Bride for a Night

“Non, I understand perfectly. You no longer desire me, but you cannot bear the thought I might find another gentleman who does. Admit the truth, Jacques.”

He stiffened, refusing to consider the accuracy of her words.

If she desired to play the role of the martyr, then who was he to thwart her tragic exit?

“Very well. You have obviously made your decision.” He offered a stiff bow before heading toward the door. “I will have a carriage at your disposal.”

GABRIEL DID NOT attempt to smother his groan of relief as Hugo at last managed to loosen the ropes that had cut deep furrows into his wrists.

“Damn,” Hugo breathed, frowning as Gabriel pulled out his handkerchief to wipe away the crusted blood. “Those wounds will be infected if they are not properly cleaned.”

“A worry for later.” He tossed aside the soiled handkerchief, turning his attention to his companion’s ashen face. “How is your head?”

“Aching.” Hugo grimaced, straightening before he headed directly for the brandy bottle set on a walnut sideboard. “Although I believe this should help ease the pain.”

“Shh,” Gabriel murmured. “We do not want to alert the guards that you are awake and that I am free.”

“What does it matter?” Hugo took a swig of the spirits directly from the bottle, his features tight with pain. “Without a weapon we have no hope of getting past the soldiers.”

Gabriel struggled to his feet, stretching his cramped muscles even as he sent his companion a warning glare.

“I have no intention of leaving without Talia.”

Hugo lifted a slender hand. “Be at ease, Ashcombe, it never occurred to me that we would leave without your wife.”

“Forgive me.” Gabriel pressed the heel of his hand to his throbbing temple. “It has been a trying few days.”

Hugo took another swig of the brandy. “I should say it has been a trying few months.”

“True.” Gabriel heaved a rueful sigh, moving to cast a cautious glance out the window. He counted two guards on the front balcony and another near the gate that opened onto the public street before returning his attention to his companion. “My life has not been the same since Silas Dobson blackmailed me into marrying his daughter.”

Setting aside the bottle, Hugo leaned against the side table, obviously still weak from the blow he had taken to his head.

“I am not certain whether to envy you or thank God I have no infuriated father forcing me down the aisle.”

Gabriel sympathized with his confusion.

It was not that he regretted having Talia as his bride. Hell, she was nothing less than a miracle. Who could ever have imagined that she could fill his life with a joy he had never expected, let alone deserved?

But he knew deep in his heart that a part of her would never forgive or forget his boorish behavior during the days leading to their farce of a wedding and the manner in which he had neglected her for weeks after they had become man and wife.

And that no matter how readily she might respond to his touch or how loyal she might be to him and their relationship, she would always keep her heart protected. How could she not when he had destroyed her trust?

“Only a fool would envy either of us at the moment,” he said wryly.

“In that we agree.” Hugo paused, folding his arms over his chest. “Of course, if you would be reasonable, then there might be a solution to our current dilemma.”

Gabriel was shaking his head before his friend even finished speaking.

“No.”

Hugo pushed away from the side table, his brows lowered with irritation.

“You have not even heard my suggestion.”

“There is no need,” Gabriel assured his companion. “I am well enough acquainted with you to know you are about to make some ridiculous offer to distract the guards while I rescue Talia and escape to my yacht.”

Hugo squared his shoulders, preparing for a fight. “It is the only logical plan.”