Seven Rogues for Christmas: A Historical Romance Holiday Collection Page 3

  "It is," he murmured behind her. "But I still require you to call me my lord when we're alone."

  Jess glared at him over her shoulder. "You don't own me," she said, feeling braver now that they weren't within earshot of her sister. She jumped, nearly dropping the bottle of whisky as his hands enclosed her waist. His body pressed against her back as his grip tightened.

  "Do not test my patience. Right now, you are in my possession. Do not forget that."

  She tried to jerk from his grip, but he pulled her back and spun her to face him. She slapped him. The force of the blow left red marks on his cheek. He glared at her through the dark hair that had fallen across his forehead and gripped her wrist.

  "Do that again and not even the mighty hand of God himself will be able to save you from me."

  Her heart fluttered and stopped. The intensity of his gaze and the heat rolling off of him warned of his impending wrath. Jess opened her mouth to speak when the main door opened.

  Edmund pulled her into his embrace and pressed his lips to her ear. "Remember your place." He released her gently and turned toward the guests with a warm smile on his lips. "Welcome, gentlemen, what can we do for you?"

  Jess smoothed her skirt and watched him shift from one persona to the other with ease. She shook her head and turned back to the bottles. How could someone be so changeable at a whim?

  "Good day." One of the men stepped closer and sat at the bar. His mustache hid his upper lip when he smiled.

  "Have you had any guests in the last day?" The other joined him after glancing around the room. He looked rough with a scar along his clean shaven cheeks and sharp eyes.

  "Only a few men traveling through, stopped for a meal last night and then went on their way." Jess interjected, keeping her tone firm, but they ignored her.

  "These men—" the mustached man turned to Edmund and tapped his fingers on the bar "—did they happen to say which way they were headed?"

  Jess watched the men carefully. She wiped down the last bottle and set it on the shelf. Her inn sat on a crossroad in a small village, a few hundred feet from the train station. Five miles to the north sat another village and beyond that the long road to Scotland. A left at the crossroad would take you to Coventry, and Wales if you traveled far enough. She assumed it was Edmund and his men they were after.

  "The stable boy said they headed east after their rest last eve." Edmund shrugged as if the whole conversation mattered little to him. "Can I ask why you're looking for them?" The men glanced at each other and then back at Edmund.

  "Thieves," the scarred man said simply as if it answered all the mysteries of the universe.

  "Really?" Edmund leaned closer to the men, resting his arms on the bar. "Who did they steal from?"

  "The Earl of Norwich. They had a masquerade ball last week and found their prized jewels had been stolen." The whiskered man leaned back and shrugged. "Had a witness say they overheard three men talking about a theft and saw the jewels with their own eyes."

  "Sound like dangerous men, although they looked common enough when they stopped here last night. That is, if they're the same men you're after." Edmund picked up a bottle of whisky. "Care for a dram?" The men nodded, and he poured two drinks. "Jess, would you fetch some of your famous stew for these hungry gentlemen?" His pointed look told her to be quick about it.

  With a nod, she disappeared into the kitchen. The brush of the bag tied to her thigh made her pause. Were the jewels inside the bag? She moved to the stove where a pot of stew simmered.

  Judy glanced up from where she stood kneading another loaf of bread. "Are there guests, Jess?"

  "Yes," she replied, turning to her sister. "Would you mind slicing some bread and getting some butter and jam as well?"

  "Right away," Judy said with a grin. "He's a handsome man, Jess. I'm dying to know what's going on." Her pleading gaze made Jess sigh.

  "I can't tell you now. Later, I promise." She waved her sister on as she knelt to collect bowls off the shelf. Her hand brushed against the bag beneath her skirts. With a hesitant glance over her shoulder, she slipped the bag free. Pulling it open, she gasped when the light caught the facets of the diamonds and sapphires contained within the bag.

  "Everything okay?" Judy asked as she set the tray on the table.

  "Yes, just got some dust in my eye." She grabbed the bowls and stood, tucking the bag in her skirt pocket. I have to put it back. What will he do when he finds out I've removed it? She swallowed hard. I know his secret. A grin crept across her face as an idea settled into her mind.

  She grabbed the empty coal bucket. "Would you mind ladling the stew into the bowls? I must fetch some coal."

  "Be quick. You don't want the meal to get cold," her sister called after her as she opened the door to the basement and stepped down into the chilled, dark room.

  Moving quickly, even in the dark, Jess opened the bag and emptied the contents into her hand. She tucked the necklace into her pocket and carefully picked up a few small pieces of coal to match the size and weight of the jewels. Quickly, she cleaned her hands on her apron and retied the bag to her thigh. Jess filled the bucket and brought it up to the kitchen just in time to see Judy place the second bowl on the tray.

  Jess quickly washed the soot and coal dust from her hands. Turning to her sister, she smiled. "How do I look?"

  "You have black dust smeared on your nose." Judy wiped it off with a damp cloth and beamed at her. "There, fresh as a daisy."

  "I highly doubt that. What I wouldn't give for a bath." Her heart fluttered at the deception she'd just engaged in and she sighed. She had to hide the necklace, but where?

  "Where's the stew?" Edmund poked his head in the door and met her gaze.

  "I'm bringing it out right now," she replied, picking up the tray and walking toward him. He held the door for her. She glanced up at him in surprise and saw a small smile playing on his lips. Edmund smiling stole her breath. With a shake of her head to clear the whimsy, she turned to the men waiting for their meal. After serving them, she turned to return the tray when Edmund grabbed her by the waist and pressed a kiss to her head.

  "Thank you, love."

  Jess' whole body stilled at his touch, her heart stopped, her breath ceased. His tender kiss shook her.

  He tilted her head back and kissed the tip of her nose. "Would you bring me some too?" His grey eyes twinkled as she stared open-mouthed at him.

  Snapping her mouth shut, she nodded. He released her, and she stumbled into the kitchen as if drunk. When she braced herself against the counter, her breath returned. Jess gasped and pushed past her gawking sister as she walked quickly to her room.

  As she closed the door behind her, Jess began laughing. This entire charade proved too much. She remembered the necklace in her pocket. If he'd have found it...her head swam at the thought of his fury. She could easily replace it in the bag, and he would be none the wiser. But she couldn't. He didn't deserve it; he was a manipulative thief.

  Finally deciding a path, she pulled the necklace from her pocket and moved to the far side of her bed. Jess knelt on the floor and pried up a loose floorboard beneath her bed. She pulled out a small bag with coins in it. After taking the coins out, she placed the jewels into it. Dropping the bag into the hole and securing the board again, Jess stood and removed her soot stained apron. When she had donned a fresh one, Jess returned to the kitchen. Her sister had a bowl of stew ready and waiting. She arched her brow in Judy's direction.

  "I heard him." Judy blushed. "Take this out, don't keep him waiting."

  Jess snorted. It seemed even her sister was smitten by the man with two faces. Shouldn't surprise her considering his occupation included the art of deception. She plastered a smile on her face as she took the small tray into the room where her husband sat with the two men and set the tray on the bar.

  As the men chatted, the door opened, and a man in a tattered overcoat entered the inn.

  "Welcome," she called out, ignoring the strong presence beside h
er. Edmund's hand rested on her hip.

  "What can we do for you?" Edmund asked, his cheerful voice belying the tense grip he held on her.

  "I'll take a pint." The man sat and slapped his hat down on the bar in exasperation.

  "Certainly," Jess replied, pouring the ale for him. She set the glass down.

  The man's gaze shot to the men at the end of the bar, then rested on Edmund. He took a healthy swallow and wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "Anyone headed to Gretna Green?"

  The grip on her side never loosened. The mention of Gretna Green only increased the pressure of his hold on her. She glanced at the sharp profile of the man beside her. Edmund's jaw clenched even though he wore an easy smile.

  "No, we're headed east. Thank you for the meal." The mustached gentleman laid his coin on the bar. "And the information."

  "I hope you catch them," Jess called out as she waved.

  Edmund's tightening grip made her turn, and he narrowed his eyes at her. She flashed him her most brilliant smile.

  "Good day, ma'am, sir." The scarred man tipped his hat and then followed his companion out the front door.

  Jess watched the smile on Edmund's lips disintegrate as the door closed. He turned to the man left at the bar who watched them with interest.

  "Meet me in the stables once you've finished your beer." Edmund's sudden shift in demeanor made the man blink twice as his jaw hung open and the mug hovered a breath from his lips.

  "Why?" the man asked with evident hesitation as he lowered his mug.

  "Because I have the item you requested."

  The man nodded and took another drink.

  Edmund took Jess' hand and led her into the kitchen. Judy's wide eyes followed them as they passed through the room and entered her private chamber. He closed the door behind her and leaned against it.

  "Give me the bag." He watched her, his arms folded across his chest.

  Jess' heart took a shuddering leap at his words. He would know. He...oh God, it had seemed like a good idea at the time, but now what could she do? Tell him the truth. A tiny voice in her head screamed. She shook her head at the voice echoing in her mind.

  He sighed. "Then I'll take it back myself."

  Before she realized he'd taken her inner dialog as refusal, he had her by the wrists and pinned her against the wall. He pressed his weight into her and gripped both her wrists in one hand while the other pulled up her skirt. Edmund slipped the bag free, letting his fingertips trace the inside of her thigh.

  She whimpered at the contact. Even through the linen of her drawers, his touch ignited a desire unlike anything she'd ever experienced. When she caught his expression, the desire dimmed to a smoldering ember.

  He smirked down at her. "One touch and you're as limp as a rag doll in my arms." Edmund slipped the bag into his pocket and placed his hand on her waist.

  Jess jerked against him, but his hands refused to relinquish their hold. "You have what you wanted. Now go." With every breath she took, his scent surrounded her. Masculine, tinted with whisky and cedar.

  "Why would I do that?" His eyes twinkled with mischief.

  "You have what you want. Leave me in peace."

  He leaned closer, his hand sliding up her side, over the curve of her breast, coming to rest on her neck. His thumb smoothed across her jaw.

  Her lip trembled as she fought against her body's reaction to his touch. "Please."

  "Please what?" he whispered, his breath caressing her skin as he drew closer.

  She knew what was coming, but for the love of all things holy, she couldn't have stopped herself from taking what he offered. Jess closed the gap between their mouths and kissed him hard. He tasted like the whisky, cinnamon, and temptation.

  He slipped his hand into her hair and grabbed a fistful, pulling her head back. When she gasped at his teeth against her neck, he released her, claiming her lips again, delving into her mouth, and teasing the hunger that had long been denied.

  Jess clung to him, their breaths mingling as the passion grew. When he pulled away, her body swayed in protest. The mischief in his eyes had disappeared, replaced by something much more carnal. He shook his head and his expression shuttered instantly.

  "Remember, if you speak to anyone, I will know." He released her and stepped back.

  Jess leaned against the wall and nodded. It was all she could do. He'd robbed her of her wits, her words, and her morals.

  His gaze skimmed down her body and then met hers once more. He turned and left the room as if the world hadn't just come to a stand-still at the kiss they'd shared. As the door closed, she collapsed onto the bed knowing he'd be back and fearing this time his actions would be far more punishing than his kiss. A fleeting thought crossed her mind...run. It wouldn't matter how far she ran, he would find her. Saints above, I'll be dead by nightfall.

  Chapter 4

  Edmund found the back door through the kitchen, ignoring the questioning look on the sister's face. He pushed past all pretense and opened the door, stepping out into the snow. The overcast sky lingered long after the snow stopped falling. He took a deep breath and let the crisp air burn as he attempted to purge the scent of Jess...the softness of her skin, the taste of her mouth, the way she arched against him. Damn it!

  He raked a hand through his hair and walked through the ankle deep snow toward the stable. The cold breeze nipped at his skin through the thin shirt. The quicker this business was concluded, the faster he could return to London. This woman—he flinched at the memory of her in his arms—proved nothing more than a complication in an otherwise flawless plan. The kiss had surprised him, but he shoved the desire that clung to him deep into the darkest part of his soul. A pretty, tasty complication, to be sure, but there were plenty trifles to be had in London. A barmaid on this deserted strip of road could not possibly fulfill any desire of his.

  As he opened the door, he spied the man from the bar lounging against a hay bale, twisting his cap in his hands. He put it on his head as Edmund approached him and tucked his hands into his pockets.

  "Do you have my compensation?" Edmund asked, eyeing the man warily.

  The slender man pulled a sealed letter from his pocket and held it out for Edmund to take. He snatched the letter and opened it, surveying the contents. Frustration and annoyance built up as he folded the letter and tapped it against his open palm.

  "What is this?" Edmund scowled and the man backed up a few steps, glancing around for a means of escape.

  "It...It's your payment for the jewels." The man's fearful stutter showed his ignorance.

  "This was not what I agreed to." He tossed the letter at the messenger's feet. The man picked it up and scuttled backward as Edmund approached with measured steps. "I shall not be tricked again. Take that letter back to your master with a message: 'The deal is off.' Now, get out of my sight."

  "Yes, sir." The man squealed as he ran past Edmund and out the stable door.

  Once he disappeared, Edmund leaned up against the door looking out over the fresh snow covering the field when he saw a carriage approaching from the north. He strode out to meet the coach as it rolled to a stop behind the inn. Monty stepped down from the coach, followed by Simon.

  "Did you make the exchange?" Monty asked, crushing a cigarette beneath his boot.

  "No." Edmund glanced between the men. "The letter contained nothing I didn't already know. The bargained information was withheld. Unless he decides to renegotiate for higher terms, he will never receive his bauble."

  Monty lit another cigarette and shrugged his shoulders. "What a pain in the arse."

  Simon nodded in agreement. "London?"

  "Let me get my things. I'll meet you here in five minutes." Edmund pulled the bag from his pocket and cradled it in his hand. The bag felt different than it had earlier that day. He rolled the jewels inside and swore. Opening the drawstring, he peered inside the bag. Shiny, sparkling lumps of coal winked back at him.

  "Something wrong?" Monty asked with a puff of smoke.

/>   "Nothing," he growled closing the bag in his fist. He turned to them, their stares of curiosity turning to fear as they recognized his reaction. "Change of plans. I have unfinished business to attend."

  The men nodded and stepped out of his path as he returned to the inn. He kicked open the door and saw Judy staring at him, her jaw agape.

  "Where is your sister?" he demanded.

  Judy pointed to the bedroom where he'd left Jess. Covering the space with quick strides, he jerked open the door and saw Jess lying on the bed, the blanket pulled over her head. The mound of fabric trembled as he stepped closer.

  "You have pushed me too far," he said between clenched teeth. "I warned you of the consequences." Snatching the covers, he tossed them aside. She yelped as he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder, securely pinning her there. "Where are my jewels?"

  "Go to hell," she screamed. His hand came down on her backside, and she writhed in protest. "Don't hit me!"

  "Tell me where they are, woman." He swatted her arse again, making sure the material was pulled tight across her bottom so she felt every sting.

  "Never! Thief, liar, brute!"

  He smacked her arse so hard she cried out. "I will give you one last opportunity to tell me."

  "I'd rather rot in hell." Her voice echoed with determination even though he heard the thin thread of fear in her tone.

  "Very well then." Edmund carried her through the kitchen and out into the yard where the carriage waited.

  Simon and Monty watched with wide eyes as he opened the carriage door and tossed her onto the seat. He closed the door and turned to them. Her shouts from inside the carriage echoed as he spoke, punctuating his words.

  "Monty, take the train north to get the information directly from the old man. Simon, stay here. Tear this inn apart. This wench has hidden the jewels somewhere, and they need to be found post haste." He glanced at the kitchen door where Judy stood, her brow creased in concern. "You're going to have to keep the sister quiet."

  "Do you want me to—?"

  Edmund raised his hand. "Don't do anything brash. Let's try to keep this as quiet as possible." He raked his hand through his hair. "Just find those jewels. Send a telegram when you find them."