The movements of two entwined forever—this was perfect love.
* * *
They made it to the bed this time. It was more comfortable than the chaise, with enough room so that when they finally slept, she could be at his side with her toes on his shin.
“I love you, Cecilia. I will make your dreams come true. I promise this time. Us, we will be forever.”
“You already have, by believing in us. I love—”
Felton kissed her again along her sensitive neck, which made her purr. “So, who is the jaguar?”
“I think we both are. And we know how to hunt—me for art, you for Lord Liverpool or a nation’s peace, and then come home.”
“Now I hunt for the family.”
“Us, Felton. You’ll love Noah.”
“I already do because you love him.” That was how good she was to love a child created in such circumstances. “Cilia, you’re so . . . wonderful.”
He wouldn’t saystrong, even though she was. A survivor can be weak and vulnerable and in need of another’s strength even if they live through the worst.
“Felton, you’re too far away. Don’t let your thoughts take you from me.”
His mind had drifted to his next assignment and sending word to Watson to have Brown ready as well as his flintlock rifle.
She’d gripped his hair and towed his chin to hers. He loved this face, but his mind mapped the terrain of Warrick’s woods and how easy it would be to divide a hunting party.
“My wish is for us to be happy. Felton, I want that for us.”
With her fingers circling his scars, drawing him closer, he growled. The fury at her pain and how she’d carried on would make Felton insane. Instead, he gave himself over to the maddening hunger for her bosom, the feel of her. This fever of loving her more than anything would never die.
But this was tonight.
In the morn, Gladstone would pay for his crimes. A retired spy could perform one last mission and not get caught. Hunting accidents happened all the time.
Like the hurricane approaching Port Royal to destroy the city, he’d bring Cilia justice in one bullet.
Two if needed.
For Jeremiah Gladstone had not only killed Helena, he’d abused Cecilia. For these crimes he would die.
CHAPTER58
CECILIA—MIRACLEMORNING
Iwoke up spent and alone, basking in the quiet that only Warwick offered. In the bedchamber attached to my studio, I stretched in sheets that were warm. The pillow, Felton’s pillow, smelled of his pine soap.
He couldn’t have been gone very long. Was he always such an early riser?
Of course, I wasn’t that great a judge of time, since I didn’t quite know when sleep finally came.
Felton said he’d love Noah.
He didn’t know that the boy was his cousin through Gladstone. I should’ve told him and would, as soon as he came back. Felton would never let the boy have anything to do with the awful man. He’d keep my secret.
Dragging my blanket, I got up to dress. I needed to find Lady Jane and see if we could repair things. Felton loved his sister. If he was willing to accept my family with no questions, then I should do the same for his.
That was what I told myself, yet I steadied my nerves and prepared for a battle.
