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Marrying for Money

By: haremgirl



Peterson's was a typical gentleman's club, several steps down from the more exclusive clubs such as White's, but several steps above the gambling hells and brothels that were so numerous in London. It boasted a comfortable lounge with leather chairs and small side tables where a gentleman could sit and read the newspaper while sipping a glass of fine spirits. There was also a dining parlor that offered decent food, certainly not the best to be had in the city, but served fresh and hot on demand. But the main advantage that Peterson's had over the other small clubs in London was its reputation as a place where a fair game of cards could be played if a man wanted to try his hand at games of chance.

Tucked away in the back, the gaming room held three round tables set slightly apart. Jeremy Bradley sat at the furthermost table, his back wedged into the corner, both literally and figuratively. Trying to appear calm, he surveyed his surroundings. The few lamps scattered about provided the only relief for the dimness of the room, each one throwing a faint circle of light onto the felt covered tables. The air was thick with smoke, and Jeremy watched as it wreathed around the heads of his opponents. The only sounds were murmurs of men placing their bets, cards being shuffled and dealt and the occasional groan of defeat or whoop of triumph.

Jeremy wasn't a novice at the gaming tables. At the age of twenty five, he had already passed through the youthful phase of gambling, having learned enough to play a respectable hand of cards. He had long ago outgrown the urge to prove himself at the tables, and he had only come here tonight out of dire need. Jeremy stole a glance at his pile of funds. He had had a few modest wins tonight, but his pile was gradually dwindling, and he was beginning to feel desperate. Jeremy held his breath for the cards to be dealt. 

With baited breath, Jeremy picked up his cards and carefully fanned them in his hands. His heart was beating a bit faster in his chest as he looked at the three queens, an ace and a nine that he had been dealt. It certainly wasn't a spectacular hand, but with the poor luck he had been having, it was the best he had received so far this night. Jeremy studied his opponents from beneath his lashes. Lord Wiltshire, Lord Berkley and Lord Simmons were all arranging their hands with thoughtful expressions on their faces. Each of them was exceedingly wealthy, and Jeremy knew they could care less whether they won or lost tonight, so it was easy for them to maintain their composure. No help there.

Jeremy turned to his fourth opponent, Trevor Grayson, who lounged back in his chair, leisurely sampling a cheroot and waiting for the others to assess their cards. Jeremy was struck by the calm, slightly bored look on the American man's face, for he didn't appear to be concerned about the outcome of the game either. Jeremy heaved a mental sigh.

Lord Wiltshire was the first to break the silence. "I will wager one hundred pounds." He casually tossed the correct amount into the middle of the table and waited for the others to respond.

"Nothing here for me to work with," mumbled Berkley with a good natured grin as he tossed his cards face down on the table. "I'm out."

"I'm in," Grayson drawled, tossing in the correct amount, "and I will raise you one thousand more." He never wavered as he added the wad of money to the pile in the middle of the table.

Jeremy couldn't afford to bet such sums on a hand that might not win, and he wasn't sure how to proceed. It was well into the morning, and this would likely be his last chance to win the money he needed to get his family out of their dilemma. "I will call your bet," Jeremy finally murmured, carefully counting out the necessary bills from his modest pile.

"I'm afraid I'm out as well," Simmons sighed. Wiltshire emitted a long whistle as he looked again at his cards and the mound of money on the table. "Well, I am certainly not going to fold now." He added ten more bills and grinned at his remaining two opponents.

"How many cards would you like gentlemen?" Simmons asked with a questioning smile.

Wiltshire indicated that he wanted two cards. Grayson never even looked at his cards again. "I'll keep the cards I have."

Jeremy took a deep breath and tried to ignore his sweaty palms, as he stared hard at his cards. He discarded the nine and looked at Simmons, "I'll have one."

Simmons dealt him one more card, and settled back in his chair to watch the fun. Jeremy swallowed hard and peeked at his new card, another ace. Now, he could definitely feel his heart pounding, as he stared intently at his full house. He mentally smiled with relief, realizing that he finally had a hand that stood a good chance of winning.

Wiltshire gave another low whistle of appreciation for his cards, but Jeremy wasn't too concerned, knowing that the older man liked to bluff. After all, for him it was just a game. Wiltshire casually tossed another ten bills onto the growing pile of money. "I'll bet another thousand pounds. How about you Grayson? Are you up for it?"

Grayson casually counted out the necessary wager plus an additional ten bills and tossed it into the untidy heap. "I will see your bet and raise you another thousand." He turned his assessing blue stare onto Jeremy and raised an indolent brow, his blue eyes piercing through the smoke. "Bradley?"

Jeremy swallowed hard, as he eyed his quickly dwindling pile of funds and the growing one in the middle of the table. If he could win this hand, he would have enough money to pay off their debt. However, if he lost, he wouldn't have enough left to try another hand. What did that matter, he asked himself. The money he had wasn't sufficient to get his family out of their desperate situation. Their only hope was for him to win tonight, and there was no way he would get another hand as good as the one he was holding now. He knew it was now or never. "Yes, I'm in. I will see your bet and raise you one thousand more." He counted out three thousand pounds and tossed it into the middle of the table, virtually depleting his small stack of funds.

Wiltshire broke into one of his maddeningly superior grins and added the necessary amount to his earlier bet. "I guess I am in as well. I'll call you, Bradley."

Jeremy turned expectantly to Grayson. The American was eyeing him speculatively, and Jeremy swallowed hard when the other man's eyes dipped to his stack of money. He wouldn't be able to stay in the game if Grayson raised his bet.

Finally, Grayson counted out ten more bills and added them to the center. "I'll call you as well. Let's see what you have Wiltshire."

Wiltshire laid his hand on the table, three tens, a jack and a four. Grayson frowned, his brows drawing together into a dark line. "That is pretty good, but not good enough, I am afraid." He spread his hand to reveal four Kings and a jack. "And what about you, Bradley? What are you holding?"

Jeremy felt his heart plummet to his toes, as he eyed the other man's hand. He spread his own cards on the table to show his full house, and his disappointment must have been evident on his face. "I am afraid my hand isn't good enough to beat four of a kind," he mumbled.

Something akin to sympathy flickered across Grayson's face, but it was gone almost before Jeremy noticed it. Jeremy watched bitterly as Grayson scooped up his winnings and added them to his already large pile of money. Lifting his chin a notch higher, Jeremy put on a brave face and gathered his own meager wealth as he rose proudly from the table. "Well, gentlemen, I am afraid you have done me in for this evening." He gave Grayson a slight bow and a tight smile. "It was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Grayson. Perhaps our paths will cross again some time."

Grayson eyed him with respect. He sensed that this young man had needed desperately to win, but he was behaving with dignity in the face of defeat. "I would consider it an honor sir." Jeremy nodded to the other players before turning to make his way out of the smoky den. During the long ride home, only one thought kept circling in his mind. How was he ever going to break the news to Leanna?

*********

Leanna Bradley paced restlessly from the fireplace to the settee. She must have crossed the room at least a hundred times, and she was chewing her lip in nervous agitation. The clock on the mantle began to chime, and she nearly jumped out of her skin. Three o'clock! She took a deep breath to steady her racing heart. It wasn't necessarily a bad thing that Jeremy was out so late. It could indicate that he was having some success at the gaming tables. She sincerely hoped that was the case. A frown marred her forehead, as she thought once more about the chain of events that had landed them in their current plight.

It had been exactly three weeks before when she and her brother Jeremy had sat in their father's study, still reeling from the shock of their sire's sudden death. They had been summoned there to meet with Mr. Allen, their late father's attorney, for the reading of their father's will. Sitting side by side, their fingers clutched in mutual commiseration, they had listened as Mr. Allen had imparted his grim news.

Both Leanna and Jeremy knew that their father was having financial difficulties. That fact had been made painstakingly clear during the past several months, when they had been forced to let all but the cook and housekeeper go, since they could no longer afford to keep a full staff of servants. However, they had all pitched in to help in the running of the household, and their lack of wealth had not impinged too greatly on their lifestyle. While neither of them had been expecting a large inheritance, they had been shocked to learn that their father's estate was, in fact, entirely insolvent. Apparently, their father had owed a great deal of money, ten thousand pounds to be exact, to his business partner, Michael Billingsley. They were told they had one month to pay the debt in full or forfeit all of their father's meager holdings, including their family home.

Within a matter of minutes, their secure, protected existence had shattered around them, and they were faced with the prospect of becoming penniless, homeless paupers. Leanna shuddered as she thought about the implications that would entail.

At the age of nineteen, she had been on the verge of assuring her happy future, and the timing of these events could not have been worse. Leanna had been betrothed to a handsome and wealthy young man, Sir Edward Hatfield, but the scandal regarding her family's finances had resulted in him calling off their wedding. Edward had made it clear that he would be willing to bail her family out of trouble if she would consent to becoming his mistress, but Leanna had sent him away with her handprint burning his cheek and her refusal burning his ears. She would rather be homeless than to stoop to being someone's whore.

Leanna couldn't really claim to be broken hearted over the way things had ended. While she had been attracted to Edward, she was not in love with him. Now, Leanna wondered whether any man would want to marry her, but the gloomy thought of becoming a spinster was overshadowed by her more pressing worries. She and Jeremy had sold their mother's jewels, the few pieces of artwork they owned, and most of their belongings trying to raise enough money to pay off their debt. They had managed to come up with almost five thousand pounds. Jeremy had used the money to bargain with Mr. Billingsley, promising that if he would accept partial payment, Jeremy would pay him the remainder by the end of the year. However, Mr. Billingsley had scoffed at their offer, saying that he had waited long enough to collect on their father's debt, and he wanted his money right away. He gave them four weeks to come up with the full amount, or he would take possession of their home, leaving Leanna, Jeremy and his pregnant wife Christina homeless.

After trying everything else they could think of, they came up with the plan for Jeremy to try and win enough money for them to pay the debt. In his younger days, Jeremy had had some luck at cards, and they figured they had very little to lose by trying. Leanna thought she would pull her hair out wondering how he was faring. Just then, Jeremy walked through the door. She could tell by the dejected slump of his shoulders that he hadn't been successful, and she felt her knees nearly buckling beneath her. She took a deep, steadying breath and waited until he had closed the door behind him. "What happened?" she asked anxiously.

The look Jeremy gave her was wretched, and he reached to place an arm protectively over her shoulders. "I lost," he stated simply. He slumped down beside her on the settee. "I thought there was a chance at one point, but luck wasn't with me."

Leanna had carefully rehearsed what she would say in this instance. She had to do something to remove some of the burden of responsibility that unfairly rested on her brother's shoulders, and she patted his hand comfortingly. "Don't worry, Jeremy. Everything will be alright. Losing this house isn't the end of the world. With the money we raised, you should be able to buy a modest house and make a new start with Christina."

Jeremy was already shaking his head, and he released a deep sigh. "Leanna, you don't understand. I lost it all," he mumbled, ignoring her gasp of surprise. "I only have three hundred pounds left from the money we had, and we owe most of that to our other creditors. What's left will only be enough for room and board for a few weeks. What are we supposed to do afterwards?"

Leanna frowned in confusion. "You lost all the money?" she asked in a breathless whisper. When Jeremy nodded, the color drained out of her cheeks. "Perhaps you had better tell me exactly what happened."

Jeremy recounted the events of the evening, and after telling her about his final hand, he released a rueful sigh. "The thing that bothers me the most is that I should have known better than to play cards with Trevor Grayson. He has quite a reputation at the gaming tables, but like a fool, I thought I could best him."

"Who exactly is he? His name isn't familiar to me," she asked.

"You don't know him. He's an American. He owns a small shipping company, and he spends several months of the year in London, brokering very profitable deals from what I've heard. Apparently, his business is flourishing and he almost always wins at cards. It's just my rotten luck that he's still in London, since he said he would be sailing again in a few days. I should've known better than to go up against him tonight. I might have had a chance if he hadn't been in the game." Jeremy hung his head dejectedly.

Leanna looked at Jeremy and was concerned to see that he looked at least five years older than he had just three weeks before. His usual exuberance and joy were gone, replaced by oppressive worry. She knew that he was right to be concerned, for he didn't have a chance to succeed in any business venture if he didn't have enough capital to get it started. She knew word was already spreading among members of polite society that they were nearly penniless, and rumors like that would make it hard for Jeremy to convince anyone to invest in his business. Leanna racked her brain trying to find some way to reassure her brother. A sudden idea struck her, and she stilled. There was only one possibility she could think of to get the money they needed, but she would have to look into it on her own. Jeremy would never approve.

Taking a deep breath, she squared her shoulders and layed a comforting hand on Jeremy's slumped shoulder. "There's nothing else we can do tonight, dear. Try to get some rest, and we'll talk more tomorrow."

Jeremy squeezed his sister's shoulders and placed a tender kiss on her brow. "Good night, Leanna. Thank you for being so strong and brave through all of this. You deserve much better."

Leanna smiled and touched his cheek tenderly. "Don't worry. We'll get through this together. Now go on." She gave him a gentle push toward the stairs. When Jeremy was out of sight, Leanna slumped onto the settee and stared for a long time into the glowing coals. She shivered slightly and hugged herself to ward off the chill. Tomorrow she would speak to Trevor Grayson. He was the only person she knew who had enough money to help them. Maybe, just maybe she could convince him to loan them the funds they needed.

*********

Trevor Grayson stood on the deck of his ship, the Sea Spirit, and watched his men as they scurried about, preparing for their departure the following day. They had been in port for several weeks, and he was anxious to get back to his native Virginia. Although he loved sailing, he was ready to get home again. By the time they made their crossing, it would almost be time for spring planting, and he wanted to be there to oversee the whole procedure.

A grim smile tugged at his lips. This was the first year for a long time that he was actually looking forward to being home. As it was, it had been almost two years since he had set foot on his beloved plantation, The Meadows. For the last six years, he had spent most of his time running his shipping business and cultivating trading partnerships in various ports. He knew he had avoided spending time at home because of the painful memories it evoked. However, he finally felt ready to face his past and move on. He wanted to settle down and start a family, and he was determined to work towards that goal.

He stood with legs spread wide apart and his hands clasped behind his back as he mused on the past. He had been only twenty years old when the civil war broke out in 1861, splitting America in two. Like almost all the young men of the South, he had rallied to the call and had gone off to fight for the cause. He had no way of knowing what a profound change the war would have on his own life.

Just one month before war was declared, Trevor had proposed to Eliza Taylor, the daughter of one of his neighbors, and she had enthusiastically accepted. She had been seventeen. They had known each other their entire lives, having grown up on adjacent plantations, and Trevor had been courting her for a year prior to his marriage proposal. Both of their families had been thrilled by the match, and they had all been looking forward to a Christmas wedding. However, the war had forced them to place their plans on hold. 

Trevor and his younger brother Steven had ridden off to join the Confederate forces, pledging to return in a few weeks. After all, the loyal citizens of the Confederacy had been convinced that their speedy victory was virtually guaranteed. Instead, Trevor had spent the next two years, engaged in one battle after another. He had proven his courage and commitment repeatedly on the battlefield, and for a while, it had appeared as if the Confederacy might win.

The turning point for him had been during the battle of Vicksburg. Trevor had been wounded and captured, and it was during that battle that he got separated from Steven. Trevor spent the last two years of the war in a Yankee prison. There had been numerous times during those years when he wondered if he would ever have the chance to return home and claim Eliza as his wife. He would lie awake at night and envision her pale beauty, with her blonde hair and large expressive brown eyes. He longed to hold her and keep her safe from the horrors and deprivation of the war.

When the Confederacy finally collapsed and Lee surrendered, the prisoners were released to return to their homes. Trevor had joined the thousands of other defeated Confederate soldiers making their way back to their loved ones. The journey had been long and heartbreaking, as he passed countless plantations that were completely destroyed, all the inhabitants either killed or chased away. Entire regions had been devastated, with every home having been torched by invading union troops, and Trevor dreaded what he might find at home.


Marrying for Money Ch. 02



True to his word, Trevor rang the doorbell promptly at seven o'clock that evening. He didn't have long to wait before the door was flung open, and he stood face to face with the woman who had dominated his thoughts all afternoon.

She was dressed in an emerald green evening gown of soft velvet that hugged her generous curves sublimely. The skirt was full, falling gracefully over a small bustle at her back, and the square neckline was cut low over her breasts. The combined effect of the daring neckline and the corset beneath displayed her gorgeous breasts to perfection, and Trevor's mouth began to water.

Leanna was not immune either, and she blinked in surprise to see her escort so well turned out in evening clothes. His trousers and waistcoat were of fine black wool, his coat was dark blue, and a crisp white shirt was buttoned neatly beneath his chin. He wore neither a cravat or fancy cuffs, as so many London dandies did, and Leanna found his simple, masculine garb very appealing. He definitely did not resemble the sea captain she had met earlier in the day.

"Good evening, Mr. Grayson," she breathed.

"Good evening, Miss Bradley. You are looking quite ravishing this evening." It took a conscious effort to keep his eyes away from her breasts, but he managed it.

Leanna smiled warmly and for the first time, he noticed the deep dimples that appeared in her cheeks. "You look quite handsome yourself. Let me just gather my cloak and we can be on our way," she murmured.

He waited impatiently for her to reappear, though it only took a moment.

"I hope you won't mind, but Jeremy insisted that we take our neighbor's coach tonight. He wasn't happy about the prospect of me being with you in the absence of a chaperone, and this was the only way I could get him to agree."

Trevor gave her a roguish grin. "Miss Bradley, I will eagerly comply with whatever stipulations your brother has put on our meeting, so long as I can enjoy your company this evening." He quirked a brow at her, smiling ruefully. "Actually, I am somewhat surprised that he has allowed you to accompany me in light of my proposition. I had almost expected that you would have changed your mind."

Leanna gave him a nervous smile. "Well, I didn't tell him about that. I merely told him that we were having dinner tonight and that you were considering my business proposition."

Trevor laughed, taking her arm. "I'll have to bear that in mind for future reference." When she gave him a confused frown, he grinned. "Should you agree to become my wife, I would be wise to keep in mind that you are well schooled in manipulating men." 

They had reached the coach, and Trevor handed her inside. He gave instructions to the driver before he climbed in beside her, and the coach lurched into motion. He sat close beside her, his thigh pressing intimately against her own, and he placed an arm along the seat behind her as he smiled at her with mischief dancing in his eyes.

"Believe me, I have thought of nothing else but you since you left me this afternoon," he murmured in a husky voice.

Leanna's heart skipped a beat as she stared up at him, and she knew where his thoughts must have been centered. She blushed hotly, knowing that her own thoughts had no doubt been on the same path. She had thought of little else other than the kiss they had shared and the tingling pleasure of his mouth on her breast. She was still damp between her thighs! Still, she wasn't about to admit to those feelings, and instead, she quirked a brow and gave him a sidelong glance.

"Am I to understand, Mr. Grayson, that you spend all your time thinking about women? I have to say that would give me pause in considering you as a spouse."

Trevor merely laughed. "My dear Miss Grayson, my thoughts weren't centered on women, they were centered on you."

"So where are we going, Mr. Grayson?" Leanna asked.

Trevor smiled, knowing that she wanted to change the subject, and he let her. "I thought you might enjoy a dinner of American food, since hopefully you are considering becoming my wife." He winked at her, and she smiled shyly before looking down at her hands. "I happen to know of a very good inn that is owned by one of my countrymen. They have the best 'colonial food' as you Brits like to call it, on this side of the Atlantic. The atmosphere is not much to speak of, but I think you might enjoy it. Are you game?"

Leanna met his gaze without flinching, and she sensed that he was talking about more than just the dinner. "Yes, I am," she murmured.

Trevor caught his breath. That sweet promise was there again, in her eyes, and he had to fight the urge to steal another kiss. After all, he didn't want to frighten her off. He cleared his throat and settled in for the short ride to the inn.

"So Miss Bradley, tell me about yourself."

Leanna shrugged slightly. "There is not much to tell really. I grew up in London. I have one brother, Jeremy. My parents were very happy together until my mother died a few years ago. She was always rather frail, but I think losing her really broke my father's spirit. He was never the same after her death. Jeremy and I knew that his business was not faring well, but we didn't know just how poorly he was doing until after his death. That was when we got the news that he had mortgaged our home to his business partner. They hadn't been partners for very long, and the man turned out to be very greedy and self-serving after father's death."

Trevor watched her carefully. "And what about the young man you spoke of this morning, the one who propositioned you to become his mistress?"

Leanna's cheeks colored, but she looked him in the eye when she responded. "We had been engaged, but he said he couldn't marry me now that our financial situation was so disastrous. He offered to pay off our debt and to set me up as his mistress, but I refused."

Trevor found it hard to say the words, but he had to know where her loyalty was. "And what if I were to lend you the money without requiring you to marry me? Would you then marry your young man?" He held his breath for her response, amazed by how much her answer mattered to him.

Surprise was evident in her eyes as she watched him carefully. "Is that what you are offering?" She couldn't ignore a stab of disappointment. "Have you perhaps changed your mind since this morning?"

Trevor's gaze never wavered, but his voice sounded husky when he replied. "No, I still want you for my wife. However, I wouldn't want to stand between you and a man you truly loved."

Relief washed through her, solidifying her choice in her mind. She didn't understand why, but something felt very right about the idea of becoming this man's wife. "When Edward made his sordid offer, I realized that he wasn't the man I thought him to be." She stared up at Trevor for a long moment, her eyes assessing him. When she continued, her voice was quiet but firm.

"No, I do not love him. I only loved the fantasy that he had created, and even that was somehow lacking." A triumphant light flared in Trevor's eyes as he listened to her answer, but she forged on, not giving him a chance to respond. "But what about you? The purpose of having dinner was for me to learn more about you. Tell me about yourself."

Before he could respond, the coach pulled to a stop in front of the inn. Trevor handed her down, and they made their way into the bustling establishment. There were many tables, mostly gathered near the bar, but Trevor chose a quiet table near the back of the room, where they could dine with a bit more privacy.

He ordered for them, and they settled down to a hearty meal of honey-cured ham, and candied sweet potatoes. There were beans and turnip greens, as well as fluffy biscuits with butter and peach cobbler for dessert. The food was hearty but simple, and Leanna found it very appealing. She tackled her plate with a healthy appetite, as she listened to her handsome companion.

Trevor told her about his life, carefully avoiding the intricacies of his relationship with his former fiancée, Eliza. He simply said that he had been engaged once, before the war broke out, but that it had not worked out. He mentioned that his betrothed had married another man following the war. He skimmed over the details of his involvement in the war, telling her only briefly about his time in a northern prison. He told her about his plantation and his brother.

Leanna found herself laughing at his tales of growing up in Virginia. She could picture him as a wild and mischievous youth, and she had no doubt that he had tested his parents' patience. He made America sound very exotic and different from everything she had known, and she felt a thrill of anticipation at the prospect of living there.

They lingered over their dinner, enjoying a bottle of hearty burgundy wine that set her head to spinning and made her slightly giggly. Trevor eyed her with amusement, charmed by her fresh innocence. It incited his imagination to think that he might be the one to introduce her to the pleasures to be found in a marriage bed.

Despite her lack of experience, Leanna was intensely aware of the attraction flaring between them, and she noticed more than once the way his eyes lingered on her bosom. Whether it was the wine or simply his magnetic charm, she found his interest more than a little exciting, and her maidenly mind wondered how it would feel to have him make love to her, causing her pulse to race even faster.

She began to lean toward him often, pretending not to notice that she was providing him with an enticing view down her dress. The more he took advantage of the sight, the more her pussy throbbed and the wetter her pantalets got. By the time dinner was concluded, they were both breathless.

They concluded their meal and climbed back into the coach for the ride home. She had promised Jeremy that she would not be out late, and she didn't want to worry him. Trevor escorted her to the door. He didn't try to kiss her, instead bringing her hand to his lips. When he straightened, he gave Leanna a charming smile.

"It has been a pleasure spending the evening with you, Miss Bradley. Would you consider spending the day with me tomorrow? I thought you might enjoy a shopping trip to Bond Street, my treat of course."

Leanna flushed with pleasure at the prospect. It was, after all, quite common for a young man to take his lady out to purchase a new bonnet or some other trinket for her. Leanna smiled and nodded her acceptance. "I would be honored, Mr. Grayson. Shall we say ten o'clock?"

He gave her a brief bow and a smile. "I look forward to it. Sleep well, Leanna. You can be sure that I will see you in my dreams tonight." 

The husky words sent a shiver of anticipation through her, and Leanna knew what she would be dreaming about.

The next day flew by in a whirlwind of activity. Trevor strolled with her through a parade of shops, and he insisted on buying her a number of small gifts. He took her to lunch in an elegant French café, and they went to the theatre that evening to see a musical. Leanna grew increasingly aware of the heat that simmered between them, and she would tremble with pleasure when she caught him watching her. His eyes captivated her attention, for they smoldered with a hunger she didn't understand, but when he was caught looking at her so intensely, he would quickly revert to casual frivolity.

The third day, the couple enjoyed a trip to London market followed by a picnic in the park. They were favored with sunshine, which was particularly unusual in fall. That evening, they again went to dinner, this time choosing to dine on the waterfront.

Trevor proved to have excellent taste in all things, and Leanna was happy to defer to his preferences, finding that he always ordered things that suited her taste. He was fascinating, and she found herself daydreaming of him with increasing regularity when they were apart. He had completely captured her imagination, and she fantasized about how it might be to be married to him. Those fantasies often left her flushed and breathless, wondering about the strange effect he was having on her. 

He hadn't kissed her again since that first day, and Leanna found herself wishing he would. They were in the coach driving toward her house on the third evening, and he had yet to ask her what her decision would be. The anticipation mounted until she couldn't keep quiet any longer. Without preamble, Leanna turned toward Trevor in the dim light of the coach.

"There really is no reason to keep you waiting for my answer any longer. I have thought of nothing except your proposal for the past three days, and I have decided to accept. I will become your wife, if you still want me."

Trevor's hand dropped possessively onto her shoulder, and he pulled her slowly against him. He cupped her chin in his hand and searched the emerald depths of her eyes, finding honest commitment in the clear orbs.

"I will do everything in my power to ensure that you never regret your decision," he murmured. "Shall we seal our agreement with a kiss?"

Instead of giving an answer, Leanna reached up to thread her fingers through his hair, and she pulled his face down to meet hers. Their lips melded, their mutual excitement almost tangible in the air around them. He crushed her against his chest, as his lips played upon the softness of hers, and Leanna felt heat rising between them. She was acutely conscious of every place their bodies were in contact, while their surroundings seemed to fade into oblivion. Her heart was hammering in her breast, and her breathing was ragged when he finally raised his head to stare down at her. Her lids fluttered open, and her eyes were instantly snared by his smoldering gaze.

"I will do my best to make you happy," he said sincerely. "Should I speak with your brother tonight?"

Leanna bit her lip and looked up at him imploringly. "I don't know whether you will understand this or not, but I cannot tell Jeremy of our plan to wed. He would never allow it. I think it would be far better if we were simply to elope. By the time he finds out, we will have sailed, and he won't be able to stop us."

Trevor frowned harshly, knowing first hand how an elopement could hurt those who were left behind. However, he didn't want to risk losing Leanna, now that she had agreed to marry him, and he reluctantly nodded his head in acceptance.

"If you feel that is the only way, I will accede to your wishes. I'll make the arrangements to have a clergyman perform the wedding in the morning, and we will sail with the morning tide. Can you be ready at dawn?"

She nodded and reached up to offer her lips to him for another kiss. He didn't miss the opportunity, and their lips tangled in another heated exchange before he drew back, breathing raggedly. They were stopped in front of her house, and he reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out an envelope, handing it to her.

"This is a bank draft for twenty thousand pounds for you to give to Jeremy." Seeing her surprise at the generous amount, more than she had requested, he continued with a smile, "I wanted him to have plenty of money to get his business started smoothly."

Another thought occurred to Leanna, and she raised a suspicious brow. "If you have this with you, you must have been pretty confident that my answer would be yes!"

Trevor gave her a boyish grin. "No, I was very hopeful, but to tell you the truth, I had already made up my mind to loan Jeremy the money regardless of your answer."

His answer caused her heart to swell with joy and admiration. Trevor was turning out to be even more wonderful than she had imagined.

"Why did you change your mind . . . I mean about the conditions of loaning him the money?"

"Because I don't want you to marry me only because of the money. You still have the option to turn back, if you aren't sure. I don't want you to feel forced into marriage. I will loan Jeremy the money regardless of your decision."

The vulnerable look he gave her set her heart to soaring, and she squeezed his hand with tears in her eyes. "I don't know why, but everything feels very right about this. I am willing to take a chance that we can make things work." He crushed her against him for another urgent kiss. When he raised his head, they were both breathing hard.

"Until tomorrow morning, then. I will pick you up at dawn."

She nodded her head, and he escorted her to the door.

"Which window is yours?" he inquired. Leanna pointed to her window on the second floor and he merely nodded.

"Why?" she asked with a puzzled frown.

"Never mind," he murmured. "Goodnight, future wife."

They shared one more brief kiss before he departed, pausing to give her a rakish grin before he climbed into his coach. She sighed and went inside, leaning against the door once it had closed behind her. She would have stayed there for several moments, savoring the memory of the look in his eyes, but she heard her brother approaching the upstairs landing, and she wiped the dreamy expression from her face. She had told Jeremy that Trevor would give her an answer tonight about the money.

Jeremy's face appeared at the top of the stairs, looking down over the balustrade. "Thank God you are home! I have not stopped worrying about you for a single moment." He bounded down the stairs, taking them two at a time and reached to take her cloak. "How did it go? Was he receptive to our proposition?"

Leanna's smile was radiant. "He was more than receptive." She handed him the envelope Trevor had given her. "In fact, he loaned us more than we need. There is a draft for twenty thousand pounds here, more than enough to get your business started."

Jeremy's eyes bulged as he looked inside the envelope. "I cannot believe this!" he cried, clearly relieved and excited. "What were his terms?"

Leanna stammered for only a moment, caught off guard by his question. "He . . . he said he would not be back in London for at least a year and that he would visit you then to check on your progress. He didn't seem at all concerned about whether you would be able to repay him." The last part was true, and she was relieved that Jeremy did not probe any further.

Instead, he grabbed her in a fierce hug and swung her around until she squealed with delight. "Thank you, Leanna!" he cried, planting a kiss on her forehead. "I don't know how you managed it, but I will be eternally grateful!"

"You should share the good news with Christina right away," she urged. "I know she has been as worried as we have."

"Yes, I will!" With one final kiss and hug, he raced up the stairs, and Leanna could hear the excited murmur of his voice as he spoke with Christina in their bedroom. Leanna made her way to her own room and quietly began to gather the belongings she would need for her voyage. Her heart ached that she would not be able to say a proper goodbye to her brother and Christina, but she was too afraid that he would try to stop her.

It was impossible to take everything, so she chose her favorite clothes and most prized trinkets and packed them carefully into two large cases that she had. She felt a flutter of excitement as she smoothed the fabric of her bridal nightgown over her arm. She had purchased it only a few weeks ago for her upcoming wedding. The though of wearing it for Trevor made her tremble, and she wondered for the thousandth time what sharing his bed would be like. She realized she had been standing for several minutes stroking the nightgown, and she gave herself an impatient shake before resuming her packing.

When her cases were ready, Leanna sat at her desk and penned a brief note for Jeremy. She didn't know how to explain the situation to him, so she merely wrote that she and Trevor had been mutually attracted. She added that the necessity for him to leave so soon had forced their whirlwind marriage, and she hoped Jeremy could forgive her and not worry too much about her. She promised to write to him very soon with more news. She carefully folded the note and left it on her desk for the following morning. 




Marrying for Money Ch. 02



She prepared for bed and crawled between the sheets, looking around her bedroom for the last time. She had grown up in this house, and this room was a part of her, but after tonight, she might never sleep here again. The thought was bittersweet, but it was overshadowed by the excitement of the new adventure she would be embarking on. She fell asleep with a smile, as she thought about what the future held in store for her.

It seemed like only moments later when she was awakened by a small sound from her window. She opened her eyes just as the sound was repeated, and she rose and went to the window, pulling the curtains to one side. She instantly spied Trevor standing below on the walk, and he had been prepared to launch another pebble but stopped and smiled when he saw her.

Her smile was radiant as she opened the window enough to hang her head outside and whisper down to him. "Give me a few moments and I will be ready!"

He nodded his acceptance, and she hastily withdrew, closing the window behind her. She hurriedly dressed and rushed to braid her hair into an attractive knot at her nape. Satisfied with her appearance, she gathered her two cases before tiptoeing downstairs. She paused only to leave the note for Jeremy on the entry hall table before she crept from her childhood home and closed the door on her past.

A smothered squeal escaped her as she turned to find Trevor blocking her path, but he quickly covered her mouth with his own to stifle the sound. They shared a brief stolen kiss, but it was enough to get their blood pumping.

"Good morning to you too," she murmured softly.

Trevor reached to take her cases and escorted her to the waiting coach. As soon as the coach lurched into motion, he clasped her to him for a more thorough kiss. He straightened and gently brushed a stray lock of hair back from her face. He traced her bottom lip with his thumb and gave her a charming smile. She found it impossible to form a logical thought when he looked at her so intently.

"You are even more beautiful today than you were last night," he murmured huskily.

Leanna flushed with pleasure from his compliment. "Thank you," she breathed. "You are quite dashing yourself," she said, running her hand down his chest and feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm. She glanced out the window at the passing streets that were only now beginning to brighten with the dawn. "Where are we going?" she inquired, turning back to face him.

"I have arranged for a wedding in a small church near the wharves. I am sorry for waking you, but we must hurry if we are going to catch the morning tide." He gave her a sheepish grin. "I didn't know how long it would take you to get ready."

"I was as anxious to get underway as you are, perhaps even more so." She was referring to her desire to embark on a new adventure, but he interpreted the statement quite differently.

"I don't think you could even fathom the intensity of my excitement, my sweet." The look he gave her was full of meaning, and she blushed prettily causing him to chuckle. He pulled her against him and refrained from further comment until they reached the small church.

They entered the tiny building hand in hand, and Trevor left her for a moment to find the clergyman. The priest finally appeared, accompanied by another priest who would serve as witness to the ceremony. They both looked very sleepy, but Trevor had obviously paid them handsomely for their trouble, and they got the ceremony underway without delay.

As Leanna stood beside her groom and listened to the priest's words droning on, she waited for the feeling of apprehensive doubt, but it never came. She felt only excited and anxious to make her vow to this man she barely knew. She stole a glance at him from beneath her lashes, and her breath caught in her throat. He was truly magnificent, and her heart hammered in her breast at the thought that she would belong to him from this day forward.

When the time came for him to make his vow, Trevor looked directly at her and spoke in a clear voice. He squeezed her hands reassuringly, as Leanna did the same. Trevor slipped a simple gold band onto her finger, and she noticed as she watched him do so that her hands were very steady. There was not the slightest trembling to indicate any nervousness over her decision, and she marveled that she could be so calm.

When the priest declared them wed, Trevor bent and kissed her tenderly on the lips. He raised his head and their gazes locked for a long moment, until the priest delicately cleared his throat. They each signed their name to the parchment, and the priest imprinted it with a seal before he rolled and tied it with a bright red ribbon and handed it to Trevor. He gave them one final blessing before sending them on their way.

They emerged from the church just as the sun broke from behind several clouds to shine down on them. Leanna felt her heart soar with joy and excitement, and Trevor clasped her hand in a warm grasp as he led her to their waiting coach. On the short drive to his ship, Trevor took the opportunity to kiss Leanna until her head was spinning. When the coach stopped on the quay, he lifted her down and paid the coachman.

"After you, Mrs. Grayson," he grinned, holding his arm out toward the gangplank.

He hefted her bags and followed her aboard his waiting ship. Leanna felt shy beneath the stares of the curious seamen aboard the ship, and she gave them a tentative nod of greeting before she quickly preceded Trevor down the stairs to the companionway. However, when she would have entered his cabin, he grasped her shoulder gently and stopped her.

"Just a moment, madam," he grinned. "We must follow tradition."

She watched him with a puzzled frown as he deposited her bags inside the cabin before turning to lift her in his arms. She squealed in surprise and giggled as he carried her across the threshold. It seemed only natural to loop her arms around his neck, as he closed the door behind them with a solid thunk and carried her to the center of the room. Their lips met in a heated kiss, and they never broke contact as he released her legs and let them fall to the floor while he held her tightly against him. She slid down the length of him, landing on her toes, and he deepened the kiss further, pressing her against his hard frame.

When he lifted his head, they were both breathing raggedly, and he gave her a lecherous grin. "I hope you will excuse me for a few moments. It will take me a little time to get the ship underway, but I assure you I will return to you as quickly as possible. I am more than anxious to seal our vows."

His words brought a heated blush to her cheeks, and Leanna dropped her eyes to his handsome mouth, tracing it with her finger. When she looked up again to meet his gaze, her smile was mysterious and full of feminine charm. "I understand," she murmured. "It will give me time to prepare myself for you and to unpack my belongings. Is there somewhere I can put my things?"

He released her but held onto her hand as he led her to the large wardrobe in one corner. He opened the doors to show her that it was only a third full with his clothing.

"The rest of the space is for you. There is also a trunk that I purchased for you yesterday." He indicated the trunk near the bed. Seeing her raised eyebrows he smiled. "No, I was not confident of your answer, merely hopeful."

She came willingly into his arms for another kiss, and when he finally raised his head, she released a dreamy sigh as her lids fluttered open. "I will anxiously await your return, husband."

He brushed her hair back from her face. "Believe me, I will return with all possible haste."

Giving her hand a final squeeze, he quickly left the cabin, and she smiled as she heard him pounding up the companionway stairs.

Leanna flew into action, quickly unpacking her clothes and putting them carefully away. She arranged her toiletries alongside her new husband's in a small cabinet, and seeing her comb and brush beside his left her feeling as giddy as a schoolgirl.

She hurriedly undressed and put on the flowing nightgown that she had purchased for her wedding night, a garment designed to bring a man pleasure. The gown was made of gossamer silk so fine as to be almost transparent, and she knew it would leave very little to Trevor's imagination. It was sleeveless and was held up by a single clasp on one shoulder, in a Grecian design. Her nipples strained wantonly against the fabric, and the sides were left open, caught only at the waist by a silken ribbon. The length of her thighs and the sides of her creamy breasts were left bare.

Leanna removed the pins from her long hair, letting it cascade down her back in curling ringlets. She brushed it until it shone and she dabbed a bit of perfume behind her ears and in the valley between her breasts. She had felt the ship lurch into motion nearly an hour before, and she knew it wouldn't be long before Trevor returned to her.

She went to turn down the sheets on the bed, and she was bent over to accomplish that task when she heard the door open behind her, as Trevor slipped inside and slid the bolt in place. Now that it had come to the moment of truth, Leanna felt incredibly shy and very nervous as to how she should proceed. She had no knowledge of what her wifely duties would entail, having been rigorously protected by her brother and father. Here she was, wed to little more than a stranger, and she could only hope that Trevor would be a gentle husband, patiently teaching her how to be a wife to him.

He leaned against the door taking in the view of his wife's very enticing ass and her long, perfectly shaped legs. She was facing the bunk, too bashful to turn around. Trevor had delayed as long as he could bear to give his bride time to settle her nerves and prepare herself for him, and he found the results were even more enticing than he had envisioned.

His heated gaze took in the perfection of Leanna's back, her long flowing hair falling over one shoulder, her shapely legs and the smooth globes of her bottom. Her sheer gown clung to her ripe curves, and he found the view of her wearing such a garment more alluring than total nudity.

He took a deep breath to slow his racing heart and shrugged out of his coat before hanging it on a peg beside the door. Then, he crossed the room with bold strides until he stood directly behind her. He stopped mere inches from her, as he breathed in her intoxicating scent. He knew she was nervous and most likely scared, and he was determined to be very slow and gentle with her despite his impatience to have her. He wanted very much to make her first experience as his wife a pleasurable one, for it would form the foundation for the rest of their lives together.

Trevor planted a warm, open-mouthed kiss on the nape of her neck and was gratified to see her shiver with excitement as goose bumps rose on her arms.

"I think this occasion calls for a toast," he said softly, slowly stroking her jaw and ear with his fingers, as his warm breath feathered down her neck.

He turned to a small table beside the bed where a bottle of wine and two glasses were waiting, along with some cheese, bread and fruit. Leanna couldn't resist a smile, as she realized that he must have planned in advance to make this day special for her. He uncorked the wine and filled the glasses before handing one to his nervous bride from over her shoulder. She took it with trembling fingers, and he grasped her shoulders and turned her to face him, lifting her chin until she met his gaze.

"Don't be afraid, sweet Leanna. I promise to be gentle with you." His eyes were full of sincerity as they locked with hers.

She found his words encouraging, and she gave him a small smile. She lifted her glass as her gaze dropped to his lips. "What should we drink to?"

"To a successful marriage," he suggested, clinking his glass against hers.

"Yes, and to many happy years together," she agreed.

They drank simultaneously, their eyes meeting above the rims of their glasses. He took both their glasses and deposited them on the small table before turning back to face her. He framed her face with his hands and gave her a thorough kiss. She clung to him, her arms slipping around his waist, savoring the taste of the wine on his warm lips and melding her body to his.

His arms slid around her shoulders and pressed her more firmly against him, letting his hands comb through her lovely hair. He relished the heady sensation of her soft breasts pressing against him, her nipples taut against his chest. He deepened the kiss, delving into the recesses of her mouth, and she felt as if her bones were melting as she leaned into him. He released her mouth and his lips trailed fiery kisses along her jaw to her ear. He nibbled that sensitive flesh, sending shivers of excitement down her spine before moving to her collarbone.

Leanna leaned her head back, enjoying the feel of Trevor's warm lips and hot tongue as they moved over her skin. She tried to take a deep breath, but could only manage a gasp, as his lips drifted lower, depositing heated kisses on the upper curves of her breasts.

He lifted his head and held her at arm's length, as he looked at her unfettered body for the first time. She shivered as his eyes assessed her quivering breasts, and he reached inside the side of her gown to run a thumb over her taut nipple. His eyes flared with smoldering heat, and Leanna felt a wave of pleasure flowing from her tits to her pussy.

Her eyelids dropped and a soft moan escaped her when he took her breast firmly into his palm, and his other hand cupped her bare bottom. He bent her slightly over his arm and swooped to claim her nipple through the thin barrier of fabric. She couldn't suppress a gasp of pure pleasure when he enveloped the rigid peak with his lips. She felt her senses whirling from the intimate contact, and she clutched at his shoulders for support as her pussy began to ache.

He laved her sensitive nipple with his tongue, branding her through the fabric of her gown, as she threaded her fingers through his wavy hair. She was reeling from the pleasure as he moved to her other breast to repeat his heady caress.

Finally, when she felt totally limp with desire, Trevor bent and lifted her in his arms and deposited her on the bed, letting his gaze wander over her like a conquering invader. Her wet gown was transparent where he had suckled her breasts, and his eyes seared her through the clinging material.

She watched breathlessly as he removed his coat, vest, shirt and shoes before joining her on the bed, wearing nothing but his trousers. She couldn't help but admire what a fine specimen of masculinity her husband was, for he embodied all the qualities of her girlish fantasies and much more.

Trevor bent over her on one elbow, and traced Leanna's generous curves almost reverently, letting his fingers travel the length of her side from armpit to calf, where her gown draped open.

"You are even more beautiful than I imagined you would be," he murmured, tugging the ribbon loose that held the gown together at the side.

He reclaimed her lips, with light feathery kisses, as his hand began to explore her breasts once more. He rolled one nipple between his strong fingers first gently, and then firmly enough to make her gasp with a mixture of pain and pleasure. She felt moisture dripping from her pussy as he switched to her other nipple, bringing it to full attention as well.

He unclasped her gown and slowly pulled the filmy fabric down over her breasts, finally baring them completely. He sucked in a breath as he took a long moment to appreciate the lustrous orbs before swooping to savor her completely naked flesh for the first time. She hadn't been prepared for the heat of his mouth on her bare skin, and she sucked in a gasp of surprise before surrendering to the intense pleasure he was evoking. Her breath left her on a moan, and she arched her back, instinctively offering her breasts to him. She felt lightning heat shoot straight through to her loins, and a strange urgency began to grow in the pit of her belly.

Trevor took his time to awaken her smoldering desire, and he fanned the flames until she was burning, even though it was a supreme effort for him not to simply ravish her. She was so damned desirable that he had to hold onto his urges with rigid control. He leisurely tasted her, laving and nipping her breasts before his head dropped lower.

He nibbled along the undersides of her breasts, his hot breath sending shivers of delight through her as his hand drifted down removing the gown as he went. He lifted her hips and slipped the filmy garment off her to let it drift unheeded to the floor beside the bed. His fingers were light as thistledown, skimming across her belly, hip and inner thigh, finally coming to rest in the bright triangle of hair at the juncture of her thighs. She felt his fingers combing through those hairs, slowly stroking ever downward, as he explored her most thoroughly.

"My, my," he whispered, "someone is very wet."

Leanna gave a mortified groan when she felt his fingers sliding over her swollen folds, but she couldn't stop her hips from arching to welcome his hand. He chuckled before he bent to kiss her lips. He kept the kiss light, giving her the chance to concentrate on his clever fingers and what they were doing between her thighs. He watched her expression change to one of wonder, as she felt his intimate touch for the first time, and he took his time, drawing forth an abundance of slick moisture from her sweet pussy.

Her thighs were thrown wide in welcome, and she tilted her hips to rub her wet pussy lips against his hand as she whimpered. Very slowly, he slipped one long finger inside her, feeling her tense in uncertainty at his invasion. He kept kissing her, using his lips to anchor her tilting world, as he gently probed her. She was incredibly tight and wet, and he closed his eyes in ecstasy as he delved into her scalding heat.

He could feel the barrier of her virginity, and he was careful not to break it. He fully intended to bust through that barrier when his cock buried itself inside her for the first time. For now, he stroked her gently, slowly withdrawing his finger before plunging it again into her velvety softness with hypnotic repetition.

Leanna moaned as she clung to his shoulders, writhing with need on the bed. When Trevor withdrew his hand to dispense with his trousers, and Leanna mewled in disappointment, thinking he meant to abandon her. He chuckled lightly as he pulled his pants off and discarded them before resuming his probing strokes.

"Don't worry," he murmured as he kissed her temple. "I couldn't turn away from you now even if my life depended on it."

He inserted a second finger to loosen her tight pussy for his cock. This elicited a gratified groan from his bride, and he grinned while his lips drifted down the slender column of her neck to sample her luscious breasts once again. He devoured them, paying particular homage to the tightly budded nipples, before trailing molten kisses back up to her parted lips. He broke off from the kiss, leaning his forehead against hers and halting his exploration of her womanhood, as he clenched his eyes tightly closed and took several deep breaths to steady his racing heart.

Leanna opened her eyes and bit her bottom lip, her expression one of hesitation. "Have I . . . have I displeased you somehow?" she asked anxiously.

Trevor groaned and gave a pained chuckle before opening his eyes to return her troubled stare. He gave her a pained smile.

"Far from it, my sweet. It's just that I want you so badly that I must take a moment to cool my lusts so I don't cheat you of your pleasure."

In support of his statement, he pressed his groin against her hip, letting her feel the steely length of his penis. His burning heat caused Leanna to gasp even as a flutter of excitement flickered through her belly. She smiled up at him seductively, rubbing her breasts against the wiry hairs on his chest.




Marrying for Money Ch. 02



"You've already pleasured me beyond my imagination," she murmured. "Are you saying there's more pleasure to come?"

Trevor's eyes danced with humor, and he couldn't suppress a brief chuckle at her naïve question. "Indeed madam, we are just getting started."

Leanna's eyes opened wide, and she gave him a wicked grin at this news, looking very intrigued. She hadn't known what to expect, but she was glad to know that he wasn't finished with her. Her body was far from satisfied, even though she had no idea what it needed.

Trevor's fingers resumed their play as he sampled her lips once more. When she was once again writhing with need upon the bed, he knelt between her thighs, supporting his weight on his elbows.

Leanna felt the tip of his penis parting her slick folds, and she opened her eyes wide in fear. Before she had time to wonder about his intentions, he slid partially inside her, absorbing her gasp of surprise with his lips. He deepened the kiss, delving into the depths of her sweet mouth, while he gently probed her with shortened strokes, giving her a chance to get used to him being partially inside her. 

Her pussy was so tight that Trevor had to ease his cock into her, little by little, and he continued to kiss and caress her as he did so. He was holding his breath as he slowly worked himself into her until he was buried nearly halfway in her sweet cunt. He knew his cock was large. Even seasoned prostitutes sometimes had a hard time accommodating him, so he knew to take it slow or he would hurt his virginal bride. He toyed with her breasts to distract her, nibbling and tugging on her nipples as she panted beneath him.

Leanna gradually relaxed and let her thighs fall wide apart, only to feel him plunge completely inside her with one mighty stroke. Trevor breached her maidenhead, bringing her a sharp stab of pain, and he froze, letting the shock of his intrusion slowly fade. He kissed her gently, finally raising his head to brush her hair back away from her face, as he looked down at her confused expression.

"I am sorry, my sweet. It couldn't be avoided, but I promise there won't be any more pain."

Trevor kissed her once more, waiting until she began to respond to his kiss fully before he moved inside her again. His movements were slow and careful, letting her have time to stretch and get used to the incredible fullness, as he kissed and stroked her. Finally, she relaxed and began to tilt her hips to meet his thrusts, and he lengthened his strokes, eliciting little cries of pleasure from her parted lips.

Leanna looked up at him through eyes filled with wonder, watching his muscles bunch and ripple, and she couldn't resist the urge to run her fingers over his broad chest, fascinated by the feel of sinewy muscles and crisp hairs beneath her hands.

Trevor sucked in a breath, letting his head fall back as he savored her pussy. He slipped a hand underneath her bottom and tilted her hips to slide home even further. She quickly caught his rhythm and began to answer his thrusts, drawing another moan of pleasure from his lips. She devoted herself to his pleasure, and he marveled at her unselfish lovemaking. Although she was incredibly innocent, she eagerly grasped each new movement, and met his desires without reservation.

Leanna clung to her husband, as she felt her world careening out of control. The pleasure was so intense that she felt she couldn't bear it, and she sobbed as he surged inside her, nudging against her very core. Suddenly, she couldn't hold on any longer, and she clutched his flanks and screamed, as sweet release washed over her.

She felt as if she were drifting on a sea of delight, and she was vaguely aware of Trevor murmuring tender words in her ear, as he stroked the hair back from her face. She gradually floated back to earth and he began to move once more. She still felt somewhat disoriented until he bent and claimed her breast. He used his teeth to pull at her nipple until she gasped and came back to full awareness.

He was still inside her, moving slowly, and she began to answer with upward thrusts of her hips. With each stroke, he would withdraw almost completely and then ram fully into her, forcing her breath out on a moan.

"Wrap your legs around me," he urged her in a husky whisper.

She eagerly complied, allowing him to plunge into her even more forcefully. She was gratified to hear his groan of pleasure, and she gripped his flexing buttocks with her legs, urging him even deeper into her greedy pussy. They strained and struggled up the last plane of passion and finally burst over the edge together, clinging to each other as they floated listlessly on the waves of their pleasure.

Leanna could hear his rasping breath in her ear, and she smiled, hugging him to her with her arms and legs. As his seed poured inside her in hot, pulsing waves, she clung to him, strangely pleased by the notion that he had claimed her. A wave of tenderness washed over her at the thought of her strong husband lying so vulnerable and spent. She loved having him buried intimately inside her, and she savored the moments, reluctant for him to part from her.

Trevor finally rose up on his elbows. "Are you alright? Did I hurt you?"

The smile Leanna gave him took his breath away, and she surprised him by tightening her pussy around his slackening cock. Her eyes were sparkling with mischief as she ran the tip of her finger over his bottom lip.

"No," she grinned. "Can we do that again?"

His triumphant smile was elementally male, and he chuckled as he finally withdrew from her and pulled her against his side, groaning as if he were in pain.

"Easy madam! Give me a few moments to catch my breath."

Her cheek was resting on his chest, and she could hear the steady thump of his heart, still beating faster than usual. He nuzzled his face in her hair and breathed deeply of her woman's scent. He was entirely gratified to know that his assumption had been correct. His bride had a passionate nature that promised to match his own. Rising on one elbow to reach over her, Trevor handed her glass to her before taking up his own. He touched his glass to hers and grinned down at her.

"May our marriage bed always be a place of pleasure," he murmured with a lecherous grin.

Leanna smiled her agreement, giving a shy giggle, and they both drank deeply from the wine. They replaced their glasses on the table and Trevor fluffed the pillows and sat up against them, while Leanna snuggled against his side. She let her hand glide over his chest, running her fingers through the springy hairs that covered the wide expanse. Another giggle escaped her, and he smiled as he looked at her with a raised brow.

"What do you find so amusing, my sweet?"

She looked up at him with glowing eyes. "Its just that I can hardly believe I am here with you, a mere three days after I met you and that I have already married you and shared your bed. You certainly know how to get what you want." She murmured the last with a coquettish tilt to her head and a heavy southern accent worthy of a delicate Virginian belle.

Trevor chuckled, unable to resist her impish charm. He pulled her higher on his chest and ran his fingers through the tousled hair at her nape.

"When I see something I want, I go after it. And believe me," he paused as he reached down to fondle her breasts which were rubbing on his chest, "I wanted you from the first moment I set eyes on you."

Leanna's eyes dropped half-closed, as he firmly pinched her nipples with both hands. She sensuously rubbed her loins against his, wantonly offering herself to him again.

"Far be it from me to deny you," she murmured.

She could feel his erection growing hard once again against her belly, and she reached a hand under the sheet to tentatively stroke him. When she saw the size of him, her eyes widened, then they took on a lustful gleam.

Her smile was blatantly inviting, and Trevor sucked in a breath as he cocked one eyebrow at her.

"Are you sure you're not too sore?" he managed to inquire through gritted teeth. He desperately hoped not because he was already trembling with desire for her again.

In answer to his question, she rose up to kiss him, letting her breasts brush his chest suggestively. He crushed her in a fierce embrace, drinking her sweet response as his hands drifted down to cup her buttocks. He lifted her astride his hips, and her eyes opened wide in surprise as she felt his hardness probing the entrance to her newly stretched pussy. A look of confusion crossed her lovely features.

"What are you doing?" Leanna questioned.

Just then, he pulled her down, slowly and inexorably impaling her on his throbbing erection, and her eyes opened wide with surprise as she took him in to the hilt, her lips forming a silent 'oh'. She closed around him with velvety heat, and they both shuddered when he was fully seated within her.

Trevor encouraged her to move, using his hands to guide her. She quickly caught onto the rhythm and she began to pleasure him with her strokes. He was amazed by how completely she satisfied him, given her innocence, and he begin to question his long held belief that fulfillment could be found more readily with women who were experienced.

Propped on the pillows, he watched his slick cock disappearing into his wife's pretty pink pussy again and again. He marveled at the beautiful woman he had married, as she made love to him with her body. Her skin was lustrous in the sunlight pouring through the nearby window, and her fiery hair framed her pale body in a torrent of wayward curls.

Her tits bounced as her strokes grew bolder, and he couldn't resist the urge to reach up and cup their fullness in his hands. Her nipples were a delicate pink, hardened to tiny buds beneath his fingers, and she gripped his hands, encouraging him to squeeze and pinch the impudent tips. He readily complied, rolling her nipples between his fingers, eliciting small gasps from Leanna. 

She arched her back pressing her breasts more fully into his hands, and Trevor was enthralled to find that the harder he pinched her tits, the tighter her pussy clenched his cock. He pulled her down so that he could reach her nipples with his mouth, and growled with satisfaction when he discovered that Leanna's pussy clenched even tighter in reaction to his teeth. He used them to pull her nipples until she whimpered and her juices were running down her thighs.

Leanna braced her arms on the wall behind him and dangled her tits above his face, eager to satisfy his every urge. It was obvious that he loved to bite and pinch her breasts, and she was completely content to encourage him since it was bringing her such intense pleasure. Trevor devoured her, tasting and teasing, torturing her nipples with his teeth, as their passion grew even more frenzied.

His hands gripped her hips and forced her down onto his cock ever faster. She eagerly complied, and he found nothing tentative or shy about her response to his lovemaking. Indeed, she took his breath away with her boldness, spreading her thighs wider to take him deeper into her cunt.

She sat up, arching her back as she stroked him faster, and she reached down to grip his waist for balance. Trevor sought out her engorged clit, and he stroked it with his thumb, sending shards of delight racking through her slender body.

He rolled over, pinning her beneath him, and he took up her rhythm, pounding himself into her tight sheath with increasing force. Leanna clung to him, wrapping her legs around his waist, and she answered his bold thrusts. Their eyes met and locked, and she could see all the passionate heat burning in his eyes as he watched her. She raked her nails across his back as her desire grew even more intense, and they came together with a final shuddering stroke.

Once again, she couldn't suppress her screams of satisfaction, and shivers raced up his spine from the lovely sounds of her release. He buried his face in her shoulder, breathing in her sweet fragrance on ragged gasps, as he found his own fulfillment. He shot wad after wad of hot cum into her sweet little cunt as she clenched around him, milking every drop out of him.

He had never experienced such utter satisfaction, and he was amazed by the pleasure she had given him. It was a long time later when he finally withdrew from her and collapsed beside her on the pillows.

The remainder of their wedding day was spent in their cozy bed. They slept for a time, both exhausted from their lovemaking, and when they awoke, they cuddled and fondled, speaking in hushed voices of their aspirations for the future. They nibbled at the food on the bedside table, taking turns feeding one another and sharing lengthy kisses in between bites.

He couldn't keep his hands or his eyes from her lovely curves, and he returned to them frequently, only to find his bride eager to indulge his appetites. She responded readily to his touch and returned his caresses with tentative ones of her own. He had heard that most women shrank from their wifely duties, but he was pleased to find that Leanna embraced hers with an eagerness that astounded him, and it seemed she shared his insatiable appetites.

Finally, in late afternoon, Trevor left their bed to search out more substantial food for their dinner. He couldn't deny the sense of possessive satisfaction he felt when he rose from the bed and saw the tiny flecks of blood on the white sheets, evidence of her lost virginity. Following his gaze, Leanna blushed and looked away, but he sat beside her and stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Leanna. Every man wants to know that his bride is innocent and pure when he takes her for the first time. I assure you, there are many women who would kill to be able to provide such proof to their husbands on their wedding day."

Given his statement, Leanna suddenly wondered whether Trevor expected her to behave differently, more like a prim and proper wife. She hesitantly met his eye.

"I hope you don't think that I'm terribly," she paused and gestured lamely with her hands, trying to find the right words, "you must think I'm a whore, the way I've acted today," she finally muttered. She hadn't been able to contain her enthusiastic reactions to his lovemaking, and now she felt embarassed by her boldness.

His chuckle did much to reassure her, as he traced the contours of her bottom lip with his thumb. "It's okay for you to be my whore, Leanna. I want your willing response."

He waggled his brows at her wickedly with a teasing gleam in his blue eyes. He threw his head back and laughed when she flushed bright red. The fact that she blushed so readily and looked so charming with color riding high on her cheeks made him want to tease her more often, just to see her reaction.

"Now, my sweet little whore, promise me you will still be here in this bed waiting for me when I return with our food."

She smiled and gave him a coquettish glance from beneath her lashes, as she decided to do some teasing of her own. She released a mournful sigh.

"If that is the only way I can get any nourishment, then I suppose I must promise." 

She belied the reluctance in her statement when she reclined against the pillows, letting the sheet fall to her waist. She stretched and writhed sensuously on the bed, lifting the heavy mass of her hair above her head where it would not hinder his gaze as it roamed greedily over her naked breasts. She looked up at him, her eyes full of sultry promise.

"You will hurry back, won't you?" she sweetly inquired, running her hands suggestively over her tits and down over her glistening pussy, spreading the folds and noting that his eyes followed her every movement.

His gaze seared her flesh, and she let out a squeal of surprised delight when he pounced on her, capturing her hands to pin them on either side of her head as he straddled her waist. He used his knees to hold her tits together while he slid his cock between them. They both watched in fascination as he fucked her tits. Trevor finally slid his hips backward until he was lying on top of her, his throbbing erection cradled against her belly. 

"I thought you were going to go for food," Leanna said, staring up at him through wide innocent eyes, as she writhed invitingly beneath him, purposely stirring his passion even more.

"Later," he growled, biting one of her nipples until it throbbed. "Right now, I'm hungry for something else. Is my little whore hungry too? Is she hungry for my cock?" he whispered, biting down even harder.

He didn't have to ask twice, as she arched her back, surrendering her body once again. She opened her pussy wide for him and whimpered as she rubbed her wet pussy lips along the length of his cock. He suckled strongly on her breast, wringing a moan of pleasure from her lips.

As he buried himself in her heat and began to plunder her already sore pussy with pounding strokes, she smiled, glorying in her ability to arouse him. She definitely liked being his whore.



Marrying for Money Ch. 03



Note to readers: You really will get more out of this story if you read the first two chapters. The first installment doesn't have much sex, but it lays the foundation for the rest of the story and defines the main characters. Chapters 2 and 3 are alot more steamy. If any of you are like me, you like some good plot twists mixed in with the mating :)

I hope you enjoy reading my work as much as I enjoy writing it. There's still lots more to tell about the budding romance between Leanna and Trevor so on to our story...

The next several days began to run together, as the newlyweds settled into married life with ease. They shared a healthy sense of humor about the multitude of adjustments they each had to make in order for their separate lives to blend into one.

Trevor learned that his wife was definitely not an early riser. However, she never minded when he woke her with steamy kisses and bold caresses in the wee hours before dawn. He would usually start out by teasing her breasts, gradually increasing the pressure of his fingers squeezing her nipples until she was fully awake. By the time his fingers wandered into her crotch, it would already be swollen, wet and throbbing. He loved making her so needy, and he couldn't help but grin as he worked himself into her tight sheath.

Leanna was always eager to accommodate him, stretching her legs over his shoulders or wrapping them around his waist to open herself wider for him as she moaned with pleasure. Unlike other wives he had heard about, she never pleaded a headache or exhaustion. In fact, she begged him to take her, whispering naughty words of encouragement in his ear as he thrust into her, harder, faster, deeper. 

Her husky voice always sent him over the edge, then he would unload ropes of his hot, sticky seed into her, groaning as she convulsed around him with her own orgasm. Then, he would leave her peacefully slumbering while he went about the business of running his ship. He had to admit that being married definitely had its advantages. Being able to enjoy his beautiful wife whenever he wanted made this sea crossing more relaxing than he could have ever imagined.

Leanna was becoming so well trained that on the few mornings when Trevor didn't wake her up early, she would rouse on her own. He loved those times, when he would wake to feel her hand firmly stroking him while she whispered needy pleas into his ear. He would lay relaxed on his pillows, letting his wife have her way with his body, as she moaned and bounced herself up and down on his throbbing erection. He loved the feeling of her juices spilling down onto his groin while he squeezed her tender nipples into hard little nubs.

The funny part to him was that no one else would have ever guessed her true nature. She was as proper and ladylike as any woman he had ever known. She would smile or nod demurely to the men in his crew, always polite and friendly but never inappropriate. His men respected her and treated her like royalty. They had no idea that behind the closed door of their captain's cabin, his wife was an insatiable little whore, always ready to satisfy her husband's lust.

Trevor learned other things about his young wife, like what foods she liked, her taste in clothing, and that she had a keen mind and healthy curiosity. Leanna never bored him, as they discussed any number of topics, and he found more often than not, their opinions were similar on important issues. He learned that Leanna especially treasured her bath. Even though she had only a small washtub on board the ship and had to make do with seawater rather than fresh, her bath became a daily ritual.

One evening, he sat watching her while she bathed, his eyes following the water as it dribbled down her breasts and over her creamy thighs. Leanna looked up and caught him watching her with fiery passion smoldering in the sapphire depths of his eyes, and she rose from the tub, not even bothering to towel herself dry.

Her body was wet and glistening in the candlelight, and he felt the blood pounding into his groin as he watched her. She walked toward him with slow, seductive strides and straddled his outstretched legs. She stood over him, her firm breasts jutting out proudly and her delicious pink petals peeking out from beneath the fiery thatch of hair between her thighs. She could clearly see his erect penis straining beneath his pants, and she gave him a seductive smile.

"Did you want something, my husband?" she inquired sweetly.

Trevor raked his eyes over her body, so flagrantly on display for him. He pulled her closer and ran the pads of his fingers lightly over her slick folds. When he looked up at her, he raised one eyebrow and gave her a rakish grin.

"I think my little wife wants something even more than I do. Her little pussy lips are swollen and dripping with something besides water." When she blushed delicately, he chuckled. "Take whatever you like, my sweet."

Leanna needed no further encouragement, and she eagerly freed his erection from his pants, pulling them down around his hips. She sank to her knees and stroked his member reverently in both of her tiny hands, smiling when Trevor released a pained groan. His beautiful cock glistened with oozing fluid, and she bent down to lick the drops from the broad head. His skin was softer than rose petals beneath her tongue, and she moaned with delight.

She used her hot little mouth to pleasure him, licking, sucking and squeezing his throbbing cock as she gradually worked it deep into her throat until her nose was buried in his pubic hair. She moaned in encouragement when he gripped her head and flexed his hips, thrusting into her exquisite mouth. When Trevor was about to cum, he tried to lift her head, but Leanna squealed in protest and sucked him even harder, using one hand to caress his balls as she massaged him with her tongue. Trevor could only watch in amazement as his beautiful little wife sucked every drop of his seed down her throat, sighing with appreciation after she had swallowed.

"Ummm, you taste good," she said with a grin.

Leanna perched on Trevor's lap, straddling his hips with her thighs. Ignoring the fact that she had completely dampened his clothes, she smiled at him with sultry eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, as she gave him a slow, deep kiss. Their kisses became sweltering, and Trevor wasn't surprised to feel his cock growing hard once more. Trevor cupped the globes of her bottom with his hands and pulled her down onto his erection until he was buried to the hilt inside her.

As she began to move on him, her breasts bounced invitingly at his eye level, and Trevor didn't waste the chance to seize them. This only drove Leanna into a wilder pace, and she impaled herself on him with increasing force as she arched her back to take him deeper still. Trevor finally carried her, her legs locked around him, to the bed, and he spilled himself inside her once more before they both collapsed in satiated exhaustion.

As the days stretched into weeks and then months, Leanna realized that she had fallen hopelessly in love with her husband, and she was immensely thankful that she had taken the leap of faith of agreeing to marry him. Trevor was more than she had ever dreamed of for a husband, and she knew that she would never be able to deny him anything that he asked of her.

It hadn't escaped her notice that her husband had never spoken of love to her. Although he pampered her as his wife and strove continually to make her happy, he had never even hinted that he loved her. One night, caught in the throes of passion, Leanna had whispered that she loved him, and Trevor had gone totally still. He stared intently into her eyes for a long moment, before he resumed his movements, thrusting into her with powerful strokes until he drove her mindless with pleasure. That night, their lovemaking had been even sweeter than usual, as her husband took her to new heights of pleasure, but he hadn't answered her words of love. 

Thinking back on it the next morning, Leanna frowned at the memory, wondering if Trevor would ever return her love. She sensed from things he said, or failed to say, that his former fiancée had hurt him deeply, and Leanna could only hope that, given enough time, he would learn to trust her with his heart. In the meantime, she was determined to shower him with enough love to convince him.

********

Trevor stood on the deck of his ship, looking out on the horizon with a frown. It had been over two months since they left port in London, and he knew they would reach Virginia in another week or so. His thoughts were centered on his wife, as he mused on the changes she had brought about in his life. He had wanted to settle down and start a family, but he had planned to remain emotionally unattached to the woman he married. He wasn't going to give another woman the power to hurt him as Eliza had. He had planned to marry someone suitable, but not to let his heart get involved.

He smiled grimly as he thought about how miserably his plan was failing. His heart was succumbing to the charms of his beautiful and passionate wife, and he was helpless to resist. His thoughts returned to a few nights earlier, when she had declared her love for him. He had felt as if she pierced his heart with the words. He desperately wanted to believe her, but he had been a fool once before. Eliza had declared her love for him and given her body to him, and then she had betrayed him without a second thought. He had known Eliza his entire life, so if she could fool him so easily, how could he trust Leanna? She was, in large part, still a stranger to him.

Trevor thought about the incredible risk Leanna had taken, agreeing to become his wife and sailing away to a foreign country. He could interpret that to mean that she truly cared for him, except there was always the possibility that her actions were motivated by money. A niggling voice in his mind reminded him once again that he had given her the option to back out and still get the money she needed, but she hadn't taken it. How much weight could he place on her decision to go ahead with their marriage?


He wanted to trust in her, but after so many years of hurt, anger and bitterness, he found it hard to change his thinking. He frowned as he looked out over the waves. No, he wasn't going to give Leanna the same power to hurt him that Eliza had used. It was far better not to admit what he was feeling. If Leanna didn't know the power she had over him, then she couldn't use it against him.

Trevor was surprised to realize that the depth of feeling he had for Leanna far surpassed anything he had ever felt for his former fiancée. While Eliza's betrayal had hurt him deeply, he knew that if Leanna ever chose another man over him, it would completely devastate him. It really was pointless to debate whether he could trust her or not when his heart already belonged to her.

Still, Trevor was determined to take things slowly. He would see what the next few months brought, and if he and Leanna were still as happy as they were now, perhaps he would trust her enough to tell her how much he loved her. Until he was ready to speak the words, he would continue to cherish her with his actions.

Feeling some relief from his decision, Trevor suddenly felt a strong desire to return to his wife, and he turned over command of the ship to his first mate before making his way to their cabin. He entered to find Leanna bent over trying to make the bed. She was dressed only in her filmy chemise, and his eyes devoured her trim back and long shapely legs as he closed the door and threw the bolt in place. She smiled over her shoulder at him then turned back toward the bed, not pausing in her activity.

"Good morning," she bubbled brightly, not hearing his approach.

Trevor bent over her and enfolded her in a warm embrace as his hands began to wander over her ripe curves. His lips nuzzled at her neck, and he slipped a hand into the top of her chemise letting her breast fill his palm.

"Yes, it is a good morning. You look even more beautiful than on our wedding day, when I came in to find you in this exact same position."

As he spoke, his other hand unerringly found its way into the soft flesh between her thighs, and a moan of pleasure escaped her as she leaned back against him, encouraging his exploration.

Leanna smiled up at him from over her shoulder. "I thought you had work to do! What are you doing back so soon?"

"Are you complaining, my sweet?" he inquired, tweaking her nipple until shards of pleasure shot through to her belly.

"Never," she moaned, her head lolling onto his shoulder in delighted surrender. "You know when you touch me, I can't help myself, I become your little whore."

Trevor caught the hem of her chemise and whisked it off over her head before dropping it on the bed. Pulling her back against him, his hands roamed over her body feverishly, exploring each familiar curve and valley while bringing muted moans to her lips.


"And what a sweet little whore you are, Leanna. I must be equally weak where you're concerned. It seems I can't get enough of you."

He lifted her hips until she was kneeling on all fours on the edge of the bed as he unbuttoned his pants. He grasped her hips and thrust into her powerfully from behind without preamble, eliciting a gasp of surprise as he filled her. His eyes closed with satisfaction as he felt her close lovingly around him, and he sucked in a breath. He withdrew to plunge again into her velvety heat. Bracing herself on her arms, Leanna spread her knees wide, giving him better access.

Trevor cupped her breasts in his hands and firmly tweaked her nipples just the way she liked it, until they were tingling and hard. His hand drifted down to fondle her throbbing clit, and all the while, he possessed her with powerful strokes that lifted her knees off the bed.

He felt a tightening in his chest as he watched her responding to his lovemaking. She was so eager to please him, opening herself totally to his desire, and her unselfish lovemaking tugged at his heartstrings. He wanted so much to believe in her commitment and to dispense with these nagging doubts that plagued him.

When Trevor abruptly withdrew from her, Leanna mewled in disappointment before squealing with surprise when he flipped her over onto her back and knelt between her thighs. Her hips were almost hanging off the edge of the bed, and her pussy was fully displayed for her husband. He gazed at her, stroking her slick flesh for several moments before placing a gentle kiss on her engorged clit. Her head lolled on the mattress as she arched her hips up to his mouth, stroking her fingers though his hair in encouragement.

With one strong arm across her belly, kneading her sensitized nipple, Trevor devoured her. Her world careened out of control, as he slipped his hot tongue inside of her, branding her with his greedy mouth. He slid two fingers inside her, opening her vulnerable flesh for him to plunder as he growled his approval. He made love to her with his tongue, gently nibbling and probing. He gradually grew more aggressive nipping and suckling as she writhed upon the bed.

Leanna came with a hoarse scream, and as her juices flowed freely out of her pussy he lapped them up like the sweetest nectar. He worshipped her lush womanly body, wanting to give her as much pleasure as she gave him. When her thighs finally eased their trembling, Trevor kissed his way up her body until his lips could reach hers.

Leanna moaned, tasting her own muskiness on his mouth. She could feel the course fabric of his clothes chafing against her naked skin, and she rubbed her breasts against his chest in clear invitation. He grasped her knees, spreading her legs wide once more and looping them over his shoulders before he plunged into her. He suddenly seemed possessed with his own urgency as if he couldn't get enough of her, he couldn't get deep enough inside her. Leanna clung to him, opening her legs as much as she could as he possessed her with powerful thrusts. 

Looking down at her, her nipples taut and bouncing, her alabaster skin turned rosy from his touch, her fiery hair spread in waves upon the quilt, Trevor knew without a doubt that he loved her completely, but he closed his eyes to hide his emotions. Coming together with one final, deep thrust, they rode the waves of passion together, clinging to one another as they floated back to earth.

Leanna could feel the sticky heat of him pouring inside her, and she tightened around him welcoming his seed. Trevor lowered her legs and slumped onto her chest, his face buried in the crook of her neck as his breathing gradually slowed. She smiled as she clasped his face against her shoulder and stroked his sweaty cheek. She felt her love welling up to surround them both, and she closed her eyes and drifted with him, feeling the reassuringly steady beat of his heart against her own.

When Trevor finally withdrew from her and stood up to button his pants, she remained still, not trying to hide her body from him as she lay spread before him, her pussy pouting enticingly. His eyes freely roamed over her curves, and he couldn't resist the urge to plunge his fingers into her once more. He felt his love for her welling up inside him, and he was tempted to admit how he felt, but thoughts of Eliza's betrayal suddenly rose up to haunt him. Instead, he spoke with the bitterness of years of hurt and anger.

"You are mine, Leanna, always remember that. You belong to me. No other man will have you!"

As Trevor said the words, his eyes burned into hers. His vulnerability was evident in his clear blue eyes, and she felt her heart wrench with pain. It was as if he was speaking to someone else, and she knew with sudden certainty that he was thinking of the woman who had hurt him before. Without another word, he turned and strode from the room, closing the door with a definite click behind him.

Leanna curled into a miserable knot upon the bed and pulled a sheet up to cover her nakedness. It broke her heart to think that he could make such tender, passionate love to her while thinking of another woman, and she suddenly felt very dirty. After a long time, she rose, washed and dressed. She smoothed the covers on the bed, blinking back the tears that were stinging her eyes, and she went to the window where she could stare out over the waves. She had been hopeful until now that, given enough time, her husband would forget his former fiancée, but she wasn't so sure anymore. Although the day was bright and sunny, she had never felt more gloomy, and she released a deep sigh.

Trevor had never promised to love her, and she had married him knowing that he had been hurt in the past. If only she could make him understand that she was different from his precious Eliza. She didn't want any other man besides him. Trevor had aroused a passionate nature that she never knew she had before. Leanna knew that he was the only man she needed to satisfy her hunger, since he was the one who stirred that hunger in the first place.

Leanna gave a pensive sigh. Their lovemaking had been sweeter than ever, and she closed her eyes as she remembered the things he had done to bring her pleasure. Trevor's tenderness during their lovemaking didn't fit with the idea that he had been thinking of another while he held her. Leanna had to believe, for the sake of her own sanity, that she had somehow misunderstood his motives.

She turned from the window with determination to think positively, and she set about the business of tidying their cabin. She carefully folded her nightgown and put it away, before hanging up her husband's discarded shirt from the day before. She cleared away their breakfast dishes, placing them on a tray for the cabin boy to retrieve.

Looking around for something else to occupy her, she began tidying the papers on her husband's desk, a task she had never tackled before. She opened a drawer to put away his ship's log, and her eyes fell on a stack of letters, bound by a red ribbon. Her brow puckered in curiosity. She had never seen the letters before, and she had to take a closer look at them.




Marrying for Money Ch. 03



Leanna reached for the bundle with shaking fingers. The faint scent of a woman's perfume wafted to her nostrils. Leanna read the flowery script, and the name Eliza seemed to jump off the page to mock her. The letters hadn't been mailed, as there were no addresses or postage on the envelopes. More likely, these where letters she had given him during their courtship? Love letters? The letters were well worn, and it was obvious that Trevor had read and reread the letters many times. Leanna felt her heart constricting in her chest.

She replaced the letters and slammed the drawer shut, scrubbing her hands together as if they felt somehow unclean. There was only one explanation for why Trevor had kept the letters. He must still love Eliza, or at least he cared enough to want to keep her letters. Leanna took several deep breaths, but she couldn't suppress the tears that welled and spilled over her cheeks. She wiped at them angrily, drawing in a shuddering breath to steady her nerves. Finding the letters was simply too much after her earlier experience that day. She desperately wished for some reassurance that her husband truly cared for her. Surely he felt some affection for her and wasn't simply using her.

Her cheeks flushed red as she thought back on the many times she had given herself to Trevor like a wanton little slut. She remembered telling him that she loved him, and she cringed in shame. It cut Leanna to the quick to think that Trevor had taken her body, used her for his pleasure, while all the time he had been remembering another woman. After all, she did have her pride. That selfsame pride began to flay her with righteous anger. She refused to be anyone's fool!

Leanna sniffed at her tears and wiped her face dry. She squared her shoulders, and her chin took on a determined slant. She couldn't let her husband know how badly he had hurt her. It would simply be too much for her pride to bear. There was nothing she could do to change her past behavior, but Leanna was determined not to let him use her like a whore in the future. If Trevor wanted her to be warm and willing in his bed, he was going to have to prove that he cared for her!

When Trevor returned that evening, Leanna greeted him politely, but she didn't display her usual warmth. He frowned, wondering what was wrong with her, but he shrugged to himself, attributing her moodiness to the length of their journey and being cooped up in the tiny cabin. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, nuzzling her neck with kisses.

"We should be arriving in Virginia in a few more days, my sweet. You won't have to put up with this ship much longer."

Leanna stood stiffly in his arms and murmured something noncommittal in response. Trevor cocked a brow in question.

"Is there something wrong, Leanna? Are you feeling alright?"

Leanna pounced on his statement as a good ploy to avoid his attentions. "No, actually I'm not," she murmured frowning. "I don't think my lunch agreed with me, and I don't feel at all well. I think I should retire early, if you don't mind."

She held her breath, hoping he would believe her lie. Noticing her unease, Trevor studied her intently from over her shoulder, and then he suggestively rubbed one large palm over her flat belly.

"Is there any other reason why you might not be feeling well?" he asked softly.

Leanna was so preoccupied with her thoughts that it took several moments for the meaning of his question to sink in to her. When it did, she blushed hotly and broke out of his embrace, feeling irritated and flustered.

"No!" she cried. "It's nothing like that. I told you, it's just something I ate. Now, I would really like to go to bed, I'm tired."

Trevor nodded reluctantly and watched as she hurriedly changed into one of her more modest nightgowns, for once shielding her body from his gaze by keeping her back turned to him while she changed. She crawled between the sheets and gave him a tight smile before turning away to face the wall.

"Goodnight," she called quietly.

"Goodnight," he echoed, frowning in bemusement.

Trevor couldn't pinpoint anything in her behavior, but he somehow felt there was more to her mood than indigestion. However, he couldn't think of anything that may have disturbed her. In fact, she had been radiant in his arms that morning. Now, she seemed cold and distant. She had never been like that with him before, and even though he didn't know what he had done, he somehow felt she was upset with him.

Not feeling the least bit sleepy, he sat at his desk and began to work on some ledgers. He tried to concentrate, but his thoughts kept returning to Leanna, and his eyes strayed more and more often to where she slept in their bed. When Trevor realized a full hour had passed without him accomplishing anything, he frowned in irritation. He realized for the first time just how much he had come to enjoy their evenings together. He had sometimes felt lonely on board his ship before getting married, but this feeling was different.

Trevor missed more than just his wife's eager response to his lovemaking, although that titillated his senses. He missed Leanna's charming wit and her unfailing humor. Even when they sat in companionable silence, he always felt comforted by her presence. Now, he missed the easy camaraderie they had developed over the previous weeks.

Leanna lay still and quiet in the bed, facing the wall. She watched the tiny shadows dancing on the beams above her from the lantern on her husband's desk, and she swallowed to clear the lump in her throat. She was acutely aware of every movement Trevor made, and she longed to turn towards him and beckon him to join her in the bed. However, she was determined not to let him hurt her any more than he had already done.

She was his wife, not just his little plaything. Leanna would continue to show him respect and politeness, but she made up her mind not to respond to his advances any more until she could be certain that he cared for her. Even if he would never be able to love her like she loved him, the very least she expected was to have his undivided attention while he made love to her. Until then, he might insist that she share his bed, but she was resolved to do so only grudgingly. If he thought she would willingly let him fuck her while he mooned over his lost love, he could think again!

When Trevor finally doused the light and joined Leanna in bed, she kept her breathing steady and slow, pretending to be asleep. He bent over her and placed a fleeting kiss on her cheek and tucked the quilt up around her shoulder before snuggling against her back to find sleep himself. His outward show of tenderness brought fresh tears to Leanna's eyes, and she let them fall silently on the pillow, careful not to betray the fact that she was weeping.

The next morning, Leanna awoke to find a bright red glow suffusing their cabin from the large bay window. She rolled over and saw that Trevor had already left their cabin, and her heart ached at his absence. This was the first morning since their marriage that he hadn't made love to her in the predawn hours. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut against a fresh wave of tears and forced herself to take several deep, calming breaths.

Leanna felt incredibly weary after enduring a nearly sleepless night. She had dozed fitfully, waking several times to find herself cuddled against the warmth of her husband, her thigh riding intimately between his. Each time, she had pulled away to the far side of the bed, trying to avoid his touch as much as possible. However, it was as if he craved her touch as well, because he kept sidling closer to her in his sleep until she was nearly wedged against the wall.

Heaving a deep sigh, she finally rose from the bed, tying the belt of her robe around her slender waist as she went to look out over the ocean. The sky was spectacular, with rosy streaks in all the clouds. Leanna grimaced, wishing that she had a loving husband here with her to enjoy the view.

When she emerged from the companionway some time later, she was amazed by the level of activity on deck. Sailors were climbing high into the rigging to check the sails and adjust them where necessary, under their captain's watchful eye. Everyone scurried around, giving her the barest of greetings in their haste to carry out their duties, and she frowned in confusion as she made her way to her husband's side.

Trevor seemed to sense Leanna's presence, and he turned to watch her as she approached him. His eyes scanned her features, noticing the dark circles beneath her eyes and her pale cheeks, and he frowned in concern.

"Good morning, my sweet. Didn't you sleep well?" he inquired.

Looking away, she gave him a polite answer. "Not really. I couldn't seem to get settled. I'm sorry if I disturbed you."

Trevor refrained from telling her that the only things that had disturbed him were wondering what had upset her and not being able to make love to her. Instead, he placed a protective arm around her shoulder and turned to survey the efforts of his men once more.

"Well, you should stay below deck for most of the day. Try to get some rest while you can. We'll have our hands full by this afternoon, so I doubt that I'll be able to join you for lunch."

Leanna frowned again as she watched the men working frantically. "Yes, I noticed everyone was rushing about. What is happening?"

He gave her a grim smile. "Haven't you ever heard the old seafarer's expression 'Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky at morn', sailor's be warned'?"

Leanna shook her head, sending her fiery curls bobbing prettily. "No, I've never heard that."

Trevor chuckled and squeezed her shoulder. "Well, it means that we are likely to be in for a storm today or tonight, so everyone is busy with preparations. I had a feeling that our crossing had been a bit too smooth so far. We've had nothing but fair winds, and that's odd."

Leanna's eyes widened in surprise as she looked out over the water. The waves were tranquil, indeed more so than usual, and the wind was barely blowing.

"Are you sure there's going to be a storm? I mean, it looks so calm today."

He chuckled lightly. "Believe me, my sweet. By tonight, we may be riding forty foot waves, and we need to be sure we're ready."

Leanna looked up at her husband's handsome face, and she felt her heart constrict in her chest. She longed to reach up and kiss him and murmur words of encouragement and support, but she swallowed the words.

Instead, she said, "well, I'll leave you to your work." Giving him a crisp nod, she turned and picked her way carefully to the stairs.

As Trevor watched her go, he felt a cold lump settle into the pit of his stomach. Something was definitely wrong, but he didn't have the time just then to question his wife. He longed to follow her and get to the bottom of her reserved behavior, but he knew he was needed above deck today. Whatever was troubling her would have to wait until at least tomorrow. Squinting up at the sky, he frowned sharply. In fact, it might be several days.

Sure enough, a storm began raging in the late afternoon. The cabin boy appeared, at his captain's bidding, to instruct Leanna on how to prepare the cabin and herself for the rough ride they would have to endure. He showed her how to tie herself into the bed so that she wouldn't fall out during rough seas, and she merely stared at him agog. Surely the seas wouldn't get that rough? However, she listened dutifully and followed his instructions on putting any loose items away where they wouldn't be thrown around. All the doors and drawers were latched shut, and she finally understood the necessity for having the furniture nailed down.

For the first time, Leanna felt queasy from being tossed around mercilessly, and she finally had to resort to using the small bucket that had been provided for just such occasions. As the night wore on, the ship was buffeted about with increasing force, much like a moth in a windstorm, and she feared for their safety. Trevor didn't join her in the cabin, as his crewmen needed him to steer them through the terrible storm, but she could occasionally hear him as he bellowed out orders to be heard above the raging winds.

Leanna sat alone, braced in their bed and cringing in fear as loud thunder crashed outside and lightning lit the sky. She prayed fervently that they would be safe, and she could only wonder about the men's welfare as they moved about on the deck, being pelted by the driving rains, icy sleet and heavy winds.

Trevor finally stumbled into their cabin near dawn. He was soaking wet and shivering, and Leanna leaped from the bed to help him strip his icy clothes. Bracing against the tilting of the ship, she led him to a chair before the fire and wrapped him in a heavy quilt against the chill. His face and hands were grayish from the cold, and he watched her listlessly as she hurried to prepare him a steaming mug of tea, heavily laced with strong whiskey. She had to time her movements to counter the rolling of the ship, and she was careful not to fill the mug too full, lest he dump the entire contents onto his lap.

Trevor drank the tea, and a bit of color began to return to his cheeks. In mere moments, his head was lolling against the back of the chair, and Leanna was not surprised to see that he had fallen into an exhausted slumber. She took the cup from his limp fingers and stoked the fire to keep the cabin warm, before she braced herself into the chair opposite her husband, watching over him throughout the morning. Her eyes traced his firm jaw, with its dark shadow of stubble. Even as he was, unshaven and unkempt, he was incredibly handsome, and her heart lurched as she watched him. How she wished he could love her as she did him. Maybe, if she were patient enough, someday he would.

Trevor opened his eyes and saw his sleeping wife sitting across from him. She had drawn her legs up into the chair, wedging herself in so she wouldn't fall out when the waves tossed the ship around. Her small toes peeked out from beneath the hem of her robe, causing him to smile. Her lips were slightly parted, and his eyes traced where her velvet robe hugged her generous curves. He longed to wake her with kisses, but he swallowed down the urge.

Instead, he rose quietly and dressed in dry clothes, bracing himself against the pitching deck to stay upright. He quickly ate a hunk of cheese and a small loaf of bread that had been left from the evening before, before washing them down with another mug of whiskey laced tea. Finally ready to face his duties again, he left the cabin on silent feet.

The next two days passed in much the same way. The only times Leanna saw Trevor were when he stumbled to their cabin to change into dry clothes, grab a bite to eat and sleep for a few brief hours. By the third day, his jaw was covered with thick, black stubble, and his face was heavily lined with exhaustion. Leanna couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. As captain of the ship, he got less rest than anyone else, as he bore the burden of responsibility for the welfare of everyone on board. She wished she could do something to help him, but as long as the storm raged outside, there was little she could do except be ready to assist him when he came to their cabin.

Finally, on the fourth morning, he stumbled into their cabin, waking Leanna from her fitful dozing in their bed. She frowned in confusion. Something seemed wrong. It finally occurred to her that the waves had calmed considerably, and the wind no longer howled so fiercely outside the window. She rose to help her husband strip off his wet clothes and he stumbled to their bed, unwilling even to have a cup of tea first. He fell asleep almost immediately, and Leanna shrugged as she decided to join him in the cozy haven.

Several hours later, she felt his warm, questing hand kneading her breast. Her eyes opened wide, and she half turned to see that he was awake and was beginning to nuzzle her neck with feathery kisses, his course whiskers scratching her skin delightfully. He bent and possessed her lips with a kiss so sweet and tender it made Leanna's heart ache with longing.

Remembering her resolve, she started to turn away, but his hand became more insistent, undoing the buttons on the front of her gown to slip inside and caress her naked flesh. She trembled beneath his touch, wanting to refuse him, but unable to deny the cravings of her own youthful body. She lay still and unresisting as he pressed her shoulders flat onto the bed and undid the remaining buttons of her gown.

A shiver of anticipation racked Leanna's slender frame as Trevor slowly spread the two sides, baring her body to his heated gaze, assessing her almost reverently. He watched his hands as they traced her breasts, her waist, her flat belly, her creamy thighs, and finally returned to caress her nipples, already puckered into tight buds.

"You are so beautiful," he breathed, bending to suckle her nipple.

Leanna trembled beneath him, stubbornly resisting the urge to arch her back or run her fingers through his thick hair. She bit her lip against a moan of pleasure and stayed motionless beneath his questing mouth. If he noticed her lack of response, he didn't react, simply moving on to her other breast to repeat his sweet coercion. His hand drifted down to explore her soft folds, and he found them already moist and swollen, attesting to her body's willingness. He stroked her, and this time Leanna was unable to suppress a moan when he slid two fingers into her scalding heat.

"My sweet little whore," Trevor murmured as he scraped her nipple with his rough whiskers. "You're so lovely and wet for me. Spread your thighs for me, my angel. I want you."

Leanna groaned with frustration, as she complied. He hadn't said he loved her. He only wanted her body, and though she hated to admit it, her body wanted him desperately too. Even if her mind and her heart would have liked to refuse him, she found herself surrendering once again.

Trevor knelt between her outstretched thighs and entered her with one long, slow thrust. He let his head fall back on his shoulders, as he luxuriated in the velvety softness closing around him. He fit inside her so perfectly, it was pure ecstasy.

Their lovemaking was fast and passionate, not taking long for them to find their mutual fulfillment, and he withdrew from her almost at once. Trevor brushed a fleeting kiss across Leanna's temple and turned over on his back to fall asleep beside her. Her throat ached with unshed tears as she watched him sleeping. She desperately wanted to curl against his side as she usually did, but her pride wouldn't let her.

Instead, she curled on her side facing away form him. She wondered forlornly if she had made a terrible mistake by accepting his proposal. Surely it would have been preferable never to have met him than to spend an entire lifetime loving him desperately but knowing he would never return her love. The knowledge that she was unable to resist his touch, even knowing that he didn't truly care for her made her want to curl up and die. She finally gave in to her tears, and quiet sobs wracked her slender shoulders as her husband slept beside her, sated and oblivious.



Marrying for Money Ch. 04



They reached Virginia the following afternoon, the storm having propelled them toward their goal at an accelerated pace. Leanna busied herself in their cabin, carefully packing their belongings into the cases and trunks while the men docked the ship and scrambled to secure all the sails. Then, there was the precious cargo to be unloaded, and Leanna repeatedly heard her husband's voice as he called out orders to his crew. 

As the hours dragged on, Leanna became increasingly nervous about her impending meeting with Trevor's family. Would they like her? Would she like her new home? What would her role be? These questions and many more floated in her head as she paced before the window, fidgeting nervously. When Trevor suddenly appeared, she nearly jumped out of her skin in her agitation.

Trevor eyed her with concern as he closed the door behind him and crossed to her side. He turned her to face him and placed a finger beneath her chin, assessing her pale cheeks and the faint circles beneath her eyes. Last night, when he had woken her to make love, she had hung back, resisting his caresses as long as she could before giving in. He had wondered about it then, but he had been too aroused, and afterward too tired to delve into her reasoning. Now, he was determined to find out what was wrong, because his wife was definitely not herself. He tenderly traced her bottom lip with his thumb.

"What's the matter, Leanna?"

"Nothing, I'm fine."

Leanna looked down at her hands resting on his wide chest. How could she confront him about Eliza when he had never made any promises of love to her? Her pride wouldn't allow her to beg for his affection nor to admit the depth of her own love for him for as long as it wasn't returned. The last thing she wanted was to become a whining, nagging wife.

Trevor wasn't satisfied with her lame answer, and he pressed her further. "Have I done something to hurt you? If I have, I'm sorry."

"No, I'm just tired from the long journey. I'm anxious to see your home."

"Our home," he corrected with a smile. "I hope you will come to love it as much as I do." He paused for a moment, causing her to fidget under his close scrutiny. "Are you sure there is nothing else you want to discuss with me. I've noticed over the past few days that you seem somehow different, more reserved." He waited patiently for her answer as the moments stretched out in silence.

So he had noticed the changes in her, Leanna thought with surprise. She had begun to wonder if he even cared what she thought or felt. She shook her head slowly, unable to meet his gaze. 

"No. I . . ." she stammered briefly, grasping for an excuse, "I'm not feeling all that well, because it's almost time for my monthly," she mumbled, blushing profusely from giving the lie. It had never been easy for her to lie about anything, and she bit her lip to still its quivering.

Trevor's brows raised in momentary surprise. He was still growing accustomed to the intricacies of his wife's monthly cycles, and he hadn't been thinking about that. He flashed her one of his roguish grins and assumed her blush was simply due to the delicacy of her statement.

"I had thought you might not have a monthly. I had begun to wonder if we had managed to make a baby together," he said softly, watching for her reaction.

Leanna's blush darkened by several shades, and she shifted uncomfortably beneath his gaze. "Would you like that?" she whispered. "To have a baby, I mean?"

Trevor brushed a wayward lock of her hair back from her upturned face, bending to catch her glance. "It is my fondest wish to have a baby with you," he breathed. "I'll be the proudest papa you've ever seen."

Leanna's gaze was snared by his compelling stare, and she finally broke the contact and turned to look out the window. Trevor wrapped his arms around her from behind and nuzzled the side of her neck.

"Of course, once you do get pregnant, there may be a few months when I won't get to enjoy your luscious little body," he murmured in a husky whisper.

His hands drifted up to cup both of her breasts and he began to twist her nipples nice and hard. Just as expected, she moaned and arched in his arms, thrusting her tits into his hands. He loved the way her body responded to his touch so readily, begging him to use her for his pleasure, and his voice took on a teasing note.

"On second thought, I don't think I'm ready to be without the services of my sweet little whore just yet. Maybe we should hold off on making a baby for a while longer. We are still newlyweds you know. There's no need to rush things."

The combination of Trevor's words, his hands, and those hot little kisses he was trailing down the side of her neck were enough to cause Leanna to soak her pantalets. Noticing that she was uncomfortable from his teasing, he chuckled and hugged her to his chest, breathing in her intoxicating scent. He could smell her delicious pussy, and he knew she was dripping wet.

"Oh Leanna, my sweet. You are truly enchanting. I can't seem to get my fill of you, and the more I indulge my appetites, the hungrier I become."

The words were galling to Leanna, as she stood surrounded by his strong embrace. He seemed to be confirming her suspicion that he thought of her as his plaything. Still, she could not summon the will to reject him, and she stood pliant in his arms.

With a sigh, Trevor finally released her and looked down at her with a boyish grin. "As much as I would like to bury myself inside you, now is not the time. It's time you had your first look at your new home. It will take at least two hours to get there, so we'd better get going."

Leanna tried to hide her disappointment as he ushered her out of their cabin. Trevor carried her cases in one hand and the small trunk with his clothes in the other. Once they got on deck, he turned over their luggage to one of the ship's mates with instructions to have them loaded onto his coach, and he tucked his wife's arm through his own to escort her off the ship. She waved goodbye and smiled to the many sailors who gathered to see them off, and they returned her smile, doffing their caps and waving.

As they descended to the pier, Leanna's eyes scanned her surroundings with curiosity. The docks reminded her of London, but on a much smaller scale. The waterfront was teeming with activity, as fisherman hawked their wares and harlots strolled about in scandalously revealing dresses. Several of them would have made a move toward Trevor, but Leanna chilled them with a cold glare and hugged his arm tighter against her bosom. She might have to concede that her husband was still in love with his former fiancée, but she would be damned before she would share him with a prostitute! She bristled when her husband chuckled beside her. He hadn't missed her jealous display, and he bent low to whisper in her ear.

"Don't worry, my sweet. These women have no idea that I am married to my own private little whore, and I have no need for their services."

Leanna narrowed her eyes as she flushed with anger and humiliation. How dare he taunt her! She turned away with a flippant shrug of her shoulders, but his repeated chuckle told her he wasn't fooled by her feigned disinterest in his sex life.

"What town is this?" Leanna finally inquired, not looking at her husband. She was still angry at him for teasing her, but her curiosity about this place was getting the better of her.

"This is Norfolk, but our home is almost a two hour drive inland. You cannot imagine how much the whole area has changed since the war. It took quite a toll on the people and the city, but now everything is thriving and growing so fast, I sometimes have a hard time recognizing the city."

As he spoke, Leanna saw a group of soldiers ambling down the pier, their dark blue uniforms making them stand out in the crowd. They all tipped their hats to a group of young ladies who were strolling along the boardwalk, but the ladies lifted their chins and turned away in pointed dismissal.

"Why are there still soldiers here if the war is over?" she inquired, chancing a glance at Trevor.

He met her gaze and smiled grimly. "It's part of the plan for reconstruction. The Yankees are here to keep us all in line and make sure we abide by the new laws they have imposed. It's martial law, in effect."

Leanna turned back to watch the soldiers as they disappeared from view. It was obvious from her husband's tone of voice that he was very bitter about the war, and she longed to offer a comforting word or gesture, but she remained silent. Only a few minutes had passed before a gleaming black coach pulled up, and Trevor gave instructions as their cases were loaded. Once they were inside, the coach lurched into motion.

Leanna reminded him of an eager child, as she took in their surroundings, sometimes pressing her face close to the window to get a look at something before it disappeared from view. Trevor smiled at her obvious enthusiasm, and he felt his chest swell with love for the charming woman beside him. She was so full of life and eagerness that she made him notice things as if for the first time.

As was quickly becoming his habit, he thanked Fate for dropping Leanna into his lap. More and more, he was convinced that they were meant for one another, and he couldn't imagine any other woman fulfilling the role of his wife. Every day he spent with Leanna brought him closer to making a declaration of love and loyalty, and strangely that notion didn't scare him as much as it once had.

Only when they finally passed through the outskirts of the city and entered the rolling hills of the countryside did Leanna relax back against the seat. However, she still kept her gaze on the view outside the window, not wishing to be drawn into a discussion with her husband. Trevor gave a slight frown of puzzlement as he watched her. He was at a loss as to how to get her to open up to him.

"You're awfully quiet," he finally drawled. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Leanna turned to meet his gaze and found real concern in his eyes. "Yes, I'm fine, thank you. I'm just a bit tired and anxious to reach your . . . our home."

He watched her closely, wondering what she wasn't telling him. He sensed that he had done something to hurt her, but he didn't know what. He placed a protective arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side, as he settled comfortably into the corner of the seat.

"Why don't you sleep for a while? It'll be a couple of hours before we get home, and you could use the rest."

Leanna laid her head on his shoulder, eager to comply with his suggestion since it would relieve her of the necessity to answer his probing questions. However the idea of being able to sleep while she was nestled against his firm chest and his nearness played on her womanly senses seemed ludicrous to her. It was therefore surprising that before long, she was barely able to hold her eyes open, the rolling motion of the coach lulling her into a pleasantly drowsy state. It seemed like only moments later when the coach pulled to a stop, and Trevor squeezed her shoulder gently.

"We're home, my sweet."

Leanna's eyes flew open as he murmured the words close to her ear, and she jolted upright to look through the window. Trevor chuckled warmly and reached to open the door. Stepping down, he turned back to assist her, giving her a lopsided grin.

"Come, Leanna. You can see much better from outside."

Leanna gasped as she gazed around at her surroundings, gaining her fist sight of her new home. The plantation house was a huge, impressive structure, standing stark white against a background of breathtaking green hills. Although it was massive, it had been well designed, and its elegant lines blended seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. The house was two stories high, and a wrap around balcony was supported by elegant columns. A multitude of windows faced the front, framed by green shutters, and there was a wide porch that extended around the entire house.

Several huge oak trees framed the house, bathing it in thick shade and giving it an air of relaxed gentility. As far as she could see, fields of rich black dirt were ready for spring, when they would be planted with various crops, and a long row of outbuildings faced along the side of one nearby field. Everything was immaculately kept, with care and pride evident everywhere she looked. She turned to look at Trevor in wonder. It was obvious that he must be extremely wealthy to maintain such a large plantation. For some reason, she had been expecting a modest home, never dreaming that he was so rich.

Trevor winked at her with humor, guessing the path of her thoughts and pleased to see that she liked his home. "Welcome to The Meadows," he murmured in a husky voice.

He didn't wait for her to answer, but took her arm in his and lead her to the wide steps just as the front door burst open and a young man bolted outside. Leanna could see instantly that he must be Trevor's brother, for the two looked enough alike to be twins. Steven had the same coloring and general build, although Leanna noted that he was a couple of inches shorter than her husband.

"Welcome home, Trevor," Steven called with a broad grin, as he rushed to meet them. He eyed Leanna with curiosity, giving her a smiling nod of greeting.

Trevor clasped his younger brother in a fierce hug, clapping him on the back. "It is good to be home again," he said sincerely. "Steven, I would like you to meet my wife, Leanna."

Trevor turned to pull her forward into the crook of his arm, and Steven's face registered clear shock at the announcement. A slow smile spread across Steven's face as he scanned her features, and he reached to bring her hand up to his lips.

"Well, a wife is the very last thing I expected Trevor to bring home, but I have always loved surprises! I can certainly see why he chose you as his bride. My brother has always had excellent taste in all things of beauty, and he's outdone himself this time. Welcome to the family!"

Leanna blushed from his profuse compliments but felt instantly at ease with his friendly manner, and she gave him a dazzling smile, deep dimples appearing in her cheeks. "Why thank you. You are very kind, and Trevor has told me so many things about you."

"Well, don't believe everything he tells you about me. I'm really as innocent as a lamb."

"That is highly unlikely," came a smooth feminine drawl from behind him.

They all turned to see a young woman approach. She had rich auburn hair and large brown eyes, and she moved with grace as she came to stand beside Steven, even though she appeared to be in the late stages of pregnancy. She was pretty and petite, and she was clearly comfortable in the role of Steven's wife. She gave Steven a teasing grin.

"If you were as innocent as you claim, I wouldn't look like this." She rubbed her swollen belly, making them all laugh.

Steven placed an arm around her shoulders and faced his brother and sister. "This is my wife, Amanda," he announced. "Amanda, you already know Trevor and this is his wife, Leanna."

Amanda blinked with momentary surprise before she gave Trevor a warm smile. "Welcome home Trevor! We have been wondering when you would be here and whether you would arrive before or after the baby."

Trevor clasped her hands as he kissed her cheek and returned her smile. "I'm glad to be home again. I confess that when Steven wrote and told me he was marrying Amanda Wentworth, all I could remember of you was a scrawny little girl, all knees and elbows. I'm pleased to see that you've grown into a beautiful young woman. My faith in my brother's good sense has been restored. But you must be a patient woman to put up with the antics of my crazy brother," he teased her lightly.

Amanda chuckled with humor. "I don't put up with them, I simply put a stop to them."

Steven shrugged and both Trevor and Leanna laughed at his unrepentant grin. Amanda finally turned toward Leanna with a somewhat stilted smile, and her mouth appeared almost pinched as she extended her hand in greeting.

"It is nice to meet you, Leanna. It will be nice to have another woman around the house."

The coolness in Amanda's eyes belied her kind words, but Leanna clasped her hand in greeting. "I'm pleased to meet you as well, Amanda. I hope we can become friends."

Trevor and Steven seemed oblivious to the chill between their wives. They ushered them inside, speaking in excited voices about the journey and the news of the plantation. As they entered the house, Leanna's eyes skimmed the rooms, awed by their elegance and the obvious good taste of the person who had decorated them. Trevor pointed out various items of interest, and she was surprised to find that almost all of the furnishings had been purchased in the past few years. 

"The Yankees didn't leave much," he said bitterly. "We lost everything but the house itself. I added furnishings slowly, as we were able to afford them."

"You did this? You decorated the house?" Leanna's amazement was evident on her face, and Trevor and Steven couldn't help but laugh at her reaction.

Steven was still chuckling as he commented. "I told you, my brother has excellent taste in all things of beauty."

Amanda turned to Leanna with a stiff smile. "It will still be a few hours before dinner. Why don't I show you to your room and you can settle in and freshen up a bit, while I arrange to have two more places set," she suggested.

Leanna nodded her agreement and followed her up to a large master suite. The room was decorated in cool blue and mint green, and Leanna wandered around, noting the luxurious appointments and the gleaming hard wood floors, interspersed with thick, plush rugs. A huge four poster bed dominated the room, and there were two tall wardrobes in opposite corners, presumably his and hers. There was a dressing table with a matching stool, and a beautiful desk with quills, ink and paper.

Several tall windows and a set of French doors opened, just as she had suspected, onto the wide balcony, bathing the room in an abundance of light and giving it a cheerful glow. Leanna opened one of them and, ignoring the chill, she stepped out to admire the breathtaking scenery. A river wound lazily through rolling fields of deep, luscious green, and she could see for miles all around. Amanda came to stand beside her.

"Everything you see around you and more is part of this plantation," she stated crisply, the pride evident in her voice. "Steven and Trevor have worked tirelessly to restore The Meadows to its former splendor, and as you can see, they have succeeded marvelously."

Leanna turned to her and smiled warmly. "It is lovely. You must be very proud."

Amanda seemed to be measuring her reaction. "Yes I am. I have been very happy here." She eyed her closely. "Steven and I had no idea that Trevor was planning to wed. Have you known each other for very long?"

Leanna bristled slightly but forced herself to remain outwardly calm. It was natural that Amanda would be curious about her, and she answered carefully.

"No, we met not long before Trevor was intending to return here. We had a whirlwind courtship and decided to wed."

Amanda raised one brow, nodding slightly. "Oh, so you really didn't have much time to get to know one another. It must not have been a love match then." She ran her hand absently over the smooth wood of the railing. "Were you intrigued by the prospect of being the lady of such a grand plantation?"

Leanna felt a flush of anger tinge her cheeks, and she met the other woman's gaze directly. "If you are implying that I married Trevor for his money, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, I thought he was merely a ship's captain and the owner of a moderately successful shipping company. He didn't tell me much about his home or his holdings. I certainly didn't know that he was so wealthy."




Marrying for Money Ch. 04



Amanda nodded slowly. "Really? It must come as a pleasant surprise then." Her tone implied that she didn't believe Leanna's statement.

Leanna cocked her head slightly to one side as she returned her cool stare. "Why is it that you already dislike me so, when you don't even know me? Are you afraid that I'll somehow undermine your position here, because I assure you, that is not my intention."

Amanda straightened her shoulders and narrowed her eyes slightly. It was clear that Leanna had struck a chord.

"I'm not the least bit afraid of that," she denied, although the words didn't sound convincing in the least. "It's just that I know you are not the right woman for Trevor. He will never love you the way he does Eliza."

Leanna took a step backward as if she had been struck. She felt the blood draining from her face, and she was shocked that Amanda could be so hurtful.

"You know about Trevor's relationship with Eliza?" Leanna asked carefully.

Amanda laughed. "I have known Eliza for most of my life. She is one of my oldest and dearest friends."

Leanna pretended to know more than she did. "Then you must know how much she hurt Trevor. I'm sure he will never forgive her."

Amanda merely shrugged. "I wouldn't count on that, Leanna. It is amazing what love can transcend, and I have no doubt that Trevor loves Eliza deeply. Why, everybody knows that he has been mourning over her for years. I'm sure he only married you because he thought she was lost to him forever."

Leanna took a deep breath to steady her nerves before replying. "I don't know whether Trevor could ever forgive her or not, but it really doesn't matter now. He is married to me!" She was amazed by the possessiveness in her voice, but she stared evenly at the other woman.

"Yes, he is. I don't know how you enticed him so quickly, but it will be interesting indeed to see how everything works out. Things always do, you know." With that, Amanda turned to leave but paused in the doorway. "Dinner is at seven o'clock. Oh I forgot to mention that we are having a guest, so please dress accordingly." She turned and left without another word.

Leanna crossed to the bed and collapsed onto its side. Her entire body was trembling. This unexpected attack couldn't have come at a worse time, when she already felt vulnerable and insecure. She wasn't at all confident that Trevor would ever return her love, and the last thing she needed was to be reminded that he still loved another woman. She fell back on the massive mattress and stared up unseeingly at the lace canopy overhead. She wasn't sure how she was going to coexist in this house with a woman who so obviously resented her. Hearing a knock on the door, she turned to see a young woman peeking in at her.

"Come in," Leanna bade her quietly.

The woman gave her a friendly smile and bobbed her head as she entered. She was petite and pretty, with curly red hair framing her heart shaped face. Her Scottish ancestry was readily discernible by her eyes that were twinkling blue, and her nose and cheeks were covered with a smattering of freckles. She curtsied to Leanna.

"I'm Camilla, ma'am. I'll be your maid, and I came to see if you would like to have a bath and freshen up a mite before dinner."

Leanna returned her smile, instantly charmed by the young woman's friendly manner and her lazy southern drawl. "That would be lovely. I confess to feeling quite grimy after our voyage."

"You just relax, and I'm going to have your bath ready in no time, ma'am." She bobbed her head once more before leaving.

It was only a short time later when Leanna was comfortably ensconced in the large claw footed tub in the dressing room, which connected to their bedroom. She luxuriated in the smooth, steamy water, such a pleasant change after her seawater baths during the crossing. She eyed the small vials of scented oil on a nearby stool and chose one of fragrant lavender, which she dribbled in her bath. Camilla had piled her hair on top of her head in a heavy mass, and the steam caused wisps of it to hang down, curling around Leanna's face and neck. She leaned back against the rim of the tub, closing her eyes in blissful relaxation. It was several minutes later when she heard some small noise and opened her eyes to see Trevor leaning against the doorjamb, watching her. He had a lecherous grin on his handsome face, as his eyes roamed over his wife with proprietary thoroughness.

Leanna blushed, aware that he could see everything through the clear water, but unwilling to cringe beneath his smoldering regard. She turned aside and lifted a sponge to begin washing herself, totally conscious of his eyes as they followed her every movement.

"Did you want something?" she inquired, trying to pretend indifference.

Trevor's smile was wolfishly sensual as he raised a wicked brow. "The last time you asked me that, as I recall, you got out of the bath and gave me just what I wanted."

Leanna's color deepened even further as she remembered her wanton actions on that night, but she refused to meet his stare. "Yes, well, that time I wasn't so tired. Besides, there really isn't much time before dinner."

Releasing a long sigh of disappointment, Trevor came to stand over her, planting one hand on either side of the tub and leaning very near her startled face, his lips only a hair's breadth from her own. "I assure you, my sweet, were you not so tired, we could make the time."

His eyes dropped to where her nipples peaked out from the surface of the water, the soap making foaming rivulets around them, and he couldn't resist the temptation to trace those rosy crests with his finger, fascinated by the way they bobbed in the water. He heard her sharp intake of breath, and he met her gaze once again, masculine confidence written in the lines of his smile. 

"As it is, I'll just have to wait until tonight." He bent and possessed her lips with a scorching kiss, stealing her breath with the heat of his passion. When he finally ended the kiss, they were both considerably aroused. "We'll continue this later," he murmured, desire smoldering in the sapphire depths of his eyes as they dipped once more to the enticing view of her bosom.

He sighed again as he straightened and strode from the room. Leanna finally released the breath she had been holding since he bent over her. Her breasts tingled from his attentions, and she longed to call him back to lift her from the bath and carry her to his bed. Instead, she finished washing and toweled dry before donning a satin wrapper.

When she entered their bedroom, she found Trevor, standing in front of a tall mirror unbuttoning his shirt. He smiled at her as she entered, and she could feel his eyes following her as she went to the tall wardrobe where Camilla had placed her clothes. Leanna turned her back to him, acutely aware that he watched her in the mirror as she dropped her robe and donned her chemise, pantalets and corset. She could feel his gaze on her, but she pretended not to notice as she kept her back turned toward him.

"Would you mind lacing me up," she asked quietly, crossing to his side and presenting her back to him.

Trevor had performed the service for her numerous times during their voyage, and she stood still while he cinched her into her corset. When he had finished, he pulled her back against him and wrapped his arms around her, meeting her startled gaze in the mirror. He placed one arm beneath her breasts, pushing their fullness up until it threatened to overflow. His other hand slipped inside her chemise to cup her breast, causing a hitch in her breathing, and he watched as her eyes darkened in response to his touch.

"You look good enough to eat, my sweet. Are you sure you want to go down for dinner?" He fondled her boldly, knowing just how to fan the flames of her passion. "We could have a tray brought up later."

He bent to nuzzle the sensitive area at the nape of her neck just as her stomach emitted a loud growl. He chuckled and met her gaze in the mirror once again with a warm smile.

"Alright, my sweet little temptress. Your hunger has won over my raging lusts, but only for now." He gave her nipple a sharp tweak before he released her. "I fully intend to have you for dessert."

Leanna skittered away, trying to ignore how her nipple throbbed from his touch as she dug through the wardrobe. She knew if he had pressed her, she would have found it impossible to deny his request. She bit her lip, realizing that she had virtually no will to refuse her husband even though she knew he didn't love her, and that realization only added to her misery. What was wrong with her? Did she have no pride at all?

As Leanna busied herself trying to decide what to wear, Trevor took a hasty bath and returned to dress for dinner. Leanna carefully kept her eyes averted, as he discarded his towel and began to put on his clothes. She finally chose an evening gown of ivory satin. Just as she withdrew the gown, Camilla reappeared to help her dress, and Trevor excused himself to wait for her downstairs.

Leanna stepped into the gown and stood patiently while Camilla did up the laces. The dress bared her shoulders and bosom sublimely, as it pressed her breasts up to form a dark shadowed valley in between their fullness. The bodice was liberally embellished with tiny seed pearls, while the skirt had been left plain to swirl around her slender hips. The sleeves were tiny puffs, designed to be worn off the shoulder, and the rich, ivory color of the gown enhanced Leanna's own creamy complexion. With her fiery hair and sparkling green eyes, she created an alluring vision in the dress, and she wondered what Trevor would think when he saw her. The gown was her very best, and she had never worn it in his presence. 

Camilla combed her hair into an elegant coiffure, gathering the heavy mass into a knot that swirled on the top of her head, showing off the delicate lines of her neck. Tiny ringlets escaped the mass, framing her jaw. Camilla threaded an emerald green ribbon through the fiery tresses and finally tied a small spray of tiny white flowers in the back. With Leanna's toilette completed, she went to join the others for dinner.

As she descended the stairs, Leanna could hear the deep rumbling voices of her husband and Steven. They were laughing over some shared story, but they both turned to stare with appreciation when they heard the rustle of her gown. She descended the last few steps beneath Trevor's heated regard and glided across to his side, keeping her eyes lowered demurely. Trevor tucked her arm through his and placed a kiss on her temple.

"You look beautiful," he murmured huskily.

She flushed. "Thank you. You look quite dashing yourself," she murmured sincerely.

His eyes dropped to where her necklace dipped coyly between her breasts, and he gave her a wolfish smile. "Oh, what I wouldn't give to be that pendant," he murmured for her ears alone. 

He chuckled when she blushed. Making Leanna blush seemed to be Trevor's favorite pastime. They joined Steven and Amanda in the parlor. Leanna accepted a glass of sherry from a coolly polite Amanda, and she had just begun to sip her drink when there was the sound of a coach pulling up the front drive. She and Trevor turned in curiosity as the housekeeper opened the front door to admit their guest. Amanda hadn't mentioned who their dinner guest was, and Leanna turned to see who entered. A pale haired beauty walked through the door, her slender form swathed in an elegant red silk gown and wrapper. She turned to let the housekeeper take her wrapper, and her eyes locked instantly with Trevor's.

Leanna glanced between the two of them, aware of an undercurrent of tension suddenly in the room. Amanda swept forward to greet the woman and clasped her hands, placing a warm kiss on each cheek.

"Eliza, you look simply ravishing, as usual," she exclaimed, pulling her into the room. "And look! Our dear Trevor has come home!"

Leanna's eyes flew to Trevor, as she recognized the woman's name, and she felt as if a dagger had pierced her heart, noticing that he was frozen in place. Only the muscles in his cheek were working as he stared at his former fiancée. When Eliza stepped before him and gave him a charming smile. Trevor gave her the barest of nods and a cool smile in return.

"Trevor, darling," she murmured in a husky, feminine voice as she reached to brush a warm kiss on his mouth. It was only because he turned at the last moment that her kiss ended on his cheek. "If it's possible, you have grown even more handsome since the last time I saw you."

Given that the last time she had seen him had been on the night before she eloped, Trevor couldn't help but marvel at her thoughtlessness in bringing it up. He cocked one dark brow and gave her a sardonic smile.

"Indeed? I was fairly sure you didn't even remember that I existed."

Leanna cringed from the bitterness in his voice. If she could, she would have melted into the woodwork, for she wished she were anywhere but there to witness this moment. Eliza looked contrite, and she reached to grasp his hand and hug it to her bosom.

"Oh Trevor, dearest, nothing could be farther from the truth. I have thought about you every day!"

Trevor pointedly withdrew his hand from her grasp before replying. "I'm sure that must distress your husband," he replied coldly.

Eliza had the grace to look sad when she responded, shaking her head sorrowfully. "It is a pity, but my poor husband passed away two years ago. But as you can see," she murmured while running a hand down one shapely hip clothed in brilliant red silk, "I'm no longer in mourning." 

She gave Trevor a seductive smile, pleased to see that his eyes were assessing her body. Leanna gasped from the audacity of the other woman's obvious ploy, and Trevor turned toward her, as if remembering her presence for the first time since Eliza's arrival. He drew Leanna to his side and placed a proprietary arm about her shoulders as he gave the other woman a cold smile.

"Allow me to present my wife, Leanna."

Eliza looked briefly startled, "Your wife? I didn't realize you had taken a wife!"

Trevor smiled coldly. "Yes, we were married just prior to leaving London." He turned to Leanna but didn't meet her eyes. "My dear, this is Eliza Marshall, an old acquaintance."

Eliza quickly regained her composure and gave Leanna an icy smile. "Oh surely more than an acquaintance. Trevor and I were engaged once. I'm pleased to meet you."

Leanna nodded but couldn't bring herself to smile in return. "Yes, he did mention that he had been engaged once before," she mumbled.

The two women stood for a long moment, carefully assessing one another as they mentally squared off to do battle. Eliza was petite and very beautiful, and it was easy to see why Trevor or any man would be attracted to her. Her hair was the color of wheat in the sun, and her eyes were large, dark brown pools, full of mystery and sultry promise. Her features were delicate, full lips, pert nose, high cheekbones, and although she was several years older than Leanna, she looked about the same age. Her figure was superb, and the red dress clung to her curves like a second skin. Her breasts had been pushed up by her corset, and the generous creamy swells were displayed to perfection. While Leanna had been unsure whether her own gown was too daring, she now considered it to be quite demure in comparison to Eliza's. The red silk barely concealed the other woman's nipples, and there was a possibility of them being revealed at any moment. Leanna felt ravaged by the claws of insecurity as she faced her adversary, and she couldn't help but wonder what Trevor was feeling at that moment.

It was Steven who finally cleared his throat to break the tension. "Shall we go in to dinner? I believe everything is ready."

He swept an arm toward the dining room, inviting them to precede him. Amanda slipped a companionable arm through Eliza's and led her to the dining table, their heads close together as they whispered to each other. Trevor escorted his wife, and she noticed that his arm was rigid beneath her hand. Amanda had arranged the seating with Steven and Trevor on the two ends, Eliza sat to Trevor's right, with Amanda beside her, and Leanna was seated on Trevor's left, alone on her side of the table.

Leanna found that she had very little appetite for the delicious foods that were placed before her. She felt as if her stomach were tied in knots. She hadn't been prepared to confront her husband's former fiancée on her first night in his home. Amanda and Eliza seemed unaware of any underlying tension, as they kept up a steady stream of conversation, reminiscing about old times, and doing their best to draw Steven and Trevor into the discussion.

Trevor was polite, if reserved, and he seemed oblivious to the fact that Eliza was flirting with him shamelessly. Leanna found herself in a humiliating position, feeling like an outsider in her husband's home. It was painfully obvious that Eliza wanted nothing more than to reconcile with Trevor, and she shot Leanna several venomous glares from beneath her sooty lashes while appearing outwardly friendly. She met Leanna's eye and smiled brightly.

"So Leanna, however did you and dear Trevor meet?"

As she asked the question, Eliza reached over to stroke Trevor's hand, reminding everyone of her familiarity with him. Leanna stiffened as she watched him remove his hand from the table, and she had to take a deep breath to calm her anger before answering. Before she could manage a polite response, Trevor interjected.

"We met in London. I had met Leanna's brother before, and there was an opportunity for me to invest some capital in a business venture with him. In the process of our discussions, I met Leanna. I realized right away that she would make a perfect wife for me, and luckily, she agreed to marry me."

Leanna looked at Trevor, barely able to conceal her surprise and gratitude. While he hadn't exactly lied, by leaving out the most pertinent details, he had made their meeting sound so romantic. Leanna's relief was short lived, as Eliza launched another verbal barb.

"So Leanna, your family was in need of Trevor's money? Oh, how dreadful to have to marry someone just for his money."

There were audible gasps from everyone except Trevor as they reeled from her insult. Even Amanda appeared embarrassed by her friend's tactless statement. The muscles in Trevor's cheek were working, as he gave her a cold answer.

"Actually Eliza, unlike some other women I've known, Leanna was not interested in marrying for money. I had decided to invest in her brother's business aside from my interest in Leanna. In fact, it required all my persuasive abilities to convince Leanna to marry me. I'm most gratified that I spent the effort." He turned to place a warm hand over Leanna's cold one. "The rewards of my investment have proven to be very . . . satisfying," Trevor drawled, staring intently into his wife's eyes as he gave her a roguish grin.

She knew that the others wouldn't mistake his meaning, and Leanna returned his smile, grateful for his outward show of support. Meanwhile, Eliza secretly seethed over the couple's exchange. She didn't like the way the two of them were looking at each other, as if they were the only ones in the room. Clearing her throat, she laughed rather awkwardly.

"Doesn't Leanna ever speak for herself?" She pinned Leanna with an expectant stare.

Leanna's gaze broke away from Trevor's and she returned the other woman's regard calmly, her confidence boosted by her husband's defense of her. "Occasionally," she replied curtly. She gave Eliza an icy smile and turned her attention to her soup.

Finally, the dinner was concluded, and they retired to the parlor once again. The men indulged in brandy and cigars over a good natured game of chess, while the women sat facing each other and trying to make conversation. It was clear where Amanda's loyalties were, and Leanna felt very alone as she faced the other women. Amanda eventually turned to Eliza and patted her hand affectionately.




Marrying for Money Ch. 04



"Eliza, did you bring your cases with you?"

Eliza gave Leanna a cruel smile. "Yes, indeed. I asked to have them taken up to my usual room when I arrived. I'm so glad you invited me to come and stay with you until the baby is born."

Leanna gasped, and the other two women turned to stare at her. This latest news was simply too much to bear. It was bad enough to endure a dinner with Eliza, much less to have her ensconced in their home for the next several weeks while she diligently worked at seducing Trevor. Leanna had felt a slight headache building during dinner, and it was now a throbbing pain behind her eyes. She rose abruptly and excused herself from the women, ignoring Eliza's smug look, before crossing to where Trevor sat studying a chess board across from his brother. She placed a hand on his shoulder and he turned to her immediately.

"I'm really quite tired, and I'm going to retire for the evening," she murmured quietly.

Trevor rose at once, placing an arm around her waist. "I'll go with you." He turned to Steven. "Shall we finish this tomorrow?"

Steven nodded amicably and gave Leanna a conspiratorial wink. "That's fine, brother. See you both in the morning."

They excused themselves from the gathering and made their way, arm in arm up the curving staircase. Leanna was aware of Eliza's eyes boring into her back until they were out of sight. They reached their room, and Trevor closed the door behind him, as he watched his wife cross to the dressing table and sink onto the padded bench. She began to remove the pins from her hair, and he went to stand behind her, picking up the brush and applying it to her thick locks. His eyes met hers unwaveringly in the mirror.

"Are you alright?" he asked quietly.

"I'll admit, I'm a little shaken. I wasn't expecting to meet your former fiancée tonight, much less to have her staying with us."

Trevor frowned as he pulled the brush through her hair with relaxing strokes. "Neither was I. Apparently, Amanda invited her to come and stay a few weeks, most likely thinking there was a chance for some sort of reconciliation between us. Of course, she didn't know at the time that I was already married."

Leanna didn't answer his statement, and he continued to brush her hair in silence. He was surprised by his own feelings. He hadn't reacted to seeing Eliza again as he had always thought he would. While she was just as beautiful as he remembered, she didn't hold the same fascination for him that she had in the past. He had always thought of her as sweet, innocent and vulnerable. However, tonight she had shown herself to be shrewd, manipulative and extremely determined to get what she wanted. He wondered if he had ever truly known her. He couldn't avoid comparing her to his wife, and Eliza definitely came up lacking.

While Eliza was undeniably beautiful, Leanna was even lovelier, truly in a class by herself. His wife's physical beauty surpassed his every fantasy, but it was her character that really set her apart. He treasured Leanna for her sweet sincerity, her unfailing generosity and her honest commitment. He was beginning to see that those were qualities Eliza could never possess.

Leanna watched Trevor's expression in the mirror. He had frowned when she mentioned Eliza, and she couldn't help but wonder whether he was even now beginning to regret his marriage to her. If he had returned home unattached, surely he would have wished to rekindle their relationship, now that Eliza was available. Leanna's heart ached as she wondered what he was thinking. The last thing she wanted was to be a chain around his neck, but she didn't know if she had the strength or courage to offer him his freedom. Not only would a divorce be scandalous for both of them, it would break her heart.

Their eyes met in the mirror, and Trevor grasped her shoulders as he lifted her and turned her to face him. He sensed that Leanna was shaken by Eliza's presence, and he longed to reassure Leanna that he wanted only her. He wasn't quite ready to admit his feelings to her in words, but he could reassure her by demonstrating his physical devotion to her. He would make love to her so thoroughly that she would surely know how much he loved her.

Leanna held her breath, their faces mere inches apart. She hadn't intended to respond to his lovemaking, but she suddenly needed reassurance. She craved his touch, and she was powerless to resist the yearnings of her own heart and body. Even if he didn't return her love, she realized that she needed him desperately, and she held her breath as she waited for his next move.

"Is your head hurting very badly," he questioned softly, his eyes dropping to her breasts as he reached behind her to unfasten her gown.

"No," she whispered weakly, shivering in anticipation.

He opened the back of her gown and she assisted him as he pulled the sleeves down her arms and let the dress fall to her feet, where it landed in a soft puddle. Her corset and pantalets quickly followed, and his eyes were smoldering as he unhurriedly worked on the tiny buttons of her chemise. The backs of his fingers brushed her breasts and belly as he worked, leaving a trail of heated flesh in their wake.

When he had unbuttoned the garment all the way down the front, his eyes met hers for a long moment before dropping to her quivering breasts once again. He slowly separated the two sides, brushing them off her shoulders to let the filmy chemise join the other clothes at her feet. She stood before him, totally naked, except for her sheer stockings and lacy garters, as his smoldering eyes drank their fill of her lovely body. Looking over her shoulder, he could see the reflection of her flawless back in the full length mirror. His eyes devoured the sleek planes, the smooth globes of her bottom, and the graceful curves of her waist, hips and thighs. She was temptation incarnate, his ideal woman sent to drive him mindless with desire.

Trevor grasped Leanna's shoulders and turned her to face the long mirror, where she saw her reflection, bathed in golden light from the candles on the dressing table. Trevor stood in the shadows behind her, his hands gripping her waist as he watched her. The contrast of her nudity and his completely clothed body made shivers of excitement race down her spine. She felt like she was on display for him. His eyes told her that he knew she was his whore, and that she would be willing to do whatever it took to please him. Her nerves stretched taut beneath his prolonged inspection.

Trevor didn't touch her, but he took his time, assessing each one of her ripe curves thoroughly. The tension mounted until Leanna felt she could barely breathe. She watched his expression as he considered her naked form, and when his eyes finally returned to lock with hers, she could see stark, raw desire in the sapphire depths staring back at her. He could have asked anything of her at that moment, and she would have been powerless to refuse. Trevor came around to stand in front of her once more.

"I want you," he growled.

It wasn't a request. He was staking his claim on her. She was his, and he intended to have her, body and soul. His hands grasped her buttocks roughly, pulling her firmly against his muscular frame. She came into his embrace wantonly, arching her back over his arm and thrusting her breasts up for his pleasure.

Almost leisurely, as if he were determining the worth of her offering, Trevor ran a thumb around an impudent peak, watching her eyes go limpid with desire, watching his tanned fingers possessing the translucent perfection of her ivory breasts. Without warning, he swooped to devour one taut nipple, eliciting a gasp from Leanna as he raked his teeth across the sensitive flesh and kneaded the globes of her bottom in the searing palm of his other hand.

Heat welled up between them, threatening to consume them both as he boldly claimed her breast. He pulled hard on her nipple, using his teeth to send shards of white hot desire lancing through to the pit of her belly. Then he suckled sharply, drawing the entire nipple into the burning cavity of his mouth. Leanna moaned helplessly, her knees wobbled, and it was only his hand cupping her bottom that kept her from collapsing on the floor, as she wound her fingers through his hair and clutched him to her throbbing breast. She could feel wetness forming between her legs and running down her thighs. When she didn't think she could stand it for one more moment, when her nipple was aching and her pussy was slick and throbbing, he switched to her other breast to repeat the exquisite torture.

After eons of his sweet torment, when Trevor had finally satisfied his cravings for her breasts, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. She was mindless with need, and she writhed impatiently on the sheets as he slowly began to undress. He took his time, making her moan with frustrated desire as he toyed with her.

"What is it you want, my angel?" he taunted, slowly unbuttoning his shirt.

"Oh please hurry, I want you," she moaned.

"Tell me specifically what you want," Trevor demanded, working on one cuff.

Leanna released another frustrated moan. "I want you…your cock…buried inside me."

"Tell me where you want my cock buried, my sweet," Trevor growled, unbuttoning the second cuff.

"Trevor, please hurry," she whimpered, writhing on the bed, her tits heaving delightfully with every panting breath. "I need your cock buried in my pussy."

"Show me your pussy, my sweet little whore. Show me where you want my cock." Leanna immediately spread her legs. "Wider," he demanded harshly. "Spread those thighs nice and wide so I can get a good look at your tight little pussy." When Leanna complied with a needy sob, opening her legs as wide as possible and arching her hips up toward him, Trevor smiled. "That's better. Now reach down and open those pussy lips and show me how wet you are."

Leanna bit her lip but did as he demanded while she pleaded with her eyes for him to hurry. She was so wet that they could both hear the sloshing sounds of her fingers sliding over her swollen folds. Her musky scent permeated the room, and Leanna moaned another plea as she lay bared for her husband. Trevor ignored her pleas, letting the moments stretch out as he thoroughly inspected her exposed pussy. He took his time, letting her know that he was in charge. When he finally met her eyes again, he grinned.

"How can I resist your request? That is, without a doubt, the prettiest little sopping wet pussy I've ever been offered. Since you're begging me to take it, I can't refuse."

Leanna blushed with a combination of shame and pleasure. She panted with excitement as she watched Trevor remove his trousers and crawl naked onto the bed. Without preamble, he knelt between her thighs and plunged into her scalding heat, growling with masculine satisfaction when he felt how tight and wet she was. Leanna closed around him like a velvet glove and clutched at him with both her legs and arms, greedy to have him deep inside her.

Trevor forced her to the limit as he possessed her body completely. He demanded, she gave. He craved, she appeased his hunger. He forced in deeper, her softness yielded. Only when he finally spilled himself inside her, letting his seed bathe her womb in a hot, pulsing flood was he satisfied. By her unquestioning surrender, she conquered him completely. As he lay heavy on her breast, panting from his exertions, he knew with certainty that no other woman would be capable of slaking his passion.

They got very little sleep that night, too engrossed in other activities. It was sometime in the wee hours before dawn when Leanna lay snuggled in her husband's warm embrace that she let silent tears slip out from beneath her lashes. She loved Trevor desperately, and she was suddenly very scared that she might lose him to Eliza. He had awakened desires in her that were so deep and so achingly raw, she didn't know how she could survive without him. If he should decide that he wanted Eliza instead of her, Leanna thought it just might kill her.

Their lovemaking tonight had been the most scintillating and passionate of any during their marriage. Trevor had driven them both to exhaustion, taking her on an extended tour of the heights of physical pleasure. It was almost as if he had been obsessed, trying to prove something to her. Or had he been trying to prove something to himself? Was he using her to blot out the hurts of the past? Lying in his arms, completely spent, Leanna couldn't help but wonder whether Trevor had been making love to her while trying to banish the memory of his former fiancée. 



Marrying for Money Ch. 05



Over the next few days, Trevor and Leanna settled into life on the plantation. Trevor usually awoke very early, leaving Leanna sound asleep, as he took an early breakfast with Steven and they went about the business of running the plantation. Steven was clearly relieved to have his brother back to help make some of the important decisions, and the two of them worked in perfect harmony together.

The household decisions were left to the women, and unfortunately, Amanda didn't seem at all happy about sharing those duties with Leanna. Amanda clearly felt that she didn't need any help from Leanna to run the household. Leanna didn't want to force the issue, so she was most often left with nothing but idle time on her hands.

Two days after their arrival, Leanna was sitting in the dining room with Amanda and Eliza, having just finished lunch, when Trevor came in from overseeing some work in the fields. He was dirty and sweaty, but he had been gone the whole morning, and Leanna thought he had never looked more appealing. She missed him, having gotten used to having him always nearby during their time on the ship, and she gave him a glorious smile.

Amanda rose and turned to Eliza. "Why don't we take a walk to get some fresh air? It's not too cold this afternoon. Let's just fetch our cloaks."

Eliza looked as if she would like to refuse, but she couldn't without sounding shrewish. "Alright, Amanda." She turned a brittle smile on Leanna, loathe to leave her alone with Trevor. "Leanna, dear, you will join us won't you?"

"No, thank you," Leanna murmured politely. She much preferred to spend the time with Trevor. "You two go ahead."

Eliza hesitated, wanting to change her mind, but seeing no way out, she turned and followed Amanda up the stairs. As soon as they were alone, Trevor pulled his wife against him and kissed her with devastating thoroughness. His hands wandered down to cup her bottom, and he pulled her firmly against him. She could feel the hard ridge of his growing erection cradled against her belly, and her pulse began to race.

"Good afternoon, my sweet," he murmured, giving her a tender smile.

Leanna could smell his sweat and his musky male essence, and she buried her face in the crook of his neck to breathe deeply of the heady scent. "Ummm," she whispered, "Good afternoon. I've missed you this morning." She looked up at him, and twin dimples appeared beside her lovely mouth as she smiled with delight. "Are you hungry? Shall I fetch you a plate?"

Trevor bent to capture her lips once more as he rocked his hips suggestively against hers. When he spoke, his voice was a low growl, elementally male.

"I'm definitely hungry my sweet, but more for you than for lunch. Why don't we go upstairs, and you can show me just how much you've missed me?"

He nibbled at her ear causing delicious shivers to race down her spine. Before Leanna could reply, there was a loud yelp from the foyer, and they ran to see what had happened. Eliza was sitting on the steps, clutching her leg and yowling in pain. Trevor frowned and went to kneel beside her.

"What happened, Eliza? Are you hurt?"

Eliza clutched at his arm and looked up at him with pitiful eyes. "It's my ankle," she whined. "I think it's broken! Can you check it?"

Eliza thrust her ankle under Trevor's nose, pulling her skirt up well past her knee to reveal a shapely calf encased in a sheer silk stocking. She twisted as if in pain, bending toward Trevor and providing him with an unhindered view into her bodice.

Trevor froze with her leg in his hands. He was rigid with anger at the woman's brazenness. He could tell from her pathetic performance that she wasn't really hurt, and he couldn't believe the depths she would sink to in her efforts to seduce him. His eyes raked her bosom dispassionately, as he wondered how she could possibly imagine that she could compete with his wife. Remembering that he held her leg, Trevor brusquely felt of her ankle to make sure there was no underlying injury. Satisfied that his intuition had been correct, he flipped her skirts down and frowned up at her.

"Your ankle is fine, Eliza. Why don't you stand up?"

Eliza gave him another pitiful look, her bottom lip quivering. "Alright," she sniffed, "can you help me?" Trevor stood and reached down to lift her by the arm. When she got on her feet, Eliza let out another loud yelp and threw herself against Trevor's side, clutching his arm against her breast. "Ouch, it hurts. Please, Trevor, could you carry me to my room?"

Trevor gritted his teeth to keep from yelling at her. He was tempted to strangle her. He gave Leanna a grim look and without a word, Trevor scooped Eliza up and carried her up the stairs. Eliza wrapped her arms around his neck, and laid her head on his shoulder, moaning loudly. All the way up the stairs, Trevor could feel Leanna's steady gaze on his back, and his irritation mounted when he thought about the delicious interlude that Eliza had interrupted with her little charade. Reaching Eliza's room, he shouldered the door open and carried her to her bed. He dropped her unceremoniously in the middle of the feather mattress, somewhat mollified to hear her shocked gasp.

Eliza wasn't one to miss an opportunity, and she grasped his arm, entreating him with sultry eyes. "Oh, Trevor darling, please help me to adjust my pillows so I won't be in so much pain."

Trevor bent over and braced his hands on the edge of the bed to meet her gaze squarely. His eyes were brittle with anger, but his voice was deceptively low when he spoke.

"Eliza, knock it off." Her shocked gasp didn't sway him as he continued. "I only carried you up here to tell you that your little games won't work. You are fine and your ankle is fine, so stop pretending."

Eliza tried once more to convince him, "But Trevor, I'm not pretending. I really am injured."

Trevor rolled his eyes heavenward, no doubt praying for patience, before meeting her gaze once again. "Eliza, I'm not that big of a fool," he raised his brows in self-mockery, "at least, not anymore. Let me remind you that I am a married man. I have a wife, and I won't stand for your little shenanigans anymore. Do I make myself clear?"

Eliza's own temper began to flare, and she gave up trying to pretend. Hopping off the bed, she flounced past Trevor, sneering at him over her shoulder. "You can't seriously expect me to believe that you prefer that snobby little bitch to me!" she cried indignantly. She turned back to face him, crossing her arms beneath her breasts. "You know you've always wanted me, and you only married that little trollop when you thought I wasn't available. She's nothing but a cheap little fortune hunter."

Trevor's temper snapped, and he grabbed Eliza by the shoulders, glaring at her down the length of his flaring nose. "Shut up! I won't listen to any more of your slurs against my wife!" He released her so abruptly she had to grab the edge of a nearby chair to keep from falling as he stalked to the door. When he turned to look at her, his eyes were as cold as ice, and his voice was even more frigid. "Grow up, Eliza. The past is dead." He left without another backward glance.

Standing alone in her room, Eliza raised her chin to a haughty angle and narrowed her eyes as she seethed. "We'll just see about that, Trevor darling. I'm not finished with you yet. You will be mine again, just wait and see."

*********

Leanna kept to herself as much as possible, often retiring to the music room to play the piano. She sat for long periods at the instrument, her fingers flowing effortlessly over the keys as her mind was busy trying to understand the complexities of her husband. Sometimes, she felt that he was starting to truly care for her, but then her fragile confidence would be shattered by some scene with Eliza.

Leanna's jaw clenched remembering two days before when Eliza had collapsed, claiming to have a sprained ankle. It had been obvious to Leanna that Eliza was faking, but Leanna had been shocked to see that Trevor had believed her theatrics. Worse, Leanna had stood helplessly by while he caressed the other woman's shapely leg and ogled her bosom. The crowning blow to Leanna's heart had come when Trevor had carried Eliza to her bedroom. Leanna had stood watching them, feeling very much excluded from their intimate exchange, as her throat had ached with unshed tears.

Thinking about it, Leanna pounded out an angry, strident crescendo on the piano. She stopped abruptly, realizing that she was behaving like a child. She took a deep steadying breath and began playing again. This time, without conscious effort, her fingers glided over the keys, and the haunting strains of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata floated through the room. Leanna poured her emotions into the music, and the resulting performance was poignantly bittersweet. As the last echoes faded, Leanna hung her head and cried softly into her hands, feeling helpless and alone.

That evening, Trevor sat down on the bench behind Leanna as she sat brushing her hair, straddling her thighs with his. He was wearing only his trousers, and his warm chest pressed intimately against her back. Leanna slid forward, breaking the contact between them.

"Trevor, I'm really quite tired," she said, trying to ignore his nearness as she went back to brushing her hair.

He took the brush from her hand and laid it on the table, then lifted the heavy mass of her hair and dropped it over her left shoulder, leaving the right side of her neck exposed. "That's alright, sweetheart," he murmured, running his fingers lightly down the side of her neck to where the fastening of her gown sat on her shoulder. He met her eyes in the mirror. "I can do all the work."

"Trevor, please, I'm not in the mood tonight," Leanna protested. "I just want to sleep." Her face flamed from giving the lie. She wanted him desperately, but she was tired of being just a plaything for her husband. She wanted him to love her.

Trevor released the clasp on her shoulder with a flick of his fingers, and Leanna's gown slithered down with a soft whoosh, leaving her bared to the waist. Her nipples stood stiffly erect, and a delicate shiver went up Leanna's spine. Trevor could see the pulse beating in the hollow of her neck. He placed one hot, open-mouthed kiss behind her ear and heard her groan. His eyes met hers in the mirror again, and he raised a mocking brow.

"It looks to me like you are definitely in the mood. Let me just check to be sure."

When Leanna would have risen from the bench, Trevor looped an arm around her waist and held her still in front of him. He slid the other hand up Leanna's inner thigh beneath her gown, and his fingers coaxed their way between her clenched thighs. He stroked her throbbing folds that were growing wetter by the moment as he grinned at her in the mirror.

Leanna held her breath as he pressed two fingers deep inside her, and she dropped her head back against his shoulder in frustrated surrender. He stroked her swollen clit with his thumb and heard her moan as she opened her thighs wide to give him free access. Leanna wanted to deny him until she was sure that Trevor truly cared for her, but she simply lacked the will to resist him.

When Trevor had stroked her into a lustful frenzy, he abruptly stood up and turned her around on the stool until she sat facing him. He met and held her gaze as he unbuttoned his pants and stepped out of them. His magnificent erection was jutting out from his groin, directly at Leanna's eye level. Her eyes dropped to his penis, and she unconsciously licked her lips.

"Are you saying you don't want this tonight?" Trevor asked, his deep voice rumbling in his chest as he slowly stroked his penis just inches from her face.

Leanna's eyes were transfixed on his hard length. "No...I mean yes...I...I want it," Leanna whispered.

"You said you weren't in the mood. Why should I give you what you want now?" he taunted.

"Please...I didn't mean it. I was just tired. Please Trevor, I do want you." Leanna bit her lip, hating herself for begging. Still, some part of her was thrilled when Trevor became so domineering. She never felt more wanted than when he controlled her like this. His demands always excited her, and she thought he somehow knew it too.

"Kneel on the bench," Trevor ordered harshly. He watched as Leanna scrambled to comply, her gown in a discarded heap beside the stool. "Spread your knees apart so I can see you in the mirror."

Leanna moved her knees to the very edges of the bench. She knew the multitude of candles that were sitting on the dressing table bathed her body in golden light, and she shivered from being so exposed. Trevor made her stay like that for several minutes while he admired the view of her lovely pink lips peeking out through fiery red hair. Finally, he met her gaze once again, and his eyes were smoldering with desire.

"Since you've been so naughty and refused me, I'm afraid you'll have to convince me that you really want me." When Leanna reached out eagerly, he stopped her with a stern voice. "No! You aren't allowed to touch with your hands. You can only used your hot little mouth to show me what you want."

Leanna opened her mouth with a whimpered plea. Trevor waited until she met his eye, then he grasped her head on both sides and held her still as he slid the head of his cock into her greedy mouth. He sighed at the feeling of her tongue massaging the underside of his penis, and he rocked his hips, feeding himself further and further into her throat until she had taken in his entire length. Then he released a satisfied groan and stood still as Leanna settled into a steady rhythm. She moaned as she bobbed up and down, taking him down her throat on every stroke until her nose was buried in his dark springy hairs.

"That's it," he coaxed, loving the feel of her mouth as he enjoyed the sight of her splayed pussy in the mirror. He could see the moisture oozing down the inside of her thighs, and he knew Leanna was enjoying what she was doing. He loved to watch her flower for him like a rose as she became more and more aroused. "Use that nasty little tongue darling...ummm, that's a good little whore. You really know what I like, sweetheart."

Leanna loved hearing his praise, and she doubled her efforts to please him. She licked and sucked, smiling to herself as she heard Trevor's moans and sighs of appreciation. She massaged his balls in one hand and Trevor allowed it, groaning again. His head dropped back in ecstasy. Leanna took her time, worshipping his body and drawing out his pleasure. Her face was wet with saliva and sweat by the time Trevor climaxed, shooting ropes of hot cum down her throat. She was eager to swallow every drop, and she licked the last drops off the head of his erection as she felt her own orgasm hitting her hard.

Trevor watched as her body tensed and twitched, then he lifted her by the waist and turned her back toward the mirror, setting her down on her knees on the stool again. Leanna was panting, her skin shining with a dewy layer of sweat. He pulled her back against his chest as he caressed her heaving breasts then traced her waist, hips and thighs. She was the most beautiful woman Trevor had ever seen, and he enjoyed the sight of his darkly tanned hands skimming over her ivory flesh, making sure she knew she belonged to him.

"Are you tired now, my sweet Leanna, or does my little whore want more?" he asked softly, nuzzling her neck.

"More," Leanna whispered, fascinated by the sight of his strong hands exploring her body.

"Ask nicely," he admonished with a boyish grin.

"Please, Trevor, may I have more?" Leanna asked, wiggling her bottom enticingly against his groin. She felt his erection, already hard again as it pressed against her.

Trevor continued to fondle her, watching her becoming increasingly breathless as his touches became increasingly intimate. He touched every inch of her body, his fingers gradually becoming more demanding as he kneaded her tender flesh. By the time he finished tormenting her breasts, both her nipples and his erection were swollen and throbbing.

"Lean forward and put your hands on the edge of the table," Trevor instructed in a gravelly whisper.

Trevor gripped her hips and pressed himself into her tight sheath with one slow, steady stroke. They groaned in unison when he was buried inside her. Trevor paused to savor Leanna's tight-fitting sheath, loving how she could barely accommodate his size. He began to move, thrusting into her with increasing force until the dressing table was jarring and the candles were wavering. He was ramming against the entrance to her womb with every stroke, and he grinned as he watched her.

"I love you," Leanna gasped, meeting his eyes in the mirror. She hadn't meant to say the words aloud, but she watched for his reaction.

Trevor's grin vanished and he hesitated for a moment as he returned her stare before resuming his hard thrusts, letting his eyes drop to the reflection of her breasts. The sight of Leanna's breasts violently bobbing from the force of Trevor's thrusts held them both enthralled. He cupped her breasts and squeezed them firmly as he plunged into her with even greater force.

Picking up the pace, Trevor lifted her upright on her knees with her back against his chest. With every hard thrust, he lifted her slightly off the bench. He slid his left arm across to twist her right nipple, and with his right hand, he fondled her swollen outer lips. Leanna moaned and caressed the back of his hand at her breast while she reached her other arm back around his head. The sight of her so wantonly submitting to him made him groan with pleasure. When he could feel her getting close, he squeezed her swollen clit between his thumb and fingers.

"Come for me, my little whore. Come now!"

As if she had been waiting for his command, Leanna fractured in his arms. Trevor could feel the muscles of her pussy contracting around him, and his moans mixed with her screams as he found his own release. He unleashed another load of his seed deep inside her, and Leanna collapsed back against him, limp in his arms.

It took several minutes for Trevor to catch his breath and steady his legs. He hugged her against him, breathing deeply of her heavenly scent as he enjoyed the feeling of their combined fluids seeping out around his balls and her soft curvy body cleaving to him.

When he had regained his strength, he lifted Leanna in his arms and carried her to the bed. As he laid her down, he smiled at the sight of his wife looking exhausted and spent. He placed a kiss on her forehead as he lay down beside her.

"Now you can sleep, my little whore. You've earned your rest," he murmured, snuggling against her back and pulling the covers over both of them.

Leanna was too tired to even answer. Her body was glowing inside and out from Trevor's lovemaking, and her satisfaction was bone deep. She squirmed back against him, loving the feeling of his muscular body wrapped around hers, and she quickly fell asleep.

Christmas rolled around less than two weeks after Trevor and Leanna's arrival at The Meadows. The servants polished the house from top to bottom before decorating every nook and cranny of the great house with Christmas cheer. Boughs of holly and fir were hung above every door, huge velvet bows of gold and red adorned the mantles, and candles and pinecones were scented with vanilla, cinnamon and spices making the rooms smell divine. Leanna tried to get into the spirit, but it was impossible when she was feeling so unhappy.

Despite her physical satisfaction with her relationship, Leanna was deeply saddened by the emotional state of her marriage. She desperately needed reassurance that Trevor cared for her. Trevor was unfailingly kind and considerate, and he made no secret of the fact that he desired her physically, taking her to great heights of pleasure every night. However, he never gave her any indication that he loved her. She remembered telling him that she loved him in the heat of passion. She was certain that if Trevor loved her in return, he would have said the words.




Marrying for Money Ch. 05



What bothered Leanna even more was the fact that Eliza had become even bolder in her attempts to seduce Trevor. Eliza flirted with him openly, even in front of Leanna, and Trevor didn't seem to mind. Leanna began to wonder whether Trevor was merely using her body to satisfy his secret longings for Eliza. Because of her insecurity, Leanna was convinced that Trevor would eventually lose interest in her.

Christmas day dawned cold and crisp. For once, Trevor slept in with his wife, and when she awoke, she felt his firm, strong arms wrapped around her. She opened her eyes and found him watching her, a thoughtful expression in his clear blue eyes. She wondered what he was thinking, but before she could voice her question, he gave her a peck on the nose and rose from the bed.

Trevor handed a gift wrapped box to Leanna with a boyish smile. "Merry Christmas," he said softly.

Leanna sat up in bed as she accepted the present and slowly unwrapped the ribbon from around the box. When she lifted the top, she gasped in wonder. A beautiful box of carved mahogany with inlaid pieces of colored wood was cradled inside. She gently lifted the box out, and when she opened the lid, a haunting melody rose up from within. Leanna's eyes filled with tears as she recognized the Moonlight Sonata, and she anxiously searched Trevor's face. She remembered when she had played that same song on the piano a few weeks before, and how she had sobbed afterward.

"Did you . . ." she swallowed and tried again, "Were you there . . . did you hear me when I was playing?" she whispered.

Trevor brushed a teardrop from beneath her eye with the pad of his thumb. "Yes, and I heard you when you were crying," he said softly. When Leanna would have turned away, he gripped her chin gently with his fingers, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Why were you crying? Tell me." His eyes pleaded with her to tell him why she was so unhappy.

For long moments, Leanna stared at him. How could she tell him that she was afraid of his feelings for Eliza and that she was terrified of losing him? If he did love the other woman, Leanna would come across as a jealous, whining wife, a pitiful ball and chain. Besides, Leanna didn't know whether she would be able to endure hearing him admit that he was still in love with Eliza.

Leanna looked down at the box, unable to meet his eyes while she voiced a lie. "I guess I was just feeling homesick. I miss Jeremy and Christina."

Trevor watched Leanna and felt his heart constrict in his chest. Why wouldn't she confide in him? He knew she was lying. Simply missing her brother and sister wouldn't have caused her to sob her heart out. He wondered what else he could do to draw her out of her shell.

Leanna closed the box and the music abruptly ended. She traced the wood with her fingers and smiled wistfully. "Thank you, Trevor. It's lovely."

Trevor had to tell her that he loved her. It might be the only way to reach her. Suddenly his fears seemed insignificant in light of her sorrow, and he knew it was the right thing to do. 

"Leanna, there's something I need to tell you . . ."

Leanna rose abruptly, cutting him off. "I have something for you too," she said softly. She went to the desk and withdrew a long, rolled parcel tied with a red ribbon. She laid it on his lap and gave him a shy smile. "I hope you like it."

Trevor swallowed hard and gently unrolled the parcel. Inside was a watercolor painting of The Meadows. Every line of his home had been reproduced with painstaking attention to detail, and he looked up at her with genuine admiration in his eyes.

"Did you do this?" At her nod, he returned his attention to the painting. "It's beautiful," he said sincerely. "I had no idea you were such a talented artist."

Leanna smiled faintly. "I meant to get it framed, but we haven't had a chance to go into town."

"Thank you," Trevor murmured setting the painting aside as he clasped her hand and pulled her down onto his lap for a tender kiss. When he lifted his head, there were tears in her eyes and her chin was trembling. He had to tell her how he felt, he couldn't stand to see her so unhappy. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Leanna, I . . . you really should know . . . what I mean to say is . . ."

There was a knock on the door, and Leanna hopped off his lap as if she had been scalded, turning her back to the door and quickly wiping at her eyes. Trevor growled in frustration before he yanked open the door.

Camilla was standing with fresh towels and scented soap for Leanna's bath, and she beamed up at him. "Good morning to you, Mister Trevor, Miss Leanna and Merry Christmas." She bustled in, gaily chattering to Leanna, and Trevor watched as the two women disappeared into the dressing room. He knew it would only be moments before more servants arrived carrying water for Leanna's bath. Their moment of privacy was over.

Trevor looked toward the ceiling. The longer he waited, the harder it was getting. Trevor had never been a coward, so why couldn't he just tell his wife how he felt? He would have to find an opportunity to speak with Leanna, a time when they would not be interrupted. He heaved a frustrated sigh before dressing and going down to breakfast.

Leanna waited until she was alone in the bath to sob out her despair. Trevor had been about to admit to her that he was still in love with Eliza, she was sure of it. Leanna had never seen him so uncertain, so nervous about talking to her. Thank goodness Camilla had arrived when she had, otherwise Leanna would have completely disgraced herself, likely melting into a spineless heap at her husband's feet, begging him not to leave her. Leanna cringed in self-disgust and sobbed all the harder.

She wasn't ready to face losing Trevor. Her only defense was to make sure he didn't get another opportunity to ask her for a divorce. At least until her emotions were less raw. She wanted to be able to comport herself with some dignity when the time came for his confession, and for that, she would need time to come to grips with her emotions.

**********

Over the next few days, Trevor's frustration continued to build. Each time he found some time alone with his wife she would plead a headache or exhaustion and quickly go to bed. He had never known his wife to sleep so much. When he tried to talk with her in the mornings, Leanna would interrupt him, chatting brightly about a million insignificant things but never giving him a chance to express himself. He was at his wits end.

Leanna, for her part, was profoundly miserable. She didn't have anyone to confide in, and she felt very alone.

It had been nearly three weeks since their arrival at The Meadows when everything changed. Leanna, Amanda and Eliza were sitting in the parlor. Suddenly, Amanda gasped and jumped up from the settee, just as a pool of clear fluid began to form at her feet. Her eyes opened wide in surprise and she clutched both hands to her belly, suddenly quite scared. Eliza and Leanna were no less startled, and they both came to lend support, as Amanda looked from one to the other, at a loss as to what to do.

"I think it's time for the baby to come," Amanda whispered faintly.

Leanna leaped into action, taking firm command over the situation. "We need to get you up to your bedroom, and I'll rouse the household and tell them to make the necessary preparations."

The two women helped Amanda mount the stairs, and within moments, they had her deposited on the edge of her thick feather bed. Leanna ran to the wardrobe and brought back a clean nightgown for her to wear. They helped her don it, and Leanna left Eliza at her side while she went in search of Camilla. Leanna fired off instructions to get the household ready for the birth and she told the servants to send word to Steven and Trevor and to send someone for the midwife.

Leanna had only been gone a few moments, but when she returned to Amanda's bedside, her sister was already having strong pains, and her brow was covered in sweat. Eliza wrung her hands in agitation beside the bed, looking pathetically confused. It was Leanna who poured fresh water into a basin and brought it to the bedside table. She took a clean cloth and dampened it, laying it across Amanda's worried brow. 

"Everything will be just fine, Amanda. There's no need to worry. I have sent for Steven and the doctor."

For once, Amanda's smile was sincere as she looked at Leanna with gratitude. "Thank you. I must confess I'm quite scared. Was it hard for you, Eliza?"

They both turned to see Eliza grimacing. "I really don't remember much about it. John brought the doctor as soon as my pains started, and he gave me ether to ease the pain. All I remember is waking up and the baby had been born."

The other women looked at her, too stunned to respond. They had both been depending on her knowledge, and now they were at a loss as to how to proceed. Sensing Amanda's growing panic, Leanna turned to her and grasped her hand.

"Amanda, please don't worry. Babies are born all the time, and there really is nothing to it. Why, I have an aunt who birthed six children with no trouble at all, and she said it is really quite simple."

Amanda nodded, taking some small comfort from her words. Steven arrived before long, and his face was devoid of his usual humor as he watched Amanda endure another strong pain. Eliza slipped out of the room without a word, and Amanda frowned in confusion. She had been counting on her friend to help her.

The midwife arrived within the hour. She was a middle aged woman, with a sturdy build and intelligent eyes. She approached the bed and smiled kindly down at Amanda.

"Hello Mrs. Grayson," she said with quiet assurance. "My name's Maggie, and I've come to help."

Amanda felt instantly at ease with the woman, and she smiled her relief. "Thank you for coming, I'm so glad you are here." She paused as another pain gripped her body.

The midwife watched her with interest, making her own assessments about how far she had progressed in her labor. She asked for hot water, clean towels, and soap, and she rolled up her sleeves to get down to work.

As the hours dragged on, Leanna and Camilla worked tirelessly alongside the midwife to comfort Amanda and coax her through the pains. Steven had been banished early on, as his obvious distress was simply making it more difficult for his wife to relax. As the pains grew more intense, Amanda focused on Leanna with increasing regularity, their gazes locking and their hands gripped together.

When the time finally came to push, all three women encouraged her, the midwife giving her support and guidance, as Amanda labored to birth her baby. Leanna's eyes opened wide in wonder, when a tiny head finally emerged, and Amanda's son came sliding out into the world, squalling loudly.

Amanda's face, though tired, was wreathed in smiles as she cooed to her tiny infant son. "Oh, he's lovely. A perfectly beautiful little angel." She glanced up to see Leanna regarding them both with tears of joy in her eyes. "Oh Leanna, thank you. Thank you for staying with me and helping me." She didn't need to say anything else, for her gratitude was apparent on her shining face.

Leanna smiled graciously and brushed her hair back from her sweaty brow. "It was my pleasure. Congratulations, Amanda."

Leanna made her way down to the parlor, where Steven was restlessly pacing under Trevor's amused eyes. Eliza was nowhere to be seen, and Leanna wondered where she had gone. Dismissing the question for the moment, she turned to Steven with a broad grin.

"You have a son. He and Amanda are both fine."

Steven swept her into his arms and whirled her around in circles until she squealed as he yelled for joy. When he finally deposited her back on her feet again, they were all three laughing. 

"Can I see her now?" he questioned anxiously.

"Yes, of course," she laughed. He didn't even pause to hear the rest of her statement before mounting the stairs at record speed.

Trevor placed an arm around her shoulders as they stood beside each other, watching him go. When he disappeared out of sight, Trevor turned her to face him, his arms around her narrow waist, and he bent to kiss her softly. Although the kiss was brief, it stole her breath, and Leanna's eyes fluttered open to see her husband watching her with a tender smile.

"I'm very proud of you for staying with Amanda when she needed you. I know it's been hard on you these past weeks, but I think you made a friend for life today. Amanda is not one to lightly discard a kindness done for her, especially during her time of need."

Leanna felt her eyes misting over. "I hope so. I would truly like for us to become friends."

Trevor cupped her cheek in his palm, while he tenderly traced her bottom lip with his thumb. Desire flared in his loins. He hadn't made love to Leanna for several days. He had been too preoccupied with the tension between them and trying to find out why Leanna was so sad. Holding her like this made him want to reach her even more.

Seeing the intensity in his eyes, Leanna held her breath. "What?" she questioned breathlessly.

Trevor's voice was husky as he slowly bent to claim her lips again. Just before their lips touched he whispered, "I want you."

He claimed her lips in a heated kiss, letting their passion grow by slow degrees until it nearly consumed them. Leanna could feel the burning heat of his manhood pressing against her belly, and she groaned when his hands drifted down to cup her buttocks with bold familiarity. She responded by stretching up and molding herself more firmly against him as he deepened the kiss.

"How very charming," Eliza's voice drawled, heavy with derision.

Trevor lifted his head but held Leanna against him so the proof of his arousal wouldn't be visible. He arched an angry eyebrow as he glared at the other woman from over Leanna's head. 

"Have I ever told you, Eliza, that you have lousy timing?"

Eliza wasn't bothered in the least by his snide remark, and she emitted a throaty laugh as she flopped down in a nearby chair. "On the contrary, my darling, I think my timing was perfect." She glowered at Leanna, and it was clear from her stance that she had no intention of leaving to give them privacy.

Trevor released a frustrated growl, his irritation supreme, but he pointedly ignored the intruder as he smiled down at Leanna. His whisper was for her ears alone. "I fear I must leave now before I commit mayhem on our guest. However, never fear. We will resume our discussion tonight." 

His eyes were full of promise as they delved into hers, and she flushed with pleasure. Trevor turned and strode out of the room, making his way upstairs to see his new nephew.

His reaction to Eliza's interruption surprised Leanna. He hadn't looked guilty or nervous, having been caught kissing his wife. Could it be that he did want her and not Eliza? Hope bubbled up once more as Leanna watched him go. Turning back to face Eliza, Leanna crossed to another chair and wearily sank into its comfortable depths. 

"Well, Amanda had her baby. Are you even interested to know what she had?"

Eliza narrowed her eyes with barely suppressed malice. "Yes, of course. Pray tell."

"She had a beautiful baby boy. Both he and Amanda are fine and healthy."

Eliza shrugged nonchalantly. "Yes, well I never doubted it. I was sure she would have no trouble birthing her child."

Leanna rose stiffly from the chair and gave Eliza a strained smile.

"I feel the need to freshen up." Without another word, she left the other woman alone.

Eliza sat for a long time, staring into the flames dancing in the fireplace. She wasn't at all happy about the recent events. Although she had been throwing herself at Trevor for the past three weeks, making it abundantly clear to him that she was available and willing to share his bed, he hadn't shown the slightest inclination to accept any of her offers. In addition, he seemed to be growing more and more enamored with his wife as the days passed, and Eliza was concerned that she would never be able to win his affections.

Eliza's beautiful features twisted into an ugly mask of hatred as she thought about her rival. If it were not for that simpering little bitch, she was sure she could already have been Trevor's wife by now. He had been in love with her for years, so why did he have to go and marry another woman just when Eliza was finally free to return to him? She pressed her lips into a grim line as she debated her next course of action. The time for patience was over. She would catch Trevor at the earliest opportunity and launch her next attack. One way or another, she was determined to have him for her own, and nothing was going to stand in her way, including his wife.

************

Two days later, Trevor woke up to find his wife snuggled against his side, her soft curves pressing against him. His eyes skimmed the delicate features that he so adored. He realized with some degree of awe that Leanna had quickly become the center of his world, and he couldn't imagine his life without her. For the past five years before meeting her, he had been drifting aimlessly through life. He had built his shipping business and rebuilt his plantation for the sole purpose of exacting a measure of revenge against Eliza for marrying another man just because he was wealthy.

However, since he had met and married Leanna, Trevor felt a desire to build something lasting and meaningful for them to enjoy together for the rest of their lives. He was looking forward to having children with her and sharing themselves throughout the coming years. He realized for the first time that the majority of the hurt he had experienced when Eliza eloped was due to his wounded pride and the loss of a dream. He had been in love with a dream instead of Eliza, and for the first time, he was able to remember their relationship objectively.

He had never found Eliza to be particularly charming, witty, caring or loving. In fact, looking back on their years together, he realized she had been self-serving since a very young age, manipulating everyone around her to get her own way. He had thought he could break her of that, given enough time and a firm hand. He realized now that he had idealized her and remembered only her good qualities, thereby making it nearly impossible for any other woman to compete with her memory.

Trevor looked at Leanna once again, and his arms tightened involuntarily around her. Still sound asleep, she sighed softly and turned to face him, snuggling against the warmth of his broad chest. He sucked in a tortured breath, feeling her scantily clad breasts pressed to him and wanting desperately to kiss her slightly parted lips. However, he let her sleep, secure in his arms. He had to find a way to bridge the distance that was growing between them before he would feel right in taking her body. The next time he made love to her, he wanted her to know that he did indeed love her.

The time was past due for him to admit to her that he loved her. He knew it would be taking a risk to lay his heart in her hands, especially since she was still treating him with coolness, but he could no longer deny that such a risk was necessary. He was unwilling to face the prospect of losing her altogether, and he sensed she felt threatened by Eliza's presence in his home.

He tenderly brushed her hair back from her face and disentangled himself from her sleeping form, being careful not to wake her. A slight frown marred her forehead, as if she disliked losing his comforting warmth, but he planted a soft kiss on the creamy expanse to erase the slight lines and tucked the coverlet around her.

He had to make a trip into Newport News on business, and he wouldn't be returning until the following night, so he was tempted to rouse his wife for a parting kiss, but he knew that if he were successful in wooing her, it would likely lead to a long delay in his departure. Instead, he left her sleeping peacefully while he dressed and made his way quietly downstairs.




Marrying for Money Ch. 05



Breakfast was a casual affair at the Grayson home, with each inhabitant taking their morning nourishment whenever they chose to appear. Therefore, Trevor wasn't surprised to learn that Steven had already dined and left to inspect the crops in the northern section of the plantation. However, he was caught off guard when Eliza came sweeping through the dining room door just before he finished his meal. He scanned her briefly and noted that she looked fresh and pretty in a charming pink dress. She usually didn't make an appearance until nearly noon, and Trevor couldn't keep the amazement from his face. She ignored his obvious surprise and smiled at him with a calculating gleam in her brown eyes.

"Good morning, Trevor darling. I hope you don't mind if I join you for breakfast." She warbled the words as she carefully helped her plate from the sideboard, and it was clear from her tone that she didn't expect him to mind in the least.

Trevor kept his face carefully blank and concentrated on finishing his breakfast. "Of course you are welcome to eat whenever you like, Eliza."

She sat on his right side, just as usual, but she slid her chair over until her arm brushed against his. "Did you sleep well," she inquired sweetly, leaning far over to reach the butter and brushing her breasts against his arm in the process.

Trevor withdrew his arm from the table and gave her a frown. "Yes, I did," he stated flatly.

"I didn't sleep at all well," she sighed. "I really don't like sleeping alone." She flashed him a sultry smile.

Trevor dropped his fork onto his plate with a clatter and pinned her with a cold stare. "What exactly is your game, Eliza? It should be clear to you that it is over between us. You closed the door to the possibility of us ever being together when you eloped with another man."

Eliza bit her lip and gave him a pleading look. "I know I hurt you, darling. It wasn't my intention, but I know that I did."

"What do you mean it wasn't your intention?" he sneered. "You came to me and gave yourself to me, mewling about how much you loved me, while all the time you were planning to wed another man the following day. How could you have possibly believed that it wouldn't hurt me?"

Eliza leaned toward him, reaching to grasp his hand and bring it to her bosom as she pleaded for his understanding. "Oh my darling! If you had any idea how my heart ached from leaving you! However, it was the only way to save my family and our plantation. We hadn't planned as carefully as your father. There was no stash of gold coins to use to pay the taxes and start over. John promised to pay the expenses necessary to rebuild, and I felt obligated to marry him."

As she spoke, Eliza caught a flash of movement from the corner of her eye, and she glimpsed Leanna making her way down the stairs. Eliza was careful not to let on that she knew of Leanna's presence as she gave Trevor her best pleading look.

Trevor's back was to the door, and he was unaware of his wife's approach. He felt disgusted as he watched Eliza begging for his forgiveness. He would have sympathized with her, but he knew her reasons had been much more selfish than she was letting on.

"You could have at least been honest with me," he stated flatly. "I would have never made love to you, had I known that you didn't intend to marry me. You have no idea how many times I have regretted that night we spent together. I offered you everything, and you tossed me aside without a backward glance."

Eliza's eyes filled with tears, and she went down on her knees beside his chair. Her voice was very soft, as she reached up to touch his cheek. "Oh darling, I have never regretted that night. It was then that we made a baby together." She saw the shock register on his face, and she rushed on before he could respond. "You have a beautiful daughter, Trevor. I have loved her all these many years, just as I have loved you."

Trevor was shaking his head with disbelief as he stared at her, mouth agape. "I don't believe that she's my daughter and not your husband's."

Eliza gave him a secretive smile. "On our wedding night, John was called away on urgent business before we had a chance to consummate our vows. He was gone for several weeks, and by the time he returned, I had already missed my monthly time. I knew then I was carrying your child, but he never knew the baby wasn't his."

Trevor felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him. He hadn't imagined he had a daughter, and he froze for several moments, completely stunned by the news.

Knowing that Leanna was watching, Eliza wanted to make sure she would think the very worst. Eliza leaned over Trevor's legs, gripping his hands in her own and clutching them to her bosom as she looked up at him with tear filled eyes. "Your daughter's name is Miranda. She is four years old, and she has your beautiful blue eyes."

Leanna stood just outside the dining room door, and she pressed a trembling hand over her mouth to stifle her shocked gasp. She couldn't resist a peek around the corner. Her stomach churned when she saw that Eliza was lying halfway across Trevor's lap, her bosom clearly on display for him and with his hand caressing her breast. Leanna jerked back out of sight, beginning to tremble with shock and suppressed tears.

Leanna felt as if her heart was breaking. She had never dreamed that the two of them had been intimate, much less that Trevor already had a daughter by the other woman! Suddenly, Leanna felt as if her world was crashing down around her ears. Eliza was literally throwing herself at Trevor, and he wasn't rejecting her. Even if he stayed with Leanna, how could she ever be confident in her position as his wife after this? She quickly retreated on silent feet, praying that they wouldn't see her leaving.

Trevor sat stunned for several long moments simply too surprised to react, before he realized that Eliza was lying across his lap, with his hand clutched to her bosom. He snatched his hand back as if he had been burned and stood up, brushing her roughly off his lap. He crossed to the window to look out over his fields, raking a hand through his thick, wavy locks. Eliza came to stand beside him and tried to wrap her arms around his waist, but he firmly held her away from him and glared down at her with a black frown.

"Don't touch me," he growled. "You gave up the right to do that when you married another man." He ignored her gasp of surprise and continued in a deadly calm voice. Only the muscles working in his cheek betrayed the degree of his displeasure. "I will remind you once again, I'm married to Leanna. Your revelation changes nothing."

"How can you say that? Don't you want to be part of your daughter's life? She needs you! She needs her father."

Trevor eyed her coldly. "If you wanted me to be her father, you should have asked your husband for an annulment of your vows once you realized you were carrying my child!"

Eliza began to cry, tears rolling down her lovely cheeks as she pleaded with him. "Trevor, don't you understand? I was terrified that you wouldn't have wanted me. By then, I knew I was pregnant, and I was too afraid to come back, begging you to take me. I wish with all my heart that I had done that, because I'm sure we belong together! We could still be happy together."

Trevor watched her with disgust. He couldn't say whether he would have rejected her all those years ago, but it was pointless to speculate at this point in time. "Eliza, we will never know whether we would have been happy together or not. As for now, I already have a wife, and I have no intention of abandoning her to resume a life with you. I love Leanna." He blinked, wondering why it had been so easy to blurt the words to Eliza when he couldn't seem to tell Leanna.

Eliza clung to his arm and shook her head in vehement denial. "But you don't love her! I know that you are still in love with me, just as I have never loved anyone except you! Oh, my darling, don't you see? We were meant for each other!"

Trevor withdrew his arm from her grasp and shook his head. "No, Eliza, you are wrong. I love my wife very much. In fact, I didn't realize just how much I love her until this moment. Your coming here was the best thing that could have happened, because facing you has finally helped me bury the past. My future is with Leanna, and I'm going to spend the rest of my life doing everything in my power to make her happy."

Eliza took a step back as if she had been struck, and her face registered clear horror. "No," she mewled, shaking her head in denial of his statement. "I'll never believe that you are in love with her. I'm the only woman for you! I can make you happy!" Her eyes took on a wild, slightly crazed look as she backed away from him. "I just have to be patient until you see that I'm right. I have to make you see that we belong together!" With that, she turned and fled from the room, climbing the stairs with all the dignity she could muster.

Trevor watched her go with a sinking feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach. He knew that she wouldn't let go of her notion of a reconciliation between them easily, and he was worried about the effect her interference might have in his marriage. His relationship with Leanna was still new and fragile, especially given the fact that he hadn't told his wife that he loved her.

He stared out the window for a long time, before he finally released a deep sigh. There wasn't anything to be done this morning. He had pressing duties to attend, and Leanna was still asleep. He would speak with her when he returned tomorrow evening.

He made his way to the stables and saddled Stygian, his favorite stallion. The two of them seemed to be of one mind, as they raced across the fields, letting the crisp January air clear the cobwebs from his brain, until his thoughts coalesced into rational thoughts. When he returned home after this trip, he would tell Leanna everything. It was far better if she heard the news from him than from Eliza. He could only hope that if he confirmed his own feelings for her, Leanna would be willing to stand by him while he dealt with Eliza.

***********

Leanna sat alone in their bedroom, stunned by what she had overheard. She had begun to feel hopeful for their future, but hope was fading fast. If Trevor loved her, he would have rejected Eliza's advances, but he was apparently satisfied to have both women competing for his affections. Leanna jerked when a knock came at the door, and she called admittance out of habit.

Eliza slipped through the door and closed it quietly behind her, leaning against the solid panel for a moment as the two women stared warily at each other. "What do you want, Eliza?" Leanna asked, her voice sounding small and defeated even to her own ears.

Eliza walked toward her with slow, measured strides. "I think you know very well what I want. I saw you eavesdropping downstairs."

Leanna's face registered her surprise, for she had been certain neither of them had seen her. However, she took a deep breath and glared her hatred at her tormentor. "Yes, I couldn't help but overhear as you were throwing yourself at my husband!"

Eliza stifled the urge to say something nasty, and she kept her features carefully blank. She needed this woman's cooperation to make her plans work, and the best way to gain that was to avoid antagonizing her any more than necessary. Eliza knew that Leanna hadn't heard the entire conversation...

"Then you must have heard Trevor admit that he loves me and wants to be with me." She ignored Leanna's shocked gasp. "He told me he had never stopped loving me, but that he had married you thinking that there would never be a chance for us to be together again. He said he could never divorce you, as that would cause you too much pain, and he had no choice except to do the honorable thing and stand by you."

Leanna didn't want to show any weakness in front of Eliza, but she couldn't stop the tears from welling in her eyes and spilling over her cheeks. Eliza had just confirmed her worst fears, and she felt suddenly very weak, as she sank down on the edge of the bed. Eliza came to stand in front of her, begging for her understanding.

"Leanna, I know that you love Trevor, but I love him too! I have always loved him. I would never have married another man except to save my family."

Leanna squeezed her eyes tightly closed, as if to shut out the other woman's words. Eliza couldn't have been aware how closely the dilemma she described resembled the one Leanna had faced in England. Leanna wanted to be alone, and she opened her eyes to glare at Eliza.

"Why have you come to me? What do you want from me?"

Eliza looked at her pleadingly. "If you really love Trevor, I know you will want him to be happy. He can only be happy with me and our daughter! Please let him go!"

"No!" The denial exploded from Leanna as she shot to her feet, and she would have brushed past Eliza, but the other woman stilled her with her hands on her arms.

"Leanna, I cannot believe that you are willing to spend the rest of your life married to a man who you know is in love with another woman. Every time he looks at you, touches you, sleeps with you, you will know he is thinking of me and wishing it were me in his bed! Can you really face that?" Leanna was shaking her head frantically, but Eliza pressed on relentlessly, giving her a shake. "It's far better for all of us if you simply admit that your marriage was a mistake and ask Trevor for a divorce. I'm sure he will be generous with you. You won't need to worry about money, and you can start a new life. You are certainly pretty enough to find another husband, someone who will love you and not someone else."

Leanna squeezed her eyes tightly shut, desperately wishing she could block out the other woman's words. She could find no logic with which to refute her arguments.

"I think you had better leave now, Eliza. I want to be alone." Eliza opened her mouth to protest, but Leanna held up a hand to halt her words. "No, you don't need to say anything else. I have heard everything you've said, and I want you to go."

Eliza looked at her for a long moment, trying to gauge how much effect her words had had on Leanna. She finally gave a small nod and made her way to the door. Before leaving, she turned to face Leanna once more.

"Leanna, I'm placing Trevor's future happiness in your hands. I know you will make the right decision." Without another word, she turned and left, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

Leanna collapsed onto the bed in a miserable heap, covering her face with her hands. Her heart ached with the knowledge that any future she might have imagined with her husband was gone forever. He had seemed content to have her as his wife, but now she knew that he had been fooling himself, trying to settle for a marriage with her since he couldn't have his true love.

The last thing Leanna wanted was for a man to settle for her. She deserved more than that, and although it was breaking her heart to admit it, Trevor deserved more than that too. She remembered his actions in London, when he had been wooing her to marry him. Even though he had wanted her to become his wife, he had offered her the option to back out of the arrangement and still have the money she needed. Trevor hadn't wanted her to feel trapped into a marriage with him, but now he was trapped with Leanna when he really wanted someone else. He deserved the same chance, now that the circumstances had changed.

Leanna had never felt so conflicted. If she stayed, as her heart was urging her to do, Trevor would suffer. She knew that he was too honorable to ask her for a divorce. It would go against everything in his nature to abandon her for the sake of his own happiness. If she left and gave him a divorce so he could marry Eliza, Leanna knew that she would have to suffer through the scandal of being divorced. There was a good possibility that no man would ever want her for a wife again, and she would end up spending the rest of her life alone and lonely. She didn't want that. However, her love for Trevor was stronger even than her sense of self-preservation. Above all else, she wanted him to be happy.

She rose from the bed as if she were coming out of a daze. Her course of action seemed crystal clear, and it was suddenly imperative that she hurry. The last thing she wanted was to face Trevor. That would be too painful to bear. She knew he would be gone until the following evening. With any luck, she would be long gone by the time he got back, and she doubted that he would even bother to look for her when he had the beautiful Eliza here to distract him!



Marrying for Money Ch. 06



Trevor rode hard the following day, eager to return to his wife. By the time he finally returned home in the early evening, he had worked out what he would say to Leanna, and he was anxious to find her.

One of the stable hands came to take his mount, and he smiled a greeting. "Good afternoon, sir. I know Mister Steven will be glad you're back. He hasn't been getting much sleep the last couple nights, what with the new baby and all."

Trevor returned his friendly smile. "Why thank you, Silas. It's good to be back." He was about to leave the stable when he noticed Leanna's fine mare wasn't in her stall. "Where is Windy?" he asked.

Silas frowned slightly. "The missus decided to ride into town yesterday and do some shopping. She sent word that she was staying overnight and would be back this afternoon."

Trevor frowned sharply, surprised by this revelation. He had mentioned that he wanted to purchase some new gowns for her and had suggested that they visit the seamstress when he returned. He could only assume that Leanna had been too impatient to wait, but why she would decide to stay overnight was a complete mystery. Perhaps she felt a bit uncomfortable around Eliza when he was gone.

"Thank you, Silas. Please tell my wife that I'm looking for her when she returns."

With that, he turned and made his way to the house. He climbed the stairs, feeling a niggling uneasiness and impatience to speak with Leanna. He had decided to declare his love in clear terms and to be open and honest with her about Eliza. There was no longer any room for secrets between them, and he would have to trust in her love for him to carry them through whatever was to come.

He went to their bedroom and took a quick bath and changed into clean clothes before going in search of his wife. Surely she had returned by now, for it was getting dark outside. As he descended the stairs, he heard a slight rustle of fabric from behind him, and he whirled to see Eliza approaching from her room.

"Why good evening darling," she warbled. "I was beginning to wonder if I would see you at all this evening."

Trevor had no patience for her prattle. "Have you seen Leanna? I'm sure she must have returned by now."

Eliza gave him a pout. "How thoughtless of you, darling. You haven't even mentioned my new gown, and I wore it just for you."

She tried to sidle close enough to brush her bosom against his arm, but Trevor stepped deftly to the side to avoid making contact. He frowned at her sternly and struggled to keep his voice calm.

"Eliza, I thought I made myself perfectly clear yesterday. There is no chance for a future for us. I'm happily married to another woman, and I have no interest in a life with you. Whatever dreams you have concocted in that head of yours, you might as well discard them, because they are not going to happen."

Eliza gave him a cajoling look. "No matter what you say, I'll never stop loving you. Never!"

Trevor shook his head in exasperation and went in search of his wife. He went through the entire downstairs, but Leanna was nowhere to be found. Trevor questioned the servants, but none of them knew where his wife was either, and a feeling of dread began to settle in his gut. Trevor went out onto the porch and surveyed the grounds for as far as he could see, but Leanna was nowhere in sight. Checking the stables once again, he found that his wife hadn't returned. 

"When did she leave?" he asked.

Silas frowned, trying to pinpoint the time. "I'm not really sure, sir. It was sometime yesterday morning."

Trevor turned to see Steven striding down from the house. His brother was aware that he was looking for Leanna, and his concern was evident.

"Steven, Leanna rode into town yesterday, and she hasn't come home. Did she say anything to you about her plans?"

Steven frowned and shook his head. "No, I was down near the mill most of yesterday, and I didn't even know she had left until yesterday evening. I just checked with Amanda, and she said Leanna came in briefly yesterday morning to check on her and the baby. She said she was wearing her riding habit and that she seemed a bit agitated, but that she had said she merely wanted to go shopping and that she might stay overnight in Norfolk. She was supposed to be back by now."

They both looked at Silas and Trevor's voice was urgent. "Resaddle my horse for me. I'm going to ride into town to see what's keeping her."

He ran in the house to grab a coat. As he turned from the wardrobe, something caught his eye, and he glanced over to find a note leaning on the top of the dressing table. He frowned and crossed to see that it had his name on it, written in Leanna's elegant script. It must have been there before, but he hadn't noticed it earlier. He tore it open to read the contents, and he felt his heart pounding painfully in his chest.

My dearest Trevor, I cannot stay with you, knowing that you are in love with someone else. I overheard your conversation with Eliza this morning, and I realized that I'm standing in the way of your happiness. That would never be my intention, to hold you back from finding complete happiness, especially after everything you have done for my family. Just as you gave me a chance to back out of our marriage, I have decided that you need that opportunity as well. Therefore, I'm leaving, so that you can rekindle your relationship with Eliza. I don't know yet where I'll go, for I wasn't expecting to be on my own. However, I'll be just fine, so you don't need to worry about my welfare. I have taken the liberty of borrowing some money from the drawer where you keep it. I hope you will forgive my presumption, but I felt you wouldn't mind. Anyway, I'll repay it as soon as possible. I'll write and we can arrange for a divorce. I promise not to trouble you in the future, and I wish you only the best. Please know that wherever I go, I'll always cherish the time we spent together. All my love, Leanna

Trevor reread the note three times, unable to believe his eyes. He thought back on the scene she must have overheard, and he cringed with dread. No wonder she must have thought the worst! He had to find her before he lost her trail, and he pounded down the stairs. In no time at all, he was racing down the lane, urging his horse to a relentless pace, and he reached Norfolk in half the time it normally took. He took his horse to the livery, preparing to search the entire town if necessary to find his wife. However, he instantly spied the small gray mare she had ridden into town.

"Mr. Peterson," he asked anxiously, turning to the man who owned the livery, "did my wife leave that horse with you yesterday?"

Mr. Peterson nodded slowly, giving him a puzzled look. "She sure did, Mr. Grayson. Said she was leaving her here for you and that you would take her back home."

"Did she say where she was going?"

This caused the other man to raise his eyebrows sharply. "No, I can't rightly say that she did. Although I thought I saw her making her way over to the stagecoach office."

Trevor nodded crisply as he began to walk away. "Thank you, Mr. Peterson. Please give my horse a good rubdown. I worked him pretty hard getting here."

The stagecoach office was a small building, a shack really, on the side of the street. The manager, Mr. Higgins sat on a stool and looked out through a cut out window directly onto the main street that ran through town. There wasn't much that went on that he didn't know about, and Trevor knew him to be especially fond of gossip. If she traveled on the stagecoach, there was a good chance Mr. Higgins knew where Leanna had gone.

Trevor nodded to Mr. Higgins, and leaned on his counter. "I understand that my wife was here yesterday, and I was hoping you could tell me whether she bought a ticket."

Mr. Higgins gave him a puzzled look. "Your wife Mr. Grayson? I didn't even know you were married."

Remembering that he hadn't yet had a chance to introduce his wife around town, Trevor briefly described her. "Believe me, Mr. Higgins, you wouldn't be able to miss her."

"Oh yes sir. Your wife did come here yesterday morning. A right comely woman you married Mr. Grayson." He gave him a sly wink but didn't volunteer any more information.

Trevor stifled an impatient growl. "Yes, thank you. Did she buy a ticket or not?"

Mr. Higgins frowned thoughtfully and rubbed his chin. "Well, she asked me about the schedule. The odd thing was, she didn't seem to have any particular destination in mind. It seemed like she was just interested in putting a lot of miles between her and here."

This time, Trevor couldn't suppress a dark frown. If Mr. Higgins didn't tell him what he wanted to know, he was going to be tempted to wring his scrawny little neck. "Mr. Higgins," he said, summoning every last vestige of patience he could muster, "do you know where my wife went? It is urgent that I find her."

Mr. Higgins gave him a curious look and smiled, obviously enjoying his position of informant. "Well, Mr. Grayson, your wife did purchase a ticket. You must be anxious to find her, with her being so pretty and all."

Trevor's already badly frayed temper snapped, and he reached across the counter to lift Mr. Higgins up by the collar, causing the few patrons nearby to gasp in surprise. He shook him none too gently, and the other man's eyes bulged with fear as he clawed at his hands. When Trevor spoke, his voice was menacingly low.

"Rest assured, Mr. Higgins, that I'll find my wife, with our without your help. However, if you don't tell me where she went this instant, I promise you that you will rue the day you ever set eyes on me or my wife."

Mr. Higgins' voice had become a high pitched squeal. "She bought a ticket to Atlanta. The coach left at noon yesterday."

Trevor eased his hold on the other man's collar but didn't let go of him entirely. "What route does that coach take, and how long is the journey?"

With shaking hands, Mr. Higgins drew him a rough map showing the towns it would pass through. "This is how it goes, and the trip takes four days. It stops here, here and here," he squeaked, pointing to the towns where the coach would stop for the night.


Trevor's face finally relaxed slightly, and he let go of the other man's lapels. "And you are absolutely certain that my wife left on that coach?"

Mr. Higgins bobbed his head like a bird, anxious not to anger the man again. "Yes sir."

Trevor turned without another word and strode back to the livery. Mr. Peterson had just finished tending to his horse and was putting the fine steed in a stall for the night. Realizing that his own horse was tired after having been ridden the better part of the day, Trevor turned to the stable owner.

"Mr. Peterson, I need a fast, reliable mount. Do you have something available that I could purchase?"

Mr. Peterson nodded, scratching his head for a moment. "Yessir, I do, but I have to say he ain't as fine a mount as the horses you keep in your stables."

Trevor waved his hand impatiently. "Never mind that. I need a fresh horse now, tonight. Name your price and I'll be on my way."

Mr. Peterson was a shrewd businessman, but above all things he was honest. "I tell you what. I'll loan you the steed for a fee. If you still want to purchase him when you return, we can work out a price."

Trevor nodded, satisfied with that arrangement. He counted out the necessary amount and went in search of some provisions. When he returned a few minutes later, his horse was saddled and ready to go. He made arrangements for his horse and Leanna's mare to be returned to Steven, and he turned his rented horse toward Atlanta. It had been a long day, and he was exhausted already, but he was determined to ride all night if necessary to catch up with his wayward wife.

*********

Leanna leaned back against the cushion of the stagecoach, her head lolling in the corner as she glumly stared out the window. She exhausted from riding for two days in the jarring coach, but her physical discomfort wasn't anything compared to the pain in her soul. Her heart felt like a cold lump in her chest, and her head ached from holding back a torrent of tears. She had never felt like such a miserable failure in her life, and the future appeared very bleak indeed.

No matter where she went, she would be haunted by her love for Trevor, and if his memory were not enough to contend with, she would have to contend with the stigma of being divorced. Leanna was frightened about what kind of life she would be able to provide for herself. She had been reared to be a gently bred lady of leisure, and she had no idea how to go about carving out a living.

She had toyed briefly with the idea of returning to London to live with Jeremy and Christina, but the prospect of doing that was very unappealing. She thought of that as a last resort, to be pursued only after all other avenues had been explored. Several days ago, she had listened as Trevor and Steven discussed the rebuilding of Atlanta. It sounded like a city of opportunity, as it boomed with post-war growth. Leanna was hopeful that she could find some type of job there.

Leanna stiffened as she realized that her sole companion in the coach was watching her closely from the opposite seat. Mr. Neville Woodsworth was a well dressed gentleman, and he had boarded the stage with her in Norfolk. He had made idle conversation with her throughout the journey, but during the last hour or so, they had both lapsed into silence. However, he continued to watch her with an intensity that she found disconcerting. Leanna judged him to be in his mid thirties, and he was impeccably garbed. He was exceedingly handsome with his blonde hair and blue eyes, and had her heart not been hopelessly entangled with her husband, she had no doubt she would have felt it fluttering in his presence.

Under the circumstances, she couldn't fully appreciate his good looks or his charming personality. It was apparent from his clothes that he was wealthy and equally obvious that he was intrigued by her. She turned to face him and smiled, reminding herself for the tenth time that she should not be offended by his interest, given the fact that he didn't know she was married. She had decided to travel under her mother's maiden name of Webster and had responded with sympathy when he told her that he was widowed, saying that he had lost his wife almost two years before.

Wishing to divert his interest, Leanna raised her brows in question. "Do you live near Atlanta?"

He gave her a warm smile. "No, actually, I'm only going as far as Charlotte, and then I'll be traveling inland to my plantation. I have to come into Norfolk from time to time to take care of business, and my coach was in need of repair, so I couldn't bring my own transportation"

Leanna could only nod and smile, unsure how to respond. "What about you?" he asked. "Do you have family in Atlanta?"

Leanna frowned fleetingly, unaware of how vulnerable and sad she appeared to him. "No, I don't know a soul in the city. I merely thought there might be some work for me there."

His eyes lit with interest. "What kind of work are you looking for?"

She shrugged her shoulders, looking down at her hands. "I'm not sure really. I have never had to work before, so I don't know what I'm suited for."

"Have you ever thought of becoming a governess? It just so happens that I'm in need of a governess for my two children. Would you be interested? You would have your own private quarters in my home, and I would pay you handsomely."

Leanna looked at him with surprise. The last thing she had expected was to have a job offered to her during the trip. She bit her lip in indecision, and he seemed to sense her wavering.

"You could try it for a while and see if you like it. If it doesn't work out, you can always continue on to Atlanta later."

Leanna thought that sounded reasonable. "What are your children like, Mr. Woodsworth?"

His smile was charming. "I have two daughters, Susanna is seven and Marianne is five. They are good children, but I'm afraid they have been sadly lacking in feminine guidance since their mother passed away."

Leanna gave him a sheepish look, wondering whether she would have the skills necessary to be a governess. What if she were terrible with children?

"Well, it is not really fair for you to hire me when you really have no idea whether I'm even suitable for the job. If it turned out that I wasn't very good in the position, I wouldn't want to leave you in a lurch if I decided to move on."

He chuckled with amusement. "Miss Webster, I'm sure you will be excellent for the position. Besides, as I said, if it doesn't work out, I'll be happy to see that you make it on to Atlanta. It's not as if I have a hoard of qualified governesses beating a path to my door. I've been having difficulty finding someone suitable, and I think you would be perfect for the job. I'm willing to give you the position for as long as you want it, and I'll worry about replacing you if and when the time comes."

He refrained from telling her that there was no possibility of finding a replacement for her stunning beauty. She was by far the most beautiful woman he had ever met, and he was reluctant to let her simply slip out of his life now that he had made her acquaintance.

"What do you say, are you willing to try?"

Leanna shrugged and smiled shyly. "Why not? If you're willing to give me a chance, I have nothing to lose."

His smile was triumphant. "You won't be sorry, I assure you."

They lapsed into silence once again, but this time, they were each busy with their own thoughts. Leanna could only wonder what lay in store for her, and she hoped that she had put enough distance between her and Trevor that she would be able to forget about him entirely. The last thing she wanted was for her life to overlap his and have to see him at some social event with Eliza on his arm. Thinking of that, she turned back to Mr. Woodsworth, and she blushed lightly as she made her inquiry.

"I was wondering, Mr. Woodsworth. Do you know a Mr. Trevor Grayson?" When he gave her a puzzled frown, she went on, stammering only slightly over the lie. "He was a gentleman that I met in Norfolk and I thought you might know him. He seemed rather nice." She blushed, hoping her discomfort would be masked by the darkness.

Mr. Woodsworth stared at her for several long moments. One could usually infer that her question meant she was attracted to the other man, and that bothered him. It had been a very long time since he had encountered a woman of such beauty, and he was of a mind to garner her attention for himself alone.

"No, Miss Webster, I know of no such man."

Leanna relaxed slightly. At least she wouldn't have to worry about encountering Trevor with his new wife, at least as long as she remained in the employ of Neville Woodsworth, since it appeared that they didn't travel in the same social circles.

The coach arrived in Charlotte late that night, to find the town was all but deserted. Leanna waited at the stagecoach depot while Mr. Woodsworth went to retrieve his buggy from the livery. It took them several more hours to reach his plantation, and she struggled to stay awake as the buggy bounced over mile after mile.

When they finally made it to their destination, it was well after midnight, and a full moon shone brightly down upon them as they pulled up before a stately home. The house was large and tastefully designed, although it was smaller than The Meadows and showed some signs of damage it had received during the war. Leanna could make out the white columns rising above the porch, and she surmised that this must be a popular architectural style, prevalent in the southern states.

If the housekeeper, Mrs. Mayberry, was surprised that Leanna had accompanied her employer home, she didn't show it. The plump elderly woman was glad to show Leanna to her room. Leanna looked around her new surroundings with pleasant surprise, for although the appointments were not nearly as luxurious as the ones she had left behind, she would be quite comfortable here. There was a double bed with a brass headboard and two small night tables on one wall. A modest wardrobe and a dressing table stood on the opposite wall, and the room even had a private bathing chamber.




Marrying for Money Ch. 06



Leanna set her reticule on the dressing table and ran her fingers along its top, surprised to see there were several bottles and jars there to be used. She started slightly when she saw Mr. Woodsworth leaning against the doorjamb watching her with keen interest. He looked sheepish for having startled her and gave her a reassuring smile.

"That will be all Mrs. Mayberry, thank you." Turning back to Leanna, he inquired solicitously, "Is everything to your satisfaction, Miss Webster?"

Leanna nodded and gave him a shy smile as Mrs. Mayberry withdrew to see about her duties, leaving them alone in her bedroom. "Yes, the room is lovely, thank you," she murmured.

She didn't know why he made her feel nervous, he had been unfailingly polite and a perfect gentleman on their drive to his home. Perhaps it was the habit he had of watching her with such intense interest that unnerved her.

He nodded, giving her a warm smile. "If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to let Mrs. Mayberry know and she will take care of it for you."

"I'm sure I'll be fine, Mr. Woodsworth."

He gave her another smile and turned to leave, pausing once more in the doorway. "I'll see you in the morning. Breakfast is usually at eight, but since we're arriving so late, I'll ask it be postponed to nine. You will meet my daughters then." He smiled brightly and left, closing the door behind him with a soft click.

Leanna took a deep breath and released it on a sigh. She had no idea what the future held for her, but at least she had some small hope that she would be able to support herself. If all went well here, it might turn out to be a good job for her for several years until the children were grown. If not, perhaps she could stay for a few months and save up some money before moving on. With any luck, she could work here at least until her divorce was final, then she would think about where she wanted to settle.

Thinking of Trevor made her sigh. She would have to contact him eventually, but she would wait for a while and give her heart time to prepare for what she had to do. She doubted he would even miss her with Eliza there by his side. He would most likely be relieved to be rid of her.

Leanna squeezed her eyes tightly shut, wishing with all her heart that things were different. She took a deep breath and a firm hold on her emotions, as she rose from the bed and carefully unpacked her belongings. She was determined not to dwell on what might have been. She couldn't change the past, but she could do everything in her power to carve out a future for herself and find some bit of happiness.

She stared at the ceiling for a long time, thinking of Trevor and longing for his strong arms to be wrapped around her. It was torture to think of him holding Eliza in his bed, the bed that she had so recently abandoned. The thought of him making love to the other woman brought fresh tears to her eyes, and Leanna allowed herself the luxury to cry for him just once more. Tomorrow, she would start a new life, but tonight, she would mourn for the lost life and the lost love that could never be hers.

*************

The next morning Leanna carefully chose a wine colored gown of fine muslin. The collar was high, with a ruffle around her long neck and more ruffles around the wrists. The style of the dress was demure, and as she studied her reflection in the mirror, she decided that the dress gave her just the right image she sought, somber and mature. Her hair wasn't so cooperative, and although she brushed it into a severe knot on the top of her head, wayward tendrils of it escaped to curl winsomely about her neck and jaw.

She made her way downstairs, and entered the dining room a few minutes early, only to find Mr. Woodsworth already there and staring out a nearby window. He turned immediately to face her when he heard the rustle of her skirts, and his eyes skimmed over her with appreciation evident in their blue depths. Apparently the severe gown had not had the desired effect, because Leanna could have sworn she saw desire flare briefly in his eyes before he masked the emotion.

"Good morning, Mr. Woodsworth."

He gave her an elegant bow, surely more than a mere governess merited. "Good morning. And I really must insist that you call me Neville," he smiled.

Leanna frowned slightly. "But sir, it isn't proper for a servant to address you with such familiarity."

He gave a brief laugh. "Perhaps not, but I view you as more than a mere servant. I shall depend on your judgment in raising my two daughters, and therefore, I insist that you call me by my first name." He leaned close and gave her a conspiratorial wink. "Besides, who's going to know?"

Leanna frowned but gave a small nod, not knowing how to refuse his request without offending him. "As you wish, sir."

Neville looked at her pointedly until he caught her eye. "It is usually customary to return the honor. Would you mind if I addressed you by your first name?"

Leanna hesitated briefly but finally decided it wouldn't really matter. "Alright, sir. You may call me Leanna."

His smile was radiant. "It shall be my pleasure . . . Leanna."

Their eyes met and locked and Leanna felt slightly self-conscious as he looked at her, but the feeling disappeared rapidly when they heard the sound of small feet running down the stairs. Leanna turned just as two small girls appeared in the doorway, and they went running to their father. 

"Papa, you're back!"

The two girls jumped up and down with their excitement, and Neville bent to hug them warmly. Both girls had long blond hair that hung down to the middle of their backs in neat braids, and they both possessed large, blue eyes just like their father's eyes. Leanna thought that aside from the difference in their heights, they looked enough alike to be twins.

Leanna couldn't resist smiling as the girls planted numerous slobbery kisses on their father's cheeks. Their obvious adoration for their father and his for them helped to relieve some of Leanna's trepidation.

Neville laughed with delight and kissed them each in return before rising to draw their attention to Leanna. "Girls, I would like you to meet your new governess. This is Miss Webster."

Both girls turned toward her with wide-eyed stares, and Leanna smiled at them warmly. "Hello girls, I'm very pleased to meet you," she said sincerely.

The younger girl returned her smile without hesitation, but the older one eyed her cautiously. Neville took them by the hands and led them to stand before Leanna.

"This is Susanna," he said, patting the older girl on the head. "She loves to paint and draw, and she is just beginning to learn to sew."

Leanna knelt beside them so that she was at eye level and caught Susanna's eye. "It sounds as if you are very talented," she said with a warm smile. Susanna gave her a nod but didn't venture an answer. "It just so happens that I love to sew, and if you would like, I would be happy to show you how to make the various stitches."

The smallest hint of a smile lifted the corners of Susanna's mouth, and she gave a tiny nod. Neville chuckled before turning to his younger daughter.

"And this is Marianne. She loves kittens and horses, and she is learning to play the piano."

Marianne wasn't shy in the least, and she gave Leanna a bright smile. "Yes, and I have learned a new song to play for Papa. Do you want to hear it now?" she asked eagerly.

Neville laughed with humor. "Not just now my pet, but I look forward to hearing you play this evening." He turned to Leanna with a smile. "Shall we sit down to breakfast?"

Unlike the Meadows, breakfast was more formal here, but Leanna could see that the girls were comfortable and happy from the way they talked excitedly to their father. As the meal progressed, Neville told Leanna about the daily routine for the girls, and Marianne was happy to tell her about the topics they had been studying.

When breakfast was concluded, Neville rose and gave a slight bow to Leanna. "I'll leave you three alone. Mrs. Mayberry will show you around the house, and I'll check back with you at dinner. If you need me for anything in the meantime, you can find me in my study." He gave her one last warm smile and retreated to his study.

As he sank into the large, overstuffed leather chair behind his desk, Neville released a long sigh and a wide grin split his lips. Leanna Webster was a very enticing addition to his household, and he was determined to ensure that she stayed with them for a very long time to come. Leanna was much too lovely to remain a governess... That night, Leanna washed and dressed for dinner, taking extra care with her appearance. She wanted to look appropriate for her position as governess, but that was difficult to accomplish, given that her clothes were better suited for the lady of the house. Since her clothes didn't really look like a servant's, she concentrated on trying to tame her hair into a severe bun at her nape. As she surveyed her image in the mirror, she decided that she hadn't been entirely successful, but it was the best she could manage.

When she entered the girls' room, they both turned to her with gasps of appreciation. Marianne, as usual, was the one to comment on her appearance.

"Miss Webster, you look lovely. Wait until Papa sees you in that dress!"

Leanna blushed, aware that in the absence of their mother, they would be anxious to find a suitable woman to fill the void she had left in their lives. However, that was the last thing Leanna wanted, and she was quick to dispel that notion.

"Oh, I'm sure your father won't even notice me. He'll be too busy admiring his two beautiful daughters."

Marianne giggled, and even Susanna smiled shyly in response. Leanna held out a hand to each of the girls. "Shall we go down for dinner now?" She took one of the hands in each of hers, and the three of them made their way down the stairs.

Neville had been waiting in the parlor, and when he heard the soft swishing sound of feminine clothing, he emerged to watch the three of them floating gracefully down the last few steps. He gave each of his daughters a warm smile before letting his eyes settle on Leanna. Her heart fluttered nervously in her chest as he slowly took in her appearance from the top of her shining coppery hair down to her dainty slippers peeking out beneath her hem, before reversing to assess her lovely figure once more.

Leanna knew that, had she not already been in love with Trevor, she would have been flattered by this man's attention. Neville looked dashing in black eveningwear and a crisp white shirt. His blue eyes shone like jewels in his tanned face, and the look he gave her was reminiscent of the ones she had often received from her husband. 

"Good evening, Leanna." He gave her a warm smile before executing a bow.

"Good evening. Have you been waiting long?" she inquired.

"No, but even if I had, the result would have been well worth the wait," he assured her smoothly.

Leanna felt a flush rising in her cheeks, and she dropped her gaze demurely. "Shall we go in to dinner?"

"By all means. May I?"

Neville offered her his arm, and she placed her hand on top of it, feeling slightly uncomfortable. It was apparent to her that he was interested in her as a woman, and she wasn't sure how to discourage his interest. It wasn't his fault, since he didn't know she was married and still loved her husband.

The conversation over dinner was light hearted. After dessert, Mrs. Mayberry appeared to take the girls up for bed. Leanna started to rise and accompany the girls.

"Never mind, Mrs. Mayberry, I'll get the girls into bed," Leanna murmured.

Neville was quick to intervene. "No, I would rather you stay. Mrs. Mayberry, please take the girls up."

He gave each of his daughters a hug and a kiss and sent them off with the housekeeper before turning back to Leanna. She was standing nervously beside her chair, twisting her napkin in her hands.

"Leanna, would you join me in the parlor for a nightcap?"

Leanna gave him a fleeting glance and wet her lips. "Perhaps I should go to bed too. It has been a long day."

He came to stand beside her and waited until she met his gaze. "Surely a little longer won't matter. Besides, I hate to drink alone."

Leanna looked at him for a long moment, before finally giving a slight nod of acquiescence. "Alright, but I cannot stay for long."

He took her arm and escorted back into the parlor. "Would you care for sherry?"

"No, thank you." Leanna thought she would be better off keeping all her wits about her.

While she waited for Neville to pour himself a drink, she perched on the edge of a comfortable chair that sat nearby. There was a cheery fire burning, and the glow cast even more red highlights in her hair. Neville sat in the chair opposite her, and she was aware that his gaze didn't waver far from her. She finally turned to him and tried to distract his interest with conversation.

"Your daughters are charming. I can see that you love them very much."

He smiled, nodding slightly in agreement. "Yes, I do. We have grown closer over the last few months, but they desperately need a mother. Ever since their mother died in a riding accident...well, they've missed having a woman's guidance. They really need a mother."

Although he didn't express his thoughts at that moment, it was clear from the intense regard he gave her that he was thinking of her in that role. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and looked down at her hands. She had to find a way to discourage him, and she could only hope that she wouldn't alienate him in the process.

"Neville, I wasn't completely honest with you about my situation," she said quietly.

He raised an eyebrow at her, but gave her an encouraging smile. He had suspected that she wasn't telling him the entire story before, and he saw the fact that she was confiding in him now as a good sign. "I gathered as much. Is there something you wish to tell me now?"

Leanna nibbled at her bottom lip with uncertainty, entirely unaware of what a vulnerable and charming picture she presented to her employer. "Well, I think it's only fair that you know the whole story." She looked at him to gauge his reaction to her next words. "The man that I asked you about, Trevor Grayson, he is my husband."

Neville's shock was evident on his face, and he stared at her for several moments, stunned by her news. "Your husband! Why on earth would you pretend not to be married?"

Leanna looked down at her hands, making a conscious effort not to wring them. "I haven't been married very long, in fact, only about three months. I just came over from England a few weeks ago. I was just becoming accustomed to married life when we arrived in Virginia, only to find out that my husband's former fiancée was anxiously hoping for a reconciliation. She had married another man but had recently been widowed, and she was ready to resume her relationship with my husband."

Neville frowned in puzzlement. "Surely your husband wasn't interested, since he had already married you. I can't imagine him, or any man for that matter, choosing another woman over you." He suddenly looked sheepish, realizing how much he had just revealed. "I just don't believe your husband would turn his back on his wife unless he is a very despicable character indeed."

Leanna was quick to come to Trevor's defense. "No, he didn't turn his back on me. However, he never tried to deceive me about his feelings. He wasn't in love with me, and I guess he never got over his former fiancée running off with another man." She lifted her shoulders in a shrug, and it was a supreme effort for her to fight back the tears burning her eyes. After several long moments, she heaved a dejected sigh. "No, I chose to leave so that he could get a divorce and marry the woman he truly loved."

Once again, Neville's amazement was supreme, but he sat for several moments studying her carefully before replying. "The fact that you're willing to endure the hardships of a divorce in order to get out of your marriage leads me to believe that you don't love this man."

Leanna stood abruptly and turned away to hide the moisture in her eyes. "On the contrary, sir. I love him very much. However, I don't wish to hold him when I know he is in love with another woman. I believe they can make a happy life together, and I don't intend to stand in their way. The last thing I want is to be a chain around any man's neck."

Neville stood and went to stand directly behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders and gently turned her to face him. "Any man who thinks of you as a chain around his neck is either crazy or a fool. You are a very charming woman," he gave her a rueful grin, "and quite beautiful as well. I find you enchanting. Any man would be lucky to have you as his wife." He noted her pink cheeks, and he grew serious once again. "I'm curious Leanna. Why are you telling me all of this now?"

She fidgeted beneath his steady regard, and gave another small shrug. "I didn't want you to become . . . interested in me. That's why I found it important to tell you the whole truth. I don't want to give you the false impression that there is a possibility for . . . anything between us," she blushed hotly, not wishing to presume too much. "I hope you understand that I'm unavailable. I'm still in love with my husband. I don't know whether I'll ever be able to love another man the way I loved him, and I don't wish to give you any false ideas."

He smiled at her and took both of her hands into his. "What I understand is that you intend to be divorced. While that might bother some men, it doesn't bother me. I still find myself very attracted to you. As to the other, never being able to love another man, all I can tell you is that there will come a time when you are ready to move on with life, and I would like to be waiting for you when that time comes."

He saw her frown slightly and he placed a gentle finger over her lips to still her words. "Please, don't say anything else right now. I promise not to pressure you unduly. I'm a patient man, and I'll give you as much time as you need. However, please understand that when you are ready, I'll be here, and if the time should come when you are able to give your heart to another man, I hope that you will consider me."

Leanna stood looking up at him for a long moment trying to read his eyes. She felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She had anticipated that her revelation would cause Neville to lose interest in her entirely. Now she was faced with his interest perhaps being even stronger than before she confided in him, and she wasn't sure how to react. Finally, she looked down and cleared her throat.

"Thank you for your understanding, Neville. You have given me a lot to consider. I think I'll retire for the evening."

She gave him a small nod and was almost to the door when she heard him speak in a husky voice. "Good night, Leanna. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

She felt the heat of his gaze on her as she climbed the stairs. She reached her room and closed the door behind her, leaning on the stalwart panel for support. She desperately wished Trevor had been so enamored with her. Leanna released a deep sigh.

She felt some small comfort from the knowledge that if she desired him, Neville was ready to help her pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. A small smile curved her lips as she thought about her employer. He had completely surprised her with his reaction to her confession. Now that everything was out in the open, she could relax a bit and see what the future might hold...

*********

Trevor Grayson wasn't a patient man under the best of circumstances, and the last three weeks had stretched what limited patience he did have to the breaking point. He had searched the entire route of the stagecoach in both directions, all to no avail. The driver was a drunkard and couldn't remember Leanna. She could have gotten off the stagecoach at any number of cities, and trying to find her was like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack.




Marrying for Money Ch. 06



Trevor learned that Leanna had stayed at a hotel in Raleigh, but he didn't know whether she had boarded the stagecoach the following morning to resume her journey or whether she had taken a different course. He knew her to be highly intelligent and resourceful, and if she wanted to disappear, she might have changed her plans just to throw him off her trail. She must have known that he would follow her, so the question was how badly did she want to make sure that he wouldn't be able to find her? He had questioned everyone he could, but while most folks had been curious and anxious to help him, no one had been able to give him any substantial information about where she had gone. It was as if Leanna had disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Trevor put out a handsome reward for information that would lead him to her, but to no avail. Her trail was growing colder all the time and Trevor was getting increasingly desperate to find her.

Trevor knew that the conversation Leanna had overheard between him and Eliza would have made her think the very worst. He had certainly not given her much reason to feel secure, and he cursed himself for not telling her how much he loved her when he had the chance. If she had known how much she meant to him, he couldn't believe that she would have left him. He pushed himself to the limits, getting only minimal amounts of sleep as he searched relentlessly to find her.

At night, Trevor would lay awake thinking about his wife. She fulfilled a need in him that went much deeper than merely the physical. While he missed her presence in his bed, it was her presence in his life that he couldn't live without. Leanna had an uncanny ability to provide support and reassurance just when he needed it. Her soft womanliness encouraged every masculine protective instinct he had, and only when he was with her did he feel complete as a man.

After three weeks of fruitless searching, Trevor returned in defeat to The Meadows. He had left word in all the cities along the way offering a reward for any help in locating his wife. Perhaps he would get lucky and find that Leanna had at least sent word to him, as she had promised to do. He was determined to find her. He would return home for a brief rest, and then he would leave again, broadening his search until he found his wife.

Trevor arrived in the evening to find Steven, Amanda and Eliza at dinner. They all appeared glad to see him, and they rose as a group to greet him. Trevor glowered at Eliza wondering why she was still at his home. The plan had been for her to stay with Amanda until the baby arrived, but that blessed event had been weeks ago, and the blasted woman was still here.

Steven grasped his hand and frowned with concern. "Have you found out anything? Anything at all?" Trevor shook his head and went to sit in his chair at the table. "No, it's as if Leanna dropped off the face of the earth. I have been back and forth between here and Atlanta, and no one can give me even a hint about where she is. The only thing I know for sure is that she made it as far as Raleigh. She stayed there her first night, but the rest is a mystery."

Amanda bit her bottom lip and tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Trevor. "I'm so sorry, Trevor. I fear it's my fault that she's gone. If only I had made her feel more welcome here, she might never have left."

Trevor gave her a grim smile and shook his head. "No, Amanda. I know that Leanna wanted very much to be close to you, and I'm sure that you were well on your way to becoming friends." He gave Eliza a dark glance as he continued. "I know why Leanna left, and I'm determined to find her and clear up the misunderstanding that we had."

Eliza bristled beneath his steady regard. "Well, I certainly hope you don't think I had anything to do with her leaving. She didn't consult me with her reasons."

The muscles in Trevor's cheek worked as he looked at Eliza through narrowed eyes. "You and I both know that you have quite a lot to do with her leaving. So your innocent act is wasted on me."

She gasped and turned away in a huff. "How dare you insinuate that I'm not being totally sincere."

Trevor didn't have the patience to deal with Eliza and all of her self-centered drivel at the moment. All he wanted was a hot meal and a good night's sleep so that he could resume his search the following day. There would be no real rest for him until he found Leanna. He barely tasted the food, eating purely out of necessity as he spoke again to Steven.

"Did Leanna send any letter while I was gone? She had said she would contact me."

"No," Steven frowned. "Although I haven't sent anyone into town to check for mail for a couple of days. I'll send Silas first thing in the morning. Perhaps there is a letter waiting at the shipping office by now."

Trevor hoped desperately that there was, but he kept his features carefully blank. "How is my new nephew? Do you realize that I do not even know his name?"

Steven and Amanda both chuckled before she answered. "His name is William James, after my father."

Trevor smiled. "Well that sounds like a fine name for a fine boy. I'm sure he will grow up to make us all proud. And you look well."

Amanda flushed slightly but nodded her head. "Yes, I feel fine." She turned and gave Steven's hand a fond pat where it rested near her own. "Steven has been spoiling me shamelessly."

"And why shouldn't I when you have given me such a handsome son," he grinned.

Trevor felt a pang of loneliness as he watched his brother with his wife. He sighed. "I'm afraid I really am not very good company tonight. I'm going to retire." He rose and nodded to the women before turning to Steven. "I'll speak to you in the morning before I leave."

"Leave!" Eliza nearly shrieked the word. "You just got home! Surely you aren't intending to leave again so soon on some wild goose chase!"

Trevor frowned darkly. "I won't rest until Leanna is home where she belongs. It really is none of your business." Ignoring her gasp of indignation, he turned to the others and gave a small bow. "Goodnight."

He trudged on leaden feet to his bedroom. Standing just inside the door, he surveyed his surroundings, seeing touches of Leanna in everything around him. He could visualize her sitting at the dressing table, brushing out her long hair. He pictured her in the bath, foamy bubbles teasing him with glimpses of her pink breasts. Worst of all, he remembered her as she looked in his bed, naked and writhing with desire. He closed his eyes to blot out the images, but his cruel mind filled in the blanks with painstaking detail.

Trevor groaned and pushed away from the door, tearing off his coat impatiently. He poured himself a glass of bourbon from the sideboard and tossed it down, barely tasting the fine liquor. He poured himself another and sipped it more slowly, as he undressed. Carrying the bottle to a chair beside the hearth, he sat down and moodily contemplated the leaping flames. While the whiskey didn't remove his pain, it did take the edge off, and he had polished off most of the bottle before he staggered to the bed and slid between the sheets, trying to ignore the sweet womanly scent that wafted up from Leanna's pillow.

Trevor rubbed a hand over his brow thinking what a fool he had been. If only he had declared his love sooner, this would never have happened. Now, he waited helplessly, his mind conjuring up all manner of disasters that could have befallen his wife, while he prayed for some clue about her whereabouts. The whiskey and sheer exhaustion finally took effect, and he drifted into a drunken sleep, troubled by haunting dreams of Leanna.

It wasn't long before those haunting dreams were transformed into a wonderfully realistic fantasy. Suddenly, Leanna was there, kissing him and molding her beautiful, naked body against his own. The room was dark, with only a bit of moonlight streaming in through the windows, and he blinked his eyes to clear the fogginess in his mind as he tried to make out her pale form beside him in the bed. Trevor kneaded her breasts, frowning to himself. He dismissed his drunken confusion and bent to claim her puckered nipple. She arched her back, eagerly clutching his head to her breast as her other hand boldly stroked his loins.

Trevor moaned as she curled her fingers around the steely length of his erection, and she murmured words of encouragement as he knelt between her outstretched thighs. He nudged her entrance and shoved partially inside, groaning from weeks of abstinence. He couldn't put his finger on what was bothering him, but he began to stroke into her, sliding easily in and out of her. Then it hit him, and he froze, sobering from the whiskey in an instant.

The breasts were too small and the pussy was too loose to be Leanna's! He jerked back as if he had been burned, seeing his mystery lover's face clearly for the first time. Instead of his beloved lying beneath him, he saw Eliza.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he roared. He jumped up from the bed, quickly donning a robe to shield himself from Eliza's heated gaze.

She showed no such modesty, rising totally naked from his bed to entreat him. "Oh my darling, please don't stop." Her eyes dropped to the outline of his erection, which was disappearing quickly as the truth dawned on him. She ignored that fact and pressed herself against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "You know you want me just as much as I want you. Please take me. I can make you forget that Leanna ever existed. Please darling!"

She stretched up to kiss him, but Trevor roughly pulled her arms from around his neck and shoved her away from him. "No Eliza! I'm fed up with your whorish games. The only woman I want or could ever love is Leanna!" He saw her wince from his words, but he continued coldly. "If you think there can ever be anything between us again, you are fooling yourself. Now get out of my room and do not ever, ever crawl into my bed again!"

Eliza's eyes turned murderous, and she snatched up her robe from a nearby chair. She donned the flimsy garment, not even having the decency to be embarrassed by the meager modesty it offered her as she turned back to Trevor. "No matter what you say, I know how you responded to me in your bed just now. I know that you desire me, and sooner or later, I'll make you realize that as well."

"The only thing I realize is that you have overstayed your welcome in this house. I want you to leave first thing tomorrow. I don't want you in my house any longer."

Eliza gasped, her cheeks flaming with outrage. "So, just like that, you think you can cut me out of your life? And what about your daughter, the daughter we made together?" Eliza jerked on his arm until he turned to face her. "What about Miranda," she needled. "Are you just going to cut her out of your life too?"

Trevor released a deep sigh. "Eliza, I didn't even know about Miranda until a few weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to think about her or anything else other than finding Leanna since then."

"And what happens if you never find Leanna? She obviously doesn't want you, the way she just ran off and left you. For all you know, the little slut could be halfway back to England by now, looking for another rich man to entice."

Trevor grabbed Eliza by the shoulders and shook her fiercely. "Shut your ugly mouth! Don't you ever call Leanna names again! I will find her and bring her back, and when I do, I'm not going to let you or anyone else come between us again."

Eliza clung to him and started to weep. "Trevor, darling, please. You owe it to your daughter to acknowledge that you're her father. I need your support with raising her, and I want her to have your love, even if I can't."

Trevor jerked away and went to stand at the window, faint moonlight turning his black hair to silver. After several minutes, he sighed and ran a hand through those tumbled locks before going to his desk and lighting a lamp. As Eliza watched, he scribbled a note on a piece of parchment, scrawled his signature across the bottom and carefully folded the document. When he turned back to her, his face was impassive.

"In the morning, I will take that letter to my banker on my way out of town. I've instructed him to set up an account, in your name, for the girl. I will place funds in the account each month for you to use for Miranda. She'll be well cared for. Once I have settled matters with Leanna, I'll decide whether there can be a relationship with this child that you claim is mine. I'm not going to commit to anything without Leanna's approval." He walked to Eliza and met her gaze, coldness evident in the depths of his sapphire eyes. "But make no mistake, Eliza. I want you out of my house and out of my life, for good."

Eliza was trembling with rage. "Fine, I'll leave," she spat, "but it will only be a matter of time before I return to this house, as your wife!"

Trevor had no idea how to make the message any clearer that even if he weren't married, he would never consider taking her back. He collapsed upon the bed and released a low groan of frustration. His body was as tense as a bow string, but not from desire for Eliza. He knew that sleeping with her wouldn't alleviate his pain. The only woman who could satisfy his longing was Leanna.

He fell back on the mattress and stared for a long time at the ceiling, hoping the cool air in the room would relieve some of the heat from his blood. A vision of Leanna, emerald eyes smoldering with desire, fiery hair framing her naked body appeared once again in his mind, and his desires raged all the more. He knew one thing for sure. He couldn't stay here, where everything around him reminded him of Leanna. His bedroom had become a torture chamber, and he would never be able to enjoy its confines again until he brought Leanna home.

Trevor wondered where she was at that moment. Was she safe? Was she somewhere, unable to sleep, thinking of him? Did she miss him at all? Was she sorry she had left him? How would she greet him when he finally found her? These questions and many more plagued him, and with thoughts of her drifting through his mind, he finally fell into an exhausted sleep, too tired even to dream. 



Marrying for Money Ch. 07



Leanna was indeed lying in her own bed, thinking of Trevor. He must surely have given up on finding her by now, she thought. She had remained true to her word, and she had posted a letter to him two weeks before, which had contained a petition for divorce. That had been a week before her monthly was due. Now she was a week overdue, and she knew without a doubt that she was pregnant.

Now, what was she going to do? It would be bad enough to suffer the disgrace of being divorced, but now she would be unwed and pregnant, and her baby would be born a bastard. How unfair life was! If she had known she was already carrying Trevor's child, she would never have left. For the sake of her baby, she would have stayed and fought to save her marriage, even if it ended up being a loveless marriage.

Leanna thought briefly about going back, but she rejected the idea. The divorce papers had probably already been delivered, and for all she knew, Trevor may have already signed and returned them. Surely, he was anxious to get the whole thing over with. Eliza was probably firmly entrenched in his bed by now, and they were both likely to be impatient for a divorce so that they could marry. Leanna couldn't face the humiliation of going back now. Besides, she had been gone for three weeks and had been living in another man's house. What if Trevor didn't believe the baby was his? There was no easy solution.

Her thoughts returned to Trevor. The nights were the only time she had entirely to herself, and it was then that her mind returned to her husband with unfailing regularity. She longed for him, wishing she could once again submit to his demands and offer her body for his pleasure. But of course, that was not to be.

Eventually, her thoughts turned to Neville. He had pursued her with unswerving dedication over the past several weeks, and she knew he wanted to deepen their relationship. Would she ever be able to get over the hurt of the past?

Leanna had enlisted the services of Neville's attorney. Neville was anxious to help her get a divorce as quickly and discreetly as possible. In the three weeks she had been in his employ, Neville had shown himself to be an absolute gentleman, but he never left her with any doubt that he desired her.

Leanna sometimes wondered how she would feel once she was free to marry again. Would she accept his proposal? Neville made no secret that he intended to offer for her hand once her divorce was granted. She had never lied to him, and he knew she was deeply in love with her husband. However, if he were still willing to marry her, knowing that she didn't love him, would she accept?

She had not only herself to consider, but the babe she carried as well. It would need a father, and she could think of no one better suited to take on that role than Neville. He was a doting father for his two daughters. Leanna hadn't told Neville about the baby that she carried, and she knew she would have to do so very soon. Perhaps the baby would change everything. It was a rare man who was willing to raise another man's child.

Leanna couldn't sleep, and she rose from the bed and walked to the balcony doors that were opened to let in a light breeze. It was February, and the nights were frigid, but she was in need of fresh air. Her nightgown and satin robe provided almost no warmth, and she shivered as she walked to the railing and stared up at a full moon. Leanna welcomed the freezing chill to distract her from her morose musings. She hugged her arms around herself, shivering slightly and leaned against a post as she released a deep sigh.

"You seem awfully pensive tonight," a warm, masculine voice murmured from close behind her.

Leanna jumped like a scalded cat and placed a hand on her throat as she turned to face Neville. He had obviously been unable to sleep as well, for he was dressed in a thick wool robe. The bare expanse of his chest showed, and Leanna's eyes were drawn to the rippling muscles and curly hair that was visible.

"You startled me," she whispered, her eyes finally rising to find his.

Apparently, she wasn't the only one interested in her companion's state of undress, for his eyes were closely regarding her bosom, and she looked down to see the outline of her nipples, furled into tight buds from the cold and clearly visible beneath the cloth. She released a mortified groan and turned her back to him.

"I'm sorry," he murmured, stepping close behind her and slipping his arms around her waist as he spoke over her shoulder. "I didn't mean to scare you, but when you appeared, as I had been yearning for you to do, I wasn't sure whether you were real or whether I had conjured a vision of you in my mind."

Leanna shivered, not just from the chill but from the pleasure of his words. She couldn't deny that on a purely physical level, she was attracted to him, and with the hurt she felt, she wanted someone to hold her and assure her that she was worthy of being loved. Was that so very wrong, when her husband didn't want her?

Turning back to face him, her eyes were luminous as she looked up at him, and strangely, she didn't feel ashamed or embarrassed when his eyes swept her body once more. She was, after all, flesh and blood, and Trevor had awakened cravings in her woman's body that she had never been aware of before. Those cravings were driving her to distraction, and it was only natural that she wondered whether Neville could help her appease them.

Neville stepped even closer, tightening his arms around her waist as he pulled her against the warmth of his body. Leanna braced her arms between them, keeping her breasts from making contact with his chest as she met his eyes.

"Neville, there is something you need to know." She bit her lip, worried about how he would accept her news, but determined to be honest with him. "I'm carrying a child."

Neville went completely still for a long moment, but she didn't feel him stiffen. Instead, he regarded her steadily, and when he finally spoke, his voice was low and husky.

"The thought had occurred to me that you might be. Why are you telling me this now?"

She shrugged slightly and looked down at her hands resting on his chest. "I thought you might not want me anymore, once you knew I was carrying another man's child."

He chuckled briefly before answering. "Leanna," he placed a finger under her chin and raised her face until she looked at him, "I doubt there is anything you could tell me that would make me not want you."

As if to confirm his words, he pulled her hips firmly against him, and Leanna gasped, feeling the solid length of his arousal pressing against her belly. He swooped to claim her lips, and she turned her face up to accept his kiss. Leanna looped her arms around his neck, and when she felt his probing tongue, she closed her eyes and allowed him to deepen the kiss.

While his kiss didn't invoke the same fire in the pit of her belly as Trevor's had, Leanna did feel pleasant warmth seeping into her limbs. Thoughts of her husband rose up to haunt her, and she angrily beat them to the back of her mind and concentrated on returning Neville's kiss. It infuriated her to know that Trevor so completely dominated her thoughts, and she was determined not to let his memory interfere between her and Neville.

She pressed her body more fully against Neville, inviting him to take their embrace a step further. His intentions were starkly clear, he meant to bed her before the night was over. Leanna shivered when he released her lips and kissed along her jaw. She didn't protest when he cupped and kneaded her full breast through the thin fabric of her gown, even though her mind registered that his caresses were not having the same effect on her as Trevor's had.

Neville's lips returned to hers as his hand continued to tease her breast. She groaned as his thumb stroked across her nipple, and she remembered her husband's strong hands and how they had caressed her in the same way. She wished fervently that Neville's caresses would evoke the same passion as her husband's, but she felt somehow distant from this embrace, as if she were merely an observer.

Neville released her lips and began to trail hot kisses down her neck as he undid the buttons of her gown. She bit her bottom lip as he suckled one nipple into his mouth, drawing strongly on the sensitive flesh. Leanna fought back a wave of panic, realizing that no man other than her husband had handled her body so intimately before.

Neville pressed her back against a column and pulled the hem of her gown up, sliding his hand underneath. He kept suckling her breast as he located her pussy and began to explore it. Leanna shivered from the cold air as she felt his fingers stroking her soft folds. She opened her thighs on a sigh. She was moist but not wet, warm but not heated, hungry but not needy. The feelings she was experiencing were mere shadows of the ones Trevor evoked in her. She struggled to lose herself in the moment. She had almost succeeded when Neville murmured in a husky voice.

"Leanna, I want you. So help me, I want you now."

The sound of his voice, so different from the one craved, shattered her as if she were breaking out of a trance. She pulled away from him, taking a hasty step back and stood gasping for breath as she stared at him through wide eyes. They were both breathing fast, and when his eyes dropped to her quivering breasts, she snatched her gown closed and clutched her arms protectively over her bosom. She was horrified at her own behavior. She knew in her heart that she was trying to use Neville to blot out the memory of her husband, and that was very wrong. Neville deserved better than that, and Leanna couldn't go against her own conscience, even though her body desperately needed release.

"I'm sorry, Neville," she said in a shaky whisper. "This is wrong, terribly wrong." He reached to pull her into his arms once more, but she flung out a hand to stop him, shaking her head. "No, please stop. I should never have allowed you to kiss me. I'm a married woman!"

"Soon to be divorced," he whispered. His eyes were full of longing, and Leanna felt terrible for having encouraged him.

Her eyes implored him to understand. "I cannot do this. I don't know why, but I feel in my heart that this is wrong. My husband hasn't set me free yet, and it isn't right to pursue a relationship with you until he has. I made a vow to be faithful, and I must honor that vow even if my husband hasn't." Perhaps it was the pleading tone in her voice or the tears that suddenly welled in her eyes, but something made Neville sigh in resignation.

"All right, I won't pressure you. However, be warned of one thing. I fully intend to make you mine. If you will have me, I'll marry you before the ink is even dry on your divorce papers." He saw her shaking her head, and he placed a gentle finger over her lips to still her words. "I felt you respond to me just now. I know that you have yearnings of your own, but to appease your sense of honor, I'm willing to wait. I don't know how long I can wait, but for tonight you are safe."

"But Neville, how can you still want me, knowing that I'm carrying another man's child? It wouldn't be fair for me to marry you."

"Leanna, your child is a part of you. I shall love it just as I already love you, and I will raise it as my own."

"Yes, but . . ."

"No buts," he said sternly. "We will get through this together. Trust me." He hugged her against him and kissed her hair before stepping back to smile down at her. "Sleep well, my beautiful Leanna, and know that I'll be thinking of you. I want you desperately, but I'm willing to wait until you're ready."

His eyes burned her as they swept once more over her scantily clad body before he turned without another word and left her staring after him as he walked the length of the balcony to his own bedroom. She had to fight the urge to call him back, for her body had been awakened, and she desperately yearned for someone to make love to her. However, as much as she would like for it to be otherwise, she knew that it was only Trevor's touch that could satisfy her yearnings.

Leanna collapsed into a miserable heap upon the bed and tears of frustration welled in her eyes. Why did she have to fall in love with a man who didn't want her, when she could have easily had this man's devotion? Love was cruel, and she wished she could simply dictate to her heart. She released a deep sigh.

At least she knew that Neville was willing to marry her despite her pregnancy, and for the sake of everyone involved, she intended to accept his proposal once her divorce was granted. She wouldn't throw away the rest of her life. Instead, she would pick up the pieces and glean as much happiness as she could as the wife of a loving, desirable man.

She could do far worse than to marry a man who was handsome, wealthy, and totally enamoured with her, and she was determined to pursue what happiness she could. It was that thought alone, that faint hope for some future happiness that finally allowed her to fall into troubled sleep, but sapphire eyes haunted her dreams, and she awoke in the night reaching for Trevor.

**********

Trevor made his way down the stairs for breakfast, and found his brother eating alone. When he entered, Steven eyed him closely, noticing his gaunt face and the dark circles beneath his eyes. Although Trevor had washed and shaved, he didn't look refreshed, and Steven frowned with concern as he watched his brother serving his plate from the buffet.

"I can see you didn't sleep well last night."

Trevor grunted in response and took a seat. "No, I didn't. In fact, I had an unwelcome visitor in my bedroom last night." He looked up in time to see Steven raise both brows in surprise.

"Eliza?" At Trevor's nod, Steven's face flushed an angry red. "The nerve of that woman never ceases to amaze me. You are a married man. Does she have no shame?"

Trevor shook his head grimly. "None whatsoever. I had to boot her out and told her to leave this morning. I fear her continued presence in this house will only serve to encourage whatever fantasies Eliza has conjured up in that scheming head of hers. It's way past time for her to go home." He looked at Steven from beneath his brows. "I hope Amanda won't mind."

Steven waved a hand in dismissal, settling back to enjoy his coffee. "No, I'm sure she won't. Truth be known, Amanda and I are both tired of having Eliza here as well. She has a damnable way of wearing on one's nerves."

Trevor grunted his agreement as he chewed his toast and finished the last of his eggs. "There's something else you should know." He paused to see that he had Steven's undivided attention. "The night before Eliza eloped, she came to me, and I made love to her. She says I'm the father of her daughter."

Steven bolted upright in his chair. "What? And you believed her? She has to be lying! Her husband must have fathered the child."

Trevor sighed morosely. "She claims that her husband was called away on their wedding day, before they were able to consummate their vows. According to Eliza, she already knew she was pregnant by the time he had returned, but she made him believe he was the father."

Steven gave a disgusted snort. "Well you know she would say anything to snare you. She knows that you would never be able to turn your back on any child of yours, regardless of how it was conceived. But do you honestly believe her? She could be making the whole thing up."

"Umm, she could," Trevor said, apparently lost in thought for several moments. "But she isn't making up the part about sleeping with me, and she was a virgin when I took her. It is possible that I am the child's father."

"So what are you going to do?" Steven asked quietly.

"Well for now, I told Eliza that I will set up an account at the bank to help her support Miranda. We'll have to sort out the rest once I get back." Trevor finished his coffee. "One thing's for sure, I can't stay here as long as Leanna is gone. Everywhere I look, I see her."

Steven watched him closely, his brows drawing together into a frown of compassion. "You love her very much," he stated simply.

Trevor gave a rueful shrug, pushing his plate back. "Is it that obvious?"

"Yes, it is," Steven said laughing. "In that case, I think you might be interested in this."

Steven reached beneath the edge of his placemat and withdrew an official looking envelope, which he tossed to his brother. Trevor caught it and quickly scanned it, recognizing Leanna's name at once. He fixed Steven with an accusing glare.

"Why didn't you say anything before?"

Steven laughed as he rose to leave. "Because I wanted you to eat your breakfast first. Lord knows you haven't been taking good care of yourself these past weeks, and I knew as soon as you saw the letter, you'd lose all interest in everything else. Anyway, I'll leave you to read her letter. Let me know if there's any way I can help." With that, he left the room.

Trevor's fingers trembled slightly as he looked at the envelope. It was dated two weeks earlier, but it didn't bear an address, and he wondered where it had come from. As he tore open the envelope, he prayed fervently that he would find out where his wife was from the contents. When he opened the letter, a wad of bills fell on the table. He ignored them and quickly scanned her letter.

Dear Trevor, As promised, I'm writing to let you know that I'm alright. I'm sure by now that you and Eliza are very happy together, and I promise not to do anything that might interfere with your plans. Therefore, I have consulted an attorney and had him draw up the papers requesting a divorce. I have already signed them, and they are enclosed herein for your approval. As you can see, I haven't asked you for a settlement. You do not need to worry about supporting me, for I have found a job and am currently working as a governess for a man with two little girls. All you need to do is sign the divorce petition and return it to the attorney. He will complete all the necessary paperwork, and I'll disappear from your life for good. I hope you are well and happy. Leanna P.S. I'm enclosing the money I borrowed from you. That should settle everything between us with the exception of the money you loaned Jeremy. Please believe me that he will repay you as promised. L.

As Trevor read the words, his belly constricted into knots. He scanned the papers that had been enclosed and the word 'Divorce' seemed to jump off the page and mock him. Apparently, Leanna hadn't needed much time to resolve herself to ending their marriage. Trevor's mouth compressed into a thin line of displeasure.

Whatever Leanna might think, he had no intention of ending their marriage, and the sooner he found her and told her that, the better off they would both be. Contrary to what she might think, everything was far from being settled between them! At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to settle a switch on her trim little backside!

Trevor ripped the divorce documents into pieces and threw them into the fire. He watched them burning, as his determination to find Leanna hardened in his mind. His only clue to her whereabouts was the attorney's return address in Charlotte, North Carolina. That was a hard two day ride from The Meadows, and once he got there he would still have to figure out where she was. If she had decided to use the services of an attorney in Charlotte, surely she couldn't be far from there.

He was going to find her, even if he had to search every home in the vicinity. Leanna had said she was working as a governess, and Trevor couldn't imagine that there were very many people in that area wealthy enough to hire a governess for their children. Most people were struggling just to get by following the war, and he hoped his search would be greatly narrowed by that information.




Marrying for Money Ch. 07



Trevor mounted the stairs two at a time to retrieve the small bag he had already prepared with fresh clothes. He made his way to the stables and found Steven had already saddled a horse for him and was about to mount his own horse for his morning rounds. 

"I'm going to Charlotte. It appears that Leanna is somewhere near there, and I'm not going to return until I find her."

Steven grinned and nodded his head. "I thought as much. Be careful, big brother. I'll take care of things around here until you return, but I wish you the best of luck in finding Leanna. Hopefully you will find her quickly, for your own peace of mind."

They clasped hands and Trevor swung into the saddle. He gave one final salute before turning away and setting his heels into the flanks of his mount.

As he watched his brother canter down the drive, Steven couldn't suppress a wide grin. "Leanna, you have no idea what you are about to be faced with. Trevor never lets go of what he truly loves, and I believe he loves you best of all."

********

The next morning, it was very difficult for Leanna to face Neville over the breakfast table. However, she refused to take the cowardly route, hiding in her room, for she knew she would have to face him sooner or later. Therefore, she donned one of her best day dresses of mint green twill and descended the stairs, only to find that the girls were just finishing their breakfast.

Neville appeared to be waiting for her, as he sat watching his daughters eat, while his own plate remained unused. He rose at the sound of her entrance and turned to give her a charming smile.

"Good morning, Leanna," he said warmly. "I hope you won't mind, but I took the liberty of having the girls eat a bit early this morning. I wanted a chance to talk to you alone before the day gets started."

Their eyes met and held as Leanna blushed once again. She knew he was thinking of the intimate moments they had shared the night before, and she could only hope he would handle the situation with discretion. Mrs. Mayberry appeared with their breakfast, and she left with the girls.

Once they were alone, Neville gave her a wolfish grin. "I'm tempted to skip breakfast this morning," his eyes dropped to her bosom, "you look good enough to eat."

Leanna felt deliciously flustered by his words, and she had to admit to herself that it was nice to have a man's undivided attention. Her experiences with Eliza had torn her confidence to shreds.

"Thank you," she murmured with a shy smile. As they both began to eat, she relaxed, for it was obvious that Neville had no intention of embarrassing her about the previous night.

"The girls have become very fond of you," he said, watching for her reaction.

Leanna nodded and smiled warmly. "I've become fond of them too. You have two very charming daughters, and I know you are very proud."

"Yes, I am. But I also know that they need a mother." He looked at her pointedly until she met his gaze. "I'll say nothing else about last night except to remind you that I was completely serious. I have high hopes of making you my wife, if you will have me, and I hope that you will begin to think about accepting that role. I realize that it may take you some time to get used to the idea of being a mother to the girls, but I know they have already begun to accept you as their mother."

Leanna looked down and spoke in a small voice. "I'm honored that you and the girls want me as part of your family, but please don't rush me. I must wait until the divorce is finalized, and I cannot pursue a future with you until I know that I'm free to do so."

Neville nodded his head slowly in acceptance. "I understand. I'll try my best to be patient, although that isn't easy when you are so beautiful and desirable and close at hand." When she looked at him questioningly, he laughed lightly and lowered his voice to a conspiratorial level. "Don't worry, I have no intention of ravishing you, even though I think about it often."

Realizing that he was at least partially teasing, Leanna smiled. While she didn't love him, she was becoming fond of him, and she found him attractive, even if the attraction was only a shadow of her desire for her husband. She realized that she was standing at the threshold of an intimate relationship with Neville, and it was up to her to choose whether to proceed or not.

"Perhaps the day will come when I'll be willing to be ravished," she murmured, boldly meeting his stare though her heart was pounding.

Neville held her gaze for several long moments, and they both were remembering the sensations caused by their shared kiss. "I'm most anxiously waiting for that day," he replied in a husky whisper. The warmth in his eyes was a tangible thing, and Leanna felt almost as if he had physically caressed her as she stared into his eyes. Taking a deep breath, his expression returned to a semblance of normal and he resumed eating his breakfast.

"In the meantime, Mrs. Jenkins is giving her annual winter ball this coming Saturday, and it would bring me great pleasure if you would agree to attend with me."

Leanna chewed her bottom lip uncertainly, unsure whether she should be seen in public with Neville when she was still married to Trevor. However, the more she thought about it, the more indignant she felt. Trevor had chosen another woman over her and had done so in his own home beneath his wife's very nose. He obviously didn't want her anymore, so why should she seclude herself from everyone? She had every right to pursue her own happiness.

"Yes, Neville, I would be happy to accompany you to the dance."

"Excellent, I had hoped you would say that." He gave her a rather sheepish look, but continued. "Now I hope you wouldn't mind terribly, but I have taken the liberty of arranging for a seamstress to visit with you today to prepare a new gown for the occasion. She is the best in the area, and I have asked her to follow your instructions in preparing a suitable gown for the ball."

Leanna was shaking her head and frowning. "No, I really cannot allow you to do that. It wouldn't be proper for you to buy me a gown. I have gowns of my own that I can wear."

"Nonsense. Look at it as a bonus for your hard work with the children. It hasn't escaped my notice that Susanna has become more like her old self every day, and I know that is due to your warmth and affection that she is beginning to come out of her shell. For that alone I owe you a debt of gratitude, so please consider a new dress as a token of my appreciation for your dedication."

Leanna was still frowning. "No, I cannot allow you to purchase clothes for me. It simply wouldn't be proper." Even as she said the words, she wondered why she was being so prudish. She was considering taking this man into her bed, for heaven's sake!

Neville rose from his chair and came to kneel beside hers. "Leanna, after what you told me last night, you will need several new dresses in the near future to accommodate your pregnancy. With any luck, your divorce will proceed with all due haste and we can be married very soon. Then I'll be buying clothes for you all the time. Please allow me to purchase you one gown in advance of that day. Where is the harm? No one will know except the two of us. And if you truly are considering becoming my wife, surely you could accept this dress as a gift from your future husband." He made the last sound more like a plea, and his earnest expression begged her to accept his offer.

Leanna looked down at his handsome face, and once again she felt her resolve softening. He really was a charming devil, and his persistence was eroding her resistance until it was very thin indeed.

"You have quite a way about you, Mr. Woodsworth." Releasing a sigh, she nodded slowly. "Alright. So that I may honor you by being appropriately garbed, I'll allow you to purchase one gown for me."

His smile was boyishly handsome as he raised her hand to his lips and deposited a warm kiss on the backs of her fingers. "Excellent. The seamstress and her helpers will be here any time now, and I have asked Mrs. Mayberry to stay with the children while you have a proper fitting done. The seamstress assured me that she would complete your gown before she leaves today."

Leanna's face registered clear surprise before she grinned. "I'm not sure whether I should be honored or upset by your presumption."

Neville chuckled and rose to his feet. "I meant only to honor you, Leanna. Now, I must get back to my duties, so I'll leave you to finish your breakfast undisturbed."

As Leanna finished her meal, she sighed wistfully, remembering their conversation. It was a welcome boost to her ego to have a man so ardently courting her, and she had to admit to herself that she was enjoying it. If only it were Trevor doing the courting. She shook her head in self-disgust. There was no sense in pining over a man she could never have when there was a very attractive man anxious to make her his wife.

The seamstress arrived with her helpers and gave Leanna a broad smile. "Good morning, my dear. Are you the woman we are here to dress?"

Leanna smiled and nodded. "Yes, I am. Please come in." She held out a hand in welcome, and the other woman swiftly brushed past her, calling out orders to the women trailing in her wake.

"My name is Mrs. Harrington, my dear." Her eyes quickly scanned Leanna's figure with a shrewd eye, and she gave her a wicked grin. "Oh my! We are going to have fun dressing you, my dear. You will make the other girls at the ball faint with envy by the time I get through with you."

Leanna laughed and blushed lightly from the compliment. "Thank you, Mrs. Harrington. Shall we do the fitting in my bedroom?"

"That would be fine. Just lead the way, my dear."

The entire group crammed into her bedroom, which instantly erupted in a flurry of activity. Cases were opened revealing all manner of fabrics and trims. Leanna spent a long time looking at the fabrics, and she realized with some awe that only the finest fabrics had been chosen. They all looked exceedingly expensive, and she hesitated to choose one for a gown.

Mrs. Harrington seemed to understand her hesitation, and she patted her hand reassuringly. "Mr. Woodsworth was adamant that I bring only the finest materials, my dear. I know he wants you to choose from the very best, and he told me not to worry about the cost. He wants the gown to exactly meet your specifications, whatever those might be."

Leanna finally chose one that had fascinated her from the beginning. It was an expensive silk that had been died with deep shades of blue and green, and the colors seemed to flow like iridescent water as she turned it under the light. The two women pored over a multitude of patterns before finally finding one that Leanna liked, then she carefully selected tiny sparkling beads to trim the skirt and neckline of the dress.

Taking her courage in hand, Leanna looked at the seamstress. "Mrs. Harrington, I don't wish to sound presumptuous, but Mr. Woodsworth has made his intentions clear to me, that he would like me to become his wife. By accepting this dress, I am stating by my actions that I am receptive to his offer. Therefore, it is very important to me that the finished gown be . . . pleasing to him. When he sees me in the dress he purchased, he should feel the money was well spent."

Leanna couldn't help from blushing hotly, for her meaning would be clear to the other woman. She was giving the seamstress free reign to put her body on display for Neville's pleasure. What must the woman think of her?

A wicked smile appeared on Mrs. Harrington's wise face and she nodded her head slowly. "Don't you worry, Miss. When I'm finished with this gown, Mr. Woodsworth won't be able to keep his eyes . . . or his hands off you." Seeing that Leanna was getting even more flustered, she quickly changed the subject. "Alright, dearie. We'd better get you measured so that we can finish the dress today."

Leanna undressed, and Mrs. Harrington took careful measurements before setting her many assistants to work. When all was decided, she shooed Leanna from the room. Just before three o'clock, Mrs. Harrington called her for the final fitting.

When Leanna entered her room, she gasped in surprise. The dress was even more beautiful than she had imagined it would be. The beads had been sewn all over the skirt, and their sparkling contributed to the illusion that the dress was created out of deep blue water. When Leanna stood before the mirror wearing the dress, she stared at her reflection in stunned surprise. It was not her reflection that stared back at her, but a total stranger's, a seductress of the highest order.

The seamstresses had made the neckline much more daring than she had imagined they would, and the peaks of Leanna's breasts were only barely concealed. The dress was cut off the shoulder, and it plunged deep in the back, to show off even more of her creamy skin. It was only the tightness of the fit and the stays that had been cleverly sewn in the bodice that kept the material over her bosom.

Leanna could imagine that every man at the dance would be eyeing her breasts, waiting for that moment when the material might slip a notch lower and expose her nipples to their gaze. She had never worn such an audacious gown, and she blushed hotly, knowing what Neville's reaction would be. He had already made it clear that he desired her, and when he saw her wearing this dress, he would know without a doubt that she welcomed his attentions. Did she dare to wear the dress? Was she truly ready to take the next step with Neville?

By wearing this dress, Leanna knew she would be making a definite statement. She would wear the gown and accept the consequences. She was determined to do whatever was necessary to make sure her baby didn't suffer, growing up with the stigma of being a bastard. If Neville was willing to marry her, knowing that he must also accept her child, then she would be a fool not to accept all he offered her.

There really was no sense in waiting any longer, she would only be prolonging her own agony. It wasn't as if Trevor would care who might be sharing her bed, Leanna thought bitterly. No doubt, he had his hands full with Eliza. Neville, on the other hand, loved her. While she couldn't return the emotion, she could offer her body to him. Perhaps by satisfying his desires, she would be able to repay him for some of the kindness he had shown to her during the past weeks.

A week later, Leanna sat nervously while Mrs. Mayberry finished dressing her hair high upon her head for the ball. A peacock feather had been woven through her hair, adding even more seductive flair to her appearance, and Neville had insisted that she wear a pearl necklace and earrings that had belonged to his mother. Mrs. Mayberry finally finished with her coiffure.

"There you are Ma'am. What do you think?"

Leanna turned to survey her image in the full length mirror, and she was filled with awe. Standing back from the mirror, Leanna had to admit that she looked ravishing, and her nerves settled with the knowledge that Neville couldn't help but be pleased with her appearance. The color of the fabric kept changing as she turned from side to side, adding an air of mystery to her gown. She was fully aware that she would be tempting Neville in this dress, and she shivered nervously when she thought about the night ahead of her.

Her presence on his arm was guaranteed to raise speculation, and with her wearing such a seductive gown, Leanna knew what conclusion the other guests at the ball would draw about her relationship with Neville. They would all assume that she and he were lovers. After tonight, there would be no going back.

Leanna knew that Trevor should have received her letter weeks earlier, but so far, he had not returned the divorce papers to her attorney. The fact that he hadn't even bothered to reply to her letter should be proof enough that she wasn't important to him. The bitterness of that knowledge hardened her resolve, and smoothing her gown once more, she left for the ball.

Leanna had descended a few stairs when Neville appeared in the doorway of the parlor to watch her. It was obvious that he had been listening for the rustle of her dress, and she kept her eyes averted until she finally reached the landing. She felt absolutely ravished by the heat in his eyes, so she really didn't need to ask what he thought, but she did. Looking up at him, she smiled and raised a brow.

"What do you think? Do I look presentable?"

Neville's responding smile was completely lecherous. "I think that I have never seen a more beautiful and desirable woman, and I'm tempted to forget that I'm a gentleman."

He scanned her figure thoroughly from the crown of her head to her slippers and back again, pausing for several long heated moments on her barely constrained breasts. The desire in his eyes caused her to swallow hard. She knew what he was thinking. Since the night on the balcony, she herself had wondered several times what it might be like to share this man's bed. Would she ever be able to make love to Neville without images of Trevor rising between them? She mentally shook herself back to the present moment. It was up to her to give an indication of which direction she wanted their relationship to take.

Leanna laid her hands on Neville's shoulders, and she gave him a flirtatious smile. "Nevertheless, I'm sure you will behave as a gentleman," she caressed his neck, letting her eyes speak volumes as she murmured huskily, "at least until we return home from the dance."

Neville caught his breath. She had never been so bold with him, and he settled his hands possessively on her hips, anxious to explore this new side of her. He found it almost impossible to raise his eyes from her décolletage. "We could forgo the event entirely, Leanna. You know I want nothing more than to make love to you."

Perhaps it was the heat of his stare that was unsettling Leanna, but she suddenly felt the need to stall. She was not a tease, and she fully intended to share his bed, but she had been expecting to have the whole evening to prepare for the event. Leanna gave Neville a coquettish pout, running a fingernail lightly down the side of his jaw as she flirted with him shamelessly.

"But you promised to take me to the dance, and I was looking forward to it."

Neville groaned. "When you place such temptation in front of me," he murmured, not trying to hide the fact that his eyes were delving into her bodice, "I am hard pressed to remember anything beyond my raging lust to have you. But I did promise. Shall we?"

They were soon seated in the coach, and as they lurched into motion, Leanna was briefly thrown against her companion. "I'm sorry," she murmured, as she pushed upright once more.

"That was quite alright, sweet Leanna. I just hope we have a bumpy ride."

Leanna looked up to see his devilish smile, and she raised a brow. "You seem to have only one course for your thoughts to follow lately. I'm not sure wearing this dress was such a good idea after all."

Neville chuckled and reached to squeeze her hand affectionately. "I'm sorry. It's just difficult to think of anything else when you are near and looking so utterly tempting. I fear that you have already captured my heart and mind, and you simply mean to torment me."

Although his words were spoken teasingly, Leanna detected a note of truth underlying them, and she bit her bottom lip. "Neville, I too have been suffering. I'm tired of being so lonely and unhappy, and perhaps it would be better for both of us if I stopped fighting the attraction between us." She looked down at her hands. "I cannot deny the fact that I still love my husband. However, it's becoming more and more apparent that he doesn't want me, and I'm determined to look toward the future."




Marrying for Money Ch. 07



His eyes were probing as he looked at her. "And have you accepted that your future should be with me?"

She met his eyes for several moments, and she could see the earnest longing in the depths of his eyes. She nervously cleared her throat before whispering, "I think perhaps it does, if you truly want me. I admit that I'm becoming fonder of you with each passing day. If you are willing to take a chance that we can find happiness together, then I'm willing to try as well."

Eager anticipation lit his face as he smiled at her. "In that case, I'll consider us engaged."

She laughed nervously and shook her head at the suggestion. "It's usually customary for a woman to be unmarried before getting engaged to a man."

He chuckled lightly and placed an arm around her shoulders. "True, but you have to admit that our circumstances are far from customary. No one else has to know, but between us, shall we understand that we are engaged?"

Leanna hesitated for a long moment before nodding slightly. For some reason, she felt strange about making such a vow, but she pushed her uneasiness to the back of her mind.

Neville placed a finger beneath her chin and tilted her face up to his. "Shall we seal our agreement with a kiss?"

Before she could answer, he bent to claim her lips. When she responded, he deepened the kiss, slanting his mouth across hers as he held her against him. Reaching beneath her cloak, he explored her meagerly clad breasts. Her nipples were hard nubs from both the cold air and Neville's attention, and he rolled them between his fingers. Leanna moaned and let him press her back against the seat.

She watched his expression as he slipped her breasts free of their confinement and kneaded them in his palms. His hunger was obvious as he scanned her body in the dim light of the coach. Leanna didn't try to hide from his gaze, and she moaned in surrender when he slipped his hand beneath her skirt.

Neville stroked her, lubricating his fingers in her moisture before slipping them inside her. As he probed her depths, he suckled her nipples. His erection was painfully hard, and he unbuttoned his pants as he knelt between her thighs, pulling her skirt up to her waist. Leanna remained motionless with her thighs spread wide, allowing him to inspect her exposed flesh with both his eyes and fingers. Finally, his gaze returned to hers, and he leaned forward, nudging at her entrance just as they felt the coach coming to a stop.

"Damn!" he cursed viciously. They scrambled to adjust their clothes before the coachman came to the door. They barely managed before the door was pulled open.

Leanna's cheeks were flaming, and Neville sensed her embarrassment. He squeezed her hand in reassurance. "There is no need to worry, Leanna. You look absolutely beautiful. We have plenty of time to finish what we started later tonight. Let's just enjoy this evening in each other's company, shall we?"

Leanna nodded with gratitude and let him lead her inside.



Marrying for Money Ch. 08



Note to readers: Thank you for your comments and suggestions. It is nice to see there is interest in my writing. To anyone who has been offended by my use of words such as "pussy" "cunt" or "cock", I humbly apologize, but what is a naughty girl to do?!? Just to clarify though, I am not attempting to write in historically accurate terms here. I write simply for fun, and I don't mean the good clean variety. So in the spirit of "good nasty fun" I will continue to use such terms.

*

Leanna and Neville arrived at the Jenkins home to attend her annual winter ball. They entered were greeted by Mrs. Jenkins, their hostess. She had to be at least eighty years old, and she peered closely at Leanna through a pair of spectacles. "My goodness, Neville. Who is this lovely young woman you have brought?"

Neville executed a deep bow over the woman's hand and turned to make the introductions. "Mrs. Jenkins, may I present Miss Leanna Webster. She has only recently come over from England."

Mrs. Jenkins' gaze never wavered as it assessed Leanna slowly. "Indeed? Well never let it be said that the English do not know how to cultivate absolutely charming young ladies. I'm very pleased to meet you, my dear." She reached out a hand to Leanna, who grasped it and curtsied politely.

"Thank you," Leanna replied, giving her a winsome smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, madam."

Mrs. Jenkins laughed brightly and turned to give Neville a conspiratorial wink. "Well, I can see you are going to make everyone else hopelessly jealous, the ladies because they will never look so enchanting, and the men because they obviously have no chance to gain Leanna's favor with you hovering beside her."

Neville laughed. "You know what they say, finders keepers."

Mrs. Jenkins shooed them on, urging them to have a good time. Leanna was instantly aware of a multitude of eyes turned toward them. The men eyed her figure appreciatively, the women eyed her gown. There was a moment's hush before everyone began talking amongst themselves. Leanna knew that much of the talk was about them, and she felt a slight blush rising to her cheeks. However, she turned toward Neville and allowed him to lead her through the crowd to a table of refreshments.

Neville retrieved two glasses of light wine for them, and they sipped their wine and looked around with interest. Neville pointed out various individuals, telling Leanna bits about one person or another. She found herself relaxing as she listened to his funny stories, and soon the orchestra began to play a waltz.

Neville bowed slightly and gave her a wink. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

Leanna's smile was brilliant. "I would be delighted."

Neville swept her onto the floor, and they began twirling effortlessly to the music. Neville was an excellent dancer, and Leanna felt slightly breathless as he whirled her through a series of turns, using the opportunity to pull her closely against his chest. She was aware that he was holding her a bit closer than was necessary, but she felt no desire to protest. It was, in fact, quite pleasant being held in his strong arms with his warm palm against her bare back. She ignored the many people who were staring at them with interest, and smiled up at her escort as he continued to fill her in on the town's gossip.

The evening progressed smoothly, with Neville easily deflecting the interest of several other men in attendance. They soon realized that he had firmly staked his claim on this lovely young woman, and they reluctantly turned their attention to other, more available prospects. Leanna was equally aware of the many women who eyed Neville with longing in their eyes, but he seemed oblivious to their interest. It was clear that his attention was focused solely on her, and she couldn't deny the warm feeling that she got from that knowledge. It was nice to have a man's undivided interest for a change, especially when that man was as handsome and charming as Neville.

Leanna relaxed and began to thoroughly enjoy her evening. It was during yet another waltz, as she was gliding around the floor in Neville's arms, when she felt the first twinges of uneasiness. She had the distinct impression that she was being closely watched, but she tried to dismiss it. After all, people had been staring at them for most of the evening. However, this feeling was somehow different, and the hairs on the nape of her neck began to stand on end.

Just when she was about to say something to Neville, they collided with someone directly behind her. Neville started to apologize, and Leanna looked over her shoulder to see who they had run into. The smile on her face froze and her eyes opened wide with shock as she stared up into the murderous sapphire eyes of her husband! It was apparent from the way those eyes were flashing at her that he was thoroughly enraged, and she swallowed hard.

"Trevor!" She breathed the name in wonder. She had never thought he would bother to look for her, much less to actually come after her. She had thought that she had been successful at simply disappearing from his life. Her heart was thudding heavily in her chest, and she would have been lying if she had tried to deny the thrill she felt at seeing him again, no matter what the reason.

"Leanna," he growled in a voice so low and fraught with anger that it made her shudder nervously. Trevor turned his murderous gaze on Neville. "Take your hands off my wife." The words were spoken in the same low voice, but some nearby guests had overheard and whispers and gasps could be heard among the crowd.

Neville dropped his arms from around Leanna's waist, but he kept a hand at the small of her back as she turned to face her husband. The two men exchanged heated glares as if they were sizing each other up for battle, each trying to determine the other's strengths and weaknesses. Leanna glanced nervously at them both and at the guests who were watching the exchange with avid interest.

"Please, could we take this discussion outside?" she murmured. "We're gathering an audience in here."

Trevor grabbed her upper arm in a viselike grip that made her wince. "There isn't going to be a discussion. I'm taking you home." He turned and stalked out of the house, towing Leanna behind him like a naughty child.

She tried to pull her arm free, but Trevor's hand was like an iron band around her arm. She settled for trying to keep up with his fast pace so they wouldn't attract even more notice from the other guests at the ball. When they were outside, Trevor didn't pause, but began leading her to a nearby horse. Leanna yanked hard on her arm trying to get him to stop.

"Trevor, let me go, you're hurting my arm."

Trevor turned and snarled at her, his nose all but pressing against her own. "Haven't you realized by now, I'll never let you go." He glanced up and saw Neville standing just behind Leanna, and his gaze became even more homicidal.

Neville didn't appear to feel threatened, and he grabbed Leanna's other arm. Trevor squared off toward him, and Leanna could see the muscles working in Trevor's jaw. She had never seen him so angry, and she was breathless at the sight.

"Please, both of you, just calm down."

Trevor appeared not to have heard her. "I told you once already, take your hands off my wife."

"She's not going to be your wife for much longer Grayson. She and I are going to be married as soon as your divorce is granted. Leanna has already agreed."

The words were spoken with quiet determination, and Leanna groaned as soon as Neville uttered them. His declaration was definitely not going to help in diffusing the situation. She hadn't thought Trevor could get any angrier than he already was, but Leanna felt his hand tighten on her arm, as if he were having a hard time keeping his hands from bunching into fists. His eyes bored into her, and even in the dim light from the front porch lanterns, she could see the furious sparks in those sapphire depths before he turned back to face Neville.

"Oh she did?" he growled fiercely. When he spoke again, it started low but ended on a roar. "That's interesting, since she is already married to me. There isn't going to be a divorce, now or ever. Now, for the last time, take your hands off my wife!"

Leanna jumped and looked at Neville pleadingly. "Please, Neville. This is getting out of hand. Please let me go."

Neville dropped his hands to his side, but when Trevor immediately turned and began towing her once more toward his horse, he stayed just a step behind them. "Where are you taking her? She's not even dressed to be outdoors. It's freezing out here."

Trevor almost cringed as he looked at her dress again, and his eyes swept her full length before returning to her face. It would serve her right if she caught her death of cold! He glared at her accusingly even as he spat the words at Neville.

"I'm taking her home where she belongs. This is none of your business."

When Neville reached to grab Leanna's arm again, it was as if something inside Trevor snapped. He swung his fist and hit Neville in the jaw with a solid whack that made Leanna gasp. Neville's head snapped back, and he took a staggering step backward before turning and launching himself at Trevor. The two men fought for what seemed like hours but could only have been a few minutes, exchanging punches and rolling in the dirt, mindless of the curious guests who were watching from the windows. Leanna called to them repeatedly, begging for them to stop, but neither man seemed to hear her.

At first, they appeared evenly matched, trading the advantage back and forth. However, it didn't take long before Trevor began to get the better of the other man. As Trevor's fists kept raining punches, Neville began to fall back, repeatedly stumbling as he blindly tried to defend his face and head. Each of them were sporting bruises and cuts on their faces, their clothes dusty and torn. Trevor knocked Neville to the ground and stood panting harshly as Neville struggled to get up. Trevor looked as if he might go at Neville until he killed him, but Leanna finally managed to wedge herself between the two men.

"That's enough!" she said sternly, "this isn't accomplishing anything."

"I won't let him drag you away like this," Neville panted, blinking to clear his dizziness. "I don't trust him. God only knows what he might do to you."

Leanna placed a hand on Neville's arm and looked up at him pleadingly. "I'll be fine. He won't do anything to hurt me." Even as she said the words, she wondered if they were true. She had never seen her husband this enraged before, but she somehow trusted that he wasn't capable of violence toward her. She removed the pearl necklace and earrings and handed them to Neville. "I'm so sorry . . . about everything."

He looked stunned before asking softly, "what about all your clothes and belongings at the house?"

Not giving her a chance to answer, Trevor growled, "I'll send someone to fetch them tomorrow. Have them ready." He lifted Leanna roughly into the saddle and swung up behind her. Before she had a chance to say another word to Neville, he dug his heels into the horse's sides and they bounded into motion.

Leanna clung to Trevor's arms to keep from falling off the horse as they galloped down the road. She turned sideways to face him but couldn't see any details in the shadowy light from the moon. "Are you alright?" she asked. She reached up to touch his cheek, but he jerked his face away from her touch.

"Your concern for my welfare comes a little late, dearest." He said the last word with so much venom it caused a lump to lodge in Leanna's throat.

"Of course I'm concerned about you," she murmured huskily.

Seeing that he wasn't in a mood to listen to her she faced forward once again. She was glad of Trevor's warmth against her back, as she shivered in the freezing night air. In the heat of the moment, Leanna had left without her cloak, and now that some of the shock was beginning to wear off, she realized she felt chilled to the bone.

Noticing her discomfort, Trevor pulled the horse to a stop in the middle of the road. Without saying a word, he shrugged out of his coat and wrapped it around her shoulders, instantly encasing her in its warmth.

"Thank you," she whispered, her eyes locking with his in the moonlight. He stared at her for a few moments but made no reply.

When he kicked the horse into a gallop once more, Leanna leaned back against him and smiled secretly to herself. She bent her head to hide her smile and the sweaty, musky scent of her husband rose from his coat to curl in her nostrils. Her smile widened. Even though Trevor was furious with her now, he was concerned for her comfort. He had come after her, and he refused to give her up. He had nearly killed another man for putting his hands on her. Those realizations gave her more hope that she had had in a very long time. They definitely weren't the actions of a man who was in love with someone else. She somehow knew in that moment that they would be able to work everything out, and her heart began to glow with happiness. For the first time in weeks, she felt truly alive.

Within an hour, they reached the Inn in Charlotte, where Trevor had been staying. He dismounted and swung Leanna down from the saddle, grasping her upper arm in a firm grip once again. He turned to the innkeeper's son, who had just come out the front door when he heard the horse approaching. Trevor tossed him a coin and handed him the reins.

"Please take my horse to the livery and see that he is given a good rub down."

"Yessir, Mister Grayson."

The lad hurried to do as he had been asked. Trevor turned and stalked toward the inn, again towing Leanna along beside him.

"Trevor, please slow down, you're hurting me," Leanna whispered.

Trevor's grip eased fractionally on her arm, but he didn't slow down and he didn't answer her until they reached his room on the second floor and the door was kicked shut behind him with a resounding crash that startled Leanna. He released her arm and shoved her roughly into the middle of the room, as he leaned against the door, his eyes raking her coldly from head to toe. When he spoke, it was in a low, menacing growl that Leanna knew instinctively did not bode well.

"I want to hurt you, wife! I ought to wring your pretty little neck for what you've done."

Trying to appear calm, Leanna shrugged out of his coat and folded it across the back of a chair. The fact that Trevor hated her dress with passion was written clearly in his flashing eyes as they assessed her. Truth be known, she had no prior experience with his rage, and she was quite uncertain how she should proceed. The hour long ride had done nothing to diminish his anger, and as she stole a cautious glance at him from beneath her lashes, Leanna was struck by the thought that her husband in a high temper was a sight to behold. He had never looked more handsome to her.

"Where did you get that gown...if it can be called that?" Trevor growled. "There's hardly enough fabric there to cover a child."

Leanna turned away to hide her blush. "Neville bought it for me." 

Groping for a way to calm him so that they could discuss matters, Leanna turned back toward Trevor, looking at his rapidly swelling black eye and the small gash along his cheek with a trickle of dried blood beneath it. He looked so savage and primitive, and it appealed to the primitive side of her. She took a tentative step toward him, reaching out a hand.

"You should let me clean your face and tend to that cut."

"No," he barked, causing Leanna to jump again. "Don't touch me." Trevor straightened and stalked toward her, his eyes glowing with fury, and Leanna instinctively took a few steps backward, keeping a small round dining table between them. His voice was deceptively low as he stalked her. "It certainly didn't take you long to forget about your vows and take up with another man. I see he picked a dress that would bare your body for his pleasure." His eyes raked her, repeatedly drawn against his will to the sight of her heaving, barely constrained bosom. "He must know you pretty well. He dressed you like a little whore!"

Leanna gasped at the slur and felt her own anger building. "How dare you criticize me for wearing this dress? Believe me, the gowns Eliza wore for your benefit made this one look positively prudish! The way she flaunted herself for your enjoyment, and right in front of me! I never felt so humiliated in all my life."

His full lips curled into an ugly sneer, "You want to talk about humiliation? I have been chasing around the countryside for the past six weeks, begging for information from anyone who would listen, hoping that someone, anyone might be able to tell me the whereabouts of my own wife! Now that I stop to think about it, I'm likely the biggest laughingstock in all of Virginia. I can just hear the dear old gossiping biddies now . . . you know about Trevor Grayson, he's that fellow who's had not one but two women run off on him." Trevor groaned at the thought. "Madam, you have served me up as tender fodder for the gossip gristmill for the next decade, so don't talk to me about humiliation!"

He kept advancing around the table and Leanna kept backing up, keeping the table between them. "Well how was I supposed to know you would come looking for me? I didn't think you even wanted me or cared where I was. After all, you had your precious Eliza with you to warm your bed. You obviously had no further need of me!"

Had Trevor been possessed of a single sane thought at that moment, he might have heard the hurt beneath his wife's anger, but his own anger and jealousy clouded his thinking, and with the grace of a fool, he bellowed on. "And whose bed have you been warming, Leanna? What was his name, Neville? It shouldn't have surprised me at all to find that you were on a first name basis with your lover."

"Oooh!" Leanna screeched, stomping her foot and nearly bouncing out of her dress. She narrowed her eyes, noticing that Trevor hadn't bothered to deny her accusation about Eliza. The thought of the other woman in her husband's bed flayed her pride until it was raw, and she longed to take him down a notch or two. "How dare you accuse me of taking a lover? What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander."

"Aha! So you admit it!" Trevor's eyes took on an unholy light. "Never mind that fact that I kept your sheets very warm indeed, you still felt the need to run off with some other rutting bastard!"

"He was never my lover! For your information, Neville was a perfect gentleman with me the whole time I was living at his home. At least he had the good taste to only court one woman at a time. I cannot say the same about you!" Raising her chin to a lofty height, she continued. "And I didn't run off with him. We happened to meet, and he hired me as a governess for his children, that's all."

Trevor's ugly smile made it clear that he didn't believe her. "Right," he sneered, his eyes once again dropping to her dress as he continued to stalk her. His voice began low, but rose to an angry roar. "Tell me dear, sweet, faithful wife . . . how many employers purchase seductive gowns for their governesses and give them expensive pearls to wear? How many governesses spend the evenings waltzing in their employer's arms? How many governesses are engaged to the men who employ them? He did say you were engaged to him, didn't he, despite the fact that you're married to me?"

Any guilt Leanna might otherwise have felt was overshadowed by her own jealousy. Her eyes glittered in the candle light as she taunted him in return. "And tell me trustworthy, devoted, monogamous husband . . . how many spouses have the gall to present their wives with their mistresses on the first night they arrive in their new homes?" Her voice took on a high-pitched tone that was heavily laced with sarcasm as she continued. "Oh, by the way dear, this is my lover, who just happens to be the mother of my child. She is going to be living here with us, at least until I can get rid of you!" The last few words came out as a choked sob as Leanna blinked back tears.




Marrying for Money Ch. 08



Trevor had momentarily stopped his pacing, completely caught off guard by her interpretation of the events that had happened. As she watched, his brows drew together in the blackest of scowls. He began to advance toward her again, the muscles in his cheek trembling as he attempted to control his rage.

"In light of the fact that you have spent the last several weeks consorting with another man, it seems obvious to me that your accusations are nothing more than a feeble attempt to avoid the blame for your own actions. You know perfectly well that I had no idea Eliza would be waiting for me. Until the night we arrived home, I thought she was still married to another man."

Leanna was not of a mind to accept his logic, and she gave a bitterly caustic laugh. "Well that didn't stop you from accepting her right back into your life once you found out she was available!" Leanna continued backing around the table, more from habit than any real awareness of what she was doing. "Once you found out she was widowed, it didn't take you long to pick up right where you left off! Tell me, how long was it after I left before she climbed back into your bed?"

Trevor inwardly cringed at how close to the truth her statement had come, but not from any desire on his part! Still, the accuracy of Leanna's accusation stung, and he lashed out.

"Dammit, I never wanted Eliza," Trevor roared, with an impatient slash of his hand. "None of this would have happened if you hadn't gone running off."

Leanna gasped in outrage. "I had no choice but to leave. You made it abundantly clear that you loved Eliza and not me. You forget, I heard your cozy little conversation, about the child that you had together. I saw how Eliza was throwing herself at you, and you weren't exactly fighting her off!" Leanna again stamped her foot in fury, the last remaining pins in her hair beginning to come loose so it fell in tangled curls around her face.

Trevor began advancing on her once more, narrowing his eyes to mere slits. "Just like you weren't fighting off your lover tonight," Trevor shouted, chafing at the memory of the other man holding her in his arms, ogling her generous curves, putting his hands on her bare flesh. Trevor's voice dropped back to an ominous growl. "Tell me, how long have you been his lover? Since that first night you left me? Did you sigh as he kissed you, moan as he caressed you? Did you act the little whore for him just like you did for me, begging him to take you?" Insane with jealousy from the images he had conjured, Trevor hurled the table onto its side and took a long stride to stand nose to nose with his wife. His booming voice shook the panes of glass in the windows. "Dammit woman, how long did you wait before you spread your lovely white thighs for him?" 

This time, Leanna didn't back away, but instead raised her chin and glared back at him, standing her ground in the face of his towering fury. She was still enraged, but there were tears of hurt and frustration in her eyes as well. Her voice was soft when she answered him, but it rang with sincerity.

"Neville was not my lover! Although, he would have been before the night was over! I had already decided to give myself to him. When I didn't hear from you after I sent you the divorce papers, I assumed there was no hope for our marriage. I had just made the decision to become intimate with Neville, but I hadn't followed through. You can condemn me for the intention but not the action."

Leanna gulped in a shaky breath as tears began to roll down her cheeks. "The only man I have ever been a whore for is you. You're the only many I have ever truly wanted. I gave you everything . . . my body, my heart and my devotion. But you didn't want me." Her voice quivered, and she took a shaky breath before continuing.

"I have always been honest with you and Neville too for that matter. I told him that I loved you and that I always would. But I had to think of . . ." Leanna cut herself off, realizing now was not the time to bring up their baby. She went on in a whisper, "when I found out that you didn't return my love, I decided it would be best to try and start a new life. Even then, it was your happiness I was thinking of, not mine." Her tears were now flowing freely, but she held her husband's gaze with quiet dignity.

Trevor inwardly flinched, remembering for the thousandth time that this whole mess was his own bloody fault for not expressing his feelings earlier. In the face of her candor and the bravery it must have taken to admit her actions and state her feelings so plainly, some of his rage began to melt away, but he was still eaten up with jealousy. He reached out and yanked her hard against him, twisting her arms behind her back. He grasped both of her wrists in one of his hands and used his other hand to clasp her jaw, holding her still. He felt her trembling in his arms.

"You're right Leanna," he stated quietly, his eyes boring into hers. "It is time to start a new life...but you'll be doing that with me and no one else. I told you before, you belong to me and no other man shall have you."

Before Leanna could respond, Trevor swooped to claim her lips in a scorching kiss that was so full of need it stole her breath. All his pent up fears and helplessness from the past weeks poured over her in waves. His possessive jealousy was palpable in the way he kissed her, and it thrilled her. He wanted her! For the first time in months, she was sure of it. Trevor wanted more than just her body. He wanted...no needed her...heart and soul, and the thought that she had almost given herself to another man was eating him alive. Her heart soared, and she set herself to the task of providing whatever reassurance he needed to soothe his wounded heart.

Leanna was unaware that Trevor had backed her up until she bumped into the wall. He used his weight to pin her there as he deepened the kiss, ruthlessly demanding that she yield to him. Had her hands been free, Leanna would have clutched him to her, but she could only use her mouth to show him that she welcomed his kisses. Trevor released her jaw and cupped her breast, groaning into her mouth as he kneaded the tender flesh and felt it firm in his palm.

He broke off the kiss, and they both stood panting as his eyes burned into hers and he continued to massage her breast. "You're mine Leanna. I'll never let you go." The words were spoken in a hoarse whisper, his voice raw with feeling.

Trevor looked down at her quivering bosom pressing against him, and he emitted a low, angry growl. The neckline of the dress was so daring that it took only a flick of his hand to yank the material down, baring her breasts to his gaze. Leanna was thrilled by the emotions she saw in Trevor's eyes, and she trembled with expectation as she waited for his next move. He visually devoured her, and her breasts tingled in anticipation, the nipples hardening to achingly tight buds before he had even touched them.

Without preamble, Trevor bent his head and savagely ravished one nipple with his mouth. Any trace of gentleness was gone as he used his teeth to torment her. His mouth was hot and greedy on her tender flesh. He cupped her breast firmly as he could devoured it, torturing the sensitized tip until Leanna could hardly breathe. She arched her back, flagrantly offering herself to him, but he needed no such encouragement. He was intent on staking his claim. He roughly nipped and pulled her nipple with his teeth until her loins were throbbing, her folds swollen and damp.

She felt empty, desperate and needy, and she sobbed incoherently even as she wriggled to press her breast more fully into his mouth. Trevor kept on until her breast was aching, the nipple painfully throbbing against his tongue, then he suckled it so sharply that Leanna cried out. The mixture of pain and pleasure was heady delight. She fractured in his arms, her body shuddering helplessly as wave after wave of satisfaction rippled through her.

Trevor straightened as he studied her face. Her eyes were closed, and she frowned in concentration, focused on every sensation that was flowing through her body. He waited impatiently until her eyelids fluttered opened, and he met her eyes briefly before switching hands and bending to her other breast. He feasted, repeating the torture on that nipple as her tension wound even tighter in the pit of her belly. Leanna's hips rocked against him in a helpless plea for completion as damp became wet, swollen became engorged, needy became desperate. If she didn't feel him inside her soon, she thought she might die from wanting.

Trevor sensed her desperation, but he let it grow even stronger. Her breasts had always been sensitive, and he used his lips, tongue and teeth to stoke her smoldering desires into a raging inferno that threatened to consume them both. He was throbbing, his erection growing steadily more painful as he ravished her breast, but he ignored it. The nipple in his mouth became his entire universe, as he listened to her helpless sobs of pleasure. She screamed as she came apart for a second time, her reaction even stronger than before as she leaned against him for support, twitching in his arms.

Once again, Trevor waited for her to drift back to earth. The look on her face did much to reassure him that she was his, but his emotions were still frayed. The thought that he had nearly lost her to another man still tormented him. When her eyes opened once more, he consented to release her arms, but he still kept her pinned against the wall. He held her gaze as he reached up with both hands and ripped the bodice of her gown in one vicious yank. The ruined garment hung open to the waist, and Leanna dragged in a much needed breath as she stood before him.

He pushed the tattered remains of the dress down over her arms and hips until they lay in a heap around her feet. Her pantalets quickly followed, and she was left wearing nothing but sheer silk stockings, lacy garters and dancing slippers. Leanna would have wound her arms around his neck, but Trevor snatched them up and pressed them against the wall above her head, once more holding them immobile in one of his hands. The position forced Leanna's back to arch, and her breasts thrust out wantonly. Her nipples were throbbing painfully, but in her current pose, they appeared to be begging for more attention. Leanna had never felt so vulnerable, so exposed, but she made no protest. She knew in her soul that Trevor needed to reassure himself that she belonged to him.

"Tell me what you are," he demanded in a gravely whisper as he twisted one nipple.

Leanna winced, the pain mixed with exquisite pleasure. "I'm your wife," Leanna whispered.

Trevor met her eye and squeezed even harder on the sensitive flesh. The expression on his face told her that was not the answer he wanted. He switched to her other nipple, and Leanna shivered, feeling her juices running down her inner thighs. He trapped her gaze once more as he roughly pushed a knee between her legs, forcing her thighs apart. He never looked away from her eyes as he slid his hand along the crease of her thigh and threaded his fingers into the thatch of springy hairs between her legs. Even her curls were wet, quickly coating his fingers as he toyed with them.

"Tell me what you are," he repeated.

As he spoke, Trevor raised a mocking brow, stroking her intimately, investigating every slick, swollen fold until she was writhing with need.

"I'm your whore," Leanna gasped.

"That's better," Trevor growled, still stroking her. He found her clit and flicked it repeatedly with his thumb, watching her tremble. "You're my whore. Mine and no one else's. Don't ever forget it again, do you understand?"

"Yes!" she eagerly agreed. "I'll never give myself to anyone else." He was driving her insane with desire!

"Your body is for my pleasure and mine alone! I will take you whenever and however I choose. Is that understood?"

"Yes," she gasped again. She was too weak from pleasure to say more. Besides, she had no desire to argue with his demands. His terms suited her just fine.

"Open your legs wider, my little whore. I want to make sure you understand," Trevor growled.

Leanna raised one leg and looped it around his hip, opening herself for his touch. She tilted her hips toward him, wordlessly begging him to take her. He held her gaze, refusing to allow her to look away even as he probed her with two long fingers. He slid them inside her, stroking her boldly so she would feel every inch of their invasion. Her flesh clenched tightly around his fingers, welcoming them into her body.

His eyes remained locked with hers as he explored her molten heat, letting his fingers quiver and stroke as she grew increasingly frantic. His thumb again found her clit, and he teased it even as his fingers continued to play inside her. She would have collapsed if he hadn't been using his weight to hold her against the wall.

"If I hadn't found you tonight, it would have been Neville doing this," Trevor ground out through clenched teeth.

Leanna gasped as he reached even deeper inside her. She plumbed the depths of his eyes, seeing his hurt. Her heart lurched, knowing that he felt she had betrayed him. He was handling her so roughly to mask his pain. Leanna wriggled her wrists and Trevor consented to release her hands. She framed his face with her palms, willing him to believe her as she stared into his eyes, letting her own emotions shine through.

"Trevor, you're the only man I've ever wanted, the only man I'll ever love. Now that I know you want me, I'll never leave you, and I'll never betray you. I love you."

Trevor froze, finally understanding that he didn't have to worry about losing her. Leanna was his. His mind raced back over the many times Leanna had shown her devotion to him. She had expressed her love for him, exposing her emotions without pretense, and he had been too much of a coward to reciprocate. Could he really blame her for what she had done?

He was possessed by a sudden urgency to show her just how much she meant to him. He claimed her lips again as he carried her to the bed. Their lips never parted as he bent over and laid her gently on the coverlet. Leanna locked her hands behind his head and pulled him down with her.

Words were unnecessary as they hurriedly groped to remove Trevor's clothes. Their hands flew until they had removed every scrap of his clothing as well as her stockings, garters and shoes, exchanging kisses and hurried caresses along the way. When they finally lay naked and panting, side by side on the rumpled covers of the bed, Leanna reached up to tenderly trace Trevor's face with her fingers, careful not to touch the cut on his cheekbone.

"I love you, Trevor" she whispered hoarsely. "I've always loved you, and no one else."

Trevor covered her trembling hand with his and smiled tenderly. He finally understood that Leanna would never purposely hurt him. "I know . . . and I love you, and no one else."

Leanna's face was transformed into a radiant smile and she threw herself on top of her husband, showering his face and chest with kisses. Her hair fell in riotous curls around them and they were both breathing rapidly when she rose up to sit astride his hips. She stared down at him, all her love shining in her eyes for him to see. He stared at her in wonder as she slowly impaled herself on his erection until he was buried fully inside her. She began to move on him, slowly at first, then with an increasing rhythm, as a groan of relief and satisfaction was wrung from Trevor. He released her hips and reached up to cup the fullness of her breasts dangling temptingly above him. He squeezed, and it was Leanna's turn to moan as her head fell backward, spilling her hair down her back and across his thighs. She bent over him, bringing her breasts near his face, and he suckled deeply.

Trevor thought she had never looked more beautiful. He rolled on top of her and sped up their pace, plunging into her with increasingly desperate strokes. Leanna wound her legs around him and met him thrust for thrust. The weeks of separation had stoked their desires into a raging inferno, and they were starved for the feeling of melding bodies, wet kisses and intimate caresses. Leanna raked his back with her nails and lifted her hips so he could sink even deeper. When she couldn't hold on any longer, she gasped his name and toppled into the void. Trevor followed her over the precipice, his victorious groan still hanging in the air.

It seemed like a long time later before they both drifted back to reality. Leanna rose on one elbow and pressed a tender kiss on Trevor's lips.

"I'm so glad you decided to look for me," she whispered.

Trevor realized that she was serious, that she truly hadn't thought he would come after her. He squeezed her tightly against him before murmuring, "I had no choice, Leanna, and that's God's honest truth. I can't go through life without you beside me."

Their gazes locked and held for several moments before Leanna gave him a radiant smile. She ran a finger over his bottom lip, but when she would have cupped his cheek in her palm, he winced.

"Let me see about your face, you look simply awful." She hopped nimbly out of the bed to retrieve a clean cloth and cool water.

Trevor watched her, as he tested his jaw and gingerly touched his bruised eye. "Yeah, well, you should see the other guy," he mumbled.

Leanna returned to the bed with the wet cloth. She perched beside her husband. Although he had spoken casually, she had heard the insecurity underneath his remark and knew he was still thinking of Neville. She leaned over and met his stare unflinchingly.

"You're the only one I'm worried about, Trevor. I love you." She emphasized the last word with a poke of her finger against his chest, causing Trevor to smile. "Now be still so I can tend to your face."

She began to gently wipe the dried blood off of Trevor's cheek, as he watched her with a tender expression. When she had finished, Leanna sat back and grinned at him.

"You look like an overgrown boy with that black eye."

Trevor waggled his brows playfully. "Just wait until we have sons, madam. They'll be coming home from school looking like this, and you'll have to wash their faces."

A hot blush suffused Leanna's face and neck. "Trevor, there's something you should know." She bit her lip, uncertain how to broach the topic, but she didn't want any more secrets between them. She took a deep breath and plunged in. "Trevor, I'm pregnant. I know this must come as a shock to you, but you must believe me when I tell you the baby is yours. I swear to you that I never slept with Neville. I was already pregnant when I left, honestly, and I..."

Trevor placed a finger over her lips to silence her and pulled her down on his chest. "Shh, my love, it's alright. I believe you. I trust you." He kissed her hair and said a silent prayer of thanks that he had found her, as the wonder of it washed over him. He looked down into her eyes and grinned. "When will I become a father?

"I'm just a few weeks pregnant. I think the baby will come some time in September." Leanna bit her lip, and her eyes pleaded with him to understand. "I found out after I had already sent you the divorce papers. I just couldn't come back after that." She looked down as her hand caressed his chest. "I did feel awful thinking that you would never have a chance to know our child."

Trevor's smile evaporated and he rolled over to pin Leanna beneath him, his eyes boring into hers. "Of course I will cherish our child," he growled, before his features softened. He stroked her hair tenderly as he continued. "But it's you that I was chasing after. It's you that I can't live without. I went home once when I was unable to find you, but I couldn't stay there, not without you. Everywhere I looked, I saw you in my mind's eye. It was like you were haunting me. I was never going to rest until I found you."




Marrying for Money Ch. 08



Leanna reached up to stroke his face in wonder. "Even though Eliza was there?" she questioned in a tiny voice.

"To hell with Eliza, I needed you. Any feelings I had for Eliza died years ago, Leanna. I haven't spared a thought for another woman since the first day I saw you, and my heart has belonged to you nearly as long. I knew within a few weeks of meeting you that I loved you, I just couldn't find the courage to admit it."

"Then why did you keep Eliza's letters?" Seeing his puzzled frown, Leanna continued. "I found a stack of her love letters in your desk aboard the Sea Spirit. Why did you keep them if you didn't still love her?"

Realization finally dawned and Trevor shook his head and groaned. "I had completely forgotten they existed, honestly. Is that why you became so distant the last few days aboard ship?" When Leanna gave a small nod, Trevor groaned again and pulled her close. "Oh sweetheart, I wish you had asked me about it. We could have saved ourselves so much pain. You have no idea how much I missed you and needed you when you were gone these past weeks. I nearly went out of my mind."

The raw emotion in his voice convinced her, and Leanna felt her heart soar. "I need you too, and I won't ever leave you again."

They sealed the vow with a heady kiss. Trevor had another thought. "Before we go home, you should know that Eliza isn't there anymore. I sent her away and told her that there was no chance, none whatsoever," he emphasized, "that she and I would ever be together."

Tears of joy welled in Leanna's eyes and spilled down her cheeks. She hugged Trevor to her with all her strength. "I love you Trevor Grayson, with all my heart."

Trevor hugged her back just as fiercely, "I love you too, and I'll never let you go."

*

One more note to readers: Leanna and Trevor's tale is not over. They still have some loose ends to tie up, so if you enjoyed this, stay tuned. I will post the rest as soon as possible. It's already written, but I need to check for errors, etc.



Marrying for Money Ch. 09



Note to readers: If you are enjoying this story, you'll be happy to know there are 3 or 4 more chapters to come. Thanks for your kind comments. Now where were we?...oh yeah, Trevor and Leanna were getting laid...

*

The next morning, Trevor slept later than usual. He was exhausted from weeks of travel and worry, not to mention his amorous activities during the night. He woke to the exquisite feeling of Leanna's warm lips kissing his neck beneath his ear, and he rolled onto his back. He kept his eyes closed, but he couldn't suppress a smile and a groan of pleasure as she kissed her way down to his nipple. She lingered there, using her tongue to toy with the flat disc as her fingers threaded through crisp hairs to find its mate. Leanna smiled when Trevor groaned again.

She continued her journey, licking and kissing her way over his ridged abdomen and around his naval. Leanna knew Trevor was ticklish, and she plunged her tongue into his naval just to see him flinch. Trevor relaxed again when she chuckled and moved even lower. He opened his eyes and looked down to watch his wife as she straddled his knees.

Leanna cradled his rigid erection between her dangling breasts. She pressed the luscious mounds together with her hands and began to slide them up and down over his throbbing cock as she grinned up at him.

"Good morning, my love," she said in a sultry whisper.

"Good morning." Trevor raised a brow and his smile was full of masculine smugness. "You still want more? Aren't you tired from last night, my sweet little whore?"

"Never," she breathed.

She let the broad head of his penis caress her neck and the underside of her chin before it disappeared again between her breasts. Leanna continued to tease him thusly until Trevor gave an impatient growl and clenched his hands in her hair. He guided himself to her mouth and with a groan of satisfaction, he pressed inside. Leanna secretly smiled as she pleasured him with her lips and tongue. She loved being able to arouse him.

Leanna worshipped his penis, licking and sucking, tasting and tormenting until they were both mindless with need. She felt Trevor tense, and she braced herself as waves of hot seed shot into her mouth in a series of spurts. Leanna swallowed it down, licking her lips as she sat upright once more.

Trevor didn't give her any time to gloat. He grabbed her wrists and hauled her up until she was straddling his head. Her pussy was splayed enticingly just over his face, and he grinned up at her.

"My turn," he stated simply.

Leanna could only gasp as he settled in to feast. He knew every possible way to please her, and he explored each crevice and hollow of her womanhood. She had no secrets left by the time she climaxed, and she watched from beneath passion heavy lids as Trevor drank in her juices. When he was finally satisfied that he had gotten everything, he gave her another wicked grin.

"Ah, breakfast in bed," he sighed.

Leanna giggled and felt his hands around her waist as he lifted her and repositioned her to hover over his hips. She impaled herself on his cock with a grateful sigh, and her breasts bounced delightfully as she began to move on him. Trevor enjoyed the view for several minutes before speaking again.

"I thought we might stay here for a day or two before heading home. We never did have a real honeymoon. Would you like that, my little whore?" He raised one eyebrow inquiringly.

Leanna moaned again and began to ride him faster. "I think that's a lovely idea," she murmured breathlessly. "I'd love to have you all to myself before we get back to The Meadows."

Trevor's boyish grin widened. "Good," he said, pulling her down so he could taste her breasts.

They devoted themselves to satisfying each other's passion, and it was sometime later before Trevor rose to cross to the wash basin. The fact that his wife's eyes followed his every movement made him smile. He splashed water on his face, preparing to shave.

"I'm going to send word to Steven letting him know that I found you and we will be returning on the coach in a few days." He looked at her askance, "Steven and Amanda have been worried sick about you since you disappeared."

Leanna bit her lip beneath his reproachful stare. "I'm truly sorry. I never meant to cause trouble for anybody."

She started to rise from the bed, but Trevor motioned her back down. "Not on your life Mrs. Grayson. You're going to stay right where you are and allow me to treat my pregnant wife to breakfast in bed." Seeing her naughty grin, he laughed. "No, I mean some real food. Now that I know you're carrying my child, I want to pamper you as much as possible." His eyes met Leanna's in the mirror, and he smiled. "Then," he continued, "you can have a relaxing bath while I post a message to Steven, and we can go out and discover the city."

Leanna bobbed her head in agreement, but then her expression clouded with uncertainty and she chewed at her bottom lip.

Seeing her frown, Trevor quickly turned to face her. "What's the matter, Leanna?"

She blushed lightly before answering. "It's just that I don't have anything to wear. You ripped the bodice on the only gown I have with me."

After a few seconds, Trevor threw his head back and laughed until he was out of breath, while Leanna watched with one suspicious eyebrow raised. "What, may I ask, is so funny?"

He composed himself enough to answer her, although he kept bursting into tiny chuckles as he perched on the edge of the bed beside her. "Sorry, sweetheart. It's just the thought of you...naked...and completely at my mercy...for the rest of the day had me laughing, that's all."

Leanna stared at him for a few moments before launching herself at his chest. She screeched as she began to hit him with her small fists. "Why you cad!" she cried, without any real anger. "How dare you laugh at me when it was you who were so impatient in your lust that you ripped my gown."

Trevor captured both her wrists and their discussion quickly degenerated into a giggling, writhing, tickling wrestling match that ended with them tumbling off the bed in a breathless heap. Trevor took the brunt of the fall, his lovely wife landing on his chest. They lay there, laughing hysterically for several moments. He was the first to catch his breath, and he brushed a tangled swath of hair back from his wife's flushed face. His smile was devilish as he rolled once more, pinning Leanna beneath him. 

"Well, I guess you had better send a note to your former employer and request that he send your other clothes to you. I'll just have to find some way to keep you occupied until they get here." As he said the last, he rocked his hips suggestively against Leanna's.

It was Leanna's turn to incite him. "Uh huh," she breathed, rubbing her breasts against Trevor's chest and using her wet pussy lips to tease his cock, "I'll get right on that."

It was much later when Trevor nuzzled his wife's neck and whispered in her ear, his voice heavy with humor. "Alright, since it's too late for breakfast, I will have to treat you to lunch in bed."

**********

That afternoon, Trevor sent a messenger to Neville Woodsworth's house with a note from Leanna. Trevor had scowled and grumbled about Leanna writing a letter to the other man, but Leanna had insisted that she owed Neville an explanation. She penned a brief letter apologizing for having involved Neville and for anything she had done to hurt him. She explained that she was happily reunited with her husband, and she asked that Neville be glad for her and forgive her for having to leave so abruptly.

Trevor insisted on sending enough money enclosed with the note to cover the cost of the wages Leanna had received during her employment and the clothes Neville had purchased for her. Leanna inwardly smiled while her husband paced back and forth, growling about how he wasn't going to allow another man to support or dress his own wife! Leanna secretly liked the possessive jealousy her husband was showing. It was a wonderful feeling to know his affections were centered on her and no one else.

Trevor also sent a message to Steven, informing his brother that he had found Leanna and that he should expect them to return on the stagecoach in four days time. Having completed that bit of business, Trevor and Leanna were forced to spend the remainder of the day in their room at the inn, because her clothes didn't arrive until late in the evening. Luckily, the couple was creative enough, in the face of such adversity, not to be bored!

For the first time during their marriage, Trevor and Leanna openly shared their feelings with each other. Trevor was relieved to find that once he had taken the risk of letting his wife know how he felt, she was even more loving and devoted than ever before. Every touch, every exchanged glance was invested with love and tender affection. The last barriers of pride and uncertainty between the couple were torn down and replaced by a foundation of commitment that grew stronger with each day.

In the end, they were enjoying their time together so much, that the couple decided to stay even longer in Charlotte. It was almost as if they didn't want anything to interfere with the newly developing intimacy they had found. After three days of bliss, they boarded the coach and headed home to The Meadows.

**********

The coach had traveled over halfway to Norfolk when Trevor and Leanna heard the coachman being hailed by an approaching rider. The coachman pulled the horses to a halt, and Trevor stuck his head out, surprised to see his brother, Steven dismounting.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Leanna asked anxiously.

Trevor placed a reassuring hand on her knee and smiled. "I'm not sure. It's Steven. Wait here while I go see what's happening." With that, he climbed down and quickly went to meet his brother.

Leanna watched from the window. The two men were standing too far away for her to hear what they were saying, but Steven was clearly upset, and Trevor didn't appear to be very happy with what he was hearing. She glanced over and saw that Steven hadn't arrived alone. There were six other men nearby on horseback. After only a couple of minutes Trevor saluted the men, returned to the coach, and they lurched into motion once again.

"What was that all about? What did Steven say?" Leanna asked.

Trevor frowned as he gave his head a puzzled shake, "Steven said the coach that was supposed to arrive yesterday never made it to Norfolk."

Leanna returned his puzzled frown, realizing with horror that they had originally planned to be on that coach. "Why not? What happened?"

"They were held up by highwaymen. There were two couples traveling together, and all the men on board, including the coachman, were killed. They left the women unharmed." 

Leanna gasped and felt the blood draining out of her cheeks. Trevor placed a reassuring arm around her shoulders and hugged her tightly against his side as he stroked her face and rocked her almost like a child.

"It's alright, sweetheart. When Steven heard the news that the coach had been attacked, his first thought was that we had been on board. He raced into Norfolk to find out the details of what had happened. He spoke with the sheriff and the women who had been on the coach and discovered that you and I hadn't been among the passengers."

"Thank God we decided to stay an extra day," Leanna breathed, looking up at him with tear-filled eyes. "I don't know what I would do if I were to lose you."

Trevor hugged her tightly against his side, stroking her hair reassuringly. "I know, sweetheart. That's why Steven came to meet us. He and his men are well armed, and they came to escort us the rest of the way. Nothing like this has happened around these parts before, and he wanted to make sure we got home safely."

Leanna clutched Trevor around the waist, trembling with shock. It was only a lucky change of plans that had kept them from being on that coach. She shuddered to think about the possibility of losing Trevor. "But why would highwaymen kill people? They usually just steal all the valuables . . . why would they commit cold blooded murder?"

Trevor shook his head. "I asked Steven the same question. He hasn't learned any details yet. The women who survived the attack weren't able to shed any light on what had happened. Apparently, the highwaymen made them wait inside the coach, while they took the men outside and shot them, so they weren't sure what happened to cause the killings. Maybe one of the passengers was armed and tried to thwart the robbery. Maybe the thieves were just plain mean. It's hard to say what happened. Steven says the sheriff has a posse of men out scouting the woods, looking for leads. With any luck, they'll catch the bastards."

Leanna shuddered lightly, thinking of the poor women whose men had been killed. "I won't feel safe until we get home."

Trevor's arms tightened around her. "It's alright, sweetheart. Most likely the thieves have high tailed it away from here. They will want to put some distance between themselves and the authorities. But just to be safe, Steven and his men came to escort us home, so there's nothing to worry about."

Leanna nodded her head, acknowledging that she understood him, but she was still trembling. Trevor tilted her chin back and gave her a thorough kiss. The last thing he wanted was his pregnant wife worried and agitated. Perhaps it was thoughts about the fragility of life that caused their lips and tongues to fuse with such fire as they clung to each other for reassurance. As his kisses became even more demanding, Trevor reached over to release the flaps that covered the windows, and soon the coach became a dim, private cocoon around them. When Trevor finally raised his head, Leanna's fear had disappeared to be replaced by aching need.

Passion burned in Trevor's eyes, but his voice still held some humor. "Since we have this big old coach all to ourselves," he whispered, running his hand over her hip, "what do you say we initiate it?"

Leanna pretended to be outraged, but her eyes had a seductive glint as she gave her husband's chest a small shove. "You lecher! Don't you ever think about anything besides getting underneath my skirt?" She was clinging to his shoulders, obviously not bothered by his suggestion in the least.

Trevor gave her an injured look, even as one of his hands stole under Leanna's hem. He untied her pantalets and pulled them down to her knees so he could fondle her womanly flesh. His fingers began to stroke her slick folds while he trailed hot, wet kisses down the side of her neck and suckled on the pulse point at the base of her throat. Her head fell back and she closed her eyes in rapture.

"Sure I think of other things, my sweet little whore," he finally murmured, when he had her panting with need. "I also think about getting into your bodice."

Leanna gasped and looked down to find he had done just that. Her bodice and chemise were unbuttoned to the waist and her breasts were bared to his hungry gaze. Before she could react, he took one of her impudent nipples into his mouth and suckled it sharply. He knew just what she liked. Whatever she had meant to say came out as a low, helpless moan instead.

Trevor lifted her across his lap, and Leanna inwardly grinned. As she stunned him with a ravenous kiss, she thought that two could play at that game. She reached under the cover of her skirts and opened the buttons of his trousers to release his aching erection. While meeting his stare, she boldly gripped him and guided him to her entrance. As she slid down onto his length, sitting sideways across his lap, Trevor's head fell back against the cushion and it was his turn to release a soft moan. Leanna's grin was positively wicked.

"Far be it from me to deny you," she whispered in a husky voice. She liked this position, with him so deep inside he was nudging against her core. "After all, you did say that as your whore, I was yours to enjoy anytime and anywhere you liked. Now is as good a time as any I suppose."

Trevor gave a satisfied growl as he squeezed her nipple, timing his deep thrusts with the rolling motion of the coach. "That's right Leanna, and don't you forget it."

**********

When they reached Norfolk, Leanna climbed down from the coach with her husband's assistance only to be swept into Steven's hearty embrace. He swung her in a circle, causing her to squeal.

"Put me down," she scolded, although her laughter took any sting out of her words.

Steven finally consented to place her back beside Trevor. His grin was wide and genuine as he looked at his brother. "I knew you would find her." He turned back to Leanna, "He wasn't good for anything while you were gone! Kept moping around, mooning over his lost love." Steven gave her a wink before sobering. "And Amanda is very anxious for your return. She's been so worried. And with the new baby to tend to, she could really use another woman around the house."

Leanna felt tears welling in her eyes. Just when she had begun to be friends with her sister, she had fled because of Eliza. Leanna was looking forward to getting home. Home! The word had a whole different meaning to her now that she felt secure in her husband's love.

Steven hadn't exaggerated in the least. When Leanna and Trevor reached the front drive of The Meadows late that afternoon, Amanda was anxiously waiting for them. She ran down the front steps and hugged Leanna as soon as her feet touched the ground. When she finally released Leanna and held her at arm's length, there were tears of joy in Amanda's eyes.

"Oh Leanna, I'm so very glad you're back. I feel terrible about the way I treated you before."

Leanna put an arm around Amanda's waist, and the two women walked together into the parlor. "Thank you Amanda. You have no idea how much that means to me. I truly want for us to be friends."

"We already are," Amanda said, as she squeezed her around the waist. "I was a fool to take Eliza's side against yours. I was blinded by my childhood friend for a while, but even before you left, I had begun to see that you were a kind and wonderful person, and all the hateful things Eliza said about you were just spiteful lies. Any claim that Eliza may once have had on Trevor's affection is in the past. You are his wife, and I would very much like for you to think of me as your sister. Please forgive me."

Leanna clasped Amanda's hands in her own as they faced one another, "Thank you, Amanda. Let's forget any past mistakes and move forward, shall we?" They hugged briefly and both laughed a little nervously. 

"Oh," gasped Amanda, "I almost forgot! As soon as I heard that Trevor had found you and you were coming home, I started planning a party, a ball really, for a week from this coming Saturday. I wanted to officially welcome you back home and introduce you to the folks in the area. I hope you don't mind . . . if it's alright with you, I should send the invitations out by tomorrow." Amanda looked at her hopefully, waiting for her reaction.

Leanna couldn't help but laugh, overwhelmed by the other woman's desire to make her feel welcomed. "Yes, that would be lovely. To tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind a party so I can officially stake my claim on Trevor. I don't want any other past loves thinking he's still available."

Amanda shook her head in exasperation. "I don't think you have to worry about that. The news of Trevor searching for you has spread all over the district, and folks are just itching to get a look at his wife to see what all the fuss was about. I'm sure they won't be disappointed once they meet you."

"Oh no," Leanna wailed, covering her face, "How will I ever face them?"

Amanda pulled Leanna's hands down and looked her in the eye. Amanda was grinning from ear to ear. "Are you kidding? There isn't a woman in Virginia who wouldn't give her right arm to have Trevor Grayson chasing after her. And all the men know that Trevor's taste in women is exquisite, so they're expecting his wife to be beautiful. You're going to have all of the women green with envy and all the men mooning over you."




Marrying for Money Ch. 09



Amanda's confidence was infectious, and Leanna found herself smiling too. "I suppose I will have to bow to your superior knowledge on that point and hope for the best. Now, where is your son? Trevor tells me his name is William."

Amanda's face glowed with pride, "Yes, little Will. Come on, he's having a nap, but we can peek in on him if you like."

The two women climbed the stairs arm in arm, chattering like old friends while their two husbands stood together in the foyer shaking their heads in wonder. Steven was the first to speak.

"Women! I swear if I live to be a hundred years old, I'll never understand them. Those two act like they've been friends their whole lives."

Trevor just grinned, letting his eyes follow his wife's swaying hips. "Yes, well Leanna has that effect on a lot of people. She's downright irresistible." Realizing he looked like a smitten youth, he cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Come on, let's have a drink." He led the way into the study, his brother close behind him.

"No doubt you need one after the last few weeks," Steven said with a grin, accepting a glass from his brother. Steven spent several minutes telling Trevor the events of the past weeks at the Meadows. "God, I'm glad you're back. These weeks have been hard on everyone."

Trevor sank down in his favorite chair, opposite Steven, and sipped his bourbon. "Well, the hellish part is over, but I still have to talk to Leanna about Miranda. I'm really at a loss as to what to believe."

"If I were you, big brother, I wouldn't take anything Eliza says at face value. I find it awfully strange that she has waited all these years to claim that you are the father. Her husband has been dead over two years, so why didn't she come to your before now?"

"That's a good question," Trevor said, "just one of the many that I have. But no matter what happens, I'm not going to jeopardize my relationship with Leanna. I'm not going to make any decisions about this without her input."

Steven cocked his head to one side and grinned. "That's a first, the mighty Trevor Grayson tamed by a mere female."

Trevor merely shrugged and took another sip of his whiskey. "What can I say, I'm a changed man."

Leanna and Amanda breezed into the room at that moment, Leanna crossing to perch on the arm of her husband's chair and place an arm across his shoulders. "What's all this about you being changed?" she inquired sweetly.

Trevor waggled his eyebrows wickedly. "I was just saying we should get changed for dinner, my sweet," he murmured, as he pulled her down for a kiss on her cheek. "Wouldn't you like to change out of your traveling dress?"

Leanna leaned close and murmured for his ears alone, "There you go again, trying to get under my skirt."

***********

Later that evening, the two couples sat in the drawing room watching little Will playing on a pallet on the floor. They had enjoyed the first really cheerful dinner since Leanna came to The Meadows. Everyone had been in the mood to celebrate Leanna's return, and the evening was winding to a close, when they heard the sound of a carriage pulling up the front drive.

Without knowing why, Leanna felt herself tensing with dread, and she reached to slide her hand into Trevor's for assurance. He squeezed her hand and gave her a warm smile. They all turned toward the door, as they heard Eliza sweep into the foyer.

"Yes, I know it's a bit late," she was saying to the housekeeper, "but I really must see Trevor."

"What do you want now, Eliza?" Trevor growled, rising from his chair.

"See, I told you Trevor would see me!" Eliza sauntered into the drawing room, towing her daughter behind her. The silence in the room was palpable as four pairs of eyes went to the youngster gripping Eliza's hand. "This is Miranda, your firstborn child," Eliza exclaimed to Trevor before turning to give Leanna a haughty glare. Eliza pointed to Trevor and bent down to Miranda, "Darling, this is your Daddy."

Leanna couldn't take her eyes off Miranda, for she was a beautiful child. She looked about four years old. She had gleaming blonde ringlets and big, round blue eyes, only a shade or two lighter than Trevor's eyes. Miranda looked scared and confused, and Leanna felt her heart go out to the child.

Miranda started to cry quietly, "but Mommy, I thought Daddy died."

"No honey, that was your step daddy, this is your real Daddy, and I wanted you to meet him." Eliza pushed Miranda toward Trevor. "Go on sweetheart, go say hello to your Daddy."

Miranda stood with big tears hanging in her eyes for a moment then started to wail in earnest. "I want my Daddy, when will Daddy be back?"

Baby Will, who had been playing happily started to cry as well, and Amanda rushed to pick him up and soothe him, giving Eliza a reproachful glare. Miranda's cries were getting more and more anxious.

"Please Mommy, I want my Daddy back."

Leanna stepped forward to comfort the child, but Eliza stepped in front of her and snarled, "Don't you dare touch my daughter! I brought her here to meet Trevor, not you." The words were said with so much hatred that Leanna took a step backward.

"That's enough, Eliza!" Trevor put an arm around his wife. "It's time for you to leave."

"Trevor, are you saying you don't want to meet your own daughter?" Eliza shrieked in disbelief.

Trevor released a deep sigh. "I'm saying that this is neither the time nor the place for this conversation. You came here tonight, disturbed our peaceful home and upset Miranda. Now," he paused to take a calming breath, "it's late, all of us are tired, and I need some time to think about everything before we have this conversation. Please take your daughter and leave."

Eliza's beautiful features contorted into an ugly mask of rage. "Our daughter, Trevor, ours. Don't try to weasel out of this in front of your whiney little wife!"

"I said that's enough!" Trevor roared, startling both the children into sniffling silence. "Leave, now, before I toss you out on your ear!"

Eliza's mouth dropped open in shock. She had never been talked to in that manner. She snapped her jaw shut and looked toward Amanda. "See, Amanda. Didn't I tell you he would do try to deny his responsibilities?"

Amanda shook her head in disapproval. "Eliza, I really think you should leave," she said quietly, still cradling Will against her shoulder.

Eliza looked stunned for a moment, then she lifted her chin, grabbed her daughter's hand and stalked to the door. "Fine! Since none of you want to listen to me tonight, I will go, but this is far from over." She paused to glare once more at Leanna before she left, slamming the door behind her.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief when they heard her carriage rolling down the drive. Amanda looked at Steven and then started toward the door. She paused before Leanna and patted her arm. "Don't worry, Leanna. Everything will work out."

"Thank you Amanda," Leanna said quietly.

Steven and Amanda said their goodnights and then climbed the stairs with Will. A long moment passed before Leanna released a deep sigh and turned to face Trevor. He was watching her intently, a troubled look on his face. She placed a hand on his cheek, instantly concerned.

"What's the matter Trevor?"

Trevor blinked in surprise. "What's the matter? I was expecting you to be furious with me. My former lover just showed up again, flaunting a child she claims is mine under your very nose, and you're asking 'what's the matter'?" He shook his head in wonder. "You never cease to amaze me."

Releasing another shaky sigh, Leanna wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her cheek against his chest. She felt his strong arms close around her and the sound of his heart beating next to her ear was incredibly comforting, especially after their long separation.

"Trevor, why should I be angry with you?" She looked up into his eyes, and her face was shining with love. "If you are the father of that child, the deed was accomplished years ago, long before we knew each other. I can't blame you for that. And if Miranda is indeed your daughter, she needs you. I would never try to keep you away from her."

Trevor felt a lump in his throat and tried to clear it, but his voice remained husky when he spoke. "Leanna, you are an incredible woman. I don't know what I would ever do without you in my life."

Leanna smiled up at him with tears in her eyes, "You won't have to find out, because I will never leave you again. I won't let that woman come between us. Whatever happens, we will face it together." Her voice held so much conviction that Trevor felt profoundly humbled.

Trevor bent to kiss his wife tenderly, and their kisses quickly became ravenous. He raised his head keeping her within the circle of his arms. "Shall we take this conversation upstairs?" he asked, raising one eyebrow and giving Leanna a rakish grin. She raised her own eyebrows in response. "We can go upstairs, but I'm not really interested in talking." She had barely finished that statement when her husband scooped her into his arms and started up the stairs two at a time, causing her to giggle with delight. Leanna was content to wrap her arms around his neck and nuzzle his ear while he carried her. "Hurry up! I'm about to soak through my pantalets."

***********

A few days later, Trevor arranged to take Leanna into town to buy her some new clothes. It was a lovely day for an outing, and by the time they reached town, there were twin spots of rosy color in Leanna's cheeks. Leanna's heart was light as she looped her arm through Trevor's, and let him escort her into the dress shop.

Mrs. White, the proprietor, was the most talented and successful seamstress in Norfolk, and her eyes gleamed in anticipation at the prospect of making several new gowns for the beautiful Mrs. Grayson. Mrs. White ushered them into a private room, and Trevor sat in a nearby chair as the two women settled at a small table to look at patterns and fabric samples. Mrs. White was all business as she began to discuss the patterns.

"This one would look simply divine on you, Mrs. Grayson, with your slender frame."

Leanna cleared her throat nervously and her cheeks were bright with color when she spoke. "Mrs. White, you should know that I am expecting, so that should influence our choices."

"Oh how wonderful," Mrs. White exclaimed, turning to give Trevor a wink. Of course, Mrs. White had heard all the talk about how his young wife had run off for several weeks and had to be fetched back home, so she couldn't help wondering whether the baby was his. However, Trevor's grin of pure masculine pride assured her that despite any speculation this might inspire, he harbored no doubts that he was the father.

Turning back to Leanna, Mrs. White gave her a wide smile and patted her hand comfortingly. "Don't worry, Mrs. Grayson, I have a number of patterns that fall above the waist, giving you plenty of room to grow. And, I will ensure that the gowns are sewn with extra fabric that can be let out as you increase in size. These new gowns will carry you through your confinement and well beyond."

"Thank you," Leanna said with a relieved smile.

The two women spent the next pair of hours poring over patterns and discussing which fabrics would be most suitable for each gown. Trevor offered an occasional comment but left most of the decisions to Leanna. She had impeccable taste, and he agreed with all her choices.

New undergarments were also ordered, and Leanna was excited by the beautiful clothes that were being planned. She initially tried to order only two or three gowns, but Trevor insisted that she needed an entire wardrobe given her condition, and he didn't relent until over a dozen new gowns had been ordered, along with chemises, stockings, pantalets, petticoats, corsets, slippers, and nightgowns of the finest materials. Leanna undressed to her stockings and chemise so Mrs. White could take careful measurements.

Unlike most men, Trevor didn't appear to be impatient with the proceedings. Instead he sat casually sipping a coffee and gave every appearance of enjoying their shopping excursion. He particularly relished the moments when Leanna was being measured. His eyes held a teasing twinkle as he sat boldly assessing her ripe curves and waggling his brows causing her to blush hotly. Mrs. White was so busy she didn't notice the interplay between the couple.

When Leanna was once again dressed and thought they were finished, she began to thank Mrs. White and rose to leave. Only then did Trevor speak up. "Just a moment, Mrs. White. I would like to speak with you for a moment...in private." Both women looked at him with surprise, but he continued unperturbed, "Leanna, would you mind waiting for me up front?"

Leanna nodded her head, giving him a puzzled look as she left the room.

Trevor waited until she was out of earshot then turned back to Mrs. White and smiled. "There is one more gown I would like to order...a very special gown...but I would like for its design to be a surprise."

Mrs. White's relief was evident. She had thought he might be having second thoughts about spending so much money on clothes for his wife. "Certainly, Mr. Grayson. Do you already know what you want?"

Trevor grinned as he turned back to the table where the patterns and fabrics were strewn. "Yes, I do," he murmured, thumbing through the patterns until he came to the one he wanted. He handed it to Mrs. White.

She looked puzzled, remembering that his wife had liked that pattern before, but he had shaken his head, saying that it wouldn't be practical given her pregnancy. The pattern he had chosen was tightly fitted through the waist and torso, with long seams darting up all around the bodice. The effect was that the gown would lovingly hug its wearer, leaving no room for an expanding waistline. She shook her head and laughed a bit nervously.

"But Mr. Grayson, I thought we agreed this design was not practical, given your wife's condition."

Trevor gave her a charming smile. "Mrs. White, I realize that she won't be able to wear the gown for long. As I'm sure you already know, there is going to be a ball in my wife's honor in less than two weeks. I want her to wear this gown for the occasion."

Understanding dawned, and the seamstress nodded approvingly. It was obvious that Mr. Grayson was deeply in love with his young wife, and Mrs. White thoroughly approved.

"Don't worry, Mr. Grayson." She gave him a conspiratorial wink. "This will be the loveliest gown you have ever seen, and I will make sure it's ready in plenty of time for the ball. Now, what did you have in mind for fabric and trimmings?"

Trevor told her what he wanted, and she beamed in approval, able to see the finished gown, and his lovely wife wearing it, in her mind's eye.

"Remember, I don't want her to know anything about this gown, Mrs. White. It's meant to be a surprise."

"I won't disappoint you. Just leave it up to me."

Leanna and Trevor took their leave, smiling and thanking Mrs. White profusely. As they began to stroll along the boardwalk, Leanna's arm tucked into his, Trevor heard his wife's stomach give a loud growl. He chuckled at her, as a delicate blush suffused her cheeks.

"What's this? Did all that shopping make you hungry, my sweet?"

Leanna's bubbling laughter was enchanting. "Well, it's not my fault it took so long. You are the one who insisted that we order so many gowns."

Trevor stopped and turned as if he were going to go back to Mrs. White's shop. "Oh, well, if you truly don't want them, we can always cancel some of the gowns we ordered."

Leanna dug in her heels and pulled him to a stop, saying hastily, "No, no. That's alright. We've already ordered them now." She stopped when she saw the teasing gleam in her husband's eyes. "Oh you!" She slapped him on the arm, unable to keep from smiling as he broke into laughter. "It's not very gentlemanly of you to tease your pregnant wife in this manner," she scolded playfully.

Trevor tucked her arm through his once more and turned her toward a small restaurant near the end of the boardwalk. "You're right, my sweet. You have my apologies. Now, since you are obviously hungry," he bent and whispered in her ear, his hot breath causing delicious shivers to race up her spine, "and since you should be eating for two, Let's go in here and have a late lunch."

Leanna laughed gaily in response, and they made their way to a small table near the back of the tidy establishment. They were the only patrons, since it was nearing two o'clock and most other folks had already eaten. In no time at all, a hearty meal had been prepared for them consisting of roasted quail, delicate potatoes, braised carrots, green beans and fresh, hot rolls, dripping with butter. They followed the meal with rich custard topped with burned sugar, and Trevor laughed as he watched Leanna scraping her bowl clean and licking every morsel off her spoon.

She opened her eyes in wide-eyed innocence as he continued to chuckle at her. "What?" she inquired sweetly, "I'm just fortifying myself for the strenuous afternoon I expect to have when we get back home. A girl must eat enough to keep up her stamina when her husband can't keep his hands off her," she quipped. That caught Trevor's attention, and he quickly called for the bill. It was Leanna's turn to laugh at him, but he didn't seem to mind as he gave her a naughty grin.

They were making their way back to the livery, crossing in front of the bank, when Trevor stopped abruptly. He turned to face Leanna and she could see he was uncomfortable.

"I need to stop briefly at the bank. I have some business to handle...concerning an account I set up for Miranda," he stated quietly, watching for Leanna's reaction. "Would you mind?"

Leanna shook her head, squeezing his arm affectionately. "No, I don't mind. But I would rather not go in with you...that would be a bit awkward. Why don't I make my way to the livery without you? I can browse through the shops along the way, and you catch up to me once you're done."

Trevor nodded with a grim smile. "That's fine. I won't be long." He bent to brush a kiss on Leanna's cheek before going into the bank.

With a sigh, Leanna turned and continued along the boardwalk. She took her time, looking through the store windows and occasionally entering a shop when they had an interesting display. Leanna was engrossed in looking at a display of baby blankets when she heard Eliza's voice behind her.

"Well, well. If it isn't the lovely Mrs. Grayson," Eliza sneered as her eyes raked Leanna from head to toe. "Word around town is that your doting husband brought you in for a shopping expedition. I hope he bought you some clothes that are more attractive than those you're currently wearing."

Leanna was unperturbed by the other woman's snide remarks. She felt confident about her appearance and her position as Trevor's wife. She wasn't going to allow Eliza to get under her skin. "Hello Eliza. Don't you ever get tired of being spiteful to me?"

"Not at all. Though I will say, I was surprised to be given the opportunity to ever speak to you again. I was shocked to learn that you came back to your husband. I guess you didn't have the guts to leave Trevor, even knowing that he will always be in love with me."

Leanna's reaction must have disappointed her greatly. "It's really not that surprising, Eliza," she said, giving a shrug. "When Trevor tracked me down and told me that he loved me and wanted me as his wife, I could hardly refuse him. It turned out he didn't want a divorce after all. In fact, he refused to let me go. We love each other Eliza, and I won't let you play your hateful games anymore, trying to break us apart."

Eliza gave a bitter laugh. "He doesn't love you. He loves me, he always has, and I have his daughter to prove it! There's no way you can ever replace the love he has for the mother of his child."




Marrying for Money Ch. 09



Eliza was so intent on trying to hurt Leanna, that she didn't notice Trevor approaching until he stepped behind Leanna and closed his arms protectively around her waist, causing her to jump slightly with surprise. His hands were splayed across Leanna's belly, as he pulled her back to lean against his chest, and he gave Eliza a cold glare from over his wife's shoulder.

"As it turns out, Leanna is the mother of my child," he paused to smile down at Leanna before continuing, "at least, she will be in a few months." He ignored Eliza's shocked gasp, as her eyes fell to where his hands were caressing Leanna's abdomen lovingly. "As I've already told you, I love my wife. She is all I will ever need, and we are very happy together. For everyone's sake, including your own, please leave us in peace."

"You bastard," Eliza snarled. "Do you think you can just brush me off like some tramp that you slept with once? I gave you my virginity!" Eliza cried, heedless of who might hear her. "You took my innocence and left me pregnant."

Trevor took a deep, calming breath before answering. "Eliza, you are the one who left me, remember? You left me...to run off and marry another man. It was your choice, and you can only blame yourself for how things have turned out." He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. "As for me...I have come to realize that things worked out for the best. You and I would never have been happy together. It's time for you to move on. You shouldn't have any trouble finding someone else who wants to be your husband. I wish you all the happiness in the world, Eliza...as long as it is with someone else."

Eliza cocked her head to one side and asked him coldly, "what about your daughter? Am I supposed to find someone else to be a father to her too?"

Trevor tightened his arms around Leanna reassuringly. "I just visited the bank to set up a trust fund for Miranda. As I told you before, I intend to see that her needs are met."

Eliza shook her head with disbelief. "That's it? You think you can throw some money in my direction and your dirty little secret will just disappear? You have a daughter. Don't you want to get to know her?"

"I don't want a repeat of the other night," Trevor said firmly. "You thrust poor Miranda at me when she clearly wasn't ready to accept that I could be her father. All you accomplished was to upset her and all of us." Trevor paused to look at Leanna, who had remained quiet throughout their conversation. She gave him a small nod of encouragement. "Leanna and I have discussed this, and we agreed that Miranda is welcome to visit in our home." When Eliza opened her mouth to reply, Trevor held up a hand to stop her. "However, from now on, you will treat Leanna as Miranda's stepmother and my wife, giving her all the proper respect that she deserves. If you cannot do that, then I'm afraid I won't be able to have any further dealings with you or Miranda."

Eliza stood motionless for several moments, the shock of his words made her voice breathless with rage. "You bastard," she finally muttered. "You cold-hearted, selfish, lying bastard! I'll make you pay for this." She looked at both of them through narrowed eyes, "I'll make you both pay." She turned and stalked away without another word.

Trevor turned Leanna to face him and felt her trembling. "Are you alright, sweetheart?"

Leanna looked up to meet his worried eyes, and she smiled weakly. "Yes, I'm fine. I just wish Eliza could accept things as they are. Will she ever just leave us in peace so we can get on with our lives?"

Trevor's arms tightened around her. "As soon as she realizes that there's nothing for her to gain by persisting, she'll move on." He gave Leanna a tender kiss of reassurance.

When he released her lips, Leanna smiled up at him. "I'm very proud of you, for the way you are handling all this," she breathed. She squeezed him around the waist. "Now, let's go home. I don't want to let Eliza spoil our afternoon."

Trevor tucked her arm through his and turned once more toward the livery stable to get their buggy. When they were almost to the barn, he leaned down to whisper roguishly, "Now what was that you mentioned earlier about needing sustenance for a strenuous afternoon?" As he said the words, he surreptitiously brushed the side of her breast with his thumb, causing Leanna to blush.

"Trevor stop that," she scolded in a whisper, "anyone might see you."

Trevor couldn't help but laugh at his prim little wife. They both knew she wasn't prim at all behind closed doors. He couldn't resist teasing her more, and he leaned close to her ear to whisper.

"Don't be so prudish, my sweet little whore. Remember, whenever and wherever I want."

Trevor brushed another stealthy caress along the side of Leanna's breast as he spoke, and she shivered. Leanna stole quick glances around to make sure they weren't being observed before she boldly cupped his crotch.

"Here in the street, my love? If you insist..." She reached up to unbutton her bodice.

Trevor groaned and gave her a playful smack on the bottom. "Let's get the buggy. The sooner I get you home, the better." 



Marrying for Money Ch. 10



Trevor and Leanna had left the town of Norfolk behind them and were most of the way home when they rounded a curve in the road and were suddenly surrounded by a group of several men on horseback. Trevor tried to whip the horse into a gallop, but one of the men grabbed the harness and pulled the horse to a stop. A small scream escaped from Leanna before she clamped a shaking hand over her mouth.

Glancing around, she noticed that they were surrounded by masked men brandishing guns. The man who was obviously the leader wore a large hat pulled low over his head, and the deep shadows under the brim, combined with the mask he wore, made it impossible to distinguish any of his features.

Trevor reached over to place a steadying hand on Leanna's knee, using his body to shield her as much as possible. "What do you want?" he asked coldly.

The leader of the thieves sat motionless for a few moments, letting the tension build, before he beckoned one of his men over and quietly instructed him. The man nodded and turned toward them.

"The boss says to hand over all your valuables."

Trevor looked at the man for a couple of moments. "Alright, I don't see that we have any choice." Trevor began to reach into his vest pocket, and several of the thieves cocked their guns nervously, causing him to stop. "Relax gentlemen, I'm unarmed. I was just reaching for my watch," Trevor said mockingly.

Leanna swallowed hard. Her eyes were trained on the leader of the highwaymen, and she saw him bristle at Trevor's remark. She leaned close to her husband and urgently whispered, "Please, Trevor, don't provoke them. Just give them what they want!" Her heart was pounding in her throat, as she remembered what had happened to the occupants of the stagecoach. These had to be the same villains, and Leanna was terrified to make them angry in any way.

Trevor removed his watch and a wad of bills from his pocket. One of the thieves grabbed these greedily and looked at Leanna. She could barely make out the man's beady eyes under the brim of his hat. He looked like a rat eyeing a tasty piece of cheese as he stared at her.

"What about the lady? Ain't you got any jewelry?" he demanded.

Leanna removed her glove and quickly slipped her wedding band off her finger, holding it toward the thief until he snatched it from her hand. "Just that," she murmured quietly. "I'm not wearing any other jewelry. Please, just let us go." She looked imploringly toward the leader, "Please," she whispered once more.

The man stared at her, and Leanna could feel her skin crawling. The deep shadows beneath the brim of his hat made his gaze seem even more menacing, and Leanna could almost feel the weight of his eyes assessing her. The gang leader stared for so long that Leanna began to seriously fear his intentions before he finally turned and motioned for his men to head toward the trees. Leanna took a shaky breath, relieved that they were at last going to be released. Then, she saw the gang leader cock his gun and point it straight toward Trevor's heart.

"No!" she screamed, trying to throw herself in front of her husband, just as the gun went off.

She felt Trevor jerk, and heard his grunt of pain before the horse reared and took off at a gallop, frightened by the sound of the shot. Leanna was thrown back against the seat, but she clawed her way upright and anxiously reached for Trevor. He had been shot in his left shoulder, and she saw blood soaking through his shirt and coat. Her heart thundered in her ears when she looked at his face. His features were pale and drawn with determination, as he struggled to hold onto the reins and keep the horse on the road.

Leanna glanced behind to see if the highwaymen were pursuing them, but there was no one was in sight. She turned back around, tears streaming down her face. She grabbed the reins from Trevor's slackening grip.

"Lean back," she ordered, concentrating on driving the buggy. She had never driven a buggy in her life, but she was too frightened to stop here. Besides, she didn't think they were very far from home, and Trevor needed help urgently. "Trevor, darling, hold on!" She stole a glance at him, and wailed when she saw that he had passed out from the pain and loss of blood.

Taking a firm grip on her emotions, Leanna snapped the reins, urging the horse into his fastest gallop. It was only a few minutes later, though it seemed like forever, when the buggy turned into the driveway leading to The Meadows, taking the turn on two wheels. The horse obviously knew his way home, because he hadn't responded to any of Leanna's commands before then. The sound of a buggy racing up the driveway brought Steven, Amanda and several of the servants onto the front porch to see what was going on.

Amanda put a hand over her throat and screamed when she saw Leanna hauling back on the reins with all her might trying to slow the galloping horse. Finally, it was a combination of Leanna's efforts and Steven waving the horse into some nearby shrubs that managed to stop the careening buggy. Silas came running to hold the nervous horse as Steven raced to the side of the buggy.

One look at Trevor and he bellowed to Silas, "fetch Dr. Blackwell as quickly as you can! Trevor's been shot!"

Steven turned to see Leanna pressing a handkerchief against Trevor's shoulder, trying to staunch the flow of blood. She was pleading with Trevor to please be alright. Steven lifted her down. She was trembling and crying, and he gave her shoulders a light shake.

"Leanna, are you alright?" His eyes frantically took in the bloodstains on her skirts, but she didn't appear to be hurt. He shook her once more to break through her shock. "Leanna, answer me!"

Leanna looked up at him through tear filled eyes, finally beginning to hear him. "Yes, I'm f . . . fine," she stammered weakly. "Please help Trevor."

Steven turned toward Otis, one of the plantation hands, "Give me a hand, we need to get Trevor up to his bed. Between the two men, they half-carried, half-dragged Trevor up the stairs to his bedroom, trying not to injure his shoulder any more in the process. Leanna hurried in their wake, beginning to come out of the shock induced fog her brain had been in. She turned down the covers on the bed and fired off orders in rapid succession for hot water, clean cloths, and material for bandages to be fetched as quickly as possible.

Leanna knelt on the side of the bed and pressed a clean cloth against Trevor's shoulder, tears springing to her eyes at the sight of the fresh blood that rapidly began to soak through the cloth. Steven was busy removing Trevor's jacket, vest and shirt so they could get a better look at his wound. Amanda pulled on Leanna's arm.

"Come on, honey. Let's go get you cleaned up." She tried to pull Leanna away, but she wasn't budging.

"No Amanda, I'm staying right here." Leanna looked over at Steven and their eyes met as hers filled up with tears.

"What happened?" Steven asked. "Who shot Trevor?"

"It was the highwaymen. They stopped us when we were almost home. They came out of nowhere and surrounded us." Leanna's voice was shaking, but she continued. "They took our valuables, but when it looked like they would let us go, one of them shot Trevor."

As Leanna said the last, she began to sob again with remembered horror, and Amanda hugged her. Leanna took several breaths to calm herself, but when she spoke, her voice was a feeble whisper. She looked up at her brother, pleading with him to help her. 

"I can't lose him Steven, I just can't."

Steven swallowed a lump in his throat and squeezed her hand. "I know sweetheart. We'll do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen."

**********

Dr. Blackwell arrived shortly after they had managed to stop the bleeding. He was a distinguished looking man, in his mid-fifties, with graying hair at his temples. He wasted no time in taking charge of the situation. He rolled up his sleeves and gently took the cloth from Leanna's hand that she had been holding against the wound. As he sat down on the edge of the bed, he carefully lifted the cloth, satisfied that the bleeding had finally stopped. He lifted Trevor's eyelids and felt for his pulse, then grumbled something under his breath.

Without looking up, he asked "has he come to yet, since he was shot?"

"No," Leanna answered quietly. "He passed out right after it happened, and he's been unconscious ever since."

Dr. Blackwell merely grunted, as he rolled Trevor over to get a look at the back of his shoulder. Trevor groaned weakly, and Leanna felt fresh tears fill her eyes. "Hmmm," the doctor said, carefully studying the wound. "Can I get some more light please?"

Steven rushed to carry a candelabrum to the bedside table, bathing Trevor's shoulder in flickering gold light. Dr. Blackwell opened his bag and pulled out several instruments that he used to probe the wound, as he frowned through his spectacles.

"Well, the bad news is that the shot didn't go all the way through." He paused to look up at Steven and Leanna. "The good news is that I think I can get it out cleanly, without damaging the shoulder. If I hurry, I can do it before he wakes up. No need in subjecting him to any more pain than necessary if it can be avoided."

Leanna squared her shoulders. "How can we help, doctor?"

Dr. Blackwell gave her a brief assessing glance before turning back to his patient. He spoke over his shoulder, "I need boiling water, whiskey to clean the wound," he looked at Steven then, "and you and another strong pair of hands to hold him still in case he wakes up before we finish."

Steven and Leanna rushed to fetch the things the doctor had requested, and once the doctor had everything prepared, he was ready to begin. Dr. Blackwell gave Leanna a stern look.

"You probably ought to leave, Mrs. Grayson. This isn't going to be a pleasant sight."

Leanna couldn't find the strength to speak, but she gave a small shake of her head and sat on the opposite side of the bed, taking hold of her husband's limp hand.

Dr. Blackwell noted her pallor and gave a deep sigh. "Alright, but we don't need you fainting or anything. If you start feeling woozy, you'll need to leave the room, understand?"

Leanna nodded her head, her eyes never leaving Trevor's face. Dr. Blackwell picked up a long, thin pair of tweezers and started to probe the wound. A fresh trickle of blood began, and Steven held a cloth to catch the flow. The doctor probed around inside the jagged wound for what seemed like a long time, and Leanna winced as she could hear the faint grating sounds of metal against bone. She swallowed hard to keep from being sick, but for the most part, she kept her eyes fixed on Trevor's pale face.

Eventually, the doctor made a small, triumphant sound, and Leanna glanced over to see him removing a jagged piece of metal from Trevor's shoulder. Trevor moaned and tossed his head on the pillow but didn't appear to be waking. As soon as the shot was removed, the wound began to bleed again in earnest.

"Hold the candles closer," the doctor instructed. "I need to be sure I've gotten everything out, or the wound will get infected."

Steven held the candles closer, and blotted at the wound while the doctor picked several more tiny bits of cloth and slivers of metal out of the wound. When he was satisfied that he had cleaned the wound as much as possible, the doctor instructed Steven to hold several thick towels underneath while he poured whiskey over Trevor's shoulder. When the whiskey hit the jagged flesh, Trevor let out a gasp of pain, and his eyes opened for a few moments to fix on Leanna's face before he lapsed into unconsciousness once more.

Leanna hated to see Trevor in so much pain. She squeezed his hand and stroked his face as tears ran down her cheeks, but she stayed, receiving a few more concerned glances from the doctor.

Dr. Blackwell stopped the bleeding once again and quickly stitched up the jagged edges of the opening. Then, he applied a foul smelling ointment and wrapped the wound with tight bandages, getting Steven to help lift Trevor's limp body so they could wrap the cloths around his torso. When the doctor was finally satisfied, he felt Trevor's pulse once more and then stood up, stretching his back. He looked over the top of his glasses at Leanna and then Steven.

"Well, that's the best we can do for him right now," he stated gruffly.

"Is he going to be alright?" Leanna asked anxiously.

The doctor looked at her for a long moment before answering. "He's lost a lot of blood, and he's weak, but he's also young and healthy. I'm pretty sure I got the wound clean, but I can't be certain. The next couple of days will be critical. If the wound doesn't turn septic, he should recover."

Steven came around the bed to place a comforting arm around Leanna's waist. "Is there anything else we can do for him, Doc?"

"Just keep him as comfortable as possible. Try to get some fluids into him and laudanum for the pain." As he spoke, he placed a large bottle of laudanum on the bedside table. He gathered up the rest of his instruments and put them into his bag, snapping it shut. "He must stay still so the wound can mend, and he must rest. I'll come by again tomorrow to see how he's doing."

The doctor started to walk past them, but paused to place a comforting hand on Leanna's arm. When she looked up at him, he smiled at her for the first time that evening. "You've been awfully brave, Mrs. Grayson. By the looks of things, Trevor's got a lot to live for." He gave her arm a pat. "Try to get some rest. He will likely run a fever in the next day or two, so be prepared." With that, he turned and left.

Leanna sank back onto the side of the bed and grasped Trevor's hand in both of hers. Steven stood behind her for a moment.

"Leanna," Steven finally murmured, "you should go get cleaned up. There's blood all over you."

Leanna shook her head. "No, I don't want to leave him. What if he wakes up?"

"It's most likely going to be a while before he wakes up again." Steven lifted Leanna gently by the arm and led her to Amanda, who had just come back into the room. "Go with Amanda and get cleaned up. I'll stay with him until you get back."

Leanna squeezed Steven's hands. "Alright, but call me if he wakes up while I'm gone. I'll only be a few moments."

Steven nodded his agreement, then Amanda led Leanna into her and Steven's bedroom. Amanda had Camilla fetch clean clothes and water for a bath, and soon, the two women had Leanna soaking in a tub of hot water. When Leanna looked down and saw the faint tinge of pink in the water from the blood that had washed off her arms and legs, she began to cry uncontrollably. Amanda sat on a low stool and embraced her, rocking her back and forth like a child.

"It's alright, Leanna," she soothed. "Everything's going to be alright." Heedless of how dampened her own clothes were getting, Amanda stayed and hugged her sister until her sobs had subsided into small hiccupping gulps.

Finally, Leanna drew several deep breaths and raised her head to meet Amanda's eyes. "I pray to God that Trevor is going to be alright. He looks so pale and weak."

Amanda brushed the limp hair back from Leanna's face and gave her a brave smile. "It's only natural that he's pale. He's lost a lot of blood. But you know as well as I do that Trevor is much too stubborn to let a little thing like a bullet get the best of him." At Leanna's small smile, Amanda nodded and stood up. "Now, let's get you dressed before you catch a chill."

Once Leanna was dried and dressed, she returned to Trevor's bedside, and she wouldn't let anyone persuade her to leave.

"Come on, honey, you need to eat dinner," Steven cajoled her. "I'll sit with him while you go downstairs and eat."

Leanna shook her head, "No, thank you. I want to stay here."

"I'll have Camilla bring you up a tray then."

"I really couldn't eat a thing, Steven. I'm just not hungry."

Steven sighed in exasperation. "Well, you need to at least have some tea and toast. It's not going to do anyone any good for you to make yourself sick, and frankly, I don't want to face Trevor when he wakes up and finds his wife looking half-starved. I'm the one he'll blame."

Leanna gave him a weak smile. "Alright, Steven. Have Camilla bring up a tray, and I will try to eat something."

Later on that night, they had a similar discussion about Leanna needing to rest, but this time, she dug her heels in and wouldn't be moved. "No, Steven, I'm not leaving this room."

"But Leanna, you're exhausted, and you need to get some sleep. Go lay down for a little while, and I'll stay with Trevor."

"No, I couldn't possibly sleep, worrying whether he's going to wake up and need me."

Steven shook his head, but realizing she wouldn't be swayed, he sighed in resignation and gave her shoulders a fond squeeze. "I'm going to try and get some sleep then. I'll check on you in a while. Call me if you need me."

Leanna nodded, but didn't look up as Steven left the room and closed the door behind him with a soft click. She sat for a few moments, alone with her husband, just listening to his steady breathing. She reached up to brush an unruly lock of black hair from Trevor's pale forehead, when his eyes flickered open. Leanna's breath caught in her throat. He lay there, staring up at her for a minute before letting his eyes roam around the bedroom then looked as if he might try to sit up.

"No, darling. Just lie still. The doctor says you're not to move," Leanna said softly.

Trevor winced in pain. "How did I get here?" he asked. "The last thing I remember, I was trying to control the buggy."

Leanna caressed his cheek and brow, smiling down at him with relief. "I drove you home, and Steven and Otis carried you upstairs."

Trevor frowned up at her. "You drove the buggy? The horse was running out of control."

Leanna shrugged, "Yes, well, I managed." She swallowed the large lump in her throat and bent to softly brush a kiss on her husband's lips. "I love you," she said simply.

Trevor stared up at her shining eyes. He squeezed her hand weakly and tried to smile, though it came across as more of a grimace. "I know . . . I love you too." He stared at her for a few moments then frowned, remembering more details about what had happened. "And when I get better, I'm going to take you across my knee and paddle your backside madam." When she frowned in bewilderment, his scowl became even blacker. "What were you thinking trying to throw yourself in front of me? You could have been killed."

Leanna's expression turned mutinous. "Well I wasn't simply going to sit by and watch that man kill you! If I hadn't pushed you, the shot would have gone straight through your heart!"

Trevor grunted his disapproval, clearly not convinced by her argument. "Lest you forget, Leanna, you're carrying my child. I expect you to take better care of yourself and my child in the future." He would have said more, but the strain of talking was beginning to take its toll, and he grimaced in pain.

"Don't try to talk anymore right now, you need to rest," Leanna soothed. She offered him a cup of lukewarm tea that had been laced heavily with sugar and laudanum. "Here, please try to drink some of this. The doctor said you needed to get some fluids into you.

She held Trevor's head, and he drained the cup in a few gulps, sputtering only once. When he laid his head back on the pillow, he looked exhausted. She bent over to kiss his brow.

"Now try to rest. Hopefully, you'll feel better in the morning."

Within minutes, the laudanum took effect and Trevor had drifted back into a deep sleep. Leanna stayed by his side through the night. When Steven came in several hours later, she was still sitting on the side of the bed, gripping Trevor's hand.

"Has he woken up at all?" he whispered.




Marrying for Money Ch. 10



Leanna gave him a weary smile. "Yes, he woke up and spoke to me. He was thinking clearly, he was just tired. I gave him some laudanum, so he can rest."

Steven nodded his approval. "Go get some sleep, I'll stay here with him."

"No, Steven. I don't want to leave him. He might wake up and need me."

Sighing with resignation, Steven shook his head. "I might have known my brother would marry a woman who's just as stubborn as he is." This earned him a wobbly smile from Leanna. "At least rest for a while in that chair," he said, pointing to a comfortable chair in the corner of the bedroom. "I'll sit with Trevor." Seeing that she was wavering, he lifted her up by her elbow. "Let me be the watchman for a while. You'll be right here, so you'll know if he wakes up."

Leanna sighed, so tired she could barely stand up. "Alright," she mumbled. She settled into the chair while Steven brought over an ottoman for her feet and spread a blanket over her. She was asleep within moments, exhausted from the stress of the events and the lateness of the hour. It seemed like only a few moments passed before she woke up, but when she opened her eyes, she could see the faint streaks of a pink sunrise.

Leanna crept to the bed. Steven was sitting on the foot of the bed leaning against the post, his legs stretched out toward his older brother, and he was sound asleep.

"Hmmph," Leanna muttered to herself. "Some watchman you are!" But she was smiling softly at the sight of the two brothers looking so much alike, both sleeping, both so handsome, both with the dark, bristling growth of a beard starting along their stubborn jaws.

Leanna's smile abruptly faded when she started to note the differences though. Where Steven looked so vital and strong, Trevor's face was drawn and tired. Steven's features were relaxed, but Trevor's brow was marred by a frown, as if he were in pain. While Steven was breathing deeply in his sleep, Trevor's breath was shallow, almost labored.

Leanna swallowed a lump in her throat as she looked down at her sleeping husband, looking so frail and vulnerable in the huge bed. He seemed like just a faint shadow of himself, as if the life force had already begun to seep out of him. She blinked back tears of frustration and fear. She couldn't lose him, not now! Leanna had never felt so helpless in her life. All she could do was wait, impotent and fretful, praying that death would overlook her beloved. Surely her husband, normally so vital and alive, wouldn't have the life ripped from him so abruptly. Could Fate really be that cruel, she wondered?

"Please God, no," Leanna whispered weakly, her voice barely audible as tears trickled down her cheeks. "Please help him. I love him so. I need him so."

She sighed, realizing that praying might be the only thing she could do for her husband at that moment. She sat on the edge of the bed beside him, her eyes adoringly tracing his beautiful features. At least he had some color back in his face she thought, reaching out to gently move a lock of his black hair off his forehead. When her fingers touched his brow, she gasped.

The small sound brought Steven out of his light sleep, and he blinked several times. "What's the matter?" he croaked. He leaned forward in concern, "Is he alright?"

Leanna bit her bottom lip between her teeth. Her voice was shaky when she answered, "I don't know. He feels hot."

In an instant, Steven was sitting on the opposite side of the bed, frowning as he felt of his brother's face, arms and neck. "My God, he's burning up with fever." He looked at Leanna sheepishly from under his brows. "Good that you woke up when you did, he needs to be cooled off."

Leanna didn't have any experience with nursing the sick, but she was determined to do anything possible to help her husband. It was almost a relief to be given some activity that might help Trevor, rather than just sitting around waiting to see what would happen. She squared her shoulders and looked at Steven, stubborn resolve etched on her features.

"Steven, tell me what I can do to help him?"

************

Trevor's mind drifted through a sea of images, most of them centered on Leanna. He saw her doing all the mundane things he had come to acquaint with their everyday lives. She was sitting on the low stool in their bedroom, brushing her long fiery hair until it shone in the candlelight. She was perched atop her grey mare, looking down at him with her pert riding cap set at a jaunty angle on her head. Leanna was smiling at him along the gleaming length of the dining table, nibbling daintily on her food. She was holding little Will, bouncing him in her arms while she cooed into his tiny ear, making him giggle.

Some of the images were fleeting and indistinct, like a scent he would catch on the wind, but couldn't fully identify. Others were so clear and real that Trevor reached out to touch his wife, only to find his hand groping in thin air. At first, it occurred to him that he was dreaming, and he smiled faintly, settling in to enjoy his fantasies. But then, he woke up. He was sure of it. He was in his own bed, and his lovely Leanna was beside him, sleeping peacefully. He could see her lovely hair spread on the stark white pillowcase, and one delicate hand lay palm up near her cheek. He started to reach for her, but a shooting pain went through his shoulder, causing him to groan in agony as the illusion disappeared.

But then Leanna was there, leaning over him to wipe his forehead with a cold cloth. "Shh, my love," she soothed. "Don't try to move, just lie still."

Trevor gave her a lopsided grin, wondering why he was too weak to pull her down to him. "Come here, sweetheart. I want you."

Leanna blushed and looked over at Steven before her eyes returned to Trevor's face. "Not now, my love." She continued to wipe his brow. "You have to get better first."

Trevor frowned, noticing Steven for the first time. He tried to wave Steven toward the door, but his hand only flopped on the coverlet, causing him to frown even harder.

"Get out, little brother. Can't you see when a man wants to be alone with his wife," he muttered irritably.

Steven grinned but otherwise ignored him, and Trevor closed his eyes against the light from the nearby candles that seemed to be burning much too brightly. Trevor frowned again as he felt Leanna once again wiping his brown with that damned cloth. He pushed feebly at her arm, but she kept wiping, each stroke increasing his annoyance.

Leanna finally consented to stop wiping his brow, and he sighed with relief. She bent over him once more, lifting his head, and he inwardly smirked, realizing she was finally going to kiss him. It was about time! He opened his lips to capture her luscious mouth, but Leanna placed a cup against his bottom lip. His frustration was supreme, and he growled as he turned his head away spilling some of the cup's contents on the sheet. Why was no one listening to him?

"Please darling," she crooned softly, "please drink some of this."

Leanna brought the cup to his lips once more, cradling his head against her arm and bosom. Trevor groaned in frustration but consented to drink a few tiny sips.

"Good darling. Just a few more sips."

She continued to coax him as his annoyance continued to build. Why was she treating him like a child? Each time he opened his mouth to say something, she poured more tea down his throat. 

"Enough!" he grumbled, turning his face away.

Leanna started wiping his brow again with that infernal cloth. It was so cold it caused him to shiver. Why was she being so cruel to him, he wondered?

"Leave me be," he groaned, pushing feebly at her arm and trying to roll away from her until the fiery pain lanced through his shoulder again.

Leanna wouldn't listen to him. "I know darling. I know you don't like this, but it will help you get better. Just lie still."

All the time, the wiping continued, across his brow, then down his arms and chest, and everywhere she touched him, he felt cold and shivery.

"Stop it," Trevor groaned, trying to blot out the cold by focusing on the images swimming in his mind.

He imagined that instead of wiping him with that despicable cloth, his wife was caressing him with her soft hands. He smiled faintly to himself as he remembered times when she had touched him during their lovemaking. Yes, just like she was doing now, her hands traced his legs from hip to ankle, his arms, his chest and torso. In his mind's eye, Leanna bent over him, trailing hot, wet kisses over his entire body.

But suddenly the kisses became cold and clammy, chilling his skin. He looked up to find that it was Eliza bent over him, sneering at him through narrowed eyes as she tortured him with that hated cloth! Of course it had to be her, only she could be so cruel.

"No! Get away from me," he roared with surprising strength.

He grabbed her by the arms and tried to push her off him, but once again, the fiery throbbing in his shoulder defeated him. He collapsed back on the bed, groaning with pain and useless rage.

Eliza renewed her torture with that loathsome cloth, wiping his face, then his chest and arms. He had to get out of this bed. He had to get away from Eliza! He tried to rise up, but Steven was there, holding him down on the pillow.

"Steven, why are you helping her?" he groaned. "I have to get away from her!" Trevor struggled weakly, shutting his eyes once more against the bright light from the candles. "Where's Leanna?" he moaned in despair. "I want Leanna." He pushed at Eliza's hands, but she wouldn't leave him alone.

On and on the torture went, until Trevor felt he would go crazy. Sometimes it was Eliza, sometimes Steven who was constantly wiping him with that detestable cloth. Sometimes Leanna would appear to pour more tea down his throat. But no one listened to him, whether he was pleading or yelling. No matter how he tried to reason with them, they kept up with that incessant torture until Trevor finally gave up and lapsed into an exhausted sleep.

Finally Leanna was there with him. They were sitting on a blanket under a tree, with wildflowers waving in the bright sun all around them. Trevor was lying on his back while Leanna leaned over him, feeding him tidbits from their picnic. He sighed with delight.

Suddenly, Leanna looked over her shoulder. She smiled down at him once more, but then she rose and went running into the nearby woods, occasionally pausing to look back over her shoulder at him and laughing before turning away again. He began to chase her, but no matter how fast he ran, she kept getting further ahead of him. The woods were getting denser and more overgrown, and the thick trees began to blot out the sunlight. He stopped, looking around to realize that he had lost sight of Leanna. His heart raced with panic. Where had she gone? He had to find her! He couldn't bear to lose her again!

He heard her musical laughter from somewhere in the shadowed forest, and he called to her. "Leanna! Leanna, where are you?" he cried, his voice sounding desperate.

"I'm here," she whispered soothingly, but he couldn't see her. "I'm here, darling," she said again.

He whirled and finally saw her. She was standing only a few feet away, but she had her arms around Neville, and she was smirking at Trevor.

"Tell me what you want?" she whispered, but Trevor was certain that she intended the words for Neville.

Neville grinned down at her. "I want you, of course." Neville cupped her buttocks in his hands and started to knead them provocatively while he looked at Trevor. Neville threw back his head and laughed, and then Leanna started to laugh with him, both of them looking at Trevor, their faces contorted into taunting sneers.

Trevor started toward them, but he couldn't move. He looked down and saw that strong vines had grown and gotten tangled around his arms and legs. He struggled against them, but the more he thrashed around, the more tangled the vines became until he couldn't move at all.

He looked back toward Leanna and Neville and saw that Leanna was dressed in a long flowing nightgown, and he realized it was the gown she had worn on their wedding day. Neville had begun to unfasten the garment, but then he paused and looked at Leanna. "What do you want? Tell me," he asked.

Leanna reached up to pull Neville's head down to hers, and she kissed him lingeringly on the lips. "I want you," she whispered, reaching to bring his hand to her breast. "I want you inside me."

Neville looked over her shoulder at Trevor and sneered. "See? She wants me!" He unfastened her gown and let it drop at her feet as he cupped her gleaming breasts. "She wants me," he said again before reaching to suckle Leanna's breast.

"No," Trevor moaned. "Leanna, don't do this! I love you. I need you." His voice had become a hoarse sob.

Leanna ignored his pleas as her head dropped back in surrender as she arched in Neville's arms, offering her breasts up for his mouth to plunder. She moaned and writhed, clearly enjoying what he was doing to her. When Neville finally raised his head, she smiled up at him before dropping onto the ground and spreading her thighs wide open for him.

"Take me Neville. Please take me now."

Neville knelt between her legs, caressing her exposed pussy as he unbuttoned his pants. He stroked his enormous cock to full erection and then drove into Leanna, pounding her with deep thrusts as she wrapped her legs around his waist and moaned her pleasure. Neville clasped her nipples with both hands and twisted them cruelly.

"Moan for me, Leanna. Be my little whore," Neville coaxed.

Leanna was quick to comply, arching her back to press her breasts more fully into his hands as she moaned. They clutched and strained as their bodies pounded into one another, and they finally came together. Neville grunted as he emptied himself inside her, and Trevor could see Leanna's thighs clenching to keep him buried in her pussy.

When their orgasms had faded, Neville stood up and lifted Leanna onto her knees before him. Without him having to prompt her, she took his slackened cock into her mouth and licked it clean. She obviously enjoyed what she was doing, as she moaned with delight. Neville gripped her head and used her mouth, thrusting deep down her throat before depositing another load of his seed, which she sucked down eagerly.

"No," Trevor released a tortured groan, closing his eyes against the sight. "Don't leave me, Leanna! Don't leave me again." He struggled with the vines until he collapsed panting on the ground. Suddenly, it was dark, and the air became chilled. Trevor huddled against the base of a large tree, shivering with cold. He sobbed in despair, groping at the vines that still clung to his arms. He had to get loose somehow. He was so cold, so very cold and alone.

"Leanna," he whispered forlornly, "I need you." The darkness began to enfold him, and he sighed with exhaustion, too tired to fight anymore. He welcomed the oblivion to blot out the pain.

***********

Trevor opened his eyes just enough to see bright sunlight streaming in through the bedroom windows. He blinked several times to clear the cobwebs from his mind, gradually letting his eyes adjust to the brightness. Looking around the room, he saw Steven sleeping in a nearby chair, his jaw dark from several days' worth of beard growth, his shirt only half tucked in his trousers. Trevor frowned. It wasn't like Steven to be so unkempt.

Trevor heard a small sigh and looked down to see Leanna. She was sitting on a chair beside the bed, and she had fallen asleep with her upper body bent over the bed. She held one of his hands in both her own and had it clasped to her breast as if she were afraid to let it go.

For some reason, Trevor was exhausted. He felt like he had been performing hard manual labor, and his muscles were strained and sore. He experimentally stretched his legs and groaned at the stiffness in his limbs. At the sound of Trevor's voice, Leanna instantly woke up and quickly searched his face, worry etched on her beautiful features.

"Please lie still, darling, or you'll hurt your shoulder" she whispered, as she anxiously felt his brow with her palm. His skin was cool and dry to the touch, and his gaze was clear rather than dazed and feverish. Leanna gave a weak, relieved laugh. "Thank God," she breathed. "I think your fever is finally gone."

Trevor traced her features with his eyes. Leanna's hair hung in limp tangles around her shoulders, her cheeks were pale, and there were dark, bluish circles under her eyes. She didn't look well at all. Trevor frowned and tried to speak, but his voice came out as a rasping croak. Leanna quickly reached for a cup of tea on the bedside table and held his head in her arm while he took several deep gulps. He relaxed back onto the pillow and gave a long sigh before opening his eyes once more.

"Fever?" he asked, seeing his wife nod. "How long have I been sick?"

"Three days," Leanna whispered. "I thought we might lose you." She released a shaky laugh of relief. "Steven tried to tell me you were much too stubborn to give up so easily."

"He's right," Trevor murmured, giving her a rueful grin. "Especially when I thought you had run off with Neville again." He tried to sound flippant, but Leanna could see the pain in the depths of his beautiful eyes.

She leaned close and brushed the hair back from his forehead. "My darling, I'm not going anywhere," she stated with quiet finality. "There's nothing and no one that could take me away from you."

Steven startled them both when he chuckled softly and rose from the chair to come stand beside the bed. He looked down at Trevor, and his eyes were shining with relief.

"She's not kidding, big brother. We all tried to get her to leave you so she could get some rest, but she wouldn't hear of it. She's been right here, fussing over you for the past three days. Even when you tried to kick her out a few times, she refused to leave."

Trevor looked back at his wife in wonder. "So you were here...all the time. I was trying to find you, but you always seemed to be just beyond my reach."

Leanna smiled down at him, tears of joy swimming in her eyes. "I know, darling. I was trying to reach you too, but I don't think you could hear me through your delirium." She laughed a little shakily. "You kept yelling at Steven and me, trying to make us leave you alone."

Trevor groaned and put a hand over his eyes. "Now I remember," he moaned. "You were the ones who were torturing me with that infernal cloth! I never want to be bathed by anyone again!"

Leanna and Steven both laughed, seeing that Trevor was going to be alright. Steven walked toward the door. "I'm going to see about getting you something to eat," he said.

Leanna turned back to face Trevor and found him staring up at her with such intense longing, it caused her breath to catch in her throat. "I love you, Leanna." He whispered the words as he squeezed her hand. "Thank God your brother isn't a very good poker player." Leanna looked bemused before Trevor went on to explain. "If he had won when he played against me, you and I would never have met."

Leanna shook her head and smiled. "No, Fate would have found some other way to bring us together. Remember? You said yourself, we were destined to meet." She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed it, her eyes shining at him over his knuckles. "We're two halves of the same heart my love, and we would have had no choice but to find each other."

She stretched out beside him on the bed, putting her head against his uninjured shoulder. Her arm and hand lay on his chest, and she felt immensely comforted by the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.

Within moments, her steady breathing told Trevor that she had fallen asleep, snuggled against him in the bed. He smiled and turned his head to breathe the heady fragrance from her hair. With his good arm, he managed to grasp the edge of the quilt without disturbing his sleeping wife. He flipped it over her, pulling it up around her shoulders, as she sighed softly and snuggled deeper into its warmth.




Marrying for Money Ch. 10



Trevor frowned up at the canopy, remembering the details of their run-in with the highwaymen. Perhaps it was just a result of his close call with death that was making him feel anxious, but whatever the cause, Trevor couldn't shed his growing unease. Something was bothering him, and he couldn't pinpoint what. It was exceedingly odd the way the leader of the highwaymen had coldly tried to kill him. It had seemed more like an execution than a robbery. Trevor frowned, replaying the events in his mind, sorting through the details to try and decipher any clues he might have overlooked. He hadn't been armed, and he hadn't done anything to provoke the man's wrath. Nevertheless, the highwayman had intended to murder him.

Trevor closed his eyes, trying to remember any distinguishing details about their assailants or their mounts that he could pass on to the sheriff. Try as he might, he couldn't think of anything helpful, but neither could he dismiss the feeling of impending doom that had hung over him since that day.

Trevor looked down at Leanna when she released a soft sigh in her sleep. He stroked her hair, feeling a wealth of love welling in his heart for this extraordinary woman he had married. Having overcome so many obstacles to their love, he was determined to keep her safe. He had every intention of enjoying a long and happy life as her husband. With any luck, the child she carried would only be the first, and in the years to come they would fill this old house with a large, loving family. Whatever it took, he was going to ensure those dreams came to fruition.

A short while later, Steven reappeared, carrying a tray for Trevor. He stopped in surprise when he saw Leanna sound asleep, while Trevor was lying awake and holding her close to his side, his good arm keeping her snuggled against him.

"I brought you some breakfast," Steven whispered.

Trevor waved toward the bedside table. "Just put it there, I'll eat it later."

Steven frowned. "But you should eat something. You need nourishment."

"I'm getting all the nourishment I need right now," Trevor sighed, lightly stroking Leanna's hair as she slept. "This is food for the soul." 

To be continued...



Marrying for Money Ch. 11



The next afternoon, Dr. Blackwell dropped by to check on his patient. He changed the bandage on Trevor's shoulder, grunting his approval when he saw that the skin around the wound looked healthy and pink, and he noted that Trevor's cheeks were regaining some of their usual vitality.

When he finished his task, the doctor sat back on the side of the bed. There was a twinkle in his eye as he watched a frowning Trevor, sitting propped up in the bed with his wife fussing to make sure his pillows were just right and he was comfortable. The good doctor could clearly see that Trevor was going to be a reluctant patient and his beautiful wife was turning out to be a strict nurse. Dr. Blackwell exchanged glances with Steven who was lounging against a bedpost, and both men grinned.

Trevor frowned with impatience, squirming under Leanna's relentless attentions. "Doc, when can I get up? I'm tired of lying in this bed."

Dr. Blackwell chuckled, remembering that Trevor had never liked being sick. It had been the same when he had gotten the measles when he was seven and when he had broken a leg at the age of twelve. Back then, it had been Trevor's mother trying to make him rest, but now it was his wife's responsibility. Dr. Blackwell shook his head.

"You need to stay in that bed for at least a few more days." He held up a hand to stop the younger man, when he opened his mouth to protest. "No, not another word!" The doctor leaned over and fixed him with a reproving glare. "Do you want your poor wife to be worried sick about you?"

Trevor's mouth snapped shut, and he looked instantly contrite as his eyes went to Leanna. He had to admit that she still looked tired following his illness, and he mentally groaned. For her sake, he kept quiet but he didn't know how much longer he could stand being an invalid.

Dr. Blackwell looked at Leanna from over the rim of his glasses as he stood up to leave, and there was a definite twinkle in the old man's eyes. "Make sure he stays in bed. I don't want him doing anything that's going to open up the wound now that it's finally mending." He picked up his bag and started toward the door, but turned back to look at Trevor. "I'll be gone for the next few days. I have to visit my sister over in Richmond. Until I get back," he gestured to Leanna, "she's in charge. You're not to get out of that bed until she says it's alright."

Steven escorted the doctor out, leaving Leanna standing beside the bed. Her arms were crossed as she gave Trevor a stern look. He raised his eyebrows, trying to appear innocent, while his cheeks flushed under her steady regard. He squirmed uneasily.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Leanna couldn't help but laugh. "You look like a naughty little boy. You think I don't know that you're already plotting how to get out of that bed, but you'll do no such thing. You heard the doctor, you need to rest." Pausing to ensure that she had his attention Leanna continued in the same no-nonsense tone. "Now, please try to eat something." She sat down on the side of the bed and started to feed him spoonfuls of rich soup that Camilla had brought in for his lunch. "Here, eat this, it's good for you."

"You're turning out to be a bossy wife," Trevor grumbled irritably.

Still, he obediently swallowed the soup, watching his wife as she concentrated on her task. Each time she fed him a spoonful, she leaned toward him, being careful not to spill any on his chest. His frown disappeared abruptly when he glanced down and noticed that from his vantage point, he had an enticing view of the shadowed valley between her full breasts. He decided that being an invalid had its advantages, especially if one had such a beautiful nurse.

Leanna had fed him almost the entire bowl of soup when she stopped with the spoon raised halfway to his mouth and frowned, raising one delicate eyebrow. "What are you grinning about?" she asked suspiciously.

Trevor gave her another innocent look and tried to shrug until he was reminded of his shoulder and winced. Leanna immediately set the bowl back on the side table and reached around him to adjust his pillows, trying to make him more comfortable.

"Lie still," she scolded, "you'll hurt your shoulder."

As Leanna stretched her arms behind him, the side of her breast brushed his cheek. Trevor closed his good arm around her waist, startling a little yelp of surprise out of her when he buried his face in her bosom.

"Trevor," she gasped, trying to sound outraged, but sounding breathless instead. "What do you think you're doing?"

Trevor chuckled, nuzzling his face between her breasts. "Mmmm," came his muffled reply. "I'm having dessert!"

************

Over the next few days, Trevor continued to improve, quickly regaining his strength under his wife's tender care. She fussed and coddled, coaxed and scolded, repeatedly reminding him to "lie still or you'll hurt your shoulder." She repeated that phrase so often he thought he might go insane. In the end, he decided it really wasn't too bad being bedridden, when he had such a charming companion to help him pass the time.

Leanna was always nearby, changing his bandages, reading to him, talking with him, feeding him, sometimes just sitting beside him in the big bed, her head resting on his good shoulder. Trevor was becoming increasingly ravenous for his wife, especially since she was always so close by, but she steadfastly refused his advances, insisting that he wasn't strong enough for such activity.

Leanna couldn't stop worrying about her husband, and the fear she had faced from thinking she might lose him was slow to dissipate. Her continuing concern for his welfare kept her from seeing just how well he was recovering. It was inevitable that the situation would eventually come to a head.

Trevor's constant cajoling eventually persuaded Leanna to pronounce him fit enough to get out of the bed, but only for short walks around their bedroom. She adamantly refused to let him go downstairs.

It was nearly two weeks after the shooting when Leanna helped Trevor into the tub, making sure he kept his shoulder dry, while she fussed over his bath. Trevor's eyes followed her movements with burning intensity as she carefully scrubbed his body in the steaming water. When she reached to wash between his thighs, she discovered his manhood, already enlarged and throbbing. Trevor blushed like a schoolboy.

"I thought you never wanted me to bathe you with a cloth again," Leanna quipped, glancing at him mischievously from under her lashes.

Trevor merely growled and looped his arm behind her neck, bringing her close enough to receive his hungry kiss. When he finally released her lips, they were both breathing raggedly. The intense desire burning in his eyes belied the casualness of his tone as he answered her.

"I changed my mind," he growled.

Finished with the bath, Trevor stood up, and Leanna toweled him off before leading him back to the bed. He sat on its edge, but when Leanna turned to get him some clean clothes, he grabbed her hand and hauled her onto his lap. Ignoring her squeal of protest, he cupped one of her breast in his palm, kneading the tender flesh as he trailed kisses down the side of her neck.

"Trevor," she groaned.

Leanna was exasperated by his persistence and her own body's rebellious response to his lovemaking. He quickly had her bodice unbuttoned and was working on the tiny buttons of her chemise, while her hands desperately tried to subdue his groping ones.

"Stop that! You know you're not strong enough to be doing this yet!"

To prove her wrong, Trevor lay back on the bed and rolled to pin Leanna's delectable, squirming form beneath him. He captured both her wrists in one of his hands and easily held them above her head on the mattress, while his other hand returned to its mission of dispensing with the remainder of her buttons. When he bared her breasts to his gaze, they were both panting raggedly.

"Don't move," he growled, his eyes devouring her and his voice sounding positively primitive. Without warning, he greedily sucked one of her nipples into the hot cavern of his mouth. Leanna gasped, instinctively arching her back. "Don't move, my little whore." He spoke softer this time but with unmistakable command in his voice. His lips parted in a naughty grin as he bent his head back to her breast, using her own words against her. "Lie still or you'll hurt my shoulder." 

"But Trevor, you really aren't strong enough to be doing this!"

"Quiet! Remember? You are mine anytime and anywhere I want. I choose now and here."

Leanna moaned when his fingers found their way to her pussy. She was slick and throbbing and oh so needy. As he slid two fingers inside her and used his thumb to stroke her clit, she couldn't help but rock her hips against his hand. He brought her to a swift climax, and she clenched his fingers deep inside her as waves of pleasure washed over her.

Trevor waited for her to float back to earth before he grinned down at her. "My turn."

He proceeded to show his surprised wife what a remarkable recovery he had made. As he sank into her heat again and again, it was Leanna who felt weak...with passion.

***********

That night, the Grayson family gathered for a celebratory dinner. As they dressed before the meal, Trevor noticed that Leanna was wearing one of her new gowns that had been delivered the day before.

"Come here," he beckoned her softly.

Leanna came to stand before him, and when he motioned, she pirouetted in a small circle under his watchful gaze. The gown was sewn of wine colored silk, and it lovingly conformed to the full curves of her bosom before falling from a high waistline to elegantly drape over her slender hips. The color of the fabric accentuated the creaminess of her ivory skin and brought out twin spots of rosy color in her cheeks.

"Do you like it?" she asked, knowing by the gleam in his sapphire eyes that he definitely did.

Trevor hooked an arm behind her waist and pulled her against his hard frame. "Umm," he murmured, nuzzling the sensitive spot just behind one of her dainty ears. "If we weren't already late for dinner, I would show you just how much I like it."

Leanna's eyes misted with happy tears, and she hugged her husband tightly. "I love you," she whispered.

Trevor straightened and looked down into her shining eyes. "I love you too," he softly replied. 

Dinner that night was a festive affair. Many toasts were drunk to Trevor's recovery, his reunion with Leanna, and to the future good fortune of the entire Grayson family. It was over dessert that Trevor raised his glass once more and cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention. His gaze rested on Leanna for a few moments, and their eyes locked in mutual adoration.

"Steven, Amanda," he finally said, "Leanna and I would like to announce that the Grayson family will soon be expanded to include one more member."

There was a moment of silence before Amanda squealed in delight. She rose and ran to Leanna, enfolding her sister in a fond embrace. Meanwhile, Steven whooped his delight and raised his glass in salute to his brother before drinking deeply of its contents. When he spoke, his voice was laced with good humor and shared masculine pride.

"Well, that certainly didn't take you long, big brother. So when can I expect to become an uncle."

Leanna laughed and flushed delightfully, exchanging a warm glance with her husband before replying. "Sometime in late September."

"Oh, that's wonderful," Amanda cried. "So how are you feeling? Tell me everything."

The two women turned, forgetting to even excuse themselves from the table, and walked arm-in-arm into the parlor. Since Leanna's return, she and Amanda had developed a warm, loving friendship, and they chattered incessantly throughout the remainder of the evening, their gleaming heads close together. Not only were they discussing the new baby, but Amanda had postponed the ball because of the shooting. Now that Trevor was recovering well, the two women were absorbed with planning the upcoming festivities. At one point while finalizing the list of guests, Amanda grimaced.

"I haven't invited Eliza yet. I don't think we should after everything she's done."

Leanna tensed for a moment but then squeezed Amanda's hand and smiled. "While I would rather not invite her, to exclude her would be a slight against her entire family. I know Trevor and Steven are both very good friends with her brother Tom. I wouldn't want to offend Tom in any way. Please invite her."

Amanda didn't look convinced. "But Leanna, after everything she's done to try and come between you and Trevor, I don't want her doing anything to ruin your enjoyment of the ball."

Leanna's smile was serene and a bit dreamy. "Now that I know that Trevor loves me and not her, she can't hurt me anymore. Even if she slings her little jibes and insults, they don't mean anything. Any hold she may once have held over my husband died long ago."

"You are a wise woman," Amanda whispered. "I'm proud to have you as my sister." The two women embraced, and then got back to the business at hand.

While the party plans were being finalized in the parlor, Trevor and Steven adjourned to the study for another game of chess. After Trevor had sat motionless for several minutes without making a move, Steven's curiosity got the better of him.

"So why are you so preoccupied tonight, big brother. Aren't you pleased that Leanna is expecting?"

Trevor blinked, realizing he had been lost in thought and released a pensive sigh. "It's not that. Of course, I'm overjoyed. I've known for a long time that I wanted to become a father." He met Steven's eye and gave him a troubled frown. "Between the two of us, I'm worried. I don't want to alarm Leanna, but I'm convinced that the incident with the highwaymen was not just a random act. Those men were waiting for us and no one else."

Steven frowned and sat forward in his chair. "What makes you think that?" He listened intently as Trevor explained his reasoning, and he had to agree that it sounded more like a planned execution than a robbery gone sour. "Why didn't you tell me any of this before?" he asked quietly.

Trevor gave a sheepish grin. "Until tonight, I haven't had a moment alone with you. Leanna has been fussing over me like a little bantam hen with her chicks."

Steven lifted a brow in skepticism. "Oh, I've noticed how you've been suffering under her care. It must have been hard being tended by such an unpleasant nurse."

Trevor released a long suffering sigh, but the corners of his mouth twitched. "Indeed! You have no idea what I've had to endure." He couldn't suppress a lecherous grin at the memory of his earlier bath and the events that had followed. "Why, it was torture getting her to allow me to come down for dinner."

Steven threw back his head, and his hearty laughter rang out until his brother joined him. When their mirth finally subsided, Steven said quietly, "Much as I would like to disagree with your reasoning, I think you're right. There is cause to be concerned. But other than waiting and hoping the blackguards will be caught, what can we do?"

"I don't know," Trevor said quietly. He slowly rose and crossed to the mantle, where he stood for a few moments staring into the fire. "I can't shake this feeling I have that someone is out to hurt our family, and I'm particularly worried about Leanna's safety."

"Why Leanna's safety? It was you they tried to kill," Steven pointed out.

"I know, but my gut instinct is telling me that Leanna could be in danger. Maybe I'm just being overly protective, but I intend to make sure Leanna is kept safe. And whatever we do, I don't want Leanna to know about my concerns." When Steven looked like he would argue, Trevor raised a hand to silence him. "Steven, Leanna is pregnant. The last thing I want is for her to start worrying and fretting over me. She's been through enough of that as it is, and it's not good for her or the baby."

Trevor returned to his chair, dropping into it with a weary sigh. "For now, I'm going to concentrate on getting my strength back. I still get tired at the least exertion. As long as I'm recovering, I can count on Leanna to remain within my sight, and therefore, I'll know she's safe. But once I'm better, I'm going to need your help to ensure Leanna is guarded at all times."

Steven nodded his agreement. "You know you can count on me. Between the two of us and Amanda, we should be able to ensure she is seldom out of our sight."

"Umm," Trevor murmured. He looked at Steven intently from under his brows. "But I don't want her to know. I don't want her to worry." At Steven's nod of acquiescence, Trevor sighed with relief and fatigue. "Good. Now, I think I'll retire for tonight."

Trevor rose and gave Steven a mischievous grin, waggling his brows in emphasis. "Would you be so kind as to send my nurse up to me? I need to be tucked into bed." With that, he turned and made his way up the stairs, his brother's chuckles of glee echoing up to him.

**********

The afternoon of the ball, the Grayson household was a hive of activity. Trevor had fully recovered, and only an occasional twinge in his shoulder continued to bother him. Still, Leanna refused to let him do very much to help them prepare, insisting that he rest so he would be fit for the evening's festivities. Trevor didn't mind too much. He knew Leanna and Amanda had plenty of help from the servants, and he honestly preferred to avoid being underfoot during their last minute frenzy.

The ballroom was transformed into a fragrant fairyland under the guidance of the two Grayson women. Bouquets of flowers were liberally scattered about the room, and yards of colorful fabric had been draped along the walls, lending the room a dramatic flair. Everything had been polished and waxed until it shone, and the light from the dozens of candles in the chandeliers reflected off all the furniture and the gleaming parquet floors. It was mid March, still too cold to open the French doors onto the terrace, but inside the ballroom, it looked like Spring.

The final preparations were completed in plenty of time for Leanna to luxuriate in a steaming bath before dressing for the evening. Trevor could hear her humming a cheerful tune, as she soaked in the huge claw footed tub. Normally, he would have been drawn to the dressing room, unable to resist the temptation of watching his wife bathe, but this night, he had other plans.

While Leanna enjoyed her bath, Trevor was busy preparing her surprise. He removed a large box from the back of his armoire where he had hidden it and carefully unwrapped its contents. A grin of anticipation lit his face as he lifted out the garment. Mrs. White had truly outdone herself with this one, he thought. He smoothed the dress out on the bed and quickly laid out the accompanying undergarments and slippers.

Trevor hastily donned his formal evening attire, relieved that his wife liked to take her time in the bath. When he was dressed, he silently moved a comfortable chair into the shadowed corner of the room where he wouldn't be immediately noticed and settled in to wait for Leanna.

Moments later, she emerged from the bathing chamber dressed in a satin robe and still humming a tune as she pulled the pins loose from her upswept hair. As her hair tumbled down around her shoulders, she stopped, spotting the gown on the bed. Leanna gasped with pleasure and ran to the bed to admire the dress.

The gown was of the finest quality midnight blue velvet, and the neckline, sleeves and a multitude of small darts surrounding the bodice had been stitched with gold thread. More gold thread had been used to embroider an intricate design around the neckline, cuffs and waist. The fabric and workmanship were exquisite. It was a gown fit for a princess, and Leanna felt completely overwhelmed. Her hands traced the fabric lovingly, wonder etched on her beautiful features, before she turned her attention to the undergarments and slippers. The stockings, petticoats and chemise had all been sewn from the finest silk Leanna had ever seen, while the slippers were made from the same blue velvet as the dress. Finally, there was a new satin corset trimmed with yards of French lace that was specially designed to give her a bit more room around her belly while still holding her in at the waist.




Marrying for Money Ch. 11



As Trevor watched Leanna's reaction to the gift, he felt his heart swell with love for her. When he spoke, his voice was soft and husky. "I hope you like it."

Leanna jumped, thinking she was alone in the room, and when she saw him in the shadows, her face lit with joy. She ran to Trevor, threw herself on his lap and began showering kisses on his face and neck with the exuberance of a child.

"Oh yes," she cried breathlessly, her eyes shining brightly, "I love it!"

Trevor chuckled and grasping her jaw in his hand, he managed to capture his wife's mouth for a more thorough kiss. He finally released her lips and smiled down at her beaming face.

"I wanted you to have something special for tonight," he murmured, tracing a finger around her delicate ear.

"Oh Trevor, it's the most special, most beautiful gown I've ever had. How can I thank you?"

Trevor assumed a serious expression as he raised a dark brow and ogled her cleavage, one hand slipping underneath her robe to intimately cup her hip and thigh. "Mmmm," he said thoughtfully. "I'll have to think of some way you can show me your gratitude. But for now, shouldn't you start getting dressed?"

"Oh yes," she cried, giving him a last quick kiss before hopping up to run and tug on the bell pull.

Camilla appeared within moments to dress her mistress for the grand occasion, and she exclaimed over the beauty of Leanna's new garments. If the maid thought it strange that her employer remained in his chair watching her help to dress his young wife, she didn't say anything. In truth, Camilla was too engrossed in her work to notice the undercurrent of lust that flowed between the two lovers.

Leanna, on the other hand, had a heightened awareness of her husband's unswerving attention. When Camilla removed her mistress's robe, Leanna's skin flushed a rosy pink under Trevor's roaming gaze. Standing nude before him, she wondered what he thought of the changes wrought by her pregnancy as his eyes took in her heavy breasts and the small but definite bulge of her belly. She was almost three months pregnant, and she worried that her husband might soon begin to be repulsed by her rapidly swelling form. Her worries were put to rest when her gaze met his in the mirror.

Trevor's sapphire eyes were smoldering with such intensity that Leanna felt their heat from across the room. His gaze dipped once again to roam greedily over her body, taking in every detail in the golden candlelight. When Camilla dropped the delicate chemise over her arms and head, Leanna noticed that Trevor's eyes followed its descent until it had dropped over her hips to hang at mid-thigh. The material was so fine it did nothing to shield her from his scrutiny. In fact, the gossamer fabric made her appear even more wanton, with the clear outline of her nipples straining against the silk and the dark triangle of hairs clearly visible between her lithe thighs. Taking in the sights, Trevor squirmed in his chair, trying to find relief from the blood pounding in his loins.

Leanna noted his discomfort and inwardly smiled. Beneath Trevor's lustful perusal, she began to feel like a skilled courtesan, and she made it her goal to purposely fan the flames of her husband's desire. Donning the corset, Leanna turned toward Trevor and bent over the bed while Camilla cinched the laces tightly down the back. Leanna was aware that from his vantage point, Trevor had a clear view of her bobbing breasts bouncing over the corset's rim and threatening to overflow the confines of her chemise. She suppressed a grin as she saw him squirm once again, his eyes riveted to her bouncing bosom.

Leanna stepped into the lacy pantalets and cinched them tightly at the waist. Then, she turned her back to her husband and lifted one dainty foot onto the stool to slip on the first of her stockings. She took her time with the task, aware that Trevor had an unhindered view of her bottom and thighs, snugly encased in the sheer silk pantalets. She inwardly smiled when she heard him clear his throat nervously.

When Leanna had donned both stockings, she took special care to smooth them lovingly over her calves and thighs before she straightened and stole a glance at her husband from under her lashes. There was a fine film of sweat on his brow, and he was running one finger along the inside of his collar, as if it were suddenly too tight.

Without donning a robe, Leanna perched on the padded stool, and Camilla came to style her hair. As Trevor watched, Leanna's hair was brushed until it gleamed like burnished copper and fell in sensuous waves down her back. Camilla braided several swaths of it into an intricate knot at the back of her mistress's head but left a mass of streaming curls hanging down in the back. Leanna reached up with both hands to hold the gleaming tresses so that Camilla could anchor it with a multitude of tiny pins. When Leanna looked in the mirror, she noted that Trevor couldn't tear his eyes away from the delicate curves of her slender arms and the upper swells of her breasts. Dainty ringlets also hung beside Leanna's ears, framing her lovely jaw. Camilla finished by weaving velvet ribbons of midnight blue and gold through the gleaming curls at the crown of her head.

Her coiffure completed, Leanna rose and stepped into her velvet slippers. She smiled at Trevor, and for the first time that evening, she stepped behind a tall privacy screen so Camilla could lace her into the new gown. Leanna stepped from behind the screen, and Trevor felt like the breath was trapped in his lungs. His heart pounded in his ears as he took in his wife's appearance. She had never looked more beautiful.

The gown was designed to hang off her shoulders, leaving acres of luscious ivory skin exposed. The bodice clung to her like a second skin. She definitely wouldn't be able to wear this gown as her pregnancy progressed, but for tonight the fit was perfect. The rich velvet hung in elegant swirls from the fitted bodice to fall in flowing waves to the floor. The weight of the fabric made it hang perfectly, and as she turned before him, Trevor thought she looked like a princess.

Camilla was glowing with pride for her mistress, and she clutched her palms to her cheeks as she watched Leanna turn this way and that before the mirror. "Oh Missus, you look just beautiful. Nobody else is going to look as wonderful as you tonight." The maid turned excitedly toward Trevor. "Isn't that right, Mister Trevor?"

Trevor rose with a chuckle of pride and prowled toward his wife to stand behind her. "That's right," he answered softly. He smiled at Camilla, "Would you give us a few moments please?"

Camilla beamed and gave him a small curtsy. "Oh yes, Mister Trevor. I'll go and see if there are any last minute things to be done." She quickly made her exit, leaving the couple alone.

Trevor placed his hands on Leanna's shoulders as he stood behind her. He took in her appearance in the mirror, and his expression turned considering, a slight frown marring his brow. Leanna quickly scanned her reflection, wondering what was causing him to find fault.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked nervously, turning this way and that while searching for a flaw.

"Hmmm," he murmured. "There's something that is just not quite right." He cocked his head to one side. "Something's missing."

Leanna frowned at her reflection, wondering what could be done to improve her appearance until Trevor turned and walked to his wardrobe. He opened a drawer and returned holding out a large velvet box with a hinged lid. Trevor gave her a gallant bow, and his eyes were twinkling when they met hers.

"My lady, I thought you might have need of some jewels to accompany your gown." As he said the words, he opened the box, and Leanna gasped.

Lying nestled in the box was an exquisite necklace made of finely wrought large gold links. Diamonds and brilliant sapphires were scattered along the chain's length, and from the center hung a dazzling pendant with a tear-shaped sapphire surrounded by fiery diamonds. There was a matching bracelet and dangling earrings to complete the ensemble.

Leanna's eyes were as round as saucers when she looked up from the box. "Trevor, these are magnificent! I've never seen jewelry this beautiful." She swallowed hard as she blinked back tears. "I'm overwhelmed."

Their eyes locked, and for several long moments, they stood frozen in time, lost in each other's eyes. Trevor finally cleared his throat and circled behind her.

"Here, let's get these on you," he murmured.

Trevor lifted the necklace over her head and fastened the heavy clasp. It snugly circled her neck and the pendant dropped to nestle on the upper swells of her breasts. Leanna put on the earrings and allowed Trevor to fasten the bracelet on her slender wrist. Trevor turned her to face him and gave her a boyish grin.

"Oh yes, there's one more thing," he said softly.

He reached in the pocket of his jacket and retrieved a ring which he slipped on her left hand. He brushed a warm kiss over her fingers as his eyes met hers over her trembling knuckles.

"I meant to replace that simple gold band anyway," Trevor murmured, drawing her into his arms and letting her hands drop onto his chest.

Leanna looked down to see that he had placed on her finger a matching ring with a large sapphire surrounded by glittering diamonds. The stones caught the light as she turned her hand from side to side. She looked up at him in wonder.

"How . . . when . . ." She cleared her throat and tried once more. "Where did you get these?"

Trevor beamed down at her. "I ordered them from the jeweler the day after we arrived from London." He grinned at her teasingly. "If you hadn't run off, you would have received them much sooner, but with all that's been happening, I only got a chance to pick them up yesterday." His expression gradually turned serious, and he stated with simple sincerity, "I love you, Leanna." He swallowed the lump that had risen in his throat. Trevor had never been good at expressing his feelings, and his voice was husky as he continued. "I don't want to live without you beside me."

Leanna stood looking into his eyes for several long moments before she stretched up on her toes and gave him a kiss so achingly sweet and tender that Trevor could barely breathe. When their lips finally parted, her fingers traced his brows, the fine bones in his cheeks and his firm jaw before returning to the sensuous curve of his lips which she traced lovingly. When she finally spoke, her voice was a hoarse whisper.

"Of all the gifts you have given me, I cherish your love the most."

Once again, time came to a stop as the two lovers stood gazing at each other for long moments, their love binding them together. At last, Trevor brushed one more intimate kiss across the back of Leanna's hand before tucking it through his arm. He grinned down at her, his sapphire eyes twinkling in his handsome face.

"Come on, Cinderalla. I believe you have a ball to attend."

**************

The Grayson ball was a resounding success, with every prominent family in the region in attendance. Folks had naturally been curious about the young English woman who had managed to snare one of the most eligible bachelors in Virginia. However, when news had spread that Leanna Grayson had run off and then had to be hunted down by her husband, natural curiosity had been whipped into a rabid frenzy. Not one person had declined their invitation, and folks were clamoring to get a look at Trevor Grayson's bride.

The few people who had seen Mrs. Grayson around town had extolled her beauty and charm, but everyone wanted to see her for themselves. No one was disappointed. The ladies who were present viewed Leanna with either envy or admiration, depending on their age and marital status. The younger ones, some of whom had dreamed of snaring Trevor for themselves, greeted his new bride with polite, if rather chilly, etiquette. The older ladies, who had never had their matrimonial sights on Trevor, greeted Leanna with warmth, respect, and acceptance. The gentlemen who were present were unanimous; they greeted Leanna as if she were delectable!

Trevor stood bursting with pride at the head of the receiving line with Leanna to his left, then Amanda and Steven. As a seemingly endless stream of guests arrived, Trevor made the introductions, ensuring that the rakes and scoundrels were quickly ushered past his beautiful wife. Close friends and neighbors were allowed to linger a bit longer, as Trevor and Amanda coordinated their efforts to make sure Leanna was never left to flounder. It was Steven's job to make sure if any guests lingered too long, they were ushered on into the ballroom, thus allowing the line to flow smoothly.

The only unpleasant moment happened when Eliza arrived just ahead of her brother Tom Taylor and his wife Marie. Trevor gave Eliza a polite bow. She greeted him too warmly, ignoring proper conduct to throw her arms around his neck and plant a noisy kiss on his cheek.

"Good evening, darling," she cooed for all to hear.

Trevor swiftly removed her grasping arms and held her away from him as he responded coldly, "Good evening, Eliza." His voice dropped low enough that only she could hear it as he glared at her sternly, "don't forget what I told you about showing my wife proper respect."

With that, he ushered her on to Leanna, wishing to hurry her down the line. Eliza inwardly seethed at the reminder, but plastered a bright smile on her face as she turned to face Leanna. Her smile froze on her mouth, at Leanna's appearance. Eliza's hatred roiled around and threatened to bubble over as she took in the incomparable gown and the magnificent jewels Trevor had given her rival. Eliza's frustration was supreme, knowing that she could have been the woman standing beside Trevor. Reminding herself to be calm, Eliza renewed her smile.

"Oh what a lovely gown, Leanna. I had heard that Trevor ordered you some new clothes. Having seen your other gowns, you really did need some new ones. It's amazing what wonders Mrs. White is able to accomplish, even when faced with such a challenge." She said the last as she pointedly eyed Leanna's belly.

Leanna tensed, but feeling Trevor's arm squeeze her waist, she was able to withstand the hateful slurs. She took a deep breath and smiled sweetly, if not very sincerely, at her adversary.

"Thank you, Eliza. And I must say you look absolutely ravishing tonight."

Eliza preened before them, confident in her own mind that her charms were beyond compare. "Thank you. Now I have been meaning to talk with you both about arranging a visitation for Trevor and our daughter, Miranda." She spoke so loudly that several people nearby overheard and stood watching with interest. Her smile was triumphant as she continued. "Trevor darling, when would you like me to bring our daughter over to see you?"

It was Leanna who managed to bring the ugly scene to a close. "Eliza, please feel free to bring Miranda to visit anytime." Leanna placed her arm around Trevor's waist and smiled up at him serenely before continuing. "We would love to get to know her better."

Eliza's surprise was evident. Seeing that she wouldn't be able to addle Leanna, she turned without another word and stalked into the ballroom, forgetting to even greet Amanda and Steven.

Tom and Marie didn't share Eliza's poor manners. Tom and Trevor greeted each other with the warmth of two brothers while their wives were instantly at ease with one another and seemed destined to become close friends. While the women were chatting, Tom leaned over to whisper in Trevor's ear.

"You must have a horseshoe up your ass you lucky devil."

Trevor nodded good naturedly, beaming with satisfaction as he watched his lovely wife talking with Marie. "Indeed. Fate has truly smiled on me."

"Well, if anyone deserves such good fortune, it's you," Tom replied. His smile faded and he looked pained as he met Trevor's eye. "I'm sorry for all the trouble that Eliza has caused for you. After everything she's done to you and your family, I'm embarrassed to admit she's my sister."

Trevor clasped Tom's arm in genuine friendship. "Everything worked out for the best. I never dreamed I could be this happy, so let's just forget about what happened in the past."

Tom looked at him for a moment and then nodded his agreement, smiling in relief. Their conversation after that was relaxed and jovial, and Tom and Marie eventually moved on down the line.

After more than an hour, the number of new arrivals dwindled and finally stopped. The glittering ballroom was jammed with ladies and gentlemen in their finest clothes and trappings, but none shone as brightly as Trevor and his lady.

With the introductions completed, the orchestra struck up a waltz. Trevor led Leanna onto the floor and the crowd cheered as the couple bowed and curtsied. Trevor gathered Leanna into his arms and they glided effortlessly down the ballroom floor, her skirts swirling as he spun her around. Their movements were full of grace, and murmurs drifted through the crowd. What a perfect couple they are . . . they look like a prince and princess . . . how lovely she is . . . see how they look at each other . . . no wonder he was determined to find her. The whispers spread like a wave through the crowd as everyone watched them revolving on the floor. After several moments, they were joined by Amanda and Steven and then the other guests until the dance floor was packed.

Trevor and Leanna were oblivious to the other couples on the floor. The intimacy and promise that they had shared earlier carried over into their exchanges. Every glance, every casual touch was invested with an undercurrent of sexual tension. If Trevor's arm innocently brushed the side of her bosom, shivers of anticipation would race up Leanna's spine. The touch of her hand caused goosebumps to emerge on Trevor's arms.

The first occurrences were by chance, but soon, they were purposefully inciting each other. He stealthily caressed her hip; Leanna leaned close to run her tongue along his ear. She fingered the hair at his nape; he brushed his loins against hers. Under cover of the crowded ballroom, they made love to each other with no one being the wiser. When the dance finally ended, Leanna's cheeks were suffused with glowing color and Trevor's eyes were smoldering with desire.

It was past three in the morning when the ball finally wound to a close. Trevor and Leanna stood on the front porch, along with Steven and Amanda as they waved goodbye to the final departing guests. Reentering the house, Leanna leaned her head against Trevor's shoulder and smiled contentedly.

"That was lovely," Leanna sighed, "truly a night to remember."

Trevor's face was glowing with pride. "Indeed. You and Amanda pulled the whole thing off without a hitch."

Leanna turned to Amanda and two women embraced, congratulating each other on their shared success. Amanda covered her mouth as she yawned sleepily.

"Well that's enough excitement for one night. Let's go to bed and worry about restoring order tomorrow."

Everyone mumbled their assent, and the two couples mounted the stairs in companionable silence, parting at the top with sleepy goodnights before going to their separate rooms. When Leanna and Trevor entered their room, he closed the door behind him and leaned against it as he watched his wife approach the dressing table. She smiled dreamily to herself as she sat on the padded bench, humming a tune and removing the pins and ribbons from her upswept hair. Trevor came to stand behind her and helped her remove the remaining pins and her jewelry, depositing the jewels carefully in the wooden box he had given her. Then he assisted her by unfastening her dress and corset. When she turned to thank him, his eyes were like clear, deep pools of desire.




Marrying for Money Ch. 11



Trevor wanted Leanna with ferocity so intense that it was eating at his belly. However, having a care for her tender condition, he mentally sighed and resigned himself to waiting one more night for his satisfaction.

"You must be totally exhausted," he murmured, framing her jaw in both of his hands and bending to brush a gentle kiss on her temple.

Leanna stood motionless as his eyes caressed her face, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn't believe that this man, who far surpassed her every fantasy, could possibly be her husband. Any fatigue she had been feeling disappeared in the face of the aching desire that began to smolder inside her. She gave him a sultry smile, and wound her arms around his neck to press her body full length against his.

"On the contrary," she whispered against his lips, her fingers teasing the hair at his nape. "Your little whore is not the least bit tired."

Trevor closed his hands around her waist, enjoying the feel of her against him as he smiled down at her wickedly. "Oh really? That's good," he breathed, sliding his hands up along her ribs.

He grasped her nipples and squeezed them hard between his fingers. Her head dropped back and her back arched in wordless surrender. When he released her nipples, they stood stiffly erect beneath the thin silk of her chemise and she whimpered with disappointment. His wicked grin widened considerably as he watched those impudent peaks hardened from his touch.

"Because I have thought of the perfect way you could thank me for the gown."

He lifted her onto the dressing table and stepped between her thighs, nudging them wide apart. Pushing her chemise up to her waist, Trevor was able to see her lovely pink pussy splayed for his enjoyment. Her lips were swollen and slick, and he trailed his hands up her inner thighs, over the tops of her stockings to her core. When he used one hand to tease her clit and the other to probe deep inside her, Leanna shivered with desire.

Trevor urged her back onto her elbows on the tabletop. He unbuttoned most of her chemise but left it on. The fabric had slipped down so it barely covered her nipples, and the straps were hanging off both of her shoulders. Then he moved several candles closer, until her body was bathed in golden light.

He inspected her body leisurely, studying her soft pussy lips until she was dripping and desperate and suckling and biting her nipples until they were painfully sore. He waited until she breathlessly begged him to take her before sliding into her tight sheath. As he ravised her, he inwardly smiled. The dress was a small price to pay for this!

Much later, when Trevor finally lay totally spent beside his exhausted sleeping wife, he grinned once more. No wife could have expressed her gratitude more eloquently or more thoroughly than Leanna had done.

To be continued...



Marrying for Money Ch. 12



The next day, life began to return to its normal state at The Meadows, as the staff labored to remove all traces of the ball. Pieces of furniture were moved back to their original locations, the yards of decorative fabric were taken down and carefully stored for future use, and the huge house was once again cleaned and polished to a sparkling sheen. Steven and Trevor resumed their normal duties, directing the planting and cultivation of the fields, overseeing the care of the livestock and buildings, and attending to the endless flow of paperwork required for running the large estate.

Amanda and Leanna enjoyed a much deserved day of rest before resuming their usual activities. The bond of friendship between them, while still new, grew stronger with each passing day. They soon learned that they shared a similar sense of humor, and it was not uncommon for them to dissolve into fits of laughter while they were busy collaborating on the numerous daily decisions that had to be made. There was no longer any friction between them concerning the planning of menus or the allocation of resources, and all the inhabitants of the plantation benefited from having two such clever women involved in running the household.

The estate flourished as never before. Even the elements seemed to conspire to help the Grayson family, providing just the right amount of rain and sunshine and moderate temperatures. Still, Trevor could not shake a growing sense of unease. Some nights as he lay awake long after Leanna was sound asleep. He experienced the same feelings of dread as a sea captain on a red dawn. In his gut, he knew that this was the calm before the storm.

To satisfy his protective urges, Trevor enlisted the help of the household staff, taking them into his confidence to ensure that his wife was never left entirely alone. He arranged it so that someone would always be nearby in case Leanna needed their assistance.

A week after the ball, Eliza sent a note asking to bring Miranda for a visit. Trevor was instantly suspicious of her motives, and his first instinct was to refuse. Though he couldn't voice his fears, he didn't want Eliza anywhere near his wife, he simply didn't trust her. However, Leanna wouldn't hear of refusing. With her gentle persistence, she persuaded him that a luncheon would be appropriate, and Trevor finally relented and allowed her to make the arrangements.

On the appointed day, Eliza arrived with Miranda, and for once, Eliza was respectful to Leanna. A delicious repast was shared, and then the family and their guests adjourned to the music room, where the tall windows afforded a picturesque view of the grounds in early spring.

Eliza was determined that Trevor should take an interest in the child, and she directed Miranda to sit beside him on the settee. Eliza extolled the child's virtues, gaily chattering about Miranda's interests and talents as Trevor, Leanna, Steven and Amanda politely listened, rarely able to get a word in edgewise. Under a thin veneer of politeness, Eliza managed to drop numerous hints and catty remarks, doing her best to get under Leanna's skin and undermine her relationship with Trevor.

Leanna remained unruffled as she let the nasty comments roll off her back. Sitting in a chair to Trevor's left, Leanna and made every effort to be hospitable. The fact that her husband was inclined to reach for her hand, often giving it a reassuring squeeze and her a warm smile, made Leanna's task of polite endurance considerably easier.

Throughout the afternoon, Leanna continually found her interest being drawn to Miranda. Almost against her will, Leanna was charmed by Miranda. The child was beautiful, obviously inheriting her delicately perfect features from her mother, but she was painfully shy. To Leanna, the reason for the child's shyness was obvious, for Eliza was forever stopping in mid sentence to chastise Miranda in strident tones. The child sat with her large, round blue eyes down turned and listened as her mother kept up a steady stream of dull conversation. When Miranda did chance to glance around, her eyes usually traveled to Trevor, and it was clear that she was curious about him.

Growing bored with her mother's monologue, Miranda eventually wandered over to the piano and looked wonderingly at the gleaming keys. Leanna followed her and gave her a warm smile when the girl began to sidle away. Leanna knelt down to be at the child's level. "Would you like to play it?" she asked her softly.

"Miranda," Eliza said harshly, "come away from there and for heaven's sake, don't touch the piano. I'm sure Leanna doesn't want your smudgy fingerprints on it." The last thing Eliza wanted was for Miranda to become friendly with her rival.

Leanna gave Eliza a cajoling look as she answered quietly. "Of course I don't mind if she plays it. Please let her."

When it looked as if Eliza were going to refuse, Trevor quietly intervened. "It's alright, Eliza. Leave her be." Trevor's tone was low but brooked no refusal, and he gave Eliza a warning look.

Eliza could hardly press the point without appearing rude. She gave Leanna a brittle smile. "Well, alright, but only for a little while, Miranda. Then, you need to come back over here and sit beside your Daddy." Not wanting Trevor's attention to be centered on Leanna, Eliza turned to him and resumed her prattle. 

Ignoring the others, Leanna turned back to Miranda and smiled once more as she repeated in a kindly tone, "would you like to play it?"

There was a long silence, as Miranda watched her, trying to decide if she should talk to this beautiful lady. Just when Leanna had begun to fear that the child wasn't going to answer her, Miranda whispered in a barely audible voice, "I don't know how."

"Hmmm," murmured Leanna, with another smile. "I could show you, if you like."

This elicited the tiniest of smiles from Miranda, and she nodded her head in agreement. Leanna placed the bench where the child would be able to reach the keys, and they sat down side by side on the seat. Leanna showed her the correct way to place her hands, and Miranda curved her dimpled, chubby hands, doing her best to imitate Leanna's more elegant finger position. Leanna patiently showed her how to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, speaking in encouraging murmurs and sometimes placing her hand over Miranda's to show her the notes. Slow progress was made, but after several minutes, the child was able to plunk out the tune by herself.

Miranda turned astonished eyes up to Leanna, obviously proud of her accomplishment. For the first time that afternoon, her tiny lips curved into a genuine smile.

"I did it," she whispered in awe.

Leanna gave her a glorious smile as she whispered a reply. "That's wonderful! I'm sure you are going to be a very talented musician."

Eliza was getting increasingly annoyed as she noticed that Trevor's attention kept straying to the pair at the piano. "Okay darling," Eliza said shrilly. "We're tired of listening to that endless pounding. Now come back over here and behave yourself."

Leanna noticed that Miranda's smile promptly evaporated, and she scampered to return to her seat beside Trevor. Leanna suppressed a sigh of irritation, and also went to rejoin the group.

The afternoon passed without further incident. As they all stood in the foyer chatting while Eliza and Miranda were preparing to leave, Leanna knelt down once more and smiled at Miranda.

"I hope you will come to visit us again."

Miranda gave her a shy smile and whispered, "Me too. I like you."

Leanna grinned, replying in a conspiratorial whisper, "I like you too." Conscious that Eliza was watching them with rising ire, Leanna stood up. Glancing first at Trevor, Leanna turned to Eliza and smiled hopefully. "Perhaps you would like to come again," she offered, spreading her hands palm up, "maybe in a week or two."

Eliza was finding it very hard to maintain her uncustomary civility, but she managed a brittle smile and gave a noncommittal response. "Perhaps. I have a very busy schedule, but I will let you know."

Eliza made it sound as if she were doing them a huge favor. Taking a firm hold on Miranda's hand, Eliza turned to leave before she remembered and abruptly turned back. Giving her daughter's hand an impatient shake, Eliza harshly admonished her.

"Miranda darling, you didn't say goodbye to your Daddy."

Miranda remained mute, looking up at Trevor with frightened eyes. Feeling slightly awkward and not wanting to put the child on the spot, Trevor gave Miranda a small bow and a warm smile.

"Goodbye, Miranda. It was very pleasant meeting you today. I hope you will soon come again."

When Miranda still made no reply, Eliza gave an exasperated huff and towed her daughter out to their coach. As Trevor, Leanna, Amanda and Steven stood helplessly on the front porch, Eliza scolded the child incessantly until the pair was out of earshot. The Grayson's heaved a collective sigh of relief as they watched the coach rolling down the drive.

Later that evening in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Trevor and Leanna lay side by side in the huge bed, gazing at each other. Trevor brushed a gentle finger down her cheek.

"I was so proud of you today, the way you handled Eliza and Miranda," he whispered hoarsely.

Leanna gave him a questioning frown. "Why? I didn't do anything special."

"There aren't many wives who would be so warm and friendly, given the circumstances." Trevor looked at her wonderingly. "You are the most generous and caring woman I've ever known."

Leanna's smile was radiant as she plumbed the sapphire depths of her husband's eyes. "Well, it's easy to be generous and caring when all my dreams have come true."

She gave him a tender kiss before venturing down to his chest, leaving a trail of tingling skin in her wake. Her lips were like molten fire, trailing and teasing their way to all his most sensitive spots. When her lips enfolded his cock, hardened once again despite its recent activity, Trevor groaned.

"Are you too tired?" Leanna asked with a sly smile, lovingly licking his throbbing shaft.

Trevor groaned again but urged her mouth down on him. "Not if my sweet little whore still wants more," he managed through gritted teeth.

"Ummm, I definitely do," Leanna murmured.

She proceeded to show him just how much she wanted him, as she licked and sucked until he was gripping the sheets in clenched fists. When he couldn't stand it a moment later, he lifted her, set her on hands and knees and plunged into her. When he was fully seated inside her, Trevor shuddered with pleasure. He settled into a steady rhythm, loving the feel of her buttocks slapping against his groin.

Riding her as he gripped her hips and heard her appreciative moans, Trevor realized he would do anything to keep Leanna happy and safe. She had become his entire world. When he felt the muscles inside her convulsively squeezing his cock as she climaxed, he let go and poured himself inside her.

He waited for the last twitches to fade before he withdrew and pulled her head down on his shoulder. Leanna gave him one more lingering kiss before snuggling against his side to sleep.

Trevor held her for a long time, staring up at the canopy. He too felt like all his dreams had come true. In fact, the life they were building together seemed almost too good to last, and he desperately hoped his fears were unfounded. If anything happened to Leanna, his dream would quickly become a nightmare.

***********

Leanna was pleasantly surprised to receive a note from Eliza asking to arrange for another visit the following week. Leanna promptly replied with an invitation for another luncheon the following Wednesday. She was determined to do everything she could to foster a relationship between Trevor and Miranda, because she felt that the child clearly needed positive attention. In the late afternoon, Leanna sat with Amanda over tea, discussing the arrangements.

"I don't know how you can be so hospitable," Amanda sighed. "I can't help but wonder what I ever saw in Eliza. Now I know what a selfish, sneaky, manipulative woman she is. If it were my husband Eliza had set her sights on, I wouldn't allow her to set foot in my house, much less come for regular visits."

Leanna shrugged lamely. "I'm not doing it for Eliza, I'm doing it for Trevor and Miranda." Her eyes pleaded with Amanda to understand her position and her reasoning. "I don't want to do anything to stand in the way of Trevor getting to know his daughter. And besides, I feel sad for that child. She must be very lonely and unhappy." Leanna made a horrified grimace. "Can you imagine having Eliza for your mother?"

Both women laughed. "No," cried Amanda. "I don't even want to be around her anymore, I can't imagine having her boss me around all the time. How awful!"

"Ummm," Leanna sipped her tea as she murmured in agreement. "That's why I empathize so much with Miranda. I see these visits as a small thing I can do to try and make her life a little more pleasant."

Amanda shook her head at Leanna's thoughtfulness. "Well, I admire you, but I don't want to be around Eliza any more than I have to be. Now that I see how she really is, she wears on my nerves. Why, last time she was here, I almost chewed my tongue off trying to keep from telling her to shut up!"

Both women burst into uncontrollable giggles, and an occasional, very unladylike snort. When they finally calmed again, Amanda sipped her tea thoughtfully. 

"I think I will take little Will into town on the day of the luncheon and do some shopping. That way, I won't have to sit around here again, listening to Eliza's incessant whining."

"Some sister you are," Leanna teased. "Just abandon me to go off shopping and leave me here to make small talk with Eliza!"

Amanda laughed again. "Better you than me!"

Leanna put the back of her hand to her brow and gave a mournful, martyred sigh, making her sister laugh all the harder. "Ah well, someone has to do it."

*************

When the appointed Wednesday for the luncheon arrived, the weather had turned nasty, with an ugly squall rolling in from over the ocean. Amanda refused to let her plans be changed, and she left for her shopping excursion a good two hours before Eliza was scheduled to arrive.

Leanna settled down to write some letters, feeling the need to send recent news to her brother. She had written to him twice before but had not received a reply. She sighed, reminding herself that it might be several months before their correspondence could reach each other.

A light drizzle began to fall outside as she finished the letter, glancing at the mantle clock to note that it had only been half an hour since Amanda left. Leanna was surprised therefore, when she heard the sound of a coach pulling up the driveway. Her forehead creasing in bemusement, Leanna went out onto the front porch in time to see Eliza's coach pull to a stop. Eliza waited to be helped down by her burly coachman and came briskly up the stairs, not pausing until she was beneath the portico. Leanna's confusion only intensified as she noted that Miranda was not with her mother. She turned to Eliza with a perplexed frown.

"Hello Eliza. Where is Miranda, and why have you come so early?"

Eliza hesitated and gave Leanna a somewhat apologetic smile. "Leanna, I'm so sorry to impose. Miranda was not feeling well this morning, so I'm afraid she couldn't make it for lunch. I was hoping instead that you and I might be able to go for a short drive." Eliza looked at her pleadingly. "I would like the chance to speak with you in private." Eliza delicately bit her bottom lip, looking shamefaced as she continued. "I feel that it is time for us to settle our animosity so that Trevor can enjoy a close relationship with his daughter."

Leanna delayed answering as she grappled with her shock. The very last thing she had expected to receive from Eliza was an olive branch. Leanna looked out at the sky, seeing that the weather appeared to be deteriorating rapidly and a steady rain was falling. She gestured into the house. 

"It really doesn't look like a very pleasant day for a drive. Why don't you come inside and we can talk over tea?" she suggested.

Eliza looked down and wrung her hands. "I'd rather not talk where Trevor might come in at any moment and interrupt us." She gave Leanna another cajoling look as she continued. "When we were here last week, I could tell that you liked Miranda. For her sake, I would like to work things out between us. I'm only asking for a small amount of your time."

Leanna searched the other woman's face for several moments before she finally gave a small nod of acquiescence. "Alright," she murmured quietly. "Let me fetch my cloak and let Dora, the housekeeper, know where I'm going.

Eliza gave her a grateful smile and patted her arm as if they were the dearest of friends. "I'll find Dora for you and tell her we're going for a short drive while you run upstairs to get your cloak. That way, we'll have a bit more time to talk."

Eliza's gracious manner was so uncharacteristic that Leanna paused, feeling uneasy for the first time. However, she quickly dismissed the feeling, concentrating instead on the possibility that she might finally be able to work things out peacefully with Eliza. She nodded once more and hurried upstairs while Eliza went in search of Dora. In only a few moments, Leanna returned and followed Eliza into the waiting coach. The coachman whipped the horses into a brisk trot, and they lurched into motion.

Leanna cleared her throat nervously, unsure how to proceed. After several moments of stilted silence, she plunged in. "So Eliza, what did you wish to talk about?"

Eliza turned from gazing out the window and looked at Leanna as if she had almost forgotten her presence. She gave her a condescending smile. Her manner had altered drastically since they had entered the coach.

"Oh, many things. I must tell you that I think it is simply charming the way that you and Trevor have become so close." She ignored Leanna's puzzled frown and blithely continued. "Why, everyone is talking about what a loving couple you were at the ball. I just can't get over your attachment for one another."

Leanna failed to see where this topic of conversation was leading, but she was determined to be patient, hoping that Eliza would soon get to the point. "Thank you, Eliza," she murmured hesitantly. "I hope you know that I have never intended to cause you any pain."

Eliza's laugh was scornful. "My dear Leanna," she sneered, "you haven't caused me any pain, but you have caused me a great deal of trouble."

Leanna's unease magnified considerably, and she felt goosebumps rising on her arms as she looked into the other woman's narrowed eyes. She tried again to get the discussion onto a more productive track.

"Eliza, I thought you said you wanted to work things out between us."

Eliza gave her a cold smile, tilting her head to the side as she considered her. When she spoke, there was pure malice in her tone. "Indeed Leanna. That is precisely what I am doing. I have finally decided to settle things once and for all."

Leanna frowned. She knew with sudden certainty that she had to get away from Eliza. Leanna gave a quick glance out the window and saw that the coach was nearly to the gates that led onto the main road. It had begun to rain heavily now, and a strong wind was whipping at the trees. While she didn't relish the thought of walking back home in this downpour, she had certainly had enough of Eliza's company. Leanna leaned forward and rapped smartly on the roof as she called out to the coachman.

"Stop please, I would like to get off here!"

The coach never paused, and Eliza gave a cackle of glee. "Oh, my dear, he's not going to listen to any of your pleas. He has his instructions, and he won't stop until we get where we're going."




Marrying for Money Ch. 12



Leanna lunged toward the door and would have thrown it open, but she paused when she heard a loud click. She turned toward Eliza and saw the bore of a small pistol aimed at her head. 

"Eliza," she said, keeping her voice calm while she tried to tamp down her rising fear, "it won't do you any good to shoot me. You would only be hanged for murder." Shivers went down her spine when Eliza responded with haughty laughter.

"Why Leanna, haven't you heard that there are dangerous highwaymen roaming about? I will have been only an innocent victim who happens to have survived their vicious attack on our coach." She saw that the other woman was still considering attempting to escape, and she continued in a thoughtful tone. "I would really much prefer not to have to kill you though. It would be much easier for me if you simply disappeared from Trevor's life and gave him a divorce."

Leanna's mind raced trying to find some way out of her predicament. She decided her best course of action, for the moment, would be to keep Eliza talking. Surely the woman would relax her guard sometime, and then Leanna would make her escape. Raising an elegant brow, Leanna shook her head in disbelief.

"Eliza, are you insane? Trevor knows I would never leave him. I love him!"

"Yes, yes I know," Eliza said, waving a hand dismissively. "I'm sure it will be hard for poor, dear Trevor to believe at first, but once he realizes that you've run off again, he'll be only too glad to divorce you." She giggled as if the idea was deliciously appealing. "And of course, I will be there to offer my loving support in his time of need."

"But Eliza, Dora will tell him that I left with you. Don't you know Trevor will suspect you for my disappearance?"

Eliza laughed derisively, "Leanna, I didn't tell anyone you went for a drive with me. The servants were all busy preparing for my luncheon. They don't even know you've left."

Leanna took a calming breath, trying once more to reason with the woman. "Eliza, Trevor would never believe that I would leave him. Wild horses couldn't drag me from his side."

At that moment, the coachmen cracked his whip, and the horses leaped into a gallop. Thunder crashed loudly directly overhead, and the horses screamed in terror and ran all the faster. The coach careened down the road, jostling Leanna into the corner of the conveyance. Eliza began to giggle again, starting with small chuckles that steadily grew stronger until she was howling with mirth and her eyes truly were beginning to look as if she were crazed.

"My dear," she gasped between bouts of laughter, "that's just what they've done.

**************

Trevor and Steven were working in one of the westernmost sections of the plantation that morning. They ignored a heavy drizzle as they studied the lay of the land. There was a creek that often overflowed its banks and flooded the nearby fields, making them unsuitable for planting. The two brothers stood discussing the possibility of digging a small pond where any excess water could drain after heavy rains. In that way, the flooding could be eliminated, and they would gain another watering source for the livestock. They were trying to decide the best spot for the pond when it began to rain heavily. A loud clap of thunder crashed so close by that both men jumped.

"We'd better get back to the house for now," said Steven. "We can figure this out later."

Trevor agreed, and they had started toward their mounts when they heard thundering hooves. They both turned to see Camilla galloping hell for leather toward them. Trevor's heart began to beat heavily in his chest. The sense of foreboding he had been feeling for weeks blossomed fully in his mind.

"Mister Trevor!" she screamed as she approached. Finally reaching them, she dragged the horse to an abrupt stop and scrambled down from the horse. She was panting heavily, trying to catch her breath, but she managed to gasp out the words. "Mister Trevor, I thought I'd never find you! Miss Leanna is gone!"

"What! What do you mean gone?" Trevor asked anxiously, catching the small maid by the shoulders and shaking her none too gently. "Where did she go?"

Camilla started to cry and a mournful moan escaped her. "I don't know sir. I was upstairs tidying your room. One minute, the Missus was sitting in the parlor writing some letters, and the next, I heard a coach coming up the driveway. I wanted to see who had come visiting, so I peeked out the front window and there was Miss Eliza talking with the Missus on the front steps. I thought that was mighty odd, since Miss Eliza was supposed to be coming for lunch later today, so I listened in from over the balcony rail." She flushed slightly at the admission that she had been eavesdropping, but she quickly continued. "Anyway, I heard them saying something about taking a drive. I thought they meant later on if the weather cleared up they were going out for a drive, but the next thing I knew, Miss Leanna came out with her cloak and left in the coach without even telling anybody where she was going."

Camilla started bawling in earnest, her tears mingling with the rain that was running down her face. "I got so scared, 'cause I don't trust Miss Eliza. I ran and told Silas to follow them and see where they went. I told him I was going to come get you, and he said he would keep after them and leave you a trail that you wouldn't have no problem finding."

Trevor paused for only a moment as he looked down at Camilla who was still sobbing harshly. A sick feeling of horror had coalesced in the pit of his belly, and he knew with dreadful certainty that Eliza meant to harm Leanna. His voice was menacingly low when he spoke to the maid.

"Send Otis into town to fetch the sheriff. Tell him to round up some men and wait to hear from me. When I send word, he should come as quickly as he can. There's no telling what we will find when we manage to catch up to Leanna, and we might need his help."

Seeing Camilla's nod of understanding, Trevor wasted no further time, but ran to his horse and quickly mounted. Steven was only a step behind him, and the two brothers raced across the fields, taking a shortcut to the main road. In half the time it would normally take, they reached the gates of the drive and paused to look around for a sign of which direction they should take. 

Sure enough, a branch had been used to scratch a crude arrow in the mud of the roadway pointing in the direction of Newport News. The rain, by now a heavy downpour had almost erased the sign, but they could just make out the traces. Trevor and Steven exchanged a quick glance before they whipped their mounts into a gallop, and they raced in pursuit. As he rode, Trevor kept repeating the fervent prayer, "please God, let Leanna be alright!"

True to his word, Silas had stopped every so often to scratch out another arrow for them to follow. Each time the road came to a juncture, the arrow would unerringly point in the direction of town. The further they went, the fainter the arrows became because the heavy rain was steadily turning the road into a deep puddle of mud.

After what seemed like an eternity, the two brothers reached the coastal port of Newport News and stopped in confusion. Looking down at the road, there was a multitude of hoof prints and wagon ruts crisscrossing in the thick mud of the road, and the increasingly heavy rain was turning all the marks into muck. If Silas had left them another sign, it was gone now. They quickly dismounted to scan the mud more thoroughly, looking for any trace of an arrow, but they couldn't find anything.

"Damn!" Trevor swore, his throat constricted with fear.

Newport News was a relatively small town, but there were several roads leading into and out of the port. Any further signs that Silas may have left for them would be washed away by now, and they had no idea which direction the coach had taken. Every moment they wasted, Trevor knew that the danger to Leanna was increasing, and feelings of helplessness began to gnaw at his mind.

Just then, he felt a tugging on his sleeve and glanced down into the eyes of a ragged looking urchin who appeared to be about ten years of age. The boy was looking up at him questioningly, heedless of the rain that was soaking him.

"Excuse me sir. Are you Mr. Grayson?"

Trevor knelt down, instantly alert. "Yes I am son. How do you know my name?"

The boy's face brightened. "Well, I seen this big black feller down near the docks and he said you was gonna be comin' into town lookin' for him pretty soon."

The boy's face turned suspicious. He'd been standing here in this cold rain for nearly half an hour, and he hoped it wasn't all for nothing. He frowned up at Trevor.

"That man said if I was to wait here for you and take you to him, that you'd give me a whole dollar! Is that true sir?"

Trevor quickly fished a dollar coin out of his pocket and gave it to the astounded boy. "That's for taking us to him." Trevor held up another dollar in front of the boy's amazed eyes. "And if you get us there as fast as you possibly can, you can have another."

"Whoopee!" the boy shouted with glee. He had never seen two dollars in his entire life. "Let's go!"

Trevor mounted his horse and lifted the boy up in front of him on the saddle. "Do you have a name son?"

The boy nodded briskly, "Yessir. My name's Adam." Holding out a scrawny arm, Adam pointed to a side street. "This way's the fastest."

Trevor nodded and urged his horse down the street that Adam had indicated. They quickly wended their way through the town until they reached the docks. They saw no one on the streets. It appeared that all decent folk had taken refuge from the storm that was now lashing at the city. Trevor could barely see through the driving rain, and they twisted and turned so many times that he began to worry the boy was lost. However, Adam eventually led them directly to where Silas was waiting behind a small warehouse, and Trevor heaved a relieved sigh.

Trevor and Steven quickly dismounted and tied their horses underneath the sloping roof of a shed, grateful that the noise of the thunder and driving rain would drown out any sounds of their restless mounts. It was only noon, but the sky was nearly as black as night.

Trevor knelt once again beside Adam and pressed a dollar into the boy's hand but didn't let go of his arm. "I have one more favor to ask of you. Are you willing?"

Adam nodded briskly, obviously agog at the idea that there might be another bright shiny dollar to be had.

"Do you know where the sheriff's office is?" At Adam's nod, Trevor continued. "Can you ride a horse?"

Adam nodded eagerly. "Yessir, I been ridin' since before I could walk."

Trevor hesitated only an instant before coming to a firm decision. "I want you to take my horse and ride as fast as you can over to the sheriff's office. Tell him you're with me and bring him back here right away. Tell him to bring as many men as he can. Understand?"

Adam bobbed his head once more. "An' you'll give me another dollar?"

Trevor managed a grim smile. "If you bring him back really soon, I'll give you five."

Adam's eyes nearly popped out of his head, and without wasting another moment he ran to Trevor's horse, scrambled into the saddle and was gone, quick as a flash.

Trevor motioned to Steven then turned and crept to where Silas was waiting, Steven following close behind him. Trevor had to speak directly in Silas' ear to be heard above the wind. "Where are they? Where did they take Leanna?"

Silas pointed to a nearby ship that was bobbing violently near the pier where it was anchored. He turned back to Trevor with a worried frown. "They went inside there almost an hour ago sir. I've seen a few men coming and going, but I haven't seen Miss Leanna again since they first got here."

Trevor quickly scanned the deck of the ship. He could make out the forms of a dozen burly looking seamen scrambling back and forth on the deck. It looked to him like they were preparing the ship to set sail, which would be madness in this storm. He had to get Leanna out of there, but he, Steven and Silas would be greatly outnumbered and they weren't even armed. 

"Damn!" Trevor said again, under his breath. He wished fervently that the sheriff would arrive, but in this weather, Trevor had no idea how long it might be before that happened. He leaned close to Steven and Silas so they could hear him.

"I'm going after Leanna. You stay here and wait for the sheriff."

When he would have turned away, Steven yanked his arm back. "No way, big brother. I'm going with you."

Trevor could see that Steven wasn't going to budge. Finally, he nodded.

"Alright, but stay right with me and do as I say." At Steven's grim nod, Trevor turned back to face the ship.

Trevor waited for a bolt of lightning to fade before racing across the open area between the warehouse and the gangplank, Steven close on his heels. He glanced around quickly but didn't see anyone around who might have seen them. There was a stack of barrels nearby with several tools lying on top. Trevor paused to grab two long metal rods, handing one to Steven.

The brothers crept up the plank, crouching low and praying the lightning wouldn't flash again and give them away. When they were nearly to the top, Trevor laid down on his belly, waiting for Steven to creep up beside him. They watched as the sailors on board rushed around yelling out orders and readying the ship. No one noticed them, as they crept like dark shadows onto the deck and knelt behind some barrels.

A sailor came rushing with some coils of rope, intent on his task, but when he rounded the barrels, Trevor knocked him out cold with the iron rod. Thankful that the wind was still howling to mask the sounds, Trevor stuffed the sailor's limp form between the barrels, not caring whether the man was alive or dead.

Trevor caught Steven's eye and motioned to the companionway. Again, they watched until the sailors were distracted before they sprinted to the stairs and hurried down the steep steps, being careful not to slip on the wet boards. The narrow passage was very dim with only the weak glow from one swaying lantern lighting the interior, and the two men paused.

Near the end of the hallway, there was a thin crack of light coming from beneath an oak door, and they made their way toward it on silent feet. Muted voices could be heard from within, and Trevor's heart leapt when he heard Leanna's voice. Thank God! He reached for the handle, preparing to storm inside when he heard a loud click from behind them.

Steven and Trevor turned in unison and saw a huge hulk of a man step out from behind the stairs. He held a pair of cocked pistols aimed directly at them, and an evil grin split his face.

***********

Leanna fought to quell her rising panic as she sat shivering, tied to a chair. It had taken only moments for them to walk from the coach to the ship, but during that brief time, Leanna's cloak and garments were drenched. A brief scuffle to escape had earned her nothing but a torn dress and some bruises. She was chilled to the bone, but it made little difference compared to her dampened spirit. She had found no other opportunity to escape, and now she began to doubt that she would.

The coachman had accompanied her and Eliza into a cabin, and under Eliza's direction, the man had tied Leanna snugly to a chair. Her arms were tied behind the back of the chair, and each of her legs was tied to one of the chair legs.

The cabin was reminiscent of the one she had shared with Trevor on the Sea Spirit. Leanna quickly scanned the room to see if there might be anything she could use to escape, but was disappointed. There was a narrow bunk, a small table with two chairs, a built-in wardrobe and a wood burning stove. Just like she remembered, all the furniture was nailed down.

Eliza stood over her and it was obvious from Eliza's ugly smirk that she was relishing the power she had. "You can't imagine how happy I am to be getting rid of you."

Although Leanna was certain the other woman intended to kill her, she also knew with a woman's intuition that Eliza wasn't ready to do away with her just yet. The woman had some reason she was keeping her alive, and Leanna wanted to know what it was.

"So why don't you just shoot me and get it over with," Leanna said, trying to provoke her into revealing her reasoning.

Eliza gave a caustic laugh. "Oh no, my dear. Where's the fun in that?"

"Enough Eliza, I am weary of your little games. What are you planning to do with me?"

Eliza tapped her bottom lip with the tip of her finger thoughtfully. "Let's just say there's some unfinished business for you to attend."

She laughed at her own humor, leaving Leanna to stare at her with a puzzled frown. Leanna felt like a trussed up turkey, and she glared impotently up at Eliza. Eliza appeared to be having the time of her life.

"You think you're so high and mighty," she sneered, her eyes raking Leanna's dripping hair, scratched arms and ruined gown with haughty disdain. "Well you don't look so high and mighty anymore!"

Despite her ragged appearance, Leanna raised one brow to a lofty height, proudly refusing to be cowered. "You should take a look in the mirror, Eliza. You don't look so good yourself . . . but then you never did. You've always been just like a worm-infested apple, tempting on the outside but nothing but rotting filth under the surface."

Eliza gave an infuriated screech, livid that she couldn't seem to get the better of her rival. She drew back her arm and gave Leanna a vicious slap, whipping her head back and drawing a trickle of blood from her bottom lip.

Just then, there was a loud thumping noise from the hallway. There were sounds of a scuffle and then the deafening roar of a gun being fired in a confined space followed by a loud thud. Leanna screamed as the coachman ran to the door and snatched it open. Trevor was grappling with a heavily built seaman, both of them trying to gain control of a pistol. Without pause, the coachman brought the butt of his own pistol down on the back of Trevor's head, and he crumpled into an unconscious heap on the floor.
 "No!" Leanna screamed.

"Bring him inside and tie him to that post," Eliza ordered without batting an eye.

"What about this other one that I shot?" the seaman asked, pointing behind him into the dark hallway.

Eliza craned her neck to see who it was before smiling almost gleefully. "Is he dead?" she asked.

"I shot him in the head. What do you think?" grumbled the seaman.

Eliza pointed to a far corner of the room. "Then dump him over there. No sense in leaving him where we'll all be tripping over him."

Leanna eye's had been glued to Trevor's senseless form, but she moaned again and began to sob when Steven's limp body was carried in and dumped unceremoniously into the corner. His face and neck were covered with blood. Glaring at Eliza through her tears, Leanna's last glimmering hope faded and died.

"You monster," she accused, her shoulders slumping in despair. "You're insane! Why are you doing this? What can you possibly hope to accomplish?"

Seeing that she had finally managed to break the other woman's spirit, Eliza threw her head back and laughed. Her laughter did indeed sound crazed, and her eyes were glowing with an almost inhuman light when she finally calmed enough to answer.

"You fool! I've already accomplished my goals. Soon, I will have everything I've always wanted, and there's nothing you can do to stop me." With that, Eliza spun on her heel to face the seaman. "Tell the captain to set sail. If Trevor followed us, he may have sent for help." Eliza motioned the two men out and then followed in their wake, slamming the door behind her.

Note to Readers: Almost done! One more installment to go... 



Marrying for Money Ch. 13



As soon as the door closed, Leanna struggled desperately to wriggle free of her bonds, but the harder she tried, the tighter the rope became. Her wrists were raw before she finally gave up and began to sob. She heard sounds of the anchor being raised and the ship pitched and groaned as it was released from its moorings.

"Trevor! Darling, please wake up," she pleaded, but she didn't see the slightest movement from her husband.

Trevor had been dragged to a nearby post that supported the bunk. He was lying on his side with his arms and feet tied together behind the post.

Leanna began to fear that the coachman had killed him with the blow, and her heart constricted painfully in her chest. "Trevor please! Wake up!" He moaned softly and moved the slightest bit. "Thank God!" Leanna sobbed. "Please, darling wake up. I need you to wake up."

Trevor struggled to get his muddled senses shaken into place. He could hear Leanna's frightened voice calling to him, but he couldn't seem to get his eyes to open. A sharp pain was pounding in the back of his skull, and he moaned again. What the hell had happened, he wondered groggily. He struggled to remember . . . a ship . . . have to get to Leanna . . . a struggle . . . a shot . . . Steven! Trevor's eyes opened and he blinked several times, clearing the last of the cobwebs. The first thing he saw was Leanna.

Trevor lifted his head as much as he could and croaked, "where's Steven?"

Leanna was crying with both relief and sorrow. "They've killed him. Oh God, they've killed him."

Trevor groaned again, feeling the terrible weight of his brother's loss settle like a stone in his chest. He fought his anguish, focusing instead on trying to get Leanna to safety. Even now, he could feel the ship swaying, and he knew they must have set sail.

"We've got to get out of here, Leanna." He struggled against his bonds, ignoring the shooting pain in his head, but finally collapsed on the floor. "Damn!"

Trevor took a firm grip on his frustration. He had to think. There had to be a way out of this. There would be no help from the sheriff now. They had to get loose before the ship got too far out to sea, or even their slim chance of escape would be lost.

"Leanna, listen to me . . ."

There were footsteps in the hallway and the door abruptly opened again. Eliza waltzed through, freshly gowned, her hair once again pulled into a neat chignon. She sauntered into the room with an ugly smirk on her face as she noted that Trevor was awake and glaring at her.

"Well, well, isn't this cozy. It must be just like when you were newlyweds again."

"You bitch!" Leanna snarled. She opened her mouth to hurl more insults, but her eyes went past Eliza and she froze, her jaw dropping in amazed horror. "You!"

Neville Woodsworth strolled into the room and paused to give her a crisp, mocking bow. "In the flesh, Leanna. Have you been missing me?"

Trevor's eyes glazed with fury at the sight of the other man. "You bastard! If you lay so much as a finger on Leanna, I'll kill you!" Trevor struggled mightily against his bonds.

Neville's laughter rang with cold scorn. "That might be difficult, given the circumstances. I think you should be more concerned about how much longer I will let you live." Crossing to Leanna, he looked down, shaking his head sorrowfully. "Poor Leanna. It certainly doesn't look as if your marriage is agreeing with you."

He reached down to touch her cheek, but Leanna jerked her face away. There was pure loathing in her eyes when she faced him.

"Don't touch me! The very sight of you makes my skin crawl."

Neville gave a condescending chuckle. "That's not the way I remember it. You were ready to marry me until your husband came and hauled you back home just when we were starting to have fun."

He circled behind her and bent over her shoulder, reaching to stroke her collarbone and the higher slopes of her bosom. He spoke close to her ear but loud enough to be heard by all.

"Such a pity really. We wouldn't have had to kill you if you had followed our original plan. Eliza and I had it all worked out very nicely."

Stealing a glance at Trevor, Leanna noticed that he was surreptitiously working to free his bonds. She did her best to provide a diversion. She looked up at Neville as he toyed with the lace on her bodice.

"What are you talking about," Leanna ground out, trying to escape his lazy caress. "How do you know Eliza?"

As if preparing to lecture a misguided child, Neville straightened and placed his hands behind his back. He crossed to Eliza and the pair exchanged smug smiles before he continued.

"Oh, Eliza and I go way back, don't we dear?" He reached out and stroked her cheek.

Eliza preened under his attention. "Yes darling, we make quite a team. And now, we can finally be together."

Leanna frowned. "I thought you wanted Trevor."

Eliza's laugh was scornful. "You fool! I only wanted Trevor's money, and now I shall have it." Seeing Leanna's confusion, she continued. "Trevor was the prize catch of Virginia when he proposed to me. He was wealthy, he had a huge plantation, bigger than any in the area, and he was hopelessly in love with me. I was going to be rich and have all I ever wanted. Everything was perfect until the war. Then, Trevor went away, and for four years, I waited for him to return, but in the meantime, I saw all my dreams being steadily eroded. By the time Trevor came home, he was a pauper just like every other southerner, and I had no use for him."

Leanna chanced a glance at her husband and he was still trying to wriggle free. She looked back at Eliza. "So just because Trevor no longer had money, you didn't want him anymore?"

Eliza gave another cruel laugh, "Of course not. He was no good to me anymore. The last thing I wanted was to become a poor farmer's wife, scratching out a meager existence. That's when I met John. He was a Yankee officer stationed in Newport News, but his family had money. It was no real challenge to entice him, and in no time he had proposed. I knew my family would never give their approval, so we made plans to run away and get married."

Trevor couldn't resist a question of his own. "Then why did you come to me the night before you eloped?"

Eliza gave a shrug. "You were just part of the plan, Trevor. My family had become cautious once they knew a Yankee was interested in me, and father was keeping a close watch on my activities. I knew if I tried to sneak out and meet John, father might catch me and drag me back home before we could complete the vows. So instead, I came to you. Father always thought the world of you, and since we were supposed to get married soon, I guess he thought there was no real harm in letting us be together, especially since we had already waited so long. Once I was successful that night, I knew that if I snuck out again, father would assume I was coming to you and wouldn't follow me. Sure enough, my plan worked."

Trevor shook his head in disgust. "So you bartered yourself like a slut just to trick your father!"

"It wasn't that much of a hardship really," Eliza said, giving another careless shrug. "In fact, it was rather enjoyable."

"It must have been a shock to realize you had gotten pregnant," Trevor growled.

Eliza and Neville both began to laugh. "Oh Trevor, darling. You didn't get me pregnant! Neville did that."

"What?" cried Trevor and Leanna in unison.

Eliza was still giggling. "John and I eloped to Charlotte to get married, and on the way there, I started my monthly. On the day we exchanged our vows, he was called away to New Orleans on urgent military business, and he was gone for six weeks. I was left to wait in Charlotte, not knowing when he might return, and it was there that I met Neville."

Eliza turned to Neville and gave him a sultry smile. "He swept me off my feet. That was the most enjoyable few weeks of my life." She ran her hands along Neville's ribs, and they looked as if they had forgotten about their prisoners until Leanna jogged their memory.

"So Miranda is Neville's daughter, not Trevor's?"

Eliza turned to her and smirked. "That's right. By the time John got back, I already knew I was pregnant, but that stupid fool believed until his death that he had fathered my child."

"And how did you convince him that you were still a virgin," Trevor growled, "when you had bedded two men already?"

Eliza's laugh was dripping with scorn. "That wasn't hard. The poor man was besotted with me. A few drinks and a tiny bit of blood, and he was convinced he had done the noble deed. Of course, I waited for a while before I killed him. I didn't want anyone getting suspicious. I needed his money so that Neville and I could be together, but after he died, I found out he hardly had any money at all. He was a terrible businessman."

Leanna shook her head, frowning. "But Neville must have already been married, given the ages of his daughters."

"Just one more obstacle to overcome," Neville sighed. "A pity my wife got in the way."

Leanna gasped in shock. "You killed your wife?"

Neville gave a negligent shrug. "She had outlived her usefulness. I took her for a ride and planned to kill her in the woods and dump her body in a ditch. The stupid bitch got away from me and ran. When I was chasing her, she panicked and tried to jump a high fence." He smiled and gave a sigh. "Alas! She broke her neck and I was saved the trouble of having to strangle her."

Eliza smiled up at Neville. "We could have been together then, if only your wife's fortune hadn't been stolen from us." Turning to Leanna, Eliza grimaced. "It turned out that her wealth was tied up in trust with her family. The hateful bitch had become suspicious of Neville's intentions and had mentioned to her brother that she feared for her safety. After her unexpected death, her family refused to believe that it was an accident. They tried to gain custody of the children, pleading with a judge about their suspicions, but since they couldn't prove anything against Neville, they failed. Their one bit of satisfaction came from ensuring that Neville didn't get a penny of his dead wife's money. That's when we came up with the plan to get Trevor's money instead."

Bending sideways to meet Trevor's glare, Eliza smiled almost sweetly. "It was really quite accommodating of you to work so hard to rebuild your fortune." She was disappointed to get no response and returned to her lover's side.

Neville took up the tale. "It was such a perfect scheme." He gave Leanna a charming smile. "You see at first, Eliza only wanted me to kill you so that she could marry Trevor. But unfortunately, your husband kept such a close eye on you, I could never find the right opportunity."

Leanna glared at him. "That must have been inconvenient," she spat.

"Hmmm, quite. But I had already decided it would be a terrible waste to kill you. I wanted to enjoy you before we got rid of you."

Neville bent down and placed a kiss on Leanna's shoulder. She jerked away from his mouth, but with her restraints, she couldn't move very much. Both Eliza and Neville laughed at her discomfort. Neville straightened and continued his tale.

"Then Eliza came up with the idea that if she could get you to leave Trevor, he would divorce you. Especially once he found out that you had been with another man." Neville paused to smile at Leanna's outraged gasp. "You see Leanna, it was no accident that I was on the stagecoach with you. I had, in fact, followed you into town the day you left. I was merely waiting for a chance to 'meet' you and offer you a position in my home so that I would have time to properly seduce you." Neville gave a wistful sigh. "I had the very pleasant task of making sure you were . . . entertained . . . until after your divorce was finalized. You would have amused me for a while, until Eliza and I could be reunited."

Leanna shook her head in amazement and looked at Eliza. "And that was your idea?" At the other woman's nod, Leanna continued. "But if you are in love with Neville, why would you want him to seduce me?"

"Why should I care if he bedded you? I was going to give myself to Trevor too. It was all part of the plan." Eliza reached up to stroke Neville's nape. "I know that I'm the only woman you really want, right darling?"

Before Neville could reply, Trevor interjected, "it must have really messed up your plans when I showed up to take Leanna home. Is that why you posed as highwaymen and tried to kill me?"

Neville's face showed a degree of surprised respect when he looked at Trevor. "Yes, actually. How did you know that?"

"I had my suspicions. I didn't realize that you were the highwayman until now, but I did suspect that my shooting wasn't just a random act. Now, it all makes sense."

Neville nodded, "It would have worked too, if you had just had the good sense to die."

Trevor looked over at Leanna, and there was love gleaming in his eyes. "I might have," he murmured softly, "but an angel saved me."

"Well, your angel has caused us a lot of extra trouble," Eliza sneered. "If it hadn't been for her, we would have been done with this whole business long ago."

Trevor frowned and looked at Eliza thoughtfully. "I don't see how killing the two of us will help you get your hands on my money."

Eliza laughed cheerfully, "why, through Miranda, of course. Thanks to your stupid wife, everyone thinks that Miranda is your daughter." She gave a mocking snort, "you even went to the trouble of setting up a fund for her at the bank, lending further legitimacy to my claim that she's your child, and plenty of people have heard us discussing 'your' daughter. It will be no trouble to convince a judge that your entire estate should be passed on to Miranda, and of course, I will be the trustee."

If looks could kill, Trevor's glare would have felled her where she stood. "Even Steven won't be around to dispute your claim. You've tied everything up very neatly haven't you?"

"Yes, we have," Eliza gloated. "Now, I'm tired of all this chit chat." She looked at Neville and smiled. "I really don't need to be present for the executions. I'll go to our cabin and wait for you darling." She glanced over her shoulder at Leanna and gave her a gloating smile. "My only request is that you please make her death painful. She deserves to suffer."

Eliza gave Neville a lingering kiss and then left without a backward glance. Neville gave first Trevor and then Leanna an evil grin. He circled Leanna's chair and once more stood behind her, but he looked directly at Trevor.

"Hmmm," he said thoughtfully. "It seems a shame to kill such a lovely woman without first having a taste of her." Neville ran a finger along the inside of Leanna's bodice as he grasped the hair at her nape and jerked her head backward. "We could have enjoyed one another, my sweet, if only you hadn't been so noble. You were almost ready to give yourself to me, and I really do prefer a willing female. Rape is so unpleasant."

Trevor was again straining at his bonds, having felt some give in them, but they refused to part and his frustration was supreme. "Get your hands off her!"

Neville was unconcerned, not raising his eyes from Leanna's décolletage. "Surely you don't prefer him over me?" When she didn't answer, he boldly fondled her breast. "What would you prefer, my sweet? Should I make love to you in front of your husband or spare him the agony by killing him first?"

Leanna pretended calmness as she looked at Neville. "And if I give myself to you willingly, will you let him live?"

"No Leanna! He's going to kill me anyway." Trevor felt another slip in the ropes as he strained against them. "Don't do this!"

Neville ignored him completely, fascinated by Leanna's offer. His eyes gleamed as they boldly swept her curves.

"I've always regretted not bedding you. It would be even more enjoyable under your husband's watchful eyes."

As he said the words, Neville produced a knife and neatly severed the ropes around Leanna's legs. He still held her hair in his fist when he cut the ropes around her waist and wrists. Then he held the knife at her throat and lifted her from the chair.

"Of course," he grinned, using the knife to trace a path down her neck, "you would need to be very willing for me to spare your husband's life."

"Nooo!" Trevor roared. He struggled like a wild beast, desperate to escape his bonds.

Leanna ignored her husband's protests as she turned to Neville. She wrapped her arms around his neck and stretched up to kiss him, pressing her body full length against his. Leanna concentrated all her efforts on convincing him. Neville tasted her lips leisurely, enjoying Trevor's enraged snarls. Eager to test Leanna's resolve, Neville lifted her hips onto the tabletop, flipped her skirts up to her waist and crushed her beneath him as he boldly fondled her breasts. Leanna accepted his caresses willingly. Indeed, she began to stroke Neville's chest and buttocks, trailing kisses along his neck.

Neville's desire exploded, and he ripped the bodice of her gown open to her waist, baring her bosom clad only in a thin chemise. He mauled her, spreading hot greedy kisses on her breasts, as he reached to unbutton his trousers. Leanna chose that moment to kick him in the groin, bringing her knee up as sharply as she could.

Neville groaned in agony, trying to hold onto her, but Leanna hit him on the side of the head with both fists, knocking him down. While he was writhing and trying to rise, she raced to the wood stove and snatched a half charred piece of wood. Swinging it high overhead, she clubbed Neville, knocking him unconscious.

Leanna didn't waste a moment. She snatched up the knife from the floor where it had fallen and ran to Trevor. Kneeling on the floor, she slashed through his bonds, and they were in each other's arms. There was time for only a brief hug before the necessity of escape took precedence. They were free of their bonds but not out of the woods!

Trevor grabbed a long piece of rope and drug Neville to the same post where he had been tied. Searching Neville's body, Trevor found two pistols and tucked them into his own waistband along with the knife, before securing Neville's arms and legs around the post. Then, Trevor asked Leanna for a strip of her petticoat to use as a gag. While he was finishing there, Leanna ran to kneel beside Steven. She gently turned Steven over and was surprised when he gave a weak moan.

"He's alive!" Leanna cried, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief.

Trevor ran to kneel beside her. It was hard to see the bullet wound with so much caked blood, but he felt gingerly along Steven's scalp, eliciting another moan, this time a bit stronger. Trevor looked at Leanna, joy written clearly on his face.

"The shot only grazed him, it's not deep at all. He should be alright."

"Thank God," Leanna whispered. "Here, use this."

Leanna reached beneath her skirts and ripped another long strip off her petticoat. She handed it to Trevor to use as a bandage. When he was almost finished securing it around Steven's head, his brother opened his eyes, blinking groggily.

"What happened?" he croaked.

"There's no time to explain right now, little brother. We have to get out of here. Can you walk?"

Steven frowned, "I'm not sure. It feels like the room is tilting."

Trevor laughed briefly, "It is tilting, but only because of the waves. Here, let me help you."

Bracing a shoulder beneath Steven's arm, Trevor helped him stand. They paused a moment, making sure that Steven's legs would support him. Steven was quickly coming around, and despite a slight feeling of wooziness, he was able to walk on his own.

"Can you handle a pistol?" Trevor asked. At Steven's nod, Trevor gave him one of the guns, and both men checked to make sure they were loaded.

"Wait!" Leanna cried.




Marrying for Money Ch. 13



The two men turned to see her clutching an arm across her bosom, the shreds of her bodice gaping open. Seeing her dilemma, Trevor quickly slipped off his coat and vest and gave them to her. Leanna shrugged into the vest and hastily buttoned it over her ruined gown. If she was going to face the sailors, she intended to keep at least some of her modesty.

Grabbing Leanna's hand, Trevor pulled her to the door with Steven bringing up the rear. Trevor opened the door a crack, and saw the same burly seaman who had been guarding the area before standing nearby. The seaman turned and reached for his pistol, but Trevor shot him before he could get it free. The sound of the shot was deafening, but no one came running.

Trevor led Leanna and Steven toward the stairs. So far, no one else had come to investigate the shot, but there was no way of knowing what they would face above deck. The rain had almost stopped and the wind had died down to a dull moan. There was every possibility that the shot had been heard and that they would soon be overrun by angry sailors.

At that moment, they heard a cannon shot, and the ship pitched violently as a heavy ball crashed into the ship's hull. Leanna screamed, and Trevor clasped her against his chest as they were thrown against the wall of the passageway.

"What the hell?" Steven gasped. "It sounds like we're under attack."

"I don't know, but let's get out of here," Trevor cried, dragging Leanna quickly up the narrow stairs. 

The trio reached the deck just as another shot was fired. A lead ball whizzed overhead and crashed into the main mast, shattering it into splinters as the sail came crashing onto the deck. Sailors were running everyone, no one paying them the least bit of notice as the men scrambled to save their own lives.

The ship began to roll steeply to one side, and Leanna fell. Trevor's grasping hand pulled her upright once again, and they struggled up the slanting deck toward a lifeboat that was lashed nearby. There was no time to lower the boat properly, and using the knife, Trevor quickly cut the ropes securing the craft. While Leanna clutched a nearby post, Trevor and Steven struggled to heave the lifeboat over the railing.

Suddenly, Leanna was jerked around and stood face to face with Eliza. She held a pistol pointed at Leanna's chest, but Leanna didn't hesitate. She knocked Eliza's arm, and the pistol went skidding beneath some nearby debris. The two women grappled with each other, but Leanna's strength was fueled by fury and the need to escape. She managed to grab Eliza by the hair, and she flung her backward using all her strength. Eliza landed among some barrels and coils of rope, and she lay stunned.

Leanna scrambled back to Trevor's side just as he and Steven dropped the lifeboat overboard. The cannon sounded again, and this time, they were able to see the flash and make out the outline of a nearby ship that was barely visible in the gloom. The ship was coming straight toward them from about three hundred yards away.

Trevor glanced at Steven. "It must be the sheriff. We have to make a break for it, this ship is sinking." Grabbing Leanna by the hand in a grip that nearly shattered her fingers, Trevor pulled her against him. "Jump!"

All three of them jumped, plunging the twenty feet or so into the murky water below. Leanna went under like a stone, the weight of her dress pulling her down despite her frantic efforts to swim upward. Trevor's hand was still clasped with hers, and he yanked on her arm, threatening to pull it from the socket, but he finally managed to drag her to the surface. By the time Leanna's head cleared the water, her lungs were burning from the lack of air, and she took a huge breath, choking on the brackish brine that she swallowed.

The lifeboat had landed nearby, and Trevor swam toward it, towing a sputtering and coughing Leanna behind him. The tiny boat was bobbing roughly about, but Trevor managed to grasp hold of the side. He grabbed Leanna around the waist and hoisted her like a sack of potatoes over the edge. Despite her swollen belly, she managed to scramble the rest of the way into the boat and turned to help pull Trevor over the rim. Steven was only a stroke or two behind his brother, and finally they were all three panting as they lay on the floor of the pitching craft.

Steven scrambled to the seat and grasped the oars. He started rowing toward the approaching ship, but with the heavy waves, they made slow progress. They hadn't gone far when they heard a scream from the ship above.

"Nooo!" Eliza screeched in fury. She was clinging to the railing, and she could see them in the boat below. "You can't do this to me!"

She raised a pistol, trying desperately to steady it with the ship pitching beneath her. She fired a shot and it ricocheted off the wooden boat, only inches from Leanna. Trevor threw himself across his wife, knocking her into the hull as a second shot rang out.

Eliza was determined, and she concentrated on aiming a third time. As Steven and Trevor watched, helpless to do anything but wait for the next shot, a broken yardarm swung around and crashed into Eliza from behind. There was a sickening crunch as the heavy wood bashed in the back of her skull, and Eliza's lifeless body toppled into the water, quickly sinking beneath the waves.

Steven didn't spare her another glance as he applied himself once more to the oars. Trevor rose on his elbows above his wife. She was gasping like a fish out of water, and his heart leaped into his throat at the thought that she had been shot.

"Leanna! Leanna, are you hurt?" Trevor sat up and frantically searched for blood or signs of a wound.

Leanna gasped once more before managing to croak out a response. "No . . . fine . . . you knocked . . . wind out of me."

Trevor and Steven both burst out laughing with wild relief. "My God, you gave me a scare!" Trevor finally managed to say.

He hugged her fiercely to his chest, closing his eyes against tears of joy. The ship they had been aboard was already halfway sunk by the time they reached the other ship. The sheriff was indeed aboard, and he and his men were quick to lower ropes to the lifeboat.

"Thank heavens you are alright," the sheriff cried, giving Trevor a hearty handshake and a clap on the shoulder.

Trevor lowered his eyebrows, giving the sheriff a dark scowl. "Well, I can't say we had much help from you," he drawled. "You nearly sank us man!"

The sheriff looked sheepish. "Sorry Trevor. We only meant to cripple the ship, but it was hard to aim properly, with the waves pitching so much. We had to chance a shot because your ship was getting away, but our first shot hit the hull by mistake."

Trevor frowned for only a moment more before his face relaxed into a rueful smile. "Well, all's well that ends well. Thanks for your help."

The two men clasped hands once more before the sheriff turned to bark orders to his men. They arrived at the sinking craft and searched briefly around the wreckage, managing to pull only three waterlogged sailors from the water. Everyone else who had been on board went down with the ship, including Neville Woodsworth. Trevor, Leanna and Steven couldn't muster any sympathy for the man.

Holding Leanna tightly against his side, Trevor could feel her violent trembling. He turned aside and spoke quietly to his brother. 

"I'm going to take Leanna below. She needs to rest."

Steven nodded in response, and Trevor led Leanna down to a cabin. He searched in a cupboard and found several wool blankets. Returning to Leanna's side, he brushed aside her numb fingers and quickly stripped her of her wet clothes. He used one of the blankets to dry her off as much as possible. Then he wrapped her in two more blankets. He scooped her in his arms and carried her to the bunk, laying her gently on the mattress.

"Cold . . . so cold," Leanna mumbled, trembling violently with cold and shock. Her lips were blue and her teeth were chattering violently as she looked up at him.

Trevor quickly stripped of his own soaking garments and climbed in beside his wife, using his own meager body heat to try and warm her.

"It's alright now, sweetheart," he said soothingly, stroking her wet hair back from her face. "No one can hurt you now."

As he said the words, he suddenly realized the truth of them. For the first time in weeks, he was free of the doubt and worry that had been plaguing him. The storm had passed, and he knew in his heart that they were in for smooth sailing from then on.

Leanna's trembling finally ceased, and she fell into an exhausted sleep, snuggled against her husband in the tiny bunk. Trevor laid awake, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead softly, thoroughly content in his role of spouse.

***********

The next afternoon, Trevor, Leanna, Steven and Amanda were all gathered in the parlor, the first three recounting the events of the prior day. Each one contributed to the tale, interjecting bits of information until the story was finally complete. Amanda listened through their entire account, alternating between anger, horror, incredulity and relief. What amazed her most was realizing that just one day after the horrible incident, the other three could laugh about it.

"Well you were a lot of help," drawled Trevor, giving his brother a mock frown. "I told you to wait with Silas, but no, you had to follow me and get your silly self shot!"

Steven pretended to be outraged, but a smile was flirting with the corners of his mouth. "It wasn't my fault! You were the one who lunged at the guy. I had no choice but to join in the fray. If I hadn't been there, he would have blown your fool head off."

"Possibly," Trevor grinned, "but it nearly scared me to death anyway thinking that you'd been killed."

Steven was sitting on the floor at his wife's feet, and he reached to grasp her hand as he gave her a reassuring smile. "After surviving all those damned Yankees shooting at me during the war, one lowly seaman didn't seem too intimidating." He winked at his wife before turning back to Trevor. "I could have taken him if you hadn't jumped the gun."

"Hmmm," said Trevor. A sudden thought occurred to him, and he bent a fierce scowl on Leanna. "And you madam," he growled. "What the hell were you thinking, going off by yourself with Eliza of all people? I think I'll follow through with my earlier threat and take you across my knee right now to paddle your pretty little backside!"

Leanna gave a careless shrug, obviously unconcerned about the possibility of imminent physical abuse to her person. She perched on the arm of Trevor's chair.

"Well how was I supposed to know she was a crazed lunatic? Besides," she said with a wicked grin, "it finally gave me the opportunity to pull some of Eliza's hair out, just like I had been itching to do since I met the woman."

The four of them laughed heartily at the thought. Trevor sobered first, and brushed a wayward strand of her coppery hair behind Leanna's ear. "And that you did, madam. You were very brave in the face of danger." They shared a warm glance before his expression turned menacing once again. "But you nearly did me in when you offered to give yourself to that bastard. I almost ripped my arms off trying to get free."

Leanna laughed gaily, remembering her ploy. "You forget that I have an older brother. He taught me how to defend myself against the unwanted attentions of men. I knew that Neville would have to eventually reach for his trousers if he wanted to complete the nasty deed, and that is when I kicked him." She toyed with a lock of Trevor's dark hair, giving him a sly grin. "What's more, I knew that if I made you jealous enough, sooner or later you would squirm free of those ropes. I could see you were getting close."

"Hmmm," growled Trevor for the second time. "Obviously, you didn't need my help. I could barely believe my eyes when you bashed him over the head with that log. Little did I know that my sweet tempered wife could be such a tigress."

Leanna caused them all to howl with laughter when she gave her crisp reply. "Let that be a lesson to you in the future, sir."

When the laughter finally died away, Leanna gave a deep sigh. "The only thing still bothering me is wondering what will become of the children. They've all been left orphaned."

Trevor put a comforting arm around his wife. "Don't worry, love. I already spoke with Eliza's brother Tom. He and Marie have wanted children for years but haven't been able to have any. They are going to adopt Miranda, and I'm sure she will be much happier than she was before. What's even better, I found out that the young lad Adam who was so helpful yesterday is an orphan. Tom and Marie have agreed to take him in as well." Trevor grinned as he remembered the events of the prior evening. "I couldn't believe he was waiting for us when we made it back to shore. When I said as much, he told me that there was no way he was leaving until he got the five dollars I had promised him. The boy certainly has spunk."

Leanna smiled but her brow was still furrowed with worry. "But what about Neville's daughters, Susanna and Marianne. They've already been through so much, losing their mother, and now this."

Steven spoke up to ease her fears. "Sheriff Mitchell said he would look into contacting their other relatives. I'm sure someone from their mother's family will take them in. From what Eliza told you, the children have an uncle who was trying to rescue them from their evil father anyway. He will probably be relieved to have them. One way or another, we'll make sure they are well taken care of."

The sound of coach wheels on the drive brought the foursome to their feet, and they went out onto the front porch to greet their unexpected visitors. As soon as the coach stopped, the door opened and a dark head appeared in the doorway.

"Jeremy!" squealed Leanna, racing down the steps to greet her brother. "What on earth are you doing here?"

Jeremy hugged her fiercely, laughing with relief to see that she was looking so happy and healthy. "As soon as we got your letter, we had to come see for ourselves that you were alright."

As he said the words, his wife Christina appeared in the doorway, clutching a small infant against her bosom. Leanna squealed again with delight, barely giving her sister time to step down before giving her a warm hug. She released her only to gaze down at the sleeping baby.

"And who's this?" Leanna asked softly.

Jeremy placed a proud arm around his wife's shoulders. "This is your niece, Elizabeth Leanna Bradley."

Leanna's face was alight with wonder as the small form was handed to her. She cradled the baby tenderly. "She's lovely. Oh Trevor, look! Isn't she the most beautiful little girl you've ever seen?"

Trevor dutifully agreed, although he was more enamored with the charming sight of Leanna nuzzling the child. Turning to Jeremy, he clasped his hand while giving him a warm smile. He made the introductions and then gestured to the house. "Welcome to The Meadows."

Jeremy nodded his thanks, laughing a bit nervously. "I have to tell you, I have been so worried about Leanna. When she ran off with you, I couldn't help but think that you had taken cruel advantage of her, forcing her into marriage. When I received her letter, she had written that she was happy and content to be your wife, but I had to make sure she didn't need rescuing."

The Grayson's exchanged grins and then burst out laughing. At Jeremy's confused frown, Leanna finally sobered enough to reply. "Well, brother dearest, you arrived just one day late for that!"

The happy group returned to the house and spent the rest of the afternoon explaining what she meant.

**********

It was much later that night when Leanna and Trevor lay entwined in their bed. She was snuggled with her back against her husband's broad chest, and his arm was curved protectively around her thickening waist. Their limbs were heavy and relaxed after their lovemaking, and they both stared into the flickering fire in the grate. After a long time, Leanna broke the silence.

"Trevor?" she whispered.

"Yes, my love." Trevor placed a soft kiss on her neck beneath her ear.

"I never dreamed I could be this happy. I love you."

Trevor smiled and pulled her tighter, snuggling his legs beneath hers. "I love you too, Leanna. You are more than I ever dreamed I would have in a wife."

Leanna grasped his hand and pulled it to her breast. She rubbed her hand over the back of his, urging him to squeeze the tender flesh of her nipple. The look she gave him from over her shoulder was pure feminine enticement.

"So I'm just a wife to you, nothing more?"

Trevor grinned and squeezed hard on her nipple, twisting it until she arched her back wantonly. He felt his cock spring to life as she moaned and lightly stroked the back of his hand, encouraging him to keep torturing her breast. Trevor nibbled at the sensitive skin on her neck as she began to pant in his arms.

His hand eventually skimmed down over her slightly swollen belly where his child was growing. Trevor briefly caressed the roundness before stroking through her thatch of hair to find her swollen pussy lips. He explored them leisurely, loving the way her fluid coated his fingers and made a sloshing sound that they could both hear. He lifted her thigh and slid into her until he was buried to the hilt in her luscious heat. When he spoke, his voice was gravelly with passion.

"You know you'll always be my willing little whore."

"Always," Leanna sighed in agreement.

Note to readers: I hope you have enjoyed my story. I have two more books that I have already written, and I will be posting them soon. They need to be tidied up a bit. But first, I think I will take a stab at writing a couple of short stories here on Literotica. I hope you will check them out and let me know what you think. 



Marrying for Money



Finally, he had made it home to find that his plantation was still intact, though it was in shambles from years of neglect. His parents had died from typhoid fever mere weeks before his return, and he could only wonder about the fate of his brother Steven, though Trevor prayed that he had survived. The former slaves were scattered to the winds. Only the buildings remained standing, in bad need of repair, and all the possessions had been stolen or destroyed by raiding union troops and scavengers. His home was a deserted, empty shell, and Trevor had felt hopeless and completely defeated.

The only thing that kept him going was the hope that Eliza was still waiting for him, and he wasted no time in seeking her out. Her family's plantation had fared no better than his, but he had been thrilled to learn that she and her family had survived the war. While she was glad to see him, her manner was somewhat reserved. He attributed her lack of enthusiasm to their long separation, and set out on a vigorous campaign to rekindle their romance, urging her to set a wedding date as soon as possible.

He had his hands full trying to court her and rebuild his plantation at the same time. He had worked day and night finding ex-slaves who were willing to work his land for him in return for a share of the crops. There were a surprising number of them who remained loyal due to his family's kind treatment of them over the years, and he had managed to gather enough laborers to cultivate a good crop his first season. The invading Yankees had not known that his father kept a small stash of gold underneath the floorboards of the kitchen, and with the money, Trevor had been able to pay the exorbitant taxes on his land and buy seed and tools for the coming year. All things considered, he had fared better than most, although he was barely scraping by.

Eliza had completely surprised him the night she showed up on his doorstep, three weeks after his return from the war, looking absolutely delectable in a new gown. He hadn't thought to question where she had gotten the money for such a luxurious purchase, simply assuming that her family had somehow managed. She had given him a smile that was at once both shy and direct.

"Trevor, I don't want to wait any longer. I love you and I want you. I want to be with you tonight."

Trevor's pulse leaped in anticipation as he looked at her with surprise and longing. "You've decided on a wedding date then?"

She reached up to touch his cheek, surprising him with a sultry smile while molding her body against the length of his. "We can talk about that later. Tonight is just for us." 

Stretching up, she had kissed him on the lips and twined her arms around his neck. Having missed her for so long, he wasn't capable of refusing her offer. Their lovemaking had been tender but passionate, with him taking great care to be gentle with her as he introduced her to the joys of intimacy. Trevor had undressed her with reverence, unveiling her perfect body like the most precious of gifts. He had tasted every inch of her delectable flesh, stroking her virgin body into frenzied passion. When he buried his cock inside her pussy he felt truly home, and when he pumped his seed deep into her womb, he felt truly happy for the first time in years. Despite her inexperience, Eliza had proven to be an enthusiastic lover, and they had made love repeatedly until dawn. When Trevor took her home, she gave him a lingering farewell kiss, and slipped into her house before anyone woke up.

Two days later, Trevor had been working on one of the outbuildings, when Eliza's older brother Tom rode up to speak with him. Trevor could tell immediately that something was wrong from the way Tom shifted uncomfortably in the saddle and refused to meet his eye. They had grown up together as boys, and Trevor felt almost as if Tom were his own brother.

"What's wrong, Tom. I can tell you didn't simply drop by for a social visit."

Tom cleared his throat and finally managed to look him in the eye while speaking very softly. "I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but Eliza has eloped with a Yankee officer."

Trevor's face registered his shock, as he sat down quickly on a nearby stump. "What are you talking about? Eliza would never do such a thing!"

Tom looked down at his hands as they fiddled with the reins. "I assure you she did. She left a note saying that they were traveling to New Orleans for their honeymoon, and then she'll be moving north with her husband. It seems the man she married is quite well off. He is from Boston, stationed down here for the last few months." He looked at Trevor grimly. "You know, the war changed Eliza. She is not the sweet young girl you remember. Seeing her family and friends stripped of their wealth and their entire way of life hardened her. Now, she is obsessed with becoming wealthy again, and she has stooped to wedding a damn Yankee to attain that goal."

Trevor felt as if the wind had been knocked from him, and he sat for a long time, merely staring off into the distance. He couldn't believe she had come to him and given her body to him knowing all the while that she would be leaving the next day to marry another man. He thought back on the previous few weeks and remembered all the times he had pressed her to set a date for their wedding, and she had avoided the issue. She must have known all along that she was going to marry her Yankee suitor. Trevor had spent so many years envisioning Eliza as his wife and the mother of his children that he didn't know how he would ever live without her. She was the only anchor he had known in his turbulent life, and now he felt like he was merely drifting with no purpose or goal. 

Finally, he looked at Tom and smiled grimly. "Thank you for telling me, Tom."

Tom's eyes were full of sympathy. "If there is anything me or my family can do for you, you know you can call on us. Of course Ma and Pa have always considered you to be part of the family, and they are absolutely prostrate with grief over Eliza's actions."

If there was one thing Trevor didn't want, it was sympathy. He took a deep breath and rose from the stump to face Tom. "There's no need to worry about me, I'll be fine." He waved his hand in farewell and turned to walk away, making a conscious effort to keep his shoulders straight and proud.

Trevor had thrown himself tirelessly into his work, and he managed to plant almost all of the fertile land that had lain dormant during the war, driving himself to exhaustion in the process. Two months after he learned of Eliza's betrayal, his younger brother, Steven, came straggling home. They ran to meet each other and Trevor hugged him fiercely against his chest, tears of joy burning his eyes. "I had almost given you up for dead!"

Steven was crying, and he self-consciously wiped at the tears. "I very nearly was dead. They finally released me from prison, and I almost starved trying to make it back here."

Within a short time, the two brothers were working side by side to cultivate their lands, and they managed to raise a record-breaking crop that first year. Despite their success, Trevor had been restless, needing to get away from his painful memories. With the money from the harvest, he had purchased a ship and had turned over the management of their plantation to Steven. While Steven had managed the estate, Trevor had started a shipping business, plying cargo all along the eastern seaboard. He came home periodically to check on his holdings and to monitor the progress his brother was making. However, for the most part, Trevor stayed away, not wishing to hear any news of Eliza or her new husband.

Trevor's wealth had steadily increased, and he had purchased three more ships within a year. He soon expanded his trade, bringing goods from Europe and the Caribbean, and he had spent a small fortune restoring their plantation to its former grandeur. He admitted only to himself that he was driven to make Eliza regret the day she had rejected him in favor of another, richer man. He was determined to gain more wealth than her husband even dreamed of, and that goal influenced all of Trevor's actions.

Five years had passed, and Trevor had achieved his financial goal. Their plantation was the most profitable in the entire region. Trevor often wondered bitterly whether Eliza ever regretted her decision. If she had just been patient, he would have given her everything she desired. Though he tried to avoid hearing any news of her, he inevitably did learn that she had moved to Boston with her husband, and they had a small daughter. Whenever he thought about her, Trevor's heart would wrench with pain, and he wondered if he would ever get over her. He had many mistresses during those years, but he never stayed very long with any of them, and he refused to even look for a suitable wife from the many young ladies who flirted with him. He couldn't avoid comparing them to his former fiancée.

However, now he was coming to an age where he felt a strong desire to marry and start his own family. He was tired of sailing from port to port, and he wanted to settle down on his plantation with his brother. He had received word that Steven had taken a wife, and Trevor couldn't deny that he was envious of his brother's happiness. He wanted that for himself, but he despaired of ever finding a woman he would find acceptable. He didn't expect to ever find love again, but he was looking for a woman who would not bore him too much after the first few months. She had to be someone who could match his strong will, but he would never make the mistake of giving his heart to her. He would never give another woman the chance to hurt him the way Eliza had.

Trevor was jerked back to the present by the sound of someone clearing her throat nearby, and he turned to see a young woman standing behind him, clutching the hood of her cloak protectively over her face.

"Excuse me, sir. Are you Mr. Trevor Grayson?" she asked.

Letting his eyes quickly scan her trim frame he nodded slowly. Her face was hidden in the shadows of her hood, and he could only see the glitter of her eyes as she stared at him. "Yes, I am. And who might you be?"

The woman darted a glance to either side and looked up at him once more. Her heavy hood denied him any hint of her facial features, but her voice was as smooth as warm honey.

"I would be happy to tell you, if you would please speak with me for a few moments, in private."

He raised his eyebrows in surprise. It was evident from her modulated speech and the quality of her cloak that she wasn't a commoner, and he couldn't imagine why a well-bred lady would request a scandalous private meeting with a sea captain. However, his curiosity was thoroughly aroused, and he turned aside motioning for her to precede him to the companionway that led below deck.

Trevor caught the eye of his first mate and signaled to him that he was leaving him in charge. Seeing the young woman pause, Trevor gestured again and said politely, "After you, ma'am."

He followed close behind the mysterious visitor, admiring the gentle sway of her hips as she descended the steps. He reached around her to open the door to his cabin and he caught a whiff of her delicate scent. She smelled of wildflowers, mixed with her own warm, womanly essence, and he was surprised to feel a sudden tightness in his trousers. Trevor wasn't usually so quickly or easily affected by women, and he could only attribute his eagerness to his long bouts of celibacy. He tamped down his own reactions and followed her inside before closing the door behind him.

It was early afternoon, but the sky was overcast with dark grey clouds that contributed to the thick gloom in the tiny cabin. Trevor took a moment to light a pair of candles which stood on his desk before turning back with a curious tilt to his brow. 

"You have my undivided attention, ma'am. What was it you wished to discuss with me?"

The young woman reached to push her hood back, and his breath caught in his throat. She was exceptionally beautiful, with wide set eyes of sparkling green and a full, generous mouth. Her hair was fiery red, and wisps of it had escaped the neat chignon to curl winsomely around her flawlessly creamy neck and jaw. Her uncertainty was evident, but as he watched, she squared her shoulders and looked directly at him, raising her head to meet his eye.

"My name is Leanna Bradley, and I believe you met Jeremy last night."

Trevor couldn't keep the surprise from showing on his face as his mind raced with conjectures. Was this the wife of the man he had bested at cards the night before, and if so, what was her business in coming here? "Yes, I remember Jeremy," he replied carefully. "Are you his wife?"

Leanna blinked before answering quickly. "No, I'm his sister," she murmured.

Immensely relieved by her answer, Trevor indicated a chair on the opposite side of his desk, as his mind raced to process that tidbit. If she was Jeremy's sister and used the same last name, then she must not be married. He wasn't sure why that thought should please him, but it did. "Please, have a seat Miss Bradley. But first, let me take your cloak."

Leanna chewed her bottom lip, not wishing to relinquish the protection of her cloak but neither did she want to offend his hospitality. She reluctantly undid the fastening beneath her chin and let him remove her cloak before turning to the chair he indicated for her. She sank gracefully down on the seat, conscious of him assessing her figure. She couldn't resist looking over his muscular frame when he turned and walked toward the door. He was exceedingly tall, with wide shoulders and slender hips, and Leanna's breath caught in her throat at the sight of such a magnificent male. He had gleaming black hair and deep blue eyes that looked out from underneath long sooty lashes. His nose and cheekbones were finely chiseled, and he had full lips above a firm square chin. He wore snug fitting trousers that molded to his muscular thighs, and his long sleeved shirt looked impossibly white against his tanned skin. He was the most handsome man she had ever met, and she flushed as deliciously wicked thoughts flitted through her virginal mind. She didn't know exactly what she had been expecting when she came here, but she certainly hadn't expected to meet her fantasy man.

Trevor took a moment to hang her cloak from a nearby hook before taking the seat across from her. His heart was beating a bit faster as well after having seen that her figure was just as appealing as her face, and he was suffused with the excitement of the hunt. His eyes had lingered for a brief moment on the shadowed valley between her breasts, and his imagination went wild trying to picture her without her clothes. In her very fetching mint gown trimmed with white lace, she reminded him of a delectable bonbon, and he wondered if she would taste as sweet. He would definitely not mind getting to know her much, much better.

Reluctantly, Trevor forced his thoughts back to the business at hand, whatever that might be. "What is it that you wished to speak to me about, Miss Bradley?"

Leanna took a deep breath and began. "I was hoping that I might be able to persuade you to invest some money in a business venture with my brother. He is in need of fifteen thousand pounds to start his own manufacturing plant, and I know that you won at least that much at cards just last night."

Somewhat shocked by her boldness, Trevor eyed her thoughtfully, placing the tips of his fingers together in front of his chin. "Is that why he was at the club last night? He was trying to raise the money for a business venture?"

Leanna nodded but shifted uneasily. It was never easy for her to lie convincingly. "Yes, he was trying win enough to get started."

Trevor's eyes narrowed as he noticed her slight flush. He had developed keen instincts when it came to reading people's reactions over the years, and he sensed there was a lot that this woman was hiding from him. "Fifteen thousand pounds sounds like a lot of money to start a business, and playing poker isn't the most reliable way to raise that kind of money. Is there anything you are not telling me, Miss Bradley?"

Leanna's flush grew darker, and she looked down at her hands in her lap, making a conscious effort to keep from wringing them. "Well, he doesn't need the money just for his business." She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal but finally deciding that she had best be honest. "He needs ten thousand pounds of that money to pay off a debt my father incurred before his recent death."

For several moments, the silence in the room was broken only by the ticking of a nearby clock. "I'm sorry to hear of your father's death," Trevor murmured sincerely. "However, I still don't quite understand why you have come to me."

Leanna released a deep sigh, but she raised her gaze to meet his stare directly. "My father owed ten thousand pounds to his business partner, and after his death, the man demanded full payment. Unfortunately, father used our home as collateral for the loan, and we are now faced with the prospect of being evicted for failure to pay. We only have a few more days to raise the money. We've tried every other avenue short of stealing to raise the funds. Jeremy's attempt to win at cards last night was the only remaining chance we had, and now even that is gone." Leanna paused and looked down at her hands. "I'm embarrassed to say that you are my last hope."

Trevor held her gaze for a long moment before he looked down at his desk, deep in thought. He could certainly understand her predicament. Many southerners had lost their homes because of debt, and he knew it was a gut wrenching ordeal for anyone to endure.

"Surely the man would accept partial payment of the debt and let your brother work off the remainder," Trevor murmured.

Leanna shook her head sadly. "No, we tried that approach. He is insistent that we pay him the entire sum immediately. He's really a greedy little toad of a man." She chewed her bottom lip again as she blinked back tears, unaware of what a charming image of vulnerability she presented to Trevor. "There is something else you should know. My brother's wife is expecting their first child, and she's not in the best of health. Jeremy and I are both worried that her health will suffer tremendously if we have to move from our home at this point."

Trevor nodded his head slowly, as he considered her position. His thoughts returned to the path they had taken before her sudden appearance on his ship, and it was as if she had been deposited in his lap, almost like a gift of Fate. His eyes took on a calculating gleam as he considered her carefully, assessing her lovely features at length. He tried to picture her as his wife and the mother of his children. His blood grew warm at the thought of having this delectable young woman in his bed...

Realizing that he had been staring, and much more intently than was polite, Trevor cleared his throat and looked down at his desk once more, clamping down on the desire he felt. Yes, she would do quite nicely for his purposes, but he would have to proceed cautiously to avoid scaring her off.

When he was able to look at her again without leering, he replied. "I would like to be able to help you Miss Bradley, but if I were to loan your brother the funds he requires, what can you offer me in return?"

Excited by his apparent interest, Leanna's eyes lit up with hope, and she eagerly responded. "You would, of course receive an equal share in my brother's business. He could run the operation for both of you, but you would get half of the profits. Eventually, he could buy out your interest."

Trevor smiled charmingly. "My dear Miss Bradley, you know as well as I that it could take several years for the business to show any profit, if ever. I have no knowledge of your brother's business acumen, so I have no way to judge whether he will be successful or not."




Marrying for Money



Leanna leaned forward in her chair, anxious to convince him of the merits of her plan. In her eagerness, she was unaware of what a delightful view she presented of her well-rounded breasts, but Trevor was inclined to scan that same view surreptitiously while she talked.

"I assure you, Mr. Grayson, my brother is a very good businessman. He would have made my father much more successful, if he had only been given the chance."

Trevor nodded slowly. "Yes, I can see that you have great confidence in your brother's abilities. However, I hope you can understand that I cannot rely simply on the doting allegiance of a man's sister to ensure that my money would be returned."

Leanna bristled at his comment, but she bit back an angry reply. However, the effort to hold her tongue caused twin spots of color to appear on her cheeks, and Trevor suppressed a grin knowing that she was incensed.

"Well, would you accept the deed to our home as collateral?" she asked quietly. "We could make regular payments to you, as my brother is able until we have paid you back with interest. I assure you, we would be able to pay you back, given some time."

Trevor cocked his head to one side, carefully considering her. "No, I'm afraid I have no use for the deed to a home in London. As it is, I am anxious to return to my home in Virginia, and I don't think I will be returning to England, at least not in the foreseeable future. I would need something more for reassurance." He patiently waited for her next volley.

Leanna's eyes darted around nervously before she gave him her answer. "But I am afraid I don't have anything else to offer you," she mumbled dejectedly staring down at her hands in her lap.

Trevor's laugh was low and smooth as he watched her, and he moved in for the kill. "I would not agree with that, Miss Bradley. I think you have a great deal to offer."

Leanna looked up in time to see his eyes flickering over her breasts, and she colored brightly. "What exactly do you mean, sir?" she asked indignantly.

"I mean that I am much more interested in you than in any deed to a house or a share in a business venture," he responded with a lazy grin.

Leanna leaped up from her chair, her eyes flashing green fire. "How dare you! I should never have come here today!" She would have stalked to the door, but he stood up, firmly blocking her path.

"Don't you wish to hear my proposal?" he needled her. 

Leanna faced him with a grim set to her jaw, placing her hands on her hips in vexation. "I don't think I do. I have already been propositioned to become someone's mistress, and I turned him down flat, so I really don't understand why you assume I would accept your offer, when I don't even know you!"

Trevor looked down at her heaving chest and her flashing eyes. This woman had spirit, and he knew he needed that in a wife. He liked a good challenge. A submissive woman would bore him to tears. "I'm not offering for you become my mistress. I'm offering for you to become my wife."

Leanna's jaw dropped open in utter surprise, and she sank weakly back down into the chair as her knees buckled beneath her. When she spoke, her voice was breathless with shock. "You want to marry me?" she croaked. When he nodded, she shook her head in confusion. "Why on earth would you want to do that when you don't know anything about me?"

Trevor slanted his head to one side as he considered her carefully again. "I have my reasons. Besides, I know several very important things about you already."

Leanna frowned in disbelief. "Really? Like what?" she challenged him.

His smile was devastatingly charming. "You are certainly beautiful enough for my taste, on top of which you are brave and very intelligent. You have demonstrated that you have a fiery nature, which is what I need in a wife, someone who isn't afraid to stand up to me. Most important of all, you've shown that you are loyal and honest, and I find those qualities to be crucial in a marriage." His eyes clouded slightly as he said the last, but he blinked and the faraway look was gone. "I think we would be extremely compatible, and I know of several successful marriages that have been built on less than that. After all, it's not uncommon in arranged marriages for the man and woman to be virtual strangers to each other."

Leanna shook her head slightly as if she were trying to clear the cobwebs from her brain. "I cannot believe I am hearing this. Don't you want to marry someone that you love?"

"I have no interest in love, Miss Bradley," he said flatly. "I much prefer to marry a woman that I am compatible with. I am not offering you love. I'm offering you a position of security and honor. As my wife, you would want for nothing."

"And what makes you think we would be compatible based on one meeting?"

Trevor again cocked his head to one side, his narrowed eyes assessing her carefully. "Believe me, Miss Bradley, we would suit each other quite well. In the past few years, I've learned to be an excellent judge of character. I need a wife, and due to reasons which I don't wish to discuss right now, I want my marriage to be more along the lines of a mutually agreeable companionship. While I would expect my wife to share my bed and provide me with children, I would not expect her to be my soul mate."

Leanna rose from the chair and went to stare out the large window that overlooked the fetid water of the Thames. "Mr. Grayson, there is no way I can agree to marry you based on one meeting," she said shakily. "You may be able to make snap decisions about things that will affect the rest of your life, but I cannot. As much as I am desperate to help my family, I will have to refuse your offer."

Trevor came to stand directly behind her, and when he spoke, he startled her by his nearness, and she turned to face him. "I can understand your hesitancy. But perhaps a demonstration of just how compatible we are would help you decide."

Before Leanna could guess his intentions, Trevor wrapped his arms around her and drew her tightly against his chest. Leanna gasped as her hands came in contact with solid muscles, and her nostrils were assailed by his clean, masculine smell. He smiled devilishly down at her and hesitated only a second before he swooped to claim her lips. He felt warm and firm, and Leanna gave in to the urge to return his kiss, as she slanted her mouth underneath his. She felt his tongue probing her lips, and she gasped, giving him the opportunity to slip inside and taste the warm cavity of her mouth.

She had never been kissed so intimately before, and while it was shockingly scandalous, it was also thrilling. Leanna felt warmth spreading through her belly, and her knees were slightly wobbly. She wound her arms around his neck, and a soft moan escaped her as his hands pressed her more fully against him. She felt his hands roaming her backside, and she gasped again when he skimmed one hand up her ribs to cup the fullness of her breast.

Leanna's eyes flew open and locked with his, as he stroked his thumb over her hardened nipple. She wanted to protest, but could only manage a strangled moan of pleasure, and Trevor took that as a sign of encouragement to deepen the caress. He slipped his hand inside the neckline of her undergarment to cup her breast in his palm, skin to naked skin. All the while, he watched her expression change from concern to confusion to blatant excitement.

He unfastened several buttons and opened her bodice, finally breaking eye contact with her to look over her exposed flesh. Her breasts were perfect, full and luscious, and tipped with pink perky nipples. His cocked throbbed painfully, but he ignored it for now. He rolled one nipple between his fingers while he suckled the other, causing Leanna to moan and arch her back.

He was consumed with a nearly overwhelming urge to carry her to his bunk and bury his cock in her sweet pussy there and then, but he knew that he would have to wait for that. He wanted more than just a single bout of sex with this woman. He would have to handle her perfectly if he was going to win her as his wife. He reluctantly released her breast and watched as her lids fluttered open.

Leanna noticed that his breath was coming as fast as her own and his eyes were smoldering with intensity.

When he spoke, his voice was husky with suppressed passion. "Do you believe in fate, Miss Bradley?"

"Yes," she answered breathlessly, without thinking. She felt both weak and invigorated, and for the first time in her life, her pussy was wet, throbbing and needy.

He gave her a knowing smile. "So do I. We were destined to meet, I'm sure of it. I can make you no promises save this one." His eyes dropped to her naked breasts, and he caressed them with bold possession as he continued. "If you accept my proposal, you will never have to wonder where I spend my nights."

Leanna looked up at him through wide, confused eyes. This man's bluntness was both unnerving and strangely comforting. At least she would never have to guess at what he was thinking. Leanna gave him a small nod to acknowledge she had heard him, and then she pressed gently against his chest.

He consented to release her, and as she turned her back to him to refasten her bodice, Trevor decided on a plan.

"I can give you three days to consider my proposal, and then, I must sail for Virginia. Why don't I take you to dinner tonight and we can get to know each other a bit better? Maybe then, you will feel more inclined to accept my offer. Shall I pick you up at say, seven o'clock?"

Leanna's head was still spinning, but she managed to nod her acceptance of his suggestion. She dug one of her calling cards out of her purse and gave it to him. "My address is on the card." She took a shaky breath and briefly met his eye. "I really must be going. I'll think about . . . everything." She blushed and her eyes darted away. After what had just passed between them, she would be hard pressed to think about anything but his lips and hands on her!

He followed her to the door and swept her cloak from its hook to hold it for her. She quickly donned it and fastened the clasp beneath her chin before turning back to him. "I will see you this evening." Their gazes met and held for several seconds before she turned to leave.

He followed her back up the narrow stairs to the deck. "Until tonight then," he murmured, giving her a wicked smile. She nodded slightly and he watched as she disembarked from his ship and picked her way daintily down the gangplank to the nearby waiting hackney. She stepped gracefully inside, and the coach rolled away.

Trevor released the breath that he had been holding. He closed his eyes and savored the remembered feeling of her soft curves pressed against him. She was delectable enough to tempt the saints. A lustful smile split his lips, and he turned to seek out his first mate, whistling a cheerful tune. He knew with sudden certainty that she was the right wife for him. Now, he had to convince her of that in the next three days!

Leanna sat in the coach on the way home, and a heated blush rose in her cheeks as she remembered what she had allowed Trevor to do with her body. Even now, there was a moist heat between her thighs, and her breathing had not yet returned to normal. Surely no proper lady would have allowed a man, a total stranger no less, to make love to her like that. She should be feeling like a shameless slut, but instead, an undeniable shiver of excitement went up her spine. The prospect of being Trevor Grayson's bride and experiencing even more of his lovemaking was unbelievably tempting. She couldn't deny that she was looking forward to seeing him again, and if he pressed her for further liberties, she doubted she would deny him.