Masque (15 page)

He had the decency to look uncomfortable, but when his gaze
returned to Synn, his face hardened. “I’ve driven all day and night to bring
you back.”

She shook her head. “Bring me back?”

Synn’s hands on her shoulders tensed. Instinctively, she
placed her free hand on his. “Why would I want to go back? You broke off our
engagement. I wasn’t…” The thought of what she and Synn had just done made her
flush. “I wasn’t good enough for you.”

Bryce shook his head, his short wavy blond hair gleaming
with hair gel. “No, I don’t want you back. The company needs you. Ashley
completely destroyed the annual fundraiser and the CEO’s golf tournament was a
disgrace. We need you back. I have the authority to offer any salary you wish.”

Rena stepped back against Synn’s warm body. His solid
presence reassured her as emotions tumbled around in her chest and her brain
tried to grasp all the implications of Bryce arriving on her doorstep at what
must be two in the morning. He didn’t want her, but his father’s company did?
They sent him, of all people? What would he think of what she’d been doing
here? Why should she care? A shiver flowed over her body at her tumultuous
thoughts.

Synn’s whisper in her ear stole her attention. “Tomorrow
morning.”

Her mind calmed. He was right. Now was not the time to
figure this out. “Well, you’re here and it’s very late.” She looked at the
footman. “Darby, would you show Mr. Lloyd to a bedroom? I’m sure he is tired
after ‘driving all day and all night’.” She had to repeat his words because she
found them incomprehensible.

Bryce glanced back at the footman who bowed at the waist.
Darby was anything but small in stature, and he towered over Bryce. As Bryce’s
confidence retreated before the large man, Rena took notice. She’d never seen
Bryce be less than intimidating around other men. Interesting.

Bryce turned back to her before his gaze swept to Synn’s
face. “And who is this man with you?”

Though Bryce looked down his nose while glaring up at Synn,
she didn’t find his gaze as intimidating as when he turned it on her. In fact,
she bristled that he would treat Synn with such disdain. “This is Synn
MacAllistair.”

Synn stepped back from her and let go of her shoulders. “It
is a surprise to meet you.” His deep voice vibrated as he stepped around her,
removed his mask, and offered his hand in greeting.

Bryce’s utter shock at Synn’s muscular, naked body being
exposed had her biting the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing.

At their visitor’s lack of movement, Synn withdrew his hand
and donned his own aristocratic façade. And oh, he had so many more years to
perfect it.

“Actually, I’m Sir Synn MacAllistair, but here in Nova
Scotia I left the title off. It attracts too many eligible ladies who seek a
well-endowed husband.”

Rena coughed, unable to completely keep her laughter inside.
Synn referred to money when he mentioned “well endowed”, but in Bryce’s world,
that only meant one thing and his gaze dropped to Synn’s crotch.

Rena glanced at Synn’s cock as well and was pleased to see
it was still hard and ready for her.

She’d never seen Bryce uncomfortable. Not once. When his
face flushed a warm red, she took advantage of the situation. “Synn, this man,
with an obvious lack of breeding, is Bryce Lloyd, my former fiancé, but I think
we can all get acquainted tomorrow.”

She ignored Bryce’s scowl as he refocused his attention on
her, and she turned to the footman. “Darby, you can place Mr. Lloyd in one of
the bedrooms in Valerie’s wing.”

Darby stepped up to Bryce like a bouncer rather than a
servile footman. “I’ll be happy to, Miss Mills.”

She turned to Synn. “I’m getting cold again.”

He grinned rakishly and swept her into his arms before he
looked at Bryce. “Goodnight.”

As he carried her, she couldn’t help a brief peek over his
shoulder to see how Bryce reacted, but he did nothing more than stare at them
as Synn climbed the stairs. She giggled at the thought that Synn’s muscular,
toned backside was the last image Bryce would have before going to bed.

When they reached her room, Synn didn’t sit on the bed with
her like he usually did. Instead, he dropped her feet and stepped away from
her.

His withdrawal hit hard. Her insecurities crowded in and she
tried valiantly to shake them away. Grabbing the coral robe he’d brought her
their first night together, she donned it and curled up on the upholstered
chair by the fireplace. For the first time, she wished she could have a fire.
The chill invading her body wouldn’t go away, but a fire wouldn’t be of any
help. Synn was the only answer to her cold, and that scared her.

He stood at the window, his body language screaming for her
to keep her distance. The reflection from her lantern on the pane showed no
movement in his face. What did he think? Could he be jealous of Bryce? A small
warmth cuddled around her heart at the idea. Or was he disappointed in her
judgment to have been engaged to such a man. The shock of seeing Bryce standing
in her home wore away. Would he be impressed with the Abbey and what she
planned?

She stomped down her habitual need for his approval and
examined him objectively for a change. He’d belittle her idea and tell her to
return to Lloyd Enterprises because that was what he wanted her to do, but she
didn’t have to do what he wanted anymore. He dumped her.

She’d been lucky. If Bryce hadn’t left her, she wouldn’t be
here building her own success story and learning about Synn. She studied him
again. He remained motionless. She wanted to wrap her arms around him. She
wanted to laugh with him over how well he had handled Bryce, but instinct
warned her now was not the time. She hated feeling helpless. What was he
thinking? What was wrong?

She shivered. Synn had retreated away from her, and his sudden
defection left her adrift. When had she become so connected to him?

“Synn?”

The whisper pulled him from the dark place his mind had
gone.

Rena. She was the one. And the scrawny fair-haired man
downstairs had come to take her away.

That would not happen. He would kill again, this time
purposefully, before he’d allow her to be taken from him. Would she want to go?
He fisted his hands as he fought the fury mixed with guilt that brewed deep
within his soul. She might if she knew he sabotaged her dream. The dream that
would free her from her self-doubt. His instinct was to seek the roof,
contemplate, but he could not allow her former betrothed to sway her to leave.

He needed her. He… No, they needed her. She was the key for
those who wished to cross over. That was why the searing need to destroy
permeated his being. He was protecting his friends and Rena was essential to
completing the Masque. He needed her to… Blast, he just needed her. Like he’d
never needed a woman. The idea of her leaving the Abbey, ever, sent terror
racing through his heart. He shook.

Her heavy sigh behind him radiated defeat. Defeat was not
allowed. No more. The stakes were too high. He forced himself to turn and face
her.

Her feet were tucked up on the chair, her arms around her
legs, her head rested on her knees. She had shrunk in upon herself, lost.
Something about this Bryce undermined everything she was. And would he not have
the same effect on her in just a few more nights when he stole her ghosts from
her?
No.
He needed to make her see her own value before he ruined her
plans.

A new urge converged upon him, one to keep this man and
himself from damaging her spirit. Synn’s gut told him she needed him, even if
she didn’t realize it. He would protect her. A new purpose took hold.

Forcing his inner conflict deep inside, he crossed the room.
Her tart scent filled his nostrils as he stood next to her. The urge to touch
her was unbearable, but he dared not. Not now. In her room. In his state of
mind. “Rena.”

Her head whipped up and her startled gaze clashed with his.
In that moment, she revealed a vulnerability he hadn’t seen before. She hid
behind a tentative smile. “I’m sorry Bryce is here. I never expected that. I’m
sure once I convince him I’m staying, he’ll go away.”

Synn relaxed at her assurance. He would make sure that would
be the case. “Perhaps you should go to sleep now. It has been an eventful night
for you.”

She reached for him, but he pulled back, hiding his reaction
by turning toward the door. He didn’t want to hurt her, but the need to brand
her as his surged through his veins and to give in to it could ruin the Masque.
An interruption of the rooms would mean he failed his friends once again. Only
by going through them in order with no outside activities would the Masque be
fulfilled. His own needs must wait. “I will check on our new guest and retire
myself.”

He looked back at her and found her studying him. She cocked
her head. “Will you go like that?”

He looked down to find his cock erect, obvious in his naked state.
He smirked. “I promise to dress first.”

She uncurled herself from the chair. “Good. I don’t like all
these ladies staring at you, ghosts or not.”

Her possessiveness eased another part of his body, his
heart, but he dared not delve into that too closely. With a nod, he opened the
door and sought his own room.

As he dressed, he allowed his deep-seated fears to surface.
Rena could not leave until the Masque was complete, but the thought of her
leaving at all seared his soul. She might when she discovered the Abbey was no
longer haunted, and he had no right to make her stay. Yet the red haze of
frustration that colored his thoughts didn’t keep his body from reacting to her
presence, demanding he take her, make her his so she wouldn’t leave.
Forcefully, he jammed his rampant cock into his black pantaloons and buttoned
it in tight. It wasn’t just her body. He needed her heart, her soul.

The devil take him, he was doomed! She might stay to run her
boarding house, but many men would come to the Abbey. Was he supposed to stay
away while she experienced love with someone else? That would truly be hell.
Yet, he could offer her nothing except…except he could haunt the Abbey for her.
Yes. He would haunt every single guest, do whatever she needed, anything to
make her a success. Make her happy. And then if she did give him her heart,
what could he do with it? Watch her age and die? His own heart constricted at
the thought and he growled in frustration.

Not bothering to button the loose white shirt he threw on,
he jammed his feet into his boots and strode from his room. There was one
person he wanted to see. Perhaps he’d find a release for his pent-up anger as
well.

Synn crossed the upper balcony to the wing where Valerie
resided. As he moved down the hall, he heard voices coming from her room. Jamie
must be staying the night. Synn shook his head as he continued through the
hall. At least the two of them were alive and had a chance.

He swallowed his bitterness and rubbed the spot on his chest
where the bullet had entered. That day had been so long ago, it was difficult
to remember. He continued his search for Bryce, shifting through walls to find
him. Near the end of the hall, he heard more voices. He grinned. Of course
Darby would put the man as far away from everyone as possible, but obviously
not everyone. Staying invisible, Synn shifted through the wall of the last
room. He almost materialized by accident when he found Eric seated comfortably
by the cold fireplace, his usual glass of wine in his hand. The man was dressed,
which in itself was a surprise. A lantern lit the room dimly, but it was clear
Eric was pleased. Looking from Eric to Bryce, Synn noticed both had delicate
features, blond hair and wide-set eyes. The difference was in their stature.
Bryce actually looked hefty next to Eric’s emaciated figure.

Bryce opened his suitcase. “I’m so pleased to meet one
civilized individual here. You wouldn’t believe how that Synn introduced
himself. Stark naked as the day he was born. I never expected to find a man of
your refinement here in the middle of nowhere.”

Eric sighed. “Yes, I am beset by the lowest of creatures. I
must say your presence will make everything much more interesting. I doubt
you’ll be staying long though. I’m sure the lady you desire will be ready to
leave soon.”

“Rena? Yes, I imagine it won’t take more than a day. She’s
always done as I told her.” Bryce paused from hanging a collared shirt. “I knew
she was middle class, but I can’t believe how far she has gone…to be with him.”
He shivered. “And I almost married her!”

Playing with the chain of his pocket watch, Eric appeared
disinterested, but it was obvious he would do anything to have Rena leave.

A dark fear seeped into the pit of Synn’s stomach.

Bryce finished hanging his clothes. Taking a bottled water
from his briefcase, he sat in the chair opposite Eric. “I’m quite glad I broke
off the engagement when I did. I discovered her sexual appetites were of the
basest sort. Have you ever had a woman surprise you like that?”

Eric smirked. “Oh yes. And we certainly don’t need her type
here. I think we should decide on a plan to help her make her decision to
leave. What do you say?”

That was enough. Moving back into the hall, Synn became
solid again. Without warning, he opened the door to Bryce’s room and grabbed
Eric by his collar, his feet barely touching the ground. “Eric, what a surprise
to find you here. You were told to leave the guests alone.”

Bryce stood. “Now wait a minute. I invited him in. Surely I
can have who I want in my room.”

“True, but I doubt having a criminal visit you is what you
want. Right, Eric?” Synn raised a brow at the ghost. “Did you tell the man of
the rapes you committed?”

Eric’s hands were holding on to Synn’s wrists, but he smiled
slyly anyway. “I didn’t want to bore him with minor details.”

“Details?” Bryce visibly swallowed.

Synn shook his head. “It wasn’t only women he raped either.”

At that piece of information, the man paled considerably.

Eric squirmed. “You’re no fun. Now let me down.”

Synn nodded to Bryce. “If you don’t mind, I will remove this
vermin from your presence. Goodnight again.”

He dragged Eric with him into the hallway. “It appears you
can’t keep away from the living, so I will have to ensure you do.”

Eric grinned. “You can’t.”

Synn shook his head. “Actually, I can. You see, Trent and
Darby have volunteered to watch over you. Isn’t that kind of them?”

Eric gulped and all lifelikeness slipped away, leaving him
skeletal and barely solid. “You wouldn’t.”

Synn walked down the hallway, dragging the man with him. He
would. Having Eric to themselves was Trent and Darby’s favorite pastime. Since
each of them had former lovers who had been raped by the man, they extracted
their own special type of revenge whenever they caught the bugger, which was
rare. Synn didn’t care.

He had one goal, and one goal only, and heaven help any man
or ghost who stood in his way.

* * * * *

Rena entered the dining room and breathed a sigh of relief
that Bryce had yet to make an appearance. When Valerie learned he was here, she
would—

“Have you lost your mind?” Valerie stormed into the room and
threw herself into the chair next to Rena. “What were you thinking letting that
man in here?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “What was I supposed to do? It
was two o’clock in the morning.”

“Throw him out. He’s poison, Rena.”

She leaned forward and smiled. “It’s okay, Val. I’m fine.”

Valerie raised her eyebrow. “Yeah? So why is he here?”

Rena shook her head. “Can you believe that Lloyd Enterprises
sent him here to ask me to go back to work for them? I’m shocked.”

“You shouldn’t be. That was smart thinking on their part.
They know you always did whatever Bryce said.”

She stilled. Of course. That’s why they sent him. Well, they
had a made a grave miscalculation. “That may have been true, but I don’t
anymore. In fact, I’m more likely to do the opposite.”

Valerie nodded. “Good. So are you ready to tell me why he
broke it off?”

“Let’s just say it had to do with sex.”

“Huh?”

Mrs. McMurray brought in their coffee with a plate of raisin
scones, a perfect interruption as far as Rena was concerned. After thanking the
woman, she returned her attention to her friend. Valerie actually glowed. “So
is he good in bed?”

Valerie spit coffee across the table. “What do you—okay,
yeah, he is. Is Synn?”

Rena pretended to contemplate that. “I don’t know. We
haven’t exactly been in a real bed yet.”

They looked at each other for a moment, then laughed.

Rena reached across the table and held Valerie’s hand. “I’m
so happy for you. I wish…”

“You wish what?”

She took another sip of coffee. “I wish it could be as easy
for Synn and me. Remember how you’ve always said he was hiding something and we
figured it was him being a ghost?”

Valerie nodded, her attention focused.

“The fact is, he isn’t a ghost, he’s alive.” She pulled away
and looked out the dining room window, unable to meet her friend’s concerned
gaze. “He’s been alive for over one hundred fifty years.”

“
What?
” Valerie grasped her wrist. “Okay, you need to
explain everything.”

Rena nodded. She understood Val’s shock. For herself, it had
been different, scary, but also a relief to learn Synn wasn’t a ghost, wasn’t
dead. She told Valerie everything, making sure her friend understood the
difference between Synn, the cursed man, and the ghosts.

Valerie remained quiet, listening attentively without interruption,
but she finally spoke. “Wow, what a mess. So, what about you and Synn? You said
all you wanted was a rebound lover. What exactly do you feel for him, Ree?”

She played with her napkin. How did she feel about him? “I
don’t know. I didn’t want a relationship. It’s not as if this could go
anywhere. If he’s existed this long, he’ll be around long after I’m dead. How
should I feel?”

“Shit. I don’t know.”

Rena let her head fall to her arms as they rested on the
table. Was she doomed to hopeless relationships?

Valerie patted her shoulder. “Listen, kid, affairs of the
heart are never easy. When they are, they turn out like Bryce. The tough ones
are worth keeping.”

She lifted her head. “You mean like Jamie?”

A blush crossed Valerie’s cheeks. “Well, it’s not like we’re
a done deal. Just a work in progress.”

“Uh-huh, and boy, do you love your projects. Speaking of,
any idea when the hot water tank will be hooked up?”

Valerie rolled her eyes and took a bite of scone.

“Hey, I really want a hot shower. Washing this mass of hair
in the tub isn’t easy.”

Valerie leaned back in her chair and took her coffee in both
hands. “Jamie thinks he can bore through the last two walls in your wing today,
but he wants to confer with Synn again. By the way, how does Synn know so much
about what’s in these walls?”

Rena smiled. “He was the architect. I imagine he can tell
you anything you want to know.”

Valerie let out a low whistle. “Wow, that’s good to know. I
bet I can have the plumber run the piping to a few bedrooms upstairs by the end
of next week.”

“Excellent.” Rena took another sip of the delicious coffee,
her appetite returning.

Footsteps on the stairs indicated Bryce was awake. Synn
never made noise.

Bryce paced into the room as if he were on a power-walk. His
short golden hair was slicked to the side and his face was devoid of any
whiskers. Had he ever had whiskers? She didn’t remember seeing them. His gray
slacks and white oxford shirt were casual for him. Guess she didn’t rate
dress-up wear. Then again, all she wore was a pair of white jeans and her pink
Henley.