Taming the Wicked Wulfe (The Rogue Agents) (25 page)

“Promise?” Ivy asked, her head ducked as she looked at him through her upper lashes.

“Always.
 
In fact, what if I promised that every day you will have some special time with me or your aunt, or the both of us?”

The children looked at each other, before Zachary took Ivy by the hand and pulled her in the corner.
 
The two adults watched the twins.
 
They looked as if they were in talks for a peace treaty to end the war.
 
Rebekah felt a heavy hand cover her fisted hand and give it a gentle squeeze.
 
Soon the children stood before them once more.

“Every day,” Zachary said.

“One of us or the both of us, every day,” Thorn agreed.

The children nodded their heads, and Thorn stood.
 

“I do love you both so very much,” Rebekah said hoarsely, refusing to let any more tears escape.
 
She pulled both of them into her arms, kissing and hugging them in turn.
 
Miss Smith and Nanny Beatrice stepped through the door.

“Ladies, I do believe everything is worked out.
 
Please make note that in the children’s schedule, sometime during the day, at least an hour will be spent in dedicated time with me, my wife, or the both of us.
 
I cannot guarantee it will be at the same time everyday, so you will have to be somewhat flexible in your schedules.”

“Of course, my lord,” Nanny Beatrice bobbed in acquiescence.

“Not at all typical, but if that is what you want, it will be done,” Miss Smith answered grudgingly.

“Thank you, ladies for being so accepting of our eccentric behavior.
 
We now leave the twins in your very capable hands.”
 
He turned and offered a hand out to Rebekah to assist her in standing.
 
They reminded the children to behave before they left the room.
 

Once they entered the hall, Rebekah felt herself collapsing within herself and leaned against the wall, trembling.
 
Then she felt herself tugged into firm arms that wrapped around her protectively.
 
She refused to let any tears fall, but she did soak up the warmth of his embrace.
 
The soothing comfort of his hand rubbing up and down her back eased her.
 
Finally, she pulled away from him, standing on her own.
 
“Forgive me, I should not have let the twins get to me like that.”

“The twins know they are your weakness, and they use that to their advantage.”

“They are only four.”

“I’m not saying they are intentionally being manipulative.”

“That is exactly what you are saying.”

Thorn grabbed her upper arm and led her down the stairs, away from the nursery.
 
“Do you really want to have this argument now?” he asked when they reached the floor where their bedrooms were located.
 
He took in the look on her face.
 
“Fine,” he said and dragged her into his room before shutting the door.
 
“The twins do not intentionally know they are manipulating you.
 
They only know that their mother and father have both been permanently taken away from them.
 
They see us turning them over to other adults as two more people disappearing from their lives.
 
That is why I promised them that everyday one of us, if not both of us, would be spending time with them.
 
We have to reassure them that no matter what, we will always be there for them.”
 

Rebekah studied him silently for several moments before saying, “Thank you.”
 
She crossed the empty space between them and stood on tiptoe to brush a kiss across his lips.
 
“I am going to begin preparing for the ball.”
 

He watched her turn and leave his room.
 
Her scent surrounding him, making him ache.
 
“Damn you, Teddy,” Thorn said, not for the first time since his brother’s death.
 
“I don’t have time for a reluctant wife and temperamental children.
 
What did you think you were doing to me by making me a husband and father?” he raged at the ceiling.
 
Wanting to throw or punch something, he contented himself with slamming his hands against the doorframe, and kicking it with one boot for good measure.
 

Barkley opened the door, hearing Lord Wulfe’s boot slam into the trim.
 
“Temper, temper, my lord.”

“For once, shut your bloody mouth,” Wulfe said.
 
“Help me get ready.”

“What did you think I was doing, my lord, coming up here for my health?”

“Barkley, I swear by all that is good and right in this world, if you were not such an excellent bodyguard and part of the department, I would have fired you long ago.”

“I very much doubt that,” the other man intoned.

“Why’s that?”

“Very simple, my lord.
 
I keep you humble,” the other man grinned as he crossed the room and began laying out the clothes that Thorn would wear that evening.

***

Rebekah did not know what to expect at a ball and looked at her reflection once more.
 
She fisted her hands beside her as she had a tendency to do when nerves were upon her.
 
Was she too done up?
 
Was she not fancy enough?
 
The crystals that winked at her from her hair caused her to cautiously put a hand to her hair.

“My lady, you look quite lovely,” the feminine voice said behind her.

“Are you certain I do not look too ostentatious?”

“No, my lady.
 
You are equal measures grace and beauty.
 
I do believe the women will be quite envious of you and the men will be begging for your attention.”

“But I am married.”

“Men of the
ton
care not about that,” the woman shrugged.
 
Clarissa had had the foresight to inquire at the modiste someone who would be able to fix her hair for the ball.
 
The result was Mrs. Gunther, who had done an excellent job of transforming her from a tired looking woman who took care of two rambunctious four-year-olds all day to the belle of the ball.
 
“If you are willing, they are as well.”

“I can’t imagine,” Rebekah said, her mind drifting to the past, a cringe passing through her.
 
“Why would anyone want to do that willingly, let alone with someone not your husband?” Mrs. Gunther looked at her, her mouth hanging open slightly.
 
“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Because I have heard women talk about your husband and his prowess in the bedchamber.”

“I don’t care to discuss this,” Rebekah said, reaching for her gloves and beginning to tug them on.
 
She felt the other woman’s eyes on her, studying her.
 
Rebekah felt a flush spread across her chest and up her neck.

“You have not consummated your marriage yet, have you?”

“I do not feel this is appropriate to discuss with someone I do not know.”

“It could be easier.
 
I would guess I am not much older than you, my lady.
 
I remember how it was when my Captain Gunther strode into my life.
 
I saw the man and I felt like I had been run over by a runaway coach, and he had not even touched me yet.
 
I miss him so very much, but especially at night.
 
But then I knew it would be like this marrying a military man.”

Rebekah finished tugging on her gloves and watched the different emotions chase one another across her face.
 
“Mrs. Gunther, I have never felt so beautiful in my entire life.”

“I wish I could have done more to hide that scar,” Mrs. Gunther nodded at the slash across Rebekah’s brow.

“It lends me a bit of mystery.
 
Makes people wonder what I did to get it,” Rebekah smiled.

“That’s the spirit,” Mrs. Gunther said.
 
“Enjoy your evening.”
 
The woman left Rebekah alone.

Rebekah took a deep breath, checked her appearance once more, and then left her bedroom.
 
She stood at the top of the stairs and saw Thorn standing at the bottom.
 
He leaned negligently against the wall as if he had all of the time in the world.
 
Did nothing ruffle this man?
 
He had the attitude of ultimate rogue down to perfection.
 
Rebekah found herself wondering how many women would swoon just from the glance or smile he sent their way this evening.
 
Pushing away the jealousy she felt, she descended the staircase.
 
She watched as she finally caught Thorn’s attention.

He pushed away from the wall.
 
Was it her imagination or had his breathing sped up just a bit?
 
She let her hand lightly rest on the banister as she descended.
 
She stopped on the last step, unable to finish her descent because Wulfe stood in her way.
 
Rebekah liked the added height the step gave her, because it made her a few inches taller than him, giving her an advantage.
 
Her breathing increased when she felt his warm, rough hand caress her cheek.
 
She met his gaze and her tongue darted out to lick her dry lips.
 
Rebekah heard a moan escape him before he moved in to brush a kiss over her lips.
 
She tried to deepen it, but he pulled back.

“No,” he said gripping her upper arms.
 
“If we do not stop now, we will not be going to any ball this evening.”
 
He took a step back, and allowed her to take the final step down.
 
Thorn reached over to the hall table and opened a thin, square box.
 
He removed a necklace made of diamonds and sapphires with matching ear bobs.

“It is beautiful,” Rebekah said in awe.
 
“How did you know my dress would be sapphire?”

“We both owe your cousin a bit of thanks,” he said.
 
He had her turn around so that he could place the necklace around her neck.
 
Afterwards she put on the ear bobs.

“Will I do?” she asked, her arms spread wide.
 

“You will more than do,” he said huskily and tipped her chin up slightly for a deeper kiss.
 
A knock at the door startled them apart.
 
The butler entered the hall and opened the door.
 
On the other side of the door stood Viscount Southerby.

“Good evening,” the other man said.
 
“I hope we are not too early.”

“No, Southerby, you are right on time.
 
Shall we, my dear?” Wulfe asked as he held his arm out to his wife to take.
 
She threaded her arm through his and allowed her husband to escort her to the coach.
 

He helped her in, and Clarissa sucked in a breath.

“Did I do something wrong?” Rebekah asked halting midway inside the carriage.

“No, you’re just so breathtaking.
 
I knew you would be, but seeing you in person with all the pieces is like seeing a finished portrait for the first time.
 
You are exquisite.
 
And Wulfe did an excellent job at picking out your jewels.
 
Not too ostentatious or overpowering.
 
You will be turning men’s heads all night long.
 
In fact, I suspect your dance card will be full,” Clarissa said.
 
“Here sit by me,” she patted the seat next to her and Rebekah dropped to it in relief.
 
They patiently waited as the two men entered the coach, the door shutting behind them.
 
“Tell me, Lord Wulfe, how would you feel if your wife’s dance card was full of other men’s names by evening end?”

“Clare, you’re pushing,” Lord Southerby said under his breath.

“As long as it’s me she is going home with,” he said on a shrug before turning his gaze out the window.
 

Rebekah felt a sting of hurt in her chest, but valiantly pushed it aside, refusing to have her first ball tainted with bad memories.
 
She turned to Clarissa, “What should I expect?
 
I have never been to a ball before.”

Clarissa easily began chatting about what to expect at a ball.
 
She also gave her topics that were fine to discuss and those that were off limits.
 
“You must remember that the Richmonds are truly royals.
 
His Grace is King George and Queen Charlotte’s youngest son.
 
He is also Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
 
He is only in London for a few weeks.
 
His wife loves to throw balls.”

“Will the King and Queen be present tonight?”

“I highly doubt we will see the King.
 
You can count on Prinny being here.
 
Most possibly making a fool of himself,” Southerby said.