Isabelle couldn’t stop the smile stretching her mouth. Slowly, she was making Hawk fall in love with her. She knew it by his darkened eyes and by his lazy smile whenever he stared at her. She also knew it by his kind words and gentle touch. Before he released her as his prisoner, she must make him realize how he couldn’t live without her, because she for certainly couldn’t bear life without him.She’d dressed in one of her own gowns today since she’d be working around the house. Hawk had finally left his room to take over as the highwaymen’s leader, and his slow movements let her know she should keep an eye on him and see that he didn’t overdo it today. Outside, he bellowed orders and made certain everything ran smoothly. His men were building something in the yard, and the scraps of wood t

As the shadow came more into view, a familiar face with wide, frightened eyes searched the room. Relief flooded through Isabelle, and she sobbed with joy, finally finding the energy to rush into the hallway with opened arms. “Mrs. Winters, it’s you.”Color bloomed in the older woman’s cheeks as tears spiked her eyes. “Oh, my dear child. You’re alive.” She threw out her arms just as Isabelle rushed into them.Being with her companion now, Isabelle’s future didn’t look so dismal. There was a ray of hope in her cloudy existence.She pulled away and wiped her wet eyes. “Oh, Mrs. Winters. I didn’t know what

Marcus stood still, waiting for the pain to hit him as the smoke of the pistol hung thick in the air. The shot still rang through his ears like a cannon blast.But no pain came. No blood. Nothing.Instead, blood coated Matthew’s chest as his face drained of color. His brother looked down at the red liquid soaking his clothes, and then lifted weary eyes to Marcus. Matthew’s mouth opened and closed soundlessly as bewilderment filled his eyes.Marcus reached for his brother just as he collapsed to the floor. Marcus opened his mouth to speak, but words didn’t come. Indeed, there wasn’t anything to say to the man who just tried to kill him. Slowly,

Isabelle didn’t care what she wore for her wedding. A wedding she didn’t want, she reminded herself as she and Mrs. Winters stood with the dressmaker, trying to decide upon a gown. She couldn’t stop thinking about that moment with Viscount Lockwood today in the library. The heated look in his bluish-gray eyes let her know why he wanted to marry her, and it sickened her. When he gently stroked her throat, bile had risen in her mouth and it was all she could do not to gag. Strange, but his touch also stirred emotions in her—those she didn’t want to think about. Visions of Captain Hawk’s magical fingers and melting kisses danced in her head all the while the viscount had caressed her. She didn’t want to think of Captain Hawk because it evoked sad memories. More importantly, she didn’t w

Isabelle stood on stiff legs beside Mrs. Winters, waiting for her future husband to arrive at the church. As promised, her wedding gown had been ready on time, and she had to admit it was very lovely. The ivory brocade dress with blue ribbon trim fit almost snug around her. Blue bows lined the hem of the gown as well as the straight sleeves held with another bow, cascading in three tiers at her elbows. Never had she worn anything so elegant. Rarely had she seen gowns like this unless worn by royalty.Her maid had styled her hair a little different, winding the bulk up to perch on top of her head while three thick ringlets hung by her ears. Indeed, she looked like she could be attending court at the royal palace. Instead, she impatiently waited for Lord Lockwood to show up at his own wedding…and hopefully, he wouldn’t b