Betrayal of Innocence (A New Adventure Begins - Star Elite 1)

“Where are they now?” Vanessa asked, somewhat disturbed by the distinct ache that settled in the middle of her chest whenever she thought about Justin.

“They are in Derbyshire, apparently, either searching every church or at the gaol, interrogating Reuben. So far, he isn’t budging from his story that he only kidnapped the three of you. His excuse is that he didn’t want Magda to send you away like Carlotta. It just doesn’t ring true, though. The Star Elite are also doubtful he is being honest. I believe someone has gone to Carlotta’s house to make sure she hasn’t been harmed, but I don’t know anything more. Reuben has been trying to convince everyone he is insane, but nobody is inclined to believe him given the careful logic needed to think of a suitable place to keep you where you wouldn’t be discovered.”

“Whatever he is, the man should never be let out to move amongst decent society again. I hope he rots in Hell,” Geraldine snapped.

“Let’s leave all of that behind as well,” Vanessa soothed when she heard the anger in Geraldine’s voice. She patted the back of her sister’s hand gently. “It is time to let go. Reuben is behind bars, and won’t be able to find us, even if he is ever allowed to see daylight again. Whatever is going on in Leicestershire and Derbyshire, the Star Elite will find out who is still kidnapping women and will ensure they end up behind bars as well.”

Geraldine nodded and settled back in her seat, considerably more content than Vanessa felt. She was positive her heart was breaking because, with each passing mile, she was getting further and further away from Justin. Any hope she might have that he would appear beside the carriage, stop her from leaving, declare his love for her, and demand they have a future together was fading rapidly.

Two days later

Vanessa sighed and eased the carriage to a stop outside the tall, colonnade house sitting high atop a cliff-top overlooking the sleepy village of Framley-by-the-Sea. Beside it, was a somewhat larger, more sprawling house, the driveway of which led off from theirs. Both properties were truly stunning and had perfect views of both village and coastline which ran for several miles to the left and right of them.

“How wonderful,” Vanessa breathed when a stiff sea breeze whirled around her, tugging at her hair and clothing. She drew her cloak tighter about her and turned around on her seat to look at her two passengers.

Her father was stretched out, his booted feet propped up on the seat opposite. His chin rested on his chest but did little to disturb his steady snores. Beside him, Geraldine was curled up beneath a thick blanket and shawl. She too was sound asleep, and completely oblivious to the fact that they had arrived at their new home.

Shaking her head at them, she secured the reins and carefully climbed down. Once on the gravel driveway, she arched her aching back and took a good look around. Everything was still and quiet, but utterly charming.

She was busy studying the rooftops of the village about a mile away when she realised she was no longer alone.

“I wondered when you would get here.”

Vanessa gasped, and spun around. Her eyes widened when she saw who was standing behind her with a wide, welcoming smile on his face.

“Justin?” she whispered, unable to believe her eyes.

Justin grinned at her. His gaze slid to the still sleeping occupants of the carriage.

“What are you doing here? How did you know?” Vanessa gasped.

“Well, I heard from Weeks that you were going to move here because of everything that had happened. It isn’t a surprise, to be fair. For what it is worth, everyone in the Star Elite thinks it is the best thing you could ever do,” Justin murmured.

“So you came to see where we are going to live?” Vanessa stared at him with a heart full of hope and struggled to contain the wild urge to kiss him.

“It is closer to London,” Justin announced with a nod to the house beside them.

“I couldn’t move to London,” Vanessa whispered. “It just isn’t for me.”

“Good enough,” Justin replied with a nod.

“What do you think to it?” Vanessa asked, her heart thundering heavily in her chest.

“It is stunning,” Justin replied. His gaze slid to her. “Beautiful, in fact.”

Vanessa’s cheeks blushed. Her gaze slid away only to be recaptured by his when he tipped her chin around to look at him.

“What do you think to that one?” he asked gently with a nod to the house next door.

“It is beautiful,” she whispered.

“Good. Want to take a look at it?” Justin grinned when she looked at him in confusion.

Silently, he held his hand out and waited.

Vanessa stared at it for a moment. With a cautious glance at her father and sister, she hesitantly took it and immediately felt her chilled fingers encased in warmth. Justin’s tug was gentle but firm, leaving her little choice but to follow him down the long winding path toward the neighbouring house.

Once at the door, he removed a large iron key from his pocket.