“What is bothering you, Ellie?”
“You have money now, which means you don’t need me or my money.”
Confusion grew on his expression. “What are you saying?”
She shrugged. “I need to know if you want to marry me because of my money or…because of me.”
He cupped her face. “Money is not part of the bargain any longer. I don’t care if I ever see your dowry. I want you.”
She looked at his mouth as happiness burst inside her, wanting to kiss him now more than ever. Before she could change her mind, she leaned up and placed her lips against his. Groaning, he tightened his hold around her. He met her kisses with urgent ones of his own. Happiness grew inside her. Why couldn’t it always be this way?
The padding of footsteps coming near them startled Ellie, and she broke the kiss. Vincent kept her beside him. She couldn’t see through the bushes, but she figured he could see better, since he was taller and could peek above the branches.
“Who is it?” she whispered.
“I don’t know.”
“Can you not see him?”
“A little, but it’s not Stone. Neither is it your brother. I honestly don’t know who it is.”
As the steps moved toward the house, Ellie felt brave enough to raise her head and look over the hedge. The man, wearing a top hat and long, dark overcoat, hurried to the door. He tested the knob before entering.
Irritation shot through her. “I would like to know who he thinks he is, going into my home uninvited.”
“Shh,” Vincent said. “Lower your voice. Stone could still be out here somewhere.”
“But who was that man, and why did he go inside?”
“That, my precious, is an excellent question. But do you want to follow him in just to see where he’s going?”
Sighing, she shook her head. “Of course not. That would be ridiculous and defeat the purpose of hiding from Edgar.” She glared at the house. “I pray Father will find the man, or perhaps one of the servants will see him.”
“Yes, let’s hope that is what happens.”
Silence crept upon them, but the night sounds were louder this time. Did that mean they were free to leave their hiding spot? She sure hoped so.
“Do you think we should go now?” she asked.
“Yes. I think we are safe.” He cupped the side of her face, tilting it up to look at her. “Do you want me to go inside and see who that man was?”
Her heart melted, again. Adam would have never offered to do something as daring just to protect her family. Vincent was exactly the opposite, and that was one of the many reasons she loved him.
“No, I’ll let the staff take care of him. Right now, I have only one thing on my mind.” She slid her hand slowly up his chest. “I want to get out of here so that Edgar doesn’t see me.”
Vincent grinned. “Your wish is my command, my precious.”
Feeling like a night thief, she held Vincent’s hand as they ran to a tree, hiding behind the large trunk before darting to another tree. Each time they stopped, he looked around the area, seeing if anyone had noticed them.
Finally, they reached his horse. Vincent mounted first before lifting her and setting her on his lap. At first, it was quite uncomfortable, but as he slid an arm around her, holding her against his chest, she realized this position was perfect.
During the ride, she kept looking over Vincent’s shoulder to see if anyone was following. From what she could tell, they were alone on the road. The farther away from the house they rode, the easier she breathed.
She rested her head back against Vincent’s muscular chest. The pounding of his heartbeat soothed her fears. Not only was she worried about Edgar, and about the strange man who’d entered her house, but now she thought about what would happen once they reached Vincent’s home. They had hinted about what they wanted to happen a few days ago. Even though so much had occurred in the last two days, she still wanted to be with him. Intimately.
His manor came into view, and the rhythm of her heart quickened. He led the horse toward a new structure. Even in the shadows, she could tell what it was.
Gasping, she sat up straight. “Vincent! You have a new stable.”
