Angel in Black (18 page)

“I was hoping you might decide to come. I was most anxious to see you again.” His words were amusing and light, but his gaze remained cold and hard.

“What a charmer you are.” Rina retreated from his chilling look and casually sauntered over to the handsome lieutenant. “I don’t believe we have had the pleasure.”

Greerson stood straight, his look intense as he watched Rina. Unexpectedly, he bowed graciously. “Lieutenant David Greerson,
mademoiselle
. I assure you, the pleasure is mine.”

“So — you are the soldier sent to stop me and my men. I’m flattered, but I hope you will not be disappointed if you fail.” Rina’s flashed him a dazzling smile as her men finished with the collections. “And lieutenant, do not be harsh with your men — we came in
very
quietly. Now, what do you wish to donate this evening?”

“I’m afraid I didn’t bring any coin with me and I wear no jewelry.”

The Angel grinned and said, “You are a wise man, one never knows when they may be robbed … does one?”

Her humor was not lost on the young man and he could not help but smile at her candor. The Angel’s eyes turned serious and she reached out a gloved finger and flicked at the watch chain showing from the pocket on his vest. “Ah, but you do have a handsome watch,
monsieur
, and I think it would do fine.”

His smile disappeared. The lieutenant pulled the expensive gold piece from his pocket and Rina noticed sadness mingled with the anger in his eyes.

“Now, I’m sure you will forgive me if I leave before the party is over, but I must be going. ’Till we meet again, Lieutenant David Greerson.”

“It may be sooner than you think, Angel,” he challenged.

“I shall count the minutes.
Adieu
.”

Quick and silent, the bandits slipped from the room, with Rina the last to leave. She met Blake’s furious look, then disappeared. The lieutenant was the first to move to the door, Blake right behind him. Greerson shouted for his men and ran for his horse. Blake moved to where he had Hera tied and turned to Greerson.

“I’m going with you.”

The group hurriedly rode after the Angel and her gang. Rina and her men rode hard until they reached the outskirts of the forest, then split up, each taking a different route. With no moon and the misting fog, the way was dark and dangerous. The lieutenant and his soldiers did not know the area; they would find it difficult to follow.

Rina flew over the rough terrain, the way familiar, with Blake and the lieutenant in pursuit. The trees whipped past her, her horse tearing through the thick forest. Her heart pounded in her chest, excitement and exhilaration coursing through her veins. She felt warm, despite the cold night air.

She continued on, pushing her mount to his limits, the noise of his racing hooves making it impossible to hear if others followed, though instinct told her they did, and were not far behind. The surrounding scenery flew by swiftly, and in no time Rina came to the hidden pond and waterfall. If someone was chasing her, she could easily slip though the secret entrance and hide within.

Stopping, she walked her mount into the dark shadows of the trees and turned to watch, finally hearing two riders approach. In the distance she saw the flash of gray and knew Blake was one of them. She assumed the other was the lieutenant. She turned to disappear behind the brush and Rina heard a horse stumble, throwing its rider to the ground. The animal’s cry of pain echoed in the still night air. Rina stood frozen and fear gripped her with its steely hand. Weak and shaking, she turned her horse to peer into the darkness, desperately searching for the two men and their horses. Holding her breath, Rina finally spotted Hera and heard Blake call to Lieutenant Greerson, “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine, Lord Roberts. My horse tripped and threw me. I think his leg is hurt.”

Rina watched the two men examine the horse. The lieutenant said, “It looks like a bad sprain. I’m afraid I must go back. We’ve lost her anyway.”

Relief flooded Rina, the man’s disappointment clear, having to give up pursuit not sitting well with him. Blake replied; his voice subtly strained to her ears. “You go ahead. I want to look around a minute. I’ll catch up with you.”

Dismayed, the lieutenant started back on foot to see if his men had any better luck. Rina entered the hidden refuge and dismounted. Her hands still shook from shock, when she thought Blake had been hurt.

“Rina, are you all right?”

Startled, she spun around and found herself facing Blake’s angry countenance. He gripped her shoulders and shook her. “I asked you a question.” His voice grew frantic.

“Yes,” Rina retorted. “I’d be better if you would unhand me.”

Blake let her go and pulled the mask and scarf from her head. Her hair tumbled down around her shoulders, the paleness shimmering in the dark night. He twisted a handful of soft, golden tresses around his hand and pulled her head back to see into her eyes.

Angry, she glared at him. “Let me go,” Rina hissed.

“Do you enjoy putting me through hell, little one?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes you do. Every time you decide to ride out as this Angel in Black, you make me suffer. Damn you, woman. I can’t bear the thought of you being in constant danger.” His hold on her hair tightened, as he remembered the terror he felt for her only moments before.

“What I do is none of your affair.”

“Until I get you out of my blood it is.” Blake’s lips came down hard on Rina’s, demanding and brutal, not caring if he hurt her. His tongue invaded her mouth, searching and plundering its sweetness, his lips bruising her.

Blake’s kiss drew her will from her and Rina’s pulse quickened, her blood raced. Excitement, fear, danger, it all surged into a potent mixture, reeling out of control. Her arms wound about his neck, pulling him closer, her soft, slim form molded against his strong, lean frame. Finally, his hand let go of her hair and slid to the roundness of her bottom. Blake lifted Rina, pressed her against the hardness of his desire, spasms of pleasure surging through her.

Rina lost all control of reality. She knew only the tremendous desire and passion within.

“Oh, God, wench — you were made for me to love. Why must you torture me?”

“I do not wish to torture you, Blake.”

“I should take you now.”

Rina pulled away, trying to regain control of her rioting emotions. “No, Blake, I must go — please, I must go.”

“Yes, so must I, but mark my words, Rina. You will be mine, and soon.”

“You promised to wait until I came to you,” whispered Rina.

“And that will be soon.”

Whether it was a question or a statement, Rina didn’t know. Before he changed his mind, Blake leaped on Hera and, without another word, left.

Chapter Eleven

R
INA MADE HER WAY
carefully through the dark night. She slipped into the hidden tunnel leading to the inner rooms. The others had already arrived and quietly waited for her return.

John found this to be the worst time. Since the military had been called in, the danger for them all was more extreme. When he heard the sound of horse’s hooves, he rushed into the dark corridor. Without a word, he pulled Rina from her horse into his arms and held her in a breathless, powerful hug.

“Johnny, I’m fine. You can put me down now.”

He put her on the ground and together they walked inside the well-lit room. After congratulating her on her safe return, the others left, giving them privacy to talk.

“Did anyone give you any trouble?” Rina sat down at the table.

“No, we each lost the soldiers easily. They don’t know the terrain, and with no moon to light the way, they didn’t stand a chance.” John threw his long legs over the bench and sat down across from Rina. “Did you have any trouble, Kat? You took so long getting here.”

“Lieutenant Greerson and Blake came after me. The lieutenant’s horse stumbled and threw him. He was forced to turn back, the animal’s leg sprained.” Rina rummaged through the bag, examining the contents. “We did well tonight.” She pulled the pocket watch taken from the lieutenant from the sack and opened it. Inside an engraved inscription read: “To my dear son, with love, a proud father.” Now she understood the sadness in his eyes.

“Are you all right, Kat?” John touched Rina’s arm and brought her back from the melancholy thoughts in her mind.

“Yes, Johnny, but we cannot keep this.” He read the inscription and agreed.

“How do you intend to give it back?”

“Simple. I’ll give it to him the next chance I get.”

John laughed and shook his head. “Sometimes I wonder if you are crazy, Kat. We have the military after us, ready to hang us, and you want to give a watch back to the man who is in charge. You don’t risk your life for money … no … you give it all away. You know, you would live longer if you would stop thinking of everyone over yourself. You can’t take care of everyone.”

“No, not everyone, but I will do what I can as long as I can. I could not live with my conscience if I didn’t help our people. They need me. Why do you and Blake insist on protecting me? I’m not a helpless little girl and I’m not going to stay at home and do nothing.”

Frustration at the men in her life overwhelmed Rina. “You of all people should know how I feel. If the money we take saves one child from sickness or death, I’ll rob a thousand rich snobs. And don’t you concern yourself with me hanging — I have no intention of being caught. If I were you, I would concentrate on keeping your own ass safe, instead of worrying about me.”

“Calm down, Kat. What are you so riled about?” John took Rina’s hand and held it within his two larger ones. “I didn’t mean to make you mad, but I can’t help but worry.”

Rina smiled at John, her anger fleeing as fast as it had come. “No, I’m sorry. I guess I’m tired.”

“You haven’t been sleeping well, have you? Is it the nightmares?”

“Yes, I’m afraid so, Johnny. Do you think I will ever sleep without reliving the horrors of that night?” Rina’s voice came out in a desperate whisper. John had noticed the dark smudges under her eyes, and she had lost weight. She had always been one to push herself, not giving in to anything or anyone.

“Kat, if you don’t get some rest, you could put us all in danger. Have you tried some of those special herbs you have for sleeping?” Lovingly, John pushed a strand of stray hair from her face. She shook her head at his question. “I suggest you start.”

“All right, I’ll try the herbs tonight. We’d better go home.” Patting the hand that still held hers, she got up and together they left.

R
INA SLEPT SOUNDLY; THE
herbs gave her the deep, peace she needed and she awakened later than usual. She climbed out of bed and the cold air encouraged her to pull a warm shawl about her shoulders. She climbed down the ladder and found Jenny bustling about, humming a tune. A kettle of water boiled over the fire and a wooden tub sat filled with steaming hot water.

“Good mornin’, Rina, darlin’. I thought you might like a nice hot bath.”

“You are a dear, Jenny. It is just what I need.”

Rina tested the water and shucked her nightgown without a second thought. She slid into the small tub and sighed in contentment. The warmth soak into her, relaxed her muscles and mind. She grabbed the cake of soap and started to lather herself, but stopped. She flashed a pleased smile and stared at the small scented bar, the smell of roses filling the air.

“Jenny, where did you get this? It smells wonderful.”

“I bought it from a travelin’ salesman. I thought you might like it.” A wide grin split Jenny’s face, the sparkle of pleasure in Rina’s eyes her reward.

“Like it … Oh Jenny, you think of everything.”

Delighted by the surprise, Rina washed her hair and lingered in the bath until the water grew cold. After wrapping herself in the soft towel Jenny had warmed by the fire, she brushed her hair until it dried. After a hearty meal, Rina felt better than she had in weeks.

Rina walked down the street toward the church at a brisk pace, pulled her cloak tight to prevent the wind from chilling her. She entered and heard the high-pitched laughter of children and Father Murray’s deeper one. When she joined the group, they welcomed her with cheers and smiles all around. About an hour later Blake and Lieutenant Greerson found Rina surrounded by playing children. They watched several minutes before she spotted them.

She excused herself and walked to where they waited, her surprise well hidden as she asked, “Lord Roberts, what can I do for you?”

“Rina, I would like you to meet Lieutenant Greerson.” Blake turned to the young man. “This is Rina.”

“Miss Rina,” Lieutenant Greerson nodded politely. “I was told you were the person to see about my horse.”

“What seems to be the problem, lieutenant?” she asked as innocently as she could manage, glad they could not hear her heart pounding in her chest.

“I think it’s a sprain. Would you mind riding out and taking a look?”

“Not at all.” Rina spoke with Father Murray and said her good-byes to the disappointed children. Each demanded a kiss and a hug before she could leave.