The Raven stood straight. “Pandora’s box? You will trade the box for the girl?” His eyebrows arched. “And she was so certain you wouldn’t. Interesting.”
“The condition being that you will never again go anywhere near her. Is that understood?” Fielding asked.
“You are becoming quite the romantic.” The Raven exhaled slowly. “I do believe you’ve got yourself a bargain. Show me the box.”
“First, bring me Esme.” And just to prove to the Raven that Fielding was serious, he cocked the gun, allowing the bullet to roll into the barrel.
Both eyebrows rose. “You intend to shoot me?” the Raven asked.
“Merely a precaution,” Fielding said. “I don’t precisely trust your word.”
“Suit yourself.” He stepped out of the room for a moment, then returned pulling Esme by her elbow.
Aside from her red-rimmed eyes, she looked unscathed. And she held her head high with an inherent dignity that made Fielding proud, despite the gag and her tied limbs.
Relief washed over him so forcefully he came close to dropping the gun. But he couldn’t afford to lose his concentration; he needed to get her out of here first. “Untie her,” Fielding demanded.
The Raven did as he was told. “Fielding,” she said.
Fielding held out his hand. “Esme, come here.”
He didn’t have to ask twice, and she was there close to his side. Her scent of lilac permeated his senses, and he sent up a silent prayer, thankful she was in one piece.
Once she was safely behind him, he turned his attention back to the Raven. “Catch,” he said, then he tossed the bag into the air.
Once they were rolling down the Raven’s driveway, Fielding pulled Esme close to him.
“You scared me,” he whispered.
“I was rather terrified myself.” She looked up into his eyes. “Not initially. I didn’t think he would harm me.” A frown shrouded her face. “But then he got so angry with Thatcher. He just pulled that sword off the wall”—her voice hitched—“and cut Thatcher’s hand off.” She snuggled closer. “The bracelet still wouldn’t come off. That’s when he killed him.”
“I fear the Raven has lost his mind,” Fielding said.
“I believe he’s going after Her Majesty,” Esme said.
“The queen? He’d have to be mad. He’ll be killed if he tries to get anywhere near her,” Fielding said.
“Fielding, he is mad.” She shook her head. “That bracelet, the one Thatcher was wearing, it carries the curse of greed. You should have seen him. He was out of control. I realize I’d only met him once before, but that night in the carriage, he was cold, yes, but calm, completely steady.
Earlier tonight, though, he was erratic, impulsive; it had to have been the effect of the bracelet. He’s already killed two people; what would stop him from aiming for the queen?”
“I don’t know, but something doesn’t fit. There would be no purpose in killing her. That would get him nothing. He only pursues things that will bring him something in return—wealth, power.”
The Raven had gone after one of his own men, shown him no mercy, and brutally murdered him. Had Fielding not arrived, what would have happened to Esme? He squeezed her tight to his side.
“You gave him the box, didn’t you?” she asked. “Traded it for my safety.”
“I couldn’t risk him harming you,” Fielding said, his own voice sounding fierce and raw. “Esme, he will always be able to use you to get to me. I can’t allow that. You’ll never be safe.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek, then his mouth. “I’m safe now,” she murmured. Then she kissed him again, holding nothing back.
God, how he wanted this woman. And he’d almost lost her. The thought squeezed at his throat, threatening to steal his breath. He cradled her face in his palms and deepened the kiss.
She broke it off and met his eyes. “When this curse is removed”—she gripped the bracelet—“if we can get it off in time, you will finally be able to see me as the woman I truly am. I want—”
“I know you believe I’ve been under some kind of spell,” he interrupted. “Esme, there is nothing false about the desire I feel for you.”
“Wait,” she said breathlessly. Her hands pushed at his chest, trying to put some distance between them while remaining on his lap. “I should finish my apology.”