Infuriating Attractions (on hold)

Escape

I am so sorry about the time between updates, my personal life has been quite difficult of late.

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Thomas was so pleased with himself and his completely imprudent letter that he decided he would like nothing more than to bait Annabelle with it. He did so love to torment her he thought with a smirk as he strolled towards her tent, he was almost sad to see the princess go. Perhaps when he regained control of his estate he would force Henry to invite her to court in Elereld and what a surprise it would be for her to see him as a Lord.

Thomas himself did not know if he would be allowed back at court, yet he figured he would do what he always did; turn up and deal with the consequences afterwards. Still, he would not be a candidate for her hand in marriage; he doubted that even the village fishmonger would consent to have his daughter named Lady Black. His reputation made certain things easier and many more things difficult he thought with a sigh.

He then suddenly realised he had been for the first time seriously contemplating marriage prospects and shuddered as he reached the prisoner’s tent. Having women in the camp was beginning to soften him and he did not like it at all.

The sooner he saw the back of her the better, yet a dominant part of him wanted to see much more of her. Now that he had drafted his ransom letter he would have to further his plans for seduction. He would only have two days to toy with the little lady and he had decided to lay down some strong foundations tonight.

“Evening gentlemen, John, Robert” Thomas greeted his men gaily “How does our valuable cargo fare tonight?”

“Quiet” John scowled “I still think this is the bloody stupidest idea you’ve ever had, these pretty skirts will get us all killed and I’ll curse you with my last breath on the gallows Black-”

“Charming as always” he interrupted before the older man could continue his ranting “Now I think I’d better pay the ladies a visit to wish them a good night”

Thomas threw open the tent flap with a flourish and a grin only to have it immediately wiped off his face. In the place of the two women were two empty beds and a gaping hole cut into the back of the tent revealing the blackness of the night. It took a few seconds for him to process exactly what had happened.

“Damn it to hell!” he roared clenching his fists with fury and storming from the tent. Gone was his ever-amused expression as he ordered his men to awaken and ready themselves a search party. Thomas could not believe his most precious cargo had escaped from right under his nose! Rogue was an insult he wore like a badge of honour but he was no fool and would not be rendered one by a couple of silly girls.

“Where are they?” a voice demanded amongst the chaos, almost as angry as his own. Phillip looked murderous; his hand wrapped tightly around his sword and his eyes flitting across the tree line.

“They’ve escaped.” Thomas growled “I’m sending a few men to search the woods, you stay here-”

“Both of them are gone?”

“Yes” Thomas replied impatiently “So-”

“I am coming with you to find them”

“You know you cannot venture so close to the village somebody might see you!”

“You may risk your life trying to stop me or consent. It does not matter, I will be going either way” Phillip shrugged though his tone was dangerous. Thomas rolled his eyes and nodded watching him join the group of men assigned to finding the two girls. Phillip had never bothered to speak out before the arrival of their two hostages, only ever giving a grunt of disinterest. This new development irked him yet not so nearly as much as Annabelle’s escape.