“It’s stunning,” she whispered, forgetting her unease.
His hold loosened, and she slid down his hard body, each inch sending warm currents over her skin. Had her feet landed, or was she floating? Her fingers dug into his hard biceps for support, and finally she met his gaze. Lightning shot through to her core. She stumbled back, gasping for air.
Distance. She needed distance from the man in order to gather her thoughts, control her emotions and power. She scampered onto a large boulder and knelt by the pool. Away from him, she could finally breathe, finally think. She scooped up water and rubbed at her face, taking relief in the cool liquid. Why? Why did he produce such emotions from her? It made no sense.
He didn’t move, but she knew he watched. She could feel his attention burning into her back. She pulled her handkerchief from her pocket and dried her cheek. Finally, she turned to face him.
“Can you speak?”
He didn’t respond.
Peering into his amber eyes, she tried to discern the truth. She felt curiosity from the man, anger, resolution. So many conflicting emotions her mind spun. But when she tried to delve deeper…to soothe the beast, nothing. Pain sliced through her head, and she cringed, sitting back on her heels. Why was it she could easily read the minds of animals and control the beasts of the forests, but this man seemed impossible to tame? But then, she’d never been able to read a human and wasn’t quite sure of the rules.
“Can you say any words, at all?” she tried again. A light and airy breeze rushed through her body. Humor? Was he amused? Blast, but she could see nothing in his eyes.
“Leo,” she heard and spun around to see Lord Roberts push through the branches. “Thank God, I was worried….” His gaze landed on her, and he stilled. “Ella, I thought you had left.”
She flushed and twisted the handkerchief in her hands, horrified to be caught with Lord Roberts’s grandson in such an intimate setting. “I did.”
“Oh, I see.”
An uncomfortable silence settled around them. Leo stood and without a word disappeared into the trees, melting into the shadows.
“Where’s he going?” she asked, stumbling to her feet.
Lord Roberts stared after his grandson, the area between his bushy white brows creased with obvious worry. “I don’t know. I never do, with him.” Those pale blue eyes pierced her. “Ella dear, I know you must be angry.” Ella stiffened and steeled herself for his words of apology. “But you must understand, the way he’s reacted to you…he’s never reacted to anyone as well before.”
“How many others have there been?”
Lord Roberts sighed. “Over a dozen at last count. Men and women. The men were literally thrown out of the house.”
Ella sucked in a breath, her hands tightening on her twisted handkerchief.
“Or,” he continued, “they were too frightened and were easily overwhelmed. The women, well, most just fled the first time they met him.”
Honestly, she didn’t blame the others for running. Was she insane not to follow their lead? Her gaze went once again to those shadowy trees. There was something about Leo—a lost soul begging to be found—that pulled to her. Could he truly be as horrible as he seemed? He’d been so gentle when he’d carried her. And when she looked into his eyes, well, she felt as if there were so much more to this man. “Lord Roberts, what’s wrong with him?”
He sighed and with a monogrammed handkerchief, dabbed a bead of sweat from his forehead. “Physically, nothing that the doctors can uncover. His mind, ah, his mind. My grandson’s childhood is a mysterious void that has left him damaged. What happened and how it affected Leo no one but he can tell. I can only imagine what horrors he must have endured.”
But she knew. Vaguely, but she still knew. Death, horror, sorrow so deep it was shocking he’d lived through the pain. Still, how could Lord Roberts not know? “But—”
Lord Roberts held up his hand, stopping her. “I do not know how I can convince you. But I will do whatever it takes to bring my grandson back to me and I believe you are the one who can help. Whatever you want. Perhaps a cottage by the sea?”
Her heart skipped a beat. How did he know?
“Perhaps assistance and rest for the friend who works for Lady Buckley? I noticed how close you seemed. I will buy you a cottage and send her there right now, Ella. I will hire a servant to take care of her. I promise. And if you stay here for one year, I will make sure you own that cottage in the end.”
She gazed over the man’s shoulder to see that the fence had ended. She could leave, dash through the trees, and never return. But how would she survive with no letter of recommendation? If she stayed, Fran wouldn’t have to work. Her health would improve, and they’d live out their dream. It’d seemed like an impossible fantasy, until now. She looked at the trail where Leo had disappeared. He’d had his chance to harm her, yet hadn’t.
“Six months,” she blurted.
Lord Roberts smiled. “Done. I’ll have my solicitors find you a cottage today and I’ll send the carriage for your friend.”
“Lord Roberts,” she called out as he moved to leave. “I must know. Did you uncover my desires in order to manipulate me into staying?”
“Not manipulate you, Ella. You’ll realize in the end that this is for your benefit as well. I promise you, my grandson is not the monster you think.”
Ella’s gaze slid back to the trees. Somewhere, out there, he hid. She probed the woods with her mind and felt his tormented soul, hidden beneath the surface. Not a monster yet, but she had no doubt, should he choose, the darkness could be his undoing.
Ella sank back into her down pillows and closed her eyes. Her headache had dissipated, but the buzzing remained deep in her core as if a million bees were waiting to be released. She pressed her hands to her stomach. If she would stay, she must learn to block the man’s emotions for her own sanity and survival. In all honesty, she didn’t quite understand how he could survive such haunting memories and emotions. Surely, they’d kill a lesser man. It said something about his character, and she couldn’t help but be impressed with Leo.
A sea breeze swept in from the open window and soothed her frazzled thoughts. Outside, a gull called, the sound a familiar remnant of a long ago memory. Finally, Fran would see the ocean and relax until her health improved. Somehow she’d make this work. She could last six months. She must for her sake and for Fran’s.
A soft knock broke into her thoughts. With a groan, Ella slipped from her bed and smoothed down her serviceable gray skirt. “Come in.”
A maid peeked inside, the white cap upon her head making her unrecognizable from the many other maids she’d met. “Sorry, miss, but he’s still abed.”
Exhaustion flared with irritation, brewing in an explosive mixture. She would never have tolerated such nonsense from Lady Buckley’s children. Blast, but she was tired, tired of being treated so disrespectfully by everyone she seemed to come into contact with. “Still? But it’s four o’clock!”
“Yes, miss. But the young master usually sleeps well into the day.”
“Of all the…tell his man to wake him.”
The maid’s gaze grew wide. “Oh no, miss, we can’t disturb the master.”
Ella crossed her arms over her chest and clenched her jaw. Well, really. She’d been waiting for him all day. She was tired of his emotions, tired of the pain, tired of his games. Ridiculous. She’d had plenty of practice with spoiled children and he would not hold the upper hand. Time to start treating the young master like she would any ward.
“Where are his quarters?”
The maid paled. “Down the hall.”
“Very well, if he won’t come to me, I’ll go to him.” She brushed past the gawking girl and out into the corridor.
I can do this, she thought, halfway there. After all, he’s nothing more than an overgrown lad.
She tilted her chin and continued. And inconsiderate lads should be taught better.
Reaching his room, she took in a deep br
eath. It is time he grew up.
She pounded on the door.
No answer.
She pounded louder.
Still no answer. Clenching her jaw and praying for protection, she tugged open the door.
Darkness enveloped her.
Ella waited for her eyes to adjust. Slowly, shapes emerged. A thin line of light seeped between the thick curtains along one side of the wall. Leaving the door wide, she wove her way between shadowed objects to the windows. She took in a deep breath, steeled herself against the onslaught of Leo’s anger, and wrenched aside the curtains, splashing the room with brilliant light. She blinked, stumbling back and covering her eyes with her hand.
A soft grumble resounded from the corner of the room, and she could feel his mind, alert, waiting to pounce. Had he been awake even before she’d entered? Ella spun around to face a massive four-poster bed. A blanket lay in a crumpled heap, blocking the occupant from view. She took a hesitant step forward and peeked over the mound of covers. The bed was empty.
Confused, Ella turned. “Leo?”
No answer.
Licking her suddenly dry lips, she started forward again, wondering if perhaps he was hidden behind a pillow.
“Leo, it’s time to wake. You’ve slept away the entire day.”
From behind her, a growl erupted. Ella spun around. He pushed himself up from the floor in front of the fireplace, his bare chest gleaming in the sunlight pouring in through the windows. Only a thin blanket made his bed. Quickly, she jerked her gaze up to his. His anger slammed against her, making her weave on her feet. Ella’s heart froze in her chest. His nostrils flared, and his lip curled into a menacing snarl. His eyes, dear Lord, had his eyes turned to fire? She wanted to flee, yet couldn’t seem to move.
His bare feet hit the floor with a thud, his long muscled legs naked from the knees down. His dark hair hung loose to his jaw line. Beside the strange short trousers he wore, nothing else covered his golden body. He stalked toward her, muscles bunching, flexing, under tanned skin.
Run! Run! Her mind screamed, yet she couldn’t seem to move. Stupid, stupid, stupid girl! Just treat him like any of my wards. Except none of her past wards had been tall and muscled. He stopped a foot from her, so close she swayed, overwhelmed by his presence.
Lifting his arm, he pointed toward the door.
“Get out!” he demanded.
Without hesitation, Ella spun around and raced from the room. Slamming the door shut, she leaned against the wall and took in great gulps of air. Dear Lord, he’d kill her, he would. A loud crash shook the floor. Ella gasped, lifted her skirts, and scurried down the hall. She couldn’t do this…she couldn’t…she wouldn’t. She’d have to find another way to help Fran. She reached for her bedroom door when realization made her freeze.
He’d spoken.
Her arm fell to her side, and she turned, staring down the long hall where she could barely decipher the outline of his door.
“Can you speak?” she’d asked him at the waterfall. What a ninny he must have thought her. But how well could he speak?
“Ella?” Lord Roberts stood at the top of the stairs, watching her.
Guilt washed through her, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. He thought she’d stay, that she’d be a miracle tonic for his grandson.
With a sigh, he started toward her, not pausing until he reached the window beside her.
“If you follow that path,” Lord Roberts started, nodding toward the horizon. “It will take you directly to the sea.”
She couldn’t stop herself from looking in the direction he indicated. “Really?”
“But you aren’t here to enjoy the scenery, are you?”
Her face flushed, and she shook her head. “I—I don’t know how I can help him. I think he may be beyond help.” But even as she said the words, she knew it was the fear talking, fear of emotions so troubling and powerful she knew they could be her demise.
Lord Roberts sighed. “When Leo’s father wanted to go to India, I didn’t say a word.”
Ella’s heart skipped a beat. “India?”
“He’d always been an adventurous boy, and I knew I couldn’t stifle his longing. For twelve years now, I’ve regretted that decision. Leo’s parents were murdered there.”
Ella couldn’t contain her gasp.
Lord Roberts continued as if he hadn’t heard her. “Leo was nowhere to be found. My second son traveled there, but could find no trace. A little over a year ago, Leo appeared at this house. I didn’t believe it was him, at first. But he had his father’s ring and his grandmother’s eyes.”
“But where was he all that time? How did he survive?” Ella demanded. Suddenly, her visions were starting to make sense.
“He had a friend with him, some sort of Indian native named Akshay who comes and goes like a thief. Speaks even less than Leo. Other than that, I do not know who helped him survive.”
“You haven’t asked?”
He gazed out over the gardens below, his face tired and worn down by the burdens of life. “I tried, but the boy is rather silent, if you haven’t noticed.”
“But, you do know he can speak, don’t you?”
“Of course, although he’s barely spoken more than a few words to me. He’s not an animal, if that’s what you think. Spent time with an Italian artist where he learned to paint. He was old enough when he lost his parents to retain a bit of the English culture. But he needs refinement. Needs to learn how to behave around women if he is to ever marry and carry on our family line.”
They lapsed into silence. Ella’s mind spun, her thoughts a jumble of confusing emotions. Half of her wanted to run; the other half told her to stay and help this man who so desperately needed her. Although Lady Buckley’s youngest girls had been kind enough, they’d never truly needed her. No one had since her grandfather died.
“Will you stay, Ella? Will you try and help him?”
She met Lord Roberts’s blue gaze. She could see the hope there, the fear, the worry, the exhaustion, the same emotions most likely mirrored in her own eyes. If she stayed, she might be able to help both Leo and Lord Roberts. If she stayed, she may ruin herself completely. But nagging at the back of her mind was the picture of Leo as a child—his fear, his sorrow, his pain. A lad who deserved his misfortune as little as she deserved hers. As much as she hated to admit it, she felt like Leo was almost a kindred soul. A mere boy who’d seen too much.
How had he survived?
How could she say no?
Chapter 3
Cold, lonely, destructive.
He saw no hope in those waves, so why did she stand there as if the sea were her salvation? Fascinated, Leo watched the governess tilt her face to the sky, a soft smile playing on her lips as an ocean breeze danced with her golden brown hair. There was an innocence, a purity about her that drew him…pulled him under until he thought he might drown. Was it possible she controlled the ebb and flow of the waves? It wouldn’t surprise him.
She crossed her arms over her chest and walked the edge of the water. As if she sensed him watching, she looked his way. Her gaze locked on his, and the breeze carried her gasp of surprise. She was quicker than most at hiding her reaction. Smoothing her features to an unreadable expression, she lifted her gray gown, exposing trim ankles, and started toward him.
“Good morning, my lord,” she called out.
He slipped his father’s ring into his trouser pocket and remained silent. Not because he didn’t know how to speak, but because he’d learned long ago that silence could easily intimidate. She clambered up the rocks toward him, and with a frown, he realized she wasn’t as intimidated as he thought.
“It’s a little chilly this morn.” Reaching his side, she gave him a tight smile and perched on a boulder next to him. With her back perfectly straight, she smoothed her skirts around her as if at a bloody tea party with the queen.
He didn’t know what to make of the woman. She was far removed from the overly perfumed trembling misses he’d be
en forced to endure during last year’s season in London. Her scent was soft, like fresh air, the opposite of the spicy and heady scent of Indian women. Completely different, yet there was something…something…
Cazzarola. She was beautiful and tenacious.
“I haven’t been to the sea since I was a child.” Her tone was wistful, lyrical in a way that forced him to listen, whether he wanted to or not. “I used to visit every day and collect shells. My uncle found them for me wherever he traveled. He went to Ind—” she broke off and blushed.
He didn’t move, but continued to stare directly into her eyes, willing her to flee in embarrassment. Silently goading her to leave him in peace. He knew she wouldn’t dare mention the country, for not a soul had since he’d arrived. They pretended as if he’d merely gone on a holiday to the Continent, rather than a nightmare in hell.
“India,” she whispered, surprising him. Those sky-blue orbs shined with sympathy, a sympathy that made his gut churn.
How much did she know? His frown deepened, and he tore his gaze away, afraid she’d read the truth in his eyes.
“I do so love the ocean. My uncle used to say that when you lived by the sea, you could go anywhere, anything was possible.” She breathed in deeply and let her lashes drift down, dark fans that shadowed her upper cheeks.
He had the unsettling feeling he could sit there and watch her forever. His hands curled at his sides as he resisted the urge to touch her face, to feel her smooth, porcelain skin underneath his fingertips, to slide his hands through her silky hair, to taste her lips.
She smelled clean, like the morning dew in a garden of roses, and he wanted to drink in her innocence. But the innocence of her cheery smile and twinkling eyes belied the strength in her body. A trim waist and slender ankles were proof she was no lazy miss. He could easily crush her, but he had no doubt she’d put up a fight.
“I have missed the ocean terribly.” Her brilliant azure eyes came to light on him.