Stolen Kisses

Stolen Kisses 6

            

"Damn it!"

"I told you Ezekiel, last I saw the two dancing the waltz and after that my brother disappeared probably to pursue other musings." Tom lazily drank his brandy as he met the accusing gaze of the Lustre brothers.

Ezekiel growled his impatience as he ran his fingers through his messy hair. Asking Tom was going nowhere and he could not really blame the man if he did not know the wanderings of his brother. James was after all a man far past his youthful days.

Seeing his friend's desperation, Tom heaved a sigh of resignation. "I will help you search for Nadine and if indeed she is with my brother, I can attest her safety."

"And the ruination of my sister," Ezekiel bit out.

"Ezekiel..." His younger brother stepped in with a warning tone. "It's best we go home and see if she stopped by there." Isaiah suggested.

"And I'll go home to see if James did stop by there as well. I'll also send a footman to check the places he frequents. Then I'll meet you at your home to discuss what we could do further."

The brothers gave an understanding nod as the three left the ball. Tom begrudgingly leaving his betrothed, he just hope that his younger brother did not do anything foolish for even he could not match the wrath of the Lustre brothers especially when it had to do with their precious little sister.

-----

James helped Nadine down the carriage before leading her towards the inn. It was the break of dawn and he knew that she must be famished by now.

"So the multiplication table does work." Nadine said teasingly as she let her gaze linger down on the bulge between his legs.

"And Minx it won't be the case for long if you keep giving me that look" James retorted as he quickly ushered her inside.

A scrawny old man greeted them eagerly as they entered the inn, recognizing that they must be of means and title for the way his eyes glittered at the possibility of how much money they were willing to throw away in order to insure the best accommodation possible.

"My wife and I were looking to have a good meal before we continue our journey."

Wife. Nadine blushed and smiled stupidly at the mention of the word. Soon she would truly be Mrs. James Reid, married to the man she had been in love with since she was twelve.

"Of Course... I will have my wife serve you with only the best!" The man boasted as he signaled for his wife.

"James..." Nadine tugged at James's sleeves to gain his attention.

"I'm rather tired from our journey. You think we could stay for a while?" Nadine asked too sweetly.

James looked at the innkeeper and he quickly understood and excused himself, saying something about making sure the room was heated enough for them.

"Naddie, you know we can't linger for too long. Your brothers—"

"But I'm exhausted...I haven't gotten any sleep at all and I—"

James knew better than to believe Nadine with her reasoning. He grew up with the girl for God's sakes! And everyone who did would know that Nadine could sleep anywhere and anytime she willed herself to sleep.

"Darling, I just don't want your brothers to catch us before we even get to Gretna Green." James reasoned as he whispered the last part.

"We both know we made it this far into the journey to know that either way, Gretna Green or not, I'd have to wed you or I would be ruined and there would be scandal." Nadine explained with annoyance. "So just please let me have my sleep comfortably."