Raina fidgeted at the window, staring out into the dark, rain-soaked night. Sean had disappeared up the stairs carrying his sleeping wife what felt like an hour ago. Of course, Raina knew she exaggerated the time, her anxiety making everything seem more than it was.
She tried to hold tight to the relief that had rushed through her when Kevin had walked through the door. Alive. Healthy. But in the endless black of night, fear slithered back in.
Where are you, Kevin?
Not a single light burned in the downstairs. The chill of darkness settled around her. More nervous than cold, Raina rubbed her arms and pulled the cloak tighter around her trembling frame. In the distance a faint glow of an approaching carriage pushed through the misty air. Raina pressed her hands to the cold glass, her heart pounding.
If Kevin’s suspicions were correct, somewhere in the night, someone watched the Wintersfall house. Knowing she was being spied on only added to the growing fear gnawing in her belly. The hired ride came to a slow stop in front of the house. The horse shook water from his long, ragged mane and pawed at the brick street.
Raina took a deep, courage building breath and exited the house. She ran like fire burned under her feet to the awaiting carriage. The door stuck when she attempted to open it. Imagined visions of silver flashing through an open window as a gun barrel pointed her direction had her crying out and yanking with all her strength. The latch released so quickly she stumbled back.
Shadows blanketed the interior and for a second she hesitated. Rain drizzled down the opening of her gown causing her to shiver. Ignoring her panic, she leapt up. The second the door closed, a loud bang sounded on the roof. Raina squeaked and pressed herself into the rough wood bench.
“Relax, you’re safe now,” Kevin said.
Raina went to move across to him.
“No, not yet. We’re still within viewing range and there are no curtains.”
Frozen by his words, she glanced around. She’d never ridden in a hired vehicle before. The lack of luxury became immediately apparent. No carpet, cheap wood, and an odd odor made her nose wrinkle.
“What is that smell?” she asked.
“You don’t want to know.”
Raina rested her hands on her lap and sat straight enough to keep her back and shoulders from touching anything. “Will someone be watching at the house?”
“It’s possible. But riskier to let you walk in alone.”
“You already took care of the maid and changed the locks. No one has the new keys except Mrs. Taft and us,” she felt the need to point out, unable to stop the tremble the small amount of water she’d collected settling a chill over her.
“True. But do you really want to walk in alone simply because I’ll risk maybe being seen?”
The carriage bucked and shook over every slight change in the brick road, a testament to the cheap labor that went into building the vehicle. Raina fought motion sickness. The stench inside and constant jerky sway was almost more than she could tolerate. Coupled with too many recent threats, she wanted to disappear into a hole. She realized with shocking clarity she’d taken her programmed life for granted. Everything her father did, he did to keep her in a bubble she now wished she hadn’t been so eager to pop.
Releasing a shaky breath, Raina focused on the passing streetlamps. “Does it get easier?” she had to ask.
Kevin didn’t pretend not to know what it was. He sighed. “Yes and no. Danger is funny that way, its relative. The more you’re exposed, the easier it is.”
“Familiar.”
“Yes.”
Raina hated the burn of tears she blinked away. “I don’t want fear to become my normal.”
“I know, and I wish—”
“That I had made different choices.”
“Informed choices, yes. No one can fault you for wanting some freedom.”
Raina rubbed her forehead. “My father will definitely fault my stupidity.”
“Well, we both know I care less than zero how much Synintel feels about anything.”
Raina wished she had the same luxury. But she didn’t. Nor if she were perfectly honest, could she afford to. The Arch Guardian Synintel was not only her father, but held an authority in Sziveria Raina had been birthed into obeying. The short stint of rebellion she’d managed was now coming at a high cost. Dread rippled through her when she stopped to consider how much the defiance may hurt her father, and hoped Kevin had managed to help catch her mistake in time.
The carriage slowed to a crawl and then stopped completely. Kevin glanced out the window, confirming they’d arrived where they were supposed to. He reached for the handle, carefully opening the door into the foggy night.
Raina accepted his hand and breathed in deep the moment fresh air swept around her. Kevin released her long enough to the pay the driver before returning and guided her to the locked gate. He pulled keys from his pocket, then found the correct one. He released the large lock. The metal hinges creaked in protest, but swung open. The gentle clop of hooves slowly eased out of range until only rain pelting on leaves and ground sounded around them.
Within the house only a single lamp burned on the landing of the stairs. Silence descended like a blanket. Kevin listened, a tight hold on her arm. Raina held still, hating the hide-and-seek game her life seemed to have turned into.
Kevin locked the front door and then made her wait on the stairs while he checked the additional doors at the back of the house. Sitting on the stairs alone, in the quiet, Raina realized she never once checked the locks when she’d arrived home. Mrs. Taft had always waited up for her, leaving when Tabby did. Raina figured Kevin would check again after her stylist left for the night. If her housekeeper or stylist didn’t remember to secure the house, Raina was alone and vulnerable to intruders. How had she never considered that before?
The jingle of keys preceded Kevin’s return. “You can head up now, I know Tabby is probably ready to go home.”
“What about what happened tonight?”
“Get cleaned up and comfortable, we can talk after, I’ll be in my study.”
At the mention of washing, Raina caught a whiff of the carriage stench and blinked in shock at the unpleasant odor. I will not disagree with that suggestion. “Very well.”
Upstairs, Tabby made quick work of the gown, only making a face twice as she peeled away the gossamer layers and an unexpected, pungent aroma hit her. Raina took her time in the shower. Sitting on the cool tile floor with her shoulders hunched, the hot beat of water flowed over her back, easing stress away. She turned the flow off when the water began to cool, wondering if Kevin had showered too.
Her nightgown and robe were laid out for her, with her hairbrush. Tabby had vanished. Frowning, Raina quickly pulled the long cream silk nightdress on and then stared down at the brush. In the years Tabby had worked for Raina, she’d never left before making sure she was completely ready for bed. Had they been so late?
The mattress sank beneath her weight. Raina stared at the brush before attempting to pull it through her hair. The bristles caught in a tangle, causing them to twist and stick. When she tried to pull it free, the mess intensified. Appalled, Raina sat frozen, the hairbrush hanging from her head.
She’d been so intent on trying to figure out how to get the brush free without going bald, when Kevin’s words broke her concentration.
“Please tell me you know how to use a hairbrush.”
If the shocked expression Kevin’s question had created hadn’t told him the truth, the flush of heat across Raina’s cheeks would have. No, apparently his wife was clueless about how to do something as basic as brush her hair. Great.
Sighing, Kevin went to inspect the damage. The thick bristles were so tangled the brush dangled sideways from the back of her head. “Do you have a comb?”
“Um…” Her lips pressed together until they disappeared. “Maybe in my dressing table?”
Kevin glanced around, noting a desk, a small dresser and a nightstand. “Which is where?”
“In my dressing room, through that door.” She pointed to the door kitty-corner to her bedroom door across from the bed.
Using only the faint light spilling in from the bedroom, Kevin quickly searched the dressing table and found a wide-toothed comb. Back in the room, he regarded Raina, knowing he had no other choice than to sit behind her on the bed. He wondered if he should convince her to put a robe on. The thin layer of shimmery silk did little to hide the feminine curves beneath.
“Scoot forward a little,” Kevin ordered, climbing onto the bed behind her.
Raina stiffened, but did as requested. Kevin settled his thighs along her hips, careful not to press too close. Already the temptation to do much more than comb her hair plagued his imagination. Taking a steady breath, Kevin began to undo the knot around the brush.
“How is it you don’t know how to brush your hair?” he asked after several quiet minutes.
The stiff bristles finally released the last of their silky hostages and Kevin went to slow work drawing the comb through the shoulder blade length strands. Fire light from the woodstove glinted off the paler tresses mixed in with medium shades of brown.
Her narrow shoulders shrugged. “I’ve always been told to sit and have my hair brushed and braided, or styled, or whatever needed to be done. The only place I put my foot down and insisted on privacy was my shower or bath.”
Kevin placed his sole focus on the wide teeth smoothing through hair and not on the thought of her under the hot spray of a shower. He resisted the urge to bury his face and breathe in the sweet fragrance of her still damp tendrils. Struggled even harder against reaching around and seeing how hot her skin was beneath the silk. To learn if her breasts would respond to his touch the way the rest of her seemed to. A simple, basic chore would not turn into a form of seduction.
“Aside from bathing, everything is done for you?” He lightly swept gently curling locks away from her neck and over her shoulder. His fingers brushed along her smooth, pale skin. He ignored the heat that coursed along his arm and straight to his groin. Gritting his teeth, he breathed through the desire to once again test how she’d feel beneath his touch.
“Well, yes, I suppose it is. From the moment of my birth I’ve had attendants. I never really thought about it.”
And why would she? Everything she ever needed was provided, right down to never worrying about what dress to wear, or how tangled her hair became while she slept. Someone handled the everyday little details of her life. Kevin’s hand slowed halfway through his task as he closed his eyes. Raina would never be able to comprehend what life outside wealth was like. Where every choice made was yours and basic skills were necessary for functioning, let alone in some cases, surviving.
Pushing aside the reminder of all Synintel was poised to take from him, Kevin finished ridding her hair of tangles and then loosely braided the strands.
“Where did you learn how to do this?” she asked.
“My mother. She loved having her hair brushed and braided. She taught me how the moment my fingers were big enough for the job,” he said with a smile at the memory.
Kevin grasped the thin ribbon lying on the bed and expertly wound it around the ends of her hair before securing it in a bow. “All finished.”
“Thank you.” She rose swiftly and put some much-needed distance between them. The delicate fabric of her robe billowed around her as she slipped it on.
Kevin remained sitting, pulling his feet onto the bed. Even though he already knew the answer, he asked, “Does Tabitha often leave you alone to do things yourself?”
Raina frowned, her attention on tying the sash around her waist. “No, this is the first time.”
“How did you get the necklace?” Kevin kept his focus on her face, and not on how the wisp of fabric holding her robe closed accentuated the slenderness of her waist. Or how easy it’d be to simply tug the edges back open.
She wound the thick length of cream silk around her hands. “Tabby found it on my bed, in a box.”
“You saw the box on your bed?”
Her tongue darted out and touched her full bottom lip, leaving it moist and far too kissable. “No, not exactly. She had it in my dressing room.”
“Is it still there?”
“Let me check.” She disappeared into the dressing room and then reemerged holding a small box.
Kevin accepted the container, looking over the simple design. “Not much for a fortune in jewels.”
“Well, I suppose if you were handing something off for delivery, you’d not want to draw attention to the contents.”
“And does someone usually open your packages for you?”
Raina blinked and wrapped her arms around her waist. “No… actually no one does.”
Kevin turned the box over in his hand thoughtfully. “How long has Tabitha worked for you?”
“She’s Mrs. Taft’s daughter, so she’s always been a part of the house. Mrs. Taft has worked here since before I was born.”
Coincidences weren’t something Kevin liked, but he accepted them. Tabby leaving Raina early for the first time, on the night she’d placed a stolen necklace around her employer’s neck, seemed too calculated. “And the girl is happily married?”
“Newly married, so yes, still happy,” Raina said with a hint of laughter on her voice.
Kevin grunted. The woman standing before him sadly had no idea why her stylist was still in the blissful phase of early matrimony. “Okay, so what happened at the theater when Sean found you?”
Raina quietly retold the events from the party, her skin growing pale and face tight the further she went with the recollection. Before Kevin could stop himself, he’d tossed the box aside and had grasped her wrist, pulling her to the edge of the bed. He grabbed the knot of her robe, tugging on it until her thighs bumped the mattress.
“That’s enough,” he whispered when tears gathered in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, I’m not normally so cowardly.”
He tugged again, until she acquiesced and climbed onto the bed with him. Knowing he shouldn’t, playing with fire was always a dangerous pastime, he urged her further into an impossibly intimate pose. Her knees slid to either side of his hips, her rear resting between his crossed legs. He kept her positioned over his ankles, knowing just a slight tilt forward and she’d be over the one part of his anatomy far too desperate for her.
“You are not a coward, princess. Someone threatened you, twice, and made you believe something horrible had happened to me.” His fingers caressed up her back in a soothing trail. Two layers of silk only intensified the heat of her skin, sending little whispers of hunger along his nerves. Oh, could he be a bigger fool with himself?
“And the necklace? Was it really stolen from Guardianess Wintersfall, and did she almost die?” she asked.
The muscles of her back tensed beneath his touch and he applied deeper pressure. “We were able to get to the injury before she bled to death on Sean’s dining room table.”
“You were there?” she asked softly, her eyes searching his.
“Yes, I was there.”
The same night Sean had realized a life without Katria wasn’t one he wanted to exist in. The moment when everything had changed for the couple, so used to working together for years, deciding to work as one to build a marriage neither had asked for. Kevin then watched in fascination as the two, having fought their attraction, embraced their union with a ferocity that wouldn’t be contained for anything. He’d wondered if the same were possible with Raina. Only to realize with sinking clarity it certainly was, and he couldn’t allow their union to fully evolve into the love-filled desire threatening to consume him.
“So whoever stole the necklace,” she mused, drawing him from his depressing thoughts of their lack of a future together. “Must have had a plan for it all along. Do you think it always involved me?”
“Perhaps. Sean is of the opinion someone is trying to drive a wedge in our team. So whether you, or another woman close to one of us, I think he’s right. The necklace was used in an attempt to cause discourse.”
Her brows furrowed. “But it didn’t work… did it?”
Kevin chuckled, he couldn’t help himself. “Not even a little.”
Beneath his touch, her frame noticeably relaxed. He wanted to ease her forward, closer, until her chest and her hips settled into his. But he didn’t dare. Whatever thread of self-control he managed to hang onto would snap the moment she became too close to completely push away. He wanted her with a passion he’d never experienced before, and knew he wasn’t likely to again.
Damn you, Synintel, and your authority over me.
“I was worried. Primary Guardian Wintersfall didn’t even speak to me when he arrived home,” she whispered.
Kevin sighed, more in regret to easing her off his body, than to Sean’s approach to keeping Raina in a state of panic. With a gentle push on her thighs, he forced her to settle back against her pillows. He put distance between them and forced the yearning controlling his body away.
“Only one of us doing something really stupid will cause a rift on our team. And even then, we forgive,” he said, then amended, “In time, anyway.”
“I’m glad you have such a strong bond with them. I don’t think whoever is doing this realizes how formidable you can be.”
Kevin smiled, though he wasn’t feeling nice. “That would be helpful.”
Settling further into the fluffy wall of pillows, Raina pulled her knees to her chin and hugged them close. She seemed so small, fragile. Kevin resisted the compulsion to climb in behind her and wrap his arms around her.
“I wish I knew if everything that happened at the theater was connected to the necklace. Or if the necklace and the terrible fake memorial pamphlet was for you.”
“Someone went to the trouble to ensure we’d be separated tonight.”
Her arms tightened around her legs and she buried her face until only her eyes peered at him. “An attack meant for both of us… done through me.” A visible shudder wracked her delicate frame.
Kevin stood before he did something he wouldn’t be able to stop. “It’s over, we’re both safe. They accomplished nothing.” He paused at her door, hand on the knob. Her worried gaze washed over him and Kevin’s grip tightened. He didn’t want to leave her. “Get some sleep.”
Then with a strength he didn’t know he possessed, he somehow managed to close the door.
Raina stared at the door, flexing her jaw. She knew she hadn’t missed the unmistakable sign of desire as Kevin had walked away. The knowledge made the heat growing in her from the languid, seductive way he’d cared for her almost unbearable. So why then, did he leave?
Huffing in frustration, she kicked at the thick, downy blanket covering her bed until her feet slipped under. Honor of course. Because for some odd reason, Kevin truly believed they’d live life as paupers if her father had his way. Foolishness, but was she prepared to call Kevin’s bluff on it?
Pulling the blanket up to her nose, she still stared at the door, willing her husband to walk back through. What would he do if she went to him? Oh the thought was deliciously wicked. Until she considered the repercussions. What if he threw her out?
She raised a brow.
But what if he didn’t?
Her imagination wasn’t complete enough to consider the ultimate outcome of acceptance. Sure she knew he’d kiss her, and a faint pleasurable shiver of remembrance at the way he’d surely touch her again. But what else? The not knowing brought a trickle of fear. Despite what Kevin said, it seemed she was indeed a coward, as she’d admitted to being.
Burying her head under the blankets, she groaned in frustration. How many more weeks did they have? Two, no three, at least. Maybe a few more days beyond. Once the matter of his rank was settled, he wouldn’t be able to deny her any longer.
Eventually fitful sleep found Raina. Having fallen into slumber with her husband on her mind, she’d dreamt of him. Of his mouth, hands and strong body. She’d awoken with a burning need, frightened by the intensity and unsure what to do about it. If anything was to be done. She had a feeling if she asked Kevin, he’d avoid her for the day.
A gentle knock preceded Tabby opening the bedroom door at the same moment Raina’s feet touched the cold floor. Raina tried not to glare at her stylist, but she must not have done a great job, because Tabby gave her a bashful smile at the woodstove.
“I’m sorry I left early last night. I… I had to see my husband, I just couldn’t wait.” Tabby loaded cut wood into the stove, digging the fresh tinder into the smoldering, glowing coals.
Raina realized she’d slept in her robe and tried not to roll her eyes. Had she been so distracted? The ribbon Kevin had tied had come free at some point during her restless night. Her hair fell in a tangled mess around her face. “I was a little surprised. Is everything all right?”
Excitement burned in Tabby’s bright blue eyes. “Everything is so perfect.” She rose, her hands clasped to her chest. “I’m pregnant!”
Raina gasped in surprise. “Oh Tabby, that’s wonderful news! Was he excited?”
“Yes, very much so. I haven’t told Momma yet. I knew for certain yesterday.”
“I won’t spoil the surprise,” Raina promised, her hands reaching for Tabby’s. At least now she knew why one of her most trusted employees had been so scattered lately.
Tabby uttered her thanks and then set about preparing Raina for a day full of clients. Raina tried to ignore the unexpected ache in her heart at her stylist’s joyful news. Tried to ignore the sliver of jealousy over the life the woman’s seemingly perfect marriage had created.
Taking a deep breath, she shed the robe. The silk fluttered along her back and puddled around her ankles. Raina closed her eyes and attempted to put the flashes from her dream out of her mind. Her dreams seemed to be the only place her husband would accept a union with her.
At the dressing table, Raina wondered why she suddenly felt so compelled to push for the completion of her marriage. Sure, she was curious, but examining herself in the mirror, she realized curiosity wasn’t the strongest reason. She wanted to know Kevin, all of him. The kind of knowing that only happened when two people could look at each other and discern the secret no one else did. How very much they loved each other, mind, body and soul.
Loving Kevin Merrick wasn’t a hard thing. She was quite certain the moment she’d seen him she’d fallen hard with the emotion. Not only had he been the most handsome man she’d ever met, and the most dangerous, but there’d been a gentleness to him, an authenticity no one else in her world displayed. And he’d looked at her in the moment of their first meeting the way no other man had ever looked at her. With desire. As if she alone belonged to him, would only ever belong to him.
Then she’d made the mistake of saying she’d be a dutiful wife, that her bed was his whenever he wished to claim her. She’d been dispassionate, formal, the daughter of an Arch Guardian making sure the man once beneath her station understood she knew the rules of society. With the signing of a contract, they’d become equals. At least, to Raina they had. Apparently to Kevin, they never would be.
Raina frowned, toying with the comb now back on the dressing table. Kevin’s intense words to her that day crept in like a shadow.
When I come to your bed, it’ll be because you want me there.
He’d spoken those same words over her prone body weeks ago in what she’d thought had been a dream. Worst yet, she did want him in her bed, had since he’d returned to her life, yet she didn’t know how to make her desire any clearer. Beg maybe? Growling a sigh, she shoved the comb away. No. A Guardianess did not beg for anything.
Tabby hummed merrily, adding to Raina’s sour mood while the stylist flitted around and made her presentable. Dressed in a simple flowing cotton cream skirt, a navy blue silk blouse and rich brown wool, open vest, Raina inspected her appearance in the full length mirror beside her dressing table. Her hair was styled in a professional bun with a few curls around her face to keep her looking feminine. She’d allowed Tabby to put some gloss on her lips and a little blush on her cheeks, but nothing more. After the situation with Enbrackon, Raina didn’t want to inadvertently have a client think she was anything more than a logistics expert.
The house was silent downstairs. Her first patron wasn’t due to arrive for over an hour. The first three appointment files would be waiting on her desk, laid there the yesterday afternoon by her assistant for Raina to review before the day started.
Raina almost missed Kevin leaning against the doorway into the breakfast room. Light filtered in behind him, casting the edges of his frame in a golden glow. He held a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. Barefoot under dark brown slacks, with his sleeves rolled up his forearms, the first two buttons undone on his white shirt, he looked his usual self. Carefree and completely un-wealthy. And so utterly delicious Raina’s heartrate picked up.
Unable to stop herself, she paused on the stairs and raised a brow. “Do you have to think about it when people refer to you as Master Guardian Raiventon?”
He took a slow sip of coffee, dark gray eyes never leaving hers. “Since I’ve been Raiventon for eleven years while home, and Merrick or Kevin while away, all the names get my attention.”
While she’d remained simply Guardianess Raiventon. Only her father or Enbrackon ever referred to her as Lorraina. Staring at Kevin she realized with a knot of unease, her formal first name had always been Synintel’s means of asserting dominance over her. How had Enbrackon known to do so as well?
Kevin straightened from the door frame. “What’s wrong?”
Raina took a deep breath and smiled away the apprehension. She saw no need to draw attention to something that was likely her putting more credit than was due on Enbrackon. “Nothing.”
His stormy gaze narrowed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, of course.” She brushed her fingers across her forehead. “I’m still a little nervous about last night is all.”
“I don’t believe you.” She went to open her mouth to argue, but he held up his hand and spoke first. “But I’ll let it slide. When you trust me enough to tell me, I’ll be waiting.”
“I trust you,” she said before she could stop herself.
The small smile he offered didn’t reach his eyes. “Then when you trust yourself.”
Raina once again went to disagree, but snapped her teeth together. He’d already spotted one lie, judging by the annoyed way he regarded her, somehow she didn’t think he’d tolerate another. So, she nodded and glanced away from the gaze observing far more than she wished.
“I’ll be gone for a while this morning. Don’t leave the house until I return home.”
Had anyone else given the order, Raina would have been bothered. But Kevin hadn’t tried to control any part of her life, and she knew he only cared about her safety. If Raina did too, she needed to obey. “Where are you going?”
“Mason’s. He had some questions about the map project.”
“Shouldn’t I go too, then?”
He shrugged. “I’ll see what he needs and if so, we’ll go back tonight.”
Mrs. Taft appeared from the formal dining room door, a tray heavy with hot tea, scones and breakfast meat in her hands. She rushed past them both on the way to Raina’s study. Kevin broke away from the doorway once the head housekeeper was clear. He stopped at the bottom step and Raina grabbed the banister to keep from meeting him at his level.
“Remember, don’t go anywhere until I return.”
“I have clients to meet, no plans on leaving the house.”
“Promise?” he asked, a smile dancing in his eyes.
Raina submitted to the temptation and stepped down the three steps until she was at eye-level with him. “Promise.”
Kevin traced her jaw to her lower lip. The pad of his thumb smoothed along before being replaced with his mouth. Sugar, vanilla and the faintest hint of bitter coffee lingered on his lips. Raina closed her eyes, savoring the flavor and sensation of his mouth moving against hers. Her body, already humming with far too much awareness of him, longed to move closer with an almost frightening need.
“Thank you,” he whispered into her mouth and then moved away.
Cold air shifted between them and Raina blinked. Only the lingering scent of coffee and Kevin’s soap let her know she hadn’t imagined the entire exchange. How in the world did the man move so fast?
Sighing, Raina trailed her fingers down the bannister and around the edge, jumping from the last step in a juvenile hop. She smiled, deciding her husband’s small act of intimacy would be the official start to her day.
Four hours and seven clients later, Raina set the latest file aside with a weary huff of breath. Janice retrieved the record and set five more down.
“Mr. Bentonmore is in ten minutes. He has yet to arrive,” Janice stated, tucking the folder into the crook of her bent arm.
Raina reached for the top of the stack and pulled the paperwork forward. After a cursory glance, familiarizing herself with her next appointment, she nodded. “Yes, he’s usually five minutes late. Take a break if you’d like.”
Janice inclined her head in acknowledgement before swiftly vacating the study. Raina reviewed the files her assistant had delivered. She’d made it through three when a timid knock sounded on the door. She closed the folder and looked up, smiling, expecting to see Mr. Bentonmore. Instead Mrs. Taft stood in the entryway looking grim. Raina’s smile faltered.
“Is everything okay, Mrs. Taft?”
“Footmen have arrived from Arch Guardian Synintel, my Guardianess.”
Raina’s heart lurched into her throat. She grasped the edges of her desk until her fingers ached. No, this wasn’t happening. Not yet. Licking her dry lips, Raina took a deep breath to stay calm. “Master Guardian Raiventon isn’t home, you can tell them to leave. I’m not sure when to expect his return.” And if my father wants my husband, he can arrive himself to collect him.
Mrs. Taft glanced over her shoulder, her hands clenched at her sides. “They aren’t here for Master Guardian Raiventon.”
Raina stared at her housekeeper, unsure she’d heard correctly. Never, in her four years of being gone from the Arch Guardians house, had he personally sent men to escort her. Synintel always requested Raina’s presence with a note, if he asked at all. Usually Raina went to him. “Excuse me?”
“They’ve asked for you.”
“You’re certain?”
“I asked twice to make sure.” Mrs. Taft glanced over her shoulder again, her hands locked together over her generous stomach. “Would you like me to send them away?”
Raina bit her bottom lip and glanced down at her desk. Whatever reason her father had sent the men for must be important, or Raina knew he wouldn’t have done so. Disobeying his wishes was sure to get her a lecture the likes of which she hadn’t had since childhood. She couldn’t think of a safer place to be than with her father’s personal guard, other than in her husband’s protection.
“Master Guardian Raiventon did insist you stay home until he returns,” Mrs. Taft pointed out.
Uneasy by the housekeeper’s concern, and the uncharacteristic method of her father’s request, Raina opted to turn the footmen away. “Yes, that’s a good idea. I can explain to my father, or Kevin can. We will both go see him later tonight. I’m sure he’ll understand. Thank you, Mrs. Taft.”
Relief washed across the older woman’s face. “Absolutely. I’ll inform them immediately.”
With a swish of her plain black skirt, Mrs. Taft left the room. Raina relaxed for all of thirty seconds when the rustle of fabric made her look up again. Mrs. Taft frowned and shook her head.
“They won’t leave without you. They said your father insists.”
Well, that answered that. Raina huffed and stood, hands pressed firmly on the desk. “Very well, but please send word to Primary Guardian Kynhaven’s residence to the care of my husband where I am.”
“You could just wait upstairs, they can’t exactly kidnap you.”
Raina raised a brow. “I don’t need the drama. If Arch Guardian Synintel is so insistent, then I’m sure there’s a good reason. I’ll be fine.”
But the moment she walked outside, she came to a stop. A footman wearing her father’s livery grabbed her elbow and forced her along the walk.
“W-what are you doing? That’s not my father’s carriage,” Raina argued, trying to pull her arm free.
“He didn’t want to alert anyone, or cause attention. It’s his carriage, his personal carriage he uses for work.”
For work. Raina looked over the simple vehicle, reminiscent of the one she’d ridden home in last night with Kevin. A hired carriage. Ambiguous, untraceable, poorly built like the hundreds it’d pass on the streets. She tried to pull free again, not believing the lie for a moment. No matter where her father went, he’d do so in comfort, even incognito.
“Let go of me!” she screamed, hoping to capture the attention of anyone within hearing.
The door swung open and she was shoved inside. She hit the floor with a cry, her hands skimming along the rough wooden floorboards. Her feet were pushed in until her knees bent, and her skirt came flying over her back. Cold air brushed her exposed legs. Curling into herself, Raina quickly scrambled onto her side. The door flew closed, shaking the small carriage with the force.
A faint tsk sounded and Raina looked at the shiny booted feet attached to legs wearing expensive gray wool slacks. She slowly pushed upright and met Enbrackon’s dark gaze, black in the low light.
“I tried to make this so much easier on you, I really did. But you seem determined to make everything so hard, Lorraina.” His voice was soft, laced with regret.
She pushed herself up, brushing fallen hair from her face. Panic threatened to choke her voice. Remaining calm, she regarded his clasped hands between his knees and the calm way in which he regarded her. “You tried to make it easier to kidnap me?”
“I tried to not resort to this at all.” He sat back in the seat, his hand reaching into the shadows.
Fear tightened Raina’s throat. The carriage hadn’t moved yet, which meant they were still in front of her house. She launched herself for the door. Sharp pain exploded across her scalp followed by a fiery pain in her hip. The flash of a syringe barely registered in her mind. Suddenly weak, she made a grab for the door, which faded from her vision.
“Wha…” The floor rose to meet her face. Enbrackon’s voice echoed in her mind, but the words were lost. Then everything went black.