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Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 19
Chapter 19She woke to find herself sprawled on a cot, the white canvas of a tent above her eyes. Gingerly, she lifted her head and saw several oil lamps around the tent. Her gaze came to rest on Tiernan, who sat near her in a straight chair, his gaze somewhere between brooding and homicidal. “You came for me,” she said, and the words were happier than she’d meant them to be. It was strictly the relief of being rescued from that rapist, not joy at knowing he had been compelled to follow her, of course.He stood up to come to her, leaning down so their faces were just inches apart. “You were nearly raped.”She nodded. “Thank you—”“Raped and murdered.” He spoke so ferociously the pulse in his temple bulged.“I know.” A chill ran down her spine as she briefly contemplated just how close she’d come to both. If he and his soldiers had been even a few minutes later…He pushed her back, hands on her shoulder holding her down. “Is that what you wanted?”Blinking, she struggled to focus on hi
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 20
Chapter 20They arrived at her home the next afternoon. The train was still in Seattle-Archer, so they’d had to finish the trek on horseback. Madison was excited and impatient to see her family again, even as her mind worried at Tiernan’s silence. He had a brooding air that screamed to leave him alone, and her attempts at conversation had stalled with his monosyllabic responses. She had a new appreciation for the frustration he’d felt at the beginning of their relationship, when she had refused to engage in anything but the most superficial conversation.Madison hopped off her horse as they neared the front porch, not even waiting for the painted animal to stop completely. With a whistle that made the dogs bark with gusto, she rushed up the stairs, forgetting manners and everything else in her need to see her family again.The screen door opened with the squeak of rusty hinges, and her papa stood there. He was a tall man, with a big frame that swallowed most of the space of the doorwa
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 21
Chapter 21The healer pronounced Elaine fit enough to travel, and the train was waiting for them when they drew up in a wagon, followed by the soldiers on horses, late the next morning. Madison saw her mother settled in the bedroom car before joining the others in the head car. She resisted the childish urge to shun the seat by Tiernan, but still shot him a glare as she sat beside him. He needn’t think she’d forgotten her irritation at the way he hadn’t bothered to come in last night, not even long enough to tell her what had happened with Cam.She shot another glare at her brother, resentful that he was equally tightlipped about the encounter. At least he wasn’t treating her like a pariah now, but she was still burning with curiosity to know what Tiernan had said.Hurt mingled through too, and she longed to ask Tiernan why he hadn’t come to her room last night. Had he been angry about something? Did he think she was angry? Why had he rejected her? Knowing she wouldn’t get an answer u
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 22
Chapter 22A little more than a week later, Madison stood at her lover’s side and waved goodbye to her family as the train pulled out. She locked eyes with Rosie and waved a little harder, remembering their conversation the previous night, when she’d suggested her little sister stay in Seattle-Archer.“Nah, I can’t,” Rosie had said.Feeling disappointed, she had still nodded. “I understand. The family needs you.”“Yeah, but it’s not just that. Eric…Nash…well…” She had shrugged, trailing off. “He’s different, you know?”Madison had nodded. “You don’t think he’s too old?”Her sister had shaken her head. “Nah, he’s only seven years older than me. That’s hardly anything. I’m not even sure how he really feels, but I gotta find out.”“That I definitely understand.”The sisters shared a secret smile as the train pulled away, and she kept her gaze locked with Rosie’s until her sister was too far away. When she could no longer see any of her family, she turned back to face Tiernan, putting her
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 23
Chapter 23She had been right. As it sank in that someone had tried to murder Tiernan and hadn’t cared about other innocent lives lost in the process, her anger stirred. Standing beside the hole in the raw earth two days later, as men lowered Cleo’s closed casket into the ground, the rage nearly blinded her. It wasn’t the same cold fury that Tiernan had kept in check. In her case, it was hot and primal, touched with more than a hint of fear to know it could have been Tiernan in that box instead of Cleo. How she hated having that thought, to have a small surge of relief that it was anyone but the man she loved, and that spark of guilt made her even angrier. She dug her fingers into her palms and struggled not to scream at no one in particular as the first shovels of dirt hit the ornate wooden box.Turning away from the sight of her friend’s interment, Madison stalked away from the cemetery, conscious of Tiernan a step behind her, along with an entourage of soldiers that would have felt
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 24
Chapter 24Contentment and optimism were still flowing through her when she left the clinic an hour later, with Figg and Vinny close behind. Susan had kept her long enough to be sure she wouldn’t faint again, but had insisted she go home to rest instead of doing a shift that day. Madison hadn’t argued much, because she truly was tired. Now that she knew she was pregnant, she suddenly felt it too. It explained her tiredness in the evenings, when she often had a nap after dinner, before Tiernan was ready for bed. They would make love, and then she would fall into a deep sleep within minutes. Before her new knowledge came to light, she had dismissed it as a touch of depression from losing Cleo, along with maintaining a busy day to keep unwanted thoughts at bay. In retrospect, it made perfect sense, and it had started about three weeks ago—which was about right, she supposed, since Susan guessed she was around six or eight weeks pregnant, based on when she had missed those days of her tea
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 25
Chapter 25He tilted his head. “You’re sharp, aren’t you, highness?”“Sharper than my idiot brother.”Leon gave her a wide smile, but it had a predatory edge. “Perhaps he’s just idealistic or naïve.”She snorted, but didn’t offer a counterargument. “Let’s cut the crap. We both know I’m not going to kill Tiernan, especially based on your flimsy proof. Cam might have believed that was why you kidnapped me, but I don’t for a second, any more than I believe you didn’t set that bomb.”Leon shrugged as he took a seat across from her, receiving a cup of coffee from the surly woman, who didn’t offer one to Madison. “Believe what you want, but my group didn’t do the bomb. We’re more direct.”Through narrowed eyes, she watched the controlled movements of his hand as he lifted the mug, barely resisting the urge to slam her hand against the metal cup as it neared his visage. It would provide temporary satisfaction, but would no doubt lead to violence she didn’t want to face. Not that she might ha
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 26
Chapter 26They reentered the Seattle-Archer area after nightfall. The wagon and troops took a route she wasn’t familiar with, and she idly wondered where they were going as she caught sight of the capitol building a couple of blocks over. Their destination was clear just a few minutes later, as the wagon drew up in front of an ugly cinderblock building painted white, with imposing bars on the visible windows and across the two front doors. Two men in military uniforms stood guard on either side of the door.Exhaustion had her stumbling as she stood to disembark the wagon. Only the steadying hand of the soldier waiting to help her down kept her from falling. She gave him a small smile of gratitude in the faint illumination provided by the dim light strategically stationed near the entrance. The soldier grimaced and looked away.With a sigh, Madison straightened her spine and fell into line with the other prisoners. The guards herded them into the building, where several more groups wa
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Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 42 & Epilogue
Chapter 42They didn’t have much more of a chance to talk until several hours later, back in their suite. She was curled against him on the spacious bed, providing what comfort she could. While she had stood by his side during the ordeal of removing Aidan’s body and explaining to his troops what had happened—and the need to ferret out all those loyal to his dead brother—she could only imagine how soul-wrenching it had been for Tiernan.It had been draining for her too, and she knew killing Aidan would haunt her nightmares for years to come, but now was not the time to have a cathartic release of emotion by discussing her role in his execution. That time would come after Tiernan had healed a bit first.At least she was sure he harbored no resentment toward her for killing Aidan. Tiernan had held her hand or kept her within touching distance throughout the time they had dealt with the aftermath. She’d had to bite her tongue not to counter him when he’d claimed responsibility for Aidan’s
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 41
Chapter 41They stared at each other for a moment, hurt and confusion—along with a strong undercurrent of anger—in Tiernan’s eyes. “How could you do all this, Aidan?”Aidan shrugged. “I’ve already explained all that to Madison. Perhaps she can enlighten you, if you both survive.”Madison bit her fist as the men surged together, trading punches and kicks. They grunted in their exertion, and she honestly couldn’t tell who was winning for several minutes. It wasn’t until Tiernan managed to shove Aidan’s head up, his arm against his throat, that she saw a chance to help. Without hesitation, she grasped the pitcher on the dresser and slammed the pottery down on Aidan’s head. He slumped atop Tiernan a second later.Tiernan pushed him off, wincing as he got to his feet. He cradled his middle. “I think he broke a rib.”“Are you okay?”He nodded, though grimaced. “I’m glad you didn’t call out.”She frowned. “I didn’t? I just stood there frozen?” Shaking her head, Madison let some of her self-d
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 40
Chapter 40“It used to be a bathroom,” said Aidan conversationally. “Joseph Archer was a bit eccentric and had a lot of unused rooms bricked off. He claimed it would reduce heating costs. There’s a shared bathroom down the hall.”Swallowing thickly, she turned slowly, not sure how to reply or even begin to justify her reasons for being here. “Uh…”He smiled, and it was full of gentleness. “It’s okay. I know why you’re here.”Madison couldn’t look away from the crossbow at his side. “Uh…”Aidan glanced down at it before setting it on the nightstand. “I’m not going to shoot you, Madison.”Relief surged through her. She had been wrong. Not about him being the missing twin, she was sure, but he clearly wasn’t the one who had killed Joan.Shaking his head, he said, “No, then they’d know it was me. It has to look like rebels.”Ice water coursed through her veins at his words, and she took a step back without thinking, running right into the brick wall. Her mind searched for a way out, but a
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 39
Chapter 39She had reached no conclusion by the time Tiernan came back a little while later. Getting to her feet, she went to him to lean against her lover. “Do you have any idea who did this?”Tiernan hugged her tightly against him. “No, but I’ve asked Aidan to investigate. The shocking randomness of the crime makes no sense.”“Maybe it wasn’t so random,” said Madison, convinced of at least one thing. Joan’s secret had been the reason for her death. Drawing Tiernan over to a loveseat away from Catherine’s cold gaze, she put her arm around his shoulder and told him what she had learned as gently as possible.He sat in stunned silence for several minutes, before shaking his head. “No, that can’t be.”Madison understood his reluctance to accept it. “I’m sure she was telling the truth, Tiernan. Somewhere, you have a twin brother.” And someone willing to kill to protect his location. She didn’t voice that thought, not wanting to upset him further.His lips compressed. “How could she do it
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 38
Chapter 38Her heart skipped a beat. “So he did die.”She shook her head. “No. Commander Archer was a good leader, but cold.”Madison nodded her agreement, having reached that conclusion just by what Tiernan had revealed about his childhood. “I can imagine.”“She didn’t want the Federation torn apart by two heirs, and she said there was no room for co-leaders. A commander had to make the final decision with no one having the authority to question him.”Madison grimaced. “She was thinking all this as she held her babies?”Joan scowled. “No, dear. She found out in her second trimester she was having twins, so she had time to think and plan. When the babies were born, she never held the younger one. Instead, she had me take him to his father, and troops escorted them from Seattle-Archer, along with instructions never to return.” Looking disgusted, she shook her head. “The woman just sent away her infant without looking back, as though he was no concern to her at all.”Madison’s heart stu
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 37
Chapter 37Madison had expected to have some morning-after regrets, to second guess her decision to put the betrayal behind her and move on. To her relief, she had nary a flicker of doubt as she woke up beside her lover. Her only moderate regret was perhaps a lack of sleep. She was exhausted from their marathon lovemaking and couldn’t stifle a yawn.He grinned. “I wore you out.”To her amusement, he also yawned. “It looks mutual, my love.” Trailing her hand up his chest, she rested her palm between his pecs. “I had planned to go to the clinic today.”He frowned, but didn’t issue a dictate. She gave him points for diplomacy when he said, “Maybe you should take a nap this morning and go in the afternoon.”Madison nodded, having already reached that conclusion. “I think you should join me.”Tiernan lifted a corner of his mouth. “We both know there won’t be any sleeping if I stay.”Sticking out her lower lip, she said, “I need you more than sleep.”He shook his head, softening the rejecti
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 36
Chapter 36She turned her head slightly on the pillow, so he could hear her. “Mostly in the lower part, but it’s sore everywhere.”Oh, his mind could conjure so many images to fit “everywhere.” He stifled a groan as he fantasized about spreading the oil over her back, down her legs, and back up to the apex of her thighs. “Okay.” His voice sounded scratchy.Still trying to be as aloof as possible, Tiernan sat on the bed beside her, straining awkwardly to reach her back. The first feel of her skin was heaven, and warmth suffused him. Not just the heat of arousal, but genuine tenderness at the close physical contact that she wasn’t immediately jumping away from upon realizing he was touching her. He’d gotten so desperate that he’d started waking up at least an hour earlier than her just so he could hold her against his body, in his arms, as she slept. That was the only time she wasn’t rejecting him.Besides now. Trampling his rampant hope with the reminder that a massage didn’t mean anyt
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 35
Chapter 35God, he was stubborn, and she was getting frustrated. They had been engaged in a battle-of-wills for five weeks now. She hadn’t given an inch in her determination to make him accept she no longer loved him, and he hadn’t surrendered at all in his quest to regain her trust and love. Every night, she fell asleep in his bed, oftentimes waking pressed against him in a parody of a loving embrace. Each time, she had found the strength to pull away and go on as though nothing had happened.If only she could convince her damned hormones that nothing was happening and wouldn’t ever again, at least not with Tiernan. It was getting incredibly frustrating to have him so near, but not able to reach out and touch. Oh, she knew he would readily accept any overtures she made, but that was tantamount to giving in. She couldn’t do that.Not that she was certain why at this point. Was she still so hurt and angry that she couldn’t believe he was contrite? Was it just too unbelievable to imagin
Reluctant Companion: Futuristic Dark Romance 34
Chapter 34He woke her early on punishment day, not giving her the option of refusing to attend. Madison was undecided if she wanted to be there, and perhaps he’d picked up on her indecision, leading him to choose for her. Or maybe he was just an overbearing tyrant. Perhaps both.Grumbling in protest, she washed and dressed before following Tiernan. When they turned to go upstairs instead of down to the main floor, her heart leapt into her throat. As they climbed the stairs, she couldn’t help remembering how awful it was to be confined to the cupola. Had her continued insistence that their relationship was over made him so angry that he was going to imprison her in the tower again? Did he somehow envision that would make her realize she still wanted to be with him? In fact, it would certainly be the death knell of their affair—which was already over anyway, she hastened to assure herself.As they walked up the stairs to the fourth floor, she strove to control her panic and asked in wh
