He would come for her, she had to believe that. Had to believe she would see him again, because they had come too far to be stopped now, just when their happiness was within their grasp.
“Please be alive, my love.”
Easing upright, Milly swung her legs to the edge of the bed. Breathing slowly allowed her head to settle enough so she could look around the room she was in. They had drugged her to get her inside, and she had been unable to do anything to stop them.
It was large and ostentatious. Bawdy was another word for it. Red walls, trimmed in gold, and the fourth was a mirror. Thick rugs covered the floor, and the furniture consisted of two chaises, upholstered in red, with gold and black legs. A black desk sat under the window.
Pushing off the bed, she got to her feet, bracing a hand on the bedpost.
“Bastard,” she hissed as her head spun. “I’ll make sure you pay for what you have done to us.”
Anger gave her strength. Walking slowly around the room, she found water and splashed it over her face. Feeling steadier and stronger, she continued to walk. The windows showed her a view of the street below, and she did not recognize anything. A large brick building stood opposite, and down the street, several stores, but again, none she had frequented.
Below her, several well-dressed men entered the building she was in.
“Where am I?”
Moving to the door, she tried the handle but it was locked, as she’d known it would be. The next thing she did was search for a weapon. Anything to arm herself for a chance to escape. She would not hesitate to maim, if it gained her release, and she could find her way back to Joseph.
He’s alive. He has to be.
The sound of footsteps had her hurrying back to the bed. Lying on it, she pulled up the blankets and closed her eyes.
“She still sleeps. Are you sure you did not give her too much?”
The voice was gruff and not that of the man at the cemetery.
“He’ll not be pleased if she does not wake soon. He’s plans for her.”
One of the men laughed, and it was not a pleasant sound.
“I know all about those plans. He’s been hatching them for years.”
“Four years is a long time to wait for a woman, but I’d say this one’s worth it. She’s a looker all right.”
The voices receded, and Milly heard the key turn in the lock. Climbing off the bed, she moved to a delicate chair and picked it up. Lifting it high, she threw it down on the rug. It didn’t make a loud noise, but it achieved the desired effect, and she had a weapon. Gripping the leg, she moved to the door once more.
This time she was fighting for what she wanted, and that was a life with Joseph. No one would stop her.
George’s gambling establishment ran the length of three warehouses, and over several floors. A large sign had the name on the front, and beneath stood groups of men about to enter.
They had ridden grim-faced across London and left their horses a short distance away, not wanting to alert anyone they were approaching.
“I’ve been inside this place before.”
Joseph looked at his younger brother. “I beg your pardon?”
Charles waved a hand. “I did not lose my shirt, so calm your fears, brother. It was with some friends, and we merely wished to see what it was about. It is indeed an impressive establishment. George’s offers everything. Woman, wine, and gambling, and a truly superb cut of beef.”
“Food,” Joseph grunted. “I should have known that was the draw for you.”
Looking up at the façade, he knew she was inside. He could feel her? Was that even possible? Was she so much a part of him now that he knew when she was near?
Be strong, my love.
“No risks, Joseph.”
“I will risk what needs to be risked for her, Louis.”
