“Drink this.”
“What is it?” she mumbled around the rim of the glass.
“Just a bit of brandy. It will warm your insides.”
Emily looked up at him through her dark lashes, seeking any sign that he meant her harm. But she could not navigate the fathomless depths of his eyes.
“Come on, darling. Drink it for me,” he encouraged as he bent low over her chair. His knuckles stroked her cheek, pushing back a wet wayward strand of hair.
Emily drank, sputtered in shock at the sudden burning in her throat, and downed the rest of the glass with a gasp. Godric patted her back lightly as she choked down a cough.
“Good heavens, is this what brandy tastes like?” She’d never tried it before and found it far too bitter. She gagged and wrinkled her nose as she thought, groggily that it had an all too familiar aftertaste.
“There’s a good girl.” He bent and brushed his lips on her forehead.
Emily sighed heavily. Lethargy crept along her limbs as Godric joined the other men at the table. Lucien spoke about their various friends back in London. The warmth of the fire and Cedric’s coat around her made her relax. Her eyelids wavered then fell. She hoped she wouldn’t dream of Godric, but she knew she would when soft lips brushed her forehead again and sleep claimed her.
CHAPTER 5
Amomentary twinge of guilt had sparked in Godric when he poured laudanum in Emily’s brandy. He wanted to trust her, give back her freedom, but she’d run. He couldn’t let her go, not until his revenge was complete. Even then, Godric wasn’t ready to set his fascinating little captive free. It amused him to see her discovering her own sensuality, though he knew that this did not cast him in an angelic light. He had to persuade Emily to take him, not force himself upon her, and none of it had to do with his revenge on Albert Parr.
Once she succumbed to sleep, he called to the other side of the room where his friends were gathered. “Ash, could you help me?”
“What do you need?” Ashton rose from the table and came over.
Godric touched the woman’s cheek, her skin was baby soft. “Emily?”
She didn’t stir.
Ashton raised a brow. “Did you give her something?”
“A little laudanum in her brandy. Please find Mrs. Downing and have her bring a clean change of clothes for Emily and my robe and slippers.”
Ashton left and soon returned with Mrs. Downing, who held Godric’s large red velvet evening robe and warm house slippers. The elderly housekeeper was more like a beloved old nanny to him, and her sharp gaze of disapproval always made him feel like a misbehaved youth. Still, she said nothing as she handed over the fresh clothes.
“Thank you, Mrs. Downing.” Godric took the items and he and the housekeeper got to work.
Godric lifted Emily away from the seat while Mrs. Downing peeled off the wet clothes.
Godric’s heart stilled at Emily’s beautifully sculpted curves. He hardened instantly at the thought of licking every inch of her, nibbling her hips and nuzzling the creamy swells of her breasts. Exploring the slopes and curves of her luscious—
A loud cough and Mrs. Downing’s reproachful scowl broke into Godric’s daydream. Recovering himself, he slipped a night rail over her and tucked her arms through the sleeves before putting his robe around Emily. The housekeeper took Emily’s muddied riding boots off and slipped her feet into Godric’s evening slippers which were as big as chamber pots on her dainty feet. At least they would keep her feet warm.
“Will you be needing anything else, Your Grace?” Mrs. Downing asked.
“No, thank you.”
She nodded and took her leave.
Emily didn’t stir until Godric tucked a blanket around her. Even then, she only sighed and snuggled deeper into the armchair. He hadn’t expected to enjoy Emily’s abduction this much. Nor had he expected to be quite so taken with her. His original intention had been to spoil her uncle’s ability to sell her off to settle his debts. But now Emily’s seduction was infinitely more personal. Lust was winning out over revenge, even if both desires led to the same end.
Godric feared he might become as much Emily’s captive as she was his. Already his companions showed signs; her rebellious nature charmed them. He didn’t want to think about what would happen if they decided they wanted Emily as much as he.
She could never find out how much power she wielded, enough to tear the League of Rogues apart with its sweetness and vitality.
Emily awoke,surprised to find herself back in her chamber clad only in a night rail, a huge robe and too-large slippers. She jumped when a full-figured maid with red curls that escaped her cap bustled through the doorway and started to draw a bath.
Soon Emily was ducking under the hot surface of the bathwater. The maid, Libba, was shy to talk at first, but Emily had a talent for earning trust. She listened with excitement to Emily’s description of her abduction.
