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After Richard left, Daniel stopped by Bow Street and spoke with Hurdy. As he suspected, the Runner was no closer to arresting Finch than he had been a week ago, despite the raid of the brothel the previous night. Hurdy spoke of gathering the testimonies of those arrested and sharing what he’d learned thus far with the magistrate. Then they’d determine whether a warrant could be issued for Finch’s arrest.
The presence of a young lady who’d been taken to the brothel against her will was certainly a strike against the man, but the rest of the women claimed to be prostitutes of their own choosing. It was difficult to know whether that was true.
Of course, Hurdy had yet to locate Finch, even if he wanted to question him. How was that possible when they knew his home address as well as the location of his other two businesses? Daniel wondered once again how hard the man was trying.
Anger had Daniel slamming the door on his way out of the Bow Street office. Could nothing go right with this investigation?
The time had come to act. He could wait no longer.
But how?
If a Bow Street Runner hadn’t found and arrested Finch, how would Daniel manage to do so?
While he didn’t have an answer to the question, he refused to merely wait. He directed the driver to Finch’s home address, where he planned to relieve Pierre. He’d only waited a few minutes before the valet joined him from wherever he’d hidden.
“Anything of interest?” Daniel asked.
“Nothing yet,” Pierre advised with a frustrated twist of his lips. “Shall I continue to keep watch?”
“I’ll have a go at it. The carriage can take you home.”
“No need. I’ll find a hackney.” Pierre alighted only to pause, his gaze holding Daniel’s. “Take care, sir. Miss Linfield is counting on you to return safely, as am I.”
Daniel nodded, appreciating the reminder. But it made him even more determined to put an end to Finch’s businesses.
He watched from the carriage at a safe distance, hoping to spot the man. The hours passed slowly until at last he requested the driver to take him to one of the other brothels to observe, hoping he wasn’t missing an opportunity to find him elsewhere.
What he would do if he actually saw Finch, he didn’t know, despite having plenty of time to ponder it. He had to think that if and when the moment came, he’d know how to proceed.
He wanted Finch behind bars before he saw Beatrice again. Only then could he consider what was best for their future together, if there was to be one.
~*~
BEATRICE’S STOMACH danced with nerves as she waited in Daniel’s bedchamber that evening. She still wasn’t certain if this was the right thing to do, but Pierre’s suggestion of an intimate cold supper served before the fire sounded quite romantic.
The valet had been more than supportive by arranging the meal with the cook, then giving the servants the night off, so she and Daniel would have the house to themselves. Pierre would be the only one who remained.
“You make him happy, miss,” Pierre had told her with a smile.
That statement confirmed what she’d thought fleetingly earlier—that she was not only worthy of Daniel, she was good for him. They were good together.
Her simple white muslin gown wasn’t overly suggestive but there was no denying that being in his bedchamber was. Would he welcome her presence or escort her to Aberland House as quickly as possible?
She drew a deep breath to settle her worries. Wouldn’t it be better to know now if he didn’t want her? Waiting to see his reaction each day—if she had the chance to see him—was worse. At least, that was what she’d told herself on the way to his home.
Now that she waited in his bedchamber, she wasn’t so sure.
Pierre hadn’t been certain when Daniel would return home but didn’t think he’d be too late.
As time passed, Beatrice couldn’t settle. She paced, she watched out the window, she read a few pages of a book, put more coals on the fire, but nothing held her attention for long. Should she return to Aberland House or wait a bit longer?
No. If she wanted to convince Daniel that she knew her own mind, this would prove it to him. She loved him and wanted a life with him. But the idea of telling him that was unnerving when she wasn’t certain how he felt.
The clock downstairs struck midnight, the chimes echoing through the house. Where could he be? What kept him out so late?
With a weary sigh, she sank onto Daniel’s bed where the covers had already been turned down, unable to keep her eyes open any longer. Surely resting a few minutes while she waited wouldn’t hurt. As she settled on his pillow, his scent filled her senses, and thoughts of him followed her into her dreams.
~*~
DANIEL EXITED THE CARRIAGE and glanced up at the driver. “Return in half an hour.” That should give him enough time to see if Finch was inside this brothel. The other one he’d spent several hours watching had yielded nothing.
The driver nodded and soon the clopping of the horse’s hooves faded into the darkness. The hour had grown late, past midnight, but he hoped his efforts might yet be rewarded.
Finch had to be somewhere.
This establishment served wealthier clientele and catered to certain unique tastes. The lure of having the whole affair over had Daniel walking forward slowly in search of a window in which he could look. There would be no purpose in trying to gain entrance if Finch wasn’t inside.
The lock on the garden gate groaned loudly in protest as he tried to force it open. He glanced about, heart pounding, to see if the sound caught anyone’s notice.
A nearby door opened with a loud click. Daniel held his breath as he knelt along the fence. A long minute passed as he waited to see if anyone came looking.
At last, he heard the door close and released a relieved breath, making a mental note to avoid the gate on the way out. He paused to gain his bearings and settle his heartbeat, then eased toward the window. He moved carefully, unwilling to be caught in the garden where his chances of escape were limited.
He wound through the hedges to the window where a slight part in the drapes gave him hope of a view. Whoever had decorated the other brothels had also lent a hand with this one. He’d be hard-pressed to tell the reception rooms apart.
Burgundy drapes with gold tassels, chairs with tufted velvet of the same shade, and a sideboard with decanters and glasses. A pianoforte stood in the corner where a woman in a sheer chemise began to play a bawdy song that apparently shared the delights of the women available.
“Her dark brown locks, both above and below, promise a luscious treat,” the woman sang. “Any lucky enough to view her bountiful twin stars of white alabaster will experience a great delight.” She glanced over her shoulder and winked at a customer.
Daniel could only shake his head, returning his focus to the men in the room. His gaze swept around the room before slowing to study the occupants. One looked like Finch, but his back was to the window. Impatience washed over Daniel, giving him the urge to rap his knuckles against the pane to catch the man’s attention.
Then the man moved, his pale blue eyes looking directly at Daniel. The illusive Joseph Finch.
Daniel stilled, hoping against hope the darkness hid him. At last, Finch turned back to face the room.
The close call left Daniel’s nerves stretched tautly. Now he need only enter the brothel and—
And what? His mind went blank as he climbed over the garden fence. How did he capture Finch? He should’ve brought Richard or Pierre along. What had he been thinking? He landed on the other side only to realize the dark mass before him wasn’t a hedge. The form leapt toward him.
Daniel dodged the man’s outstretched arms then shoved him back, sending him toppling.
“Catch him!” a voice to his left called out.
Another shadow rushed toward him. Daniel blocked the punch and landed a solid kick to the man’s thigh, causing him to cry out in pain as he backed away. The first man gained his feet, his large size making Daniel realize he was the same man he’d encountered when freeing Mary. He lunged for Daniel. A sharp jab struck Daniel in the side, a reminder to keep his arms up to better protect himself. Pierre would be disappointed with his sloppiness. Daniel landed two strikes of his own along with a kick and knocked the man down again.
His second opponent hit Daniel’s jaw, stunning him briefly. But Daniel regained his senses and swung, punching the man in the stomach. His opponent doubled over, gasping. Daniel clasped his hands together and hit him on the back, which sent him to the ground.
Winded, Daniel studied the two prone men, just visible in the dim streetlight. Then an arm snaked around Daniel’s neck, choking him as the sharp prick of a knife bit against his throat. He jerked against the arm to no avail.
“Move an inch, and I’ll slit your throat, Walker.”
The fact that the man knew Daniel’s name was alarming. A sudden knowing came over Daniel. “We meet at last, Finch.”
“You’ve been sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong, costing me money.”
“And you’ve been taking women against their will to use in your brothel.” At the thought of Beatrice and her narrow escape, a wave of anger coursed through Daniel.
Finch’s quiet chuckle further enraged him. “Those women came to London seeking work. I give them a job that pays better than any other and requires fewer hours.”
“You didn’t offer them a choice,” Daniel managed, struggling to draw a breath.
“Women don’t know what’s best for them. They need a man to show them, preferably while they’re on their back with their legs spread. Why have you been such a thorn in my side? What brings you to my part of the city?”
“Your scheme must end.” A terrible combination of fear and lack of breath narrowed Daniel’s focus.
Finch scoffed. “You are no one. You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
“Perhaps. But Bow Street—”
“Will do nothing. I have ties to a magistrate who has found it in his best interest to keep the Runners out of my affairs.”
That explained so much. No wonder Hurdy hadn’t managed to arrest Finch. There had to be another way to stop him, by fair means or foul. First Daniel had to gain his freedom.
Finch shifted, the knife pricking deeper, sending a shiver of fear along Daniel’s skin. Was this how his life would end? Finch could kill him now and dump his body with no one the wiser. A cold rush of fear clenched his heart.
But some would know, he reminded himself. Beatrice. Richard. Pierre. The thought of them chased away the chill. He refused to allow fear and doubt to rule his actions. Wasn’t that what he’d been doing with Beatrice? He loved her. There. He’d admitted it. He might have proposed too quickly, but he couldn’t doubt the attraction—the genuine feelings—that had sprung to life between them. He needed to do all in his power to win her heart, no matter how long it took.
With that vow came unexpected clarity.
“Now then—” Finch began.
Before he could finish, Daniel jammed his elbow into Finch’s exposed side where his raised arm held the knife. As the hold around his neck loosened, Daniel spun and drove his fist into Finch’s jaw. A blow to his ribs and a kick to his stomach bent the man in half.
Anger kept Daniel moving. Anger for Beatrice, Mary, Sarah, and all the other nameless women this man had stolen. Daniel rammed his knee into Finch’s face and the man cried out. Several more strikes and kicks had Finch on the ground, unmoving.
One of the other attackers rose, paused briefly to look at Daniel, then limped away. The second one sat up on one elbow, glanced at Finch’s prone form, but remained where he was.
“Hold!” A call came from the street along with the distinct rattle of a watchman’s alarm. Daniel looked up to see a form hurrying toward him, shaking the rattle and a bobbing lantern in one hand with the escaped man held tight in the other. “What’s going on here?”
Daniel raised his hands to show he had no weapon. “These men are involved in a scheme to steal women and force them to work in brothels.”
The watchman drew to a surprised halt as he glanced at the place in question. The fact that he knew which building was the brothel said much. The watchman’s focus shifted to Finch and the other man on the ground.
“Young women,” Daniel continued, determined to make the watchman understand the extent of the crime. “He drugs them and locks them inside to sell to the highest bidders.”
“Those are harsh accusations,” the watchman began as Daniel’s carriage pulled up and another watchman alighted.
“Send word to Thomas Hurdy of Bow Street,” Daniel advised. “He’s familiar with the investigation.”
“Hurdy, eh?” The second watchman joined them. “I know him. Your driver found me not far from here.”
“It looks as if you got the better of these three, despite being outnumbered,” the first watchman said. “Who are you?”
Well over an hour later, after answering numerous questions and providing his name and address, Daniel headed home in the carriage.
Finch and his men had been hauled to jail and the brothel closed. The second watchman had sent a message to Hurdy. Daniel hoped Finch would remain imprisoned for what he’d done.
Though stiff and sore, not to mention the small but painful cut on his neck, Daniel was pleased with the night’s events. He was even more pleased that come morning, he could tell Beatrice of Finch’s arrest. Then he intended to share what was in his heart. He hoped she felt the same. Anticipation filled him at the thought. Daylight couldn’t come soon enough.
He thanked the driver again, tipping him enough to make him stutter his gratitude, then let himself into his townhouse. He was surprised, if relieved, that Pierre wasn’t waiting.
The silence of the house settled over him as he climbed the stairs and opened the door to his bedchamber only to stop short at the sight before him.
A cloth-covered table stood before the still burning fire with several dishes on it along with candles that had burned low. But it was the woman in his bed that brought him closer.
Beatrice lay on her side, fully dressed. His heart melted at the vision she made with her golden hair tousled on his pillow and her cheeks pink with sleep. She looked so different than the night he’d brought her here.
Desire pulsed through him at what he hoped was her intention. To think he’d missed what she’d planned. Well, perhaps he’d only nearly missed it. He was here now, and so was she.
With quiet movements, he removed his boots, tailcoat, and waistcoat then washed his hands and face in the nearby basin to remove any signs of the altercation, including the blood on his neck.
Then he walked back to his bed and bent low to press a kiss on Beatrice’s temple. “Beatrice?”
Her long lashes fluttered. She woke in an instant and sat up. “Daniel? You’re here.”
“Yes. I hope I’m not too late.”
A lovely blush stole up her cheeks. “I wanted to have dinner with you and...” She paused as if uncertain how to explain.
Unable to resist, he kissed her, desperate for her to finish the sentence. “And?”
“And here you are,” she said in a breathless rush.
“Here I am.” He sat down beside her, holding her hand as he drank in her presence, waiting to see if she’d say more.
“You see, I’ve come to a decision about us.” She dropped her gaze to their clasped hands. “Actually, I’ve come to a decision about me and what I see for my future.”
“Oh?” Worry settled over him at the seriousness of her tone.
“I’ve allowed the events of the past few months to change my view of myself. To limit what I thought was possible.” Her lashes swept up, and her eyes met his, their depths shining with determination. “I was looking through a distorted pane of glass. Nothing was clear. But you and Caroline and even Aberland and Margaret as well as Mary and Sarah have helped me realize the truth. That I deserve a happy life. Being tossed in the brothel was an unfortunate occurrence that happened to me. But it’s how I move forward from that point on that matters, along with the choices I make.”
“Yes, that’s exactly what matters.” Pride filled him as he lifted her hand to press a kiss on her knuckles. “Your fortitude is to be applauded.”
She smiled. “I’m so pleased you agree. Because I choose you for my future, Daniel. I love you.”
His heart overflowed at her words. “That is perfect since I love you more than I can possibly say.” He brushed a finger along her cheek. “Does this mean you’ll be my wife?”
“Yes. Please. I would be honored to call you husband. And I want to share the news with everyone.”
“As do I. Immediately.” He kissed her again, love and desire tangling inside him when she wrapped her arms around his neck. Nothing had ever felt so good.
“Where were you?” she asked when he drew back. “I was worried.”
He hesitated, not wanting to ruin the moment by speaking of Finch. But she’d want to know. “Finch has been arrested.”
Her eyes widened, her body stiffening. Then her gaze swept over him as if to make certain he was all right. “What happened?” Her brow wrinkled with concern as she reached out a finger to touch his neck. “You were cut!”
“Nothing serious.”
“Are you certain?”
“Truly,” he reached to take her hand, “it’s nothing.”
“Thank heaven.”
He kissed the palm of her hand, lingering there, still unable to believe she was with him, let alone in his bed.
“What happened with Finch?”
“He was at one of his brothels when I encountered him.”
“Daniel,” she said on a gasp. “Why would you do something so dangerous?”
“Because he had to be stopped.”
Beatrice nodded slowly. “Yes, he did. Thank you for the terrible risk you took. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know he can’t do it anymore. You are my hero. Not only did you save me, but Mary and Sarah, and who knows how many others.”
A well of emotion rose within Daniel. The night had brought what he’d longed for—to do something that mattered. To know he was capable of handling himself in a situation where his life depended on it. But returning home to where Beatrice waited was what truly counted.
With a smile, he kissed her, pouring all he felt into the moment. His tongue sought hers, desire building until he pulled her onto his lap.
The feel of her soft body against his, her slim curves so perfect, had his passion flaring. He wanted to touch her everywhere, all at once, yet wanted this to last forever. He settled for somewhere in between, his hands lowering to the swell of her hips, then to her narrow waist before moving up to linger at the lower edge of her breasts.
She arched against his touch, her bottom pressing deliciously against his manhood even as her breast grazed his hand. Unable to resist the invitation, he caressed the soft mound.
The clothes between them were suddenly unbearable. Did he dare hope her presence in his bedchamber meant she was ready to begin their life together?
“You are beautiful,” he whispered as he kissed her neck, his fingers seeking the neckline of her gown. “I want you so much.”
“I want you as well.” She shifted back to look at him, her hand finding the opening of his shirt where her fingers caressed his bare flesh. “I want to be with you. To begin our life together. Now.”
He lifted her in his arms and stood. “There is nothing I would like more than to make you mine.”
~*~
DESIRE SPIRALED THROUGH Beatrice, sending liquid longing throughout her entire being. Never in a thousand years had she dreamed this moment possible when she’d first woken in Daniel’s guest chamber.
To think this tall, strong, courageous man loved her made her heart sing with joy. She wanted to show him how much he meant to her, how much she wanted him. Passion weighted her limbs as she wrapped her hands behind his neck and kissed him. Need pulsed through her body, wiping away the embarrassment she’d felt when he’d first woken her.
This was love.
She sighed as he turned to set her on the bed then straightened to remove his shirt. The sight of his broad shoulders and bare chest had her drawing a deep breath. The sculpted muscles and the dark, wiry hair that narrowed to a fine line and disappeared into his breeches were a feast for her eyes. She could hardly wait to touch him again.
Rather than remove his trousers, he bent close to reach behind her neck. “May I?”
“Please.” She lifted and felt a faint tug that suggested he’d undone one of the two ribbons that held her muslin gown in place. That wasn’t enough. She rolled to her side, and as if he read her mind, he untied the second one near her waist.
She reached up to loosen the drawstring neckline herself, her movements slowing as she realized how closely he watched her. Her breasts tightened with desire at the glittering passion clearly visible in the golden depths of his eyes.
“You are so lovely,” he whispered as he trailed a finger along the top of the bare skin above her gaping neckline, her nipples beading in response. Then he straightened and lifted a brow as he reached for her foot, his warm hands running over her stocking. “May I?”
“Oh, yes.” Now it was her turn to watch his movements.
He eased his hands along her leg under her gown ever so slowly until her very center pulsed with need. A wave of desire swept over her as he brushed her bare thigh to unhook the garter that held her stockings. Then he slowly rolled the stocking down before slipping it off her foot and repeating the process on her other stocking.
He sat on the edge of the bed and reached again for her foot, kissing the inside of her ankle, her calf, then the sensitive skin near her knee and finally her thigh. His hands continued the erotic path, easily moving the petticoat out of his way until he paused at the top of her thigh.
She could hardly bear the sweet torture as she waited to see if he’d touch her where need pulsed through her.
He shifted to sit beside her. “My sweet Beatrice. I’ve waited so long for you. I would have this night last forever.”
His heartfelt, tender words made her want to cry. But passion—and curiosity—kept her tears at bay. He reached for the neckline of her gown, tugging it down then lowering her shift to reveal her breasts. His thumb teased a nipple and once again, she arched toward him. Only then did she feel the fingers of his other hand tracing circles along her inner thigh, moving higher and higher until they brushed against her curls.
“Daniel.” She ached for him, and at last, he touched her already slick folds. He seemed to know her body better than she did. She had no idea she could feel so much. Need so much.
When he slipped a finger inside her, a moan escaped them both. “Perfect,” he muttered as he repeated the movement.
Her body shifted, meeting the rhythm he set. She didn’t understand the feelings sweeping over her or the pressure that built until she felt as if she might burst.
“I’ve got you, my sweet. Let go. I’ll catch you.”
As if her body only needed his reassurance, the pressure surged, sending points of light pulsing through her. Through the storm, Daniel moved to her side and held her tight, whispering delightful words in her ear. Words of love and encouragement.
“Daniel.” She lifted her head to kiss him as she slowly sank back to earth, her body still humming with pleasure. Then she pulled back. “What of you?” She pressed her hand against the fall of his trousers, enjoying the feel of the hardness there.
He released her with a moan and unfastened them, quickly shedding them.
Her gaze swept over him, marveling at the sight of his naked form. She lifted her gown over her head and tossed it aside then presented her back for him to unlace her stays. Within a few moments, she faced him, sighing at the feel of his warm, bare body against hers.
“You are irresistible.” He pressed kisses along her neck then moved lower still.
When his tongue touched her nipple, she jerked in surprise only to moan as he took the tip into his mouth while his hand roamed the length of her and desire rose within her once again.
She reached down to touch his manhood, shocked at the velvety warmth of it. Nerves kicked in as her mind tried to comprehend how this was going to work. Living in a small village, she’d seen her share of nature and knew how the act was supposed to go. But the size of his staff caused her concern.
Then his kisses along with his fingers performed their magic, and the worry fell away. She ran her hand up and down the length of his rod, only to have him grasp her hand to hold it still.
“What is it?” she asked.
“I need a moment, else making love with you will be over before it truly begins.” He rested his forehead against hers briefly then settled between her legs, the tip of his manhood brushing against her center and causing an ache deep within her.
Slowly, he eased inside her. But her body seemed to resist his entrance. “Daniel?”
“Hold tight, my love. It will only hurt for a moment.”
Before she could ask what he meant, he surged forward, filling her completely. The pain was a shock but quickly faded as her body adjusted to the feel of him.
She waited, wondering why he held so still. “Are you...well?”
He chuckled. “I will be. But I want you to enjoy this too.” Then he slowly withdrew only to ease forward again, his body setting a rhythm not so different than he’d shown her earlier.
“Oh, yes.” She gave in to the feeling, running her hands over those broad shoulders before tangling her fingers in his hair, loving the silky feel of it. Her hips met his again and again as the delicious feeling inside her built.
“Beatrice.” Her name was both a demand and a plea, but for what she wasn’t certain. He braced himself on his elbow then reached between their bodies to touch her very center again.
Sparks flew, small at first, before growing ever stronger until the fire within her roared, demanding release. This time, she flew, loving the feel of Daniel losing that tight control he’d had only minutes ago.
“I love you so much,” he said with a gasp before sinking into her, fully sheathed, one more time.
She held him tight, happiness clogging her throat. “And I love you,” she managed.
“I am the luckiest of men,” he whispered after a long moment. Then he lifted his head to smile down at her. “I can’t wait to continue our life together.”
“Nor can I. From the moment you rescued me, I knew you were a special man. My very own hero.”
“I thought at first you were a ghost. A figure draped in white drifting toward me. But when I realized what you’d been through and how brave you were, how strong and determined, I was caught.”
“I can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if you hadn’t saved me that night.” Her heart ached at the thought of never having him in her life.
“You had already saved yourself. I merely sped things along. We would’ve found each other. Somehow. Someway.” He kissed her then rolled to his side, bringing her with him to cushion her head on his shoulder. “I want to wake up every morning like this. With you in my arms.”
She couldn’t help but grin as she propped herself up to look at his handsome face. “That sounds perfect.” They kissed until her stomach grumbled with hunger, causing him to chuckle.
“Why don’t I bring some of that food over here?” he suggested as he sat up. “Pierre would not be happy if we didn’t eat any of it.”
“I do seem to have worked up an appetite.”
He leaned close to kiss her once more. “We might both need sustenance, for I don’t think I can keep my hands off you for the rest of the night. I love you, dear Beatrice.”
“And I love you, Daniel. Forever.”
“And always,” he added then kissed her again.
She enjoyed the view of him walking naked across the bedchamber to the table, her mind already considering how delightful the remainder of the night would be, and her heart overflowing with love.
