because Greed did not share his possessions with anyone.
He could feel the energy coming from her. It was a sweet tingle on his tongue. She was powerful. He could taste it. He wondered if she knew just how powerful she was? He observed her hands placed demurely in her lap, her head down. He could see an almost imperceptible wince go across her features. Empathy maybe?
“You seem pained, Miss Abell. Might I get you something to drink?” The words were dry on his tongue. His pocket held the vial of liquid that would knock her out. He was supposed to seduce her first, then shame her so she would be more inclined to remain in Hades than fight to return.
“Yes, please, Mr. Garrett. That would be wonderful.”
He stood and gave her a little bow. Those eyes haunted him all the way inside where he picked up a goblet filled with sweet wine and peered into its red depth. Ze appeared from nowhere, slapping him on the back, causing him to almost spill the wine.
“Damn it, Ze, quit it.”
“So, you have her alone. Hurry it up.”
“I’m working on it. Go find yourself a warm pair of legs to lay between or something,” he growled at his brother. All he got was a grin in return.
“Oh, don’t you worry. I have my eyes on one little envious female who wants the new Queen dead and buried. She even has poison in her bag. She is all mine. See you back in Hades.” With that Ze slithered through the crowd towards his target.
Mammon looked at the wine and sighed before heading back out into the cool air. What the hell was wrong with him? Kathrine sat quietly, having removed her gloves. She must be enjoying the cool of the air. Why was she the only one to wear them in court? If indeed she was a Seer, then no doubt she had them for protection.
Stopping before her, he offered her the goblet. As she reached for it, their fingers brushed, bare skin to bare skin. Shock ricocheted through his body, and her eyes widened. She took the goblet, gripping it tightly. She looked at him, then back to the room milling with people. Was she thinking could she make it back inside? There was a young couple trysting in the corner, trying to hide in the cover of darkness. Her eyes moved to them.
Mammon frowned as a thought struck him. She might have a touch of Hindsight. If so, she now knew what he was and what he had been sent here to do.
“Don’t try to run, Kathrine. You won’t get away.” He kept his voice low and moved to sit beside her again. Well, didn’t this just make the whole job much more awkward?
“I know what you are. Your name is not Matthew, is it?” She kept her head down, clearly trying not to panic. She was attempting to remain calm, no screaming feminine waif here. He had to give her that much.
“No, it is Mammon. I have been sent by Hades, Lord of the Underworld, to retrieve you. You know what you are, I take it?” His green eyes scanned the balcony, ensuring no one else was around.
“Yes, I know I’m rare, that many people crave the power in my blood. My mother told me stories as a child. About demons and gods. About women with power who are hunted their whole lives. But I will not let you take me. I am not a possession.”
He opened his mouth to answer and got a face full of wine. Mammon hissed, hearing the rushing of feet and rustling of skirts as she made a break for the gardens.
Swearing low, he wiped his eyes on his sleeves and took off after her, vaulting over the balcony and landing on the gravel path below. Damned woman. Running was the worst thing she could have done. She should have just accepted her fate.
Mammon listened in the darkness, blocking out the sounds from the ballroom. He could smell her, hear her heartbeat. He set off at a jog, pausing at the entrance to the maze. Poor girl didn’t know he could smell her and her scent excited him.
Entering the dark leafy corridors, he breathed her in. She bathed with rose soap. It tickled his nose, making his body hum with awareness. Turning left, then right, he followed easily, knowing without a shadow of a doubt he would find her no matter where she ran. Stopping behind a hedge wall, he could hear her breathing. She was just around the next bend. Slowly so as not to startle her, he stepped out, his hands raised.
“Kathrine, you will be well taken care of. This I can swear to you. You will be a goddess.”
“Yes, one locked in a gilded cage. Paraded out when I’m needed. No thank you. My mother warned me. Those who hunt the women of our family want us for our power. I won’t go with you. I won’t be someone’s pretty jewel.”
Mammon sighed and ran his hands through his hair. So much for seduction. He took a step forward, wishing he could make her understand things didn’t have to be this way. He didn’t get far. The pain began, pounding low behind his eyes. He winced, pressing his hand over his eye. It quickly spread over his head to the back of his neck, turning into a crippling pressure. He fell to his knees, gaping at the woman before him. She was doing this? Her power was astounding! Gritting his teeth, he staggered to his feet, fighting against the pain. He could feel his nose beginning to bleed, his vision blurring. Damn, he didn’t expect this much of a fight. Unfortunately for her, it made him want her more.
When she realized he was resisting the pain, her eyes went wide, and she turned to run. Lunging for her, Mammon grabbed her long skirts, pulling her to the damp grass, the two of them rolling until he had her pinned beneath him. He enjoyed this position way too much. She emitted a terrified gasp when she realized his cock was pressing against her, hard as steel. He couldn’t help his body’s response to her! If she would just stop wriggling!
“Please don’t.” Her soft whimper, mixed with the look of terror in those violet eyes, almost broke him.
“I would never hurt you, Kathrine.” The words came out before he realized what he’d said. It took his brain a second to catch up. He knew it to be true, however. He could never hurt her. Her eyes were wide with fear, and she frowned as she lay under him. She lifted her hand tentatively, brushing her fingers against his jaw. He felt power sizzle down his back, then her eyes went wide again, a blush rushing over her chest and neck.
“Well, if you read my emotions, it serves you right. You are beautiful. I can’t stop how my body reacts when I look at you.”
She scowled at him. “You’re being crude, demon. You don’t want to do this do you? Take me to Hades, I mean.”
Oh, great. She was telepathic, too? Just perfect. More power than had been seen since the height of Greece, and she was pinned under his uncontrollably aroused body.
“If I only had a choice, Seer.” Her fingers touched his lips, and he was frozen by her.
“Will you be harmed? If I don’t come with you?” Her eyes showed concern. Hell, what had she seen when she looked inside him?
“I doubt it. My Father’s an ass, but he is not a bastard.” He watched her blushing at his language and cleared his throat. “Sorry, old habits. I’m not really an English gentleman after all.”
“I worked that out. You are far too rakish to be a true gentleman.” Was she teasing him? The fact she had stopped struggling meant she had learned something about him, as she no longer appeared terrified.
“I’m supposed to take you. I was commanded, but I…gods, what’s wrong with me?” He didn’t want to move. She was so warm, so soft and alluring. All the things he had seen but never experienced. Her powers trickled into his skin, robbing him of control. Was this her power? Was she doing this to him?
“Take me? Sounds very primitive. You might have worked out I’m not some demure little house flower. I could let you. Take me, I mean.” Wait, was she seducing him? The look in her violet eyes nearly unmanned him, and he didn’t fight the pull of her spell. He felt confused, fuzzy. It had to be those damned eyes of hers making his heart beat in new ways.
“Don’t tempt a demon, Seer. You might not like the outcome.” Gods help him. His eyes dropped to those lips. He needed to stop. This wasn’t right.
“Or I just might.” Holy gods! Was she part siren, too?
Oh damn him to Hades. He couldn’t stop himself. With a growl, he covered her wanton little mouth with his. Her gasp and submission rushed through his veins like wine. His tongue swept deep as he pressed against her, feeling her legs tightening on his hips. He was a dead man, totally dead. Hades would kill him. No way could he send this female to him.
He dominated the kiss, her taste robbing him of rational thought. When her tongue swept back against his, he knew he was lost. Groaning into her mouth, he eased up, letting her gather courage until she pressed up against him, her timid tongue dipping between his lips. Their tongues dueled, her soft moans lighting a fire along his spine. He felt her hands sinking into his hair, pulling him towards her. Damn she had so much fire and spark hidden under her demure facade.
She tasted like ambrosia, so wild, exotic, and utterly forbidden. Her magic set his skin on fire. With a low rumble, his hands moved under her skirts, brushing over the edge of the white stockings that covered her legs, feeling smooth, tender flesh. She jerked away from his touch panting. She seemed as confused by this sudden craving as he.
Her tongue flicked out against rose lips. Was she teasing him? He groaned and lowered his head to her chest, brushing his nose along the exposed skin. She gripped his hair once more and rotated her hips, making soft little whimpers. Mammon was out of his mind. He’d been sent to seduce her, true. But this was something else. He felt out of control, like this was something meant to happen from the second her violet eyes locked on his.
“Please, I ache. I don’t understand.” Her voice was breathy and rushed, her mind no doubt trying to make sense of the liquid fire she felt for him.
He moved his hand again, sliding it up her leg and under her chemise; the scrap of material did nothing to protect her from his advance. His fingers probed gently, finding their goal. Her virgin lips were slick with need. He caught her gasp with his mouth, silencing her with his tongue as his fingers delved, rubbing circles against her clit. He doubted she even knew what made her body sing, but together they were going to damn well find out.
She cried out as his thumb brushed over the sensitive bud and her hips rose to meet his hand, needing more, desperate for relief. Her nails clawed at his back, pulling desperately at his doublet, her body arching against the cold ground. Slowly he slid one finger into her hot core. Her reaction was mesmerizing, she screamed into his mouth. He swallowed her sudden release of pleasure, watching as it tore through her.
Her muscles clamped hungrily around his finger, and he could feel the flood of liquid honey against his hand. He pulled back, groaning at his own straining erection, needing his own release but not here on the damp ground with her skirts hiked up over her hips. He was a demon, not an ass. Whatever this was between them, it was strong, powerful, and determined to pull them both into oblivion. He could feel himself falling under its spell. He wanted to sink into her, lose himself in her depths, and never come up for air again.
Kathrine panted, shivering, shaking so hard she thought she had a fever. He had done something to her. With one touch of his hand, her body had come alive, and she experienced things she had never dreamed of. She had let him kiss her, let him touch her in a place only her husband should touch. She had been told a good girl should never get pleasure from these things, yet she had felt mind numbing ecstasy and then some. The heat from his body chased away the chill of the ground, his hand stroking between her thighs, his fingers making her body convulse with aftershocks of bliss.
No one had told her—not even her mother—what it was like to be touched by a man. Damn, she had let him touch her so intimately, she was ruined for life. If anyone caught her like this, her dreams of a good marriage to a fine man would be out the window.
Her throat was dry, her chest heaving at the power that had washed over her. She watched him in awe as he repositioned himself so as not to crush her. His green eyes sparkled in the darkness, and just for a moment she could have sworn she saw flames licking over his skin. She had a driving urge to taste his neck, to see if those flames went all the way down his perfect form.
“What just happened?” Hell, it was like she had been out of her own body. His kiss, his hands playing her until she sang for him, craving more. The fact he was a demon and he’d been sent to bring her to his leader or master or whatever didn’t seem to matter right now. She could feel him. Inside her mind, he wasn’t taking her anywhere. His soul had decided he was keeping her. For some reason the idea made her heart sing.
She felt different, not just different because a man had touched her and made her a woman, but she felt linked to him. She could feel his heartbeat as if it were her own. Their auras seemed to mix and mingle together, writhing as a pair. Whatever had occurred between them this night had connected them. She could feel it, and she knew by the look in his eyes he felt it, too.
“Kathrine, we have to get you out of here, away from court. Hades can find you here. He may send another of my brothers, and they are less appealing than me.” He was trying to lighten the mood, but his unease was palpable.
Pulling away from her, he helped arrange her skirts, pulling her to her feet and brushing the grass from her hair. He paused, his fingers resting on her cheek. He couldn’t stop himself it appeared. He leaned in his lips skimming hers, gazing at her in awe. In the last ten minutes, she had gone from shy little female to full on wanton seductress.
“I know somewhere you will be safe, but you must keep hidden. Place silver on the door jambs and wear vervain. It will hide you from Hades and other demons.” He glanced around the hedgerow maze quickly. Placing his hands on her arms, he looked into her eyes.
“Don’t let him find you. Tell no one what you are, understand?” His intense green eyes were panicked. She could feel it. She stroked his face, and he calmed almost instantly. This inexplicable link between them tied more than their hearts. It joined them together on a much, much deeper level. The idea she might not see him again sat like a stone in her stomach.
“I won’t, but what about you? Will we meet again?” She desperately wanted to explore this newly awakened side of herself with him. Only him.
Fingers tipping her chin back, he locked his eyes on her covering her lips with his, teasing the entry to her mouth. On a soft moan, she parted for him, letting him take control. Her body turned to mush, melting against his until he pulled back, a promise in his emerald eyes.
He grabbed her hand, leading her from the maze as if he had been here a million times. They crossed the grass, heading around the building to where the carriages waited for their owners once the ball was over. That would be in the early hours of the morning, a major benefit to them, but he was taking no chances it seemed.
He paused, making sure no one could see and led her to an intricately carved red and gold carriage. The footman sat smoking a pipe beside it. When he saw his master, he shot to his feet, grabbing his hat and jamming it on his head.
“Where to Master Matthew?” His thick London accent made it almost impossible to understand his words. Despite the accent, he was dressed as a rich man’s valet, and he gave her a quick bow.
“Take her to the cottage. Make sure no one sees you. Keep to the back roads. Give the keys to her, and make sure Hoskins puts the house into her name. Understand?”
The man didn’t argue, he merely nodded and climbed up to the driver’s seat. Kathrine watched all this, heart racing. If she was in this much danger, so was he. Now he was sending her away to face this by himself?
“I can’t go with you.” He helped her into the carriage, closing the door behind her. Kathrine knelt on the floor of the carriage and pulled the window covering back. Her life was changing so fast. Should she run back inside? Go to her family? Stay by the Queen? But something told her to do so would mean she would be hunted for the rest of her life. His voice chased away her fear, his hand cupping her chilled cheek.
“I will find you, I promise. Hide, keep safe. I will come for you. Send a letter to Hoskins of London. With this seal…” He pulled his signet ring off, placing it in her hand, his eyes riveted on hers. “He will ensure you are looked after until I return.”
He turned away from the carriage, and she knew by the hunch of his shoulders he was going to be in trouble for this. But she trusted him, damn it, she did. As the carriage began to move Kathrine leaned out. “Mammon!”
Her voice reached for him and he turned, his bright eyes glowing in the darkness. She watched him grow smaller and he stared after the retreating vehicle as if his heart had just left with her. A chill of icy wind rushed over her skin, and electric shocks ran down her arms. A touch of prophecy hit her hard. With a sob, she covered her mouth. Kathrine Abell knew with absolute certainty she would never see him again. Not in this life.