Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

F leur had never been more thankful to be friends with so many cutthroat men as she was in this moment. If someone would have told her a few weeks ago when she'd implored Miss Wilson for assistance that she would find herself in the midst of so many menacing looking men and be glad for it, she would have believed them to be mad.

Perhaps now she was the one who was fit for Bedlam, and yet, she didn't care as Drake and Avalon bent over a map of Greenwich and devised a plan to free her brother while Devon and the rest of the Blue Boys looked on. She felt confident that they could easily usurp Elijah and Daniel, although a part of her heart was saddened that they had to resort to such drastic measures.

However, when she mentioned that perhaps she might be granted an audience with her former stable master and friend to speak some sense to him, Drake had firmly forbidden it. "You don't know what sort of lies his brother has filled into his head about me. About us . He could claim that you have been influenced by my radical ideals and are not the same girl he once knew. No doubt Flavian will agree to anything since he is in a precarious position at the moment. He might believe that he had found sanctuary with Daniel, but no doubt he has learned otherwise once Harriette spewed her poison to Elijah. Not only that, but we don't know if Elijah has managed to gain some sympathizers for his cause. We could be walking into a trap."

Fleur was sitting on a settee in the front parlor, although the room was still rather bereft of many other furnishings, and put her forehead in her palm. She was glad that Avalon had departed with the others for the moment, giving her time to breathe and collect her thoughts before their return that evening when they would head out for the village that she had called home not so long ago. "I can't believe how intertwined this has all become. I am not sure I will ever be able to comprehend it all although I know the truth as it has been proven to me."

Drake bent down in front of her and took her chin in his thumb and forefinger. "I won't let anything happen to your brother. You know that, don't you?"

She swallowed hard over the lump in her throat. "I don't want to find myself in a position where I must choose between you or Flavian, but I fear it shall be so."

Those mesmerizing silver eyes were focused, intent on her face. "I don't anticipate that with all of the men on our side but should that come to pass, I want you to choose your brother. Blood is thicker than water and you deserve to hold on to the last of the family you have left."

She could feel a tear quivering at the edge of her vision, turning his handsome visage into a blur. "You are my family now too, Drake. I?—"

He pressed a finger over her lips. "Do not finish that sentence. Upon all that is holy, do not dare speak those words."

"But why not?" she whispered.

"Because that would mean you anticipate the worst. We must think positive, that things will work out as they are meant to be." His jaw clenched. "I have not lived this long and withstood all that I have to be cut down now." She saw him swallow and then he said softly, "I have found something worth living for and I don't intend to let it slip away."

She wound her arms around his neck and while he wouldn't allow her to speak her feelings, the emotions that pulsed so firmly throughout her entire body, she showed him what he meant to her by the kiss she bestowed on his mouth. She was rewarded by the hand that slid up her back and lost itself in her chignon. Pins scattered but she didn't care. All she wanted was him—beside her, on top of her, inside of her. She didn't feel complete without him.

Silent tears slid down her face but they were ignored as she pulled Drake to her. He pressed her into the settee and she rejoiced at his weight. It made her feel safe, comforted, and she couldn't have asked for a more perfect moment.

When he slid his hand down to tease her womanly bud, she kept her focus on him. The pleasure started to grow and blossom, and when it washed over her, she arched her neck and slid her eyes closed. As soon as the tide passed, and he slipped his cock into her wet heat, she shuddered at the wondrous joining. She wrapped her legs around his hips as he thrust in and out of her with ruthless abandon. He'd never lost himself like this before and she was awestruck by the uninhibited way he released all that he had within her.

On a groan that she answered with a light moan, they found eternity in each other's arms.

Fleur held Drake close to her breast and allowed a single tear to slide down her cheek. It wasn't of despair or sadness but the feeling that everything was just as it should be. She finally felt as though Drake's heart had been unlocked for her and it was a moment worth celebrating.

After all was calm, he lifted his head and kissed the tip of her nose. "You are remarkable, Fleur." He released a breath as if he was reluctant to leave her but he moved away and set himself to rights as she swung her legs over the side of the settee and shook her skirts back down. Other than her hair in disarray and the flush that was likely still on her cheeks, it would have appeared that nothing untoward had occurred. Drake certainly didn't look visibly changed but there was a marked difference in his demeanor. It was as if the harsh lines of his past had finally diminished and he might be able to smile a bit easier, certainly more genuine.

He reached out a hand to her and she took it without hesitation. "I know it will be futile to ask you to remain here?—"

"You're correct."

He smiled; a crooked sort that made her breath catch. "—So I'm not even going to try. I would, however, request that you wear the shroud one last time. It will ease my mind thinking that your presence won't be so easily noted."

She frowned slightly. "But Daniel knew our secrets."

"That may be," he concurred. "But I don't believe he will give you over so lightly. Seeing you attired thus, it might bring back some of his loyalty to you both and make him realize how irrational his brother is to punish Flavian for nothing more than the crime of being a man and one woman's need for vengeance against the entire male species."

She nodded her head. "Very well. Let's finish this."

* * *

When Avalon returned, he arrived with an unmarked carriage and several of his men on horseback. Drake could see the other man's dark gaze flicker over Fleur's black shroud, but since she had left off the hood, it must have satisfied him.

Drake lifted a brow at the fanfare. "I thought we were trying to be circumspect?"

" We will." He waved a hand at the carriage. "You and Fleur shall ride with me in style as proper travelers while my men shall arrive a short time later in various degrees. We shall have the Coach and Horses surrounded before the Reynolds' brothers even know we've intercepted them."

"I'm glad you think it's going to be that easy." Drake said dryly, once they had all settled into Avalon's carriage. "They will be expecting us sooner rather than later. Don't underestimate a pair of miliary men and their counterparts."

Avalon's smile was tight. "I underestimate no one. The same goes for you, Porter."

Drake leaned back in his seat. "In that regard, I suppose you're not a total loss."

Rather than appearing offended, Avalon threw back his dark head and laughed richly. "I can always count on you to put me in my place but I suppose that sometimes I deserve it."

"As do I," Drake returned. He turned to look at the woman at his side. "Fleur does it so well."

She rolled her eyes at him and he could feel his lips twitching, and then to his surprise, and apparently to that of the other occupants in the carriage, he started to laugh. And it wasn't a slight, rusty chuckle, but a complete, stomach rolling amusement that almost brought tears to his eyes. He wasn't even sure why he was acting like such a ninnyhammer except that, for the first time in his life, he was truly… happy.

"Amazing," Avalon breathed.

Drake turned to him curiously as some of his merriment subsided. "What is?"

"I never thought I would live to see the day Mr. Drake Porter found true love." Immediately, a hush fell around the carriage. Avalon lifted a brow. "Tell me I'm not the only one who sees it's so obvious?"

Drake cleared his throat and glanced at Fleur who was doing everything in her power to keep from looking directly at him. Combined with the rosy color that appeared on her cheeks, he couldn't decide if she was embarrassed—or he'd interpreted her devotion completely wrong earlier.

Turning his attention back to Avalon, he muttered, "Let's just keep our focus on the upcoming confrontation."

Avalon held his hands up in supplication, although he gave a light snort that belied his seriousness. As he turned to stare out the window and promptly fell into silence, Drake started to wonder if the words Fleur had been about to say earlier had been a declaration of love—or something else. Perhaps she was imploring him to release her, to let her free to chase after her dreams where he wasn't a part of them. No doubt he still hadn't fully earned her trust in him. He hoped that tonight's escapades might prove his loyalty to her but perhaps he was mistaken on that score too.

He thought about what Amos had said, that it would come down to Fleur's decision between him and her brother, and he knew which one she would choose. He wanted her to pick Flavian. The last thing he desired was any sort of discord between the siblings. He'd nearly ruined everything by his desire to have a bit of fun the moment he'd offered that card game in Greenwich, and now he was like a fool admitting his folly as he attempted to atone for those sins.

But he would walk over hot coals if it meant it might raise his regard in Fleur's eyes. He never wanted her to view him with disdain or horror, as she had the day he'd found her in his secret room.

He hadn't yet told her that he was intending to clear out the space, wanting to dispose of everything that had been a part of his old life. He wanted no visible recollection, although the memories would remain to haunt him, long after he'd passed on to the next life. His transgressions were many but with Fleur, he could almost believe that he could be a good man, a better person. Someone he aspired to be. That one day, their children might aspire to be.

He couldn't dare to hope that Fleur might accept his hand but he'd thought many times of how he might propose in the romantic fashion that she deserved even if he wasn't sure where to begin. Surely, flowers and embellished prose didn't seem enough. She needed a grand gesture. Perhaps if he climbed to the top of Westminster Abbey and proclaimed his attentions to the entirety of London then he might feel as though he'd done his best efforts to win her.

He exhaled slowly. Whatever he decided he knew it would be the toughest battle he'd ever fought.

* * *

Had Drake found true love with her?

Fleur couldn't seem to stop replaying Avalon's accusation through her mind, although Drake had seemed rather reluctant to speak out in defense or denial of the claim. She wanted to believe that he loved her quite wholeheartedly, but now she was given to wonder if she had been the only one who was in danger of engaging in the foolish drivel of poets. She had nearly confessed her love for Drake just before he'd stopped her. Had he known she was about to make a terrible mistake? Perhaps once her brother was freed, he might ask her to leave. She knew that he didn't stay with anyone for long, so perhaps their time together had run its course. But then, why was she that surprised? Could a man such as Drake Porter truly change?

The silence in the carriage was deafening, so thick that Fleur nearly choked on it, but she nearly convinced herself it was due to the upcoming chaos that would surely ensue once they arrived in Greenwich. She yearned to see Flavian, to ensure that he was safe and unharmed, but she also feared for the danger Drake would surely put himself in to see it happen.

Her brother or the man she loved. She was terrified she would have to make that choice. Not only was it terribly unfair, but it would surely be impossible. She intended to do whatever she must to ensure that decision didn't come to pass.

She closed her eyes to gain her equilibrium, and they soon arrived in the village just across the Thames. They passed the familiar site of the orphanage where she had taught Latin. It seemed like a lifetime ago since she'd strode through those doors, and yet, she could still recall every minute detail as if it were some fantastical dream.

They continued on through the main thoroughfare until they finally drew to a halt at the Coach and Horses. As the conveyance shuddered to a halt, Fleur clenched the material of her dress in her fists. Her heart started to pound as the uncertainty of their arrival had finally struck her. She prayed that Daniel would see reason, but if it came to choosing his brother over her, she doubted she would come out victorious. Considering they had fought several battles together during the war, their bond was nearly unbreakable.

They remained in the coach as it came to a halt. Drake and Avalon glanced through the shadows and tried to ascertain any danger. As Fleur did the same, she saw that there was nothing to cause immediate concern. However, for a pub that was generally bustling with activity at this hour, it was particularly odd that it should be almost void of patrons. The stable looked practically deserted.

The fine hairs on the back of her neck started to prickle with warning. "Something's wrong," she whispered to Drake, who gave an imperceptible nod.

He glanced toward Avalon, as if an unspoken agreement had passed between them, and then he turned to her. "Stay here."

She clutched his arm. "I don't like this?—"

He lifted her chin lightly with his forefinger and spoke calmly. "Everything will be fine."

"Are you sure about that?" she whispered back.

He glanced at Avalon, who was watching the exchange with a look of boredom. "I have him on my side. What could go wrong?"

Fleur closed her eyes. "Do you really want me to answer that?"

He offered her a consolatory wink and then he got out of the carriage, Avalon following close behind him.

Fleur sank back against the squabs of the carriage and blew out a breath. Once again, she was forced to cool her heels like a helpless female.

She glanced down at the shroud she was wearing and wondered why she was wearing the ridiculous thing when she wasn't allowed to take part in the intrigue. She'd even brought along her rapier, although she wasn't sure Drake knew about that last minute addition. She decided it might come in handy if things turned sour. But then, she didn't imagine she would be stuck in the carriage waiting on pins and needles for something to happen either.

Minutes ticked by like hours and Fleur felt the slide of perspiration down her spine. She hated this. Her brother and the man she loved was out there while she was sitting there like a proper lady.

She'd had enough.

Fleur decided that she was putting an end to this nonsense once and for all. Surely Daniel could be reasoned with. She had always thought a lot of him. He had kept her secrets, which meant he had been an ally at one time. He could be acting on his brother's behalf and not understand the entirety of the situation.

She thought of Flavian and how he must have been so desperate for help, to come to the one place he thought he might find refuge, only to be disappointed yet again. It angered her that he didn't feel he could come to her, but after his gambling had put them in this situation to begin with, no doubt his shame wouldn't let him come back to her for assistance.

She had just grabbed the carriage door handle when it was yanked out of her hand. With a gasp, she relaxed slightly when she saw the stablemaster. "Daniel."

What she hadn't been prepared for was the pistol that glinted in the moonlight as he held it out for her to clearly see. "Miss Davies," he said evenly. "Step out of the carriage."

Her hand trembled but she managed to climb down without incident. She hadn't bothered to cover her face, so she faced her nemesis with her bare countenance. "Daniel, please. Surely there is no need for violence."

"I wish it were that easy, Miss Davies."

He almost sounded regretful and she attempted to appeal to his rational side. "There must be a way to talk about all this," she entreated. "Whatever occurred to make you act like this?—"

"It's too late for that," he sighed. "Nothing can bring Elina back. The men responsible for her death must be punished."

Fleur was taken aback by this. She hadn't imagined that Daniel would be so fiercely protective of his brother's paramour. However, if that were the case, then he should know that Elijah was the one at fault. "Elina was sick. Her demise had nothing to do with Avalon or Drake. I read a letter she had written to her cousin, Harriette. It explained everything."

Daniel's eyes flashed for a moment as if he were reconsidering his stance, but then he straightened. "She suffered greatly, but so have all of us at one time or another. I thought if anyone might understand the bond between twins it would be you. Elijah and Elina shared the same close relationship. But the war changed our brother just as her mistakes changed her. But when she dared to ask for help, she was refused. That is what we cannot forgive."

Fleur stilled. She thought Elina was a fallen woman. She had no idea she was this man's sibling , whereas the insatiable need for retribution was like a festering wound. The need for vengeance was prominent and to assuage the brother's guilt over her death, they needed to find blame elsewhere. "I was supposed to protect them as their older brother," he whispered harshly. "By the time I returned from the war, it was too late. Elina had succumbed to her illness and Elijah suffered from the precarious state of his mind. He should have never been allowed to fight on that field—" He appeared to pause to collect himself, the haunting recollections of the past overcoming his words. "I can finally see that justice is served tonight." He looked hard at her. "I apologize for subjecting you to this turmoil, Miss Davies, but I had to keep Flavian here in order to lure Mr. Porter and Avalon away from London and to my doorstep. For years I've been planning my revenge and I regret that I have you to thank for it."