Lynette Marie M

[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Who would save her? No one knew where she was; the servants wouldn t
question her whereabouts, thinking her to be with Duncan. She couldn t save herself, for
she d lost all feeling in her hands and feet, and the rest of her was numb with
astonishment. She was floored, defeated by the fact that someone she had cared so much
about could do something so horrendous to her.
Austin stood up and advanced toward her. Closing her eyes, she took a deep
breath and cried silently, Where are you, Duncan? I need you!
Duncan raced toward London, the huge posse thundering behind him. He ran his
horse to the limit, but it still wasn t fast enough to satisfy him. He prayed that she would
be safe when he reached her, prayed it wasn t too late for the small life growing inside her.
With ever beat of the hooves he willed her to be strong, for he was on his way to save her.
Funny, he would have expected to feel the urge to pound Austin Greenbush into a bloody
pulp, but he didn t. Instead all he could think about was gathering his wife into his arms
and assuring her that she was safe and forever would be safe with him. He was desperate
to feel her against him, unharmed.
As they rode into the city, Duncan stopped the men and instructed them to break
up and quietly surround the abandoned store. He then rode to the front of the building
and dismounted, his face set in determination.
102
Midnight Whispers Lynette Marie
Austin stroked Cathrynn s silky hair with one hand, her cheek with the other.
You are so pretty, he breathed. I ve dreamed of touching you like this, little Cathrynn.
Now you will finally be mine. He touched his lips to hers and she groaned, feeling a pain
deep inside her stomach.
Austin smiled, murmuring as he trailed wet kissed down her neck. I knew it
wouldn t take you long to realize that you ve been wrong about me all these years.
Regretfully, we ll only have tonight before we must once again part. Maybe those
bumbling idiots won t botch the job this time and sell you to someone who wants a wife.
Once you are rid of the burden you re carrying and you have your figure back, I m sure
you ll fetch a good price. The kid of yours will probably bring an even better price, times
being how they are. But there s plenty of time to worry about that later, right now you
belong to me. Only me.
Cathrynn s eyes rolled back and she groaned again, the pain coming sharper this
time. Her mind blank, she was desperately close to losing consciousness when he shook
her shoulders. Wake up, dammit. I want you to feel it when I take you. I want you to
know who s dominating you.
Cathrynn opened her eyes a slit but closed them quickly when she saw him
towering above her. She tried to take a steadying breath, but pain again seized her.
Her tormentor was unaware of her condition as he continued his attention on her
neck, unbuttoning her blouse to grope her full breasts. Say my name, little Cathrynn.
Call out for me, tell me you re mine.
She was silent, so deep in her own world of pain and anguish that his words barely
registered. Again he shook her, his voice becoming rougher. Say it. Tell me you belong
to me.
The door flew open, banging against the wall, Duncan standing in the opening, his
fury a visible force around him. The hell she will! Get away from my wife, Greenbush!
he growled, his quiet anger so strong it seemed t ricochet around the room.
Cathrynn s head came up. Duncan, she whispered in relief.
I m here, sweetheart. You are safe now. He spoke to her soothingly even as he
tracked the retreating Austin around the room. Ye ll not get away from me, Greenbush,
he said quietly as he grabbed him by the collar and threw him against the wall.
Austin picked himself up and ran through a door Duncan assumed lead outside.
Leaving him to the rest of the men, he turned to his wife and gently untied her.
Cathrynn, I m so sorry, he whispered to her. I should have been here for you.
Duncan? Is it really you? She tried to throw her arms about him, but they
wouldn t move. Her body felt so heavy.
Duncan gathered her to his chest, pressing kisses to her hair. It s me, darlin . Ye
didn t think you could get rid of me that easily, did ye? She felt so small, sounded so
fragile, her voice but the barest whisper.
I didn t think you d come. He sent you a note. I didn t think you would believe
in me enough...
He closed his eyes against the wave of guilt that engulfed him at her words. He
rested his forehead on hers. I believe in you, he whispered.
As he picked her up and strode toward the front door, a loud blast sounded from
behind them, and then suddenly the room was swarming with men. The gun was easily
103
Midnight Whispers Lynette Marie
wrested from Austin s grip and he was tied up and slung upon a horse. There was so
much confusion that it took a few minutes for anyone to realize that Duncan, his face
white, had sunk to his knees on the floor, his wife still clutched tightly in his arms. Blood
leaked from a large gash on the side of his head. Ian was the first to reach him, taking
Cathrynn from his arms and helping him to his feet. Can you walk? He merely nodded,
stumbling drunkenly behind his friend, his eyes fastened protectively on his wife.
Cathrynn drifted in and out of consciousness during the ride home, the pain in her
middle growing in intensity. She was aware of the gentle sway of the horse beneath her
and could feel herself resting against Duncan s chest, although she was unsure if he were
holding her up or if it was the other way around. She knew he d been hurt, but her mind
was so foggy she couldn t remember exactly what had happened.
The journey home seemed to take forever, but the cool night air and light drizzle
served to clear her head some, and she was awake when they finally rode up to the house.
The lawn was covered with what was surely every servant in their employ, and Marian ran
up to her the minute the horse stopped. Duncan dismounted slowly and reached up to
help her down. When her feet hit the ground, she doubled over in pain.
Marian gasped. Milady, what is it? Did he hurt her? she asked of Duncan.
He shook his head, scooping her into his arms. I don t know. She s fainted
several times, but I m not sure what the problem is.
The baby, Cathrynn whispered. The baby is coming.
Oh, dear Lord, what timing, Marian exclaimed. Tis a good thing we sent for
the doctor already, just in case.
Ian hurried toward them, a worried frown marring his handsome face. He tried to
take Cathrynn into his arms but Duncan pushed him away and strode quickly toward the
house. Don t be a fool, Duncan, let me help you. Your head is leaking like a damn
sieve!
I m perfectly capable of taking care of my own wife, he ground out between
clenched teeth.
Cathrynn s pain filled eyes glanced up at him, noting for the first time the wound at
his temple. She reached trembling fingers up to soothe him, blood staining her skin.
Dear heaven, Duncan, you ve been shot! she murmured weakly, tears for him filling her
eyes.
He smiled down at her, his midnight blue eyes shining. Tis nothing, my love, but
a small scratch. I hardly even feel it.
Ian followed him to the bottom of the grand staircase, watching to be sure they
made it to the top, and then threw his riding gloves onto the floor in frustrated anger at his
friend s stubbornness.
Laying Cathrynn gently upon her bed, Duncan replaced her tattered clothing with a [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Linki