Chapter 5
This amount of fury hadn’t raged through Jeremy’s veins in a very long time. It heated his face and brought a stinging stitch to his chest. Didn’t Evie understand the dangers here? Viper and his minions took great pleasure in bringing pain to others, and if she was discovered to be working with the Guardians, there was no telling what would be done to her. He shivered, remembering Giselle’s mangled body after it had been pulled from the filthy water.
Jeremy drew in a slow breath, forcing his hand to remain at his side. How could he make Evie understand she would be in the greatest danger of them all? In the very Nest? He couldn’t allow anything to happen to her.
With her sherry-brown eyes glowing in anger, she spun away from him and stormed toward the door. Metal screeched and she slipped out. Even enraged, Jeremy thought her the most beautiful creature he had ever seen; and never had he met anyone with so much courage. Not even the most highly seasoned Guardians would have taken on this assignment.
He still had to convince her not to do this.
Jeremy turned to Elder. “Permission to leave.”
Gray eyes stared into his for several heartbeats, then narrowed. “You will not interfere with Falcon’s decision, Rogue. We need her. Now more than ever. Two lives depend on it.” Then he waved his hand. “Dismissed.”
Jeremy, the highest-ranking aristocrat in the Guardians, merely nodded at the command and hurried to catch up with Evie. He dashed from the room, and up the stairs, finding her on the landing, about to turn to the next flight of stairs. Perfect. No one would hear them.
She spun around when she heard him behind her, and the nearest torch flickered, making her shadow dance on the stone wall. “Go away, Rogue. You are not changing my mind.”
Stepping up on the landing, Jeremy slipped around her and blocked her way up the steps. He turned and towered over her. He hadn’t realized she was so small. Yet, although he crowded her, she refused to step back. She merely held her head up and glared at him. God, he wanted to kiss her. He wanted to reach down, pull her to his chest, and settle his lips over hers. They were soft and pink, the bottom lip slightly fuller than the top, just as he liked it.
He remembered her honey-mint taste, and he moved closer, wanting another sample.
She still didn’t step back, just crossed her arms and lifted a brow at him. “Either leave or let me pass.”
His chest was less than an inch from her crossed arms. He could smell her lavender vanilla fragrance rising up to greet him. The urge to pull her to him grew stronger with each passing second. Slowly he shook his head. “I am not leaving until we talk.”
“There is nothing to discuss,” she said and tried to move around him.
Jeremy reached out and settled his hands on her shoulders, his thumbs grazing the silky skin exposed at her neck, sending sparks down his arms. “You’re not leaving, either.”
She bent her head slightly forward. The light from the torch glistened red-gold through her wavy dark hair. She had the sides pulled up with ruby encrusted combs and they sparkled in the low, flickering flame light. He wondered what she was thinking.
Taking a deep breath, she glanced back up. Jeremy was startled to see the tears glazing her eyes. This strong, brave girl. How could she have tears?
“The day you broke our betrothal, Lord Fielding, is the day you no longer had any say in my actions.”
His right thumb caressed her cheek, and he spoke softly, his anger having evaporated as soon as he saw her distress. “I had to break the betrothal,” Jeremy whispered, not really intending on divulging that to her. But he couldn’t take the words back now.
He could see her fitting the pieces together and the widening of her eyes when she did understand. Jeremy nodded. “The Guardians rarely recruit heirs to a title, but I have a certain ability they needed.”
She tried pulling away. “I am certain I do not wish to hear anything of your abilities, Rogue.”
Jeremy bit back a smile as he kept her from slipping past him. “I assure you, it’s not what you think.”
She folded her arms and he couldn’t keep his gaze from straying down to the creamy flesh bulging up out of her gown. He felt a slow, lazy smile spread across his lips. “I believe I have failed to comment on how lovely you look these days, pet.” Lifting his gaze back to hers, he watched the angry sparks shoot right out of her eyes. Much better than seeing the hurt. The hurt he caused her. “Once I read a document, I can recite every word of it.”
Her brows shot up in surprise. When curiosity had completely replaced the anger on her face, he continued. “One of my teachers at Oxford realized what I could do. He was a Guardian and brought me into the fold just after I returned from the Grand Tour. They needed the exact words from a document within a certain earl’s residence. Fortunately, I had just accepted an invitation to the earl’s ball, so gaining entrance was hardly difficult.” Jeremy paused to smile, recalling how easy it was to persuade the earl’s wife to gain him access to the study. “And after a few more successful missions, I finally met Elder and became Rogue.”
“You joined the Guardians before your father died, then.”
Now it was Jeremy’s turn to be surprised. The little bird was, indeed, perceptive. She homed in on something that continued to haunt him to this day: If he hadn’t been away on another mission, seducing yet another man’s wife, his father would still be alive.
“I had just completed my fourth mission when my father died and I learned about the betrothal contract. So, you see, I couldn’t go through with it until I found my father’s…” Jeremy stopped abruptly, unable to believe what he was about to reveal to Evie. He hadn’t told a soul about his secret plans, not even to Elder.
Her eyes lit with questions. “Your father’s what? What were you going to say?”
Jeremy shook his head and let a slow smile curve the edges of his lips. He even leaned down another fraction. That little maneuver never failed to distract the ladies. “Never mind that, pet, just know it was never my intention to cast you off in such a manner.” Just thinking of all she had suffered because of his breaking their betrothal made his stomach twist with guilt. Having to watch the effects of his actions and knowing there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it made him sick with regret. It always had.
Her lips parted and something sprang to her eyes. Jeremy identified it instantly. Hope.
Damn. She would make an awful Guardian. Her expressions were incredibly easy to read. But what made him even more uncomfortable was the warm glow filling his chest. Like sunlight breaking through the dark clouds after a month of rain. She still carried feelings for him.
Although he had learned that having the identity of a Guardian revealed could bring harm to loved ones, making it necessary to not let anyone close, he could still feel deeply. He just couldn’t show it. Everyone who came in contact with one of Viper’s men was suspected of being a Guardian, and each of them was watched.
Jeremy had been certain for some time he was on that list, he just hadn’t realized Viper was his own brother-in-law. God, that made him furious. He should have realized something was amiss. Anything at all. Montague was mostly a recluse, preferring his gaming hells to mingling in good society, and the man was obviously an expert at hiding his true identity. And now, Jeremy would have to take extra precautions with ensuring his role in the Guardians never came to light. Just as he would have to ensure any feelings he had for anyone never came to light.
“Lord Fielding—”
“Jeremy,” he corrected softly, wanting to kiss her so badly, his mouth watered for her taste.
A smile sprang to her lips, a slight dimple peeked out of her right cheek, and her eyes went soft. It suddenly occurred to him that he had never seen her smile. Well, perhaps at the masquerade, but she had been wearing a mask and he had no idea who she was at the time. Her smile brought about a stunning beauty, transforming her face as surely as losing nearly a stone of weight had transformed her body. Her teeth were white and straight. “Jeremy,” she whispered his name like a caress against his skin, nearly making him shiver. “What’s done is done,” she continued in her husky-sweet voice. “The past cannot be changed. We just have the future. You have chosen your path and now I have chosen mine. As soon as I complete this mission, I will continue on with Siren in France, and our paths will not have to cross again.”
As her words penetrated, Jeremy blinked down at her, struck dumb for several long seconds. He wanted to tighten his hands on her shoulders and give her a good shake. Of all the stubborn, obstinate, mule-headed women he had ever come in contact with, Evie had to top each one. Didn’t she realize what she was doing? Didn’t she know what this mission would entail? Well, he would just have to explain it to her.
“Evie,” he began, unable to mask the urgency in his tone, “do you realize what you will have to do?”
Slowly she nodded, but he saw the doubt build in her eyes. He leaned a bit closer and lowered his voice. “Are you prepared to sleep with Lord Montague?” God, even saying the words made his stomach recoil and his mouth fill with bitter ash.
She jerked at his words, her eyes filling with terror, then she glanced away. And Jeremy realized something in that very instant. “You’re a virgin,” he breathed, and unable to help himself, pulled her into his arms. He held her tight and settled his cheek on top of her head. God, he could not let this happen. What in the hell were Siren and Elder thinking, setting up this lamb for the slaughter in such a way? It made him sick.
Elder’s words rang loud and clear in his mind. We need her. Now more than ever. Two lives depend on it. Dragon and Blade were in grave danger and needed help, certainly, but putting Evie at such risk and making her do horrible things… God, he just couldn’t think about it.
Her arms came around him and he smiled, tightening his hold on her. “Do not worry, pet, we will think of something else. You won’t have to go through with this.”
“Of course I have to go through with this. I gave Elder my word.”
Jeremy squeezed his eyes shut and held her for another few seconds. He kept hoping he hadn’t heard those words muffled by his coat correctly. “You cannot,” he said, half groan, half protest.
She raised her head. Although there was still a good amount of fear in her gaze, her stubborn resignation held firm. “There is nothing you can do to stop me, Jeremy.”
Hadn’t she been listening? Didn’t she know the risk? The little fool was going to get herself killed. Frustrated that his words weren’t getting through, he lifted his hands to cradle her face and dipped his head. When his lips touched hers, Jeremy vowed he would never allow anyone to touch Evie in any way. He’d make damn sure of that.
The clop of steps on stone and echoing voices penetrated. Reluctantly, Jeremy lifted his head and watched Evie’s eyes flutter open, dazed and unfocused. He grazed her cheek with the backs of his fingers, knowing he would do whatever it took to keep her safe. The voices got louder and Evie gasped, then stepped back.
“Wait,” he said as she was about to step around him. “I meant what I said. You are not going through with this.”
Evie raised her chin, the torch light dancing in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but the voices grew even closer. Instead, she moved around him and dashed up the steps.
The next day, Evie still felt the power of Jeremy’s kiss clear down to her toes. She’d gotten little sleep last night, replaying everything he said over and over in her mind. It was just too much to take in. She tossed her breakfast napkin down and pushed aside her full plate. But her mind focused on one point, one tiny thing that could change everything. Jeremy had joined the Guardians before learning his father had signed the betrothal contract. Evie knew being a part of the Guardians meant one gave his or her life exclusively to the organization. She also knew Jeremy couldn’t explain his reasons for breaking their betrothal. Secrecy was a crucial part of the Guardians.
Evie lifted her steaming cup of tea to her lips. What did this mean now? Why was Jeremy so adamant that she withdraw from the mission? She took too large of a sip and scalded her tongue. Pulling a face, she set her cup down to cool. Perhaps Lord Fielding wanted to solve this on his own and not have her involved. Belle had often commented on the fragility of a man’s pride and how it could be used against him.
She narrowed her eyes and followed the steam ribboning up from her cup. Could that be the reason? Could Jeremy simply want to rescue Dragon and Blade all on his own? Be the hero of the Guardians without anyone’s assistance?
“Good morning, Evie,” her brother said, sauntering into the room. He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and sat in the head chair to her right.
“Good morning, Ash.” She eyed his cheery demeanor with an inward sigh. Her brother viewed life as one big party and rarely gave a moment’s thought about anything serious. Evie wondered if that would ever change. “Have fun at Havenshire’s gala last evening?”
His yawn turned into a grin and he wagged his brows. “Definitely. Met two young ladies. Beauties they were.” Then he seemed to recall something and furrowed his brows. “Feeling more the thing this morning? You still look a little peaky.”
In order to go to the meeting last evening, Evie had to feign a headache. Of course, Belle offered to stay with her so she could go to the meeting as well. Ash, so wrapped up in his own quest to have fun, was so very easy to fool.
Evie pulled out her best smile. “I am much better this morning, Ash.”
He started to comment, but Belle swept into the room in a sky blue and white striped day dress. “Good morning, Evie, Ashton. Isn’t it a glorious day?”
“You are in a fine form, Belle,” Ash said and nodded for the waiting servant to pour his coffee.
She grinned. “So, I am. Evie and I are going shopping today.”
Ash lowered his cup, his smile melting into a severe frown. “The last time you two went shopping, it cost me a bloody fortune. Doesn’t she have enough new clothes yet?”
Belle’s lips twitched. She leaned forward, as if conferring a grave secret. “My dear boy, a lady never has enough clothes, shoes, or jewels. You should be aware of that.”
With a sigh of defeat, for even Ash knew he couldn’t win against two women, he lifted the folded Times beside his plate and started to read.
Evie quickly glanced at Belle, raising her brows in silent question. Belle simply nodded, revealing the little outing today did have something to do with the case they were working on, and raised her teacup.
As her heartbeat quickened, Evie thought about Jeremy and his adamancy about her not being involved with the Guardians or this case. Too bad, she thought, and drank more of her tea.
An hour later, as the carriage rattled down the cobblestones, Evie’s thoughts continued to stray to the prior evening. To Jeremy. She just couldn’t help it. Being in his arms, receiving a second kiss from him had been above wonderful, and she hated herself for feeling that way. She thought she was over him. That he was just a distant memory and she had a new life to look forward to. Evie had convinced herself that Jeremy no longer mattered to her, that she could move on to a new future without any regrets.
Perhaps she would have been able to hold firm to that belief if Jeremy had merely been the despicable rogue she thought he was and ended their betrothal for purely selfish reasons. Now, she knew there was more to what had happened. Much more.
“You’re deep in thought,” Belle said.
Evie glanced up and instantly understood why she felt so angry with her aunt. “Yes. I was just thinking about the day you promised me a better future.” She leaned back against the cushion and crossed her arms. “Do you remember that?”
Belle gave a regal nod. “Indeed, I do. You were suffering a great deal, Evie, and I knew I could help you.”
Biting back what she really wanted to say, Evie took a deep breath, then continued. “In France, I confessed my most intimate and painful feelings for Lord Fielding and my desire to make the anguish go away. I believed you were offering me a way to do just that. So, you can guess how hurt and disappointed I felt at seeing Lord Fielding last night.”
An expert at hiding her every emotion, something Evie truly envied, Belle’s expression did not change. “You were able to rise above the pain, Cherie. Do you not see that?”
“What I see is that you betrayed me. You offered me a way to divert my feelings for Lord Fielding and give my life a new purpose. Instead, I learn he will continue to be a part of my life. Why didn’t you tell me he would be there?”
“You knew I could not. I could not even provide you with a hint about who would be there. Our identities must be protected at all cost.”
Evie glanced down to her tightly crossed arms and knew her aunt was right. Lives depended on keeping the Guardians’ identities hidden.
“Would you rather I had not made the offer at all?”
Belle’s quietly spoken question jarred Evie. She knew without a moment’s hesitation the answer to that question. Slowly, she glanced up. “No. I will always be glad you did.”
Giving a nod, Belle allowed a smile to break free. “I knew you would feel that way, Cherie. Believe it or not, I struggled with the decision to bring you into the fold, knowing how you would feel when you saw Lord Fielding.” She reached out and patted Evie’s arm. “This was most difficult for me.”
As the carriage slowed to make a right turn, every bit of Evie’s anger drained away. She would complete this mission and then return with her aunt to France. Her plans did not have to change. She could still live from mission to mission, pouring out all her energy and keeping all her focus on more important matters than pining over a lost love. Belle told her there was plenty to accomplish in France.
When the carriage rattled to their first stop, Evie stepped to the ground behind her aunt, once again filled with optimism for the future. She silently vowed that she would never again allow Jeremy to interfere with her future plans. After all, she thought as she ambled up to the pretty jewelry glistening in the store window, more important things required her attention.
Two hours later, as Belle led Evie into the milliner for a new hat and matching parasol, the reason for the shopping trip became clear. Lady Montague stood before a large oval mirror, carefully adjusting the indigo blue hat over her blonde chignon. The large sapphire ring on her left hand shimmered in the sunlight pouring in through the window. “Yes, this one as well, Mr. Turney. I do like the feathers.” She stroked the three blue plumes springing up from the right side of the hat, then turned to her side, revealing her profile and the swell of a babe growing in her middle.
“Excellent choice, your ladyship.”
Seeing movement in the mirror behind her, Lady Montague turned. Noticing Evie and Belle, she narrowed her eyes a fraction. Evie could tell she was trying to place them.
Taking a deep breath, Evie smiled and stepped forward. “Phyllis, or should I say Lady Montague? How nice it is to see you again.”
Lady Montague’s smile was slow, then her eyes lit with recognition. “Lady Evie?” She raked her gaze up and down. “It is you! I hardly recognize you.”
Evie was getting used to that reaction. Her friends, Megan, Torie, Silver, and Amelia, were so delighted with her new appearance and clothes. Others were simply stunned speechless, like Lady Wimberley and Mrs. Hawkins were earlier when Evie and Belle had stopped for ices. The two old busybodies just sat there with their mouths agape, refusing to say one word of greeting. She supposed they were disappointed. While Evie had moved up on the popularity list, their homely granddaughters had moved down.
Phyllis started speaking and Evie moved closer. “It’s been ages since we last spoke. Where have you been?”
While Evie never held Phyllis in great affection, she didn’t really dislike the girl, either. Their fathers had been the best of friends, so naturally they used to spend a great deal of time together as children. Phyllis was once sorely in love with the Duke of Claremont, her friend Megan’s husband, while Evie was in love with Phyllis’s brother Jeremy. As young girls, they spent hours daydreaming of marriage to the two men. Some kinship arose out of those silly hopes and dreams, and Evie thought she might have a chance to get close to Phyllis once again. The Guardians were counting on her to locate Dragon and Blade.
“I’ve been with my aunt, here, in France these last few months. Oh, do pardon me.” Evie turned to Belle. “Aunt Belle, please make the acquaintance of Lady Montague. Phyllis, please meet my aunt, Miss Arabella Harding.”
“How do you do, Miss Harding?”
Belle nodded, “Very well, thank you, Lady Montague. I am delighted to meet you.”
“And you.” Phyllis turned to Evie. “Can you and Miss Harding come for tea? Say, four o’clock? We simply must catch up.”
Evie wanted to throw her arms around Phyllis. Instead, she gave a slight smile and turned to her aunt. “Do we have time, Aunt Belle?”
Belle checked the gold and seed pearl watch she had pinned to the front of her dress, carefully schooling her features. Evie could almost feel her aunt’s excitement. She was humming with it herself. Then Belle nodded. “Yes, that should allow us just enough time to complete our purchases here. Lady Montague, we will be happy to accept your kind invitation.”
Phyllis clapped her hands together with a smile. It occurred to Evie the lady was lonely. “Excellent. I’d be happy for you to ride in my carriage.”
Belle inclined her head. “That is most generous, Lady Montague, since our carriage is quite full of packages. I shall send the driver home to unpack, then return for us at your residence.”
When the carriage rolled to a smooth stop before the Montague town mansion, Evie followed Phyllis and her aunt from the carriage with the assistance of two waiting footmen. She glanced up at the mountain of a house with its gray bricks and black shutters, thinking the pile had to be the most unwelcoming sight in all of Mayfair. The clop of hooves brought her around just in time to see Lord Fielding draw back on the reins and slide from his saddle.
“Jeremy!” Phyllis gushed with pleasure. “What a wonderful surprise.”