Chapter 33
It was Stefan who first opened his eyes, blinking against the dappled sunlight playing across the wide bed. He rose up on his elbow and glanced out the window. The sun was settling into the trees, its bright rays winking through the leafy branches.
It must be three, or perhaps four o’clock, he thought, somewhat dazed.
He was not used to sleeping in the middle of the afternoon.
The flames had died in the fireplace; nothing was left of the logs but glowing embers that hissed faintly, the only other sound in the lodge the steady rhythm of Kassandra’s breathing.
Smiling, he gazed down at her, nestled against his chest. She was so beautiful…
He wrapped his arm about her protectively, a sense of overwhelming fulfillment settling over him. He had never known such happiness, such peace. He could hardly wait to share his joy, their joy, with Isabel and Lord Harrington.
Stefan bent his head and touched his lips to her cheek, stroking the silken softness of her hair. “Kassandra, it’s time to wake,” he whispered.
She merely sighed, snuggling closer, lost to sleep. He suppressed a laugh and tried again, this time gently shaking her shoulder.
“Awake, my love.”
Kassandra’s eyelids flickered open, a contented smile lighting her features.
“Hmmm…” she murmured, stretching languorously, the crisp curls on his chest tickling her nose. She inhaled, breathing in his warm, male scent.
Stefan groaned, the pressure of her lithe body against him rekindling his desire.
He would never get enough of her! This afternoon was proof of that.
They had loved until breathless exhaustion had overtaken them, and even now he could think of nothing better than spending another delightful hour in bed.
Yet he forced his mind to the stir that was probably brewing at the mansion over their long absence. He didn’t think Karl could stand the shock of finding them like this again. It was time they made their way back.
“Kassandra, the afternoon has fled,” he began. “Your father is no doubt wondering where—”
“Father!” Kassandra exclaimed, her eyes widening. She sat up beside Stefan, oblivious of her nakedness. “We should return at once. I hope they haven’t sent anyone out looking for us.”
“My thoughts exactly,” he replied, tracing his finger down her arm, his eyes feasting upon the tempting silhouette of her breasts.
Kassandra shivered at his touch, playfully pushing his hand away. “Stefan…”
“I know, I know,” he said reluctantly. He eased her back down upon the mattress and rolled on top of her, supporting his weight on his elbows. He grinned rakishly, entwining his fingers in her fire-gold hair. “When we are married, my lady, you will not so easily escape my bed.”
“I shall hold you to your threat, my lord,” Kassandra answered with a lusty gleam in her eye that both astounded and delighted him.
Chuckling, Stefan bent his head and kissed her soundly, then rolled away from her to the edge of the bed and swung his long legs to the floor. He stood up, offering her his hand.
“Let us not delay our wedding any further, my lady,” he said. “There is the small matter of your father’s consent I must address as soon as we get back.”
Kassandra blushed, taking his hand. He drew her from the bed and into his arms, embracing her fiercely.
“Do you think I have a chance?” he queried, though his expression was serious.
Kassandra pulled away, her gaze meeting his. “My father wishes only for my happiness,” she murmured. “He will see that I have found it with you, Stefan.”
As if to seal her words, she stood on tiptoe and touched her lips to his in the sweetest kiss he had ever known. It was timeless, lingering, until at last she drew away, smiling up at him.
“Then I have nothing to fear,” he whispered almost to himself.
Kassandra shook her head with certainty. “Nothing, my lord.”
Stefan released her, a broad smile returning to his face as he swept up his breeches from the floor. He put them on, eyeing her roguishly. She was watching him, her gaze one of bold admiration.
“Perhaps you might dress, Kassandra, unless you would prefer to ride as you are,” he teased. He appraised her heatedly. “Although I, for one, would not mind in the least.”
Kassandra blushed anew and scurried over to the chair where she had hung her clothes, her fingers trembling as she snatched up her chemise. She drew it on, aware that he was watching her, and reveling in that knowledge. She dressed hurriedly, though, and was almost ready when he spoke again.
“I’ll saddle the horses while you finish,” he said, walking up behind her.
He nuzzled her neck, his breath a stirring warmth against her nape, and draped his blue cloak about her shoulders.
“Wrap yourself in this, my love. I’ll not have you catching a chill on the ride home.
” Then he was gone from her, striding across the planked floor, the door opening and closing behind him.
Minutes later, Kassandra fumbled with the last buttons on her riding coat, her back to the door as she bent and drew on her boots. She heard it creak open, and she straightened, clutching the cloak about her body. “That was quick, Stef—”
A thick cloth pressed roughly against her nose and mouth cut off her words.
Her eyes widened in fright, her fingers clawing at the gloved hand that held it, a cloyingly sweet odor swamping her senses.
Her vision dimmed and she felt as if she was choking.
Then there was only blackness as she slumped unconscious to the floor.
That was the easy part, Frederick thought grimly, pocketing the cloth. He wasted no time as he knelt and lifted her in his arms, hoisting her over his shoulder. He knew he had only minutes before Stefan would return with the horses.
He strode quickly to the door, peering out toward the stable, located some distance away, but thankfully there was no sign of him.
With his heart thundering in his chest, Frederick took off at a run to the back of the lodge, where he plunged along the trail leading to the river.
He had left his horse tethered there, just in case the opportunity he had been awaiting all afternoon should present itself.
Frederick’s mind raced, his chest heaving from exertion as he half ran, half walked along the path.
It had been too perfect, he marveled, especially after he had missed two excellent chances earlier that day. When Kassandra had gone for her morning ride, he had not counted on her masterful ability with horses, and he had been hard-pressed to overtake her, let alone keep up with her.
When she had arrived at the lodge, he should have grabbed her before she found Stefan. But their rendezvous at the river had given him the idea for her accidental demise, if he could only abduct her.
He had kept himself hidden just outside the lodge for the past few hours, waiting, listening, and hoping desperately for the slightest chance he might catch Kassandra alone, even for a few moments.
His silent prayer had been answered when Stefan left the lodge for the stable.
He had seized the opportunity, and he had proved the victor!
At least so far, Frederick amended darkly. He was no fool. Time was of the essence in this deadly game. He knew that as soon as Stefan discovered she was missing, he would search everywhere, even to the river, which was exactly what Frederick wanted…
He shifted Kassandra’s weight on his shoulder, grateful that she was so light.
He could hear the roar of the rushing water just beyond the wooded hill, and he increased his pace, almost sliding down the trail.
Nervous relief filled him as he reached the river, and he made his way quickly to the grassy knoll where Stefan and Kassandra had shared their fleeting moment of happiness, a touching scene that had been most entertaining.
Frederick dropped to his knees and laid Kassandra upon the ground. He studied her for a moment, her beautiful features, her lush breasts outlined beneath the riding coat.
Yes, it would truly be a pity to squander such loveliness, he thought, cold cunning reflected in his gaze.
It seemed fate had intervened in his original intent to cast her into the river, where, unconscious, she would quickly drown.
While hiding outside the lodge, he had thought of a much better plan to rid Archduchess Sophia of Lady Kassandra Wyndham…
forever. He could not suppress a laugh. He would not only save his own neck, but reap a profit in gold as well!
From what he knew of her now, she was not only well versed in lovemaking, but charming and witty as well.
He remembered their pleasant conversation at Prince Eugene’s gala a few months ago, her graceful skill at dancing and flirting, and her winsome smiles.
He had almost given away his true nature that night, thinking perhaps she might be enamored of him…
A sharp twinge of remorse stabbed at Frederick, but he quickly stifled it.
He had no time for regret, nor pity, not when his own life was at stake. At least he was allowing her to live.
Though she might wish she had died, he mused darkly, once she learned she was bound for a harem as a morsel to tempt a jaded Turkish palate.
He had in mind exactly which harem, and which man would become her master.
As far as Sophia was concerned, Kassandra would be as good as dead.
No woman who entered a harem was ever seen or heard from again.
Get on with it, man, Frederick chided himself, ripping the blue woolen cloak from her shoulders. You’ve still got to make it look like her disappearance was a tragic accident.