Chapter 26

Chapter Twenty-Six

“ H ave you not been listening to me, Duchess? I am quite capable of killing family. Hell, I killed my own father, and I am responsible for Michael’s death as well, I am afraid.”

Louisa’s eyes went wide at Eli’s words, not expecting that he could have been so cruel. How could the man with ready smiles and jokes have turned into such a sinister creature?

It was almost unbelievable.

She tried to reconcile the man she had seen at the ball with this mad thing before her. His eyes were unfocused, as though he had been drinking, and he flicked the dagger so carelessly that she tried leaning further back in her chair if only to prevent any accidents.

He seemed to take her silence as a sign to continue his rant.

“I don’t know who started the rumours that Percival was dead, but I was grateful for it.” He laughed. “Michael went crazy trying to get information from the army, and in that desperation, I saw he was no longer fit for the title. It was almost too easy, using his desperation to find Percival to send him on a wild goose chase. Of course, I didn’t need his blood on my hands, so I had someone else do it and make it look like an unfortunate accident. I wouldn’t want anyone to trace it back to me.”

Her head spun, whether from the effects of the drugs that had been used on her or the many truths that were being revealed, she didn’t know.

Percival had grieved his brother, investigating in secret because he had suspected that Michael’s death was no mere accident. She wondered how he would take the news if he discovered that he had been right all along, and worse still that it had been his half-brother who did it.

“I was honestly disappointed when Percival decided to marry you, but I didn’t mind because, with that hideous scar on your face, I knew it was definitely not going to be a loving marriage. You were not his type, I thought, but how wrong I was. I saw the way he looked at you at that ball and knew that if I didn’t move quickly, you would get with child soon. You see, I can’t allow that to happen,” Eli went on. “I do not need you to produce little beasts like the two of you to continue the line of inheritance. The title is mine by right. It is what I’m owed as the Duke’s firstborn!”

Her anger flared at his words. She was tired of people referring to her husband by that moniker simply because he preferred to stay away from the ton rather than subject himself to mindless gossip.

“I do not mind if you insult me, but do not call Percival a beast! If anyone is, it’s you, for you are a beast who kills his own family for a title,” Louisa snapped. “Percival is nothing like you. He is kind and thoughtful and beautiful. The scars he has are only a testament to how bravely he fought for his country. He is not a coward like you. He doesn’t hide in the shadows and let someone else fight his battles for him.”

The ropes dug into her hands, but she didn’t care. He needed to understand that he didn’t have the right to insult Percival when he was the one who behaved like a beast.

“You know nothing!” Eli snapped. “You know nothing about my struggles. You’re just a pampered chit who has lived her whole life shielded from the horrors of reality.”

“I do not wish to, for they are a coward’s battle,” she shot back. “You could have stood up to your father and asked him to acknowledge you. Instead, you chose to hurt the men who decided to bring you into their fold even when you were nothing more than the sniveling son of a baron?—”

“Silence!” Eli barked, holding the knife to her neck. “Yours is a life I won’t regret taking. When Percival learns about your death, he will be even more heartbroken and will kill himself for not saving you from his curse. I will be right there to snatch the title from his cold, dead fingers. Goodbye, Duchess. It is a shame that your joy was only short-lived.”

Her life flashed before her eyes, but rather than weep for herself, she wept for Percival, who would no doubt blame himself for her death. She sent up a silent prayer that he wouldn’t grieve her for too long.

She closed her eyes, expecting the knife to pierce her skin at any moment, but she was shocked when she felt a rush of air and heard a familiar voice that made her heart soar.

“You wish, you bastard!”

She opened her eyes to see Percival lunge at Eli, making the man lose his grip on the knife. She noticed him wince in pain, and a bright red spot appeared on his arm. Somehow the dagger had cut him, even though he had moved quickly.

Eli stumbled back, his eyes wild with anger. He tried to fight back but fell to the floor. Percival raised his fists, but she didn’t want him to have Eli’s death on his conscience.

“No!” she cried out. “Please, don’t kill him. You do not want to have this haunting you.”

“He deserves to die!” Percival snarled, swinging back his fists.

“I understand, but let him be tried by the court.”

Percival looked almost wild with anger. His fists shook, but then he stepped back, his body vibrating with repressed energy.

“I do not need you to fight my battles!” Eli snapped at her, attempting to rise to his feet.

Percival pushed him back down, glaring at him. “Do not tempt me to hurt you, Eli,” he growled. “I just might kill you.”

“You would be doing me a favour,” Eli jeered. “You do not deserve the title, and I would rather die than see you take what is rightfully mine.”

“Percival, ignore him.”

Louisa’s words seemed to resonate deep inside him because he moved closer to her and wrapped a protective arm around her.

“I feel sorry for you,” he hissed, looking down at Eli.

The man staggered to his feet, looking close to tears. “Fight me, Percival!” he yelled. “Damn you, fight me!”

“You’re not worth the effort,” Percival spat. His entire body shook with rage and grief, and Louisa longed to comfort him. She could tell Eli’s betrayal hurt even more than the grief of losing Michael.

“You can come in now,” he called loudly, before turning to her. “Are you all right, Louisa?”

Worry flickered in his eyes, and she knew that even though he put on a brave front, he had been frightened by the entire ordeal. His arm was still around her back.

Louisa nodded, letting her eyes run over him. She too had been frightened, but not because her life had been in danger. The thought of never seeing him again had scared her even more than she could admit.

He worked quickly to free her from her bonds as the constables came in to arrest a struggling Eli.

“The title is mine!” he yelled as he was dragged out. “I deserve it! This isn’t over, Percival! You will never keep the title!”

“Perc—”

“Louisa!” Diana cried, running to hug her.

The force with which her sister had slammed into her winded her, but she wrapped her arms around her nonetheless.

“You’re hurting me, Diana,” Louisa complained when Diana’s arms pressed against her sore ribs.

“I’m sorry, Louisa.” Diana pouted, releasing her. “I was so worried that you were harmed. Did that man hurt you in any way? I was so happy that His Grace came to Isabella’s estate. If I hadn’t seen him there, we might have never been able to save you so quickly.”

“It was indeed a fortunate thing that you came to visit.” Louisa smiled at her sister, ruffling her hair. “You’ve finally had some adventure. How does it feel?”

“Not as exciting as I thought,” Diana scoffed. “I was so scared. I thought I would never see you again.”

“I don’t intend to disappear any time soon.” Louisa smiled and turned to Percival. “Thank you for?—”

He pulled her into his arms suddenly, hugging her tightly. She hugged him back, burying her face in his chest and breathing in his warm, spicy scent. He breathed her in too, cradling her head, and any bit of residual fear dissipated.

He was so warm and solid that she couldn’t help but burrow further into him. Her body grew warm at his proximity, and she wished he would tilt her head up and kiss her like she had dreamed of since she had met him.

A cough beside them reminded her that they weren’t alone, and she found herself hiding her flushed cheeks in his chest. How could she have forgotten that they weren’t alone?

“I’m going back home. Mother and Uncle must be worried sick,” Diana announced with a naughty smile.

“You can stay with us tonight,” Louisa offered, not wanting her sister to be out so late. “It isn’t safe to be out so late, Diana.”

Diana winked at her conspiratorially. “It is hardly late.” She smiled. “Besides, I believe you two need some time alone.”

“Diana!” Louisa hissed.

Percival chuckled softly and gently squeezed her hand. “I will have one of the constables escort you home, Miss Diana,” he offered. “And please send word to the Duchess of Fangsdale that Louisa is safe and sound.”

“Ah yes! Isabella would be worried out of her mind now,” Diana cried. “I had better be off, but I will visit again tomorrow to ensure you are well, Louisa. Goodnight, Your Grace.”

Louisa watched her sister wave goodbye to her husband, who waved back and smiled at how her sister no longer seemed to fear him.

“You really must tell me what happened while I was gone,” she said, rubbing her hands together as a cold draft blew past her.

Percival chuckled and wrapped one arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him again. She melted into him instantly. Then, she remembered the cut on his arm.

“You need to get your cut tended to,” she told him.

“I will once we are safely home.”

She nodded and allowed herself to be led out of the warehouse, shivering when they stepped into the cold night air. A wave of exhaustion hit her so suddenly that if she hadn’t been holding on to Percival, she would have fallen.

Sensing her weakness, he led her to the carriage and helped her inside, and she curled up against him as soon as the carriage set off for home. She was barely awake when they finally arrived, and rather than wake her up, he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to her bedroom.

“Oh, thank you for rescuing the Duchess, Your Grace!” Mrs. Owens cried, clasping her hands together. “The poor girl must have been scared senseless by those brutes.”

He felt Louisa stir in his arms and pulled her closer against his body, adjusting her weight in his hands.

“I am well, Mrs. Owens.” Louisa smiled at the kind woman. “A little bruised but otherwise well.”

“Please get the footmen to draw a bath for the Duchess and send for the doctor,” Percival ordered.

“I do not need all that, Percival,” Louisa protested. “I am well.”

“I won’t feel comfortable if he doesn’t check you for injuries. You’ve suffered a great shock.”

She placed a hand on his chest. “You worry too much.”

He frowned at her. “For good reason.”

“I will be back shortly,” Mrs. Owens announced, smiling at them both before scurrying away.

Percival gently laid Louisa on the couch in her room. She couldn’t help the smile that crossed her face as he took her small hands in his large ones, his thumb caressing the red bands around her wrists where the ropes bit into her skin.

“Thankfully, it doesn’t look like it will scar,” he remarked, still looking at her hands. “It might bruise a little, but it will fade with time.”

She nodded, swallowing. There were so many things left unsaid, but she didn’t know if he wanted to talk about it.

“What is it?” he asked, suddenly looking amused. “If you have something on your mind, just say it.”

“I just… I can’t believe you were right, after all,” she admitted, bowing her head. “I’m sorry that your brother was murdered. And I am more sorry about Eli’s betrayal.”

She watched emotions flicker across his face and hoped that she hadn’t hurt him by opening a wound he would have rather healed from in private.

He nodded, still looking at her hands. “I have been seeking the truth for so long, and now that I have it, I don’t know what to do with it.”

She squeezed his hand. “At least the suspect was apprehended,” she tried. “You can finally rest and grieve properly.”

He chuckled, rubbing her wrists again. “Perhaps I should have let you hit him.”

“I might have killed him if you had,” she mumbled with a frown.

He laughed then. “I wouldn’t have let you stain your delicate hands with blood.”

“I still can’t believe such beasts exist,” she scoffed, shaking her head. “Why would anyone take someone else’s life?”

“Are you talking about me?” he asked seriously, even though his eyes were filled with mirth.

She rolled her eyes at him, shoving him away. “I would never.”

“I know,” he said, nodding.

He looked thoughtful for a moment, and she wondered what he was thinking of.

“What are you thinking about?” she asked, playing his game from earlier.

“You and what you said at the warehouse,” he answered honestly. “I can’t help but wonder if you were being honest or if you were just buying yourself more time.”

“I meant everything I said, Percival,” she answered. “You are so kind and thoughtful and everything a woman would want in a husband. It… It has made it so hard for me because I don’t think I can continue this marriage of convenience we agreed on. I understand that you might not feel the same way, but I have fallen in love with you, and I say it now if only to let you know, so you can make your decision. If you choose not to be with me, then I would understand…”

Her words were silenced with a kiss that said everything Percival didn’t. She couldn’t help but bury her hands in his hair, pulling him closer as he moaned into her mouth.

They pulled apart after a while, and he cupped her face in his hands.

“I love you too, Louisa.”

He kissed her again, and this time, she poured all the love she felt for him into the kiss. His hands roamed over her body and hers his, their breaths mingling as he pulled her closer.

His hands moved to her stays, and her hands tugged at his shirt, but before they could go any further, a knock sounded at the door.

“I can’t have a moment of peace in this house,” he grumbled.

She laughed and leaned close to him. “We have our whole lives ahead of us, husband.”

“But I want you now, wife.”

“Your Graces.” The knock came again. “The doctor is here.”

“Show him in, Mrs. Owens,” Louisa called, slapping Percival’s hand away, which had been inching up her thigh. “You need to get that arm checked, remember? I don’t want you to have any more scars.”

“But this is one I’m proud to wear.”

“It doesn’t matter.” She frowned. “I feel guilty enough as it is.”

“All right,” he relented. “I’ll comply.”

“If you behave, I might be a little more willing tonight.”

“You’ve become more naughty, wife.” He smiled, nipping her ear.

“Only because I have a naughty teacher.”

Percival watched the doctor examine Louisa and was grateful when he pronounced that she was not harmed. When it was time for his own examination, he ignored the doctor’s wide-eyed stare at the scars crossing his chest.

He coughed to break the man’s stare and urged him to look at the cut on his arm.

“You will need stitches, Your Grace,” the doctor announced.

“All right.” Percival nodded and then turned to Louisa. “Can you wait in the other chamber? You do not need to see this.”

She smiled and came to take his hand in her own. “You forget that I have had my own experience,” she said, pointing to her face. “You will need something strong.”

She rang the call bell and Anne answered almost immediately.

“Please get Tobias to bring a bottle of the duke’s favourite scotch.” She told the girl.

“Yes, your grace.”

The doctor prepared his instruments while they waited.

A knock sounded on her door a few minutes later and she gave admittance to Tobias who had brought the bottle as well as a glass. The man looked visibly worried at the amount of blood that had stained the shirt he had been wearing but said nothing.

“I will be fine Tobias.” He told him with a smile. “It is only a flesh wound.”

“Indeed, your grace.” He replied.

Tobias poured him a finger of scotch, which he downed in one gulp. It wouldn’t be enough, but Percival didn’t want to drink in front of his wife.

“If you need more, you should have some. I do not mind.” She told him.

“I do not want to over imbibe with you present.”

“I would understand if you did it this once.” She said with a a smile touching his hair. “I had to do the same when they stitched mine.”

He frowned despite himself as he recalled how she had gotten her scar. She must have been in so much pain yet she still smiled and tried to comfort others.

“I do hope you were given the justice you deserved.” He frowned.

She nodded.

“She was exiled from England. Had she not been a nobleman’s daughter it would have been worse for her.”

He nodded and was silent for a moment. The doctor cleared his throat reminding them he was still present.

“You really must drink some more, Percy.” She told him, eyes begging.

He nodded and accepted the glass from her, drinking as she poured until he felt the fringes of alcohol induced sleep.

She held his hand and nodded at the doctor to start, wincing each time the needle pierced Percival’s flesh. He was grateful for the small, soothing circles she rubbed on his hand and how she didn’t swoon at the sight.

“You will need to keep it clean so it doesn’t get infected. Change the bindings tomorrow morning,” the doctor told Louisa. “I will come again the day after tomorrow to see how well he is healing. Until then, Your Grace, do take care with your arm.”

The meaning behind his words was clear, and Louisa flushed.

It was still a marvel how shy she was even after everything they had done. Percival would have to remedy that soon. He liked her innocence, but she needed some corruption.

“Thank you, Doctor.”

Tobias showed the doctor out, leaving them with their much needed privacy.

The second the door clicked shut, Percival pulled his wife into his lap.

“He just told you to be careful with your arm, Percival,” she scolded him. But she didn’t move away, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You never seem to listen.”

He shrugged, smiling naughtily at her. “It would have kept me away from you, so I didn’t see any reason to obey.”

She threw her head back and laughed, and he decided right then that it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

“I love hearing you laugh,” he confessed.

“Really?” she asked.

“Indeed,” he said, running his nose down her neck. “It is just one more beautiful sound you make.”

“Is that so?” she breathed, tilting her head back. “What other sounds do you find beautiful?”

He cocked an eyebrow at her question and grinned. She learned really quickly.

“I like the sound you make when I kiss your neck.”

That statement was followed by the corresponding action.

“And the sound you make when I palm your very beautiful breasts.”

She gasped when his hands did so, and he smiled. He really did like that sound.

“And the sound you make when I slide inside you.”

Her breath hitched as his fingers slid up her thigh to her core. She was already drenched for him.

Percival felt his member twitch in anticipation, but he didn’t want to frighten her if she wasn’t ready. He wouldn’t blame her, considering the ordeal she had been through.

“You say the naughtiest things,” she gasped as his finger slid inside her.

“Hmm.”

He continued teasing her till she started riding his fingers. He groaned as with each movement of her hips, she ground against his straining member, and if he didn’t move her, he would spill his seed in his breeches.

He sensed her getting closer to her peak and pumped his fingers into her, holding her as she screamed out her pleasure.

He really did love that sound.

She fell limply against him, and he lifted her, moving her to her bed so she could sleep comfortably. He brushed her hair from her face and pulled the blanket over her.

Her breaths were deep and slow, causing him to smile at how quickly she had fallen asleep. He, too, felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, and he rose to return to his chambers. Hopefully, he would be able to have a couple of hours of sleep before the nightmares came.

“Don’t leave,” she begged, gripping his arm suddenly.

He paused and slid back into her bed.

“I thought you were asleep,” he murmured, wrapping the blanket tighter around her.

“I was, but I felt you move.” She pouted. “Must you go? I would feel safer if you were here beside me.”

He wanted to refuse, but seeing the fear in her eyes, he pulled her closer and kissed her forehead. “You should sleep, Louisa.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?” he asked worriedly. “Are you afraid you’ll have nightmares?”

She shook her head. “There is an uncomfortable heat in my sex,” she whined.

“Louisa,” he warned. “I do not want to exhaust you.”

“Please, husband,” she begged, running her hands over his chest.

He groaned, giving in to her.

He was sure the entire manor would hear her cries, but if this was the only way he could comfort her, then he would.

When she screamed out her pleasure and finally fell asleep, he slipped out of her bed to head to his study.

The dynamics of their marriage had changed, and now that his feelings had been laid bare, he feared the future.

What if he couldn’t be the man she needed him to be?

“Are you having trouble sleeping, Your Grace?” Tobias asked, stepping into the study.

Percival nodded, pouring himself a drink.

“Why? Are you still having nightmares?”

“No. Well, yes, but not this time,” he answered. “That is not why I’m still awake. I… I told her I loved her, and now I do not know what to do.”

“You love her,” Tobias stated, as though it were an obvious thing.

“I don’t know how.”

“Have you tried asking her?”

Percival stared blankly at the butler, wondering why he hadn’t thought of it when it was clearly the most simple thing to do.

“I… I haven’t,” he answered honestly.

“There’s no way you will be able to love the Duchess the way she needs to be loved if you do not ask her.”

“You’re correct, Tobias.” Percival nodded, rising. “I will see you in the morning.”

The butler nodded and smiled before leaving.

Percival had spent so long ignoring all the little things his wife had said and done to show him her heart. He would start by doing the one thing she had asked for, and then he would spend the rest of his life loving her the way she wanted him to.

“It is a shame that a peer would stoop so low as to kill his own brother,” one of the constables leading Eli to the carriage said.

Eli struggled against his bonds. How dare they treat him like some criminal when it was he who had been wronged? It was Percival who should have been arrested for denying him his birthright.

He struggled again, hitting one of the constables and pushing the other down as he attempted to escape. If he ran into those useless cutthroats he had hired, then perhaps he would still be able to get his revenge.

“Stop, My Lord,” the constable warned, brandishing a gun.

Eli laughed to himself because he knew there was no way they would shoot him. Not if they didn’t want to lose their heads.

“Stop, or I’ll shoot,” the constable warned again.

Eli heard the sound before he felt a burning sensation in his abdomen and fell to his knees. They had dared to shoot him?

“Damn, you shot him.”

As the world faded into pain and nothingness, the last thing he heard was, “Send word to the Duke. His brother is dead.”