Grace stared at the base of her neck the next morning and grimaced. It was small, but the red mark forced her to remember last night. If she allowed herself to recall his touch for even a second, the heat returned with a vengeance. She had tossed and turned as her body refused to settle back to normal after leaving Sebastian. It was as if a fire had been lit in the pit of her stomach and the only one who knew how to put it out was just one room away. Even when sleep finally found her, the secret desires continued to plague her, his touch just as real in her dreams. If she let her mind wander for too long, she could still see the image of his grey eye beckoning to her.
A soft knock jolted her out of her thoughts and she immediately straightened the collar of her gown to cover the offensive mark. She turned just as her door opened and Annabelle came in wearing a frown.
“What has you making such a face so early my dear sister?” Grace asked as she walked towards the girl who seemed to be holding back a vast amount of irritation. Anna looked up and crossed her arms.
“I am merely continuing my anger from last night when Lord Blackwood dragged me from my friend’s side like I was a child that needed to be leashed.” She huffed and Grace resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She knew fully well that this ‘friend’ was in fact Lord Charles and that she was grateful Sebastian had stolen the girl from his side; of course she wouldn’t admit to the fact outloud. She walked over to Anna and patted the girl’s shoulder,
“Let us not dwell on such things right now. It is time to eat and I believe Connor is waiting for us to take delight in his talents once more.” She said, hoping to steer away from the conversation so that Anna didn’t realize that Grace had no intentions of reprimanding Sebastian for his actions. Anna puffed out her cheeks, but held her tongue further and followed Grace out of the chambers. As they reached the bottom of the staircase they heard two familiar voices nearing them from the hall running alongside.
“Have these sent to my banker and these are to be delivered to the docks. Make sure they are only given to Jackson and no one else.” Sebastian ordered as he passed documents to Aiden. His gaze lifted up, connecting with hers and she felt the impact immediately as heat spread across her chest and the mark at her neck throbbed.
“Good morning ladies.” He said, bowing his head respectfully as they came down the stairs. Grace nodded while Anna turned away with a snort, not trying to hide her anger. Grace noticed both men forced back smiles at the girl’s attitude. Then Sebastian’s attention shifted to Grace and she straightened her back as she anticipated his next words.
“You’ll have to excuse me, I must be on my way.” He said, bowing again and turning from them. Grace started as he began to walk away, taking his coat and gloves from the footman by the door.
“What?” Grace asked before she could stop the word from slipping off her tongue. He glanced at her over his shoulder briefly before looking away again.
“I have business to attend to this morning. If you require anything do not hesitate to ask for it from the staff. Aiden will also remain behind to attend to you.”
“I await eagerly to fulfill my lady’s wishes.” Aiden added with a bow and a smirk. Grace frowned as she looked back at Sebastian as he left without sparring her another glance. She stood there in silence trying to figure out why she was feeling so agitated at that moment, but couldn’t make sense of her feelings. At the urging of her sister, she proceeded into the dining room and ate her morning meal in silence as her thoughts continued to churn.
He hadn’t demanded a morning kiss as she had expected him to. She should be feeling grateful for the fact, but for some reason she was confused. She wanted to claim that she had no interest in his life, but the guarded look in his grey iris as he left had caught her attention. What had him rushing out the door with an air of irritation surrounding him. She gently shook her head and firmly denied any further curiosity about the man. Her eyes lifted to find Anna also eating her meal in silence, a look of melancholy drifting in her eyes. Grace tilted her head and then got an idea to lift both their spirits.
“Annabelle, would you like to accompany me outside today? I think we could both use a calm outing to clear our thoughts.” She suggested and smiled as Anna’s head shot up and her eyes sparkled. Grace chuckled and set her napkin down, waiting as a footman pulled out her seat for her. She held back a sigh as she followed her sister out of the dining hall, hoping that this would also help distract her own thoughts from the man plaguing them.
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As soon as she informed Aiden that the two of them wished to leave the townhome, his blue eyes flashed for only a second, but she was able to see the hesitation. However it was gone just as quickly as he smiled once more and left to prepare everything they would need. A carriage bearing the Blackwood crest with a team of two beautiful grey geldings pulled up before the front steps. A footman jumped from the back and placed the steps down for the ladies and helped Annabelle in first. Grace turned to Aiden, who was waiting at the bottom step to see them off.
“We shall return before luncheon.”
“I’ll be sure to tell Connor that and have him prepare something for your return. Enjoy your outing Lady Blackwood and return to us safely.” He said, bowing once more, but this time Grace could clearly see the stiffness in his movements and that last comment seemed like an odd thing to say. She frowned over her shoulder at the man, but he gave nothing away with his expression. Still there was a niggling at the back of her mind that something was off.
‘First Sebastian and now Aiden’s odd behavior.’ There was something going on, but she couldn’t fathom a guess as to what.
She settled herself into the cushioned seat and took one last glance out the window as the driver set the coach in motion. She turned away, just missing the subtle nod he gave the two horsemen following several paces behind. It didn’t take long for them to reach the busy shopping district. Not wanting to be cooped up in the coach as they inched along the road, the ladies decided they would enjoy walking between the shops.
As Grace took the footman’s hand the back of her neck prickled and she turned around, looking at the opposite side of the road and the many people moving along its path. She couldn’t explain it, but she had the oddest feeling that she was being watched. She shook the feeling away and called herself a fool. If anyone was looking in her direction it was because the crest on the carriage was that of a high standing lord. She linked her arm with Anna as the two walked together, talking about where they would like to visit.
Each time they entered a new shop, Grace had that same feeling that there were a pair of hidden eyes locked on her. Each time she stopped to glance around, trying to locate the source of the uneasy sensation, but could never see anyone that stood out. Sure people were looking at her in curiosity, however her instincts told her that whoever was watching her was not in friendly curiosity. She shivered, crossing her arms over her chest.
‘If Sebastian was here I don’t think I would feel this uneasy.’ She jumped at the sudden thought. Grace shook her head to bring herself back into reality. She should not be thinking about relying on that man in any way. Whatever was causing her unease was just a result of her not getting enough sleep at night. Merely a trick of her mind and nothing more. She took a deep breath and steeled herself to ignore the foolish thoughts parading through her mind.
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Grace took the footman’s hand as she descended the steps of the carriage, having arrived back home. Just as when they had left, Aiden was waiting for them on the steps, only seeming much more at ease than when they had departed.
“Welcome back Lady Blackwood, Miss Annabelle. I hope that you enjoyed your time out and were able to find what you set out for.” He said, his eyes taking in the parcels the two footmen were taking from the top. Annabelle was the first to walk past him, having calmed down immensely from their time in town.
“A few things, however we chose not to go overboard.”
“You mean I stopped you from doing so. You have always had the worst habit when it comes to shopping.” Grace giggled at the look Anna shot her, knowing that the girl was resisting the urge to stick out her tongue. Aiden chuckled,
“Have no fear Miss Annabelle. Lord Blackwood is more than able to afford your spending tenacity. He would not want the two of you to hold back when there is something you desire.”
“Please Mr. Aiden, do not encourage her. Whether or not the Earl can afford such things, they are not things we need.” Grace said, her hands on her hips and Anna rolled her eyes while Aiden forced down another laugh. As she began to climb the stairs, a chill ran up her spine and she swung around. This time she swore she caught movement in the shadows, but no matter how she strained her eyes, she couldn’t make anything out.
“Lady Blackwood?” Aiden asked, his hand gently touching her elbow, making her jump. She looked up into his concerned face then back across the street. Had it only been her imagination again? She could have sworn-
“Milady, let’s get you inside. I already have tea ready to serve you and Miss Annabelle.” He coaxed, gently pressing at her elbow, guiding her up the steps. Grace allowed him to do so, thinking that perhaps she should try taking a nap to chase away the phantoms. She must be more tired than she originally thought. She sighed and chided herself once more as she walked into the foyer. Aiden began to close the door his narrowed eyes in the spot he had seen the man duck into the shadows. He glanced over at the two men he had sent with the ladies and nodded towards the alley. As he shut and bolted the door, the two moved in on the threat.
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Grace startled awake, leaning up on her elbow as she glanced around her room. She sighed and sat up fully, stretching to chase away the remnants of sleep. She looked at the orange glow outside and frowned, she hadn’t meant to sleep for so long, just a quick nap. Quickly fixing her appearance she left her room and glanced around the silent hall, trying to decide what she should do. Just as she decided to head for Annabelle’s chambers she heard his voice coming towards her, and just as it had been this morning, he was talking to Aiden.
“They were unsuccessful this time, but I want to double the guards at night. There is a lot of high priced merchandise in those warehouses, unlike the first shipment these aren’t easily replaced. Now tell me what you saw when-” He cut off as he noticed Grace standing there. She watched him school his expression as he neared her. She felt her heart speed up as he drew closer, again waiting for him to demand something from her. He stopped next to her and she forced her breathing to remain at an easy pace so he wouldn’t be able to see how her body hummed in anticipation.
“Aiden told me that you and Annabelle went out shopping today.” He said and she frowned slightly, nodding silently. Something flashed through his gaze, but it was gone before she could even guess at the emotion behind it. He raised his hand and she took in a sharp breath, closing her eyes. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear,
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“I am pleased to know that you are adjusting comfortably.” He whispered and withdrew his hand. Her eyes shot open and her lips parted, unable to hide her shock as he continued walking past her.
“Aiden, have coffee sent to my study.” He ordered and then disappeared from sight. Aiden glanced at her briefly,
“Is there anything you require milady?” He asked and she shook her head, not trusting how her voice would sound. He bowed his head and left to follow his instructions. She continued to stare in the direction that Sebastian had disappeared to. An unpleasant sting pierced through her chest that had her feeling even more confused, but she pushed it back as she headed for Annabelle’s room once more. She fisted her hands and raised her head with a snort,
‘It’s no concern of mine if that man is preoccupied. I should appreciate this moment of peace while it lasts. He’ll be back at his little game and I’ll only regret not taking advantage before.’ She thought with determination, a small smile playing at her lips. Yes, this was the chance to get herself back in control so that she could gain the upper hand and win this battle of wills.
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Sebastian sighed heavily as he threw down the newest reports. He sat back and rubbed at the developing headache centered on his forehead. He had been so busy these last seven days that it was driving him insane. Not only did he have the normal obligations that came with his title, but now these attempted thefts. He growled as he got up from his chair and paced about his study. They were only targeting the warehouses that housed his more valuable goods. Meaning that they somehow had intel on which ones held what. He only had his most trusted confidants managing the movements of his merchandise so he knew the leak didn’t start there.
That meant that finding the source of information being handed to his enemies was only going to be harder. It may have been wild guesses, but no one had that much luck on their side. He sighed and reached back, untying the leather string holding his hair up. Having it pulled back would only increase the pounding in his head and he felt a small amount of relief when the long strands fell free. He ran his fingers through his hair, cupping the top of his head as he thought of a solution to catch the night rat clawing at his property.
Speaking of rats in the night. His eyes narrowed as he remembered what Aiden had told him the other day about noticing someone watching the house as Grace and Annabelle came home. The two men charged with guarding the women had reported that they felt someone following them, but had been unable to draw near enough to the culprit. The snake had slipped away from them using the connecting alleys and shadows to his advantage. Being unable to be by her side these last few days had been a distraction he didn’t need. Every time he’d needed to leave early his mind remained behind, wondering what his wife was doing and if she would venture out where someone could get to her easier.
“Grace…” He hummed low as his hand dropped away and his hair fell across his face. He had been so focused on trying to stop the thief that he hadn’t been able to spend any time with her. So not only was he more irritable than usual, but his desire was beginning to stretch his restraint. Each time he stumbled into his chambers, the candles long burnt down from working through half the night, he fought with himself and the urge to step through the door that blocked his view of her. He barely caught glimpses of her as he came and went from his home, but those brief moments that he could see her only made his need to touch her again stronger. You can not have a small taste of a delicious meal and be expected to ignore the rest.
He cursed as his body reacted, deciding that he needed something to distract himself from thoughts of both his work and his wife. He turned around and grabbed the only thing he still cared about from his past. The thin sword had become a part of him, never too far from his hand, with the only exception being when he went out into society with Grace. He hated how naked and vulnerable he felt without the heavy metal hanging from his hip. His long strides brought him to the back garden in no time.
He took a deep breath, drinking in the cold night air and tipped his head back, letting the wind flow through his hair, missing only the smell of seawater. He withdrew the sword from its scabbard, the familiar scraping sound surrounded him in a calm that he hadn’t felt since stepping off his ship for the last time. He tossed the scabbard on the ground and began to swing his sword at invisible enemies in a graceful dance, the light of the moon washing over him, glinting off the silver sword slashing through his troubles. His breath sped up and sweat began to form on his hot skin, cooled by the wind that continued to swirl around his movements. He felt a semblance of the freedom he had once held and felt a smile begin to form as he let memory guide his hand.
This was who he was! Not some fancy lord sipping wine and pretending to care about the price of grain. He was a man of adventure and danger, always wondering if today would be his last. He had long given up any dream of normalcy and had never believed he would come close to obtaining what he truly desired. Surrounded by the night, his blade singing as it struck another, their trembling eyes looking up at the dark devil before them. He was returning to himself...A soft snap had him whip around with impossible speed, leveling his blade at the threat sneaking up from behind.
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Grace had decided that if she couldn’t sleep than she would keep her mind busy with a good novel. Grabbing a robe to ward off the cold she quickly lit a candle and left her chambers, hoping she remembered the way to the library that Aiden had shown them yesterday. It was almost depressing that she had spent more time with the man than her own husband. That would be if she cared at the other man’s absence, which of course she...Grace sighed as she couldn’t even finish that denial. The last week had started as a reprieve for her, but had ended with her being distracted by the smallest stray thoughts.
Now she found herself wondering what he was dealing with that had him so preoccupied he couldn’t even join them for meals. Annabelle had even commented on it tonight, although she seemed more interested in if he would be able to accompany them to their next social event. Grace frowned as she felt a sharp pain in her chest at the thought that he had already grown bored with their presence. It seemed unlikely and she was disappointed with herself for even briefly letting her mood be swayed that way. However it was now impossible to be completely unaffected.
Sebastian had looked tired and worn the few times she had caught a glimpse of him on his way to the study. Even she began to worry for his health as any decent being would for their fellow man. He looked like whatever he was working on was pushing him beyond his limits and if she cared more for the man like a wife should she would suggest he rest. Even if they didn’t love one another, she felt a strong need to check on him when she heard him come into his chambers and the soft cursing as he ran into things.
She glanced over and paused as she passed one of the large windows facing the garden. She wasn’t sure it it was the glint of metal in the moonlight or the wave of black hair flying through the air that caught her attention, but it had her turning on her heel and changing her destination before she could stop herself. As soon as she stepped outside a strong wind slapped her in the face and blew out her candle, leaving her to rely on the light of the moon. She walked in the direction she had remembered seeing him. Then when she turned the corner, there he was.
Sebastian had the presence of a predator as he moved with confidence and finesse. Her eyes widened in awe as she watched his masterful display of swordsmanship. She had seen a few fencing matches, but none of those men could compare to what she was seeing now. The way he seemed to glide along the ground, his stance solid and impenetrable was mesmerizing. She could see the muscles in his arms shift and bulge as he wielded the heavy weapon and it caused her stomach to flip. Under the pale moon, black hair flowing with the wind as his powerful body struck down an invisible foe...Sebastian was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
Grace didn’t realize she had taken a step towards him until he spun suddenly, his raven hair fanning out behind him, outlined by the moon as he pointed his sword level with her throat. She sucked in her breath, frozen by the look in his eye, the grey invisible at night. Like this he almost didn’t look human and it both scared and excited her as she saw a glimpse of what could only be his true self.
“Grace? What are you doing out here? It’s late.” He said, lowering his sword and stepping towards her, his hand touching her cold cheek. She shivered, but not from the cold. He seemed to realize the same thing as his eye widened before sharpening, a fire blazing to life in its depths.
“Grace…” He whispered and drew her to him. She went with no resistance, tilting her head up to welcome his lips. She moaned softly as his heat enveloped her, chasing away the night air and her earlier chill. At the sound he seemed to lose control, dropping the sword and wrapping his arms around her tightly. He bent her back, opening her mouth wider for him to devour. His tongue slid past her teeth and stroked the deepest corners, turning her mind blank. She gave into the fierce desire he was awakening in her with his possessive kiss.
She drew her hands up his chest in a slow caress until they met the silky strands of his inky hair, tangling her fingers in their softness. He growled low and hissed her name against her lips before reclaiming them in a heated embrace. His hands began to slide to the front of her robe, slipping inside so that the only thing separating them was her thin nightgown. She hummed as his large hands moved up to her ribs while his lips travelled to her neck. He whispered her name once more and she moaned unabashedly as his hands cupped her breasts. Her body was thrumming in places it never had before and all at the hands of the man she had sworn to never surrender to. His tongue slid across the front of her neck as his deft fingers undid the first two buttons of her gown, revealing more of her chest beneath.
She gasped as he wasted no time, his hot breath causing gooseflesh to appear across the exposed area. She gripped his hair tighter as the tip of his tongue dipped into the valley between her breasts and bit back another embarrassing moan as his lips and teeth followed behind his tongue. He sucked at her soft skin until she felt like her trembling legs would give out from under her. He pulled back, breathing just as heavily as she was, their hot breath visible in the night air, mingling together as he rested his forehead against hers.
“Grace...let me…” He whispered and in her fogged state she couldn’t understand what he was asking. His arms were once more wrapped around her middle, pressing her flush against him so that she could feel his need pressing against the inside of her thigh. She flushed more as the member twitched visibly whenever her legs trembled. She swallowed against her dry throat, forcing her voice to work. To say something before this got more out of hand than it already had.
“My lord-”
“Dont...” He hissed, gritting his teeth as his eye flashed. His hand came up and cupped her face.
“Don’t call me that...Not after the way you just accepted me. Call me by my name Grace...Say my name as you give yourself to me.” He whispered, his lips just a breath away from hers, brushing gently as he spoke. She shivered and closed her eyes against the urge to comply with his demand. She felt torn for the first time on what she truly wanted when it came to Sebastian. Her body screamed for her to give in to what they both obviously desired, but her head said that if she did that then she would have lost. She shook her head silently and heard him groan as he held her face captive, forcing her to look up at him fully.
“Grace...please…” He whispered and as she looked up into his gaze she saw something that she hadn’t before. Desperation. He was looking at her like she was his last salvation and all he needed was her.There was a moment of hesitation and he took that opportunity to press his lips to hers again. This time she could taste his passion and desire in a whole different way. It was like he was trying to convey to her that he didn’t just want her body, but that he wanted her. But that couldn’t be more than her foolish wishing. The work of a naive girl’s dreams hidden in her heart that she had thought died long ago. She wrenched herself free from his hold, covering her mouth as she trembled, tears pooling in her eyes.
“Grace, don’t deny yourself the pleasure I can give you.” He coaxed, stepping towards her as if she were a scared animal ready to bolt. Which wasn’t far off from how she was feeling as she looked up at him, still debating with herself. He reached out towards her again,
“Become mine Grace, let me love you.” His soft voice tempted her to believe that he really did want more than a night’s passion, but…
“This is all a game…” She whispered, stepping back from his outstretched hand. She shook her head, trying to shake the lingering heat from his body. She had almost given in, but there was still an important reason she couldn’t let go yet.
“Grace I-”
“Enough!” She shouted, cutting him off as she glared hard at him.
“I will not fall for another of your tricks! That’s what got me trapped in this marriage to begin with! I’m done with you simply amusing yourself with my emotions! Go find some other fool to toy with!” She cried, spilling all the pent up confusion that had been piling up inside her since he had first kissed her. She turned and sprinted back to the house, determined to barricade herself in her room and pretend that he didn’t exist. The tears started streaming down her cheeks as she slumped against her chamber door.
“Why did I shout at him like that?” She whispered as she hugged her knees and buried her face like when she was a little girl. She wasn’t sure how long she stayed like that but she jumped when she heard the door to his chambers slam close. Her eyes fell on the connecting door between them, anticipating his appearance and demands that she explain her sudden outburst. Thankfully he didn’t, but she could still feel his gaze as if he were before her. She dropped her head on her knees and sighed. What was happening to her? Why was she becoming someone she didn’t recognize? And why had Sebastian looked genuinely hurt when she ran from him?