All the Things You Never Knew

CHAPTER EIGHT

Rose watches as Leon strolled off and smiled to herself.

Ah, how easy it was for her to trick him. She had thought for it to be hard but it was not. In fact, her acting was pretty good. He fell right into it. This should teach him not to hide things from her in the future, though the way he had talked shows that he’s not going to bother ever talking to her again. He will come around eventually. The truth can never hide. She didn’t mean to sound like such a tart and say the words that she did. If he was wise enough, he will know that she made the whole thing up.

What makes Leon think she will forgive that Lord Lansing so easily when she couldn’t even forgive him for over a decade? He must have been daft.

“Leon,” she sigh his name out loud. She wanted to run and stop him from leaving, but she have to go with her plan. It pains her to see him go and hear his awful good-byes again and again. It tears everything inside her. Every little thing.

“You will find out in time, my love,” she said out with a grin as Leon disappeared from her sight. “I have set my cap back on you.”

With that little fact in mind, she scurried off back to the house and pulled out her journal

She had written herself three simple little tasks to complete and get Leon fairly to open up.

Firstly, she had written, lie.

She made a check mark to the first accomplished task and down to the next.

Secondly, wait.

She has to be patient and wait until everything clears up for Leon to see that she’s still as faithful to him as always.

She move on to look at the third and chuckled at her writing.

Lastly, love and consummation.

She would give everything to Leon. Her love, her life, her virtue– anything he wants. She just doesn’t understand why he was making everything so complicated. She wished he will just tell her what he was hiding and get it over with.

He was going to tell her something, but she–

Darn it!

Rose cursed herself and fell on the bed, shaking her head in disbelief.

Perhaps she should have let Leon spoke first. She had been a little too excited with her plan that she went…a little too far.

No, she shook her head again. She was just taking a risk–another shot at gaining Leon’s love.

Yes, he had said that he love her the night before that was why he did what he did and left her. It was highly unreasonable but that gave her hope and brightens up her heart. She just had to test him and make sure it was true. It’s quite complicated but with a little faith and courage, she can do it. She will do it!

Hargate Inn

“Stop!” the Earl of Longsword ordered for the a hundredth time. “You are drinking like there is no tomorrow. You will soon be lying in your deathbed, Heartily. What the devil has gotten into you?”

Longsword had just returned from his three day trip to Somerset and couldn’t believe what has gotten into his friend after such a short leave. Leon was in a massive drunken state, his cravat dangling loosely, shirt half buttoned, hair mussed with dark sack under his eyes. He looks a fright. Totally rank him down to the most unattractive man in London at the moment.

“Y-you d-d-don’t understand,” Leon stammered as he lift another glass of brandy to his lips. “S-she’s i-in love with h-him.”

“She? Who?” Longsword asked, not quite understanding. “She’s in love with whom? And must you drink another glass? What happened to your hand?” he asked, as he saw the bandages around Leon’s knuckle.

“Rose!” Leon answered as he finishes his glass and readied himself for another. “She’s…”

Longsword sigh at his friend and kicked the glass out of his hand before he can drink the life threatening fluid down his throat.

“What the hell was that for?” Leon bellowed angrily, getting out of his chair to face Longsword.

“You are torturing yourself over a God damn woman!” Longsword snapped back at his face. “Why the hell did you do this to yourself? You are better than this, Heartily! And a thousand times more wise! Can’t you think of something else other than drinking your ass to hell?”

“Shut the hell up!” Leon said furiously, pushing Longsword away from him. “Rose…She’s everything to me!”

Longsword was struck by surprise at Leon’s word. His foolish friend sure has a lot of courage to admit such thing. No–he would never say such thing unless he was foxed.

“And what happened between you two while I was gone?” Longsword asked him, cautiously walking around the table incase Leon was to flare up again.

“She let that L-Lansing take her, all right! Do you know how much that–” Leon cupped his forehead and fell down onto the floor with a loud thud.

“Heartily!” Longsword scrambled over worriedly to shake him up. “Heartily! Are you okay? God, you are such a besotted fool! I thought Hargate would be–but you…Damn if only that Hargate was here.”

“I-I’m f-fine,” Leon groaned, swatting Longsword’s hand away. “Rose…”

“What the hell happened between you two? Tell me,” Longsword demanded. “Do I have to send words to your brothers to take you off for a while?”

“It’s n-none o-of their c-concern,” Leon said with a wince. His head was throbbing like hell. It was worse than that day he went to confess to Rose. He had over ten bottles of brandy. It was more than he could usually handle.

“I’m surprise you’re not out cold yet,” Longsword said, helping Leon up to the couch in the room. “You slept like the dead that other day. I must admit that I will be all used up and unconscious by now.”

“G-Gareth…” Leon was going to say something, but the shadows fell over him and Rose was the last thing that he murmured out before snoozing off.

Longsword looked at Leon now sound asleep and snoring loudly, then walk off to pour himself a cup of brandy and sat down.

Should he get Hargate back to help? he wondered as he took a drink. It would seem like a waste of time since his friend is crazy over a woman. Leon could handle this on his own. Who are they to get involve with his love affair?

Wait, Longsword paused to think as he was about to drink another glass of brandy. Did Leon say that Lady Rose let the Marquess take her? Longsword let out a light chuckle at that.

His best friend was maddening over his old lover’s virtue being taken by her soon-to-be husband? It should be expected, shouldn’t it? And he said she was in love with the marquess? Of course she would be to agree to the engagement. Even he understood. Why can’t Leon accept the fact and leave the trouble? Things would be so much easier. But he guessed it would be hard if you really love somebody that you have to let them go without a really good reason. At the end, they’re throwing everything in your face and you are only left to sulk around. Longsword has never really experience anything like this, but he knows the role and it could hurt quite a bit.

Perhaps he should explain to Lady Rose and make it easier. No. On second thought, Leon should still do it. He has to hurry and get it done. Sure she had given up on him, but it doesn’t mean Leon should hide what he feels. The only way to lessen his burden was to release it.

All right, Longsword snapped his fingers. He was going to force Leon to go on and tell Lady Rose. Even if it means nothing now, something good would sure to sprung. Everything should be all right. If that doesn’t work, then he will do it himself.

Three days passed by and still, Leon was soaking himself in brandy and Scotch. He couldn’t seem to forget what Rose had said to him. She really is leaving him for another. How could she? Yes, he’d done something regretful and hurt her badly, but he’d apologized. He had tried to explain but the moment was never right. Just the day before Longsword had told him to seek Rose out and explain it all to her once more. He can’t do that. It would pain him to see her and know that she would never be his again. The thought was too much to bear. He might as well let it go and finish off with the marquess to get to his next victim.

Rose should be fine. If that Lansing really loves her and she loves him, then he shouldn’t really care. It’s none of his business anyway. He won’t have an affair with another man’s wife. He could let her go. It may take a life time to forget Rose, but he will manage. There had been many hardships that he had overcome. Rose would just be another.

This is what he had convinced himself of, but yet could never accept it. All he wanted was another bottle of Scotch and alcohols of all sorts to sooth his soul. He can’t forget her no matter how hard he tries.

Longsword has grown really quite irritated and annoyed with his new habit that he’s been spacing out, which was good. He doesn’t want Longsword to be lecturing him about his foolish drunken state and the possibility of him having a failing health. He won’t die, Leon know that much as the truth. He just needs something to occupy his mind and alcohol was the perfect solution. It’s men’s best friend. When all else fail, it’s there to give company. Though he should really listen to Longsword and stop since his head is going insane.

What am I to do? he asked himself.

He needs to get rid of that Lansing but Rose–God she’s driving him mad. Incredulously, she’d moved on, took another man in life and is to have a family soon. She ruins his plan at every turn. He wants to proceed on to his next scheme but she’s there and he has to hold back.

Damn, blast it all to hell!

He can’t do anything without telling Rose the truth, but it seems a total waste of time. He could just go and slaughter Lansing and go on to the next four suspects. She should just be happy that he’s sparing her betrothed. Plus, he’s never ever going to cross path with her again so it shouldn’t matter.

Yes, that’s what he will do. But first–

“Heartily!” Longsword barged into the room, and came at him.

“What?” he asked, rubbing the aching side of his head.

“Get up,” Longsword ordered, pulling him up by the lapel of his coat. “Let’s go. You can’t go rummaging through all the whiskies of Hargate’s Inn. If you want to drink away your love sickness then we might as well go to Phillipa’s.”

“Why the hell would I want to go there for?” Leon asked, lightly pounding his forehead with his fist.

“You need it,” Longsword answered. “Just straighten up and let’s go.”

Leon scowled but gave in to the order. Perhaps he does need it even though it sparks no interest. It’s been a good ten years of celibacy that he had persisted. It’s probably time for him to release himself.

This was what Phillipa’s House of Pleasure was like? Leon couldn’t quite recall it being so…dull. The last time he came was the week he had played his act and left Rose. That was it. All these demimondaines stirs nothing in him. Drunk or not, he feels and see nothing in them. Longsword was much the same too. He’s really quite a gentleman. Leon doesn’t know why he chose to bring him to Phillipa’s of all the places in the world when he’s not even interested.

“You two are boring my girls,” Phillipa told them when they just kind of sat around and drink.

“Your girls are not…seductive enough,” Leon answered plainly, lifting a cup of whiskey to his lips.

Longsword kicked him under the table and smiled at Phillipa. “We’re just about to get into the mood,” he said, feigning interest by pulling one of the cocotte onto his lap. “Sweet thing.”

Leon’s jaw dropped and then he heard a voice that drew all the attentions out of him.

“Ah, my wonderful Lord Lansing!” Phillipa squealed, scurrying off towards it.

Leon turned to that deafening voice and nearly jumped out of his seat to maul down the person.

Lansing!

“Heartily.” Longsword shook his head at him and pushed the harlot off.

“My, your girls here are wonderful,” said that bastard as he fixes his cravat and tuck in his shirt. “Never feel this good in my whole entire life.”

Blast that Lansing to hell! Leon cursed, clenching his fists. Why the devil is he here? Didn’t Rose say they had consummated their relationship and pledge faith and loyalty to one another? What reason does he have to be–Oh, hell no!

Rage rushed over Leon, and before he knew it, he was on his feet and heading straight off towards Lansing.

“You son of a bitch!” Leon burst, spinning Lansing around and splitting open the marquess’s lips and breaking his nose before he’s even aware of Leon’s approach.

“Heartily!” Longsword rushed over to stop him but Leon was so furious that he couldn’t stop. He was beating Lansing down like a mad man. And yes, he was mad–totally!

“Stop! Oh stop!” Phillipa wailed, along with her service girl. “Stop before I get the magistrate.”

The cries and screeches of the harlots filled the room as they panic and scattered at the scene. All the men in the brothel rushed out from their rooms to watch the racket and cheered with applauses at the sight.

“Stop, Leon!” Longsword shouted, trying to pull him back.

“Let go,” Leon said, pushing him off. “I have to kill this son of a bitch!”

“Stop!” Phillipa hollered over the noise and rushed out of the place.

Lansing’s face was a bloody mess, and he seems about to fall unconscious.

“Why the hell did you do this to Rose?” Leon spat out, grabbing Lansing by the collar to face him. “You think you can just toss her aside after you’re through with her? That’s not how it works!”

He gave Lansing a final blow, then stood up swaying slightly off his feet and collapse to the ground.

“Heartily!” Longsword rushed over and shook Leon up. “Heartily!”

Leon winced in pain and blinked several times to focus his vision before slowly moving up.

“We have to go, Heartily,” Longsword said, helping him up. “The magistrates are coming. Phillipa’s off to get them. Hurry, let’s leave.”

Leon shrugged off Longsword’s helping hand and manage to his feet.

“I can face it,” he said. “Rose–I need to–”

“Let’s go to her,” Longsword suggested. “Let’s go to Rose.”

“To Rose?” Leon cupped his forehead and shook his head. “We can’t. Not in my fury temper.”

“Well then let’s get our ass out of here.”

Leon turn to look down at the marquess lying in a pool of blood and kicked him in the side before gesturing for Longsword and them to head out.

What had he done? He has no idea. It makes him feel so much better. He thinks he will never need to drink again.

“You are quite a beast back there,” Longsword said to him as they stop to rest at a nearby bench on the walk.

Was he? He did feel out of control.

“You didn’t kill that Lansing did you? There would be hell to pay.”

Leon wasn’t certain if he did or not. “Doesn’t matter to me whether he lives or die,” was all he replied.

“He looks near dead to me,” said Longsword. “I was in a fret at your action. I didn’t know what to do for a moment.”

“I spared him enough,” Leon said, rubbing his aching head again. “He will live to see another day or two. I didn’t give him all I have.”

“That’s good then. I don’t want to see you locked up or even executed for killing–”

“Don’t talk about it anymore,” Leon said, giving out a deep sigh. “I can’t believe he’s doing this to Rose.”

“You know, I’m beginning to think that he doesn’t even want your Rose,” Longsword said to him. “Why do you have to be so upset?”

“He had taken away her chastity all right,” Leon told him. “She had trusted him with her life and vow to be loyal and faithful to him even when I admitted my wrongs and love to her. Just look at him betraying her now. I won’t tolerate that. Rose needs justice.”

“You actually think she did that?” Longsword inquired with an arch of his brow.

“She merrily admit it so to me,” Leon answered. “They consummated everything, didn’t I tell you that the other day?”

Longsword seems unable to recall and just shrug. “If you did, I’ve forgotten.”

Leon took a deep breath and laid his head back on the bench.

“What must I do now?” he asked, closing his eyes to rest.

“Lansing’s sure going to get back on your heels.”

“I know,” Leon nodded. “I won’t back away if he dares.”

“Maybe this is the opportunity for you to go back and clarify everything with Rose.”

“I always fail at that,” Leon said. “I’m not going to.”

“Well, you don’t want her to marry in lies and cheats, do you?”

Leon slowly opened up his eyes and shook his head. “No. I would never.”

“Then take my advice and go to her,” Longsword answered. “Go and tell her the truth.”

Leon thought about it for a moment and decided that it probably won’t hurt so much to do so now after seeing Lansing at Phillipa’s.

“Sure,” Leon said. “But I can’t go like this.”

“No,” Longsword agreed. “You can’t. You have to be sane with a clear head.”

“Maybe on the morrow then,” Leon decided.

“Early on the morrow,” Longsword added with a nod.

“Damn, Hargate needs to be here,” Leon went on, changing the subject.

“Totally,” Longsword laughed. “He probably missed the best action of his life.”

“Well, we must send words to him wherever he is,” said Leon. “I plan to move on after dealing with Rose. It doesn’t matter to me of what she thinks or what she would say. I’ve been wasting too much time.”

“I would go out to the House of Lords on the morrow while you deal with your affair and seek out where he is.”

“Good.”

Leon turned his thoughts back to Rose and wondered again about the things she had told him. She must have either been deceived by that marquess or worse of all; she had tricked Leon into being a dumbwitted fool.

Dawson House

“What happened to his lordship?” Rose asked, when her friend Susannah visited to tell her of the distressful news that sounds much too merry.

“He got beaten almost to his grave,” Susannah replied, flapping her fan happily. “I heard he was swirl in a pool of blood.”

“Really?” Rose suspect she was to feel all worried and woeful but somewhat, she was indifferent to the situation.

“Yes, really,” Susannah answered.

“And why was he beaten do you know?” Rose inquired, turning to look at her friend. “And where?”

“At a brothel,” she said. “The reason is unclear. But see, I told you he’s unfaithful.”

“Oh.” He probably deserves it then, Rose thought to herself. Susannah was pleased.

“You’re not mad, are you?” Susannah asked wearily. “I don’t mean to–”

“I’m totally fine,” Rose answered, lying back on the couch where they sat. “Now tell me, do you know who beat him up?”

“Not certain,” she said, setting her fan down on the table between them. “Some say it was an earl, other says a common bastard of a chap.”

“They’re probably fighting over a whore, I suppose,” Rose said bluntly. “Foolish men.”

“Could be,” Susannah agreed. Then eyeing Rose suspiciously asked, “Are you feeling well? You’re so much more agreeable now.”

Rose arched an eyebrow and laughed. “I’m just saying. I’m perfectly fine.”

“Eh? Are you falling out of love with him now then?” Susannah asked, her voice full of hopes.

“That’s the reason I asked you to write the apologetic letters after all,” Rose said gleefully.

‘Well…” Susannah could hardly speak. “I…That’s wonderful!”

“I thought so.”

“Mr. Heartily’s back into your heart?”

Rose couldn’t suppress the smile and let it slip.

“Oh, Rosy!” Susannah threw her arms around Rose and kissed her cheeks. “I knew you’ll come to your senses. Did he tell you what happened? Did he?”

“No,” Rose shook her head disappointingly. “He was going to try but never finish so I’m planning out how to make him.”

“Oh, Rosy, you can do it!” Susannah exclaimed, jumping up and down. “He loves you very much. Just know that.”

Rose still couldn’t yet accept those words, but she nodded.

Things should be well again in time.

Night time slowly fall as Leon trotted his way to Dawson House. He’s going to do exactly as he had planned whether Rose accepts or not. He’s not going to tell her of his encounter with the marquess from the day before but will warn her. She deserves better. Even if she had given her chastity to that Lansing, he will still tell her to give up on that ass. He doesn’t deserve her. He doesn’t deserve Rose either, so he might as well leave her for another that does.

The time for him to be in London is running out so fast. Rose’s wedding is hasting up. Tonight is the night he gets everything done and move on. It has got to be. He can’t stay around no more. There is much to avenge for.

Mother…Father… He’s got a lot to accomplish for them. He had promised to take care of his siblings, see to their needs, rebuild their family estate, and most importantly…

Leon’s thought vanished as his eyes caught sight of the most enticing angel of his life.

Rose.

She was propped up on the window on her elbows in her night shift, her hands cupping her cheeks and eyes closed as if she’s listening to the music of the wind. A faint smile on her lips.

As Leon crept closer, he realized that she was humming a tune. One so familiar but he couldn’t recall.

God, she was like a Siren luring him to the pit of death with her sweet melody. Her dark silky hair was swaying with the light breeze. Its aroma surrounded him and drew him closer and closer until he’s right beneath her window.

“Rose,” he murmured out as he looks up at her.

Her body seems to tense as if she had heard him and her eyes slowly opens and stared down at him.

“Leon!” she exclaimed, then cupped her mouth waving happily at him with her other hand.

Perhaps she did hear him. He doesn’t know why she’s so happy but he’s thrilled to see her so.

He pulled himself up on a vine that grew along the side of her window and climbed up to meet her gaze.

“Oh, Leon.” She suddenly threw her arms around him that almost made him lose his grip and tumble down, which was a shock.

“Shit,” he cursed as he steadied himself by wrapping an arm around her waist.

“Sorry,” she whispered, helping him inside, then quickly walks over and blew out the candles to darken her room.

“Gosh, Leon,” she said, coming back to entwined her arms around his neck. “I thought you will never come again.

It startled him to hear her say such thing after what she had told him the last time, but he likes it. It eased his nerves and raises his hope to succeed in what he had planned to do. Though he must admit, it makes him quite uneasy to have Rose starting to behave like this. It’s like she have something up her sleeves. Whatever it is, he doesn’t know. Besides, he doesn’t want to think about it because that was not part of the business he had set out for.

Leon embraced Rose tightly and said quietly to her ear, “I never thought I would come to see you again, too.”

It feels all wrong for him to do this, but blast it. God can condemn him for this sin. He can bear it, for Rose he could.

“Leon,” Rose murmured, pulling back to look at him. “I have to tell you something. I’m afraid that if I don’t, I will never have the chance again.”

“I do too, Rose,” he answered, resting his forehead against hers. “I want to tell you–I have to tell you everything. You might not care–it might not matter to you anymore but I have to.”

Rose raised her hands to cup his face and pressed a light kiss to his lips. “Tell me. I do care. I would listen.”

“Rose,” he paused in hesitation. “I don’t know how to start.”

“Must I go first then, since you’re so complicated?” she asked, sliding her hands to his neck. “I would love to–”

“No,” he said abruptly. He wasn’t about to let her ruin the moment again. “No more from you–not yet.”

Rose chuckled lightly and outlined the contour of his lips with her finger. “Okay, my love. Speak to me.”

My love? But she said that she was in love with–Leon clear off the thought that was about to meddle with his head and continued on.

“Rose, I’m sorry that I never told you the truth about everything that happened in the past–the reason I left–my intentions besides the fact that I love you and–”

“Whoa, take it slow, darling,” she said, pinching his nose lightly. “You’re taking it all in one breath. I’m here. I will listen. Don’t rush.”

Leon cursed his nerves and started again more slowly. “I’m sorry I left you,” he said. “I never mean to. I was left with no choice. What you saw that day I–”

“You told me that last time,” she reminded him. “And you said you didn’t touch that woman that I caught you with. Why don’t you tell your story from there? I am most tempted to hear.”

“Are you now?”

“Most certainly,” she answered gleefully, then slid her hand to his. “Leon,” she said, raising his wounded knuckles from their last encounter to her lips. “Your hand…I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean for you to injure yourself. I didn’t mean–I didn’t think–”

“Shhh…” Leon put a finger over her lips to shut her up. “Now you’re babbling.”

“Oh Leon…” She stroked her fingers through his hair and pulled him down with her onto the bed.

“This is most unfitting don’t you think?” Leon asked, resting his head on her chest.

Her sudden laughter startled him as she holds him more securely.

“You are unfitting,” she said, drumming her fingers along his back.

As an honorable lady, Leon never thought Rose would ever turn into something bewitching like this.

“Rose, you have to stop or else we would never get to the end of my story,” he said, flipping her on top of him.

She giggled and lean towards his face, her lips just inches from his. “All right, dearling. You have to hurry so I can tell you my part.”

Her part.

Damn, there’s still her part that he has to endure. Hells please just don’t let it bring him down again.

“All right,” he started. “Please get off me or else…”

“Or else what?” she asked with a seductive curve on her lips when he had trailed off.

I will take you on like a blood-thirsty beast and make you cry your voice out in pleasure.

“Nothing,” he said, pulling her head down to rest on his chest and trying hard to ignore his triggering arousal.

Rose can stir him in an instant and he wouldn’t even know until it’s a little over what he had expected.

“Speak,” she demanded more seriously this time. “Though I said I can wait I’m growing kind of impatient now.”

He feels it, too.

“All right, Rose. I need you to listen very carefully and be strong, for everything I say would inflict a lot of pain on your part.”

“I will,” she answered. “Don’t worry.”

“Okay.” Leon took a deep breath and begins his story–the story that holds the truths to everything that happened between them. “First of all, Rose, I’m a bastard–a by-blow to clarify.”

She tensed suddenly and looked up at him. “What?”

“I’m a by-blow,” he went on. “My parents never got married properly by a vicar or obtain any special license.”

“That’s…quite unbelievable.”

“I know. I can hardly believe it myself,” he answered. “But there are a lot behind that.” That he never did asked, actually.

“Well, you’re a prince to me,” she said, sighing against his chest.

That certainly warms him rapturously. “Anyway,” he continued. “My parents were murdered as you’re probably aware of. That’s why I had to flee.”

“I understand,” she nodded.

“Do you?” He hasn’t gotten to the reason yet. “But I fled not because of my parents’ death but from their murderers and your safety.”

“My safety?” She raised her head up and stared into his eyes. “Was I in danger?”

“No–Well, not yet, anyway,” he replied. “But soon you will if I stay around any longer. That is why I had to leave you and did the most intolerable thing to hurt you.”

“That woman,” she murmured out in despair. “I hated that sight.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” he said, stroking her hair. “I promise never to do it again.”

“You better because I will gut you this time for sure.”

He smiled at her threat and rests his chin among her head. Somewhat he’s beginning to think that she had…forgiven him.

“But didn’t you say you love Lansing?” He didn’t want to ask but can’t hold the question back.

“Well,” she sighed, and rolled off to lie beside him. “I figured that I…didn’t.”

“Really?” How that fills him with gladness, but then it led him to another remark, “You said you consummated–”

“Ah, Leon,” she said in exasperation. “I will tell you everything after you’re done with your part.”

“I want to know now,” he said, not able to wait any longer.

She didn’t trick him into being a drunken fool for the past three days, did she? He needs to know. He’d rather that Lansing deceive her than she deceiving him.

“Finish up yours and then I shall tell my part,” was all she said.

“Fine.” He would make it fast and jump right in to what he wanted to say the most. “Please, Rose. Don’t marry that Lansing.”

“And why not?” she asked.

The perfect question.

“Because I am about to kill him,” Leon finished.

“What?” She sat up and looked at him with widen eyes. “You’re going to kill his lordship?”

“Yes,” he answered. “And avenge for my parents’ death. His father killed my parents.”

There. He has ridden out the most difficult part of his story.

Rose opened her mouth to say something then closed it. Leon looked so sad with each word he spoke that it pains her. He had told her to be strong for his story might inflict pain on her, but it’s actually his expression that hurts. She can see the anger in his eyes when he spoke of his lordship and his father.

“Leon.” She drew him slowly into her arms and held him. “I’m so sorry,” she said, cupping his face. Her lies must have tormented him, too. “Was this why you have been opposed to me marrying Lansing?” she asked him out of curiosity, though she was hoping for something more. The last time he told her not to marry his lordship she thought he was mad or miraculously by any chance, jealous. Now she knows the reason why.

“Part of it,” he answered, wrapping his arms around her.

That made her smiled and snuggled into his shirt. He attracts her so much that every negative nerves in her turned positive. She can’t deny her feelings anymore. She will never again.

“What about the rest of it if that’s only a part of it?” Rose asked, gazing into his eyes.

She wanted to know–she needs to know it as much as he wants to know about her and Lansing. She will share that part with him but only after he shares his part.

“Just because…” he trailed off and shook his head. “No. I can’t say it again. I feel like I’ve said it too much and you’re still thinking it a lie.”

“What?” Rose was lost. What is it that he had said? “Are you sure? So far you’ve only told me about how you’re a by-blow with Lord Lansing’s father killing your parents, and–”

“It was way before those things,” he interjected, and then sighed. “It was…a couple days pass.”

“Was it?” Why couldn’t she recall? It’s probably because he never really talked openly with her. Everything he says always drifted off to something else. It annoys her to have to wait on his slowness. She just wants him to throw out all those dreadful things from the past and not burden himself with it anymore.

“Are you serious or are you playing dumb with me?” he asked, staring up at her.

Rose chuckled at his question and lean to whisper in his ears, “You can always remind me.”

His quiet laughter brightens her heart and she beamed at him with her most alluring smile.

“I love you,” he said, lowering his head to kiss her along the neck, sending heats through her body.

“Y-you’re lying,” she replied incredulously as he kisses her along the jaw. “You don’t–”

“I do,” he said, kissing to her shoulder. “That…that is why I haven’t yet killed Lansing. I was afraid I will hurt you even more than I did before.”

“You will,” she has to admit that, though now she won’t really care much. Whatever happens to Lord Lansing doesn’t matter. All she cares about is him.

“Rose, I have to tell you something else, too,” he murmured, stopping his burning kisses and looking up at her again.

“Yes?” she asked, holding his gaze. “What is it?”

“I am going to finish up with Lansing and move on to find more of the killers that were with his father on that day of my parents’ death,” he told her. “I will be leaving London really soon.”

“You’re…leaving?” No, she cried in her head. No. Not more good-byes. No. Please, no.

His expression turned austere and he answered, “Yes. After this week if I succeed, I will be gone forever.”

“For…ever?” Her lips trembled as she spoke the words and tears trickled out of her eyes.

“Damn it, Rose. No,” he flustered suddenly, wiping at her cheeks with the back of his hand. “Don’t cry. Please, don’t cry. Your tears are not worth my leaving.”

How dare he say such thing? His leaving means everything.

“I–Why?” she asked, her voice shaky with sobs. She didn’t think she would cry but it’s all over the limit that she can bear. He’s always leaving her again and again with not much of a good reason. It’s like history playing again. God, she fears its role but it’s kicking in.

“Because I have to,” he answered quietly. “I must.”

“What about me?” She can’t let him leave her again. Good-bye, Rose! The words from the past echoed in her head. There’s no way she will tolerate it again. “Don’t you want me? How am I to live–”

“I want you!” he cut in, holding her close. “I want you. I just can’t have you.”

“And why ever not?” He has to give her a clear reason. She needs to know his thoughts–everything that runs in his mad head. God, he’s driving her insane.

“Because I’m not safe for you–not until everything’s settled.”

Well, that would take years. She’s not going to wait.

“I don’t give a mind!” she snapped angrily. “I want to be with you. I don’t want to be with anyone else but you.”

It made her feel really foolish to reveal her feelings but it’s either now or never.

“I could spare Lansing for you but he’s such an ass that I can’t tolerate it,” he said coolly that it drove Rose to fury.

“Why would I need you to spare him for me? I said I don’t love him. Plus his father killed your parents. I won’t accept that.”

“But you two…” he paused in hesitation and then went on, “Well, I don’t want you to bear a child who’s going to live without a real sire to support him.”

“W-what?” Oh, darn it! Did he think she’s…No, that’s totally outrageous.

“Lansing and you…did it, right? I have to at least be honorable and let him see his child before–”

“You are totally crazy, Leon!” she replied madly, turning away from him. “How can you even think of such a thing?”

“Well, you–”

“I didn’t ‘do it’ with Lansing!” she blurted to not have him continue on about it. She knows that she had caused him to think so, but she’s mending away that thought.

“You didn’t?” He sounded unconvinced by her words, but she shook her head.

“I didn’t,” Rose said with a sigh. “I-I only said that to…to get you to open up on how you feel.”

Somewhat that got a curse out of him, “The hell you did!” He releases her from his arm and sat up, pounding his forehead.

“Leon.” She sat up along with him and touched his shoulder. “Leon, what’s–”

“I’m a complete idiot!” he said. “Damn! Blast it all!”

“I’m–I’m sorry,” she whispered, pressing her cheek against his back. “I didn’t mean to get you mad.”

“I’m not mad,” he answered. “I’m just feeling like an ass right now for having to–never mind it.”

Rose smiled against his back and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Don’t lie to me. You sound angry. I know you are. I guess I went a little overboard that day. I will take everything back if that’s what it takes to make you happy.”

He slid his hands over hers and said, “No. It won’t satisfy me. You have to tell me the real reason why you did it?”

“To get you to open up,” she said again. “I know you will shut me out forever if I don’t give you a little something to consider and fight back.”

“No,” he said, turning to look at her. “Tell me why you lie about loving Lansing and having your engagement consummated before–”

“Because I want you to be jealous!” she blurted shockingly. Curse him for that. “Because I want you to care.”

“I do care!” he bellowed. “I do!”

Gosh, she’s not going to turn this into an argument.

“Leon,” she started, choosing her words carefully. “I–I’ve decided that I want to be with the person that I love. That person I love isn’t Lansing. I can’t imagine life with him at all. Although I’ve tried and thought it well to be a success, everything always deflates at the end. The image of him and I becomes the image of you and I. I–”–she shook her head despairingly and closed her eyes as she let the words slip out– “I love you so much. I can never ever let anyone else replace you in my heart. You can have anyone, be with anyone; I don’t care. In my heart, you will always be mine. I want you, Leon. I need–”

To Rose’s surprise, Leon pin her back down on the bed and claimed her mouth taking every breath out of her. She submitted without hesitation and savored his lips on her. Their tongues entwined and dances along a rhythm of passion and desire.

Before Rose even knew it, her hands had slipped down to Leon’s breeches and snap the button loose. She could feel Leon doing the same with the buttons down the back of her nightgown and broke the kiss to help him by throwing it off her head revealing herself.

She should be ashamed but with Leon, how could she resist?

“You’re quite determined,” he smiled, running his gaze down her body.

“Be quiet!” she laughed, rolling on top of him. “Take off that shirt before I go mad!”

He chuckled and did so obediently, revealing his broad shoulders and masculine feature. She has never seen anyone as big or beautiful. He was like the very image of the Greek God Adonis, strong and muscular in every turn. She can’t imagine at all what it would be like if him–down there– was to be like his well-shaped body and…

“What are you thinking?” Leon asked, interrupting her thoughts.

“What?” How long had she been musing out?

“Should we carry on?” he inquired with a rise of his brows. “Or are you afraid?”

Afraid? The word sounded ridiculous. She had dream of this.

With a seductive grin, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again, letting her hands roam free on his body as he did the same with hers, touching places where she shouldn’t allow him.

“Rose,” Leon murmured breathlessly against her lips. “I think we have to get on with this a little faster.”

He pulled back from her desiring mouth and shed off the last of his hessian and breeches, exposing himself in full view.

The last thing she wanted to see was down there, but her eyes trailed enticingly to it anyway. She nearly gasped out loud to see such a manly creation.

Could God have created anything more beautiful than her Adonis?

Rose only hope now that she will have what it takes to satisfy his needs.

Leon was surprised to see the amusement in Rose as she scans him over with her eyes. He had thought for her to be terrified and retreat to keep her chastity before it’s too late.

But was her virtue still intact?

There were still some doubts that lingered in his mind. She’s

taking him so smooth and willingly that it was hard for him to believe that Lansing didn’t take her virtue and that everything was a lie.

“Leon!” She rose up and pulled him eagerly down to her, cutting the thought out of his head.

If he wants to know whether Rose was telling the truth or not, he will have to test it out now and see for himself.

“Oh, Leon,” Rose moaned in pleasure as Leon bent his head to claim her breast in his mouth, teasing and flicking her nipples with his tongue.

She was clutching onto his back so tightly that Leon fear he’s going to get all marked up by the end of their lovemaking.

“Rose,” he groaned, as he trailed small kisses down from her breasts to her nicely shaped hip and deeper down.

“Leon.”

He feels he shouldn’t do this but Rose has sparked a flame in him that is too strong to burn out. Besides, he has been waiting for this. He has been longing to have this fiery moment with Rose–and Rose alone. Never in his right mind had he ever dream of being with another woman but her. It drives him mad to have that lingering thought of that bastard Lansing doing this to Rose, making her cry out and pleasure and clutch on to him like it’s the end of the world.

“Please, Leon,” he heard her beg as he trail his lips to kiss her thighs and then to the most intimate part of her body.

“No,” he heard himself say, dazed from her sweet scent. He has to taste her. God, he has to.

“Leon!” she cried in startled as his tongue stroke her. “What are you…”

Her protest to his action soon turns into cries of yearning and pleasures that she allowed him to continue to have his way with her, hanging on to keep his head there.

She was the first and will be the last that he will ever experiment this on. After tonight, Leon knew that no matter what happens, he can never leave Rose again.

“Leon…” Rose cried out, stroking his hair. “I’m…”

Leon suddenly stopped and raises his head up to look at her with a lazy smile.

She was gorgeous with her eyes closed looking all warm and hot with desire. Her milky skin glows in the moonlight, her breast so beautifully shaped and build just rightly for him.

Her eyes suddenly popped open in astonishment when she realizes that he had stopped, followed by a sudden blush when she saw him staring at her so enchantingly.

He can’t let her enjoy the pleasure alone. He has to be with her.

“Leon–”

Before she can say more or less, Leon leap up and take her mouth once more before setting himself at her entrance and slowly drove in.

She gasped and clutched at his shoulders as he slowly pushed himself in some more.

“You have never done this?” he asked her to be sure that she was still innocent as she had claimed.

Infuriation marked her brows as she looked at him and arched up, pulling him down, forcing him to thrust deeply into her, making her cried out in what seems to be hurt and pain.

“Rose!” Leon withdrawn suddenly at her cry, but she pulled him right back in.

“Don’t!” she cried, holding onto him. “Don’t stop now! Don’t leave me!”

He could see that she was wincing with a light sparkle of tears from the corner of her eyes.

She was innocent!

He had hurt her. She was telling the truth. Thank God! Why can’t she just tell him to take it slow rather than force himself into her to prove her innocent? Now she’s hurt and it makes him feel guilty to be the cause of it.

“I would never leave you…again.”

He wiped the corner of her eyes and settles himself more comfortably between her legs and begins to plunge in more slowly to ease the pain.

“You didn’t have to do that to give me an answer, you know? It’s to hurt a lot the first time,” he said, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

“I know, but you doubted me,” she murmured. “I–I have to prove it to you. It won’t kill me to take a little pain.”

“Well, it kills me to have you in pain,” he answered, thrusting deeper now that he had broken through her barrier.

Rose sighed into his neck and whispered, “Just love me.”

And he did, meeting her cries with each thrust and kissing her senseless. This is what he should have done years ago. He still can’t believe what a lucky bastard he was to still have this opportunity with Rose when she should really be wedded off and experiencing it with her husband. But then he had decided something else. Something most dangerous.

“Rose.” He gave Rose one last kiss before they reach the climax of their love and collapse on top of her; they both panting with full pleasure and delight.

“This is so…wonderful,” Rose said, stroking his hair when they finally caught their breath. “I love you, Leon.”

Leon smiled at her words and turned to kiss her breast. He loves her too, more than words can say. Is that even possible? It has to be because he had never felt this strongly toward anyone.

“Rose,” he whispered, rising up to look into her eyes.

“Yes?” she asked, cupping his face in her hands.

Leon doesn’t know whether it’s right to say this or not but he can’t let this moment slip. He has to ask her this question. It may be most dangerous for Rose but he has to or it’s going to be too late and the dream he has had for so long would shatter.

“Will you marry me?” he managed to break out. “Will you just please marry me instead of Lansing?”

For a moment Rose just looked at Leon blankly in shock, not knowing what to say.

Had he really just ask her to marry him?

Didn’t he tell her that he wasn’t safe for her?

Rose wave the question out and look back into Leon’s eyes.

Was he truly serious or was it because they had just made love and he felt guilty for taking her innocence? Most men are like that, but then Leon is not most men. He’s just…him. And if he’s true to the question, why should she reject?

“Yes,” she answered cheerfully, pulling him close. “I will. I have dreamed of it, Leon. I will. If that means you will never leave me again, then I will. I will marry you.”

That brought a beam from him and he drove into her again since he never did withdraw himself from her.

“I love you, Rose,” he answered, claiming her mouth.

She loves him, too. She can say it a million times and still it would be true. She love his kisses, his touch, his lovemaking, his everything! There’s no man that she would love more than her Leon. Even if he’s taken for a bastard, it doesn’t matter.

Why would she need a nobleman when she can have one so charming and wrong in all ways? He’s capable of doing the things any living male can. She doesn’t need anyone else. With Leon, she should be bliss and satisfy for the rest of her life.

“I’m really going to have to get rid of Lansing, then, if I’m to win your hand,” Leon said to her after they have reached another highpoint. “Probably have to persuade your father, too, huh?”

Rose smiled at him, and rubbed his back.

She loves the feel of him. It brings joy and warmth to her. She just wished that they can stay like this forever.

“You do,” she answered, bringing her fingers to trace the contour of his face. “Father’s not going to let me break off this engagement easily. I doubt Lord Lansing will too. I’m expected to be his wife. I can’t easily back out of it like some theater performance.”

“I can help you,” Leon put in, raising some hopes in her.

“Can you really?” Oh, how she wish he could.

“I can do anything if it’s for you,” he answered, rolling off her and pulling her into a warm embrace. “But I need you to help me.”

“Help you?” She looked inquiring up at him and asked, “What is there that I need to do?”

He rubbed his chin briefly as to think and then snapped his fingers.

“I need you to just try and delay your wedding for as long as you can until I get Lansing off,” he told her. “I plan to do it quick. After that, we can proceed on to having our own ceremony.”

“I already told him that I want another half year to think about it,” Rose replied, trailing her fingers down his smooth muscular chest. “Plus, I heard he got…beaten pretty badly at the brothel. That should add to the delay.”

She felt Leon tensed suddenly and cursed out as she spoke those last two sentences.

“Oh, damn it,” he said, throwing an arm over his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, securing her arms around his neck.

“Rose, I’m sorry,” he said, looking down at her. “I was the one who did that to him.”

“Did you?” That stunned her for a moment and then indignation followed, making her pull away from him to sit up. “And why were you at the brothel?”

Had he just deceive her?

Please, don’t let that be it.

She had just given him her body, love, and soul. He can’t betray her again after all she had given him. He just can’t do that to her.

Realizing Rose’s anger, Leon got up and pulled her back to him. “Don’t think wrong yet, all right,” he said as she reluctantly sets her head back down on his chest. “I didn’t go there to do what you were thinking.”

“And what is it that I’m thinking?” she asked, annoyed from his reply. She hates the talk of brothels. It angers her every time, especially when he’s in it.

“Like what you always thought,” he answered. “But I assure you I was being honorable this time, basically because I was drunk.”

“Basically because you were drunk? How unreasonable,” Rose humphed. “If you weren’t, then you would have been doing exactly what I was thinking. Why were you drunk anyway, may I ask?”

“Because of you,” he whispered, nuzzling her against the neck. “You made me that way.”

“How so?” she wondered. “I never told you to drink.”

“You made me need to drink; otherwise I will be dying a slow death of grief and pain from your killing words that day in the woods,” he said, stroking his finger through her hair.

“Really?” It made her glad to hear, despite the fact that he got himself foxed over it. “Yes,” he answered with a devilish smile. “You shall have to pay for it now and marry me for the pain.”

She laughed out at his charming remark and kissed him. “I shall be glad to.”

“I left Lansing in a really bad state, you know,” Leon told her as he caresses her back slowly. “For a moment I thought I had killed him because he made me so angry.”

“What did he do?” she asked, curious about the reason.

“He tossed you aside for those whores at Phillipa’s,” he said despairingly. “I couldn’t tolerate that after what you’ve said to me. He can’t do that to you!”

Ugh! That place again.

“Oh.” How charming of him to do such a thing for her sake. Perhaps he really did love her as he had said.

“So…you thrash the life out of him for that, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” Leon answered bleakly. “I couldn’t…I couldn’t control myself. I have to kill him or get as close to it as possible to be satisfy.”

“You’re so sweet, Leon,” she said, moving herself to sit on top of him. “That must have been the best thing any man has ever done for me.” She bended down and kissed him soft and slow, feeling his arousal coming alive against her bottom.

“You’re not angry…are you?”

Rose smiled and shook her head. “Why would I be when you’re doing the honorable thing of beating up an unfaithful betrothed? I am most pleased.”

“You are?”

“Yes,” she nodded, and bended down to whisper in his ears, “Should I prove it to you, again?”

He laughed at her response and adjusted himself inside her, fondling with her breasts as she moans in joy. She should really keep her pleasure to herself but he made it impossible to not cry out to their love.

“You know, we’re probably waking up the whole city with your cry,” Leon joked as he thrust into her, slower and faster at the same.

Darn, he had made her forget about everything.

“Be quiet,” she managed to say and lean down to claim his mouth to hers once more.

Oh, she can never get enough out of him. How embarrassing it will be to think back after all this is over. But with him taking her high to ecstasy, every discomforting feeling was soon forgotten.