“No,” she mumbled, “please, don’t hurt him.”
Who was she dreaming about? The worry etched in her brow revealed she cared deeply for the person in her mind.
“No, please.” Her voice rose, and this time she lashed out at some invisible object in front of her. Her arm dropped to the bed, but her breathing came faster. “Watch out. Nash,” she screamed, then bolted up.
He jumped to her side and crawled onto the bed, but she closed her eyes and sank back on the mattress. His heart beat with renewed life. Apparently he had become the object of her affections, at least while she slept.
Suddenly she tossed her head on the pillow as she clutched the bedsheets. “Let him go. Leave him alone.” She sobbed. “Please, don’t hurt him.”
Nash slid underneath the blankets and gathered her in his arms. When her face rested against his bare chest, her heavy breathing subsided, and peacefulness settled about her. Like a kitten, she cuddled next to him, her arms wrapped around his waist. Sparks ignited inside him, and he didn’t want to release her. Perhaps she would be upset later, but right now, he needed this. He wanted her against him. If just for a moment, he had to feel as if she truly desired him.
Nash made himself comfortable, bringing her body fully against his as he rested his head on her pillow. Now she slept like a babe. He smiled, kissed her forehead, and then closed his eyes. The sun would start to descend very soon, and he anticipated seeing her reaction when she awoke in his arms.
After several minutes, sleep failed him. He blinked his eyes open and stared into the semidarkness, pondering his decision to take her with him to Devonshire. Had he forced her? And more importantly, was it really necessary?
He remembered the way his uncle acted before Nash left to join the military. The people in Devonshire treated Matthew with deference only because he demanded it. As a young boy, Nash thought his uncle was well liked and admired, but now, he realized the man pushed people to do his bidding or suffer the consequences.
Those feelings of panic returned as he realized his uncle now wanted him dead just to gain the Wentworth title. Nash had seen enough war and senseless killing. He’d left it all behind after sacrificing the home and family he loved. If Matthew wanted the title that badly, he could have it.
But it wasn’t just Nash that needed to die for the title to be passed to Matthew. Poor, helpless Joshua also needed to die. The boy didn’t deserve such a cruel fate.
Nash would stop his uncle at all costs. If necessary, he would kill his uncle himself. Of course, that wasn’t what Nash wanted, but if it came down to it, he would do it to save Joshua’s life.
Maxey stirred in his arms. He stared upon her angelic face while fear gnawed at his gut. Matthew would certainly use Maxey against Nash. The ruthless man would make her a hostage just to force Nash out of hiding. He vowed to keep her from his uncle’s clutches.
Maxey definitely had to come with him. Nash couldn’t stand seeing her hurt in any way. Although she put up a brave front, she would never be able to withstand Matthew Burke’s form of torture.
A deep sigh slipped through her slightly parted lips as she rubbed a soft cheek against his chest, snuggling closer. He kissed her forehead, letting his lips linger on her creamy skin before withdrawing. Leisurely, her eyelids lifted. She looked into his face and smiled.
Assuming she wasn’t quite awake, he remained still and waited for her true reaction once she established her bearings. With a small, pleasure-filled sigh, she rested her face on his chest and rubbed her gentle lips across his skin. It was his turn to groan, but he kept quiet for fear awareness would finally come to her, and she would realize her mistake.
The covers stirred as she crossed her leg over his. Beneath the blanket, her hand swept over his abdomen, sending a heated shiver through him. Sweat beaded his forehead. Nash gritted his teeth to hold his desire in check, wishing she would awaken and end this unbearable pleasure.
He slid his hand up and down her full sleeve lightly, but she remained in a dream world. Another soft sigh slipped through her lips, making him smile. Dare he wake her? But then again, how much excruciating enjoyment could he take without wanting more?
He kissed her head again, and she peered into his eyes. Although she seemed aware, the dazed mist in her stare revealed her semiconscious state. Maxey’s focus dropped and rested on his mouth. Silently, he cursed his weakness. He knew when a woman wanted to be kissed, and right now, she showed all the signs.
Refusing her unspoken wish was out of the question.
In a moment of weakness, he brushed his lips across hers, but when he tried to withdraw, she forged on, leaning up to meet his mouth. She combed her fingers through his hair and pecked at his lips. There was no stopping him now.
Cupping her face, he pushed her back onto the bed and used his lips to begin his seduction. He followed her lead, just enjoying the softness of her mouth. But that was apparently all she wanted, because she sighed again and turned her face, snuggling against his shoulder.
“You are safe now,” she whispered. “I’ll not let him hurt you again.”
An unexplainable emotion cut through Nash’s heart, confusing him greatly. If not for his feeling so troubled, her words would have elicited laughter. Although it touched him to think she cared, he didn’t deserve it, especially since he knew he was taking her against her will. Unfortunately, it had to be done.
When sleep again settled over her, he pulled away and left her side, returning to his uncomfortable chair. His mind was too scrambled to sleep, especially when a strange emotion threatened to fill him. An emotion he had no name for.
*
Maxey blinked hereyes open and stretched her arms above her head. The descending sun’s pink light from the window caused her to squint, and suddenly the objects in the room came into focus.
Nash’s bedchamber.
With a groan, she covered her face with her hands. She was stuck. Even if she wanted to get out of this mess, she couldn’t. Not until she collected some hard evidence against him. If she didn’t, she would be sailing to Devonshire in the near future.
Slowly, she lowered her hands and glanced around the spacious area. Although his masculine scent continued to hang in the air, she didn’t hear his deep breathing. She sat up as she surveyed the room. Nash was gone. Did that mean he had left and sailed without her? Doubtful, knowing Nash. Then again, she really didn’t know him that well.
