The Jezebel by Walker Saskia

Author:Walker, Saskia [Walker, Saskia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2013-04-01T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The day that Maisie Taskill traded her virginity for passage aboard the Libertas would forever be etched in her memory. It had begun badly, and grew more frightening and regret-filled as every moment passed.

Cyrus had entered her bedchamber that morning while the maid was still dressing her hair. He had done so several times since Mama Beth’s illness kept her confined to her bed, and he did not even knock or have his visit announced. “Good morning, Margaret, my precious beauty.”

Suspicion and fear roared in on her, filling her senses. He was circling ever closer, like a bird of prey getting ready to swoop.

“Cyrus.” She inclined her head. She had already begun to think of herself as Maisie Taskill again and not Margaret Lafayette, and that helped her, giving her something to cling to that was nothing of his.

He stood behind her, admiring her refection in the looking glass. “Put on your best gown tonight. The one with the gemmed bodice that becomes you so well. We’ll be attending the opera. I wish to show you off.”

He wove his fingers into her hair and drew some of it to his face, breathing it in.

Maisie glanced over in order to see the maid’s reaction. The girl looked startled. Even she saw it. Master Cyrus was no longer treating Miss Margaret as a daughter, but as a potential consort. Even while his wife lay ill in her bed and close to death he was ready to begin a new life with Margaret as his companion.

Maisie forced herself to keep still, when what she really wanted to do was turn on him and push him away. It was important, however, that his suspicions were not aroused while she decided what to do. “Shouldn’t I stay at home tonight, with Mama Beth so unwell? The physician informed me she is very ill indeed.”

His mouth twitched. “She would not want you to miss this opportunity. Lord Armitage himself has invited us to join him in his private theater box.”

Maisie inclined her head, but all she felt was a sense of foreboding, one that was so strong she knew she would have to act upon it and do her utmost to discover the truth.

“Cyrus,” she said, and met his gaze. “What will become of me if Mama Beth passes on?”

It was a weighted question, for she had begged him to allow her to use healing magic on his wife, and he’d refused. His mouth lifted at one corner. He beckoned for the maid to leave, and then leaned over her, whispering, “You will be everything that we have dreamed of, and more. Your mightiest powers will unfold and we will wield them together, for pleasure and benefit.”

Her heartbeat faltered. It was all true. The suspicions that had grown over the past months were warranted. He’d stated his intentions quite clearly, and there was no denying it now.

“I will make you my own,” he continued. “Forever. My queen and my wife.”

Maisie’s heart turned to stone.

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