Page 46 of The Highwayman's Bite

Chapter Sixteen

Sleep came hard forRhys. Vivian’s gaze had seared every inch of his body when he’d undressed to bathe. He hadn’t realized that the tub was set back far enough that it wasn’t hidden by the privacy screen. Had she seen... everything?

Lustful dreams plagued him whenever he managed to doze off. Even then, he was awakened constantly by Renarde’s coughing. Dusk had him sitting up with a groan and rubbing his eyes.

He lit the lantern and saw that Renarde had already risen and dressed. Vivian remained asleep, her heart a steady beat, her breathing an even rhythm. Should he awaken her? He supposed he should, so she could say goodbye to her companion. But what if she told Renarde that she’d seen him undress? He could well imagine the companion’s disapproval at that.

And then there was the constant reminder that when he returned from the journey, he and Vivian would be alone together.

Before he could speculate on the potential delights of that scenario, Rhys doused them with cold reality. He had to take Madame Renarde back to Thornton Manor tonight. Crossing territories was always dangerous, though as a rogue, he’d had many years of experience. But his progress would be slowed carrying a human.

And then there was the more alarming fact that Vivian would be completely alone. Fresh worries plagued him at that. What if another rogue vampire came by? Many would seek refuge with Rhys from time to time. Of course, if any had approached with Renarde watching over Vivian, it would have still been slim protection. He still worried that Andrew and Lucy, the fellow rogues who’d asked for refuge the other night, would gossip about Rhys’s human guest to the wrong ears.

Madame Renarde broke through his fruitless musings. “Can you discern if she has caught my illness? You were able to smell mine.”

Rhys nodded and carefully ducked beneath the bamboo curtain. The slumbering Vivian was a delightful sight, with the rise and fall of her breasts and her lush, parted lips. He bent down and the urge to kiss her ravaged him like a pack of lions. Restraining himself, he inhaled her scent. All he could detect was the sweat from last night’s sword play, smoke from the fire, and her intoxicating womanly scent that was unique to her alone.

Before temptation overtook his senses, Rhys ducked back out. “She smells healthy.”

“If that changes?” Renarde brought his attention back to more serious matters.

“I have ways of healing her,” he said. “But I did not want to risk them on you. Your affliction is deep in your lungs, but you knew that, didn’t you?”

Renarde nodded and muffled another ratcheting cough. “I’ve been stricken with pneumonia several times in my life. And I was a sickly child.”

Rhys’s heart constricted with sympathy. His mother had also suffered constant ailments of the lungs. “I hope you get well soon. I honestly mean that. Now bid your farewells to Miss Stratford.”

He gave them a few minutes of privacy to spare himself from witnessing feminine displays of emotion, but unfortunately, when he returned to the cave to collect Madame Renarde, he discovered the two in a tearful embrace that tugged at his hardened heart. Poor Vivian was clearly desolate at the prospect of losing her closest friend, and Madame Renarde’s brave front looked ready to crumble at any moment.

But Rhys would not have this unique woman’s death on his conscience. Just because he was a rogue vampire didn’t mean he lacked morals. “It is time,” he said firmly.

Madame Renarde accompanied him outside with her satchel. “Are we taking the horses?”

Rhys shook his head. “It will be faster if I carry you. I will have to blindfold you.”

Renarde nodded in comprehension. “So that I cannot lead Lord Thornton to your cave.”

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