Page 124 of Harpy of the Ton
“How long will you be home?” she asked.
“I go back in two days.”
“So soon?”
“The garden’s almost done, then you can come with me. Mrs. Trelawney has invited us to dine—and stay the night.”
“That’s kind, but we can’t leave the children.”
“Ned can watch them.”
“No.” She shook her head. “Dinner at a grand house? It’s not for the likes of us.”
“Don’t say such things,” he said. “You honor Mrs. Trelawney with your company.”
Her heart swelled—to think, he loved her enough to say such things.
“Then,” she said, “we must make the most of the time we have before you return.”
He placed a kiss on her lips. “I intend to, my wild, wanton woman. A taste of pleasure in the garden is not enough. I’m wantin’ to worship you so bad.”
Could her life be any better?
*
The stench ofsmoke choked her senses as harsh crackles split the night air.
“Bella!”
A woman’s voice screamed in the distance as the smoke thickened. She turned toward the voice, but an explosion ripped into the air.
“Sebastien!”
“Mariah!”
The voices grew in urgency, but the roaring of the flames obliterated them.
“Mama!” she cried. “Papa!”
She rushed toward the screams, but the air burned her flesh, searing her with agony.
“Mama!”
Strong arms pulled her back. “I’ve got you, miss.”
“Let me go! Mama—where are you?”
The flames danced in the air, bright demons filling the world. She raised her arms to fend them off, then an explosion shattered her into a thousand shards…
“Bella!” a deep voice cried.
A familiar voice—a voice she trusted and loved.
She opened her eyes to darkness. The flames had gone.
She was in her bedchamber, enveloped in a strong pair of arms.
“Hush, my love—it was a bad dream, nothing more. You’re safe now.”
