Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Anna blinked against the light being held close to her face.
Her head was pounding, and she couldn’t remember why.
Her body felt strange. She tried to move her hands but couldn’t.
She felt rough ropes around her wrists and across her body, tying her to a chair.
She squeezed her eyes, trying to open them properly, but one was glued tightly shut.
It felt swollen and stinging. Why did it hurt so much?
Then she remembered the hands roughly grabbing her, pulling her from the carriage.
She recalled slaps to her face, tight hands bruising her arms, and a sickening crack to her head.
She had been attacked when the horses changed at the post. Did anyone know she had been taken?
She immediately thought of Silas and her heart clenched.
“You’re awake. Good. I was worried they’d hit you too hard.”
The man holding the candle had one of the most unpleasant faces she had ever seen.
His face was wrinkled and scarred, his chin peppered with black and grey stubble and his face drawn into an ugly scowl over grey, red-rimmed eyes.
The stench of alcohol and unwashed flesh came off him in waves, so powerful Anna almost choked.
“Where am I?” Anna coughed.
“That would be telling, wouldn’t it?” The man smiled creepily. He was missing teeth.
“Who are you? Why am I here?”
“So many questions.” The man drew up a stool close to Anna.
She instinctively withdrew and realized, with a jerk of her heart, that someone had undressed her.
Her blue gown was in a pile at her feet and she was tied to the chair in only her shift and stays.
She flinched as Dugby’s eyes roved over the exposed skin of her breasts.
“We’ll start by getting acquainted. I’m Mister Dugby. I’m an associate of your husband’s.”
Anna didn’t believe him. Silas had many shady characters working for him, but none of them would ever dare tie her up in a dark room. This man was dangerous.
“Why am I here?” Anna’s throat was dry. She needed something to drink, but she didn’t dare ask.
“Well, I need something from your husband,” Dugby smiled again, “and I think you are going to help me get it.”
“I would never help you,” Anna spat.
“You already have.”
Dugby stroked her face with his rough, calloused hand. Anna winced.
“You see, I’ve been trying to draw out Lucifer for a long time, but I’ve never had an opportunity. That sister of his is so well guarded.” Dugby shook his head regretfully. “But then you came along.”
Anna realized she was bait for Silas. This man clearly intended her husband harm; perhaps he had even been the one to injure Silas’ arm. She needed to try and help Silas if she could.
“I think you have misunderstood the nature of our marriage,” Anna said. “Ours is an arrangement of convenience, not love. I am no incentive for Lucifer to do anything.”
Dugby laughed cruelly. “You clearly do not know Lucifer as I do. He does not like people taking his things, especially things of beauty.” Dugby played with a curl of her hair, tugging it meanly. “You are the most beautiful thing he’s ever possessed. It is only fitting I should take you from him.”
“I am not an object,” Anna said shakily. “I am not a possession.”
“Oh, you sound just like him.” Dugby chuckled.
“He was an asset to work with, great for running whiskey and tobacco, but as soon as he found out I was in the trade of human flesh, dear old Lucifer grew a conscience and decided to sell me out.” Dugby’s face darkened.
“I lost everything. Prison wasn’t kind to me, my business was ruined, my own wife left me, so I thought to myself – why not take back from Lucifer everything he took from me?
” He grinned like a shark. “I’ve taken his wife, and soon I’ll take his life.
I have waited a long time to repay him.”
“You’ll continue to wait,” Anna tried to speak with authority. “He will never negotiate with you.”
“We’ll see about that Lady Anna.” Dugby shrugged and stood up.
“It’s Mrs Klane,” Anna corrected, holding her head up high.
Dugby’s smile was cold. “Not for long. Soon you’ll be a widow, and my revenge on Lucifer will be complete.”
“You’re wrong.” Anna glared at him. “If Lucifer comes here, it will be to kill you.”
Dugby laughed. “Spirited as well as beautiful. I can see why he likes you! But you are wrong to put your faith in Silas Klane. Trust me,” he leaned over her, his smelly breath revolting in her ear. “You’ll regret ever having met him. I know I do.”