“You will be safe in London with the family all around you, Samantha. Rest now. You need to get better before we arrive. You will be swamped by everyone.”
“I can’t wait.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes.
CHAPTEREIGHT
By the third morning of travel, Samantha’s throat was still a little hoarse, but otherwise, she was well. Penny was in a great deal of pain from all the jostling in the carriage. Samantha had given her more laudanum as they started their final journey to London. Thankfully her maid was now slumbering.
Warwick too was tired. He sat across from her silently looking out the window. The smudges under his eyes told her that he’d stayed awake most of the night again.
He’d insisted on sleeping in her room every night and had even told the proprietors they were married. She’d tried to dissuade him, but he would not be moved. And so, she’d slumbered in comfort, and he had slept on the floor.
There was a tension between them that had not been there before she left England. Yes, there was her attempted abduction worrying them, but this was more than that. That kiss still hung between them.
Samantha had thought if ever she kissed Warwick it would feel odd, as he was like a brother to her. It had in no way felt odd. In fact it felt wonderful and uncomfortable at the same time. Had he experienced that surge of desperate need too?
Not that he’d ever admit it to her, just as she wouldn’t to him. They had grown up together. No one had ever said that Warwick was her Sinclair just as they had never suggested she was his Raven.
She saw a familiar landmark out the window and realized it would not be long now before she was back with those she loved.
Your father is a traitor to the King. I have proof and also proof of the many lives that were lost because of his perfidy. You will pay for his betrayal to his country. Tell no one about this information. I will contact you again soon.
The letter she’d received before leaving Ireland was in her luggage. If those words were true, it could harm her family deeply. She would do what she could to ensure that did not happen.
“You are nearly home, Samantha. There is no more reason to be scared.”
“Having you close meant I was not scared. Thank you for everything, Warwick. I sit here because of your actions.”
“And yours.” His smile was small. “You threw yourself out of that carriage, not me.”
“And you caught me.”
“All will go well now. Two of your brothers are the most powerful men in England. One owns half of it and the other is a Duke. No one would dare touch you here. Plus, there are the others.”
“Yes, there will be plenty of smothering once the story of my kidnapping gets out. Warwick, do we need—”
“If the next words out of your mouth are ‘we should not tell them’, forget it. We do not hide things as big as what happened to you from them.”
She was hiding something big.
“I know you’re right.” She moved to the edge of the seat. “Thank you again, really.”
Warwick moved too. He cupped her cheeks and looked deep into her eyes for long seconds. Just when she thought he might kiss her again, he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
“You are my family. I will always protect you.”
“As I will you,” she vowed, tamping down the disappointment that he’d not kissed her again.
“Tell James immediately, Samantha. He must know there is danger to you.”
“I will.”
He smiled, and it lit his eyes. “Look out the window.”
She tore her gaze from him to do as he directed, and she saw they were turning into their street. The one that every single member of her family lived on. Max had ensured they all resided close enough to be there if they were needed. Especially the Sinclairs with their special gifts that she still did not fully understand but marveled over.
“Your siblings are awaiting you.”
“What?” She lowered the window and leaned out. She felt Warwick’s hand on her skirts, holding her. Always the protector, she thought.
