Page 71 of A Tale of Two Dukes

What could he possibly have planned for me? Why is this even happening? It’s as if my mind knows but can’t access any information. In some ways, that’s even more terrifying. It’s as if I’ve been stripped of everything that makes me who I am.

“Welcome to the Blue Peacock Inn. Would you like food or merely a place to lay your head?”

“My wife is worn out from her trip, as you can well see. We need a room at once. And one for my man.”

“Very good. Right this way.”

Fear zips through me, setting my limbs to trembling. An inn? With someone other than William? No. This isn’t right. I try to shake my head, to alert the innkeeper somehow, but nothing I do works. I’m still confined inside my body. Seeing and hearing, but unable to move.

The room he shows us to is modest, comprising a bed and a basin to wash in. I absorb every bit of information I can so that when the bond works, I can tell William how to find me. Though I try again, it’s as if a fog wafts between us.

Tears gather in my eyes as I blink against the stranger’s linen shirt. For now, I must continue to act as if I’m half asleep, so that I’m not deprived of bits and pieces I might pick up.

Even now, my hearing becomes a bit clearer as my mind churns, waking up. As the heavy tread of the innkeeper fades away, however, the fear returns until I’m physically trembling in the man’s arms. His dark chuckle washes over my skin, sending nausea shooting through me.

He lays me down, giving me a good look at his face, and that’s when everything clicks. Mr. Beaumont. In an instant, the bond opens, and I’m flooded with love and concern from William.

Hold on, love. We’re heading to you. Do you know where you are?

The Blue Peacock Inn. Please. Please, William. I’m terrified.

I know, kitten. I need you to breathe. I’m right here. I’m not leaving you. His words are calm, soothing, the balm I need to settle. Can you tell me anything else? Anything at all?

Clearing my throat, I test my voice. “W- Where are we?”

Mr. Beaumont smirks down at me as he loosens his cravat. “That will be all, Elijah,” he calls out to the man behind him. “I have her well in hand. Go fetch yourself some dinner while I dine here with the delectable Kitty.”

At his smirk, my stomach churns. The double entendre is not easily missed as he begins to unbutton his shirt.

“Please,” I croak, my throat dry and sore. “You don’t have to do this.”

“Oh, but I do. You see, I thought you would be my good little slut and give me the means to take down my nemesis. Seeing as you are unable to do such a simple task, I must bring him to me. Once I return with you as my bride, there will be no stopping his rage. He will face me and know you are no longer a viable vessel for his seed.”

“What did he ever do to you? He’s a duke. Far more concerned with other matters, I’m sure.”

“Such a naïve, simple-minded girl,” he spits out. “You’re merely infatuated with the man. It’s by his hand an innocent man was hanged.”

My fingers slide up to grip my throat. “No. You must be mistaken.”

“Your betrothed is dead because of that bastard. But then, surely you knew that. It was you who prattled on about my brother, leading the hell hounds to his door.” Malice glints in his eyes as he glares down at me.

“But I didn’t-” The crack of the back of his hand against my cheek stops my speech.

Pain explodes over my face as my vision blurs. Through the bond, I feel William and the rage that pours out of him. His fury gives me strength to continue. I must, for my sake.

Cradling my face, I give Mr. Beaumont a pitiful look. “I knew nothing of any activity. You must believe me.”

“Oh, don’t you worry your pretty little head about that. Soon, I’ll know every thought, every secret. You will be laid bare to me.”

“No,” I whisper, my heart pounding.

“Oh, indeed yes.”

CHAPTER 30

William

“Damnation,” I roar, pulling my horse to a stop.