“No matter how much I tell him it was not his fault, he believes otherwise,” Roarke said.
“So he continually surrenders himself for others, with the dream of saving his family over and over. Yet now, with his child inside me, he continues the family, what his mother and sister would wish for him. Their persecutors cannot rob Michael of his bloodline.”
“He feels committed to save as many people as he can.”
“Do you think he has not saved enough? Do you not think it is time for him to fight in another way? Do you not think it is time for him to live?” She sounded as though she pleaded her case, but it made no difference, she was pleading for the life of the man she loved.
“He is a stubborn man and I have often told him that he cannot go on forever living a lie; he will be caught.”
“Do you not tire of this life yourself?” Mary asked. “Would you not like a wife and family?”
Roarke rocked back and glanced up at the heavens. “Peace, I would love some peace in my life.”
She reached out and touched his hand. “Then help me free Michael and finally lay his revenge to rest so that his family may rest, and you may know peace yourself.”
“You are a courageous woman, Mary.”
She grinned. “I am a woman deeply in love.”
“Michael is a lucky man.”
“He may not agree with you, especially after I tell you what I have planned.”
“Your plan will free him of Decimus and the Dark One?” he asked.
“Only Michael will live.”
“Tell me what you have in mind.”
They huddled in discussion with Roarke making a few suggestions that would help secure the plan’s success. They plotted date and time, Roarke agreeing it must be done immediately or they would risk someone learning of it. He also agreed that Michael might be angry with her at first.
“I am prepared for his wrath; I am not, however, prepared to live my life without him,” Mary said stubbornly. “In time he will come to realize the wisdom of my actions.”
“When he holds his newborn in his arms, he will be grateful to you.”
Mary sighed softly. “As I will be grateful to see him hold his son or daughter and know that his family continues on within the tiny babe.”
They heard heavy footsteps and Reena talking to herself much too loudly.
“Reena lets us know of her approach,” Roarke said with a laugh.
“She will be pleased that you help us.” Mary waved to Reena to join them when she caught sight of her.
She hurried over.
“He joins us,” Mary said with joy.
“Good, now all that is left is for us to finalize the plans and choose a day,” Reena said, relieved.
“We have chosen a day,” Roarke informed her. “We carry out the plan the day after tomorrow.”
“Brigid and I will tell Magnus and Thomas that morning.”
“I think it wiser if I discuss the plans the night before with them. Timing, actions and illusion will be vital to the success of this plan. They must be fully aware of what they must do. We cannot waste a minute nor hesitate. Decimus must be taken by surprise.”
“From what Mary has planned I think he will be stunned,” Reena said.
“Giving us all the time to do what we must.” Roarke smiled. “Do you wail well, Reena? It is a vital role you will be playing.”
“For my small size I have a loud wail,” Reena said with pride.
The three laughed and parted ready, yet nervous that if all went well, in a day’s time Decimus would be no more.Mary rolled over in bed that night to hug her husband, her hand roaming down the length of him teasing him into attention.
He responded immediately growing large in her hand.
“You have not been well, I thought not to disturb you.”
She squeezed him hard and he grabbed her hand.
“Be careful, you make me want you with a need so strong—”
She squeezed him harder, her need as desperate as his.
In a flash he had her on her back and he was slipping over her and into her as he ravished her mouth with demanding kisses. She responded with the same demand and hungry need, welcoming him into her and holding tightly to him as they loved strong and hard.
Their joining left them breathless, their bodies damp, and their hearts beating wildly. They held hands, lying on their backs and staring at the ceiling as their breathing calmed and their bodies cooled.
Neither spoke, their minds on opposite thoughts.
Decimus felt the heavy weight of their future parting on his heart. Each day they spent together was one day closer to their last day. How would he ever let her go? How would he be able to live without her?
His mind reeled with the tormenting thoughts, but he would not let her know. He had to see that she and his child were safe and free from harm and able to live a good life. And that meant he could not remain with them.