She handed Mackenzie the coverlet. She’d sooner catch her death of cold than appear as a frail woman swamped in a blanket. Both men bowed and left her standing in the damp corridor.
Lillian inhaled deeply and squared her shoulders, ready to meet the only man brave enough to challenge Vane.
Chapter Two
Fabian Darcy lounged back in the majestic throne chair positioned in the middle of the dais. Some of his men were out scouring the streets of London and Paris looking for his sister, Estelle. Another group had the task of finding the Marquess of Trevane’s sister and bringing her to Raven Island.
The creak of the centuries-old door drew his attention. His heart hadn’t stopped pounding since Graves woke him to say he’d spotted a ship approaching. Fabian had stood by the brazier on the roof of the keep and watched the small boat ferry his guest ashore. He imagined Vane’s distress upon discovering he’d failed to protect the only person who mattered.
It was a feeling Fabian knew well.
The soft pad of footsteps on the stone floor forced him to focus. Lady Lillian Sandford walked towards him with the same regal air she’d possessed as a child. A satisfied grin threatened to form, but he dismissed it along with the secret fascination he’d nurtured since boyhood.
“Lady Lillian.” He jumped to his feet, delighting in the look of instant recognition, and relief flashing in her eyes. Her hair was as dark as he remembered, her lips as pink and full. “Welcome to my humble abode.”
A frown marred her pretty brow. She searched his face before scanning his unconventional attire. No doubt she preferred seeing a gentleman in a starched cravat and tight-fitting coat, not an open-collared shirt hanging over buckskin breeches.
“Lord Ravenscroft.” The lady curtsied. “Or should I call you the Raven? That is the name you use when sailing the high seas is it not?”
So, she had kept abreast of his movements in recent years. “Merchants must have faith that their goods will reach the destination without incident. The name merely conveys confidence that I’m a man who gets the job done.”
“Oh, I wondered if it was a reference to your obsidian eyes and ebony locks, although my brother is more inclined to believe it has something to do with your black heart.”
Fabian gritted his teeth. The mere mention of Vane caused him to clench his fists at his sides. For eight years he’d dreamed of knocking the rogue on his arse and taking aim. But firing a ball into Vane’s chest would not bring Estelle back. And if Fabian’s current plan had any hope of success, he had to remain calm and composed.
“The raven is a symbol of good luck, or so I’d have my clients believe. Equally, they are opportunistic birds. They take what they can where they can find it.” And that’s exactly how he’d made his fortune, taking the jobs others deemed too risky.
The lady narrowed her gaze. “When it comes to kidnapping, I have to agree that both luck and opportunity played a part. How fortunate that Mr Green had a mishap with his balloon.”
Knowing his men, it was no mishap but the result of meticulous skill and planning. “While I’m yet to hear the details of their mission, my men know to take advantage of any situation.” He cast her a mischievous grin. “As do I, Lillian.”
Damn. He hadn’t meant to use her given name, or for his voice to carry a sensual undertone. Still, from what he’d heard, she was accustomed to gentlemen being far too familiar. The thought roused his ire.
“Then they must get their thieving ability from their master.” She touched the gold locket resting at the base of her throat as though it had a magical ability to bring the wearer courage. “Are you not a pirate, my lord? Are you not a man used to taking what he wants?”
Fabian laughed. “Is that what your brother told you? Perhaps the thought that he’s not the only scoundrel helps him sleep easier at night.”
“So you deny the allegation?”
“I run a legitimate business, but believe what you will.” He stepped down from the dais, and the lady stepped back. “Stealing you away from home is the only criminal act I’ve ever committed, and so on that count, I raise my hands guilty as charged.”
“One thing is certain,” she said lifting her chin.
“And what is that?”
“I’m looking at a dead man. My brother will kill you and leave your head on a spike as a warning to those who dare to cross him.”
Fabian folded his arms across his chest. “Would you care to make a wager to that effect?”
“I know him better than anyone. It won’t matter that we were once friends and neighbours. You’d
be a fool to underestimate him.” A weary sigh left her lips. “After all, what has he to lose?”
“What have any of us to lose?” He closed the gap between them. “Vane robbed me of the only thing that mattered. Perhaps it’s time I returned the favour.” Oh, it was a fitting retribution: an eye for an eye, a sister for a sister.
“You speak as though I should fear you, my lord.” She bit down on her bottom lip as she watched his every move. She looked pale and tired though not from lack of sleep. “And yet I must admit to being relieved to find you’re my captor.”
“Then allow me to advise you to have a care. I’m no longer the sweet young man you remember.” Hate and bitterness filled his heart now, and he made sure she heard it in his voice. Her family’s evil actions had purged him of any romantic notions he might have once possessed. “Don’t make the mistake of trusting me. Don’t imagine for a minute that I won’t use you to get what I want.”