A/N: Hello, everyone! :)
I know, it's been ages since I've last updated. I'm not lying when I say that time got away from me. It really goes by much faster now that I'm no longer taking classes lol. Also, my current job consists of constant typing (I'm a medical transcriptionist) for 12 hours a day, so the last thing I usually want to do at night is type some more lol! Anywho, all I can say is I'm sorry, and I hope this extra-awesome (lol) chapter will make up for it. :)
Oh! One more thing, for those of you in the US who actually read these A/Ns :) I finished this chapter yesterday but waited until today to post it because I'm going to see The Family tonight, and even if the movie is horrible (I doubt it lol), I urge everyone to see it (if you're of age to see an R movie - you know, rules and all lol) for four reasons: 1) Dianna Agron is in it, 2) she beats the crap out of some guy with a tennis racket, 3) she has a gun, and 4) she shoots the gun and has super sexy disheveled hair when she does it. So, obviously, there is no reason not to go see it, hehe ;) Update! Just got back from the movie, and it. Is. AWESOME! Except for one thing. Just a word of warning for anyone going to see it for Dianna Agron (the whole cast is amazing, too)...Be prepared for a totally (to me) gross sex scene with her and some douche. And trying to picture Lea Michele in his place doesn't really work, but if you just focus on her, she's obviously very hot, and she has uber sexy "sex face/hair" hehe :) Anywho...Besides her "love interest" part of the movie, it was beyond awesome. Very entertaining - funny, dramatic, and action-packed. :D
Anonymous reviews!
anon - Thanks for the review! I'm glad you love sneaky!Faberry :D So do I. :) And yes, Brittany's innocence definitely helps with that, gotta love her :D I know, baby steps for Rachel and her feelings, hehe. And I totally agree. Finn's douchebaggeryness knows no bounds lol. Anywho, thanks again for the review, and I hope you like this new chapter! :)
guest -Thank you for the review! Hahahaha! The visual of Finn being punched in the ass is hiLARious! :') And...so sorry for not updating quickly :( I hope you can forgive me :) Anyway, thanks again and I hope you like this new chapter! :)
Happy reading, everyone! :D
"Is Her Grace going to be all right?"
Rachel glanced up from her dressing table to the mirror in which her mother was reflected. It was the second time that day her mother had asked her about Quinn's condition, and Rachel didn't know any more now than she had the first time. The fact that her mother had actually come to her room to ask showed just how concerned she was.
"I would think so." She sifted through her jewelry box. "Her injuries weren't that serious." At least she hadn't thought they were. A shiver of dread raced through her at the thought of anything happening to Quinn.
Her mother sighed. "Thank goodness."
"Why are you so concerned?" Rachel asked, fastening a delicate gold chain around her neck. A tiny cross nestled against her breastbone. The necklace had been a present from her grandmother before her death and it was one of Rachel's most cherished possessions.
Turning in her chair, she faced her mother. "I should think you would prefer to have her mortally wounded so that Finn could inherit the title."
Her mother paled. "I may not have been fair in my earlier treatment of the duchess, but I have no wish to see her dead."
Rachel's eyes narrowed. "You suspect Finn was behind the attack last night too, don't you?"
"I'm not sure," Shelby replied, sinking down onto the side of Rachel's bed. She met Rachel's gaze evenly. "I know you don't like what I've done, Rachel. I know that trying to prove Lady Brahm illegitimate was not well done of me, but I never wanted to see her injured. I want you to know that."
Rachel nodded. "I know." And she did. Her mother was many things, but evil wasn't one of them. "What do you know about Finn's plans?"
Her mother drew a deep breath. She truly did look shaken. "I'm not sure what he's up to now that he believes the duchess' birth to be legitimate."
Rachel started. Finn believed Quinn's parents had been married? How had he discovered that so soon? Quinn said her mother had a copy of the certificates. Perhaps her father had kept copies as well. Either that or Finn had overheard her and Quinn talking at the ball. No, that wasn't possible. He had been talking to a friend when she and Quinn spoke.
"Did he happen to tell you just how he made that discovery? And exactly when did he tell you this?"
Shelby flushed. "I received a note from him just this very morning."
Rachel's blood chilled. Was it possible that Finn's discovery was just a coincidence, or had he been listening on the other side of the window last night? Thank goodness Quinn had the good sense to step away from it for the rest of their conversation.
"Rachel, Finn is desperate," her mother continued when Rachel remained silent. "He truly believes that title is rightfully his." The urgency in her mother's tone caught her attention.
"Quinn doesn't believe that she's in any real danger from Finn."
Clasping her hands in her lap, Shelby sighed. "I'm not certain if she is in real danger either, but like I said, Finn is desperate, and desperate men will do desperate deeds. You might want to advise the young duchess not to be so certain where her brother is concerned."
Rachel's heart tightened in fear. "Why are you telling me this?"
Her mother's cheeks grew even redder. Her expression was one of extreme discomfort. "Because I know how little you think of me and I didn't want you to think I supported Finn's violence."
"But you would have supported his ruining his sister?"
Shelby nodded, her gaze downcast. "I would have, yes. I thought I was acting in your best interests, but then I saw the way you looked at the duchess and it made me so angry that I realized I had been acting in my own interests." She lifted her chin. "You've developed a tendre for her, haven't you?"
There was no sense in lying; the truth was surely written plainly all over her face. "I have, but I have no idea if she returns my feelings. Are you angry?"
With a deep sigh, her mother wearily shook her head. "Despite my shameful behavior where Finn was concerned, I would rather have you happy than miserable." She smiled slyly. "And a happy duchess would be preferable to a miserable Mrs. Pierce."
Rachel laughed. She couldn't help it. That her mother could admit to her ambition was hilarious. That her mother could admit to actually wanting her to be happy was incredible.
"We had better be on our way," her mother remarked, rising to her feet. "We don't want to keep the Pierces waiting."
No. Rachel didn't want to keep Quinn and her family waiting. In fact, Rachel could barely wait to see her again.
"When are you going to break the engagement to Finn?" her mother asked as they left the room.
She didn't even have to think about her answer. "When I'm certain Quinn is safe from him. I don't want to be what sends Finn over the edge. I think it might be for the best if you continue to go along with him as well. You don't have to encourage him, but let him think you're still on his side."
"I think someone should go to Bow Street and inform the Runners of what's going on—just in case."
Her mother's words sent a shiver down Rachel's spine and she clung to the banister for support as they descended the stairs. Her legs trembled at the thought of anything else happening to Quinn, but she wasn't so certain calling in the Bow Street law officers was the right thing to do at this moment.
"We have no evidence to give them," she reminded her mother. "And even if we did, I would want to consult Quinn before going to the Runners with it. When we arrive at Brahm House, I'll contrive to speak to her privately and ask her what she believes our best course of action to be."
A firm hand patted her shoulder. "It will be all right, my dear. You'll see."
At the foot of the stairs, Rachel paused and turned to her mother. "You're very disappointed that things haven't worked out as you had planned, aren't you?"
Shelby raised a brow. She looked tired—more tired than Rachel had ever seen her look in her life. "I've been wrong about a great many things, Rachel. Terribly wrong. My foolishness could have made your life very miserable, and it almost resulted in Her Grace being grievously injured. It is extremely difficult not to feel sorry for that. I'm heartily ashamed of myself."
It was an awkward moment because Rachel hadn't tried to hug her mother in a long time, but she wrapped her arms around her mother's lean shoulders and squeezed anyway, smiling when she was squeezed back.
"All right, enough of this foolishness." Her mother sniffed and pulled free of the embrace. Dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief pulled from her sleeve, her expression firmed into one of fierce determination. "We're going to be late. And we don't want Finn to suspect anything. We shall have to make like Edmund Kean and give the best performances of our lives."
Edmund Kean was one of England's finest actors ever to grace the stage of the Drury Lane Theatre. He had taken the entire city by storm four years ago. Rachel smiled at the comparison, but if anyone could match Kean's talent for pretending, it would be her mother.
And pretend she did. When Hummel announced them in the drawing room of the Pierces' mansion in the elegant Grosvenor Square, her mother was so much like her former self that Rachel wondered if what had happened back at their own home had been nothing more than her imagination.
It was difficult to greet Finn first and not just rush to Quinn's side, but Rachel managed to play her part as well.
"Good afternoon, Finn," she said, her voice bright as she endured his lips against her cheek. "I trust your business last night was concluded to your satisfaction?"
From the corner of her eye, Rachel saw her mother pause in her conversation with Carole, but only for a split second. Quinn, on the other hand, didn't even appear to hear her question, even though she was too close not to have.
Finn also appeared oblivious to her dig. Out of all of them, he was perhaps the most worthy of replacing Kean as England's best actor.
"Not exactly, my dear, but I won't bore you with the details. It's hardly the kind of thing that would interest a young woman."
How would he know what would or wouldn't interest a young woman? Finn knew nothing about women. If he did, he would realize his charm was lost on her, and that his insulting assumption that she wouldn't understand what he told her served only to lower her opinion of him even further.
Rachel forced a smile. "Well, as long as you got what you wanted, that's all that matters, isn't it?"
Finn's smile faded. Bother it! She was going to have to learn to hold her tongue!
Taking her by the hand, Finn led her toward the far wall where tall windows overlooked the back garden. It was all Rachel could do not to dig her heels into the carpet. She didn't want to be alone with him. In fact, she was just starting to realize how afraid she was of him. If he had hired men to assault his own sister, what would he do to a mere fiancé?
"Rachel, my dear. Are you quite all right?" He even managed to look concerned about her.
For a moment, Rachel was disconcerted. He seemed so sincere, even his eyes reflected tenderness and warmth. It was so very hard to remember what he was capable of. Quickly. She had to think of something to tell him. "Finn, I was there when the duchess was attacked last night, and you've not even asked if I have recovered from the shock."
Oh dear Lord, she sounded just like those eyelash-batting, hair-twirling girls she despised. Girls who intentionally made themselves out to be weaker and less intelligent than the opposite sex.
Finn proved which one of them was less intelligent by falling for her ruse. "Oh, my dear. I'm so sorry. I'd forgotten that you tended to her wounds." He gripped her shoulders. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Finn. Thank you for asking." She pulled free of his hold, trying to keep her aversion to his touch from showing. "But it was awful. Has Her Grace quite recovered?"
Finn's expression was perfectly blank. "I believe so."
"It's really quite rude of me not to ask her myself when she's sitting right over there with Brittany. Would you excuse me so that I might inquire after her health myself?"
A muscle throbbed in his jaw. Perhaps he wasn't such a good actor after all. "Of course. We'll go together. I haven't had a chance to speak to her today myself."
While she wasn't too please about Finn accompanying her, Rachel was happy finally to have the chance to speak to Quinn. She had lain awake half the night worrying about her and was eager to find out how the blonde was recovering.
And Rachel was eager just to see her.
"Miss Berry, what a pleasure to see you again." One eye was swollen and discolored and there was a bruise on her jaw, but other than that, she was still Rachel's beautiful Quinn.
"And under much better circumstances today, Your Grace," Rachel replied, her voice formal and polite. How she hated pretending Quinn meant nothing to her! "I trust you've suffered no further ill effects from the attack?"
She gave her head a little shake. "I'm a little sore, but that is all." She smiled at her sister. "I'm very fortunate that I had Brittany to rescue me."
Brittany blushed under the lighthearted praise. "All I did was scream like an idiot."
Quinn glanced up at Rachel. "And I'm also very lucky that I have you, Miss Berry, to tend to me."
"Yes," Finn replied before Rachel could respond. "It was very good luck indeed. You should be more careful when out and about in London, sister. Footpads are everywhere, it seems. Next time you might not be so fortunate."
He walked away, leaving Rachel and Quinn staring at each other, and Rachel knew that Quinn now realized that her brother was much more dangerous than they had first thought.
They were afraid of him now. Finn could see it in the way they looked at him. Good. Things were going better than he had expected. He would never actually do anything to seriously harm either one of them, but they didn't have to know that. It would make dealing with his sister so much easier. Quinn wouldn't hesitate to believe that Finn might harm Rachel and would do whatever he asked. And Rachel would do anything to protect her lover.
He had them exactly where he wanted them. It was perfect. Meanwhile, they had absolutely no incriminating evidence against him whatsoever—nothing Bow Street or any judge would believe, anyway.
If all went as he had planned—and he had planned it well—he would soon have his rightful inheritance as well as Rachel's dowry and a share in her father's business. The idea of having to resort to going into trade like a commoner was a bit annoying, but the revenue would go that much farther to keeping him in the style to which he was accustomed.
And the money would pay off his creditors. That was the most important thing. Some of them were becoming quite insistent and if he didn't pay them soon, he risked complete financial and social ruin once word got out of his circumstances.
He would have to act quickly.
Stepping up beside his mother, Finn smiled at Mrs. Berry, letting her know he was still in control. She smiled back. It wasn't her usual confident smile, but it was good enough. It wouldn't hurt for her to be a little bit wary of him either, just until he and Rachel were married and he had control not only of Rachel's fortune, but had his fingers in the family business as well.
And soon he would have his father's title as well, as it was meant to be. He would make his father proud. He hadn't been truly proud of Quinn; otherwise he wouldn't have kept her a secret. Finn had been wrong all those years growing up—it hadn't been that his father was holding him up against Quinn; it had been the other way around. Obviously, his father had hoped that his half-Scot daughter would turn out as well and as polished and as English as Finn and Brittany had. Yes, that was it. He was the one born and bred to be the heir. And all he had to do was to take back what was rightfully his.
Glancing up at the ceiling, Finn's smile grew. He hoped his father was watching.
After luncheon Shelby cornered Finn into joining them at cards once again, leaving Rachel and Quinn free to talk.
"Your mother's being very kind to me," Quinn remarked as they seated themselves far across the room from the others.
Rachel smiled, clutching the book of poetry she had brought along to make it look as though they were discussing verse rather than her fiancé's dark plans.
"Apparently she has realized how wrong she's been about Finn. Seeing you last night made her rethink her loyalties." She blushed. "And she's realized that I…That I consider you a particular friend." To speak any plainer would be improper, not to mention humiliating if Quinn didn't return the sentiment.
Quinn didn't try to hide her surprise. "I would have thought she would think that was a bad thing rather than a good one."
Rachel's blush deepened. "She would rather have me happy than miserable."
"And she thinks I have the power to make you happy?"
Her tone was so incredulous, Rachel's heart plummeted to her feet. Oh, this was awful, just awful! "Quinn, I swear to you that my mother has not entertained the notion of marriage where you are concerned. I would never presume—"
Quinn caught one of Rachel's hands in her own, looking around to make certain no one noticed. "Rachel," she murmured, wincing in discomfort as she leaned closer. She was in more pain than Rachel had originally thought. "I would be honored to be considered worthy enough to marry you. Anyone would."
Rachel's eyes widened. Her heart swelled at Quinn's words. Was it possible? Could it be that Quinn's intentions ran toward marriage? Just the very thought of it tied her stomach into knots. "Do you think so?"
Quinn nodded, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "And to think I only had to possess two titles, several houses, and a small fortune to garner your mother's approval."
Rachel laughed. She couldn't help it. Trust Quinn to lighten the mood, to find the humor in the absurdities of their situation.
Quinn laughed too. They were soon laughing so hard they clung to their sides as their bodies shook. Poor Quinn alternated between chuckles and moans as their mirth jostled her tender ribs.
"What's so funny over there?" Carole demanded good-naturedly from across the room.
"Yes, what?" Brittany piped in, laying down her cards. "Tell us!"
"Her Grace was just reciting a Robert Burns poem," Rachel lied with a bright smile. "I was laughing at her accent. I suspect she'd have me believe that all Scots are nearly impossible to understand."
"I think Quinn's accent is lovely," Brittany responded with a grin at her sister. "I'd love to marry a Scot just so I could listen to them talk for the rest of my life."
Rachel grinned at Quinn.
"Aye," Quinn spoke, intentionally deepening her brogue. "And talk for the rest of your life a Scot could too, lass."
Everyone laughed except for Finn. "I hope you're joking, Brit."
The blonde girl shrugged. "I have yet to meet a Scot other than Quinn, but if a fierce Scottish warrior tried to sweep me off my feet, I wouldn't be averse."
More laughter.
"You've just described my cousin Santana," Quinn told her with a wink. "Perhaps I'll introduce you."
Finn's face was red with anger. "I will not allow my sister to marry some barbarian."
Awkward silence fell over the room as anxious glances darted back and forth between the siblings.
Quinn's face went so hard, her eyes so dark, that Rachel worried Finn might finally have pushed her too far. "It's a good thing that it's my permission she needs and not yours then, isn't it?"
Finn jumped up so fast he knocked his chair over. He didn't say a word; he just flashed Quinn a look of pure hatred and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him like a child having a tantrum.
Poor Carole looked humiliated. "I'm so sorry for Finn's behavior, Quinn. He's still mourning his father."
"We all are," Quinn reminded her softly. "You don't need to apologize for him, Carole. He's a grown man and able to do it for himself if he feels like it." She didn't have to say that she doubted her brother would be sorry—it was in her voice.
Shelby laid a comforting hand on Carole's and spoke softly to her. Rachel turned to Quinn. "I've never seen Finn look so hateful before," she murmured. And it was true. He had looked like a madman.
Quinn inhaled a deep breath and paused for a brief second before blurting, "Come to Scotland with me."
Rachel's eyes widened. Quinn couldn't have shocked her more if the blonde had slapped her, but at least she managed to find her voice. "What?"
Quinn scooted closer, taking the book from Rachel's hands and opening it as though she were looking for a particular poem. "You were right last night. I don't think it's safe here anymore—for either of us. Finn's remark about me not being so lucky next time was proof enough of that if his parting look wasn't." She turned her head to the brunette's. Her breath was warm against Rachel's temple. "Run away with me. I don't want to take the risk of Finn using you to get to me. We could leave for Scotland—and Gretna Green—tonight."
Rachel could scarcely believe her ears. Run away? To Scotland? Could she do it? Could she leave England, her friends, her family? Could she run off to some strange country where she knew no one but the woman she loved? The scandal would be incredible, even if they stop at Gretna Green, a small town on the Scottish border where marriages were often performed. But scandal couldn't touch them in Scotland, and like all gossip, it would eventually fade away.
Quinn hadn't even told her how she felt about her. She said nothing of love, only of danger and protecting her from it. Surely Quinn's invitation to elope with her meant her feelings for her ran deep. Didn't it? And it wasn't as though Rachel had declared her feelings either, but she knew how she felt about Quinn even if she hadn't said it.
"Yes," Rachel whispered. "Tonight."
Quinn reached over and gave Rachel's frigid fingers a warm squeeze. "I'll come for you at midnight. Pack only what you need. We will send for the rest after we have arrived at the castle."
The fog in her brain cleared. "Castle? You live in a castle?"
The blonde nodded, her hazel gaze searching Rachel's face. "Do you mind living in a somewhat shabby castle?"
"No," the brunette replied honestly, still not sure that this wasn't all a wonderful dream. "I don't mind at all."
"You can do whatever you like to it—it needs quite a bit of work, but you will love it as much as I do, I'm certain." She laughed softly. "Before I came here I couldn't wait to see the world beyond Scotland. Now I can't wait to return. I can't wait to show you my home."
And Rachel couldn't wait to see it. "Will your family—your grandmother and Santana—will they like me, do you think?"
"They'll adore you almost as much as I do."
It wasn't a declaration of love, but it was the next best thing. And oh! How Quinn looked at her when she said it—like Rachel was the most beautiful girl in the world. No one had ever gazed at her with such intensity before. Her mouth opened but no sound came out. How idiotic she must appear!
Quinn smiled at the brunette's expression. "Surely you're not surprised that I care about you? I'm not in the habit of asking every girl I meet to elope with me."
Still Rachel stared at her. A faint blush crept up the blonde's jaw. "Since you've agreed to run away with me, I'm going to take that as a sign that you are not without feelings for me as well."
At least she could nod. This all felt like a dream! "Yes."
Quinn's smile deepened. "My timing is awful. All I want to do is kiss you but I can't." Even if they were officially betrothed it still wouldn't be proper to make such a public display of their affection—especially not with their unsuspecting relatives sitting across the room.
"Your Grace," Rachel said loudly. "I would love to borrow one of those books you've told me about. Would you care to accompany me to the library?"
Eyes sparkling in understanding, Quinn nodded and raised her voice to match Rachel's. "I'd be delighted, Miss Berry."
They rose to their feet and made their excuses to the other ladies, promising to return momentarily.
They practically ran to the library. Giggling like children, they hurried into the room and swept the door closed behind them. As soon as Quinn turned to her, Rachel threw herself into the blonde's arms.
"Kiss me," she demanded, laughing. "Kiss me now!"
But Quinn didn't kiss her right away. In fact, her expression grew far too serious for Rachel's liking.
"Rachel, I want you to promise me something."
"Anything," she promised. "Now kiss me."
Quinn's smile didn't reach her eyes. "If anything happens to me before we leave tonight I want you to go to Bow Street with this." She handed the brunette a piece of paper taken from inside her blouse. "It's the letter Finn wrote pretending to be our father's solicitor."
As she wrapped her fingers around the crumpled paper, a shiver of dread went down Rachel's spine. "Quinn, you don't think that he will try anything, do you?"
Quinn didn't reply. She crushed Rachel against her and kissed her as though there were no tomorrow. Rachel tried not to think about the fact that there might not be a tomorrow for them. All that mattered was that she was in Quinn's arms. Today was all that mattered. And tonight was as far ahead as she would let herself think.
Throwing her arms around Quinn's neck, Rachel gave herself up to the kiss and forgot about everything else but the two of them together.
Forever.
She'd said yes.
Tossing a blouse into her trunk, Quinn still couldn't quite believe that she had even gathered the courage to ask her. She hadn't meant to. She had meant it the night before when she told Rachel that she intended to stay and face Finn, but all that had changed when she saw the hatred on her brother's face. It wasn't just her own safety she was worried about, it was Rachel's. And since Quinn would be forced to harm her brother if he so much as touched Rachel, Quinn decided the best course of action was to leave England.
There was nothing to make her stay forever. The title and the money were hers. She had stayed on only because she had wanted the chance to get to know her family better. Quinn wished she could have had more time with Carole and Brittany, for they had come to mean almost as much to her as her grandmother did, but she would be happy to put some distance between herself and Finn.
And it would be so good to get home. She had been gone too long—long enough to know that she had seen as much of the world outside of her village as she wanted. Long enough to know that even though she was half English, her heart was all Scot. Quinn longed for her home and her land. She even missed Santana and the giggling girls who followed them wherever they went.
Quinn smiled and tossed a skirt in the trunk. A wife would certainly put a stop to the giggling girls.
Rachel would love Glenshea. Quinn felt it in her bones. In the summers they could picnic by the loch and in the winters they'd snuggle by the fire and drink hot cider as the snow fell softly outside.
Just thinking about it made her heart ache. Quinn packed faster. She had only a couple of hours before she had to leave to pick up Rachel. Straightening, she sighed. In just two short hours, she would be on her way home with the woman she loved.
But did Rachel love her?
A voice in her head told her that Rachel must if she was willing to leave her family and friend behind in order to run away with her. But she had planned to marry Finn as well, and Quinn knew very well that Rachel hadn't loved him.
No, Rachel cared about her. She had said so—and Quinn saw it in her eyes. She was just as scared to say it as Quinn was, but Quinn knew Rachel returned her feelings. She knew it as surely as she knew her life would be empty without Rachel.
They could be married in Gretna Green, and then if Rachel wanted a fancier wedding later, they could make a fuss over the occasion.
Quinn always thought that she would be scared to get married. The idea had always filled her with fear, but the thought of marrying Rachel had just the opposite effect. Quinn knew she was the one, and the idea of spending the rest of her life with Rachel made her smile in contentment.
She finished packing her trunk and hefted it up onto her shoulder. Quietly, so as not to disturb anyone, she crept out into the hall. Carole and Brittany had gone to bed early and Finn hadn't come back after storming out earlier. With any luck it would be morning before anyone noticed she was gone. If anyone did think to come after them, they would still be married by the time they were found.
The house was still and silent as she tiptoed down the stairs. The servants had all retired as well.
Outside, the night air was damp and chilly. It had rained a bit earlier, but hopefully not enough to make a mess of the roads. The trip to Scotland would be long enough without muddy and rutted roads slowing them down.
The carriage was waiting in the drive already. She had ordered one of the older vehicles so the family wouldn't be left without appropriate transportation. It was a little on the shabby side, but it was still more comfortable than a hired hack.
But where was the driver? Frowning, Quinn lowered her trunk to the ground and walked toward the carriage. "Hello?"
Gravel crunched behind her. She turned, expecting to see the driver, and instead ended up with a damp cloth pressed against her mouth and nose. She tried to step back, but someone else caught her by the arms, holding them behind her back so she couldn't strike out.
The sweet-scented cloth made her head swim. They were drugging her! Vaguely, Quinn struggled against her captors, but it was too late.
Darkness engulfed her.
She woke up on an earthen floor. It was damp and cold beneath her cheek.
Blinking, she pushed herself up onto her hands and knees, ignoring the sharp ache in her muscles as she did so. Her head was heavy and her tongue was dry and she felt like the devil, but at least she was alive.
For now.
Quinn heard a strange jangling sound as she staggered to her feet. Looking down, she saw the shackle around her ankle. The chain connected to it ran across the floor to the wall. She jerked it. It held fast.
"Unless you've the strength of Hercules, you won't be able to free yourself from that chain."
Quinn didn't have to turn to see who spoke to her. She knew the voice.
"What are you doing, Finn?" she demanded.
Footsteps sounded on the hard-packed dirt behind her. She still didn't turn. She wouldn't give her brother the satisfaction of thinking she feared him.
"I think I'm preventing you from running off with my fiancé, sister dear." Finn's tone was mocking. "That was your plan, wasn't it?"
Now Quinn turned to face him. "She's not in love with you." Why she said it, she didn't know. It wasn't as if it would make Finn release her.
Finn smiled. "I don't love her either. But her parents are giving me a portion of their business holdings to marry her. Plus, she has a rather large dowry." He shrugged. "And she'll make a good duchess, don't you agree?"
"An excellent one," Quinn agreed through clenched teeth. Rachel meant nothing to Finn. Nothing. "That's why I plan to marry her."
Finn's expression hardened. "You're not marrying Rachel."
She shouldn't taunt her brother, who was obviously unbalanced, but Quinn couldn't help it. "Well, she's not going to become a duchess if she marries you. Unless you plan to kill me. Do you plan to kill me, Finn?" If he did, Quinn hoped he had a good plan, because if she got free, she was going to strangle her brother herself.
Finn grimaced. "No, I don't plan to kill you. That would raise too much suspicion."
"Then how do you plan to make Rachel a duchess?"
The smile returned. "You're going to give me the title."
Quinn shook her head, uncertain she had heard him correctly. "I'm going to what?"
"You're going to sign a letter stating that my father was never legally married to your mother and that I am the true Duke of Brahm."
Quinn stared at him. Now she was certain her brother was insane. "But our father was legally married to my mother."
Finn's smile slipped. "Documents can be falsified, Quinn. No one will doubt your word."
"I won't do it." Quinn shook her head. "I won't denounce my parents' marriage just for your greed."
Finn took a step forward and for a moment Quinn thought he might hit her. She was ready for it. As soon as the oversized lunatic got within reach she was going to give him the pummeling of his life.
Finn stopped just out of reach. "You will do it."
Clenching her jaw, Quinn stared her brother hard in the eye. "And how do you propose to make me?"
"That's easy." Finn folded his arms across his chest. "If you don't sign it, I'm going to make certain something very, very horrible happens to Rachel."
A/N: Of course. Finn just had to kidnap Quinn before she could escape with Rachel. What are our two lovebirds going to do now? Will Quinn escape? Will Rachel believe that Quinn has abandoned her? Will Finn be punched in the ass? Find out next time! :D
I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and chapter 10 will be posted whenever I get done writing it, which hopefully won't be in another month lol. K, bye! :D
