Bronwyn Scott's Sexy Regency Bundle (184 page)

Scott

didn't like the idea of waiting that long, not only because of the torture of watching Julia engage in this ritual and being unable to help her, but also because they would be enacting their rescue surrounded by many people who would have other interests to support.

He glanced at the sky, streaked pink from the setting sun, and made a decision. 'I am going up after her now.

We haven't the same odds of success if we wait.'

'We're coming with you,'

put in.

Paine shook his head. He couldn't risk his brothers.

'No. You stay hidden here and proceed with our plan if I don't succeed, and get Julia away from here.'

'Better hurry, then.' Peyton nodded to the lawn where people dressed as they were in robes started to mill about.

The sight made Paine's skin crawl. He put on his hood to obscure his identity and set off in the direction of the house.
Julia,
I
am coming.

His plan had certain merits. The house was busy with last-minute preparations. Guards were distracted, in guests and stabling horses, even though it looked to be no more than fifty men were expected.

Better yet, everyone looked the same in their robes and hoods. Paine fully understood why no one would want to be openly associated with such an event. Most were on the lawn, however,

his movements more

obvious and suspect the closer he got to the house.

Paine used the back entrance and went up a servants'

stairwell, counting landings as he went and trying to outguess Oswalt. What did he think the plan would be?

Would he be anticipating an attempt before the

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ceremony or during? He gained the landing and stepped out. The hall was deserted. Had this been too easy or just natural since Oswalt didn't want his guests prowling the house? Either was a viable option. Paine surreptitiously checked the pistol and knife beneath his robe. It was comforting to know the weapons were there. He only hoped he'd be able to get to them fast enough.

The window he glimpsed her in had been towards the middle on the right. Paine began trying door handles.

One of them gave. Warning shivered down his spine.

This was too easy. While he had the chance, Paine slipped the pistol into his hand and eased the door open slowly, not sure what he'd find.

'Julia?' He dared a whisper, but there was no doubt it was her. Even in the fading light, her auburn hair was unmistakable, hanging loose down her back in thick waves.

She struggled to turn, a little screech escaping her when she saw the hooded figure. 'It's me, Paine,' he assured her, finally seeing the reason she hadn't turned fully on his entrance. 'The bastard bound you.' Paine pulled his knife free and sliced the ropes.
'Are
you all right?' He took a precious second to hold her once the ropes fell away.

'I am more scared than hurt,' Julia confessed, sinking into the safety of his embrace. 'Paine, Oswalt expects you to come. He'll be

for you. We have to

She no sooner spoke when the door handle turned.

'Hide, Paine,' she whispered fiercely.

The idea was distasteful to him, but he ducked swiftly down on the far side of the bed, tense and waiting for the time to strike.

Scott

'I see the crone left you untied. Unwise of her.' That was Oswalt. Paine tightened his grip around both of his weapons. If Oswalt was alone, he wouldn't get a better chance to strike.

'My man is here to take you down, my little virago.

But first we have things to talk about.'

Paine could practically hear Julia flinch. He imagined Oswalt's hand with its yellow nails stroking her cheek.

'I am no good to you, Oswalt. I've been with You need a virgin,' Julia argued defiantly.

'I know, but since I have assurances you are not with child, you can be purified. Do you see everything out there? You have an excellent view. The high priest will do the ceremony in front of that altar block. Afterwards, you'll mount the block for
an
old purification ritual. It can only be done on midsummer. Would you like to hear about it, my dear? I think it will go quite far in restoring you to a more biddable nature. Perhaps you would prefer to be surprised? You look lovely.'

'Don't touch me,' Julia snapped. Paine quietly cheered her bravado. Julia had confessed how much the proceedings had unnerved her, but still she found courage to fight back.

'I am surprised that your gallant lover has not ridden to your rescue. He's leaving it rather late, isn't he?'

Oswalt mused cruelly.

'He's not coming. It was never more than business between us,' Julia said staunchly. 'Why should he risk so much for me?'

Oswalt chortled. 'Firstly, because you're a lovely bit

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of baggage, enough to muddle any man's mind, especially a

who thinks primarily with his

cock. Secondly, aside from his feelings for you, he detests me and blames me for his exile. This would be a grand opportunity to strike back for all those wasted years.'

'They weren't wasted. He became a man of self-made wealth,' Julia retorted. 'Perhaps he's outgrown the need for revenge. Certainly that should be a relief to you. You won't have to fight him a second time.

You've had your victory.'

Paine wanted to applaud. His Julia was turning out to be a fine interrogator. Even under pressure, her bold manner had Oswalt's hackles up and the man couldn't resist the urge to brag.

'My dear wife, I've decided exile isn't good enough for He must die. I

afford to have him live with

all that he

And since I am to be married to you, I would find it deuced uncomfortable to have him lurking around, insane with jealousy over my good fortune.'

'You can hardly call this wedding legal. The church will never recognise it,' Julia pointed out.

'We'll have the small ceremony I promised your uncle in a few days once the shock starts to settle regarding Gray's ship. Just think of all the good you'll be able to do your family in their time of crisis.'

There was a length of silence, a squirming sound from Julia that caused Paine to grit his teeth and then a resounding crack. 'I told you to take your hands off me!