Thea, page 9
He went to stand next to Thea and slipped an arm about her waist, feeling the tremors running through her. He squeezed her, trying to reassure her that all would be well.
“Looks like we’ve found ourselves two prizes, boys.”
His gaze cut to Merrifield. Adam prayed he’d misinterpreted the robber’s words but prepared himself to fight to the death to save the two women.
The leader gestured with his gun and the youngest of the robbers went to Diana.
“Gloves off, my lady,” he said, and Diana stripped them off, revealing a ruby ring on her right hand. She removed it and the boy held up a bag. She dropped the ring inside.
“Anything else?”
“No,” she said softly, averting her gaze.
“My lord?” the boy asked, turning to Merrifield.
“I don’t wear jewelry of any kind. I do have money.” He retrieved it and dropped it into the thief’s worn bag.
The boy came to Adam, and he dumped his own money where the others had. Thea pulled off her gloves and showed that she wore no rings and then reached to the nape of her neck and unfastened the locket she wore, giving it up. The thief returned to his place.
The leader of the band snorted. “You need to look better, boy,” he said, pointing to Thea. “That lady wears earrings.”
The boy stepped forward to claim them, but the man waved him away. He looked at Thea hungrily and said, “Bring them to me.”
Trembling, she lifted her hands as Adam placed his palm against the small of her back, his thumb stroking her, trying to comfort her in some small way. Thea managed to remove the pair and held them in her fist.
“Come,” the man ordered.
She took several shaky steps toward him. Adam longed to go with her but didn’t want to upset the man in any way.
Thea reached him and stretched out her hand as he raised his arm, his palm up, ready to receive the earrings. Before she could open her hand and drop them, he suddenly snatched her wrist and jerked her toward him, spinning her around and twisting her arm behind her back. She yelped at the pain and Adam sprang forward two steps, only to have the stout thief step between him and the pair as the leader placed the barrel of the gun against Thea’s temple.
“Move back, my lord,” the one blocking his way said, his pistol pointed menacingly at Adam’s belly. Gunshot wounds to the stomach proved fatal. Adam couldn’t save Thea if he was incapacitated. Reluctantly, he took a few steps back, reining in his fury as he saw the fear in Thea’s eyes as the gun pressed into her.
“Bind him, boy,” said the leader.
The youngest thief went to his horse and pulled out a measure of rope. He crossed to Adam and told him to put his hands behind his back. Adam tightened his shoulders and pushed hard on his elbows, hoping to have some bit of leeway after the boy tied his wrists. He masked his surprise as the rope went about his wrists and proved loose. The boy made a show of tugging on Adam’s elbows.
“Secure.” He returned to his original spot, but the one in charge told him to tie Thea’s wrists next.
Adam watched and saw the boy did a thorough job, binding her wrists in front of her. He couldn’t understand why the boy had done such an inept job on Adam—unless he meant to.
“You,” the leader said, focusing now on Diana. He lowered his weapon and took Thea’s elbow, moving her aside. “Come here.”
“No,” Merrifield said, menace in his voice.
The man looked at the earl and cackled. “You have no say in the matter, your lordship. Your wife is quite the beauty. Since you haven’t much in the way of worldly goods to spare, she and the other will make this stop worth my time. I can sell them both for a good deal of money.”
“No,” Merrifield said again. “She is with child.”
The brigand shrugged. “I can beat it out of her. Or when enough men take her, she’ll lose the brat quickly.”
Merrifield thrust his wife behind him, his tall, broad frame completely hiding her. The leader cocked his gun and aimed at the earl. Adam longed to dive in that direction, but the stout man’s pistol was still trained upon him.
“I can’t let him shoot you,” Lady Merrifield said, stepping around her husband and hurrying toward the leader, her face pale.
Adam would never forget the look of helplessness in Merrifield’s eyes.
The countess stopped in front of the man. “Please, don’t shoot him. I’ll come with you,” she said quietly.
His fingers locked around her arm and he yanked her to him. She made an awful keening sound and then vomit spewed from her, splashing in the brigand’s face. He swore loudly and stumbled back. The distraction allowed Adam the chance to charge the man who held the gun on him since he’d turned to watch. He crashed into the robber and they fell to the ground, the gun discharging.
Adam jerked his wrists apart and the bindings fell away. He landed several blows, striking the highwayman in the nose until he heard a loud crunch and then he jabbed him twice in the throat. The robber wheezed for a breath as Adam leaped to his feet and kicked the man soundly in the head. He went still.
Looking to his left, Adam saw Merrifield had disarmed the wiry thief and pummeled him thoroughly. The robber went down with the last blow and didn’t move. Quickly, he turned and saw the leader curled in a ball as Thea and Lady Merrifield kicked at him viciously. His gun had fallen to the ground and Adam scooped it up as Thea stomped on the man’s throat. He grabbed her elbow and moved her away as Merrifield pulled his wife into his arms, sobs wracking her body.
Adam gave Thea a swift kiss and asked, “Are you all right?”
With fire in her eyes, she said, “I am now.”
He released her and looked to the boy. “Bring rope so we can bind them.”
The lad pulled the scarf from his face. “Yes, my lord,” he said eagerly and ran to his horse.
Adam turned and saw the leader slowly unfolding his limbs, groaning. Thea took two steps toward him and slammed her heel into his face before scampering away. The robber collapsed again, cradling his broken nose.
Adam laughed aloud and caught her in his arms. “Who knew I was engaged to such a fiery woman?” He kissed her. “Be patient. I’ll free you in a moment. I want to see this one and the others secured first.”
The boy and Merrifield helped him bind the three highwaymen and then the lad produced a knife. Adam cut through the ropes and released Thea. She clung to him, and they kissed a long moment, happy to be alive and together.
Adam broke the kiss and cupped her cheek. “Let me speak to the boy.” He turned. “What’s your name?”
“Alfie, my lord. I’m no thief. They forced me to come along with them two days ago. I was riding in a mail coach they robbed. The driver shot one of their men before they killed him. Lundy—that one—said they were down a man and I had to come along and do whatever they said. I’ve been looking for a way to escape. I was so afraid.”
Adam placed both hands on the boy’s narrow shoulders. “You were very brave, Alfie, and helped us stop them. We’ll need you to tell the constable what happened and then I’ll see you safely home again, wherever that is.”
Sadness caused the boy’s shoulders to droop. “I don’t have a home, my lord. My mum just passed, and I took the little coin we had to take the stage to London. I was hoping to find work there.”
His fingers tightened on the boy. “I could use someone brave and strong like you, Alfie, either in London or at one of my country estates.”
Hope filled Alfie’s eyes. “Do you mean it, my lord? I can do anything.”
Adam laughed as Thea joined them. “You have a job for life. We’ll figure out something.” He held out his hand and Alfie shook it. “I’m the Duke of Durham and this is my future duchess.”
Alfie nervously bowed to Thea and then doffed his hat. “My lady.”
She took his face between her hands and kissed his cheek, causing his face to flame bright red.
“Thank you, Alfie. Thank you very, very much.”
The sound of a carriage rumbling caught Adam’s attention, and he spied the second Merrifield coach, containing the earl’s servants and luggage, rolling into sight. He went to Merrifield.
“Is there room to place these brigands in that coach? We can take them to the authorities.”
The earl nodded grimly. “We’ll make everything fit. We also need to see to my driver. They shot the poor fellow dead.”
“I feared as much.”
Adam looked to the countess. “How do you feel, Lady Merrifield?”
She beamed. “Ever so much better after vomiting all over that vile man. And kicking him in the bollocks. Thea and I both enjoyed that.”
Thea came and slipped her arm through his. “I think the best part is now, Diana. When we’re safe and we can kiss the men we love.”
With that, Thea wrapped her arms about Adam’s neck and pulled him down for the most spectacular kiss of his life.
Epilogue
Spain—six months later . . .
Thea opened her eyes and felt the heat blanketing her, her backside nestled against the length of her husband’s front. Adam’s arm kept her snug against him. Even in sleep, he always needed to be near her. She decided today would be the day she told him. Her courses had always come regularly since they began and now they were three weeks late. Even if that sign hadn’t made things obvious, the fact that her breasts already felt heavier and were very sensitive would have alerted her, as well as the queasiness she’d experienced the last few mornings. She hadn’t lost what was in her stomach yet but believed that day would soon come.
Idly, she stroked her husband’s arm, knowing he would awaken.
Soon, he stirred and his lips caressed the nape of her neck, traveling down to the slope of her shoulder. Adam turned her so she faced him.
“Are you ready to return to England today, my love?”
They had left the day after their wedding on an extended honeymoon. His gift to her had been a new atlas, and he’d told Thea to pick wherever she wanted to go. They’d gone first to France, then Germany and Italy, before settling in Greece for a month. They’d finally left that idyllic paradise and traveled to Spain, making new memories for Adam in places he’d only seen death and destruction. His nightmares came less frequently now, and Thea was always there to bring comfort when he awoke, terrified and feeling alone.
“I think we’ve made a good start in visiting some of the places I’d always longed to see,” she said, brushing the back of her fingers along his cheek. “But it’s time to go home now.”
He chuckled. “You’re ready to see those babies when they come. At least we’re close enough to visit Diana and Oliver once theirs arrives. You’ll have to wait to see Derek and Amelia’s once they come to London for the Season.”
“They’re both due to deliver close to the beginning of March. Wouldn’t it be something if both cousins came on the same day?”
“I’ll show you something,” he said, his voice low and rough.
Adam kissed her, and she smiled against his mouth.
“Are you happy?” he asked.
Thea stroked his throat. “More than I ever dreamed possible.”
Then she captured his hand and brought it to her belly, holding it against her. His puzzled look changed to widening eyes and a brilliant smile.
“Are you telling me we’re to have a child?”
“Yes. It won’t be until next fall. We’ll probably only stay for part of the Season because I’ll start to grow too large to even dance.”
He kissed her. “I’d rather be back at Durbury anyway. I’ve missed it.”
“Do you care if it’s a boy or girl?” she asked.
Grinning, he said, “I hope we’ll have plenty of both.”
With that, Adam made love to her and Thea was caught up in the stormy sea of emotions that filled her each time they came together. They had learned the ways of love and what pleased each other these past few months. She still wanted to pinch herself sometimes, knowing this wonderful man was hers—forever.
Spent, she lay in her husband’s strong arms, her ear nestled against his beating heart.
“I love you, Thea de Wolfe,” he said softly.
She loved how he used her former name in their most tender moments. It made her remember who she’d been and who she had become. With him.
Adam’s fingers pulled her chin up and kissed away her tears.
“I hope these are tears of joy,” he said.
“They are. Both Diana and Amelia have written to me and told me how emotional they are these days. That they cry at simply everything.”
“Joy,” Adam said again, smiling. “If it’s a girl, that should be her name.”
Months later, Thea watched her husband cradling their daughter in his arms, welcoming their Joy into the world.
About the Author
Award-winning and international bestselling author Alexa Aston’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love.
She is the author of Medieval and Regency romance, including The Knights of Honor, The King’s Cousins, The St Clairs, and The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle.
A native Texan, Alexa lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys reading, Netflix binge-watching, and can’t get enough of Survivor, The Crown, or Game of Thrones.
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Aston, Alexa, Thea
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“Looks like we’ve found ourselves two prizes, boys.”
His gaze cut to Merrifield. Adam prayed he’d misinterpreted the robber’s words but prepared himself to fight to the death to save the two women.
The leader gestured with his gun and the youngest of the robbers went to Diana.
“Gloves off, my lady,” he said, and Diana stripped them off, revealing a ruby ring on her right hand. She removed it and the boy held up a bag. She dropped the ring inside.
“Anything else?”
“No,” she said softly, averting her gaze.
“My lord?” the boy asked, turning to Merrifield.
“I don’t wear jewelry of any kind. I do have money.” He retrieved it and dropped it into the thief’s worn bag.
The boy came to Adam, and he dumped his own money where the others had. Thea pulled off her gloves and showed that she wore no rings and then reached to the nape of her neck and unfastened the locket she wore, giving it up. The thief returned to his place.
The leader of the band snorted. “You need to look better, boy,” he said, pointing to Thea. “That lady wears earrings.”
The boy stepped forward to claim them, but the man waved him away. He looked at Thea hungrily and said, “Bring them to me.”
Trembling, she lifted her hands as Adam placed his palm against the small of her back, his thumb stroking her, trying to comfort her in some small way. Thea managed to remove the pair and held them in her fist.
“Come,” the man ordered.
She took several shaky steps toward him. Adam longed to go with her but didn’t want to upset the man in any way.
Thea reached him and stretched out her hand as he raised his arm, his palm up, ready to receive the earrings. Before she could open her hand and drop them, he suddenly snatched her wrist and jerked her toward him, spinning her around and twisting her arm behind her back. She yelped at the pain and Adam sprang forward two steps, only to have the stout thief step between him and the pair as the leader placed the barrel of the gun against Thea’s temple.
“Move back, my lord,” the one blocking his way said, his pistol pointed menacingly at Adam’s belly. Gunshot wounds to the stomach proved fatal. Adam couldn’t save Thea if he was incapacitated. Reluctantly, he took a few steps back, reining in his fury as he saw the fear in Thea’s eyes as the gun pressed into her.
“Bind him, boy,” said the leader.
The youngest thief went to his horse and pulled out a measure of rope. He crossed to Adam and told him to put his hands behind his back. Adam tightened his shoulders and pushed hard on his elbows, hoping to have some bit of leeway after the boy tied his wrists. He masked his surprise as the rope went about his wrists and proved loose. The boy made a show of tugging on Adam’s elbows.
“Secure.” He returned to his original spot, but the one in charge told him to tie Thea’s wrists next.
Adam watched and saw the boy did a thorough job, binding her wrists in front of her. He couldn’t understand why the boy had done such an inept job on Adam—unless he meant to.
“You,” the leader said, focusing now on Diana. He lowered his weapon and took Thea’s elbow, moving her aside. “Come here.”
“No,” Merrifield said, menace in his voice.
The man looked at the earl and cackled. “You have no say in the matter, your lordship. Your wife is quite the beauty. Since you haven’t much in the way of worldly goods to spare, she and the other will make this stop worth my time. I can sell them both for a good deal of money.”
“No,” Merrifield said again. “She is with child.”
The brigand shrugged. “I can beat it out of her. Or when enough men take her, she’ll lose the brat quickly.”
Merrifield thrust his wife behind him, his tall, broad frame completely hiding her. The leader cocked his gun and aimed at the earl. Adam longed to dive in that direction, but the stout man’s pistol was still trained upon him.
“I can’t let him shoot you,” Lady Merrifield said, stepping around her husband and hurrying toward the leader, her face pale.
Adam would never forget the look of helplessness in Merrifield’s eyes.
The countess stopped in front of the man. “Please, don’t shoot him. I’ll come with you,” she said quietly.
His fingers locked around her arm and he yanked her to him. She made an awful keening sound and then vomit spewed from her, splashing in the brigand’s face. He swore loudly and stumbled back. The distraction allowed Adam the chance to charge the man who held the gun on him since he’d turned to watch. He crashed into the robber and they fell to the ground, the gun discharging.
Adam jerked his wrists apart and the bindings fell away. He landed several blows, striking the highwayman in the nose until he heard a loud crunch and then he jabbed him twice in the throat. The robber wheezed for a breath as Adam leaped to his feet and kicked the man soundly in the head. He went still.
Looking to his left, Adam saw Merrifield had disarmed the wiry thief and pummeled him thoroughly. The robber went down with the last blow and didn’t move. Quickly, he turned and saw the leader curled in a ball as Thea and Lady Merrifield kicked at him viciously. His gun had fallen to the ground and Adam scooped it up as Thea stomped on the man’s throat. He grabbed her elbow and moved her away as Merrifield pulled his wife into his arms, sobs wracking her body.
Adam gave Thea a swift kiss and asked, “Are you all right?”
With fire in her eyes, she said, “I am now.”
He released her and looked to the boy. “Bring rope so we can bind them.”
The lad pulled the scarf from his face. “Yes, my lord,” he said eagerly and ran to his horse.
Adam turned and saw the leader slowly unfolding his limbs, groaning. Thea took two steps toward him and slammed her heel into his face before scampering away. The robber collapsed again, cradling his broken nose.
Adam laughed aloud and caught her in his arms. “Who knew I was engaged to such a fiery woman?” He kissed her. “Be patient. I’ll free you in a moment. I want to see this one and the others secured first.”
The boy and Merrifield helped him bind the three highwaymen and then the lad produced a knife. Adam cut through the ropes and released Thea. She clung to him, and they kissed a long moment, happy to be alive and together.
Adam broke the kiss and cupped her cheek. “Let me speak to the boy.” He turned. “What’s your name?”
“Alfie, my lord. I’m no thief. They forced me to come along with them two days ago. I was riding in a mail coach they robbed. The driver shot one of their men before they killed him. Lundy—that one—said they were down a man and I had to come along and do whatever they said. I’ve been looking for a way to escape. I was so afraid.”
Adam placed both hands on the boy’s narrow shoulders. “You were very brave, Alfie, and helped us stop them. We’ll need you to tell the constable what happened and then I’ll see you safely home again, wherever that is.”
Sadness caused the boy’s shoulders to droop. “I don’t have a home, my lord. My mum just passed, and I took the little coin we had to take the stage to London. I was hoping to find work there.”
His fingers tightened on the boy. “I could use someone brave and strong like you, Alfie, either in London or at one of my country estates.”
Hope filled Alfie’s eyes. “Do you mean it, my lord? I can do anything.”
Adam laughed as Thea joined them. “You have a job for life. We’ll figure out something.” He held out his hand and Alfie shook it. “I’m the Duke of Durham and this is my future duchess.”
Alfie nervously bowed to Thea and then doffed his hat. “My lady.”
She took his face between her hands and kissed his cheek, causing his face to flame bright red.
“Thank you, Alfie. Thank you very, very much.”
The sound of a carriage rumbling caught Adam’s attention, and he spied the second Merrifield coach, containing the earl’s servants and luggage, rolling into sight. He went to Merrifield.
“Is there room to place these brigands in that coach? We can take them to the authorities.”
The earl nodded grimly. “We’ll make everything fit. We also need to see to my driver. They shot the poor fellow dead.”
“I feared as much.”
Adam looked to the countess. “How do you feel, Lady Merrifield?”
She beamed. “Ever so much better after vomiting all over that vile man. And kicking him in the bollocks. Thea and I both enjoyed that.”
Thea came and slipped her arm through his. “I think the best part is now, Diana. When we’re safe and we can kiss the men we love.”
With that, Thea wrapped her arms about Adam’s neck and pulled him down for the most spectacular kiss of his life.
Epilogue
Spain—six months later . . .
Thea opened her eyes and felt the heat blanketing her, her backside nestled against the length of her husband’s front. Adam’s arm kept her snug against him. Even in sleep, he always needed to be near her. She decided today would be the day she told him. Her courses had always come regularly since they began and now they were three weeks late. Even if that sign hadn’t made things obvious, the fact that her breasts already felt heavier and were very sensitive would have alerted her, as well as the queasiness she’d experienced the last few mornings. She hadn’t lost what was in her stomach yet but believed that day would soon come.
Idly, she stroked her husband’s arm, knowing he would awaken.
Soon, he stirred and his lips caressed the nape of her neck, traveling down to the slope of her shoulder. Adam turned her so she faced him.
“Are you ready to return to England today, my love?”
They had left the day after their wedding on an extended honeymoon. His gift to her had been a new atlas, and he’d told Thea to pick wherever she wanted to go. They’d gone first to France, then Germany and Italy, before settling in Greece for a month. They’d finally left that idyllic paradise and traveled to Spain, making new memories for Adam in places he’d only seen death and destruction. His nightmares came less frequently now, and Thea was always there to bring comfort when he awoke, terrified and feeling alone.
“I think we’ve made a good start in visiting some of the places I’d always longed to see,” she said, brushing the back of her fingers along his cheek. “But it’s time to go home now.”
He chuckled. “You’re ready to see those babies when they come. At least we’re close enough to visit Diana and Oliver once theirs arrives. You’ll have to wait to see Derek and Amelia’s once they come to London for the Season.”
“They’re both due to deliver close to the beginning of March. Wouldn’t it be something if both cousins came on the same day?”
“I’ll show you something,” he said, his voice low and rough.
Adam kissed her, and she smiled against his mouth.
“Are you happy?” he asked.
Thea stroked his throat. “More than I ever dreamed possible.”
Then she captured his hand and brought it to her belly, holding it against her. His puzzled look changed to widening eyes and a brilliant smile.
“Are you telling me we’re to have a child?”
“Yes. It won’t be until next fall. We’ll probably only stay for part of the Season because I’ll start to grow too large to even dance.”
He kissed her. “I’d rather be back at Durbury anyway. I’ve missed it.”
“Do you care if it’s a boy or girl?” she asked.
Grinning, he said, “I hope we’ll have plenty of both.”
With that, Adam made love to her and Thea was caught up in the stormy sea of emotions that filled her each time they came together. They had learned the ways of love and what pleased each other these past few months. She still wanted to pinch herself sometimes, knowing this wonderful man was hers—forever.
Spent, she lay in her husband’s strong arms, her ear nestled against his beating heart.
“I love you, Thea de Wolfe,” he said softly.
She loved how he used her former name in their most tender moments. It made her remember who she’d been and who she had become. With him.
Adam’s fingers pulled her chin up and kissed away her tears.
“I hope these are tears of joy,” he said.
“They are. Both Diana and Amelia have written to me and told me how emotional they are these days. That they cry at simply everything.”
“Joy,” Adam said again, smiling. “If it’s a girl, that should be her name.”
Months later, Thea watched her husband cradling their daughter in his arms, welcoming their Joy into the world.
About the Author
Award-winning and international bestselling author Alexa Aston’s historical romances use history as a backdrop to place her characters in extraordinary circumstances, where their intense desire for one another grows into the treasured gift of love.
She is the author of Medieval and Regency romance, including The Knights of Honor, The King’s Cousins, The St Clairs, and The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle.
A native Texan, Alexa lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She enjoys reading, Netflix binge-watching, and can’t get enough of Survivor, The Crown, or Game of Thrones.
Website
Newsletter Sign-Up
BookBub
Amazon Author Page
Goodreads Author Page
Aston, Alexa, Thea
