Midnight Masquerade (25 page)

“Hmm, a scavenger hunt on the body of my future husband, how can I say no?” stepping back she looked him over, appreciating his stature. She loved his sense of humor, instead of handing her over the jewels
,
the bloody little devil was making her pick his pockets in hopes of finding hidden treasures. Slipping her hand into his right hand poc
ket of this tight black suit pants she came up empty handed.

“Too obvious Li, although you can slip your hand down there anytime you want, you might find something that interests you.”

Determined to win his little game, she slipped her hand inside his jacket while pressing herself against his strong body,
intentionally
rubbing her chest against his as she reached into his inside pocket. Feeling cold metal she grinned and pulled out the earrings, chandelier diamonds set in white gold that matched her ring.

“Oh Alastair…”

“Does Her Grace approve?”

Looking up at him, the earrings in her hands she couldn’t help but grin at being called
Her Grace
. It was something she’d have to get used to, but coming from his lips it melted her hear
t
.

Nodding she handed them to him, “Please, put them on me?” Tilting her right ear towards him she waited as he fasted the priceless dangling earrings from her ears. With her hair fully up, they would be beautifully displayed.

“One more treasure for my little dove to find
, lets see how good you really are.”

Pinching him on his arm she grinned as she slowly circled him, rubbing her chin she eyed him as she pondered where the man was hiding the final object. Running her hand across his shoulders as she passed behind him, she stopped and looked down at his fine ass, “You’ll learn my love that I’m far better at this game than you anticipated,” flicking up the tail of his coat, she ran her hand over his firm ass cheek,
taking
her time as she slid her hand across
his fine ass
, stopping over his left cheek. “What do we have here my love?” Reaching into his back pocket of his midnight black trousers, she pulled out a string of dazzling diamonds.

Blinking at the sight of such a priceless necklace, she looked up to she him smiling.

“Next time I’ll place them somewhere you’ll have to work harder. Here, let me put it on you Amelia, it belonged to my grandmother. Gifted to her by the Queen many decades ago.”

Slipping the heavy diamond
necklace
into his waiting hand, she turned around as he secured the cool jewels to her neck.

“We didn’t have enough time tonight, otherwise I would have taken you into the vault and let you choose your own, however, I’m afraid when you step into the room it’d take you hours to decide.”

“Vault? Step
into
it?” She didn’t understand, her brothers each had safes where they held
their jewels and riches.

“Aye, a walk-in vault Amelia. I have plenty of wall safes hidden throughout this house as well, some filled with weapons, money and hidden treasures my family has amassed over the years. However, the ducal jewels and main treasures are in a hidden walk in vault that is located
very close
. I have generations of crowns, hair pieces and countless jewels for you to wear, however, I’d like to gift you with your own personal items throughout the years, there is more than enough room
to add to the collection
.”

Touching the breathtaking necklace, “Alastair, what you have is more than enough for me.”

“Yes
but the lovely thing about being married to an extremely wealthy man is that you will be spoiled rotten with gifts that you don’t need
, nor ask for. Here, look in the mirror Amelia, you look stunning i
n the Bancroft family jewels.”
Turning her
towards the long mirror
.

The sparkling white diamonds complimented the deep red of the dress, her dark hair shined in the candlelight as she looked into the mirror, Alastair standing behind her with his hand on the small of her back.

“Tomorrow I’ll show you the vault and the hidden safes located throughout the house, if there was ever an emergency I want you to have access to funds and weapons in a seconds notice.”

“Alastair, I have my own money.”

“Yes, I’m well aware of that. I am going to pretend I don’t find it annoying that my wife has no need of my vast wealth. You have funds Lia, but they are not a
t your fingertips like mine is.”

Turning around she slipped her hands into his jacket, “Very well love, only because I know it means a great deal to you, I’ll learn to spend
your
money. I’ll send all my bills from shopping directly to you.”

“That’s my girl.” Smiling, he kissed her softly, “
Now, lets get downstairs, I’m sure your family will be arriving any minute and unless Luke told Gideon of our engagement, you have one brother left to tell.”

“Knowing Luke, I’m g
uessing he left that up to me. I think I’ll see how long it takes for
Gideon
to notice the ring on my finger.”

“That approach was entertaining this morning with Luke and Genevieve, I think it took Luke ninety seconds to realize you wore an engagement ring.”

“Yes well, it is a four carat leviathan, how could anyone miss it?”

Walking down the stairs with her, “That is the point Lia, I don’t want anyone to miss it, I want it to be very obvious to everyone you encounter that you are engaged to the Duke of Blackstone.”

Shaking her head, “I think the moment we enter the opera people will know I belong to you Alastair, I have a feeling you will be a very possessive husband who hovers around me at all times, always touching me, always making his claim known to all those who watch.”

“You’re damn right Amelia, just as hope you’ll be equally possessive and touchy. Tonight shall prove most interesting for all of us. We’ll step out of the shadows after being gone from the public eye in a week, engaged and all of London will know how desperately in love we are with each other.”

“Is it that obvious?”

“I think
the way we look at each other is undeniable Lia.”

Entering the main floor, he pulled her into the library and twirled her around, eliciting a laugh.

“Drink?” He asked, letting her go.

“Please.” Coming to a stop, she heard the knock on the front door, and the subsequent voices of her brothers and sister-in-laws being shown in.  Her heart began to
pound,
as she grew slightly nervous. It was odd being the woman of the house when she wasn’t married to Alastair yet.

Feeling Alastair’s warm hand on the small of her
back, she let her anxiousness flee
as she heard his sweet words
.

“This is where you belong Amelia, they are going to be elated for you my love.”

Leaning into him, she smiled as Gideon and Helena walked into Alastair’s library holding hands.
Her eldest brother looked dashing, and Helena looked implacable as always.

Letting go of Helena’s hand, Gideon walked towards her with his hands outstretched, “Sister, congratulations!”

Stepping away from her fiancé, she couldn’t help but smile at his excitement as she walked into his arms and hugged her beloved
eldest
brother. Feeling his warm hug was exactly what she needed.

“How did you know?”

“I
had a feeling, as did Helena. Also
could have spotted
that ring from my house Lili.”

Behind her she heard Alastair welcome Helena, the sound of the two talking quietly behind them while drinks were poured she looked up at her brother and grinned, “
I’m nervous.”

With Alastair and Helena busy behind them, Gideon cocked his head and looked down at her, “Nervous about marriage to Alastair, or going back out into society tonight?”

Widening her eyes at her brother’s question, “Oh, I’m not nervous about marrying Alastair. I just have an odd feeling about tonight, I
’m finding myself severely missing
Mother and Father
, I wish they were still with us
.”

“Oh Lili, I miss them too darling
,” Gideon softly consoled in his warm tone, “They are always with us Amelia
, always watching over us. As far as tonight,
your
family will surround you, and it’ll be the news of your engagement to Alastair that will be on everyone’s lips. By tomorrow
morning
, when the official announcement
is in every paper across London most will already know.”

“There she is!” Luke’s voice run through the room as he and
Genevieve
glided in and joined them
, “Jesus Lia, look at you…you are stunning.”

Smiling at his kind words she let go of Gideon and hugged Luke tightly, “Thank you Luke, you look very handsome tonight.”

“Hey, you didn’t tell me I was handsome.” Gideon pouted in good fun next to them. Swatting him, she smiled at her two adoring brothers as Alastair poured Helena and Genevieve a glass of champagne behind them.

“Gideon, you are the most handsome oldest brother a lady could have.” She grinned, linking arms with her brothers and
swung
them towards Alastair and her sister-in-laws.

Helena shook her head watching them, “You three, I swear. Tell us Lia, how do you feel, are you up for this tonight?”

Always the mother hen, she smiled at Helena’
s question as Alastair handed her a champagne flute, “I feel ready to face society again, my ribs are sore but that is to be expected for a while. I promise if I am too uncomfortable I’ll let you all know.”

“Lia would you like to show Helena your new puppy? I heard someone spoiled you this morning, along with that dazzling ring on your finger.” Gideon winked as he took a glass of scotch from Alastair.

Clapping her hands, “Oh yes, please show me the new addition to your family Lia, please!” Helena gleamed with excitement, linking arms with Vieve, “Vieve told me how adorable he is, I can’t wait to meet him!”

Nodding towards the doors, “He’s in the kitchen with the staff, they are watching him tonight while we go out, come on, you’ll just love his wrinkles!” She chuckled, looking over at the men, “We’ll be back in a few moments.”

Walking out of Alastair’s great library, she directed her two beautiful sister-in-laws through the house as they
ohh’d
and
ahh’d
over the parts of Alastair’s mansion they had never seen. She knew the men well enough to know they wanted to talk about something in private, Gideon had intentionally sent them away. Honoring his request, she took her time so the men could talk.

“
Luke told you about the viper, correct?” Gideon asked the moment the ladies were away from the library, his demeanor changing instantly into a serious mode.

Nodding, “Yes, he and I discussed it at lunch today. I debated telling Lia, but decided against it. She’s just now finding her smile and laughter again, the last thing I want to do is dampen that with news someone tried to kill her again.”

Topping off their glass, Luke added, “I think you’re right to not tell her, at least right now,” looking over at Gideon he added, “What do you think about all three families leaving for Alastair’s Scottish castle, soon.”

Sitting down behind the desk, Alastair watched Gideon ponder the idea quietly for a moment before sitting down himself, Luke stayed standing next to the fire awaiting his older brother’s reply.

“So far our investigation on his assassin has come up blank, we are no closer to finding who our assailant is. All we know is who he murdered, our path has went cold. Whoever this person is, he’s skilled. How long as it been since the three of us were stumped on a case?”

Looking into his glass of scotch, Alastair answered immediately, “A very
very
long time, this is most
exasperating
given the fact that we are the three best spies London has ever seen and we can’t catch this damn man.”

“If we leave London with Amelia, I would bet that our man will follow us. He obviously thinks she saw something, or can connect him to the murder. He wants her out of the way, leaving town won’t be good enough, he’ll pursue.” Gideon stated.

Nodding Luke agreed, “Yes, we discussed that earlier today. The positive of being isolated in Scotland is that combined we own well over a thousand acres of land between our three estates, we know our lands like the back of our hand. Any outsider will be easy to pick out, I say we lure that bastard right to us this time.”

Gideon looked over at him, “Have you asked Amelia about traveling north?”

Shaking his head, “No, not yet, I wanted to discuss this with you first. I wanted to make sure the three of us were on the same page before we talked to our ladies.”

“Talk to her about it tonight, I think it would be a good idea to gather up our families for a little Scottish vacation. Word of your engagement will spread like wild fire tonight, I am not against us getting the hell out of this city until we catch this murderer.” Gideon offered, finishing his glass and sitting it down on the desk.

“I had mentioned that
,
maybe we can squeeze in a wedding while we are north, assuming that is what Amelia wants of course.” Luke added with a grin.

“Capitol idea brother, I like that plan.” Gideon smiled and tipped his head towards the door, “the ladies return, let’s regroup tomorrow morning here and go from there. Until then, shall we get Alastair and Amelia to the opera so all the world hear the announcement?”

Standing up and straighten his evening jacket he nodded to Gideon as they turned and watched the ladies reenter the library chattering away. Smiling the moment he saw Amelia’s cheeks flushed with happiness
,
his heart warmed again, it was good to see her alight with life again. She had been so close to death’s door days ago, it was sobering to think of what could have happened.

“Are you lovely ladies ready?” Alastair asked, crossing the room and slipping his hand around the small of Amelia’s back and pulling her close to him. He was ready to show her off and show the world this woman belonged to him.

The man hadn’t fooled her for a
minute;
the men were talking about something important, she could tell. She could feel the tension when they walked back into the library, but now was not the time to question her fiancé.
She knew they had their reasons for sending them off, she trusted the three of them with her life.

Leaning her head against him she smiled at her family as she replied, “I assume one glass of champagne will suffice for now,” winking at Helena she tried to contain her laughter knowing full well the three of them had just finished off a fresh bottle while loving on Romeo in the kitchen.

Genevieve glided up to Luke and took his arm pulling towards the door, “Yes
yes
, let’s be off, we need plenty of time to show off the newly engaged couple before the opera starts. You all know the carriage line will be atrocious if we wait longer, out the door, shoo.”

Laughing at Vieve’s words, Amelia slipped in beside Alastair and together they led the group out of their library and out the front door into the warm evening air. It was the first time she had been allowed to leave her new home via the front entrance.

Lined up in perfect gleaming form stood three stately carriages, Gideon and Luke’s along with Alastair’s ducal carriage she knew intimately well, “Three carriages?” She asked out loud looking up at her fiancé as they walked down the marble stairs towards the road.

Nodding, “Yes, since we all have different directions afterwards we thought it’d be best to take our own means of travel. That way if you aren’t feeling well the rest of our party doesn’t have to leave.”

Behind her she heard Luke pipe up, “It also will be quite a show to have the three carriage arrive together, we’ll be a damn convoy. That’ll get those old gossipmongers talking right quick!”

Beside her Helena reached over and touched her arm, “My mother and Hero will be there waiting for us Lia, you’ll be surrounded by family and your best friend, all will be well.”

Smiling at Helena’s kind words, she nodded and separated from them as Alastair
took her to the middle carriage and helped her in. It didn’t surprise her that her brother’s carriages would lead and flank her own, she knew them far too well. Even if the men hadn’t talked about security, she knew without a shadow of doubt that the three men were at the top of their game tonight as they took her back out into society after her public murder attempt.

Sliding into the carriage next to her, Alastair shut the door and tapped on the roof before nudging her with his shoulder, “Tell me what is going on in that beautiful head of yours Lia.”

“I didn’t bring your golden pistol with me tonight, I’m sorry but I forgot it upstairs in our room.” She admitted, the gown was far too tight to conceal a weapon and she had no need to carry a reticule tonight.

Reaching across the carriage, Alastair plucked out a champagne bottle from the ice bucket and promptly uncorked it as he poured them a drink, “I know Li,
I
saw it in our closet earlier. I would imagine that it would be difficult to tuck such a piece in that lovely little red dress you’re wearing tonight. No worries love, I have it in my waistband. It does feel good to have it back on my side, tis my favorite gun.”

“Then why in the world did you give it to me if it’s your favorite you silly man?” Taking the glass of bubbling champagne she smiled at his thoughtfulness. He knew she loved this drink, and she most assuredly needed some liquid courage before waltzing back into society after almost two weeks of being away.

“
Because I want you to have only the best, and this gun is by far the nicest piece I’ve ever owned, I suppose that is what you get when the King of England gifts you with a solid gold gun eh?”

Rolling her eyes she drank from her glass as their carriage rambled through the cobbled streets in the dark. All around them the sound of people and carriages echoed in the distance as others made their way to the night’s events.

Looking up at him, his blue eyes sparkled as he watched her. Unable to contain herself from asking she asked sweetly, “What did you have to talk to my brothers about? What is going on?”

“We needed to discuss an issue regarding the murderer, and none of us wanted you upset about it seeing how this is your first night out. We also discussed going to Scotland, your brothers and I think it might be best to move our families north until we can find this man.”

“When can we leave?” She asked, extending her empty glass out for him to refill.

Chuckling at her reply, Alastair ran a hand through his golden locks and poured her another glass, sitting back he added, “What about marrying me while we are there?”

Smiling, “again, when can we leave?”

“You and I can leave as early as tomorrow morning. Our announcement will be in tomorrow’s morning paper and I would suspect by tonight most of London will hear of our engagement. Your brothers and their families can follow behind once they are packed and ready, I would imagine they’ll need to go slower due to the babies.”

Setting down her glass, she turned towards him and put her hand on his upper thigh, “Can we really get married up there? Are we going to your estate? Can we really leave tomorrow?”

Kissing her softly he ran a hand up her breast and squeezed before answer, “Yes we can get married up there. Yes we are going to your new Scottish home, that is a castle overlooking the sea by the way, and yes, we can really leave tomorrow my love.”

Sighing, “Do you know how much I love you?” She asked as she pressed her breast farther into his hand and kissed his jaw.

“Not nearly as much as I’m in love with you Amelia, there is just no way.”

Raising her brow, “Doubtful, but I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing that you love me Alastair. I can’t tell you how excited I am to get out of this city, I’ve nev
er been to your Scottish castle.
I am most intrigued
,
Luke has told me stories.”

“What stories has my best mate told you my love?” He whispered, kissing her neck as he shifted her onto his lap.

Shifting her rear so she could feel her lover’s desire, she kissed his lips and answered, “He has told me about
the secret hallways in the walls, and that your place has the best view of any home he’s ever seen.”

“Aye, the castle was built many generations ago, we have secret rooms and tunnels. As a child I would constantly get lost in them, since then I’ve mapped out every corner of that house.”

“I would imagine you were quite the inquisitive boy growing up, I can’t wait to experience Castle Blackstone with you. Will my family be staying with us, or at their neighboring estates when they arrive?”

“We agreed it would be safer to have us all under one roof, especially since your nephews and niece will be with us. We suspect the killer will follow us there, and that is exactly what we are counting on.”

“A Scottish wedding at your seaside castle, does it get more romantic?
I mean, besides a killer and all.
” She mused running a hand through his hair with a giant smile on her face.

Shrugging her shoulders, “I’d marry you anywhere Amelia, but your new castle is rather romantic I think you’ll love it. I have a grand stable up there, so many trails for us to ride together in the wide open without thousands of eyes watching us.”

Sighing, she tucked in close to him, “It sounds perfect.”

“We are almost there my sweet, remember if you are uncomfortable or in pain I need you to tell me.”

Kissing his jaw, she slid off him and fluffed out her skits, “I’ll be fine, I promise and if I’m not I will let you know. I am really looking forward to being out of the house, I’m excited to see Hero and of course show off this gigantic engagement ring and my incredibly good looking fiancé.”

“
Oh, my lady is proud to show me off eh?”

Elbowing him, she shook her head, “Are you kidding me, I’m more than proud to be on your arm tonight as your fiancée Alastair. You’ve owned my heart for years, I’ve always had to stand as a friend in your circle but now I get to claim the Golden Duke, the Sex God of London as my very own, oh yes, I’m very excited
.”

Lacing his fingers with hers, he lifted them to his lips, “You look ravishing tonight Amelia, you are a vision, and one I’m eternally grateful
for. As much as I’d like to
wipe away the
years of
doubt I had, as much as I wish you would have never been pushed off that balcony, all paths led us to here. You my beautiful dark haired Andromeda have stolen my heart; there is no woman I want beside me for the rest of my days but you. I want to look into those stormy grey eyes of yours everyday for the rest of my life and get lost.”

Feeling the carriage roll to a slow stop she knew her privacy with Alastair was about to end for the remainder of the night until they left the grand opera house. With no elegant words to say, she simply kissed the man until she had to come up for air, “I love you Alastair, I love you so very much.”

Grinning he gave her a quick wink and nodded to the door, “Shall we so set London on its ass?”

Taking his hand, she matched his grin, “Lead the way
Your Grace
, I’ll follow you anywhere you go.”

Chuckling he opened the door and helped her out gracefully as he added, “Ah I think tis I that’ll follow that fine arse you have my future little Duchess of Blackstone
anywhere you go
.”

Swatting at him, she couldn’t help but smile as they stepped onto the sidewalk before the brightly lit up opera. On each side of her, her brothers
were helping their own wives exit their carriages. So engrossed in her conversation with Alastair, she hadn’t realized eyes were already upon them.