Page 114 of Wicked Designs
“Of course he wouldn’t. He killed that man to avoid payment.” Emily plucked at her gown by her knees as though her words didn’t concern her.
“You’re lying!”
“Lie?” She met his gaze with innocence. “Why on earth would I lie? You’ll deliver me regardless. I just thought I should warn you. He got blood everywhere, ruined my best muslin gown and it took simplyagesfor the man to die. I merely don’t wish to witness such a thing again. It’s unsettling and ruins my appetite.” Emily’s voice was almost flippant, as she pretended that she’d experienced gruesome murders with disturbing frequency.
It was useless to expect this man to let her go, but if he and Blankenship argued, then she might have a chance to escape.
The rest of the carriage ride passed in silence. The man studied Emily and she studied him back. The silent battle of wills ended when the carriage reached Blankenship’s townhouse. He gripped her arm roughly, dragging her out of the carriage with such ferocity that she stumbled and fell against him. She had clearly struck a nerve.
Blankenship’s ancient butler answered the door after her kidnapper beat it for what felt like several minutes. He pulled Emily into the hall and shouted for Blankenship.
The butler gave a heavy sigh and left.
Blankenship appeared at the top of the stairs, dressed and alert despite the late hour. His beady eyes rested on Emily’s face then skimmed down her body. His whole air, from his eyes to the straightness of his spine,glittered with a malevolence that terrified Emily. It felt as though a thousand beetles scuttled over her skin.
“Well done, Mr. Tanner, well done. Did you have to kill anyone to get to her?” Blankenship didn’t come down the stairs. He waited for her at the top, like some high and mighty sultan whose harem girl groveled before him.
Emily’s nails dug painfully into her palms. Something inside her began to burn. She was tired of being at the mercy of others, especially a man who meant her harm. Tonight she would fight. He’d regret ever looking at her.
“Possibly one. I was in a hurry and murder was not my task.”
Tanner’s pronouncement made her heart stop beating. Possibly one? Which one? Dear God…her vision swam and she fought to stay on her feet.
“A pity, but it’s true, murder carries its own complications.” Blankenship smiled at Emily. “Bring her up to me.” The smile lasted as her abductor dragged her up the stairs.
“On your knees, girl,” Blankenship barked.
Emily glared and raised her chin.
Tanner gripped her shoulders from behind and shoved her downward. She fell onto her knees. Blankenship’s eyes darkened.
“My, my Miss Parr, I quite like you on your knees.” Blankenship reached down to stroke her hair with his fingertips. “Perhaps that is how we shall begin tonight?”
Emily wanted to hide her rage, but failed.
He jerked her chin up. “So defiant. I see the fire inside you. I will enjoy beating that rebelliousness out ofyour screaming body. I couldn’t have your mother, but I will have you.”
“My mother?” she choked out. What did her mother have to do with this?
“I suppose you wouldn’t know,” he mused. “I almost married her, but she chose that fool you called a father. She broke my heart and so I damaged their business. I hurt them in a thousand little ways, but never enough.” He continued to study her as he talked, as though enjoying finally revealing his schemes.
“You ruined my parents?” She remembered the finances always being tight, and the whispered conversations between her parents. Blankenship had caused it.
“Not just them. Your uncle too, naturally. It was the only way I could get to you.”
Stale cigar smoke and brandy wafted off him, in addition to his other unpleasant smells. His fingers dug deep into her face, nails leaving curved imprints. All this time, all the heartache she’d suffered…her parents had gotten onto that ship to go to America to try and restore their company and had died. Blankenship had killed her parents. If she’d had a gun at that moment, she would have shot the man between the eyes.
“Does my uncle know you’ve taken me?” she asked through gritted teeth.
“He no longer matters. You are mine, per his agreement, and as far as I am concerned his debts are settled.” Blankenship turned her face to the side, as though admiring her profile, while he spoke to Tanner. “Have you ever seen anything so deliciously innocent? Look at those lips.”
“Yes, sir, she’s a decent looking chit. But I’ll have my money now, if it’s all the same to you and be on my way.” Tanner’s eyes followed every move the other man made as though he didn’t trust him. Good.
Blankenship released Emily’s face and turned his fury onto Tanner. “In good time. The banks do not open till morning.”
“Pay me or I take her back.” Tanner latched a hand around Emily’s right wrist, jerking her up to her feet, just as Blankenship coiled a hand around her throat. Both men tugged on her. Pain flashed through Emily’s body and her vision blurred. Black spots dotting her eyes.
“You dare threaten me?” Blankenship, with surprising strength, flung Emily away. She stumbled, rolled and then crashed against the wall.
