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Chapter 222
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The League of Rogues Chapter 223
"Gone? What do you mean she's gone?"Jonathan was fuming. Lucien and Charles both sat in the morning room, Lucien with his copy of the Morning Post and Charles with a novel and a cup of tea. The pair of them looked so blastedly silly and domestic it made Jonathan want to bellow like a bear. Audrey had run off, and neither man seemed to care one whit. What was the matter with them?"She told Horatia a friend wrote to her, someone seeking advice on her trousseau, and Audrey's fashion sense was direly needed." Lucien reached into his waistcoat and pulled out a letter. "She left this for you."Jonathan took the paper, unfolding it to read. It said she'd left for London, but she hadn't given a reason. And he was expected to believe what Lucien was saying? Well, he didn't believe it. Yes, the little sprite loved her clothes, but to run away from a house party, from him, to see to some silly wedding dress? He'd grown so close to her in the last few days. Their shared intimacy was more than
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 224
Audrey climbed out of the coach and faced the theater of Covent Garden. She shivered from the slight chill of the nighttime air. Her red satin gown with black lace was a risqué design with a plunging neckline, but it was rather suitable for the play tonight, which she had heard was terribly bawdy. Given the types of people already surrounding her as she approached the theater, a raucous crowd would no doubt be in attendance. Ladies and gentlemen filled the area, some wearing fine clothes, others wearing more scandalous attire."Ready?" Avery Russell took her hand, escorting her upstairs. Her heart fluttered and nerves tugged at her belly, making her feel a little ill. Tonight she would meet a man that Avery had said would be joining them on their secret mission to France. For the hundredth time that evening, she had wished Jonathan were here. She trusted Avery, trusted in herself, but there was no escaping the fright that comes with being tested for the first time."I believe I am."
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 225
Jonathan stretched out, feeling at ease for the first time in as long as he could remember. A smile spread across his lips, and it had everything to do with last night. Finally bedding Audrey and telling her they were to be married had been a dream he'd never thought possible. Yet it had happened, and she hadn't said no. Every moment of last night had been a victory a year in the making. He rolled onto his side, but when he reached for Audrey she was gone.What in the blazes?He sat up, brushed his hair out of his eyes, and realized with a sinking feeling that the room was empty. Had she simply stepped out for a moment? Seen to her needs? Yes, that was possible."Audrey?" he called out. Only silence answered him. He glanced around the room; not a piece of clothing was left. Not even a note this time.His little sprite had run out on him. Shame cut through him, and he had trouble swallowing past the pain.Did I do something wrong last night? Did I push her too far and too fast? Wha
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 226
Audrey knelt over her chamber pot, retching violently for what felt like the hundredth time since their ship left port. Avery had warned her that the Channel would be choppy, but she hadn't realized just how much it would affect her. She'd glanced toward the cabin window and had seen towering, rolling waves. The ship would sometimes drop as much as twenty feet, and it made her stomach plummet right to her toes.She wiped her mouth and sat back on the floor of her cabin. Cold sweat dewed on her brow, and she winced as her stomach cramped. She felt like such a failure. What kind of spy became seasick? Or became faint at the sight of blood?Not a good one.A knock sounded on her cabin door. She looked toward it, watching the curtains of her bunk sway."Yes?" She tried to stand, but her legs shook so hard she fell back down to the floor."It's Avery. I wanted to see how you were feeling. The waves have eased a bit, and I thought you could use some fresh air."The waves had eased a bi
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 227
Jonathan was roused by the sound of a scuffle somewhere nearby. By the time he got up and into the hall, he saw the two men from before cursing and fleeing down the corridor from Audrey's room. Before he could go into her room to check on her, he had to duck back into his ownSheffield was coming.He listened to her tell Sheffield the whole story. She handled it so casually he couldn't help but swell with pride, but he was furious that those two men had tried to harm her and that he hadn't acted in time to stop them. He waited for Sheffield to pass by his cabin, then slipped outside and walked to the steps that led down into the crew quarters.He glanced through the gloom of the dim interior deck, studying the hanging hammocks that filled the area, and then he froze. There at the back, a man was huddled on a stool, clutching a hand to his chest and muttering curses."Bloody little bitch!" he snapped, holding his wrist tenderly. It was clearly broken.Bloody hell, Audrey, you did it.
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 228
Daniel had waited long enough. He had purchased a horse and arrived here as discreetly as he could. He entered the barracks of the local gendarmes, assuming one of his many French aliases, Victor Dubois.After they'd reached the inn, he'd destroyed his English papers, the ones that tied him to Audrey as a man called Mr. Edward Brownley. From now on he was Victor, a man with a long-established reputation in the northern coast of France whom he would use to continue with the mission. But first he had to convince these soldiers that there were two English spies right under their noses. While the gendarmes would deal with Avery and Audrey, he would be on his way to Paris.The move was callous, but not without purpose. While the gendarmes were focused on their prize, Daniel was all but assured of reaching the reformists unimpeded. In addition, when word of their capture reached Hugo's diplomatic assets in Paris, they would enact a bureaucratic nightmare within the courts, resulting in as
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 229
Audrey hastily threw on the breeches and white shirt, packing her hair tight under her cap. Her hands trembled, but she ignored the fear rolling through her as best she could. There wasn't time to break down, not if she was going to get through this night alive. Then she ran to the fireplace and smudged her fingers with ash and hastily rubbed them on her cheeks.She had learned a number of tricks in the last few months. People did not naturally like to look at dirty people, and if they were looking for the woman who'd arrived at the tavern, dirty would be the last quality they'd use to describe her. Outside she could hear an awful commotion as the soldiers prepared to storm the inn.Jonathan was down there, her Jonathan, doing everything he could to give her time to escape. She still didn't know how he'd found her or how he'd gotten to her just in time. The man had the uncanny ability to show up when she needed him most.Like a man in loveHer heart stilled. He'd finally told her h
Last Updated : 2022-06-15The League of Rogues Chapter 230
"English scum!" One of the soldiers smashed the butt of his rifle into Avery's face. "Where's the woman?"Avery grunted and spat blood onto the ground. "She's right over there." He was lying on his side, hands still tied together in front of him.They had started their interrogation on Avery first and were clearly enjoying causing him pain. Some passed a bottle around and joked as it went on."Your joke has grown old, English dog. The man who warned us about you would not have mistaken that man for a woman.""Are you sure? She is rather fetching in that dress."The soldier kicked Avery in the stomach, and Jonathan shouted for them to stop. "You'll kill him. Shouldn't he get a trial first?"The soldiers all turned toward him, laughing. One man, the captain, stepped forward, his cold eyes settling on Jonathan."Perhaps. Perhaps no. But that gives me the idea." His English was about as bad as Jonathan's French. He turned and pulled out a saber and placed the blade's edge underneath
Last Updated : 2022-06-15
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The League of Rogues Chapter 311
The roads proved to be quite passable as sunlight melted much of the last evening's snowfall. Ella leaned against the side of the coach, watching sunlight glint off the snow like diamonds scattered on the surface of a white sheet. The rocking rhythm of the coach and the thudding sounds of the hooves lulled her into a numb state somewhere between wakefulness and slumber. She tried not to let her mind drift back to this morning, but it seemed determined to replay flashes of their lovemaking.The way Phillip's eyes lit up between slow kisses, how it felt to thread her fingers through his hair, the sighs he made as they embraced after coming apart. The way it felt to have his fingertips brush against her cheek. Even the way he spoke her name as she walked away. She would remember every little thing, the bursts of light and heat, and the cold sting of her breaking heart. Perhaps in time the memories would fade, but she doubted it. If only he was brave enough to come after her, to fight for
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Ella awoke to the smell of porridge, eggs, and ham. She moved languidly, stretching her limbs, feeling sore between her thighs and a slight dampness in the sheets. Her face flushed as she sat up in bed. Phillip was seated by the fire, reading a novel. A tray of food sat on the table beside him, untouched."You should eat."He looked over his shoulder at her, his mouth quirking into a grin. "I was waiting for you. Come." He patted his lap, and the invitation was too much for her to resist. She slipped out of bed and joined him. He curled an arm around her waist as she eased down on his lap."How do you feel?" he asked, his eyes tender as he looked at her."A little sore," she admitted. "But wonderful too. I fear you've given me a taste for sin.""Have I now?" His delighted chuckle pleased her so much that her heart hurt. She loved his laugh, his smile, everything. She wanted only happiness for him because he had suffered so much."Yes, most definitely. Where did you learn such a u
The League of Rogues Chapter 309
Phillip woke before dawn, feeling more rested than he had in a long time. A beautiful woman lay beside him, and memories of how sweet the previous night had been made him want to burst into song like a lovestruck fool. He'd given her pleasure and she'd returned it, and it had been going so damned well until he'd fallen asleep. Yet his body didn't ache, and his leg didn't hurt as he was used to first thing in the morning. He moved slightly, expecting pain, but the usual stiffness in his thigh and lower calf and shin weren't there.He stared down at Ella's scantily clad body lying beside him. Had she truly rubbed his body last night, or had it been a sweet dream? He'd gotten so used to that, dreaming she was there to heal everything with her love and sweetness, that he didn't quite trust the reality.No, it hadn't been a dream. She had pleasured him with her mouth and almost brought him to his knees. Then she'd shown tenderness in helping him with his leg. God, the woman was exquisite
The League of Rogues Chapter 308
The night was full of magic. Ella couldn't stop smiling as she left the dancers and returned to the table with Bridget.Warwick poured them wine from a bottle a barmaid delivered to them. "Well done, ladies, well done."The wine was sweet on Ella's tongue and went straight to her head as she ate dinner. Phillip kept a hand on her waist, so deliciously scandalous, even though they were pretending to be married. She could have floated away without a care in the world."Well, it's getting late. I think we'll turn in," Phillip said at last. "It was a pleasure to meet you both."Bridget smiled. "As it was for us, my lord."Phillip collected his cane, and Ella slipped her arm in his as they headed for the stairs."You were stunning tonight," Phillip said as they climbed the steps together."Was I?" She couldn't resist preening a little. She rarely received compliments from men who weren't her brothers."You were most enchanting." Phillip leaned against the wall as he unlocked their d
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Phillip was damned, but he couldn't stop what he was doing. She was so tender, so full of warmth and youthful excitement. Her kiss made him feel like the man he'd once been long ago. Like the man who'd danced with her in that ballroom ages ago, feeling her spin and twirl back into his arms. How she'd looked up at him when he'd kissed her beneath that starry night sky, and he'd thought in that moment they could have held the entire world between them.Now he was kissing her again, and it was different. She was not a young, teasing debutante. She was a woman now, one who'd learned disappointments and heartache and clung to happiness that much stronger whenever she found it. He wanted to make sure their time together now was everything she'd dreamed of.Her eager response to the touch of his lips or the flick of his tongue against hers brought back a flood of excitement. He'd thought he was incapable of feeling like this again, but he'd been blissfully wrong. A sweet melody echoed about
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The following morning, Ella stepped out into the courtyard between the two gatehouses and blinked in surprise to find Phillip dressed and ready to leave. She'd thought perhaps after last night he wouldn't come. Yet there he was, eyes glinting with amusement at her astonishment.He looked dashing in buff trousers and an indigo waistcoat. A greatcoat hung around his shoulders, only adding to the handsome picture he presented. Beyond him a large traveling coach stood ready. Marcus and Cora were helping the driver secure several valises to the back of the coach. The morning sky was still a watery gray as the sun failed to penetrate the heavy snow clouds that had gathered above them.Phillip greeted her with a smile as she reached him. "Good morning."She smiled back, but a sudden bout of nerves made her tremble. Had she really asked him to tutor her in seduction last night? The reality of that moment was now a little daunting in the cold light of day."Come now, don't be shy," Phillip
The League of Rogues Chapter 305
Ella followed Mr. Boucher through the house as he escorted her to her chambers for the night. Most of the furniture was covered in cloth to protect from sunlight and dust. Many of the tall paned windows throughout the house were shuttered, effectively sealing off the rooms from light and life. This beautiful house had been emptied of people. Closed off, just like its master.They passed into one of the few more well-lit rooms, a long hall with paintings of fine-faced men and women. She glanced up at more than one of the portraits, seeing Phillip's eyes or chin, even his nose in several of the ancestors upon the walls."Mr. Boucher.""Yes, Lady Ella?""Is he in much pain?" She was perhaps indelicate to inquire about Phillip's injuries in such a way, but she needed answers.Boucher paused to look at her in the moonlight. Whatever he seemed to be looking for he must have found."Yes. In the beginning, he couldn't walk. He lay in bed for several weeks, only moving with the aid of oth
The League of Rogues Chapter 304
Phillip sat in the faded armchair in his study, staring into the crackling fire in the fireplace. His left leg ached, especially during the damp winter months. He rubbed his thigh, squeezing the muscles, and then farther down to his shin and calf. The muscles were still weak from the lack of use. But it hurt too much to walk, so he did so only when necessary.A sound from the hall below caught his attention. Voices. Who the devil could Boucher be talking to? They'd reduced the staff over the last year, mainly because he had shut up most of the house since he remained close to his bedchamber and never entertained. He sat up a little in his chair, listening to the sounds of a woman. The pair of maids he still employed were likely on the first floor of the house at the farthest end where the other bedchambers were or in the kitchens."Boucher?" he called out, but his voice was hoarse since he hadn't used it in what felt like days. He hadn't had occasion to see anyone or truly talk to an
The League of Rogues Chapter 303
One year later"If I have to listen to one more man explain to me that business and politics are not things to concern myself with," Ella growled over the rim of her teacup."It is most frustrating," her friend, Audrey St. Laurent, agreed. "I often say some men need a good whack to the heador between their legs, depending on the man."Ella snickered but then sighed as her mood deflated again."What's truly bothering you?" Audrey inquired.Ella glanced about Audrey's morning room, seeking a distraction from her mortification, but they were alone. A fire crackled in the hearth, and sunlight glinted off the snow outside. It was a perfectly lovely day, which made her black mood all the worse."At one and twenty, it seems I'm now to attract the worst sort of men. I was at Lady Hearst's ball last evening, and every single man I danced with lectured me about how fortunate I was to even be dancing at my age. To make it worse, the younger ladies have taken offense at my being there. More
