Ruined Hearts

Ruined Hearts By

Natasha Perry

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry

Published by Melange Books, LLC White Bear Lake, MN 55110 www.melange-books.com

Ruined Hearts, Natasha Perry, Copyright  2010, 2011

Names, characters, and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Credits Editor: Taylor Evans Format Editor: Mae Powers Cover Artist: Mae Powers

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Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry

Ruined Hearts By Natasha Perry Melissa Markham, daughter of an Englishman and a Chinese concubine, wants something her mother never had—respectability. Wealthy lumber baron, Ethan Trent, a man of erotic, dominating appetites, decides he wants the exotic woman for himself. Even though Melissa fights her attraction for Ethan, she also finds herself craving his domination. Can two headstrong people find a way to heal their ruined hearts, find love, and discover they both want to share the same thing—an unusual passion for each other? **** This novel is dedicated to my sister, Laura. Thanks for always ‘being there’ for me. http://www.natashaperry.com/ http://natashaperry.blogspot.com/ Ms. Perry has been writing romance, under another pseudonym, for thirteen years. She is from the Midwest, where more snow flies than the sun shines, has raised a family of four children, and still works a day job. Her dream job is to be home writing eight hours a day.

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Ruined Hearts By Natasha Perry Chapter One London, 1875 Mei Lin had no choice but to flee Great Britain. For the past six months, she’d been a lofty bastard’s whore; and as Charles Litton, the Earl of Windhaven’s slave, Mei Lin’d had no choice but to obey. She hated every moment as his captive. If she didn’t fully cooperate with his sadistic desires, he’d beat her. Her loss of pride was another matter, however. For too long she had suffered this man’s abuse. Mei Lin recalled her plans to escape, vowing they would work, or she would die trying. The opportunity had finally occurred, after several months of captivity. The earl had grown overconfident, believing she’d always be obedient, and, of late, had left her unguarded. Litton controlled her body, but he would never control her mind or her heart. All during her horrid captivity with him, she’d never forgotten his betrayal to her and her mother. Her mother had protected her from learning how to become a concubine; wanting more for Mei Lin. Tears ran down Mei Lin’s cheeks as she recalled the last day she saw her mother; her poor mother had told her how the earl had promised Mei Lin a better life in England. The earl had betrayed both of them. After six months, Mei Lin had found the strength, courage, and opportunity to make her escape. She had no intentions of failing. She’d laced the bastard’s Absinthe with laudanum, praying she’d put enough in his wine glass to leave him incapacitated. Hope filled her heart when he gulped down every drop. Then later, as he slipped into unconsciousness, Mei Lin made her escape. Once he became incapacitated, she’d rushed to her small dungeon of a room to change and gather her meager possessions, and tossing them into an old tapestry bag. Once back in the library she stole the key to his safe out of one of his vest pockets. After opening the safe, she picked up one large, 4

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry bound bundle of currency. The bastard earl owed her this much, if not more. Mei Lin jammed the money into the bag and fled the earl’s home and her bondage. Running down the road, she made a promise to herself; never again would she be a slave to any man, unless the choice was hers. Mei Lin became very determined to make things change for the better in her life. There was no reason to return to China since there was no one there for her. Her mother had died months past, and her brother had gone to America several years ago to make a life for himself, promising to send for her and her mother once he did. They never heard from him again. America was the only choice and there she would try and find her brother. First fury that he hadn’t sent for them tore through her, and then worry filled her heart that some misfortune had fallen upon him. Mei Lin had spent several months working as a maid to Lady Maureen Cavendish from Ireland. She’d accompanied the woman from England to her Ireland, learning how to be a lady. Mei Lin had stolen enough currency from the earl to make her way to America, but had secured the position as maid to Lady Cavendish, in order to learn proper manner of speech, dress, and style befitting a well-bred English woman. Mei Lin didn’t tarry too long in the position, for fear of being caught by the earl, who, no doubt, would be out for revenge. Now, Mei Lin studied her reflection in the mirror of the tiny room she had rented near the docks. She’d bathed from a basin, then attired herself in a forest green silk bombazine traveling gown Lady Cavendish had helped her choose—and had purchased for her, even though Mei Lin had protested, to no avail. The Lady had assisted Mei Lin in also selecting black kid leather boots, stockings, corset, under drawers, and a cloak. Never had Mei Lin owned such beautiful clothing. Dressed now in the fashionable clothing, her transformation was complete. Her long, thick hair, swept up in the most popular style of the day, gave her face a western look. It would take some time to glance at herself and not see her mother’s eyes staring back at her. However, her father’s features interested her, features her mother had explained to her when Mei Lin first realized she did not completely resemble the woman who bore her. How she’d longed to meet the man who fathered her, but alas, it never happened, because shortly after her arrival in England Mei Lin had learned he’d died in a carriage accident. 5

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry His fair hair made hers less coarse, black–softer, and browner. His high cheekbones, unlike her mother’s round, moon face, had given Mei Lin an exotic look; one that she knew turned heads. She would take his name. No longer would she be Mei Lin Kwan, daughter of a Chinese concubine. From now on, she would be Melissa Markham, daughter of an English lord. Mei Lin fastened the velvet ribbon around her throat, pulled on her newly purchased black silk cape and stood, ready to go board the Britannica for America; ready to leave her old life behind. **** Calvin’s Saloon, Stillwater, Minnesota September, 1875 Melissa Markham was nervous as she ambled down the boardwalk, ready to move on with her life. She’d arrived in this small, but thriving town after having spent several weeks traveling across the ocean. After reaching New York City, a fascinating, but frightening place, Melissa quickly boarded a train for Minnesota. She’d secured information about her brother, and knew she had to avenge his death. Her brother’s murderer lived in this town, and Melissa meant to see him tried and hanged, or, at the very least, put behind bars. She spent her first few days in Stillwater learning from folks about her brother’s murderer, Ethan Trent, proprietor of Calvin’s Saloon, and now she was ready to confront him. A late September sun strained against the windows of Calvin’s Saloon, forcing a weak band of light into a quiet, otherwise dimly lit room. It was early, too early for even the die-hard drinkers who often frequented the saloon before ten a.m., yet five men sat around a table focusing on their cards. The feeble sunlight gleamed off a sign over the bar, announcing Ethan Trent as the new proprietor. Beneath the sign was the painting of a large breasted, full frontal nude woman reclining on a gaudy chaise. Dust motes danced in the light and the floor bore traces of the revelry from the night before—a scattering of cigarette butts, remnants of spilled liquor. Housekeeping was not high on the list of priorities, but the patrons did not seem to notice. The door opened. No one bothered to see who it was—until the person spoke. “Ethan Trent?” 6

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry The soft yet haughty English-accented words brought Trent’s gaze up from his poker hand. Five feet from his table stood a woman, holding a gun trained on his heart. “You’ve found him, ma’am. Heck of a way to introduce yourself,” Ethan added as he tossed down his cards. “I dreaded the day I’d meet you,” she spat, “but there was no other way to gain satisfaction, you black-hearted devil!” The woman stepped closer, and he realized the weapon was a derringer, a small gun that could do significant damage. Ethan tried to make out her features in the gloom and caught a trace of full lips, meant for kissing. Something about her stance and those tempting lips stirred a spark of remembrance. Laughing softly, he looked at the other men at the table then at her, raising his eyebrows in surprise. “You sure it’s me you want?” “Yes,” she seethed, “I’m talking to you, you low life, murdering worm.” Ethan rubbed his hand over his face and swore. Recently retired as a U. S. Marshall, Ethan had hoped to put that life behind him. Apparently, that wasn’t to be. “Satisfaction for what?” he snapped, struggled for patience. “For the cold-blooded murder of my brother, you miserable swine!” Damn, but the woman was exceptionally good at name-calling. Ethan’s three poker cronies leapt from their chairs and stumbled out of the saloon. The woman drew nearer; that’s when Ethan recognized her as the new woman who’d arrived in town two days ago. He made it a habit to learn the name of every person, especially pretty women, who arrived in Stillwater, and Miss Markham was no exception. Ethan studied her now. From the moment he’d set eyes on her exiting the train upon her arrival a few days ago, he’d wondered about her. Melissa Markham wasn’t pretty in the conventional manner. She was, however, unique, and passionate, at least about her brother’s alleged murder. That kind of passion often translated to heat behind closed doors. The fact that she was exotic looking with a generous dollop of something Oriental in her blood intrigued him. Knowing he could easily have disarmed her, he remained in his chair. “Miss Markham, I remember the name of every man I’ve ever killed, and trust me, Markham isn’t one of them.” The names of all 7

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry his victims, and their faces, remained indelibly engraved in his soul, every one of them. “Then you’re denying it?” The shrillness of her voice grated on him. Miss Markham, like most women, in his opinion, required a muzzle. Women were easy on the eye, but many, once they opened their mouths, held little interest for him. A vision assailed him then; Miss Markham gagged and tied to his bed, limbs splayed, petals moist and throbbing with anticipation, awaiting his suckling lips and tongue. His cock hardened at the erotic image prompting him to reach down and adjust his trousers. “Hands on the table or so help me I’ll shoot you where you sit,” she threatened. Freezing at her warning, anger began to simmer inside him. “Ma’am, you have me mistaken for someone else.” “I’m not mistaken, and I’m not a fool! You are my brother’s murderer, and you’ll hang for the deed. Have you no defense?” “Damn it, woman, I don’t need a defense for something I didn’t do.” Miss Markham narrowed her eyes, disgust written on her features. “Of course you would deny it. I knew you would.” She was irritating the hell out of him. “Oh? And just how did you know that?” “Because any man who kills without provocation is scum. My brother was innocent. A poor, young—” The woman broke off, clamped her lips together and turned away, as if suppressing a sob. Suddenly appearing to remember her purpose, she took in a quick breath and once again aimed the derringer at Ethan—his head this time. Mustering up more patience, Ethan offered her a false smile and nodded at a chair beside him. “Listen, we’re not going to get anywhere like this. Have a seat. I would like to see this proof of yours. Join me in a glass of sherry. Then we can discuss this further, like two civilized adults.” The woman didn’t budge and looked at him with no expression. “Now why would I want to socialize with the man who murdered my brother?” Ethan stifled another curse. “I didn’t kill your brother.” She gave him a nasty smile. “You’ve killed so many I imagine it’s difficult to recall all of them.” 8

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “You’re the one who claims to have all the information.” A muscle twitched in his cheek. “You’ve tried and hanged me without allowing me a word of defense.” It was true that he had killed many men during his days as a federal marshal, but that was all in the past. Now Ethan was satisfied to own this saloon and, with less satisfaction, the Trent family lumber business, which he had inherited upon his father’s death, though he hadn’t wanted it. He had wanted little to do with the man who had declared Ethan dead to him long ago, yet, ironically remembered him upon his death. Melissa said nothing, just held the gun with confidence, arms stretched out in front of her, stance wide. “Please. Join me,” he insisted. “No, but I will walk with you to the jailhouse where I shall present my proof to the sheriff. A story from a respectable newspaper back East labels you as my brother’s cold-blooded murderer. Get up, Trent—slowly.” Aw, shit. Ethan would eventually meet up with her and the sheriff about this mix-up, but not now—not yet. His sense of justice blared at him to teach this young woman a lesson she’d never forget. He snapped a quick glance to the right, counting on her to follow the movement. The woman didn’t disappoint him. Ethan leapt out of his chair and threw himself toward her, scrambling across the tabletop. Damn it if the wench didn’t pull the trigger.

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Chapter Two Melissa couldn’t believe she’d missed him, and from such close range. Melissa spun away from Trent’s big body flying in the air toward her. She took two steps but suddenly his arms were around her waist and he hauled her against his powerful body. He squeezed her wrist and pain shot straight to her shoulder. “Oh!” she screamed. Reflexively she pulled the trigger again and a bullet tore into the wood floor. “Let go of the damned gun. Now!” he snapped. Her ears rang from the close sound of the gunshot and her grip weakened as he continued to apply more pressure. Melissa could smell him and, in spite of her situation, caught the heady combination of his scent—smoke, alcohol, and male. The scent invaded her lungs and she coughed. He squeezed her wrist harder, even as he forced her arm up toward the ceiling. Melissa’s fingers were getting numb; so in one last effort she pulled the trigger twice in rapid succession. The bullets hit the ceiling and she dropped the gun, giving up. He shoved her to the floor, covering her body with his own as plaster from the ceiling rained down on them. When all lay quiet, he rolled off her. Melissa sat up and coughed, straightening her black skirts. Discovering him beside her, she scrambled away, but not before his big hard hands clamped around her waist and hauled her to her feet along with him. The murdering bastard’s dark brown hair and swarthy-colored face were white from the dust of the falling plaster. She hoped he choked on it. He held onto her wrist as he kicked the gun across the floor. “Ted,” he said to the man behind the bar, “get that damned gun out of here.” The bartender, who’d wisely been crouched down low behind the bar, rounded it and snatched up the weapon. Ethan’s expression of rage made Melissa’s insides quail. He still held her arm, his grip like a vice. She pulled back and to her amazement, he released her. As she stumbled away, her eyes never left him. “Keep going, Miss Markham.” He started after her. “I’d say you’re headed in the right direction.” 10

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry His sudden calmness stunned her. Moments ago, he was so angry smoke could have come from his ears! She whirled away from him and discovered a closed door straight ahead, gasping when his big hand pressed against her backside, propelling her forward. Trent opened the door and pushed her into the room. Slamming the door with his booted foot, he locked it and pocketed the key, his enigmatic gaze on her. He headed straight for her, wearing shirtsleeves, waistcoat, and a string tie. He was big and solid, from the width of his broad shoulders to his narrow hips, to the growing bulge in his tan-colored twill pants; pants that hugged his lean hips and muscular legs like a second skin. “Now, then, about that proof you have. Let’s see it.” He stood in front of her, hand out, eyes glistening with a combination of interest and humor, his anger apparently gone. Damn him. He found her amusing, “My brother’s death isn’t a laughing matter, Mr. Trent.” Her hand tightened on the cord of her reticule; she was amazed she’d managed to keep possession of it after the earlier tussle between them. “I didn’t say it was. I just want to see your proof.” She hugged her reticule to her chest. “I will only show you the proof in the presence of the sheriff.” The small scrap of newsprint she carried contained the story about him, the proof she required to have him jailed. There was even a small picture of him in the paper, accompanying the story. She wouldn’t show it to him now for fear of him damaging the evidence. It was all she had. According to several stories she’d read over the last few months, he’d killed six people in the past ten years—not a man to be taken lightly. How he had managed to escape justice was beyond her. She backed up further and bumped into the bed. Her legs trembled and she sat down hard. He uttered a wicked laugh. “Normally, I would take you up on the offer to bed you, but under the circumstances— She gasped, outraged at the suggestion. “You pompous ass! I do not intend to crawl into bed with you. “Now, now,” he interrupted. “No need for name calling.” “You’re about as attractive to me as toad vomit,” she spat, her voice venomous. Anger and humiliation rose in her throat. Perhaps he meant nothing by it, but for too many years, men had wanted her, the last one, and the earl, taking her — forcing her— with no consideration or care. 11

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “As I said, no need for name calling,” he said smoothly. All right, perhaps she was over reacting. He had no reason to know of her background. She focused on the room, the bed’s red satin coverlet. Plump velvety pillows in pale and dark shades of red were scattered across the back. Mirrors had been strategically placed on the walls and ceiling. Several bottles of oils rested on a bedside table. Melissa narrowed her gaze, knowing well their purpose, although the earl had never used them to ease his entry inside her body. Melissa had learned as much as she could about this adversary; knew he owned this saloon. She’d also learned he was well liked and respected in this community. She’d shrugged off people’s accolades about him, deciding he was making up for all of his past deeds. However, none of his good deeds now concerned her—but his past ones did, for he’d killed her brother, and he would pay. Melissa glanced at the bastard again, able to believe a man such as he would have a whore’s bedroom. She would have guessed he’d have kept a stable full of beauties. With a frown, she thought about how, upon entering the saloon, she saw only men, no women. Not even a saloon girl. Bending down he propped his hands on the mattress on either side of her, effectively trapping her. “Now what do we do?” She leaned back on her elbows and glared at him, her skin prickling at his closeness. If she didn’t hate the blasted man so much she’d find him attractive. “What do you mean?” “Let me see the proof of my alleged crime.” Melissa smiled grimly and lifted her chin. “Not only have I the newspaper story, but I’ve the word of bystanders who say they saw you shoot my brother.” “Sorry. Your sources provided you mistaken information.” He straightened and settled his hands on his hips. “I remember the names of all the men I’ve killed. Markham isn’t one of them.” “My half-brother’s name was Kuan. Shi Ming Kuan. Does that name jog your memory?” A deep-furrowed frown marred his handsome brow. Melissa felt a moment of triumph when his quizzical expression changed to surprise. He remembered! She glared at him, daring him to deny it, tears filling her eyes as a debilitating sadness overwhelmed her. It was bad enough she’d never met her English father, and had lost her mother a short while ago, but to lose her brother as well meant she had no one left in the world. 12

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “He couldn’t have been your brother,” Trent said. “He was Chinese.” “As am I,” she said softly. “But you don’t appear…and your name is Markham, hardly a Chinese name.” “I said he was my half-brother. I took Markham, my father’s name, when I left England to travel to America. He was English.” Silence. Melissa watched him, satisfied when his arrogance turned to discomfort. My Lord, was it possible the man possessed a conscience after all? “He was a thief,” he finally said, his voice sounding low and gravelly, “and a murderer. I don’t regret killing him.” “You’re wrong!” She swiped at a tear running down one cheek. “My brother would never harm anyone.” A nagging voice inside her said ‘How would you know? You haven’t seen him in years.’ “Unfortunately, he did,” Trent replied. Melissa had no idea how to respond, for indeed, no communication had existed between her and her brother since he left home to seek his fortune. Doubt suddenly assailed her then left as quickly as it came. Trent leaned against the bedpost and folded his arms across his broad chest. “You know, Miss Markham, pointing a gun at a man with intentions to shoot him is against the law.” He had changed the topic to his advantage; his seemingly calm demeanor unnerved her. “I hadn’t planned on actually shooting you,” she said, her voice calm. “I believe you did. Now, the way I see things, we can handle this situation a couple of different ways.” His gaze slid to the bed as he arched one eyebrow. She stood quickly and smoothed her palms over her gown. “That,” she said, “will not happen.” He gave her a lazy smile and shrugged. “Then I’ll accompany you to see the sheriff, gladly.” But would he? She no longer had her weapon. “Why should I trust you?” “I don’t see that you have a choice.” Melissa lifted her chin. “Why’d you kill him?” She saw how his eyes touched on her body and braced herself for his reply—an unexpected one. “I was doing my job,” he finally said, breaking the lengthy silence. 13

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Your job?” “Yes, with the United States government.” Her heart stilled at his words. “Wh…what?” He studied her. “Until my recent retirement, I’d been a U. S. Marshal.” Melissa gasped. “You were a law enforcer?” He nodded. Impending victory surged inside her, believing he lied. “Then why didn’t the newspaper accounting print that fact?” “I’d been working…well…only recently have people learned I was the lawman who cleaned up several towns, disguised as a gunslinger.” She stilled, unwilling to believe him, yet, at the same time, dreading that his information was true, which changed things. Still, she wasn’t ready to give up. “How do I know you’re not lying?” He lifted a shoulder. “We can always ask the sheriff. He knows the truth of the matter.” She sighed. “You may press charges against me, if you wish, though through no fault of my own, I’ve been ignorant of the truth.” She felt beaten down, tired of always having to fight for every inch she took in this world. “Pressing charges won’t satisfy my personal sense of justice.” Melissa met the hot, intent look in his eyes, one she immediately recognized. His particular sense of justice would likely be a combination of pain and pleasure. She knew men, and their needs, and guessed this man was no different from any other. Then she remembered her promise to herself; that she would never be any man’s slave again. She drew upon some inner strength and straightened her shoulders. “Not that I really give a damn, but dare I ask what will appease you?” A predatory smile crossed his lips as he straightened from the bedpost and moved toward her. It took all of her willpower to stay put. “Let me make love to you and justice will be served,” he said in an uncompromising, yet oddly gentle tone. Her eyes widened and she spat, “There’s no way on God’s green earth I’d allow you to lay a finger on me.” He shrugged nonchalantly, yet she couldn’t miss the flash of coldness in his eyes. “Perhaps some jail time will give you second 14

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry thoughts about pulling a gun on a stranger in the future.” The earl used to beat her, not make love to her, except in his horrific beastly fashion. Memories of the beatings caused her skin to hurt, especially her bottom, where he’d always taken the greatest pleasure in punishing her. Even now, months later, her body hurt all over. Yet, how she craved a man’s gentle, loving hands on her body. She cast a furtive glance at Trent and wondered how much difference there was between him and a lecherous, evil man like Charles Litton. Taking in his tall, muscular frame, and confident stance, she guessed the ex-lawman possessed a highly sensuous nature. Perhaps he was a lover of women, not a brutish rapist. Melissa shivered then at the thought of a man such as this one bedding her, somehow guessing he would indeed pleasure her. Nearly giving into his charm, she pulled herself, away from thoughts of sins of the flesh. She had no time for men in her life, at least not now, and especially not this one who’d killed her brother. Inadvertently, she lowered her gaze to the bulge in the front of his trousers and knew he wanted her, as she wanted him. “Look at me,” he demanded. She continued to stare with fascination at his growing bulge as heat flared through her body. What would it be like to have him…? “Not there!” Melissa looked into his eyes even as more heat encompassed her body. His face was set, his eyes hard, yet his whole demeanor exuded an undeniable sensuousness about him. “Make a decision. Jail or bedding down with me.” He reached out and stroked her cheek before running a light finger over her earlobe. He traced her neck, stopping at the pulse that drummed at the base of her throat. She shivered and fought against her building attraction for him. “No!” she finally managed. “Ah, then it’s off to jail,” he said and sighed. His smug expression made her blood boil. Even though she was wound up tight as a spring, she gave him a careless shrug. “Perhaps jail won’t be so bad.” “Guess you’ll be interested in hearing the circuit judge only comes to town once a month. He left just the day before yesterday. How does a month of incarceration sound?” Nothing like the hell I’ve already been through! Again, memories of the earl assaulted her. When she refused his 15

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry advances upon her arrival in England, he had kept her in his dungeon for several days. He’d beaten her daily, because she had refused to cooperate with his desire to subjugate her; Litton had wanted her for his personal slave, his concubine. Ultimately, he’d won. Yet, always in her heart, Melissa knew that no man owned her. No matter what vile acts the earl subjected her to, she vowed it would not last forever. Having refused to relent—to give in—the earl had continued to abuse her, slaking his lust, leaving her pain-ridden and exhausted. Eventually, in order to survive, she had succumbed to his desires, and hated herself for it. Melissa could not give in to this stranger, even though the undeniable attraction lay there. “I believe being locked up won’t be such a bleak proposition compared to the alternative.” She found herself eye-level with the wide expanse of his chest. Hesitantly she peered into his face and saw his dark look. “You’re certain? You’d rather spend a month in jail than deal with me?” She gave a jerky nod and he swept his hand before him. “Come on, then. We’ll speak to the sheriff.”

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Chapter Three Melissa sat in Sheriff Tom Johnson’s office and listened to the kind, elderly man offer her condolences on her brother’s death, simultaneously exonerating Trent of any wrongdoing. “I hope that satisfies you, Miss Markham. Those newspapers didn’t know Ethan was a lawman. But that’s why he was so successful at his job.” Gently, he added, “I’m sorry, but your brother was a murderer. The marshal here was forced to kill him when he resisted arrest.” She felt Trent behind her, knew he was leaning against the door, and envisioned how he looked now; his dark hair curling slightly, his devilish brown eyes filled with satisfaction and self-righteousness. “Be satisfied with the fond memories you have of your brother,” Trent murmured. “Easy for you to say,” she snapped, swiveling on her chair to face him. “On the contrary,” he replied, “I also have no family to call my own. I know how you feel.” Melissa was surprised he’d been so forthcoming about himself. Perhaps he did understand. Still, she was completely alone in a foreign country and knew not a soul. Being so single minded about her mission, she hadn’t thought what she would do after it was completed. Though her appetite had been whetted after hearing passengers aboard the Brittania speak of America and all of its wonders—all of its opportunities—and she’d decided to stay and see and experience this foreign land for herself. Melissa had nothing in China or in England. America would be her home. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be here, in this pretty river town. She doubted that Stillwater would be big enough for her and Trent. He wanted her in his bed, and although it was an attractive idea, she didn’t think it was a good one, especially after the earl’s bad treatment. Still, it was difficult for her to conceal her attraction to him. Though her mother had tried protecting her from learning the secrets of the concubine, she had learned through sight and sound, viewing her mother’s lovers through a small hole in the wall that separated their bedrooms in her home in China. Lucky for her she had watched and learned for she was convinced now she’d be dead. Charles Litton would have killed her if she hadn’t known how or what 17

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry to do to pleasure him. No, she couldn’t stay. Ethan Trent was too tempting and she had vowed to leave her old life behind her, along with her old name. “Miss Markham? Is there anything else I can do for you?” the sheriff inquired. Melissa rose and extended her hand. “Thank you, no.” She paused then and bit her lip. “What is it, ma’am?” the sheriff inquired. “Looking between the sheriff and Trent, she said, “Have either of you any idea where my brother is buried?” Trent cleared his throat and said, “He’s in Pennsylvania.” She sighed. “So far away then.” “Some day you’ll travel there and see him,” Trent said smoothly. “What city then?” “In the pauper’s cemetery just north of Philadelphia. Perhaps I could arrange passage for you there and…” “No. I’ve little funds to make another trip at this time in my life, I’m afraid.” She gave the sheriff a small smile. “Though I will be leaving town soon, so you won’t have to worry about my attacking anyone else.” Melissa headed for the door. Trent blocked her exit. The sheriff cleared his throat. “Uh, Miss Markham? You can’t leave. Trent’s charging you with assault with intent to kill seeing as how you shot at him.” “But…but I didn’t hit him!” Melissa swept Trent a disdainful look. “Isn’t that him standing right here, unharmed?” “Sure is,” the sheriff replied, “and a good thing he is, for your sake. Now, old Judge Emerson will be by the beginning of next month.” She gasped. “You mean you’re going to lock me up?” The sheriff dug his finger between his collar and neck. “Ethan? You wanna drop those charges?” “The lady has another option, Tom, but chose not to take it.” “What option might that be?” the older man asked, confused. Trent opened his mouth to reply but Melissa hurriedly inserted, “Lock me up, Sheriff. I won’t give you a bit of trouble.” “Ma’am, you might want to listen to Ethan’s offer.” “I’ve heard it and have declined, thank you.” In a dignified manner, Melissa strode toward the cells at the back of the jailhouse, wondering how she would endure a month of lock up when all she really wanted to do was high tail it out of town. 18

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry **** Ethan was in a foul mood as he sat at a table in Calvin’s Saloon, glaring down at his card hand. His pride had been injured when the lady decided she’d rather spend a month in jail instead of suffering his touch. Damn! Why in the hell not? Hadn’t she seen the passion in his eyes for her? Didn’t she realize what pleasure he could give her and how much he truly wanted her? Then he thought the woman deserved to have her bottom thrashed after attacking him. Besides, no woman had ever complained about being on the receiving end of his amatory attentions including a bit of over his knee time. He was a master at mixing pain with pleasure, and had been sought after by many women because of it. It was ironic that this woman he desired fiercely, didn’t want a thing to do with him, though he guessed she likely had good cause to feel that way. He wanted her, more than any woman that had ever entered his life, which he didn’t understand did. Was Miss Markham so different from any other woman? He tried telling himself ‘no’ but his conscience blared, ‘yes’. She’s a lady, a priceless jewel—one of a kind—and he wanted her—badly. It was three in the morning and he had yet to seek his bed. He knew he wouldn’t sleep this night, but would fall blindly into bed in the early morning hours, once he’d played off his anger with several hands of poker. “I’m out,” Ted, the bartender and the last player said, throwing down his cards. The others had left after Ethan thoroughly trounced them. “You are one lucky bastard, you know that, Trent?” Ethan gave the man a twisted smile. “Lucky? Hmm, I wonder about that.” The man rose from his seat. “I’ll have that horse to you in the morning.” Ethan stood up and threw down his cards. “Forget it. I’ve a stable full of horses.” Ted scowled. “But you won fair and square.” “I needed a diversion,” Ethan replied with a shrug. “By the way, don’t you have a brother who works for a lawyer in St. Paul?” Ted nodded. “I’ll tell you what, you talk to him, get a referral for the best investigator money can buy and your debt to me will be paid in full.” 19

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “You got it!” They shook on it. Ethan shrugged on his coat and headed for the door. He stopped short when Sheriff Johnson suddenly came tearing inside. The man’s barrel chest heaved and his face had gone red. “I’m glad you’re still here, Ethan! You gotta come quick-like to the jail.” Ethan raised his brow. Had Miss Markham changed her mind? “I do?” “There’s something wrong with the little Miss.” Ethan tensed. “What are you talking about?” The sheriff grasped his arm. “I’ll tell you on the way.” Within moments, they arrived at the jail. Ethan heard a mewling sound followed by wails of despair and his hair stood on end. “What in the hell,” he growled, stopping outside Melissa’s cell. She was huddled on a cot, curled up in a ball one moment then thrashing about in the next. His gaze riveted on the creamy expanse of one calf exposed because of her raised black skirts. It was hot and muggy in the cell and he wondered how she’d managed to fall asleep in the first place fully dressed. “I think the poor girl’s dreaming,” Tom whispered, “but she’s been doing it through most of the night. I haven’t gotten a lick of sleep ‘cause she’s been making all sorts of noise, too, like she’s scared or something.” Ethan had seen enough. “I’m taking her out of here. Do you happen to know if she has a room in town anywhere?” “Staying at the Sawyer House, I heard.” Ethan nodded. “Open up and I’ll take her there.” “But what about them charges?” “To hell with the charges. We’ll keep that information between us. Now open up.” The sheriff nodded and opened the door. Ethan entered the cell, gathered Melissa up in his arms, and strode out. She was small yet womanly, her gentle curves tempting him as he carried her. He moved swiftly, holding her securely as a twinge of guilt plagued him due to his earlier thoughts of punishing her. He wanted this woman, any way he could have her—punishment or not. Soon he’d inform her that he dropped the charges. Then he’d take charge of the situation and state his terms to her once more. He had a feeling this time Miss Markham would accept them, he decided, gritting his teeth as he carried her outside. 20

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry It was a good thing she slept soundly. He knew the woman would put up a fuss if she realized who’d rescued her from her nightmares. Trent quickened his steps as he headed for his carriage in back of the saloon, all the while thinking how much he wanted her in his bed. He chastised himself. What was wrong with him? It wasn’t as though he hadn’t had a woman in months. Just a week ago, he’d broken off with his last mistress—rather—she’d broken off with him since he’d convinced her she’d never hear a marriage proposal from him. He’d long ago decided, after having viewed his parents’ abysmal marriage he would never marry. There was just too much heartache in the institution. Ted was just locking Calvin’s back door when Ethan entered the alley. “Who you got there, boss?” Ethan said softly, “Miss Markham,” then strode to his carriage. “Will you drive us to the Sawyer House?” “Sure thing,” Ted replied. “Hold her a minute, then pass her in to me.” During the ride, Ethan kept Miss Markham in his arms, enjoying her sweet curves tucked against him. Her suffering during her nightmares had torn him up, and he wondered what demons Miss Markham fought. The woman must be exhausted for she didn’t stir. Her behavior let him know she’d likely been incarcerated at one time in her life, and still carried the emotional scars from it. Once again, the idea of making love to her assailed him. Chagrinned, he couldn’t recall when the last time a woman so intrigued him so early in the ‘game’. For that’s what the mating ritual was, a delectable game, one in which he always excelled—always won. He admitted to the fact that part of the game was his chosen woman learning about his dominance and accepting it, then craving it. Gentle punishment had always been his form of foreplay, before making love to a woman, and none ever complained. He always left a woman satisfied and yearning for more. Ethan fought with himself on the ride to her hotel. Fought against the desire to pass right on by and take her to his home—his bed. However, he couldn’t, at least not yet. Within moments, they arrived at the hotel. Ethan untangled himself from her warmth and shook her gently. “Miss Markham. We’re at your lodgings. Wake up.” She didn’t stir so he shook her again. Melissa slowly opened her eyes from her slumped position beside him, a confused look on her face. “What?” 21

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “I said we’ve arrived at the hotel. Are you awake enough to walk inside without assistance?” Melissa glanced around, becoming a bit more alert when she noticed her surroundings. “I think I can manage,” she said softly. He frowned down at her. “When was the last time you slept well? She gave him a thoughtful look before replying, “Why, I suppose before leaving my home in China.” Pity raged through him as he opened the carriage door and leaped outside, wondering what had plagued the woman for so long that she’d slept so little. Reaching inside, he took her small-gloved hand and eased her from the carriage. She weaved a bit and he steadied her by winding an arm securely around her waist. “Don’t wait for me, Ted. I’ll walk back to Calvin’s.” “You sure? It’s just as easy for me to walk.” Ethan nodded. “The walk will do me good.” He smiled at Miss Markham. “Come. I’ll help you up to your room. You need a good night’s sleep.” As he entered the hotel, which stood quiet since it was four in the morning, though in another hour it would be bustling as guests arose, he escorted Miss Markham to the desk. Mrs. Mortenson, the desk clerk who’d worked at the Sawyerhouse Hotel for as long as Ethan could remember, smiled up at him. “How are you, Mr. Trent?” “Just fine, though Miss Markham is exhausted. He looked down and saw she seemed to be having difficulty keeping her eyes open. “Give me her key. I’ll escort her up to her room. Mrs. Mortenson gave him a suspicious look but gave him the key. As he walked toward the steps, his arm still supporting her, Mrs. Mortenson said, “No hanky-panky, Mr. Trent. None allowed in this establishment.” Her words seemed to provoke the woman at his side into full wakefulness. “No need for you to see me to my room, Trent!” she gasped. He paused at the first step and reluctantly released her. Scowling down at her, he gauged her wakefulness. “I’m not so certain about that. I asked you earlier, how long has it been since you slept well?” Melissa sighed and held onto the banister. “I’d been seasick nearly the entire journey crossing the ocean from Great Britain. I’ve 22

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry caught a few hours here and there. Apparently, I need a bit more.” “Apparently,” he said, hearing the derisive tone in his voice. “Good evening, Miss Markham.” He swiveled on his heel and headed for the door, pausing when she spoke. “Thank you, Trent.” Ethan swung his gaze to her and smiled. “We are far from through here. I’ll return tomorrow afternoon for further discussion of what I shall do about you.” “Do?” She raised her brow. “Whatever are you talking about?” Ethan caught Mrs. Mortenson’s keen-eyed gaze on them. Slowly, he paced the floor back to her, standing directly in front of her to block Mrs. Mortenson’s view. Reaching down, he cupped her chin and said softly, “Retribution, of course.” “You won’t forget what I did, will you?” “I’ve the memory of an elephant,” he boasted. “Until tomorrow afternoon.”

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Chapter Four Melissa awoke slowly, upon hearing the distant chiming of a clock. She broke out into a cold sweat at the sound and, panicking, lurched up. No! She wasn’t at the earl’s home in London any longer. She’d escaped. Her panic ceased when she began to recognize her hotel room. Sitting up, she looked out the window, gasping when she noticed the sun was high. Glancing down at her wrinkled gown, she grimaced. She’d fallen asleep without removing it and had slept far too late. The thought made her pause; how in the world had she ended up in her hotel room when she recalled falling asleep in a jail cell? With growing wakefulness, she remembered that Trent had freed her from the jailhouse and escorted her to the hotel. A knock on her door made her scramble from the bed. Trent! No, she couldn’t face him again. “Yes?” she asked, pressing her palms against the wooden portal. “Miz Markham? The kitchen is near to closing until the dinner hour. I just wondered if you wanted something since you’ve already missed breakfast,” Mrs. Mortenson informed her. “Oh!” Melissa yanked open the door, then immediately regretted it for Mrs. Mortenson’s gaze swept over her black gown. “You want someone to iron it for you?” was all the tactful woman said. “I’m afraid I’m in a hurry. Have you the time?” The older woman glanced at the watch pinned on her bodice. “One o’clock, Miss.” “When does the next coach leave?” Mrs. Mortenson shrugged. “Depends on where you’re headed.” “To the train depot in St. Paul.” “Ah, the next coach leaves in an hour.” “Excellent. Would you please secure a coach for me?” Mrs. Mortenson nodded. “If you hurry, you can catch the one leaving at three o’clock.” “I’ll hurry. Please, just something light to eat would be fine.” “As you wish,” the older woman said then turned and left. Melissa closed the door, yanked her valise from beneath the bed, and quickly packed her belongings. Another knock on the door and Melissa, expecting her luncheon, opened it. Trent stood tall, big, and 24

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry intimidating in the doorway, an irritable expression on his face. He gently put her aside, stalked into her room, and scowled at her valise. “Just where in the hell do you think you’re going?” Melissa bristled and shut the door behind him. “That is none of your business.” She picked up a stray camisole on the floor and Trent’s masculine scent combined with tobacco and liquor assailed her senses. The scents tantalized her, made her want to explore this wicked man. She couldn’t—wouldn’t. For hadn’t that been what happened between her and the earl? What began as innocent, friendly overtures from him turned into a brutality she had never envisioned or expected. Lord, but she wanted that man to pay for his crimes against her; but who would take the word of a half-breed girl such as she against the word of an earl? She opened her valise to put the camisole inside when he snatched the garment away and tossed it on the floor. “I didn’t spring you from jail just because I pitied you. You owe me, remember?” He removed his hat and threw it on the bed. “And here I thought you’d, as you put it, sprung me from jail due to your conscience reminding you that you are a gentleman.” “I am always a gentleman, when in the presence of a lady.” Her cheeks flamed at his insinuating tone. Heavens, what had ever made her think he was attractive? Then she reminded herself he was also her brother’s murderer. “You didn’t answer me. Where are you going?” he snapped. Deciding distance was a necessity she crossed the room and sank down on a window seat, folding her hands primly in her lap. “I reiterate. It’s none of your affair where I go or what I do. Why did you have me released?” He paced around the end of the bed, pausing directly in front of her. “Around three in the morning the sheriff came looking for me. Seems you were acting strange in your sleep and he didn’t know what to do with you.” Melissa hadn’t dealt well with being incarcerated. She remembered the horrible dreams that nearly always plagued her— dreams about her imprisonment in the earl’s dungeon, the walls closing in on her. She wouldn’t go back to jail—she couldn’t, therefore, her only alternative was to deal with this man. “So, by releasing me, you’re saying I’m free to leave.” Melissa knew well that wasn’t what he meant at all. With a devilish grin, he backed away, sauntering over to the bed. 25

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry There he leaned against one bed pole and said, “After I’ve been awarded my pound of flesh, you may.” “What were my choices again?” she said, stalling, guessing now she couldn’t talk or bluff her way out of this situation. Oh, she could go back to jail, but she shuddered at the thought. He gave her a twisted little smile. “I thought you’d be appreciative of the fact that I rescued you from that hell-hole.” Melissa sighed. “I am grateful, though I have to admit I was in that hellhole because of you.” “No, you were there due to your own impetuosity and irrationality.” She had to admit she hadn’t thought things through as well as she should have, or planned how to approach her brother’s murderer. Now it seemed this man wanted, as he so indelicately put it, his pound of flesh from her. Trembling at the thought of the earl’s cruelty, his words, and actions, and how he’d received such pleasure from causing her pain made her want nothing but revenge on the bastard. Lord, but it would be sweet justice. Now this man appeared to want the same thing from her. No! She wouldn’t allow him or any man to ravish her…unless it was her wish; wouldn’t allow any man to hurt her as the earl had, either. Ever again. “I believe you said you wanted to bed me?” “You had that opportunity the first time I made the offer, now I’m thinking a good old-fashioned spanking would better drive the seriousness of your mistake home.” Melissa’s mouth gaped. “A spanking?” she asked, her voice trembling. At his nod, she added, “I’ve endured enough beatings in my life, and won’t suffer another.” He frowned. “I wasn’t thinking of beating you, just giving you something your father should have years ago. Besides, no woman has ever complained about being put over my knee.” “So you’ve done this before?” He nodded. “And did these women enjoy that treatment?” He nodded again, his gaze penetrating. Melissa didn’t believe a word. Since when did striking someone, give pleasure and not pain. None of the earl’s beatings were pleasurable, nor had some of the attentions of the men who’d come to her mother’s bed, she remembered. “Mr. Trent. We shouldn’t even be having this conversation. I 26

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry frankly can’t believe I’m sitting here with you having it. We are strangers!” “I can’t think of a quicker, better way to get to know each other. Are you a virgin?” “That is none of your business,” she fumed. “I’d shake the world beneath your feet if I made love to you,” he boasted. “But you turned down my initial offer, so I’m afraid it’s off the table.” Somehow, his conceited words didn’t fit. Could it be he wasn’t used to begging a woman for what he desired? Probably. Melissa could imagine women falling over each other for a chance to romp in bed with him. Undeniably, one of the most handsome men she’d ever met, but then, so was the earl. And he turned out to be the devil’s spawn. “Sounds like an earthquake to me,” she replied. “You’ve quite a high opinion of your…skills, haven’t you?” He merely smiled. “Did you know I had a gun on me the entire time?” Melissa gasped again, “No.” Stupid! Stupid! “No need to worry. I have never shot a woman and never will. I bided my time, after a while guessing you didn’t really want to shoot me. But then, I had to be sure since you wouldn’t be the first woman to threaten me with a gun.” “I see. Then know where I stand. I refuse to be the victim of a beating, Marshal.” “I’m no longer a law enforcer, Melissa. Call me Ethan, or Trent.” “All right…Trent.” “A spanking can be exquisitely sensual, though you haven’t earned that treat. No, a disciplinary spanking is what you need, Miss Markham.” “I dare say,” she said softly, a thrill tearing through her as she leaned back in her seat, the cold from the window making her shiver. Lord, what was wrong with her? She anticipated the feel of his hands on her—no matter how he touched her. A well-muscled man with large hands, Melissa guessed he’d be the sort of man who would maintain complete control and wouldn’t harm her, unlike the earl. After enduring so much pain at the hands of that cruel bastard, maybe Ethan would be good for her ruined heart, spanking, and all. Perhaps she required some exquisitely sensual attention in her life. No, impossible. 27

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry As a child, she’d received a few spankings from her mother. They’d hurt! Besides, she reminded herself, this was her brother’s murderer. Why did she have to keep reminding herself? Because this man had the ability to make her forget everything but him. “You know of course, based on the information I had, it was an honest mistake on my part. I had no idea you were a lawman. If I had known I would have dug deeper into my brother’s death.” “And how is that my problem?” he asked, raising his brow. “No more stalling. Your choice now is jail or over my knee. Which is it?” She couldn’t spend another moment incarcerated. Melissa would go crazy locked up. Yet, looking at Trent, Melissa tried to decide if she could trust him to maintain his control and simply spank her—not beat her. Somehow, she was beginning to believe making love with this man would have been the lesser of two evils, and it wouldn’t matter, anyway, since she wasn’t a virgin. Charles Litton had forced her, raped her, had taken her precious gift. Making love, in her opinion, was such an intimate thing between a man and a woman who were in love. Her mother tried to convince her that men only lusted after women, not loved them. When Melissa questioned her mother about the father she’d met only a few times in her life, her mother said that he hadn’t been in love with her. If he had, he wouldn’t have left them. “Last chance. Which will it be?” he asked. Melissa sighed. “A spanking then—with your hand, and only five strikes.” For some odd reason, just imagining laying herself over his knee and feeling the palm of his hand spanking her bottom as though she were a naughty child made her feel hot—made her want to allow him to make love to her. Melissa frowned. What was wrong with her? Had the earl ruined her mind as well as her body? Is that why she was being compliant? “You sure do like to set the rules, don’t you?” he said, his voice filled with laughter. “Who’s the injured party here? You deserve twenty, but I’ll compromise at fifteen. No less, however, and that’s my final offer.” Melissa felt the blood drain from her face. He sounded so matter of fact about it. “You promise you will drop the charges against me if I cooperate?” He gave an infinitesimal nod. “Where would you like me? I mean, how do you plan to accomplish this punishment?” 28

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry He slowly removed his charcoal gray jacket and laid it across her pillows, then, rolling up his shirtsleeves, he sank down on the bed. Over the starched white shirt, his waistcoat was gray, matching the jacket. He appeared handsome and decidedly authoritarian, the sort of man ready and capable to deal out punishment. Lord, she hated this, but she’d take her punishment then leave this town far behind shortly thereafter. With a smile, he slapped his thighs. “Right here, sweetheart.” Melissa rose from the bench, hesitated a moment, then straightened her shoulders, ready to take her punishment—and rid herself quickly of this man once and for all, though she still couldn’t believe all he’d said about her brother. And, she’d never forget he’d killed him, either. Reaching his side, Melissa bent and started stretching forward but straightened up, saying, “I’m not quite certain how to…” Without a word, he slid his hand around her waist and tugged her forward until she found herself over his knee, bottom up, toes and fingertips touching the red-carpeted floor. “Ah, perfect,” he said, one hand on her lower back. “Before we begin, you will be lectured first.” Melissa rolled her eyes and sighed. “Aren’t you taking this patriarchal attitude a bit too far, Trent?” “Not at all,” he said, punctuating his words with a sharp smack to her bottom. “Oh!” she gasped, then stiffened as humiliation swept through her. “Don’t tell me you felt that, not through all of your skirts. Impossible,” he said. Her eye caught an ant running across the floor. Was that laughter she heard in his voice? “I felt it…barely,” she replied. “I thought as much. Now, then, shall we get on with listing your misdeeds, which is why you’re in this position?” “If you must.” She lay there over his knee, and listened to him, his voice changing from humor to a serious tone. Blood rushed to her head. Just when she started to tell him to get on with it he did, the firm placement of his left hand on her back warning her that he was ready to deal out her punishment. He smacked her bottom. Melissa smiled and thanked heaven for her winter weight gown, several layers of petticoats and drawers. 29

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry After three smacks, she waited with growing anticipation for him to continue—to finish quickly, but he didn’t lay his hand on her again. Silence, except for his smooth, calm breathing above her. Melissa lifted her head and glanced back at him. He wore an irritated expression. She guessed her total lack of penitence infuriated him. “Obviously, I am not making an impression on you, am I?” he snapped, his face getting darker than a thundercloud. She gave him what her mother called her impish smile. “Sorry, not much. Please continue. I’ve a coach to catch shortly.” He dumped her on the floor, rose from the bed, cursing. He stalked over to an armoire in the corner and found it empty. Melissa started rising from the floor when he whirled around and pinned her with a cold look. “Stay. Don’t even think about leaving. Did you hear me?” At her slow nod, he added, “Not until this is settled between us. You will stay there on the floor until I decide what to do with you.” She looked at him with wide eyes and thought what in the world was wrong with the man? His eyes glittered with barely leashed fury as he stared down at her. Then he shrugged out of his waistcoat and shirt. Melissa’s gaze swept over him. He possessed the broadest of shoulders and a narrow waist and hips that made her sigh. His legs were strong and muscular beneath his gray pants. He stood with his legs spread wide in a rather intimidating fashion. An enlightened expression settled on his face as he stripped his tie from around his neck, grabbed her wrist, and hauled her up off the floor. Quickly, he wound the tie around her wrists, binding them together, then sank to the bed once more and pulled her forward over his knee again. At first, confusion, but then growing apprehension settled inside her as she thought how the earl had bound her often, especially in the beginning, when she’d fought him. “Why would you restrain me, Trent?” He didn’t reply, but Melissa felt him rustling around with her skirts. Melissa grabbed hold of his calf and raised herself up, looking behind her. She gasped, “You can’t do this!” just as he whipped her gown up so it fell around her head, concealing her vision. Panic set in then. She hated feeling enclosed—trapped. “Damn you! Let go of me. I’ll scream if you don’t release me!” Melissa shook her head wildly, trying to move the fabric from over her head, but with her hands bound, it was impossible. 30

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “You go right ahead and do that, sweetheart. Everyone is likely gone by now anyway being it’s the middle of the day.” He raised all of her petticoats and his warm hand settled over her drawer-clad bottom. She closed her eyes when he proceeded to massage her buttocks. His hand continued his ministrations and soon she sighed in appreciation as he lulled her into a false sense of security. His hands were magical. Melissa relaxed, all embarrassment fled. She heard a purr from her own throat and stiffened. My, God! The man was enticing her! This had to stop. “Disappointed you didn’t make an impression on me? Is that the problem? Is that why you feel compelled to manhandle me as you’ve done? Also, I vividly recall setting the terms for this punishment, and eliminating my skirts wasn’t one of them.” “No, this is your problem, Miss Markham. You see, any other female would have wailed and flailed in embarrassment at just going over my knee. You, however, have not learned a thing, which I’d expected. In just this short time of our acquaintance, I’ve learned first hand of your stubborn nature. You didn’t disappoint me.” He chuckled. “And as far as terms of the punishment, we were never explicit as to the nature of a spanking over your clothes, or not. Be glad I’ve allowed you to keep your drawers on. By blatantly throwing my lack of making an impression on you in my face, you’ve earned my decided attention, beginning now.” Melissa shrieked when his hand smacked her posterior and she dug her nails into his calf. She’d drawn blood when she felt slipperiness beneath her fingers. He behaved as though he hadn’t felt any pain and said, “Do we understand each other now?” “Yes!” she blurted out, against her will. Without a word, he smacked her buttocks with an even cadence, blows that landed in earnest and with little pauses between them. Melissa bit her lip to hold in her complaints, not wanting to give him any satisfaction. A strange feeling came over her then; pain mixed with prickles of delight covered her body, from her lower back to her thighs. Then she felt dampness between her legs and gasped, shocked. He’d reached ten and stopped, his hand lying flat on her bottom. It felt deliciously hot against her scorching skin yet she forced herself to ignore the wonderful sensation. “Are you through with me?” she asked, cursing the trembling in her voice. He pulled her skirts down from over her head. Melissa looked up at him over her shoulder. The look of desire in 31

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry his eyes made her quiver, made her think, again, he wanted to take her, and not just her body, but also her very soul. Temptation beckoned her, yet, in her heart, she knew she couldn’t allow a man to take her body if he wasn’t in love with her—never again after what Charles Litton had done to her. In the beginning he’d used his wiles, convinced her of his love for her. However, when she caught him with one of the maids, she knew his words had all been lies. Then, when she’d refused his suit, he’d kept her a prisoner in his household. “Are you through with me?” Melissa said softly. Without a word, he eased her from his lap to her feet. Reaching out, he removed his tie from around her wrists and rose as well. She managed to keep her expression cool and calm. Damn it, she wouldn’t allow him to see how his punishment had affected her—not at all in the way Melissa had expected. She didn’t feel much like a chastised child so much as a woman with the desire to crawl into his bed with him. His eyes softened as he met her cool, calm expression. “Am I through with you? I-don’t-think-so. You’ve whetted my appetite for more, my dear. I’m afraid you’ll be missing that coach after all.” Melissa gulped, wanting to argue with him—tell him he’d had his retribution, but somehow, for some reason she couldn’t. She would be missing the stagecoach, she mused, as she took his arm and allowed him to escort her from the room.

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Chapter Five Ethan believed it was natural for a man to dominate a woman. He still believed it but tempered his actions and feelings with Melissa. Where Ethan found the strength to leave her alone when his desire was to take her to his bed, he had no idea. For he believed, deep down inside, while she said she’d allow him to take her to his bed, she wasn’t ready for him. There was something about her…something that told him she’d been harmed in some way in the past. Perhaps she’d been raped. He’d find out, once he finally took her to his bed, then he’d gauge her reaction. While he thoroughly enjoyed dominating a woman, she had to be a willing one. He took her home with him and, after breakfast, he took her riding on a gentle mare named Cloe. She instantly fell in love with the animal. She’d never ridden before, he’d learned, and they took it slow and easy, though Melissa was reluctant to stop when he told her it was time—a scant hour of riding all he allowed since this was her first time. They whiled the afternoon away with a game of chess and, after she made a few moves, he realized she knew the game and he smiled at her. “Seems you’ve played before. I’m impressed.” She shrugged her shoulders and gave him a dimpled smile. “I had an uncle…well, actually…several uncles, who enjoyed playing. I’ve had some experience at the game, yes.” Ethan laughed but kept his eyes on her pinkening complexion. He had a feeling she left out a wealth of information with her reply but let it alone. When she was ready to tell him more, she would. Even though Melissa proved to have a talent for the game, he’d bested her in the end. Cook made them a feast that evening. Ethan found himself smiling at Melissa as he watched her eat. She thoroughly enjoyed every dish placed before her. She could use a bit of fattening up. After supper they sat in matching chairs, side by side in his library and drank a libation, his whiskey, hers sherry. Soon she grew sleepy and Ethan noticed how she couldn’t keep her eyes open. Within moments, her soft breathing and her relaxed state let him know she slept soundly. He stared at her for a long time and wondered about her past and what she’d lived through in her young life. Melissa’s life, he guessed, 33

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry could likely fill a book with her stories. He thought about her brother, wondered why he’d left his family behind in China, and became a criminal. He’d been rather lucky in life and other than a mother who’d left him at the tender age of six leaving Ethan behind with a hateful, unloving father, he had few complaints. He’d vowed though, to himself, not to marry until he was much older, and preferably to a mature, responsible woman who would bear him a son or two. As the clock chimed the hour of midnight, he set down his empty glass and rose from his chair. Squatting beside Melissa, he shook her gently. “Wake up sleeping beauty. I must take you back to the hotel.” She shook her head wildly and moaned, “No, no, you can’t…don’t touch me!” He frowned and shook her harder. She shot up, looked around with sleepy eyes, and then breathed a relieved sigh when she saw him. “I fell asleep.” Ethan nodded. “Come, I’ll take you home” She stumbled to her feet and moved into the hallway, pausing at the foot of the steps. She spun around and looked at him. “You know, I’ll bet you have an awfully comfortable bed upstairs.” Taking her arms he pulled her up onto her toes and kissed her— long and hard—letting her know he wanted her, pressing his hands on her ass and against his wanting body. Finally, he released her and said, “If you stay then I’ll believe you want to bed down with me. Is that what you want?” Swiping a loose hank of black hair back from her face, she said, “Understand me when I say you tempt me greatly. But I’ve my reasons for not going to your bed, even if I’m not a virgin.” Her admission didn’t surprise him. “Then tell me,” he insisted. Oh, how she wanted him to make love to her, but her fears wouldn’t allow her to. “Perhaps, in time…” “I’ve always been a patient man…that is until I met you.” He cupped her chin, leaned down and gazed into her eyes. Melissa leaned toward him, her arms, of their own accord lifting, and winding around his neck. He pulled her up against his body, molded her to his big frame as he lifted her to her toes. He brushed his lips against hers, and then released her. Disappointment set in. Lord, but the man chose the absolute worst moment to be a gentleman. “Sleep in my bed then, whatever your reasons. I’ll leave you alone, if that is your wish.” 34

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “I’m sorry. I can’t make love with you. I haven’t changed my mind on that.” He smiled. “Ah, but you’ll allow me to paddle your sweet bottom and give you pleasure. You are a perplexing woman, Miss Markham.” Tilting her head to the side, she said, “Why? How am I different from your other women?” He liked how she included herself in the mix. “Usually, once I’ve taken a woman to heaven and back she allows me in her bed.” “I see. I assume because they’re grateful?” “That’s partly true, but mostly because a woman knows I’ll give her pleasure, again and again. Women are very lucky…much luckier than men in that respect.” Ethan walked with her upstairs and, as she entered his bedroom, he paused in the doorway leaned against the doorjamb and watched her with a slight smile. She removed every pin in her hair and he murmured, “My god,” at the sight of the blue-black thick rope of hair coming undone, falling below her buttocks. It was straight and sleek and his fingers itched to run through the tresses. “I really must remove my gown. Have you something I may sleep in?” He groaned and shoved away from the doorway. Rummaging in his armoire, he found a long-sleeved dress shirt and tossed it to her. “Be my guest.” He turned away, headed out the doorway, knowing he would be dismissed. She just wasn’t ready to accept him. “Where are you going?” He paused, turned on his heel, and raised his brow. “To the guestroom down the hall.” “Whatever for?” “You said you didn’t want…” “I believe we can both get a good night’s rest sleeping beside each other. Don’t you?” Ethan scowled. “What is this? You are torturing me, you know.” She shrugged. “Sorry, I enjoy having you beside me during the night. I don’t think I can sleep here alone. Your house is strange to me.” “Have you had problems sleeping in your room at the hotel?” “Yes, unfortunately, I have. Please, don’t leave me,” she whispered. Between gritted teeth, he said, “All right. I’ll stay, but you owe 35

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry me lady, some time in the future, you will be mine, you know.” “Perhaps,” she said softly, giving him her woman’s smile…a knowing smile. Damn it. She could use another paddling! She unbuttoned her gown, tugged down the bodice and dispensed with her camisole and stays. He gaped at the beauty before him, naked to her waist. She seemed to have no modesty whatsoever revealing her perfectly shaped creamy breasts to him. Her waist was unbelievably tiny. She pulled his shirt on and buttoned it before releasing her gown and it pooled around her ankles. She scooped it up and he fisted his hands at his sides when he caught a quick glimpse of her buttocks and thighs. Her plump ass enticed him again, as he watched her climb onto the bed on all fours then slip beneath the covers. Extinguishing the lanterns in the bedroom, he whipped off every stitch of clothing and climbed in beside her. She had her back to him and damn it if the little tease didn’t back up and spoon her body against his. “I’m cold,” she whispered. He’d been lying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. Now he turned to her, his body relaxing at the feel of her small frame pressed against his. He pulled her tight against him, his arm around her tiny waist. Then his hand drifted lower, until he found the sweet, lush core of her. Her hand clasped his and she started to pull it away, but he persisted, kept his hand tight against her mons, his fingers finding that delicate nub of her desire. She gasped and he smiled when he felt her relax in his arms again, her hand easing away from his, her breathing quickening. He felt his desire for her flare when she lay on her back and opened herself to him. He brought her pleasure, more than once before finally allowed them to find their rest. He’d allowed her to feel his burgeoning desire for her, but hadn’t made her his this night. It was too soon for her, he knew, yet he’d taken her hand and pressed it against his hardness, letting her know he wanted her. It was a long time later before each of them found their sleep that night. **** With the dawning of a new day, while Ethan still slept, Melissa left his house. Her departure helped place the events of the previous evening in proper perspective. Melissa’s cheeks burned at the thought 36

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry of how she’d slept beside him and how he hadn’t made complete love to her but had, when she allowed him, touched her intimately. With the dawning of the day, she was satisfied she hadn’t allowed him to invade her body, and not giving into her desire to make love to him, was the right decision. He was, after all, her brother’s murderer, and she detested him. Liar! Yet, she ignored the fact she wanted him to take her, possess her as no man ever had before. What was it about Ethan Trent, anyway? She asked herself. Now, Melissa eased her deliciously sore bottom into a tub filled to the brim with steaming, rose-scented water. After soaking, she scrubbed herself then dressed in a russet-colored silk gown and left her suite of rooms at Sawyer House. As she peered into various shop windows, she made plans to start her own business. She had decided not to leave after all. Within a week’s time, she had fallen in love with this quaint town, and had decided it would be the perfect place to establish some sort of shop. “Good morning, Miss Markham.” Melissa hadn’t heard Sheriff Johnson’s arrival but the older man stood beside her, a concerned look on his weathered face. She smiled. “Good morning to you, Sheriff.” “Is it a good morning? He took her arm and walked with her back in the direction from which she’d just traveled. “I’d like to speak to you about something at my office, if you don’t mind.” Her heart beat rapidly as she wondered what was wrong. Then horror came over her. Had Charles Litton found her? Had he come into town without her knowing, telling the sheriff she was a wanted woman in England? Worry changed to anger then. Perhaps the sheriff could do something about Litton. After all, the man had harmed her greatly. Just as they reached the sheriff’s office, Ethan strolled up and tipped his hat to Melissa. Tom glared at Ethan and released Melissa. “You may as well come inside, too. I’ve got some questions for you.” “Sure, Tom, what seems to be the problem?” He took Melissa’s arm and guided her inside. She gave him a worried look so he patted her hand, as though to say everything’s fine. Once he settled her in a chair, Tom spoke. “The lady first,” he said, looking at Melissa. “Miss Markham. I’m wondering about Ethan taking you out of jail in the middle of the night. Tell me I didn’t make a mistake.” 37

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Melissa felt Trent’s body tense up beside her and she swallowed down her first reply—that he’d harmed her greatly, but that she’d loved every minute. “Mr. Trent didn’t hurt me, if that’s what you’re asking.” She offered the sheriff a faint smile. Tom scowled. “That’s not what I hear tell from the men jawing over at Calvin’s. The problem is, with the door closed no one is certain what all happened in that room at the saloon. But they heard you two arguing, Ma’am.” Melissa raised her brow. “Well, I would certainly tell you if Mr. Trent caused me any harm, wouldn’t I? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really must do some shopping.” She came to her feet, reticule strap over her arm and made her way to the door. Ethan tipped his hat with a smile. “We’ll talk later, Tom, if you don’t mind.” “Later,” the older man grumbled. **** Ethan followed Melissa outside, traced her steps, pausing when she peered into shop windows. She watched him give a polite nod to Mrs. McGillvery and her pretty daughter Milly, then said, “Good morning, ladies.” Melissa rolled her eyes when the girl named Milly preened and gushed, “Oh, good morning to you, Marshal Trent.” Melissa turned away and pressed her nose against a window then moved onto the next shop window. She heard Ethan’s steps behind her. Lifting her brow, she turned and found him staring at her bosom, her waist, and hips. “Are you following me?” He shrugged and jammed his hands in his pocket. “I’ve some time on my hands this morning.” She frowned. “I have business to tend to. Excuse me.” He shrugged. “No problem. I’ll join you.” Her cheeks warmed beneath his appreciative gaze. She felt awkward with him this morning, in the light of day, and after what had happened over the past twenty-four hours between them. Turning away again, she stared inside Marceline’s dress shop. She tried ignoring him but it was difficult. She found herself wondering how she would feel if she’d found fulfillment in his arms last evening, then cursed her wanton nature, she couldn’t meet his eyes. With deliberation, she turned her gaze upon a beige silk gown 38

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry trimmed with blonde Brussels lace on a headless mannequin. “I’d like to purchase it for you,” he offered. She tilted her head and scrutinized him. “I’ll purchase my own gowns, thank you very much.” She started to turn away when he stopped her and held her in front of him. Then he slid both hands up the delicate curves of her arms and clasped her shoulders. His expression was a mixed halfsmile, half-frown. “Why are you brushing me off as if I were little more than a pesky fly?” She opened her mouth to reply and he warned, “Be honest.” Melissa sighed. “What happened between us was incredibly unusual, at least for me, and exciting, but also a dreadful mistake. I won’t allow it to happen again.” “Oh, but it will, because what we experienced is more powerful than both of us. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with a man and a woman who are attracted to each other indulging in a liaison, if they so desire, and a bit of fantasy.” “Fantasy? Oh, yes,” she said softly, “it certainly was that, but let us be realistic. I haven’t had good experiences with men. One man, in particular. Frankly, I’m astonished I responded to you as I did.” “So, you’re telling me no man has ever given you such pleasure?” She shook her head. He frowned. “Yet you aren’t an innocent.” She laughed mirthlessly. “Far from it.” Ethan watched her pick up her skirts and walk away, his smile turning to a scowl at her words. He caught up with her and said, “Explain, please.” “I was raised in China and my mother was a concubine. That is where everything began for me. There, that’s the only thing I’ll tell you, for now,” she informed him. His keen-eyed look unnerved her and she heard him murmur, “I’d like to hear more about your past. “I’ve no plans for the evening,” he murmured as he slid an arm around her waist. She pulled out of his embrace. “I do. Besides, I’m not interested in forming long-term ties to any man.” “Is that a fact?” he said. Melissa didn’t like the disbelief in his voice. No, she couldn’t continue any liaison with this far too tempting man. This morning, after leaving his home, she rethought what happened between them. The one glaring item that bothered her was the fact he’d taken her 39

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry mind off her goal of discovering why he’d killed her brother. She’d meant to ask him over the past several hours about the sad event, but he’d distracted her. Now she decided she wouldn’t ask him any more questions about Shi Ming Kuan, until she heard back from other sources out east she’d queried. She looked up at him and said the most difficult words, “I mean it when I say no, Ethan. Not ever again. I made a mistake and I’ve paid my dues.” “What if I were to make you an offer you couldn’t resist?” “You can’t.” When he didn’t reply, just kept that knowing smile on his face, she asked, “What sort of offer?” “Marry me.” Astonished, she stumbled over her words, “Mar…marry you! No, heavens, no.” He frowned. “Why not?” “Because we don’t love each other.” “True, but many husbands and wives don’t love each other when they marry. Sometimes it takes time for love to grow, if one can believe in that emotion.” Oh, how Melissa wanted, more than anything in the world was to believe in love. Her heart plummeted when he said, “Be my mistress, then. No ties, no messy emotions. You can leave when you want.” “And you will have the same option?” she asked. He nodded and folded his arms across his chest, waiting for her to reply. Gritting her teeth she was offended by his comment, taking some comfort in the fact the offer had been his second choice. She couldn’t ignore the fact he was a scoundrel, albeit a gentler one than Litton, still a scoundrel. If he’d been a gentleman, he would have forgiven her mistake at the saloon. Still, some other declaration of feelings from him, not love but something, would have been appropriate, she mused. “Well?” he asked. “I can’t deny your offer is tempting,” she said, her disappointment making her reply caustic. She gave him a leisurely look. “You are a handsome enough man, but from the looks of you, I don’t believe you can afford me.” Ethan’s cheeks turned blotchy red and she immediately regretted her scathing remark as she watched him stare down at his white lawn shirt that was more gray than white from wear. It was obvious clothes weren’t all that important to him and, truth be told, they weren’t to her, either. Still, it was the first thing that she could think of by way of an excuse at turning down his tempting offer. 40

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry She guessed, due to his lawman’s work, he likely never needed attire that is more formal. Thus far, she’d seen him wearing the same suit since her arrival to town. Melissa swept him one quick, disdainful look to try to discourage him before turning her back on him and sauntering away. She heard him come up behind her, lean over her shoulder and whisper in her ear, “Name your price.” Melissa paused and scowled at him when two elderly ladies passed by them with looks of disapproval stamped on their pinched faces. “I’m not for sale.” “Two-hundred a week.” Melissa gave a dry laugh and raised her brow. “Is that all you believe I’m worth?” “No, but I’m a gambling man, Miss Markham.” “It’s not enough.” No amount of money would ever be enough! She proceeded to walk away, stopping in her tracks at his cool reply. “The offer stands if you change your mind.” Melissa glanced at him over her shoulder. “I won’t.” As she passed a few more shops, she was disappointed he hadn’t followed her. Then she reminded herself that he was nothing but a rogue, a scoundrel, and good riddance. She sighed then and dug deep into her dream world. With each step she took, the delightful tingling in her lower extremity reminded her of his attentions yesterday. Shivers coursed up and down her spine at the thought of what could happen if they met in private again. What was she thinking? There wouldn’t be a next time. Yet, upon returning to Sawyer House, all she could think about was the past day and evening she had spent in his arms, amazed that the erotic dreams of her past had come to fruition. Dreams that a man could subjugate her, yet still treat her like a human being, and not like dirt under his feet. Melissa gave herself a mental kick. She knew well about men and their perversions and decided she wouldn’t be seeing Ethan again—except as any other town occupant—refusing to prostitute herself as her mother had done. Melissa had choices, unlike her mother. Yet she admitted his offer tempted her. Mulling over her future a plan came to mind and she smiled. She’d inventoried the stores and decided the town could use a perfume shop. Other than the two mercantiles in town, hers would be the only other that sold scents, lotions, scented soap and perfume. Perhaps, with time, once she and Ethan got to know each other better, 41

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Ethan would recognize her true value; perhaps she could make him fall in love with her. Then a marriage proposal from him would mean something. True, he was a cad—a gentle one—but when compared to Litton and to some of her mother’s lovers—he became her knight in shining armor. Her feelings for Ethan must be true for Melissa had never wanted to marry another man before now. Melissa started thinking on the business at hand—finding employment. The money she took from the earl she would use to purchase her scents and set up her shop. Melissa knew how to live frugally so a clerking job to help her pay her room and board at the hotel was all she truly required. She broke out in a sweat as she pondered upon the money she had filched from the earl. She deserved that money, had earned it, and she wouldn’t allow her conscience to get the better of her. The man was an awful bastard and while she was frightened of him, Melissa intensely hated him. If he happened to be anywhere in her vicinity she knew she would have no qualms about seeking him out, with a gun in hand. Changing her name and identity had been in her own best interests, though. Besides, her true name, Mei Lin, would have drawn attention here in America. Due to the many westerners who’d traveled to China and sampled her mother’s charms along the way, reinforced by having worked for Mrs. Cavendish for a while as her maid, she’d easily picked up the English language. She also happened to resemble her English father more than her Chinese mother, which helped in her disguise. By late afternoon she’d found a position at ‘Sugars’, a Confectionary Shop. The proprietor, Mrs. Annamae Simpson, was of the opinion that having a proper speaking English lady working in her shop could only help her business. Things were looking brighter and she felt a sense of well-being knowing she could pay her way. **** The following morning Ethan Trent stood in Sugar’s doorway and admired Melissa’s waspish waist and tempting curve of her bottom as she spoke with Mrs. Simpson. “What do you mean you can’t hire me after all? You told me to arrive for work today and here I am.” “I’m sorry, Miss Markham, but I’m afraid my niece decided to take the position after all. She turned it down after I initially offered it to her, but has since decided pocket money from her poppa isn’t enough.” 42

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Melissa sighed. “If things don’t work out with your niece, please feel free to contact me.” “Oh, I will, Miss Markham. Truly!” the older woman replied. Melissa swiveled on her heel and headed for the door, halting when she noticed Ethan standing there, blocking her exit. She noted the amusement on his face as he stepped inside the shop and slammed the door shut. “We need to talk about your penchant for searching for work when I’ve made you a worthwhile, generous offer.” Generous offer indeed. She lifted her chin and whispered, “This is not the place nor is it the time to discuss this matter. In fact no time is. I’ve paid for my misdeed last evening,” she said quietly, not wanting Mrs. Simpson to hear their conversation. “As far as I’m concerned, we are through with each other.” Melissa knew she’d confused him, after having accepted his attentions the day before. But then, she’d had no choice; it was oblige him or go back to jail. She shuddered again at the thought. Besides, she’d long ago decided not to settle for anything less in life than love and marriage. Moreover, she couldn’t marry him because, while she recognized she might love him, she knew he didn’t love her. He merely wanted her in his bed. Ethan folded his arms across his chest and widened his stance, completely blocking her way, leveling a dark look at her. Melissa’s eyes narrowed. “Get out of my way.” He didn’t budge. “Why won’t you take ‘no’ for an answer?” Glancing around her, she checked to see if anyone else was in the shop. Thankfully, Mrs. Simpson must be in the back, for she was nowhere in sight. Melissa whirled around and hissed, “I’ll never be your mistress.” He slowly uncrossed his arms and moved a step closer. “Then I suggest you leave Stillwater, immediately, for I’ll run you down to get what I want.” “Why are you bullying me about this? Why would you want a woman who does not want you? There are women who would willingly give you what you desire.” “Yes, but I don’t want them or their charms. I want you, and damn it all, you want me. Stop lying about it.” He tilted up her chin with a fist and whispered, “I desire you, just as I know you want me and the pleasure I give you. 43

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Chapter Six Ethan could tell that wasn’t the answer she expected when she emitted an outraged gasp. She had expected to hear him say again that he still wanted her to be his mistress, but being more direct had its advantages. “I refuse to be any man’s mistress since I’ve no desire to bear children.” Now this was interesting, he mused as he frowned. A woman who had no desire to have children? In his opinion, having children was a woman’s duty, and most women understood that. Most women wanted that. “Did I say anything about getting you with child? I would leave you satisfied, yet you would carry no child of mine.” “What are you? Some miracle worker? Do you know my mother conceived and birthed a child every year, for ten years? All but I and my brother died in childbirth.” She shook her head, tried stepping around him but he blocked her way. She moved the other direction but he followed, staying in front of her. He laughed aloud when she stomped her foot and rolled her eyes heavenward. “Are you daft or hard of hearing? I said no, and that is my final answer.” He stared at her for one split second before he bent, grasped her thighs, and tossed her over his shoulder. He opened the door and the bell above it rang. Mrs. Simpson rushed out to welcome her next customer and gasped when she saw Melissa hanging over Ethan’s shoulder. “What are you about, Mr. Trent?” the older woman declared. Melissa braced her arms against his shoulders and shouted, “Get the sheriff, Mrs. Simpson. Please!” Ethan merely patted Melissa’s buttocks and turned to the shopkeeper. “I wouldn’t, if I were you, Madam. Miss Markham is prone to fits of hysteria, mostly because she believes I was unwarranted in killing her brother, who was a criminal of the worst sort.” The woman gasped again and her skin paled as she gave Melissa a horrified look. He reached out and started closing the door with Melissa screaming in his ear. He gave her wriggling bottom a warning smack, satisfied when she quieted. He swiveled and gave Mrs. Simpson 44

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry another pointed look. “Put your heart at ease. I plan to pursue a permanent relationship with Miss Markham. Do you understand?” Annamae Simpson paused and a wide, toothy grin wreathed her face. “Oh, well then, may I extend my congratulations to both of you?” She looked at Melissa. “Why, Miss Markham, you should have told me you were getting married.” Before Melissa could think to reply to such an audacious statement, Trent said, “Good day, Madam.” Melissa kicked her legs and flailed her fists against Ethan’s back, attempting to escape his hold. Surprise filled her then when he suddenly set her down in the front of the shop. Before she could leave, however, he wound a solicitous arm around her waist and halfcarried, half-walked her down the walkway, nodding politely and tipping his hat in greeting as people strolled past them. She jabbed him in the ribs. “Behave yourself,” he warned. “We need to talk.” “Blah, blah, blah. Never have I been with a man who likes to talk so much.” He glared at her as they reached his carriage and he fairly tossed Melissa onto a plush velvet seat and followed her inside, closing the door behind him. He sat across from her, tapped the roof and his driver sped away. “Now then, be a good girl, at least until we arrive home. By the way, I’d say I’m the answer to your unemployment dilemma, wouldn’t you?” Melissa watched him, keeping her emotions concealed, following his gaze over her body. She crossed her arms across her breasts and he raised his gaze and smiled. Though she hated sulking, that’s precisely what Melissa did as she sat in the corner. Being an independent woman with a mind of her own, she didn’t like being strong-armed by him. As she glared at him, she felt she could almost read his mind. Guessing his fingers itched to unbutton the front of her gown, Melissa imagined him playfully taking her over his knee then, after spanking her bottom until it stung, setting her upright and making love to her. She shook her head. Why couldn’t she forget about this man? Although she’d only been out of his sight for a few hours, he behaved as though it had been a lifetime ago in which he saw her. She smiled then, thinking she could get used to his attentions quite 45

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry easily—too easily—and that was a problem for her. No ties—no commitments ever, she’d long ago decided. She trusted no man. After they traveled a short distance, she jammed her shoulder against the door and leaned against it. Then she jiggled the handle but stopped when he chuckled. “What in bloody hell is wrong with this door?” she snapped. “A little trick law enforcers use to prevent the escape of prisoners in a conveyance,” he said. That side’s nailed shut.” He smiled when he saw her glare down at his leg, which he’d braced across the door they’d use to enter the carriage, effectively blocking that exit. Melissa’s heart pounded furiously. Her chest heaved with impotent anger and frustration, even though she remained outwardly calm. She had showed him enough fury for one day and all he’d done was laugh at her. When the carriage slowed then came to a complete stop she glared at Trent who sat across from her, brawny arms folded, a grin on his lips. She jiggled the door handle once more. “It’s useless, you know.”They had arrived at his home. He opened the door and vaulted outside. Then he reached in, hauled her out, tucking her hand in his. He moved swiftly up the walkway to his house, pulling her along behind him. Her breathing grew labored and she begged him, “Slow down, Trent! Your legs are far longer than mine!” She looked up in time to see the front door open. A woman Melissa hadn’t seen during her first visit stood in a black gown and crisp, white apron and cap, a huge grin on her lined old face. “I’m back, Ruth, as I said I would be, and with Miss Markham.” The tiny gray-haired woman said not a word but checked Melissa over with keen blue eyes when Ethan hustled her into the house. The old woman gave an abrupt nod and shut the door behind them. Trent pulled a ring of several keys from his pocket and locked the door. Melissa gulped and yanked her arm from Trent. “I’m not staying. I don’t want to talk.” “Ah,” he said. “I have no desire to talk either, but I’ve another suggestion—” She sighed and said, “All right, we’ll talk.” “After we’ve discussed the terms of our relationship perhaps I’ll allow you to return to Sawyer House. I’ll inform you now your accommodations at the hotel are temporary. Besides, need I remind you that Mrs. Simpson expects to see our marriage banns posted 46

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry soon?” Melissa scoffed, “I’ve already told you there’s not a chance in hell I’ll marry you.” “Hmm, so marriage isn’t to your liking? That’s good because I haven’t a hankerin’ to marry you, either.” She whirled to face him. “Then why in heavens name did you ask me?” “Because I guessed it would be the only way you’d willingly come to me.” “I see. You are a gentleman first, and a scoundrel second. Is this how you always approach women in whom you’re interested?” “No. You’re the first I’ve asked to marry.” Stunned, she just stared at him, mouth gaping wide. “So, since marriage is not in your interest then my offer stands that you become my mistress.” He moved away from her. Just before he ducked through another doorway, he gave her a devilish look. “Come into my library and let me have my wicked way with you.” Melissa nearly laughed aloud at his temerity, fighting the urge to give him the answer he wanted. Oh, he’d had his way with her already, and she’d enjoyed it, every single moment. Damning her lack of discipline, and her traitorous yearnings, she tucked them away and demanded, “Let me out of here.” He didn’t answer nor did he return. She didn’t fail to notice how he left the library door open in silent invitation. Melissa turned and tried opening the front door, groaning when she recalled him locking it and pocketing the key. She stalked to the back door and when that one wouldn’t open, she found a third door on the side of the house. She flung it open, thinking, freedom, but stopped and slammed it shut when a huge, snarling dog blocked her way. His house was secured and battened down, guard dog at the ready. She was his prisoner and had no choice but to join him. Melissa hesitantly entered his library, closed the door, and immediately regretted her actions. He stood in front of his desk, leaning against it, a glass of something reddish-brown in his big hand as he stared at her with a hungry look on his face. He was dressed today in a fine dark blue coat, white shirt and blue tie. His long legs were encased in fawn-colored pants, thighs muscular and firm. She stayed with her back against the door and watched him, noticed the decanters of wine and liquor in a corner. A glass of sherry would be 47

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry heavenly but she couldn’t imbibe because she had to keep her wits about her. “Come here, Melissa.” He set his glass down upon the desk’s top. Her wary gaze followed his movements, watched him straighten to his full, impressive height. He brushed an errant lock of dark hair off his forehead but it immediately fell back down again. She narrowed her eyes on him and stayed put. “Let’s be honest with one another. I want you in my life, in whatever way I can have you, and you want me but are too stubborn to admit it. I’m right, aren’t I?” “I want you…yes…but I’ll not live with you as your mistress.” She scowled and added. “Haven’t you heard a word I said?” “Think on my offer. Perhaps a libation would loosen your tongue a bit more?” She shook her head, and then changed her mind, deciding it would help her nerves. She moved toward him, sinking gratefully into a chair in front of his desk. “Yes, I’d love one, thank you.” He poured her a sherry, handed it to her. She felt prickles run up her hand and into her wrist at his touch. Staring up at him she sipped at her sherry, saw his smile widen. He moved behind his desk and took a seat. Steepling his fingers, he said, “So, tell me what sort of work you’re looking for.” She sighed. “I’m afraid I’m not qualified to do much but work in a shop, or clean and cook. Her eyes widened. “Oh, you could pay me to take care of your house!” He shook his head. “I hate having employees under foot. Besides, I couldn’t fire Ruth. She depends on the job.” “Could you perhaps hire me as a second cook and housekeeper?” He raised his brows. “Pay two salaries? No. Not an option. I assume your money supply is running low?” She nodded and leaned slightly forward to set her glass down on the desk. The money to become his mistress was tempting, but she wouldn’t cave in to his demands, even if she were feasting on her last crust of bread. Her mother had been concubine to several men. Melissa watched the poor woman’s beauty and her health waste away because of those liaisons. Melissa wanted to enjoy life as any normal woman would with a loving husband and children. Becoming Ethan’s mistress would be settling for less than she deserved, even if she knew she’d 48

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry enjoy sessions over his knee and making love with him. Hadn't he said he'd only proposed since she wouldn't be his mistress? Marriage now was not an option for them, for they did not love each other. Ethan’s face was dead serious when he posed his next question. “Why are you protesting what I can do to your body when you love it so much?” He held up his hand, halting her immediate protest. “Don’t,” he ordered. “Face the facts. We are more than a little attracted to each other, though you’re an unusual woman and not my type at all.” He scowled and added, “But for some unfathomable reason I can’t rid you from my mind.” He rose from his chair, moved around the desk and stopped at her side. Bending down to her, he tucked one finger beneath her chin, closing her mouth, which gaped again before pulling her out of her chair and into his arms once more. One hand drifted down her back until it reached her buttocks. When he cupped her and pulled her hard against his throbbing cock, she groaned and closed her eyes. “Admit it,” he growled, “you want me to make love to you, punish you, take you to a place deep inside you, a place you’ve imagined only in your dreams.” His voice was low and sultry— mesmerizing. “You love it when I do.” It took Melissa a long time to answer. When she did, her voice trembled, “I’m afraid you’re right, but I have no idea why!” She tipped her head back and gave him a sorrowful look. “Heavens, it isn’t normal, is it?” “It is with us,” he said roughly. “I’ve searched a long time for a woman like you, sweet Melissa.” He took her lips in a hot, devouring kiss. She submitted, unable to do anything else. A deep vortex of feeling filled Melissa’s body and soul, and she felt powerless to refuse this man. How could she loathe being beaten by one man yet crave a similar attention from another? It made no sense. Melissa wanted this man with a desperation she’d never felt before. Just before he swept her up into his arms, crossed the library, and passed through another doorway, she had to ask herself if she was losing her mind. **** Ethan laid Melissa on the plush gold divan in his parlor; relieved she’d given in to his demands—had recognized the truth of her feelings for him, and his for her. If she hadn’t he would have been obliged to release her, which was the furthest thing from his mind. But he’d never before forced a woman. He didn’t plan to start now. 49

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry An idea how to solve the dilemma entered his mind then. He knelt on the floor beside her and stroked her brow, loosened the tightly knotted bun atop her head. When he pulled each pin from her hair, he spread the inky locks around her shoulders. Some tresses fell upon the divan’s arm. “Lovely,” he whispered. He smiled then when her cheeks turn crimson. “What’s this?” he asked, cupping her chin and turning her to face him. “You think I’m pretty,” she replied. “You’re beautiful,” he said dryly, “albeit in a unique and rather unusual way.” She wound her arms around his neck and lifted herself for his kiss. “Kiss me.” “Not yet…at least not until I tell you the solution to our little problem. A solution I think that will satisfy both of us.” “I’m listening.” He stood and she sat up. He sank onto the cushion beside her. “I’m thinking you could work as my secretary, or perhaps as my companion.” She narrowed her eyes on him. “Companion, you say?” “Yes, that’s exactly it.” “I have no organization skills if that’s the type of thing you’re looking for in a secretary. But, what would the job entail as your companion?” “Have you noticed the population of the women in town is double the number of men?” “Now that you mention it, I have.” “I’d like you to pretend to be my girl.” “Oh, you mean to pretend we’re engaged?” “No, I don’t believe that’s necessary. Be…be my sweetheart. I’ll court you. It’ll keep the other women at bay, and hopefully they’ll stop pursuing me.” She smiled. “Why, Ethan I would think you’d enjoy being pursued by so many women.” Ethan shuddered. “Not when most of them are nothing but silly young girls. I’m nearly as old as their father are! Now that I think of it,” he said, narrowing his eyes on her, “just how old are you anyway?” “Twenty. He groaned and whispered, “So young.” “Perhaps in years but not where life is concerned,” she said with 50

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry a nonchalant shrug. “Well, I suppose I could do that. But I won’t stay here with you. I’ll keep my room at the boarding house.” “Of course you will. I want everything between us to be respectable and proper.” “So, that’s it then? Just your sweetheart?” “I’ll pay you the two-hundred I said I would each week, plus another hundred, if you’ll agree to something else? For one day of each week you agree to be my concubine, to allow me access to your sweet body.” She stared at him a long moment, felt heat seep into her cheeks before saying, “The same as what we’ve already done, do you mean?” He nodded. “Yes and more I anticipate—hopefully. Once a week.” “Whatever happened to my desire to not be your mistress?” “Hear me out.” He kissed her lips and murmured, “We both enjoyed the love play between us. I say we indulge ourselves, grant that we have these needs. Once a week, behind these closed doors, I want you to come to me. I want your submission and for you to accept my dominance—just once a week. I want you now in that way. I can imagine you dangling over my knee right now,” he purred. “I can see your pretty ass turning pink from my attentions and you loving it.” “And you won’t attempt to make love to me?” “Not unless you want me to. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll oblige you.” “How long?” “For as long as you wish.” “Four-hundred a week and we’ve a deal, Mr. Trent.” He frowned. “You are a hard woman, Miss Markham.” “Perhaps. But how does one judge the price of a companion?” she asked. At his shrug she added, “Four-hundred would give me enough money within a relatively short time to start up my own business.” “What sort of business?” “I’ll tell you when I’m ready,” she said with a smile. “I agree to the amount and I say we begin the arrangement today.” “Fine with me. The sooner I begin, the sooner I’ll earn my money,” she replied. “I’m starving. Don’t you need to take me to lunch somewhere?” “Lunch?” he asked raising his eyebrows. 51

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Yes, that way the gals in town will see you escorting me about. I say it’s a good way to begin our arrangement.” “I was thinking of something better, something more personal.” “What would that be?” His face, not his voice, supplied her with his answer. “No.” “But you just agreed to my terms. Besides, admit it. You enjoy it. You told me as much. You begged for more,” he reminded her. He tugged her to her feet and escorted her from the parlor back to the library. “Unfortunately, you’re right. I enjoy it, but as I said just moments ago I haven’t the foggiest notion why.” “Good,” Ethan said. “We are of like minds, then. It doesn’t matter why you enjoy it—only that it gives both of us pleasure.” In a gruff tone he added, “You know, of course, that I don’t love you.”

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Chapter Seven Melissa's heart clenched as she stood before him. She met his eyes, wondered at his defensive words. She watched him as he leaned back against his desk once more and crossed his arms. “Of course you don’t.” With a toss of her head, she added, “And I don’t love you. But what does it have to do with the fact you enjoy spanking me? Why I cooperate is beyond me and why I enjoy it is even stranger.” “Sweetheart, you become wonderfully submissive, as you should. As I told you before, I’ve spanked a few women who were in agreement and eager to try a new venture in making love. However, they were lacking the submissive attitude I seek in a woman. I want a woman who will accept the fact men are meant to be in charge and women are not.” “It’s true and perplexing that I wanted what you did to me, or I wouldn’t have cooperated.” A faint throbbing started between her legs, the very core of her crying out to be touched again. Coming to a decision, she said, “I agree that we may begin now with our arrangement—”He reached for her. “—after you’ve fed me lunch.” He pulled his hands back and countered, “After I’ve turned you over my knee.” She groaned when he pulled a chair out from behind the desk into the center of the room. “We can’t begin yet!” she protested. “Why not?” “In the middle of the day? Don’t you have work to do?” “I do. But it can wait since this is more important.” He reached for her then and she found herself gently drawn over his knees once more to stare down at the lavish carpeting. **** After pulling her skirts up, he found himself staring down at her bottom encased in drawers that had turned yellow from wash and wear. He scowled and made a note to take her shopping soon to purchase new lace embellished ones. He’d have to take them down, of course. Easily, he released the tapes on each side of her waist and yanked them down past her knees. “No! Not my drawers! I’m still a bit sore,” she protested. “I’ll be gentle. You’ll love this. I’ll have you eating out of my hand soon. He lifted the lid on a box on a nearby tabletop and 53

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry removed a man’s hairbrush. She didn’t look back, which was fortunate for he guessed she’d protest furiously. “Well? Haven’t you looked enough at my buttocks?” she said. “Get on with it, Ethan.” He planned to take her down another avenue with this lovemaking, knowing the strike of the back of the hairbrush would hurt more. But he also knew she’d enjoy it as well. Raising his hand, he brought the flat wood brush down across one cheek and she shrieked. She wriggled on his lap and he held onto her as she turned her head to look at him. “That was not your hand.” “No.” He smiled and held up the brush. “Just this. You’ll enjoy it. Trust me.” She muttered, “I’ve heard that before. This isn’t normal behavior.” “Here we go,” he said as he started in peppering her still delightfully sore bottom with the back of the brush. **** Melissa gasped with each smack, her hands flat on the floor. Soon a euphoric rush settled inside her and she closed her eyes, lost in the delightful sensations running down her spine, her buttocks, and thighs. She damned him for being right. Then she felt herself falling, escaping all thoughts of the wicked earl from her past, her heart and soul concentrating on this man. Ethan. She supposed it was possible she loved him. Frowning, once again she thought of his defensive words, that he could not love her and wondered why. It was over too soon she thought when Ethan eased her to her feet, wound his arms around her, then pulled her down and held her on his lap. She kicked her legs and her drawers flew off. “There’s more to come,” he said then rose and pulled her to his desk. Ethan cleared the desk with the full sweep of his forearm, sending papers and pens flying. She looked up at him. “Um, Ethan? Why?” “For you,” he said as he pressed her upper body across the desk’s smooth mellowed oak surface and curved her fingers around the far edge. “Oh, my heavens, what have you thought of now?” “Feel. Just…feel.” 54

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Swiftly, he tossed up her skirts, settling both of his big hands on her bare buttocks. “Submit to me, sweetheart. I only want to pleasure you.” Submitting? As her mother had to her lovers. No, this was nothing like that. She instinctively trusted Ethan not to harm her, and really, she wasn’t submitting to him but to her own desires. Melissa gasped when he massaged her buttocks with his big hands, opening and closing his fingers. She moaned and arched her back in uninhibited desire, waiting for him to pleasure her. Then he removed his hands from her body. She waited in breathless anticipation for more. She cried out as something soft trailed down her back, slid over each of her thighs then stopped between them, circling her clit. She tried to determine the identity of the object— something exquisitely pointy and fine. What was it? Ethan moved it over and around the base of her clit in slow, tiny circles driving her desire higher. Drenched, her petals soaked, she bit her lip in an effort to hold onto her spiraling passion, even as she felt wetness slide down the inside of one thigh. “What are you doing to me?” she whimpered. He didn’t reply. Melissa felt a sweet pain build at her center from his unerring touch. To end the madness, she closed her thighs to protect herself from the erotic sensations flooding her body. The feelings were too much! She’d managed to trap the object. This heightened the sensations and she screamed in frustration. Blood strummed through the nerve endings to her core. “Open to me, sweetheart,” Ethan’s soft voice demanded. When she kept her thighs closed, he growled, “This is part of our agreement. Remember?” Then deep laughter rumbled from deep inside Ethan’s chest and he whispered in her ear, “Has no man ever given you pleasure like this before?” “I would say—” She cleared her throat when the words caught. “I would say you are well on your way to being highly successful in that area.” He laughed again but continued pressing the object against her in that maddening way until she groaned, “My Lord, but you are driving me crazy. Tell me, what have you in your hand?” “Relax and open yourself to me. I won’t hurt you.” She knew that, of course, so she unclenched her thigh and felt 55

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry him move away from her. She glanced over her shoulder and gulped at the sight of a long, goose-feathered quill pen in his hand. He bent to her then. “Isn’t it amazing how this one small item can create such havoc—such pain and pleasure?” he said in a conversational tone. “Now, cooperate with me and I promise I shall pleasure you beyond anything you’ve ever before experienced.” “Yes!” she breathed when he touched her again. She closed her eyes and bit her lip when he swept the quill from the bottom of her buttocks to her thighs, down one limb then up and down the other. Melissa pounded her fists against the desk, emitting a guttural sound of despair at the teasing movement “End this torment!” He took up a rhythm that kept her on the wicked edge. She cursed, she begged as he swept the feather’s tip across and around her hot, engorged folds. Finally, when tears ran down her cheeks, and her groans escalated into begging, he sank to his knees and took her swiftly to completion with his lips, rolling her plump nub between his teeth. “Yes!” she screamed, her entire center throbbing as she bucked against the desk. Ethan hadn’t finished with her yet. His mouth, lips, and hands worked over her still. His every touch made her shiver—made her feel hot. She couldn’t make up her mind how she felt; she simply just felt every wonderful thing a woman could feel at the moment. Slowly, he kissed her back and buttocks, her thighs and the insides of them. Then his mouth savaged the center of her once more until her body tightened like the string on a bow, making her convulse once more. Settling in exhaustion upon the desk, she felt as though she’d died and gone to heaven, or possibly this was hell and all of its tales of horror had been false. Ethan lifted her gently in his arms and carried her to the parlor again. He laid her down on the divan, on her back and stared down at her, eyes glittering. “Take me, Ethan,” she said softly. “How?” She knew what he was asking; he wanted to fuck her—not make love to her, for hadn't he said he could not love her? While his words bothered her, at the moment, all she could think about was he inside her, loving her, his big, hot, naked body atop her. She saw his nostrils flare, his pupils appeared to dilate, and his lips looked fuller and sensual. 56

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “In the way that a man takes a woman.” She smiled when he tore off his clothes and hers, and lay down atop her. Melissa gasped at the scorching heat of his body and wound her arms around his neck. She felt him stiffen a moment before he wound his arms around her and held her hard against him. Her skin was highly sensitized to his touch. She couldn’t stop arching her back and raising her hips, searching for him, wanting him to make love to her. She kissed him, writhing beneath him. He pulled her arms down, settled back on his haunches. She saw the glittering desire in his eyes as they moved over her body. Her gaze honed in on his magnificent, naked torso. He was strong and sleek, his erection long and thick. “You’ve made me hot for your sweet little cunt,” he said between gritted teeth. Scowling, he added, “But remember that I can’t love you.” Why not? Would she never experience the joy and beauty of simply being loved by a man? To be completely, utterly cherished? Would she never have that? Ethan lowered his head, nuzzled her neck, and all the while her mind raced at the exquisite contact. Lord, but he was a handsome devil and she knew she could easily fall in love with him. But she wouldn’t. He’d murdered her brother, even if he supposedly had good reason, which she still doubted. She knew her brother had always been a gentle, kind young man. She tilted her head to one side to give him better access to her neck. Thinking about her brother brought her to her senses and she hardened her softening heart. She’d allow him to make love to her and she would find her own pleasure, but she wouldn’t become his permanent mistress—at any price—no matter how much she desired him. She would be his companion—another word for mistress she guessed—until she'd earned enough money to start up her business. Then she'd leave him. The touch of his teeth grasping her top lip brought her back to the present. He feasted on it, sucked it into his mouth before moving to the hollow of her neck once more. He rolled off the divan, taking her with him and she laughed. Protecting her as they landed on the floor together, he tangled his long legs with hers. One foot rubbed up and down her calf, and his hand unerringly found the moist folds between her thighs. Melissa’s laughter died when she met the hot, intent look in his eyes. 57

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Mine,” he whispered as the palm of his hand created a rapid friction, amazingly bringing Melissa to a quick climax. Before she stopped throbbing, he rolled atop her and entered her swiftly, smoothly. She gasped in surprise at his quick entry and widened her gaze on him as he stared down at her. With an inward sigh, a small part of her wished she could have been virginal for him, but that bastard earl, Litton, had thoroughly broken her in. He seemed to be gauging her reaction as he pulled out of her body, then thrust inside. His erection was huge and it seemed to be growing each time he entered her, stretching her to accommodate him. Her insides pulsed at his provocative movements and she used her inner muscles, tightening them, knowing this would give him exquisite pleasure. When he went to pull back, she tightened her muscles. He paused, stayed inside her. Ethan lifted his head and growled, “What sorcery is this?” She gave him a sweet smile, tensed her muscles even more. He straightened his strong, corded arms on either side of her body as he lifted away from her. He’d pressed his groin down against hers, but now he pulled back onto his knees. She followed his movement, arching her back, pushing up her pelvis to keep him buried deep inside her. “Don’t you like that?” she asked. “Where did you learn that trick?” “I’d learned some things from my mother.” His gaze slammed into hers. “Ah, yes, was she a famous concubine?” “As a matter of fact, she was,” Melissa sadly replied. He grasped her hips and she squeezed him again. With his gaze on her the entire time, he pressed further inside her. Gritting his teeth he stated in a dictatorial tone, “You are mine, sweetheart, mine. While your mother spread her limbs for many, you won’t.” “Oh!” she cried out. Soon his powerful possession carried her over the edge into sweet oblivion. Half conscious now, she felt him burst, felt his seed flowing inside her body as he found his own release. **** After a while, Ethan’s mind started working again. Damn! He had meant to pull out of her at the last moment but had been so caught up in her charms he’d forgotten. Scowling, he thought how he’d never before taken a chance with no protection. 58

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Then he looked at Melissa—really looked at her. She was beautiful, as she lay there on the floor, naked except for her cream silk stockings and garters. Her dark eyes were shut, but she wore a satisfied smile. Narrowing his eyes on her, he wondered why she’d been so adamant for him to fuck her. Then the answer hit him smack between the eyes. She wanted him to pay for killing her brother, and what better way than for him to impregnate her, which would force him to do the honorable thing and marry her. Like hell! He frowned and said gruffly, “This doesn’t change anything. I won’t marry you.” “I know.” She smiled and shrugged. “Perhaps I’ve no wish to marry you.” “Hah!” He gathered her up in his arms, and strode from the library. “Marriage is a woman’s most prized commodity and a man’s curse.” It was her turn to growl. “Stop harping. Do I strike you as the sort of woman who would trap you into marriage?” He spat, “Every woman is that sort.” Upstairs he entered his room and dropped her on the bed. Chagrinned now, he looked down, not at all surprised to see his erection had returned. He lowered himself on top of her and took her again, murmuring, even as he released inside her once more, “I’ll never fall in love with you, Melissa, never.” **** Some time later, she felt him rise from her side, but was too exhausted to move. She heard little sounds like a door opening and closing and steps across the floor. Soon she heard him say, “Rise and shine, darlin’. I’ve nourishment for you.” Melissa kept her eyes closed and ground the side of her face into her pillow with a groan. She felt the mattress dip and then his body alongside hers. Rubbing her slightly stinging buttocks against his tall, sinewy length, she bent her leg and swept her foot up and down one well-formed calf. Lethargy had enveloped her after they made love. No, she corrected, it hadn’t been love that they had shared but unmitigated, grinding, sweaty sex. The past several hours were the most arousing, memorable moments she had ever experienced with a man. He whispered in her ear, “I know you’re awake.” He bit one earlobe. 59

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry She smiled and shook her head. “You haven’t given me much opportunity to think about food.” Sleepily, she looked toward one of the windows and frowned when she saw evening had arrived. “I must return to Sawyer House.” Ethan eased away from her. She sat up somewhat surprised he’d cooperated, his body right beside her as they sat side by side on the bed. When she started to stand, he pressed a hand down on her shoulder and held her in place. “You’re not leaving.” She raised her brow. “Of course I am. I’ve plans this evening.” She wouldn’t tell him her plans involved pouring through perfume catalogues from France and the Orient. He’d find out soon enough about her plans for her business, once she found a suitable place to rent or purchase to set up her perfume shop. “Are you expecting company?” he inquired, his voice cool— hard. Gauging the possessive look in his eyes, she made to stand but he threw his leg over her lap, held her in place. Anger built inside Melissa as she matched his furious expression. What in the world was wrong with the man? He didn’t own her. “And if someone were calling on me?” she said, wondering how he would reply. She didn’t expect love words, though, but possession. He was like a child with a brand new toy, unwilling to share it with other children. Ethan casually rose then crossed the room to the fireplace without a care for his nakedness. The Lord had done well with this particular creation, she decided, gazing at him in blatant appreciation. Leaning one shoulder against the mantle, he stared her down. She looked away after a while, her cheeks heating at his intent look. “If your caller were a man, then I’m afraid I would have to kill him.” He’d made the remark so casually it took her a moment to comprehend it. Her gaze darted back to his eyes that mocked her. His lips twisted into a snide smile. One dark lock of hair had tumbled across his forehead. He appeared a savage in her eyes, a huge predator with only two things on his mind—ravaging her and possessing her. Flustered, she rose and reached for her drawers, started slipping them on. “Stop, Melissa.” With one foot in a leg hole, she looked up at him. He sauntered to her side, reached out and tilted up her chin with one finger. Bending over her, like a raven swooping down to feast on 60

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry a carcass, he pressed a kiss to the hollow in her neck, the place where her pulse rapidly beat. His lips traveled up to her jaw, kissing her with a heat that left Melissa feeling dazed. She forgot about her drawers and they dropped to the floor when she sagged against him. Rising up on her toes, she wound her arms around his neck. He caught her up and kissed her full on the lips, his tongue thrusting inside her mouth, ravaging it. Releasing her, he said, “Why so serious? Don't you recognize a joke when you hear one?” Melissa couldn’t breathe—rather forgot to and gasped for air when he stopped kissing her. At such close range, she saw confusion in his eyes, but also another intense, yet undecipherable expression. Love, perhaps? How would she know, though? She’d never seen that look from a man before. Possession—that’s all he felt for her—a deep possession to own her, body and soul. He released her and smiled that wicked smile of his. She imagined she looked ridiculous standing there weak-kneed and wideeyed, completely naked. Ethan surprised her when he pulled up her drawers and secured the tapes. He placed her corset on her body and deftly tightened it around her waist. “Raise your arms,” he ordered. She did and he slid he slid her camisole over her head, pulled her arms through the armholes. Then he lifted her gown and settled it over her head. Turning her around, he buttoned up her dress. “You’ll need a new wardrobe, of course. I don’t believe black widow’s weeds appropriate at all. You are a young woman, thoroughly smitten with her beau— me. I’ll purchase you some new frocks to wear for when we are out and about.” “I suppose since we must keep up appearances. By the way, is there a particular woman you wish to avoid?” “One particular woman?” He laughed mirthlessly. “There are four in town who hound me constantly. And that’s not including their persistent mamas.” She laughed as she made her way down the stairs, Ethan at her side, arm around her waist. “I imagine the two of us being seen together often should extinguish their fires.” At the foot of the stairs, he stopped her. “And what about your fire? I certainly have no desire to extinguish it, have you?” “None whatsoever,” she murmured. 61

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry At the front door, she found her reticule on the floor. Snatching it up she opened the door and walked outside When she reached the front walkway, she heard Ethan behind her say, “I’ll drive you!” She turned, found him standing in the doorway. With a wave and a smile, she replied, “There’s no need. I’ll enjoy the walk.” He watched her walk away, stifling the urge to go after her. Instead, he made plans, which would satisfy both of them even though he knew she’d protest to the contrary. Yet, he was convinced that deep inside Melissa lurked a woman in dire need of a continuous dose of sexual satisfaction, and he would be the man to satisfy her.

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Chapter Eight London, September 1875 The little bitch had been gone nearly three months already, and her escape route went cold. Charles Litton, the Earl of Windhaven stood before one long window in his walnut-paneled library, brooding, when someone knocked on the door. He growled, “Yes!” “We’ve found her, my lord.” The earl whirled around and faced his solicitor, Jonathon Swift, as satisfaction roared through him. “It’s about damned time! What in bloody hell took you so long?” The younger man threw back his shoulders and faced his employer. “She took on an alias, which made it difficult to track her.” “We will leave on the morrow.” “We, my lord?” “Yes! I don’t want her capture bungled. I’ve wondered about your competence in this matter from the beginning. I want her, do you understand? She belongs to me. She stole from me, and she shall pay. Secure passage on the first ship bound for America.” After Smith left, Charles sat in a chair behind his desk. A slow grin crossed his lips as he threw his legs up on the desk, uncaring that his boot heels dug into the fine wood surface. Then he thought about the seductive Mei Lin. Soon, she would be his slave once more. Moreover, he’d make her pay for stealing from him, and for leaving him, which was the more insulting crime. No one left the Earl of Windhaven without his permission, and he had been far from ready to allow Mei Lin to leave. He guessed she wouldn’t think highly of going to jail, and that would be his bargaining tool. Accept him as her lord and master, or be tried as a common thief and jailed. Charles Litton had always demanded justice be served, especially when it concerned a matter regarding one of his servants. He unbuttoned the fly on his pants and spread the fabric open. He reached out a perfectly manicured hand and rang the bell on the corner of his desk. Immediately, the door flew open and a maid entered. She was a pretty young thing and suited his purposes, at least until Mei Lin returned. 63

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry More than anything, even sexual servicing from this fetching, plump maid, he enjoyed punishing his employees composed of pretty maids and young boys in residence. Located in his dungeon, a place his wife would never think to look, were several inventive torture devices. He thought about Mei Lin’s perfectly curved ass and his cock hardened, imagining her strapped to his favorite torture device. He’d done so in the past, when she displeased him. Thinking about Mei Lin brought him to a much-needed release. Soon the little bitch would be his again… **** Two weeks later Melissa was delighted she’d found a storefront space to lease for her perfume shop, ironically right beside Ethan’s saloon. At first, she wasn’t too fond of the idea that the shop and Calvin’s Saloon had a common-connecting door; but, once she had locks installed, it would be perfect. She had already placed orders for scents from New York and Paris. They wouldn’t arrive for a month or more, but it would give her time to clean up the place and have shelves and a sales counter installed. First things first, Melissa decided, sauntering down the boardwalk, fanning herself with a tiny accordion-pleated paper fan, wishing it were a long ostrich feathered one instead; that would provide more circulating air. The days were scorching lately, forever it seemed and, though autumn had officially arrived, the cooler temperatures hadn’t. Her destination was J. Burke Clothiers where she’d indulge herself by purchasing the finest undergarments money could buy— Ethan’s money for he would be meeting her there. She’d never been allowed to wear drawers and corsets while under the earl’s rule, and had owned second-hand shabby ones in China, and the ones she’d picked up before coming to America. Only the finest silk, lace-edged drawers and corsets she could find, no matter the cost, would do. For two weeks, he’d escorted her to lunch and supper and to the theater, driving all the way to one of the theaters in St. Paul, the actors talented and professional. Never had she enjoyed such lavish entertainment Twice, thus far, he’d taken her in the way they both enjoyed, twice she’d allowed him to enter her body. The money he’d paid her had been more than 64

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry enough to secure the space for her perfume shop. She tried telling herself he paid her because she was his companion. Somehow, though, she had a feeling it wasn’t that particular component of their arrangement that prompted him to pay her, but because of how she allowed him access to her body. Lord, but how was she different from her mother? This was different, she argued, because it was a temporary arrangement. Her life’s earnings would be made once she opened the doors to her shop, then she would be through with Ethan. Arriving at Burke’s she reached for the door handle. Suddenly, a hand covered hers where it had settled on the knob. Melissa gasped, looked over her shoulder, and found Ethan standing there, his eyes filled with laughter. He released the knob and she removed hers and folded them across her chest. Tapping her foot, she gave him an annoyed look. He was a handsome man but arrogance seeped out from every pore of his body as he gave her that patronizing, yet heated look. “You’re late,” he said, his voice hard. “I’ve the right to punish you, you know.” Melissa rolled her eyes, glanced around for prying eyes, satisfied no one else was within hearing. Focusing on him now leaning against one of the building’s substantial pillars, arms folded across his broad chest, she smiled. “Ah, not love play then?” He shook his head, his smile growing. She shrugged. “So be it, but I’m not late, so I don’t deserve to be punished. You were just early.” She held out her hand. “Just leave me my earnings so I may shop. Then you may go about your business.” “My business is your business,” he drawled. “I know, but you needn’t stay.” “Of course I must. I want to be sure you purchase the right undergarments. I’ve a vested interest in them.” He refused to leave. The man never did what he was told. She had to admit she loved when he took on this playful mood, and she covered her growing smile with a gloved hand. Whirling around she made her way into Burke’s and felt him close on her heels. As she perused dresses on mannequins, she covertly watched him make his way to the unmentionables area of the shop where items were neatly folded on shelves. She wasn’t a bit surprised he knew precisely where to find these particular articles of clothing, or her particular size for that matter. Melissa bit her bottom lip in an effort to control her laughter 65

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry when she glimpsed the horrified look on the proprietor’s face from where she stood behind the counter. Ethan shook out a silk chemise trimmed in pink bows and held it up. It was a beautiful garment, Melissa saw. She made her way to his side and fingered a bow. “This, Melissa, I want to see you in this. Try it on for me.” “Mr. Trent!” Mrs. Lucille Leighton, the store proprietor exclaimed, “Men are not allowed near or in the fitting rooms!” Ethan lifted his brow. “Well, that won’t do at all.” He dropped the chemise, cupped Melissa’s elbow and started toward the door. “Come, Melissa. There are several other fine ladies’ shops in town I’m certain wouldn’t mind taking my money.” Melissa dug in her heels and pulled out of his hold. “Ethan, you’re embarrassing me. Besides, I love that chemise. Now you just wait right here while I try it on.” She picked up the undergarment and rushed into a tiny fitting room. Ethan sank into a chair, crossed one leg over his knee, and shot daggers at the proprietor who stood outside the fitting room, arms folded, and a disdainful look on her face. Luck was his when the shop door flew open and several women entered. Knowing that the proprietor would be occupied for some time Ethan took advantage of her distraction and slipped inside Melissa’s dressing room. She stood before a long cheval mirror in her corset. Melissa held the chemise against her breasts and hissed, “Ethan, leave!” He smiled at her alarmed look and what he knew was false modesty. “Rather unwarranted modesty, don’t you think, considering what we’ve done together, my dear?” With the door closed at his back, Ethan leaned against it and folded his arms across his chest. Then he leveled a mock-angry look at her. She lifted her chin, turned her bare back on him, and proceeded to pull on the chemise, muttering, “I suppose you’re right.” **** Ethan’s balls rose up close to his body and his cock hardened. He’d nearly lost his seed when he gazed upon her creamy skin of her neck and shoulders. Then he followed the tapering, delicate line of her back, deciding how much pleasure it would give him to undo her stays. Her waist was narrow, her ass full and womanly beneath her 66

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry drawers. He focused on those cream-colored globes he envisioned concealed now beneath the thin, lawn fabric, remembering them well. How he wanted to paint them crimson with the palm of his hand, his attention to that delicate, enticing area long overdue. Ethan had escorted Melissa several times about town for the past two weeks, his blatant attention to her sending the signal to one and all he possessed her, and that he was no longer available. This afforded him an immensely relieved feeling not to have women constantly under foot. She’d hung her clothing from a peg in one corner and stood in her corset and drawers, her stockings, and bustle she’d folded and left on a small shelf. When she turned toward him the tops of her breasts peeked out above the lace-edged chemise. Ethan stifled the urge to reach out and tear the thing away. “How did you slip past Mrs. Leighton?” she asked as she tied the pink satin ribbons. He watched her a moment as she fumbled with the ribbons, then brushed her hands aside and deftly tied them. His hands drifted down her arms to her wrists. Her eyes widened when he raised her fists to his lips and he kissed each knuckle. He smiled down at her without uttering a word, not quite certain what to say, but he knew this much; he wanted her with a desperation he’d never felt for any other woman. He couldn’t ignore this constant craving for her. “What are you doing?” she whispered. “Just feel,” he said softly as he took her shoulders, turned her around, and placed her hands against the wall, bracketing hers with his own. She met his eyes in the full-length mirror. Leaning over her shoulder, he nipped an earlobe and whispered again, “Look at us.” She met his hot-eyed gaze as he held her close. Satisfaction was his when her eyes misted over. Music to his ears was her groan of pure delight when he reached around her and untied the chemise’s ribbons he’d just tied and pulled the edges down to expose one perfect breast. Ethan’s gaze feasted on the plump fullness and he rubbed his palm across the nipple. He smiled when he removed his hand and she gasped. Her nipple had hardened and he knew it must ache from his touch, yet she thrust her chest out, welcoming his attentions. Her arousal permeated the small space and he knew he must have 67

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry her. He slid his hand slowly down her body, past her waist, then cupped her through her drawers. “Oh, you are a naughty little girl, aren’t you?” he chided. “You wet your drawers.” “Oh, my lord,” she breathed. He just chuckled when she closed her eyes and her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. “I’m afraid I’ll have to punish you,” he murmured. Her eyes popped open at his words. He took advantage of her surprise, stepped back, and yanked down her drawers. **** Melissa gasped at Ethan’s audacity, then felt his cock, long and hard butting against her buttocks. She started to straighten, recalling where she was and what she was doing, and that there were people in the shop. Ethan had a different idea. He forced her to remain in the position, pulled her back until her arms were stretched straight out, palms still pressed against the wall. She met the heated look in his eyes in the mirror as he gently pushed down on her back until it arched. He smiled when he saw how her buttocks were now prominently displayed. She cooperated, unable to believe he’d take her in the dressing room. Then he delivered several light, slightly stinging slaps to her buttocks and she bit her lip in order to hold in her dismay and her growing arousal. Someone should put her in an asylum she decided unable to believe how she so loved this treatment from him. She heard laughter and chattering in the shop. Thank God, the other shoppers were making so much noise. He stopped spanking her, and murmured, “Don’t move, my sweet companion.” He cupped her again and his fingers slid easily across her petals. She groaned but quieted at his next words. “Are you ready to be punished more then?” he asked silkily. She knew she should shake her head but she nodded, unable to stop herself. “Then we must be very, very quiet. We don’t want anyone outside to hear us, do we?” Wildly, she shook her head as he joined his body to hers, the ease of his entry into her vulva embarrassingly smooth because of her arousal. Then he proceeded to penetrate, retreat, repeatedly. It was agony! It was heaven! Melissa couldn’t stop the little noises she made as he rubbed her bud in small, delicate circles, pulling in and out of 68

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry her body simultaneously. Her climax built slowly and, in her semiconscious state, she heard the squeaking of the wallboards where her palms were pressed, but she didn’t care. Within a short while, a climax burst upon her. At that precise moment, Ethan kept his hand in place, prolonging her climax and clamped the other hand over her mouth, muffling her shrieks of fulfillment. Melissa went utterly still when she heard someone outside the room say, “What was the name of the woman? May, you say?” A soft, frightened moan escaped Melissa. Ethan jerked away from her, groaning when he realized he would be denied his climax. Grasping her waist, he turned her around to face him. Lifting a warning finger to his lips, he mouthed the words, “Listen—wait.” Melissa knew it had been Mrs. Leighton speaking, but then a man had responded; a man’s cold slightly high-pitched English accented voice. Her heart nearly slowed to a stop and her skin suddenly felt clammy. Her mind screamed, warning her to run. Melissa’s eyes widened in shock. Ethan righted his clothing, a thunderous scowl on his face. Thankfully, the voices moved away. Immediately Ethan started helping her dress. Shortly, he opened the dressing room door a crack, peered out then pulled Melissa out behind him. Luckily, the transaction counter was lined with shoppers so they managed to slip out the door, unseen. Melissa hadn’t noticed the stoic expression on Ethan’s face until he’d settled her in his carriage and tapped the roof, his signal for his driver to move on. She grew uncomfortable under his unwavering, hard-eyed look and jumped, startled when he snapped, “Who’s looking for you? Melissa was saved from answering when, suddenly, he craned his head and stared out the window, cursing. She followed his gaze. Then he settled back against his seat and folded his arms across his broad chest. “What was that about?” she said, lifting one eyebrow. “It seems my mother has arrived in town.” Melissa leaned forward and peered out the window. “Which one is she? “If you think to change the topic to avoid answering me, you’re quite mistaken.” She threw her hands up. “You know what I mean! Heavens, 69

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry you’ve never spoken about a mother before or any family for that matter.” His face took on a bleak look. “She has been dead to me, for several years. And now, it’s my misfortune that she is seeking me out.” “I assume by ‘dead’ you mean figuratively. When did you last see her?” “Several years ago, when I was sixteen.” He shrugged and added, “She’s probably lost her latest husband which means she requires money.” “So, it’s been years since you’ve seen her?” He gave her a wry look. “Stop making me sound as though I’m ancient when I’m only thirty-six.” She raised her brow. “Why, I wouldn’t have guessed you to be nearly twice my age, Ethan!” “Why not rub my face in it, sweetheart?” he drawled. His eyes glittered with mischief. “Perhaps that’s why I enjoy spanking your bottom soundly whenever the opportunity arises. You are a child after all, and a bratty one at that.”

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Chapter Nine “Nonsense,” she scoffed. “You just love arousing me, that’s all.” “Is that all?” he said. She gave him a dimpled smile by way of an answer. “Yes,” Ethan said, “I do enjoy driving you wild, and I love how you arouse me so thoroughly. In fact, I’m astonished by how well we do together. You are an unusual woman, Melissa Markham. Beautiful, uninhibited, every man’s dream woman. I’m glad I chose you.” Her heart melted at his words. Wanting to be close to him, she snatched up her skirts, rose from her seat, and settled down on the seat beside him. “I believe you’ve gotten things turned around. I chose you,” she said, tucking her arm through his. He tapped her nose with one finger. “You did, didn’t you, even if you meant to kill me.” “And now your mother has arrived.” He scowled. “This isn’t a laughing matter.” She sighed as she thought about ‘that voice’. “Unfortunately, you are right.” “You knew the man in the shop.” “Yes. His name is Charles Litton. He’s the Earl of Windhaven, the most evil man I’ve ever known.” “Did you service him, Melissa? Were you his mistress?” Melissa heard the curiosity in his voice, but also detected anger and jealousy. Her heartbeat sped at the idea that he could be jealous. It meant he truly had more feelings for her than she believed, or that he would admit to. She tried to formulate a response but couldn’t decide how to begin to tell him about her humiliation at the hands of the earl. Finally, she said, “Actually, he bought me for that purpose. He wanted his very own special mistress. One who had been trained in the arts of the concubine. Mind you, I’d had little training, but it didn’t matter to him. I became his mistress, but not willingly.” “The bastard,” he growled. “He took you against your will?” She smiled. “Yes, he was a bastard, in the true meaning of the word. Perhaps that was why he was so cruel, to women in particular. And yes, he foisted his brutal attentions on me.” “Sounds a bit like me, then?” Ethan grimly replied. “You are not hurtful in the least. Besides, if I hadn’t wanted a thing to do with you I wouldn’t have allowed it. I also know you’d 71

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry never force me.” “Not hurtful?” He grinned. “Even when I paddle your fine ass a pretty shade of pink?” Melissa lifted her chin and stared at him. “Even then,” she softly replied. “Your heart is good and I know you understand your limits, and mine. Litton has no conscience, you do. He was nothing but a selfish bastard.” Ethan tucked an arm around her shoulder and sank back with her in companionable silence. Eventually, he said, “Do you know that right now I want to yank you across my lap, pull up your skirts, and relieve you of your drawers?” She raised her brows. “You want to punish me again? Whatever for?” she asked, her voice trembling with excitement. “For not accepting my offer to become my mistress.” “But I did accept the other terms, didn’t I? I believe it rather generous of me to allow you access to my body once a week. By the way, we never did discuss how long I would be your companion, did we?” His eyes sparkled with humor, as he replied, “No, we didn’t.” Narrowing her eyes on him she said, “Then we should, here and now. I say once I open the doors to my perfume shop, we end the arrangement.” “Sounds reasonable to me.” Melissa was surprised he’d agreed and given in so easily to the idea. She was ready for him to be the aggressive male he’d proven to be thus far. Dare she admit she was disappointed? “Good. We’re in agreement then. It was a week ago today I joined you in your bed, which is the only reason I’ve been participating in your love play this day since a week has passed, per our agreement. After you punish me, what will you do?” she asked. His mouth covering hers was his only answer. He kissed her for a very long time, his hands searching and touching her already slick folds beneath her skirts. When he finally ended the kiss and lifted his head, she caught the glittering lust in his eyes. “Then I’d fuck you soundly, sweetly, until you begged me for more of the same.” “Then why are we dallying here?” His breathing quickened, his nostrils flared. He reached up and knocked on the carriage roof, his eyes blazing with lust. “Tom, go faster, please!” 72

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Even though she kept a smile on her face, Melissa’s heart was breaking as despair filled her soul. She was so close to fulfilling dreams she’d never imagined would be hers—her business, a home, and perhaps true love. The fact Litton chose to travel across an ocean to find her made her ill. His arrival was an omen—an awful one she guessed that could change her life forever. **** Ethan couldn’t keep his hands off Melissa once they arrived at his home. For some reason her ardor had cooled while his still raged. He assumed she’d react in the appropriate manner once he turned her over his knee, but she’d remained disappointingly passive after he’d spanked her with his bare hand. Afterwards, he placed her on the bed and lay down between her legs. After a quarter of an hour of licking and kissing her cunt, he gave up when he was unable to provoke a climax from her. By the time they sat down to supper, he knew something was very wrong. Her preoccupation disturbed him and he’d had enough. She would tell him what bothered her—or—he wasn’t sure what he’d do. While they ate, Ethan came to a decision, one that he knew Melissa would fight. God, he loved fighting with her and making up with her. He planned to fuck her this evening, taking her in a new, inventive manner. Then insecurity came crashing over him as he thought that perhaps she’d already grown bored with him. “What’s bothering you, sweetheart?” he asked, dropping his napkin on the table. Her fork clattered to her plate and she gave him a wide-eyed look. “Why, nothing.” She picked up her fork then stared into the fire. He growled, “There is. Tell me now or I’ll—” Her dark eyes blazed at him. “Or you’ll what?” She twisted her lips and added, “Spank me again?” Ethan narrowed his eyes. “You’ve grown tired of me. That certainly didn’t take long, did it?” “No, Ethan, I’m not tired of you, or of our arrangement. I’ve just been thinking about—” She sank back in her chair with a sigh. He waited, watched her, his heart pounding furiously in his chest. What did she want from him? The hair on his nape rose then at the thought she could be contemplating marriage. That gave him pause. Would marriage to Melissa be so bad? Then he thought of his father and his sadness from the moment his mother had left him until the day he died. No, Ethan refused to allow any woman to do that to him. 73

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Women were, as a breed, faithless and disloyal, not to mention fickle. “I must leave Stillwater. I don’t want to, but I must,” she said, her voice filled with sadness. Ethan placed his elbows on the table, his eyes boring into hers. “You are not leaving. What about your shop? You’ve already placed the orders for perfumes, not to mention securing a location.” “You aren’t hearing me! I can’t stay now that Charles Litton has arrived.” Ah, so here was the root of the problem. Lord, but he was a dunce to have not thought of it! “If you’re worried he will accost you, or make demands of you to return to England, I won’t allow it. Banish your worries.” “That isn’t what worries me. I’m worried I’ll kill the bastard!” “Ah, that’s my pretty blood-thirsty girl. But there’s more, I know it.” “I did something I shouldn’t have done before I fled his home.” Ethan grinned. “What did you do? Rob him?” Melissa choked on her coffee. As she swiped her mouth with the cloth on her lap, she looked at him as if he’d grown two heads. After a long moment, she replied, “It wasn’t that much money. How did you guess?” He shrugged. “Shortly after you arrived, the town was buzzing about how you had exchanged a modest amount of English for American currency.” Melissa fisted her hands. “That money was mine. I earned it caring for the earl’s children—money he never paid me.” He raised his brow. “I believe you said you’d been his whore.” “Not until after I had worked for him for some time as nanny to his children had he approached me in that manner. Shortly after his wife and children departed for the country where they spent several months of the year, he forced himself on me. I was to travel with them but unknown to his wife, or to me, he hired another nanny to care for the children. His intentions were to keep me with him, and he did. For six months I suffered humiliation and degradation from his touch.” “And where was his wife during those six months?” “He forced her to stay in the country.” “Hmm, it seems Charles Litton should be the one you should have thought about shooting, don’t you think?” Her laugher resounded in the dining room. “Don’t think the thought never crossed my mind.” 74

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry He joined in her laughter, loving the sparkling look in her eyes; enjoying how she seemed comfortable and relaxed with him. He was proud of the fact he had managed to lighten her mood. Tonight would be a wonderful night for both of them, he decided—after he paid a visit to the sheriff’s office. Sadness entered her eyes and her humor faded. “What now?” he asked. “The earl was evil, but you are the one who killed my brother.” Ethan heard the sadness in her voice and guilt plagued him. In all sincerity, he said, “If I could bring him back, I would.” Not because he had killed the man, but because of her sadness and the fact she would likely never forgive him the deed. **** Ethan sat in a chair beside Tom Johnson’s desk, one leg crossed over the opposite knee. “Does Miss Melissa know if there were any witnesses to her thievery?” the sheriff asked. “She said she’d been alone with the earl.” Tom nodded. “Good.” “You have a plan?” Ethan asked, narrowing his eyes on the older man. Tom shrugged. “Not much of one. Since it’s this earl’s word against hers, I’d say he can’t prove a blasted thing. Besides, there’s no jurisdiction for her crime here, anyways.” Ethan released a huge sigh. “That’s what I wanted to hear.” “You know, Ethan, you could marry Miss Melissa quick-like and offer her protection.” “Marriage, Tom?” Ethan said dryly. “I don’t think so. However, I do plan to offer her my protection. I plan on convincing her that the safe thing to do is move into my home where I can keep a close watch on her.” “Want me to think up some excuse and get rid of that earl for you?” Ethan chuckled. “No. Just don’t let him know that she’s with me. I can’t be with her every waking minute. The less people that know she’s staying with me, the better.” “You mean if you can talk her into it, right?” “She won’t give me too much argument. She’s scared.” Tom nodded. “That’s good cause that earl has already been here askin’ about her.” 75

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Ethan raised his brow. “And what did you tell him?” “Told him I never heard of anyone named Lin—uh—can’t recall the name. All I know is he didn’t call her by Melissa or Miss Markham—at first, but something that sounded sort a foreign, you know? When I said I never heard of her he mentioned she might be using another name—Melissa. I told him we have several women by that name in town. Unless he had a last name to go with it, I couldn’t help him. Now why would he call her that foreign name do you suppose?” “Melissa is half Chinese.” Tom lifted his brow. “No kidding? That explains why she looks different. No, don’t get me wrong, Ethan. She’s a mighty fine looking woman.” Ethan rose from his chair. “Yes, she is.” He left and made his way down the boardwalk toward Sawyer House. He was deep in thought when he pulled open the door, then stepped to the side to avoid running into someone leaving the lodging. A woman’s voice said, “Ethan? Is that you?” He looked up, his gaze riveted on the woman who stood before him. They were nearly the same height, their eyes the same color, but not the hair. Her hair was stone white. He wasn’t prepared for that. His mother had grown old. He sighed, knowing he couldn’t avoid her now that she’d recognized him. “Yes, it’s me. It’s been such a long time I’m surprised you even recognized me.” “Oh, Ethan!” Alice Trent sobbed, grabbing his hand. He threw her off, sidestepped around her, and made his way inside without a word or another look. Grimacing when he heard her footsteps following him, he ignored her as he made his way to the dining room. “Please, Ethan,” she begged. “Just like that? No kind words for your mother? We haven’t seen each other in so long, and I want to make am—” He spun on his heel and met her gaze straight on. “Yes. Just like that. You mean nothing to me,” he snarled. Tears filled his mother’s eyes. No, he couldn’t think of her that way. She was just a faithless woman. He wouldn’t allow her into his life again. “Can’t you forgive me? I made a mistake.” She gave a little hysterical-sounding laugh. “Everyone does at least once in their lives. 76

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Don’t you think I deserve a second chance?” “After you left, my father never spoke your name again, and forbade me from ever saying it. I shall never allow you into my life, and I cannot forgive you—ever.” Ethan headed into the dining room, relieved to find Melissa still eating, and that his mother hadn’t followed him. He’d left Melissa in the dining room while he attended business with the sheriff. Melissa’s back was toward him where she sat at a small table situated next to a window. She was dressed in one of her recent purchases; a blue sapphire satin gown—not black thank God, trimmed across the bodice and the sleeve’s cuffs in matching colored lace. The neckline was high and modest as befitted a comely, proper young woman. As Ethan approached her, he imagined unbuttoning all of the buttons down the back, from the nape of her neck to the curve of her buttocks. He came alongside her. Melissa looked up in surprise when he kissed her brow and he nearly laughed outright at the look on her face. “What?” he asked as he sank into the seat opposite her. “I don’t believe I’ve ever received such a brotherly kiss from you before, that’s all.” “Disappointed?” She smiled. “No, I thought it rather nice, actually.” The waiter arrived at that moment. “Mr. Trent, what would you like? The usual?” “Absolutely, and a whiskey, straight up.” “Of course,” the man said then left to fetch Ethan’s order. Running into his mother had unsettled Ethan and he shrugged his tense shoulders, telling himself the woman didn’t matter to him. Turning his attention to Melissa, he watched her sip her tea and smiled. What a beauty. Then his smiled slipped away with her next words. “Was that your mother speaking with you in the hallway?” A nosey beauty, he amended. He gave a curt nod just as the waiter returned with his drink. “She looked sad,” Melissa said. Ethan took a deep swallow of his whiskey and set the glass down on the table. Then he raised his gaze to her curious one and growled, “Don’t badger me about this. You don’t know what it was like—” “Tell me so I’ll understand.” “You have no idea how it was growing up without a mother, and 77

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry nothing but a shell of a broken man for a father.” “I don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t had my mother,” Melissa admitted. “And I’ll always regret not having known my father. But now that your father is gone don’t you think it would be a good idea to forgive her?” “No.” He was thankful the waiter brought his meal then, so didn’t speak for a few minutes as he took bites of his food. Ethan took another bite, chewed, then glanced around before meeting her eyes again. “Your past employer has been asking around about you. He knows you’re staying here.” She sighed. “I knew it wouldn’t be long before he found me.” “Tom and I are worried, which is why I was at his office earlier. I’m in agreement with him and believe you should move into my home.” Melissa set down her cup. “No.” “Why not? It’s an excellent plan and would offer you protection from Litton. Tom agrees with me.” “Litton hasn’t confronted me yet.” “He will soon. As a matter of fact, at this moment he’s going shop to shop, and door to door asking all sorts of questions about you.” “Not about me, but Mei Lin. That’s the one positive thing about all this. I did have the foresight to change my name.” Ethan scoffed, “Do you think he won’t recognize you? Sorry, sweetheart, but you are too memorable for any man to forget. Besides, he knows you by both names, I’m afraid.” Melissa groaned in dismay as Ethan continued, “It seems Litton had hired an investigator to find you. The man had been working behind the bar at the Red Eye Saloon—for a mere two days before you arrived. Once he ascertained that Mei Lin and Melissa was the same person he returned to England the next day and reported to Litton. It turns out your past employer spent a fortune on the investigator who bribed folks into talking about you. Folks who’d seen you during your travels. He also had a portrait, a seemingly good likeness of you. Let’s face it. You have a unique look about you, which makes you memorable.” Melissa threw down her napkin and gave a furtive look around. “Then perhaps I should retire to my room. Jonathan at the desk has already promised me he won’t tell Litton I’m here.” “And the man will know he’s lying since every one else in town can confirm your residency. Sit down, my dear. I’m your knight in 78

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry shining armor, remember?” “I’d say a bit tarnished, wouldn’t you?” He clutched his chest and jived, “I’m hurt.” She sank against the back of her chair. “Are you really?” “Absolutely.” She gave him a gentle smile when he took her hand in his. “What do you suggest?” Ethan gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “He won’t dare lay a hand on you if you’re with me. I’m offering you my protection, Melissa. I suggest you take me up on it.” “A suggestion or a demand?” “No pressure,” he said easily. “It’s your choice.” “Your conditions?” She pulled her hand from his. A smile crooked his lips. “What do you think?” Melissa sighed. “I see. You still want me for your mistress. You haven’t forgotten about that, have you?” He just stared at her a long time before replying, “I would want you in my bed every night.” “For how long?” “Until Litton leaves town.” “But that could be—” “—several days or more.” He grinned. “I know.” “Yes, I’m afraid you’re absolutely right, unfortunately. You have no idea how much the man wants me.” His gaze flickered over her body. “Haven’t I?” he asked softly.

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Chapter Ten Melissa bit her lip, watched him dig into his steak again as she thought about Litton. Why not take Ethan up on his offer? It was a tempting one, yet it wouldn’t surprise her if he kept her locked up for as long as he could, with or without Litton in town. Ethan desired her, possibly even more than Litton, and more than their once a week current arrangement. If she were at all honest with herself, she would admit she wanted him, too, but on her terms, and in her own good time. “I’ll think about your offer.” Ethan scowled. “Not too long, though. Litton means business.” A week later, autumn had finally arrived and Melissa had made up her mind to accept Ethan’s offer of protection. This was after opening the door to leave Sawyer House to find Litton standing in front of her. She’d jammed her palm against her heart and swallowed. Litton leered at her, stepped back to allow her to pass. She took two tentative steps when he swept back the black veil she’d taken to wearing of late. His eyes pierced hers, his narrow lips twisting as he snarled, “Well, well, you didn’t think you could avoid me forever, did you? Why the surprised look?” His evil laughter resounded through the hotel lobby. She glared at him. “Sir, you’ve mistaken me for someone else.” Fury blazed in his eyes and he hauled her against his body. “What do you take me for, Mei Lin, a fool?” She shoved against his shoulders for release, to no avail. “My name is Melissa Markham.” Litton grit his teeth, obviously biding his time to speak as two carriages came trundling by, spitting up dirt and making a horrendous noise. After the carriages passed he snarled, “You are Mei Lin, the most accomplished whore I’ve ever met. And you belong to me.” He dragged her down the few steps to the boardwalk. Within moments, they reached a carriage and good sense finally prevailed. Melissa screamed in his ear. Litton jerked his head back and slammed a hand against the side of his head, over the injured ear. Satisfaction filled Melissa at his reaction. It had been quite effective so she opened her mouth, filled her lungs with more air. He jammed his hand against her mouth, muffling another shriek, and then 80

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry opened the carriage door with the other. The sheriff came tearing out of the bakery next door. “What in the hell’s going on!” he roared. Litton immediately released Melissa and she scurried over to Tom’s side, held onto his arm. Tom gave Litton a narrow-eyed look. “You hurt the lady, Englishman, you’ll have the town’s men-folk breathing down your dang neck. Now get out of my town.” “The woman’s a whore and a thief, and she robbed me before leaving England,” Litton protested. The sheriff looked at Melissa and patted her hand. “Is that a fact, Ma’am?” His twinkling eyes told her he had a plan. “Hardly,” she said. “The man has nothing I would ever want.” A quick smile from the sheriff told her she’d said the right words. “What’s going on, Tom?” Melissa groaned when she looked up to see Ethan bearing down on them. He paused beside Melissa, his eyes shooting daggers at Litton. Relief flooded Melissa at the sight of Ethan. She let go of Tom and clutched Ethan’s arm. “Take me home, darling.” He didn’t budge but continued glaring at Litton. She pulled on his arm. “Please.” “Of course I’ll take you home, as soon as I’ve finished taking care of business.” Tom said, “I’ll take care of things here, Ethan. Head on home with Miss Markham. She doesn’t look so good.” Melissa felt uncomfortable during the short drive to Ethan’s house for he hadn’t spoken a word to her. He sat across from her, staring out the window. When they arrived at his house she saw her reflection in a mirror in the hall entrance, saw her face drained of all color. Her legs shook and she sank down to the first step leading to the second floor, wondering why Ethan hadn’t followed her. She had to leave town, quickly, for the earl was a determined man. Suddenly the door flew open and Ethan stalked in. He reached down and pulled her up from the step. “Come upstairs with me. We need to have a little talk.” She sighed when she caught the fury in his face, knowing that in his dark mood she had no choice but to cooperate. Once they reached the landing, Melissa pulled her arm from his grasp and leaned back against a wall. “Why are you so angry?” 81

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry He towered over her and jammed his hands against the wall on either side of her head. “If you had taken me up on my offer in the first place that bastard wouldn’t have found you, and eventually would have given up looking. Right about now he would likely be steaming across the ocean back to England. Since he now knows for certain that you’re living here he’ll hang around a while longer, to see if he can catch you unawares.” She worried, her lower lip quivering a moment and said, “What now?” He sighed. “Let’s talk in my room instead of the hallway. Cook and the housekeeper are about somewhere.” Melissa followed him into his room. He closed the door and she sank into a chair in front of the hearth where a merry fire blazed. Settling into the chair opposite her Ethan told her about his conversation with the sheriff. “So, you’re saying the law’s not on Litton’s side?” “No, but in order to maintain your safety you’ll remain inside the house, until we know he’s gone for good. He has no idea where I live, and Tom delayed him from following me.” “But Litton can pay anyone to give him the information!” Ethan shook his head. “He can try and it might work, but I have a feeling my money carries more weight than his.” “Oh! You bribed people then to maintain their silence about me?” “This desperate situation called for drastic measures.” “What about my shop? I was planning on cleaning it up tomorrow. I’d like to be ready to open my doors as soon as my perfumes arrive.” “You’ll have to wait a while for that, Melissa.” “But that will put me behind, and—” “You aren’t leaving the house. Even now, as we speak, Tom is trying to figure a reason for running your earl out of town. And you are not to ever answer the door here to anyone, is that understood?” “Charles Litton is not my earl, and I won’t stand for you making me a prisoner, Ethan.” He gave her a brilliant smile. “You won’t have a carriage available, so how do you suppose you’ll leave?” She sniffed, “I’ve walked from here to town before.” “Not now you won’t,” he warned. “After Litton’s left then you may resume work on your shop. I’ll hire an army of men to help you make up for lost time. Your safety is paramount at the moment.” 82

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Melissa paced the floor and shoved a stray lock of hair into her chignon. “You really do have the ability to anger me, but perhaps you’re right.” Ethan rose. “You know I am. Now be a good girl and stay put. I’ve business to attend to.” “I believe our arrangement has changed then, hasn’t it?” she said. He nodded. “Every night, in my bed.” “You won’t need to pay me, you know. Your protection is payment enough.” He frowned. “No, you need that money in order to get your business set up. You’ll take it because once Litton leaves our arrangement reverts back to the original one. Agreed?” “Yes. But I shall pay every dime back.” Ethan sighed. “We’ll talk later.” Melissa followed him downstairs. At the door, he gave her a quick peck and left the house. Melissa walked into the dining room where she stared out a window and watched him mount his horse with enviable ease. Ethan returned to Calvin’s to finish up business for the day while Melissa spent time acquainting herself with Ethan’s mansion. It was quite spectacular. Splashes of burgundy velvet and burnished gold covered much of the furnishings. The impressive selection of books in his library surprised her, having thought him not the type of man who sat still long enough to read a book. She paged through several books with interest, finding some of the English words difficult, yet they didn’t give her too much trouble. She could thank Lady Cavendish for helping her learn to read, though she’d learned some English over the years from several of her mother’s English-speaking paramours as well. **** Later, Melissa ate supper with little appetite. Ethan ate sparingly, as well, but drank far too much. His bullocks tightened when she tilted her head back and popped a cherry into her mouth. Thoughtfully, he watched her chew and decided he had definite plans for those cherries this evening. And evening was now. He slid back his chair and rose. “Come,” he said, extending his hand. “It’s past time we retired.” Ethan watched the charming blush seep into her cheeks and his bullocks tightened further at the thought of paddling her bottom until it was the same rosy hue. Then he would make love to her. Lord, but 83

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry he hated mundane sex. Thankfully, there was nothing mundane about Melissa. “I’m not finished.” She popped another cherry in her mouth. He watched her chew then delicately spit the seed onto the side of her plate. He frowned, guessed she was stalling. She shouldn’t be worried any more since he told her he would protect her, but she still seemed preoccupied, which meant she was thinking about the earl instead of him. Ethan ambled around the table to where she sat, vowing to move her place beside his from now on. She was just too far away to indulge his fantasies. His cock hardened when he thought how he would have enjoyed keeping her on edge during their meal, envisioned his fingers diddling her beneath her skirts. Then he imagined how she would react after he made his demand—that she not come until he gave her permission. He knew this would be impossible for her since he had the ability to coerce more than one orgasm from her. Then he would be forced to spank her pretty bottom again just the way she liked—until it shone red as an apple—red as the bowl of cherries. He smiled at her. “Save some of those cherries for the bedroom.” “Whatever for?” she asked, confused. He didn’t reply but deepened his smile. Her cheeks flared with more color as he pulled her from her chair. He decided she likely guessed his thoughts, glad she didn’t protest when he guided her down the hall and up the stairs to his room. Once there, he rang the bell and a maid arrived to do his bidding. Within moments, she returned with a fresh bowl of cherries. Now he turned his attention to Melissa. He was puzzled by her current behavior as she paced back and forth in front of the fireplace, finally settling into a chair. Ethan moved closer saw her scowling, pondered asking her what was wrong but decided against it. He wasn’t in the mood for talking. “Come,” he said again, and took her hand. He pulled her from the chair to his bed. There he shoved her down to a sitting position. As he stared down at her, he noticed her frown had deepened. Sitting beside her, he decided drastic measures were in order. When he started unbuttoning the tiny buttons down the front of her gown, she stopped him and pulled his hands away. Then she rubbed her temples and said, “I can’t do this now, Ethan.” 84

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Ethan clasped his hands between his knees leaned his elbows on them. After a while, he gave her a sideways look. “You’ve nothing to worry about. I won’t allow Litton to harm you.” Her shoulders slumped and she covered her cheeks with her hands. “He wants me back.” She bit her lip, raised her worried gaze to him. “Do you think he would leave me alone if I returned his money? I’ve some left.” “It wouldn’t make a difference, I’m afraid. He wants you more than the money. Money is just an excuse. Can’t say as I blame him. I said I’ll protect you and I am a man of my word.” She shook her head. “But you can’t protect me forever. That’s why I must leave. You’ve no idea how persistent Charles Litton can be.” “And you still haven’t learned how tenacious I am, have you? I think I’ll have to do something to convince you, won’t I? You must trust me, Melissa.” He rose from the bed, tilted her chin up with one finger. “Know that I won’t allow any harm to come to you. Now, why don’t you take a nice hot bath while I go to town?” Melissa gave him a panicked look. “You can’t leave me here alone!” “I have four servants who will keep the doors locked and will allow no one to enter but me.” He started toward the door but paused and held out his hand. “Give me the key to your room at Sawyer House. I’ll pack up your things and bring them back.” On the dressing table, she found her reticule, pulled out the key and handed it over. He didn’t release her hand but pulled her close. He kissed her, his tongue probing inside her mouth, sweeping over her teeth. He controlled himself, knew he had work to do first before receiving his reward. When he took a step away from her, she snatched his arm. “Wait. I am not sure it’s a good idea for you to bring my things here. Perhaps I’m over-reacting about Litton’s possible intentions.” Ethan figured the only way he could convince her to trust him was to threaten her, in just the way they both liked. He mustered up the fiercest, angriest look he could before hauling her into his arms and moving to his bed. She kicked her legs, arms flailing. “Ethan, what are you doing?” Giving no reply, he sat on the side of the bed, turned her over his knee, and made short work of her skirts, tossing them above her waist. Peering down at her drawer-covered full cheeks through the delicate 85

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry fabric, he decided her lack of trust in him prompted a bare-assed spanking. He tore them down until they fell to the floor and proceeded to spank her, alternating swats on each plump cheek. She squirmed in silence but he held her easily. “Are you questioning my ability to protect you?” he growled. Five spanks were all it took him to feel her arousal. He slipped his hand between her legs and pressed, felt the dampness of her drawers. Then he rose and set her down on the bed. He watched her squirm on her bottom, aware she was feeling both pain and pleasure from his short, but thorough discipline. Then he did the most difficult thing he’d ever done at such a delicious prelude to having sex with a woman—he left. **** Melissa’s eyes filled with tears as she watched Ethan’s broadshouldered frame leave the bedroom, slamming the door in his wake. She had tucked her hands beneath her buttocks, relishing the erotic discomfort. She thought what an endearing man he was, to be so worried about her, and to offer her protection. True, he had selfish reasons, yet she couldn’t deny she believed he felt more than simply lust for her. Cherished—never had she felt that way before by any man—by him, though, she did. She would tend him during her stay as a dutiful concubine. She knew this would confuse him since she had always fought him initially, always made him convince her to continue with their love play, but no more. For the duration of her stay, she would be his to command, and she would provide him with undeniably exquisite pleasure unlike any he ever dreamed. She owed him this for protecting her, she told herself. Liar! The truth of the matter was she had her own selfish reasons for playing the love slave—and planned on enjoying every moment of her stay. **** Ethan returned later than he’d planned with Melissa’s possessions. He’d been sidetracked by business at the lumberyard, a business he owned, inherited from his father. He rarely went there since his father’s competent managers ran the place, which was a good thing for Ethan. He could do little there so he placed most of his energies into running Calvin’s. While at Sawyer House, as he packed her things, he decided another shopping trip was in order, especially since their last one had been cut short by Litton’s arrival. Never had he seen a woman with so 86

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry few possessions. As he entered his bedroom but saw no sign of her, he thought, good God, could she have left after all? His heart raced as he searched the room. Darkness had fallen and only one candle burned on a bedside table. “Melissa?” he said, setting her bag on the floor beside the door. “Here,” she called softly. His eyes adjusted to the dark and he found her sitting on the padded window ledge, her arms curved around her raised knees. “I’ve been watching for your return.” “Let me light the lamp—” “No light is needed other than the candle for me to show my gratitude, Ethan,” she purred. She unfolded her body, rose from the ledge, and moved toward him. She seemed to be floating on air. Gratitude? Was that all she felt for him he wondered as he moved toward her finally meeting up with her at the foot of his bed. He stared down into her pretty face caught by candlelight, groaning audibly at the sweet smile on her lips. Never had she smiled at him that way before. His hand shook when he reached out and stroked her hair which she’d let down. It flowed down her body, tempting his touch. Then he caught her siren’s smile and he crushed her in his arms. She brushed her breasts against him, rising up on her toes. Her kiss carried him into a foreign world, a place he’d never been. Caught up by her womanly curves and warmth he rubbed her back, her ass, wherever his hands could reach. Disappointment set in when, after a few scorching kisses, she pulled his arms from her and took a step back. “Damn it, Melissa, no games.” He reached for her again but she stepped away, the soft musical tone of her laughter filled the room. “You must call me by my given name, Mei Lin,” she said, “Or slave, if you prefer.” “If you want I shall, but why?” he asked, frowning in confusion. “Because tonight, I’m yours to serve you, and the next night, and the next. As long as you are my protector, you are my master, until I am free to leave here.” His heart nearly exploded at her words. His eyes widened when she slipped her robe off her shoulders, followed it until it trailed from her body to the floor. She stood before him, naked, her creamy skin gleaming, and the scent of roses wafting in the air. He reached for her but she held him off. “Wait.” 87

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Like hell he would. Better, he thought when she reached up and helped him remove his jacket and shirt, hung them over the back of a chair. He started to unbutton his pants but she stopped him. “No. Just be still. It’s my privilege to aid you, Master. Would you enjoy a bath?” He gave a jerky nod but couldn’t think of any response. “Sit on the bed, please.” He plopped down on the edge and she sank to her knees before him. His heart clenched at her position of servitude, then he was appalled when the sudden, crushing memories of his mother came to mind. The last time she had helped him with his bath was when he was six. He remembered the gentle touch of her hand as she scrubbed his back. That had happened years ago, yet it felt like yesterday. First, she removed his shoes and stockings, then reached up and, with deft fingers, unbuttoned his pants. With her encouragement, he lifted his ass off the bed and she slid his pants down his legs. Soon his under-drawers followed. She gave him a brilliant smile as she rose to her feet and stood before him. “Are you ready for your bath?” Ethan lurched to his feet. He couldn’t resist reaching out and smoothing her long black hair once more. She shook her head, that winsome smile still on her lips as she backed away from him. He caught the serene expression on her face as she made a small bow then moved across the room, keeping her front side to him. While her breasts, narrow waist and flaring hips were appealing it was her backside that interested him far more. “Turn around,” he ordered roughly.

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Chapter Eleven Her smile deepened and she pivoted. Blood surged through his body at the sight of her deliciously curved buttocks. She reached her destination and, for the first time, he noticed a curtain had been strung across two opposing corners of the bedroom, attached at the curtain rods on each window. She whipped the curtain to one side and he was amazed to find an old copper tub. “Where did you find that relic?” he asked as he rose. “I do have a bathing room down the hall, you know.” “I would much rather bathe you here, in privacy. I found the tub in that old shed at the back of your property.” Ethan’s eyes settled on the steamy water as he stepped closer. Pausing beside the tub, his smile slipped. “Tell me those aren’t rose petals.” “I’m afraid I cannot tell you that.” “Uh, won’t I smell—feminine?” Lord, he hated even uttering that word! While the bath looked enticing, and it smelled wonderful, he wasn’t certain if he wanted the floral scent on his body, especially if it lingered too long. He imagined what hell he would pay if he walked into Calvin’s smelling like roses. “No need to worry,” she said as she grasped his forearm. “I’ve oil I’ll be using afterwards that will mask the rose scent.” “Oil?” he croaked. His heartbeat accelerated as he wondered just how far this siren planned on taking him on this erotic interlude. Hopefully, damned far, he mused, chagrinned to feel his rod already hardening at the thought. “One of the things a concubine learns is how to comfort her master, give him ease after a long day’s work. An excellent way is to massage the body. Have you never had a massage?” “A few, but nothing memorable.” His eyes focused on her hands folded serenely in front of her. He wondered what sort of comfort they’d provide given they were so small. Mei Lin waved one hand at the tub. “Enter, Master.” He did and felt like a huge bumbling fool when one foot caught on the tub’s edge. Mei Lin grabbed his arm and helped him to sit before he fell on his ass. Ethan watched her reach for a cloth and a bar of soap then felt her soft breathing on his neck as she bent to her task. 89

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Her hands were surprisingly strong as she rubbed his back with the cloth in luxurious circles. After she washed his upper torso, she said, “On yours knees, if you will.” He immediately complied and held onto the tub’s rim with his hands. Moving lower, she soaped his back, buttocks, and thighs. Closing his eyes, he held his breath, enjoying the firm slow strokes of her hand. He glanced down and saw his thickening rod poking straight out from his body, then curling toward his navel and his face grew hot, chagrinned. “Now just lie back and relax,” she directed. Yeah, sure. Water splashed over the edge when he moved too quickly. He closed his eyes to blot out the temptation of her as she leaned over his chest. She smelled sweet, or was that the rose petals? Tingles tore up his spine when her long hair brushed across his chest. She scrubbed his face and neck, spent long moments over his shoulders. He was a bit disappointed when she didn’t spend quite as much time on his genitals as she had on his back—just a short scrubbing and she finished. He opened his eyes and watched her, realizing she knew her work. She likely guessed he’d explode if she touched him there for long. She finished with him when she washed and rinsed his hair thoroughly. “Stand, please.” Mei Lin dried his body, spending long moments roughing up his skin with a drying cloth. Soon he clenched his hands into fists at his sides to prevent himself from reaching for her, this once he would follow her lead. “On the bed. It’s time for your massage.” He paused at the side of the bed. “Position?” “On your stomach first.” Once again, disappointment set in. All he wanted to do now was gaze upon her beautiful naked form, watch her delicate hands and lips work over his cock. He took the position and shivered in delight when he felt the bed dip, felt her body straddle his back. Reaching forward she folded his arms in front of him and pushed his head down upon them. He smiled when he felt her long hair drift across his shoulders and back as she straightened up, her thighs on either side of his waist, her ass sitting on his. He couldn’t help himself when he ground his cock hard against the mattress. She smacked his ass. He reared up and growled, “Why’d you do that?” 90

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “You were pleasuring yourself and that’s not allowed.” “Who’s the master here?” “You are, of course, but I’m the slave, and the only one to give you pleasure this night. It won’t do at all if you spend yourself early,” she chided. Ethan clamped his teeth together and settled down on the bed. Damn, she made sense, but he wasn’t used to such language from ladies. Then, it seemed Melissa had lived a life unlike any lady of his acquaintance, so he shouldn’t be surprised. He waited for her next move. She didn’t disappoint him when her strong hands rubbed his shoulders, neck, and back. He groaned and felt all of the stiffness in his body diminish, then a spicy scent filled the air. “What’s that smell?” he asked. “I like it.” “Ginger.” Ethan frowned. “Don’t recall ever seeing ginger oil down at the mercantile.” She laughed. “I brought it with me from China upon my departure.” Lifting himself on his elbows, he rolled to one side. She grasped his shoulders and held on. “Ethan!” “You mean to tell me you didn’t use this stuff on the earl?” “On that vermin?” she snarled. “This oil is too precious to use on just anyone, especially that evil man.” Ethan grinned, reached back, and grasped one of her knees. “So, you trying to tell me I’m not just anyone?” She gave him a puckish little smile. “What do you think?” She smacked his ass again, harder this time and he flinched. “Now be still. I’m not finished with your massage.” “Thank God,” he murmured, resuming the comfortable position. Ethan groaned when she settled on his thighs and worked the oil into his lower back muscles, thinking she possessed the hands of an angel! A moment later, he doubled the sentiment when she moved off his thighs and sat on his calves, then she touched his ass. She squeezed and pressed down, rubbed his buttocks in circles until he couldn’t help the throbbing hardening of his cock against the bedclothes once more. This was definitely a first for him, an ass massage. If he had his way, it wouldn’t be the last. He growled low in contentment, closing his eyes. His physical attraction for Melissa, now Mei Lin, increased by 91

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry the minute. An uneasy feeling came over him then as he thought how damned difficult it would be when it came time to let her go. He’d always shied away from marriage but in this case, he might make an exception, if she wouldn’t allow them to continue as master and love slave. She gently tunneled her fingers into the crevice in his ass. He reared up and would have shot off the bed if she hadn’t had him trapped between her thighs, which were stronger than he believed they’d be. “Be still. Relax,” she whispered. “Have you never been touched there?” “’course not! It’s unnatural,” he murmured into his arms as burning heat coursed through his body, particularly his face, guessing it had turned red as the old town drunk, Marty Hawkins’ bulbous nose. Her mouth tickled his ear when she spoke softly. “There is a place just inside you, through this orifice that, when touched gently, will provide exquisite pleasure. However, if you move and I miss the area, or if I press too hard, it could cause you discomfort. Once again I beg you, be still and I will give you pleasure unlike anything you’ve ever felt before or ever desired in life.” Her words enticed him and he gulped down the growing lump in his throat at her next encouraging words. “It would help if you were on your knees.” With a momentary hesitation only, Ethan raised up his hind end, kept his arms low on the bed as she instructed. He didn’t realize he was shaking with intense need until Mei Lin said, “Are you worried I’ll hurt you? I would never do that. You must trust me.” Hmm, it was tough putting his trust in the hands of a woman who had tried to shoot him, but he maintained the position. This prompted him to reevaluate all the times he’d demanded this subservient position of her. He scowled, suddenly a bit uneasy with his past behavior, but then he justified his actions. It was natural for a woman to be subservient, but not a man. Besides, he knew her protests were false and that she enjoyed his somewhat rough treatment. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his breathing stilled when she slipped one finger inside him, then a second joined the first. He howled in surprised pleasure when she curled her fingers. She’d found a place inside him that made him feel so hot he grew fearful of incinerating himself. Never had his prick ached with such passion— such desire—such need. 92

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Mei Lin gently removed her fingers then pressed on the patch of skin between his anus and balls. He stiffened, felt his eyes roll back in his head. She paused. “Too sensitive?” “No!” he exclaimed, “Feels damned good.” Her laughter made him shiver. He jumped when she pressed again on that one particular area, then rubbed gentle circles. Now perspiration poured from him as she alternated rubbing the sensitive area and sliding two fingers smoothly inside him. “My God, you’re driving me insane, woman!” he said within moments. “Am I? Good! Now you know how I’ve felt since the first day we met.” Within a short time, Ethan couldn’t control his rapid breathing as heat and sexual cravings tore through him, every thought focused on what her hands were doing to him. Just when he was ready to explode, she pulled her fingers from inside him, curled them around the base of his penis, and squeezed. “Take slow, deep breaths,” she ordered. “Deep, deep breaths.” He found himself following her direction but within moments was disappointed to discover he’d lost his erection. She released him and with a sigh, he flattened himself on the bed and turned his head as she sank down beside him. They faced each other now and for the first time he saw how her eyes were dark and deep and filled with passion. Good! Ethan was glad she appeared as aroused as he felt. “You’re torturing me!” he snapped, reaching for her hand that was fingering the hair across his brow. “Why did you stop?” She gave him that half-smile of hers that drove him wild. “Because it wasn’t time.” He frowned. “Sure felt like it to me.” Her smile widened. “Oh, but it wasn’t, you see, I’ve many things I must do before you find release. The wait will be worth the feelings, believe me. We’ve only just begun.” Ethan groaned in frustration even as he wound his arms around her, then planted his lips hard against hers. She cooperated fully with the kiss until she pressed against his shoulders and pulled back from him. “Now it’s time for me to pay attention to your front side.” Heaven help him. **** 93

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Melissa drove him wild that night. Repeatedly she wrung every ounce of passion from him, drew him so close to orgasm a bit of cum would begin seeping from him, but in the end she would deny him release. Each time she would leave him hanging off the edge with her skill and knowledge—and sweet torture. He was turning into her love slave each time she took his cock between her lips and suckled him until he nearly exploded. Then she would wind her fingers and thumb around the base of his cock and pinch, stopping him from ejaculating. She’d explained to him how each time she aroused him, and then stopped. It would only heighten his pleasure when she did eventually allow him his hard-earned release. Melissa knew she drove him wild with this ‘torture’ as he called it, but she also knew no other woman had ever satisfied him so completely. After she allowed him his release, he rested on his back, one arm thrown over his head, the other wound around Melissa, holding her close. After a short rest, he took charge, pressed her down on the bed, flipped her over to her stomach, and pulled her to her knees. She gasped when he positioned himself behind her and with agonizing slowness pressed forward, burying himself deep inside her. His mounting turned to a wild fury then, and he rode her hard, his breathing ragged and harsh as he took her to heaven and back again. “Please, Ethan,” she groaned, “I need—I need…” “You need to come, I know,” he said harshly. “I can feel your cunt squeezing my cock. God, but it feels incredible.” He moved more quickly now, plunging deep and hard, leaving her gasping and moving closer to release. When she came, she groaned loud and long, closing her eyes and grasping the bedclothing. As her breathing slowed, he eased her down to the bed and rolled her over to face him, taking her in his arms. Melissa decided she could get used to living here with Ethan. Then she thought how he’d taken charge of her life and frowned. To a point, she didn’t mind his being decisive, but she still wasn’t happy about someone else setting up her shop and being incarcerated in his home—never mind that it was a beautiful place—it just didn’t sit well with her. Much later, Melissa cuddled beside Ethan, watching him sleep. She tilted her head up and looked at him. His eyes were closed. Why should he sleep when she couldn’t? She poked him in the ribs. He shot straight up in bed, looked around blearily, and then met her eyes. She gave him her most innocent smile. He narrowed his eyes then 94

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry trapped her with his body, planting his hands on either side of her head. “Did you just tickle me?” She shook her head. “No, unless you consider this one finger—” She held up her index digit. “—touching your ribs tickling.” She touched him again. “Argghh!” he roared and proceeded to tickle her until she begged for mercy. “Now, then,” he said as he settled her at his side once more, “Why aren’t you asleep? It’s the middle of the night.” “I’ve been thinking about why you wanted those cherries, which are still sitting on the table by the door.” Ethan slammed his hand against his forehead. “Damn. How did I forget them?” He frowned at her. “Hell of a question. You made me forget, that’s why. Now it’s too late. You’ve drained me for the night.” Melissa sighed. “I guess that’s what I get for taking up with an older man.” “Did you just call me an old man?” She shook her head and laughed. “I said older, as in you’re old relative to my twenty years, but young if you were to compare yourself to, say, your mother. Now, don’t get in a snit about it. Besides, there’s always tomorrow.” She stroked his hair back from his forehead until his eyes closed and he fell again into deep slumber. Melissa smiled to herself as she sank onto her pillow. Yes, she had made him forget about all of their problems this evening. She owed him for his protection, knowing well she was no match for Litton. She bit her lip pensively as she thought of another more important, pressing problem; her menses hadn’t arrived as it usually did each month. Was it possible she carried Ethan’s child? She knew, with some women, it only took once. She shrugged her shoulders then deciding she was just a bit late. A shudder went through her body as she thought of what Ethan would say if she was pregnant. Something deep inside told her he would not be happy. She sniffed. If that was the case, he had himself to blame. **** Ethan left the house before she rose the following morning. He’d made quick, but satisfying love to her before departing, telling her to remember to ask the cook for fresh cherries for the evening. Her 95

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry cheeks turned hot and she told him he could ask Cook himself! He just laughed then informed her he would be back at seven. What in the world would she do with herself all day, she wondered? After partaking of a late breakfast she ambled into his library, opened several books until she found a volume with astonishing pictures. As she turned the pages, her astonishment diminished. She shouldn’t be a bit surprised by the book’s contents, considering this was Ethan’s library. Several pictures caught and held her attention, including various positions in which a man and woman could copulate. Melissa sat curled up in a big chair, perusing the vivid pictures. It was just shortly after two in the afternoon when she heard knocking on the front door. Startled, so engrossed in the book, she dropped it and rose to her feet. She stood there clutching her hands, worried that it was Litton. Swiftly she moved to a heavily curtained window and peered outside but couldn’t see the area by the front door due to the heavy plantings. Then a knocking on the library door made her jump. “Yes?” Melissa called out. The door opened and there stood Ruth. “A lady is here to see you.” She frowned. “She says she’s Mr. Trent’s mother. He told us not to allow anyone entrance but does that include his mother, do you suppose?” “What! Oh, Ethan will not want her here. Tell her to go away.” “I’ll try but she’s mighty persistent.” Melissa sat down again snatched up the book and continued looking at the pictures. She looked up when she heard raised voices in the hall. Quickly, she tucked the book into its place on the bookshelf. Suddenly the door burst open and a stunning woman of Amazonian height stood in the entrance. With a brisk nod and a quick ‘hello’ she stepped into the room. Never had Melissa viewed such a tall, beautiful woman. She must be Ethan’s height, or close to it, her hair snowy white and piled high on her head, which only added more height to her already statuesque figure. Barely over five feet tall, Melissa was envious. The woman smiled down at Melissa. Yes, this was Ethan’s mother. Same smile. “I’m Alice Trent,” she announced, forthright, and stuck out her hand.

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Chapter Twelve Melissa tentatively took it, all the while thinking Mrs. Trent’s eyes seemed to be daring her not to shake her hand and be civil. Melissa had no history with this woman, and knew only the little Ethan had told her, which happened to be his slanted view. Already Melissa decided she liked her. She appeared genuine, but then, Melissa also knew looks could be deceiving. The Earl of Windhaven looked like an angel and was anything but. “Hello. I’m Melissa Markham, a-a friend of your son’s. I’m staying here, temporarily.” Alice waved her hand in the air. “No need to explain. You and my son are grown people. The older woman’s eyes sparkled then when she asked, “Are you in love with Ethan?” She’d wasted no time getting straight to the point. While Melissa felt awkward and shy talking about hers and Ethan’s relationship, Alice’s kind expression made her bravely reply, “Quite frankly, I really don’t know.” Alice gave a deep throaty laugh. “Let’s just say we are a bit more involved than the norm.” She pointed at the divan. “Sit, won’t you Mrs. Trent?” Alice swept up her teal-colored skirts and sat on the divan. Melissa knew her dress was costly, elegant, and stunning on her voluptuous figure. She must have done well for herself since leaving Ethan’s father, but what she did to earn her living Melissa had no idea. Perhaps she had married into wealth, but then her surname wouldn’t be Trent any longer. Something wasn’t right. Hadn’t Ethan said his mother left his father for another man years ago? Melissa returned to her chair and an uncomfortable silence permeated the room, until Alice spoke. “You didn’t answer my question, Miss Markham.” Melissa frowned. “I forgot what you asked me.” “I asked if you’re in love with my son.” “Why, no, I don’t love Ethan,” Melissa replied. Alice curtly nodded. “Of course you do. I imagine all the girls love Ethan. I know for certainty they did when he was only six. Where are you from?” Melissa’s brow lifted at the woman’s audacity. “Up until now I had been living in England.” 97

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “I mean your roots—your ancestry.” Heat seeped into Melissa’s cheeks, revising her opinion on liking the woman. She was too outspoken. “My father was English.” “Your mother?” Melissa straightened her spine and glared at the older woman. “It isn’t important.” “No, it isn’t. I’m just curious. You have a beautiful, unusual look about you, rather foreign and decidedly exotic. If I were to hazard a guess, I’d say your mother was Chinese. Even as a child my son possessed exquisite taste in things.” “I am nothing to your son but a temporary liaison.” “Ah, temporary, I see. So, when will you be leaving, so that I may move back into my home?” Melissa gasped at another audacious comment. The woman chuckled. “Sorry. I find this entire situation, well, rather amusing.” She shrugged. “Ethan would never allow me to stay here and I guess I can’t say as I blame him.” “Why did you leave him behind all those years ago?” Melissa asked. She wasn’t prepared for the tears filling Mrs. Trent’s eyes. Then she noticed her hands trembled in her lap. “Suffice it to say I made a grand mistake.” Melissa’s eyes widened. “And you’ve just realized it?” Alice shot Melissa a stunned look. “Why, no. I knew within two days after leaving Ethan’s father.” “Then why didn’t you return as soon as you realized it?” The woman stared down at her hands and bit her lower lip. When she met Melissa’s eyes, again they were filled with so much sadness Melissa felt her own heart breaking. “I tried, but Ethan’s father wouldn’t have me back.” “Oh!” Ethan’s father must have been a truly hateful man to not forgive his young wife’s impetuosity, especially if he loved her the way Ethan had claimed. “Did Ethan tell you how old he was when I left?” “No, he just said he was very young.” “Six. I haven’t seen or spoken to him in thirty years, except from a distance.” “That’s terrible!” Melissa cried. “Wouldn’t Ethan’s father allow it?” Alice shook her head then emitted a small hysterical sounding 98

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry laugh. Hoping the woman wasn’t too overwrought, Melissa waited for her to continue. “No.” Again, she shook her head. “James never forgave me, which is no surprise if you’d known my husband.” “But to not allow you to see your own child is horrid.” “Yes, well, I was a fallen woman. You’ve heard that description before, haven’t you?” Melissa nodded and decided, once she learned to know Mrs. Trent better, she would give her an earful about her own life. She planned to get to know Alice well since already Melissa enjoyed the older woman’s company. Initially, she’d been a bit put off with her candid manner, but now decided she liked that she spoke plainly. And she seemed genuine. Melissa felt bad that Ethan hadn’t had Alice’s influence in his life. Beneath the ‘fallen woman’, she guessed, was a wonderful woman who’d made one mistake in life, and had paid for it dearly. Besides sadness, anger filled her soul that Ethan’s father had denied him his mother. “I’m certain James told Ethan the truth about how I left him, but never mentioned to him that I tried to come back for him. I know I was more to blame than James, but then I was so young at the time.” “How old?” “Twenty-two.” “Oh, my, you were only sixteen when you birthed Ethan? You were a child bride.” “I was hardly a child, but young and fairly innocent and completely spoiled by my parents. My father was one of the founders of the Trent-Lumber Company. At that time, it had been Trent-Hagen. My father was Jeremy Hagen.” She shook her head. “To this day I wonder what father would have thought about all that happened between me and James. It’s almost a blessing he died shortly after Ethan’s birth.” “I’m so sorry. And your mother?” “I never knew her. She died birthing me.” Dabbing at her nose with a handkerchief, Alice darted a quick look out the window. “It’s getting late so I’d better leave. Wouldn’t want Ethan to find me here. The little I know of my son I’m guessing he’ll not make it easy for me to enter his life again, will he?” “I’m afraid not.” Alice rose and held out one lovely hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you Melissa.” She tilted her head to one side and added, “I 99

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry would expect you to have an exotic name to go with your exquisite features. It’s a pity you don’t.” “My true name is Mei Lin Kuan.” “Ah, I see. It fits,” Alice said approvingly. Pausing at the doorway she added, “Perhaps we shall meet again, after my son and I are on better terms.” “I hope so,” Melissa said. “What will you do here in Stillwater?” “Initially, to make amends with anyone I knew before I left. I’m sure James has poisoned everyone against me so it won’t be easy, but then, there are several new faces in town I am certain would be willing to be friends.” Ruth suddenly appeared with Alice’s coat in hand. Once Alice shrugged it on, she met Melissa’s eyes. “I know, you’re wondering why I’ve come back. Frankly, I was tired of trying to make a home in a place that isn’t my home. This had been my home for the first twenty-two years of my life. I’ve missed it and now that I’ve found peace within myself I plan to stay.” “Did you never marry again?” “If you mean the man who stole me from James? No, we never married. We were only together two months before we parted. I was infatuated enough to leave my husband for Porter—that was his name—but not infatuated enough to marry him.” “Why did you leave with the man, then, if you didn’t love him?” Alice raised her brow. “He spoke to me prettily and he made me feel beautiful. James never did.” Melissa stood in the open doorway and watched Alice Trent slip into her rented carriage and drive away. Sorrow overwhelmed her when she thought about how the poor woman had been denied her child. It wasn’t right that Ethan’s father did that. Not for the first time Melissa found herself wondering about Ethan’s father. **** Ethan arrived home by six, eager to see Melissa, touch her, make love to her, and punish her the way they both enjoyed. He was appreciative of the fact Ruth had supper ready and waiting for them. As soon as he arrived home, he tore up the stairs and found Melissa standing in her chemise, drawers and corset, ready to toss on one of her old gowns when he dumped several rectangular boxes on the bed. He spread them out, opened the covers, and smiled at Melissa’s surprised expression. She stood there, perusing the myriad colors of the frocks he’d purchased for her. He helped her into a glorious, 100

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry golden-hued evening gown and made his way down the stairs with her hand tucked in his. Ethan smiled when he saw tears gathering in her eyes as they walked into the dining room. Her beautiful hair she’d arranged in an intricate fashion of tiny braids interspersed among fat curls atop her head. The style was pretty, but he preferred it down and hanging to her waist, thinking how it slid over and across his naked body when they made love. Her matching gold slippers with tiny high heels enhanced her small feet. She was a sensuous, beautiful woman—and his. He planned to propose marriage this night, which made him smile in chagrin. He’d never been an impetuous man— until now. After experiencing her brand of exquisite lovemaking, she had spoiled him for any other woman. Besides, marrying her would bind her to him forever. An unsettled feeling came over him then; would she be loyal to him? Could he trust her not to leave him? Marriage hadn’t prevented his mother from leaving his father. Brushing away his misgivings, he thought, no, Melissa wouldn’t leave him; she was nothing like his mother—at least the little he remembered of her. The diamond he’d purchased at Rothschild’s Jewelers he had tucked inside his jacket pocket was perfect, and had been very expensive, but Melissa was worth it. Besides, a man only married once in life, at least he planned on doing so only once, so she deserved the best money could buy. As they neared the dining room he whispered, “You look ravishing, sweetheart.” She gave him a saucy smile. “If you think that comment is going to mean I’ll eat in a rush then run upstairs to be your slave—you could be right.” Her laughter made him groan aloud and he wished they didn’t have to eat at all. The only eating he would enjoy would be in the bedroom, with Melissa in his bed and a bowlful of cherries. Melissa paused at one end of the long table and frowned. “Well, it seems Ruth forgot to set a place setting for me.” “It’s beside mine now,” Ethan said. He guided her to the chair, his hand at her narrow waist. As he pulled out the chair, he smiled as he recalled Ruth’s stunned expression when he told her to move Melissa’s place setting beside his. It just wasn’t done, she said. Trent husbands and wives sat opposite each other, with distance between them as they ate with decorum. To hell with decorum, he’d told her. This was the nineteenth 101

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry century and times had changed, for the better. Besides, they weren’t married—yet. Ethan couldn’t concentrate on the orange duckling, rice, and vegetables, even though they had been cooked to perfection. All he could think about was touching Melissa, and so he gave into his thoughts, and desires. The first move he made was to reach out with his booted toe and remove one of her shoes. He nearly laughed outright at her frown. He placed an elbow on the table and watched with interest as she eased lower in her chair, guessing she was trying to reach the shoe. He caught the shoe with the toe of his boot and shoved it further away. She didn’t say a word but just raised her brow and went back to eating. Then she started chatting, aimlessly, nervously. He liked when she did that because it meant she was aware of him and anticipating his next move. He found no need to reply to her talking, knew in fact she didn’t expect a reply. He toed off one of his boots and shoved it over beside hers. Then he proceeded to remove her other shoe and his. Melissa’s face turned the color of beets when Ruth entered the dining room. “Will that be all, Mr. Trent?” “Yes, Ruth. Retire, if you wish. We’ll be fine on our own.” He grinned at Melissa. “Won’t we, darling? Melissa nodded and bit her lower lip. “But I’ve allowed the rest of the staff to go out for the evening, Sir!” Ruth protested. “They’re young and wanted a night out and won’t be back until late. Who will take care of all of this mess?” she asked, waving her hand at the table. “It may stay until tomorrow.” Ethan sank back in his chair and gave Melissa a devilish grin. Then he turned to view Ruth leaving the dining room and said, “Ah, one more thing, Ruth, have you those cherries still? I thought they’d be perfect for …” He looked directly into Melissa’s wary gaze. “…dessert.” “Of course. I’ll fetch them this minute.” “Yes, do,” Ethan said, nearly laughing outright at Melissa’s pained expression and flushed cheeks. Melissa set her fork down and stared at her plate. Finally, she looked at him. “What in the devil are you playing at, Ethan?” He leaned forward, tweaked her nose, and laughed. “That’s a surprise. I know how much you enjoy being caught unawares.” He 102

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry picked up his fork and pointed at her food. “Now finish your supper. We’ve much work ahead of us tonight.” “Work?” she asked. “Yes.” His smile widened as he leaned closer. “I plan on working over every inch of your sweet body this evening. I’ll take you to heaven and back as often as you want tonight, as often as I want. I can be very generous.” Ruth returned with an enormous bowl of ripe red cherries. Ethan took another bite of duckling and smiled when he saw Melissa staring at the fruit in confusion. “Have you finished?” he inquired. Melissa nodded, started to rise when Ethan kept her in her place, his hand on her wrist. “Stay. We haven’t had dessert.” “I’m not all that hungry any more,” she said. “Well, I am.” He rose, grasped the bowl from the center of the table, and put it down between them. He sat down and popped a cherry in his mouth, chewed, then spit out the seed. “Delicious.” He picked up another by its stem and held it before Melissa. “Open up. They’re very good, luscious, and sweet.” Like you! Lifting her chin, she narrowed her eyes. “What are you planning?” He wagged his finger. “Uh-uh, it’s a surprise.” He edged his chair closer to hers. Just as she picked up a cherry, he pulled it away. “I’ll feed you.” Her eyes widened on him as she opened her mouth and he popped a cherry inside. She closed her teeth around the fruit and he pulled out the stem. He’d heard the hesitant tone in her voice and just smiled, loving how she didn’t know of his wicked plans for her. He’d been thinking about making love to her with his mouth and lips for a long while, but always was sidetracked by her, and her enticing little body. Not tonight, though. Lord, what she’d done to him last night! Now it was his turn. He ate another cherry and popped one in her mouth. While she chewed, he slid his hand to her knee and fisted her skirts, raising them. Her hand clamped down on his in silent warning. “Not here, Ethan. We had best retire to the bedroom.” He pulled up her skirts and petticoats, even though she continued 103

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry to resist, ignoring her fingernails digging into the tops of his hands. When she tried rising he decided it was time to be the lord and master to his slave. “You will stay put, sweet Melissa. You will not resist. It’s time for you to have your surprise, but you must cooperate.” “And if I don’t?” she dared to ask. “You won’t get your surprise, for one thing.” She shrugged and smiled at him. “Is that all?” “Hmm, I see you need further coercing. Then I’ll never spank your bottom again.” Ethan was pleased to see her eyes widen. His words had the immediate effect he sought; she stopped resisting. He’d said the right words, knowing well how she enjoyed it when he spanked her soundly. But he’d decided it was time to experiment into the realm of other amorous pursuits. She released his hand. “I’ll cooperate.” “Stand, please.” When she hesitated, his voice was soft and low, “That will cost you.” She rose from her chair and stood before him. He leaned forward, hiked up her skirts, and tore down her drawers until they floated around her ankles. All the while he looked up into her eyes, watched her pupils dilating, arousal growing. He rose and came behind her chair, pulled it out and turned it away from the table. “Sit,” he ordered. She started to obey but paused when he snapped, “Be sure your bare ass is touching the seat of your chair.” Her cheeks turned crimson at his words but Ethan was satisfied when she followed his direction. He turned his chair to face hers then sank back and folded his arms across his chest, their knees nearly touching. “I want you to play the slut for me, Melissa. Can you do that?” Her confused expression told him he needed to give clarification and direction. “I want you to hold your skirts and petticoats above your waist.” Her mouth gaped and her cheeks turned even brighter pink. When she didn’t obey, he reached out and squeezed one nipple through her gown’s bodice. She squirmed in discomfort when he didn’t release her. Ethan said coolly, “Do as I say.” Slowly her hands gathered up her skirts and she held them up, elbows bent at her sides. 104

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Good,” he said, releasing her nipple. He watched her visibly relax before adding, “Now spread your legs wide. I want to see you.” Melissa kept her legs clamped together, dropped her skirts, her lips thinning. “I’m waiting.” “And you may continue waiting. I don’t know what game you’re playing at, Ethan, but I don’t like it. You’ve never spoken so rudely to me before.” He leaned forward until his face was just an inch from hers. “I cooperated with you fully last time we made love. In fact, you gave me the full treatment. Don’t you trust me? You know I’d never hurt you. Besides, you did say you were my slave. Remember? I’m speaking as a master would to his slave.” Her eyes narrowed on him. “You are quite right. I’d completely forgotten my position. It won’t happen again.” She hoisted up her skirts then spread her legs. “Wider.” When she complied, he gave another order. “Now scoot your bottom forward on the chair so that you’re leaning back a bit.” She followed his orders. He leaned forward, enjoying the fetching picture she made. With her pussy stretched, he had a perfect view of her plump labia, and the softer pink colored inner lips. Her pearl was still concealed but he had plenty of time to unveil it. “Excellent,” he murmured as he reached into the bowl and pulled out a cherry. “Would you like one? She nodded and opened her mouth. “Oh, no, not there,” he purred, “Here.” He gently squeezed and rubbed the fruit over her labia, then pressed it deep inside her vulva.

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Chapter Thirteen She gasped, “Its cold!” He smiled. “It is, isn’t it? Feels wonderful I’ll wager. But one isn’t enough, so why don’t you have another?” Another cherry disappeared inside her, and another. By the time he finished he’d stuffed six cherries inside her and now juice dripped from her cunt lips. Ethan sank to his knees nearly laughing outright at the stunned expression on his slave’s face. Leaning forward he aligned his mouth with her vulva and grasped her thighs. He stuck out his tongue and slurped at the last cherry he’d deposited inside her. He licked and licked, longer and longer swipes over and across her tender lips and pearl now stained pink. Satisfaction tore through him when he heard her breathing grow ragged though he kept his focus on her cunt. Soon she started groaning and squirming in her seat. He pressed his palm against her mound firmly, squashing the fruit. More juice spurted out. She jumped and whispered, “Oh, my God!” “Sorry if that was uncomfortable,” he said, knowing well it was far from it, “but I wanted to taste more of your fruit and the juice, of course.” His eyes delved deep into hers as he drew near her vulva once more. “Do you mind?” He didn’t wait for her to reply but as he drew closer to her center, his cock hardened at the sweet-salty scent of woman and fruit. Ethan pulled back his lips, with his teeth grasped, pulled out the next mushy cherry spit out the seed, and chewed the rest. He removed each cherry with his teeth, slowly dragging the fruit up and over her pearl as he eased it from her body. He admired the deepening crimson color of her pearl in between bites, pressed his thumb innocently against it, rubbing it around a bit, which of course elicited a shriek from his slave, and deepened the color there. By the time he nibbled out and ate the last cherry, he went about the delicious work of cleaning her up with his tongue. Ethan grasped her hips and tongued her hard, much as a lioness would clean her cub. Licking up every drop of juice from the cherries and her fluids, he ended each swipe with a quick flick of his tongue across her swollen pearl. He blew on her, saw the tiny bud throb frantically. She groaned in ecstasy as he sucked her pearl between his 106

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry lips, then nibbled on it until he felt her body go taut as a bowstring. “Please, Ethan!” she wailed, her hips elevating higher and higher off the chair. He increased the sucking and nibbling, interspersed with long, wet licks of his tongue. “It’s…it’s unbearable, I tell you!” she gasped. He paused and looked up into her face from beneath his eyelashes, unsure about her reaction, and her words. “Is it? I’ll stop, if that’s what you want.” She shook her head wildly. “No! No stopping. Not yet.” Ethan gave her the same treatment she’d given him; he took her near the abyss, but each time drew back, making her wait. She cried out each time he teased her, begged him to stop but he knew she didn’t want it to end. He’d been in the same position not too long ago. Sucking harder he finally allowed her to fall over the edge. She emitted a high-pitched scream that dwindled into a deep-seated groan, her hips jerking with her convulsions. When he raised his gaze to hers she wore a satisfied smile, her hands still held her bunched up skirts around her waist. Her magnificent creamy thighs were still splayed wide. She was incredible, beautiful, the most sensual woman he’d ever known. And she was his. She was in no condition to hear a proposal now he decided. He’d wait until another opportune time to request her hand in marriage. **** October 1875 Autumn’s brilliant dressing of red, orange, and gold abounded in a showy display of leaves on the deciduous trees about town. Melissa sat in the parlor, paging through some of Ethan’s erotic books as he called them. She’d just had her first cup of tea for the day, praying her stomach would not heave as it had every morning for the past several days. She expected Ethan’s mother at any moment. Melissa drank her tea and munched on a strawberry jam spread biscuit. When she finished, after several moments passed, she smiled. She wasn’t heaving so perhaps that awful time in her pregnancy had passed. She smiled as she thought how she wanted to tell Ethan now about her joyous news but hadn’t decided on the right time. Alice arrived shortly and, as they sat in the parlor enjoying cups of tea, Melissa complained to Alice about Ethan’s dictatorial nature. 107

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “I’m going stir-crazy, Alice. It’s ridiculous that Ethan won’t let me out of this house when I’ve work to do at the shop. My merchandise arrived this morning and I’d like to get things ready to open my doors by the first of November.” “So, what’s holding you here?” Alice glanced around then smiled at Melissa. “Ethan’s at the lumber mill now, and, afterwards, doesn’t he pay a visit to his saloon?” “Yes.” Melissa smiled. “It seems you’ve learned his schedule well since your arrival.” “I’ve had to. I’ve been following him, talking to people about him, trying to learn anything that will help champion my cause in mending our relationship,” she said wistfully. “It’s sad how we are nothing but strangers.” “That’s a tall order,” Melissa replied. Alice nodded. “I know.” Her eyes glittered as tears formed in them. “Now that James has departed, and hopefully his soul is where it belongs,” she said grimly, “I’m at least able to try and pursue a relationship with Ethan, and perhaps have a chance of winning him over.” “How often had you tried returning before now?” “I’ve been coming here every year since after I left until Ethan turned sixteen, which is when I gave up. I’ve already told you how James prevented me from seeing Ethan all those years. He’d follow me about town and, in general, made my life a living hell, eventually driving me out.” Alice sighed. “He wasn’t a nice man, or an easy one to live with, for that matter.” “Was he always like that?” Melissa asked. “No, not during the first years we were married. “With time, he became overly driven about his work at the newspaper and at the lumber company and started ignoring me. Truly, the reason I left with another man was merely to make him jealous.” She smiled grimly. “I know how ridiculous an idea it was now and paid the price all these years. But he couldn’t save face and vowed to never take me back. I’d completely humiliated him and he abided by his promise, and so, here I am, hoping for another chance.” She rose and snatched up her coat. “Well, I must be going before Ethan returns, or you will be in trouble.” She put on her coat and smiled. “You know, you never did answer my question, what’s to hold you here? Certainly not just my bullheaded son.” “No, not Ethan but someone from my past.” Melissa bit her lip as 108

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry tears swarmed her eyes. “You see, Alice, there’s this man who has traveled here all the way from England to find me.” Alice frowned. “Do you know for a fact he’s here looking for you?” “Yes. Luckily, the sheriff and Ethan believe my story of what happened, which is precisely why Ethan is protecting me. I’d hoped the man would have returned to England by now, but he hasn’t.” “The man must be infatuated with you to have crossed an ocean and traveled so far. I’m not a bit surprised.” “He’s a horrible person, Alice! Ethan’s right. I must stay here, hidden away until the earl leaves.” “The earl?” “Charles Litton, Earl of Windhaven. I worked as a governess in his household in London, and later was forced to work in another capacity I will not mention.” “Tall, blonde, handsome, Adonis-looking man perhaps a bit older than Ethan?” Melissa clenched her hands in her lap. “Yes, that’s him. How did you know?” “We met in town, briefly.” Alice rolled her eyes. “He’s smooth, seems to possess the manners of a perfect gentleman.” She scoffed, “I wouldn’t trust him to walk me across the street. There’s something about him that quite frankly repulses me.” “Stay away from him, Alice. You can’t trust him.” Alice smiled and grasped Melissa’s hands. She pulled her to her feet, reached out, and tucked a stray lock of hair behind Melissa’s ear. “I like you, Melissa.” She sighed. “I always wanted to have a daughter. I wish I knew of my son’s intentions for you.” “Oh, but, I’ve already explained—” “Yes, you have, but I’d like to hear it from him, though I’m lucky if he even accidentally makes eye contact with me on the street. He’s avoiding me.” She frowned. “Somehow I thought he would have tried to have me physically removed from town as his father had done in the past, but he hasn’t, thus far.” “Perhaps he believes Stillwater is large enough to accommodate both of you,” Melissa said. Alice narrowed her eyes and pulled on her gloves. “Perhaps he’s starting to soften and will eventually forgive me. It may take a bit of time but I’d guessed that after James died, I would have a better chance at reconciliation.” 109

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Alice paused at the front door and peered outside. “He’s not returned yet which is a good thing for both of us.” She smiled at Melissa. “I’ve a proposition for you. I’d be happy to take your perfumes and set up your shop for you. I’ll also help you with some advertising. I can just see a fine flashy ad in the Stillwater Gazette announcing your grand opening, and right before the holidays would be perfect timing, don’t you think?” Tears welled in Melissa’s eyes. “You-you’d do that for me? Oh, no, it wouldn’t be right!” “Why not?” “Ethan would be very angry with me.” Alice arched one fine eyebrow. “This is coming from the woman who tried to shoot my son?” Melissa smacked her hands against her cheeks. “Don’t even remind me of that. Besides, it wouldn’t be right for me to consume so much of your time.” Nonsense. I’ll begin first thing tomorrow morning. Hmm, make that late morning.” She opened the door and added, “I’ve never been an early riser. “Thank you.” Melissa gave Alice a tentative look and met the humor in the older woman’s eyes. Melissa laughed and wound her arms awkwardly around Alice. “Have a servant deliver the merchandise to the shop by noon tomorrow.” She pecked Melissa’s cheek. “Until later.” Melissa stood in the doorway and watched Alice leave. Once Alice reached her carriage she paused before entering, looked up at Melissa in the doorway and said, “There is a key to the building, isn’t there?” “Yes, but Ethan has it,” Melissa wailed. “Oh, I didn’t think of that.” Alice frowned. “But why would he have the key? Did you give it to him?” Melissa shook her head. “No. Since I’m in hiding, he made all of the arrangements for me to rent the space, including collecting the key from the owner, Mr. Bosco.” “Did I hear that it’s the building adjoining Calvin’s Saloon?” “Yes.” “No problem. I’ll just enter through the saloon.” “But women aren’t allowed in there!” Melissa protested. Alice winked. “This one will be.” 110

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry **** Ethan relieved his bartender for a few minutes at the precise time his mother sauntered into Calvin’s. He coughed on a swallow of whiskey. What in the hell? His gaze followed her as she ignored the hoots and whistles from his clientele. She passed through to the shop next door, Melissa’s shop. What did she think she was doing? Gus returned, picked up a towel and a glass. “I just saw a woman pass through to the shop next door. Have you seen her there before?” With a twist of his mustache, and a twinkle in his blue eyes, Gus said, “She’s been in and out of the place since around noon.” Ethan’s jaw dropped. “You know we don’t allow women in here, not to mention the fact she’s trespassing on Melissa’s store.” Gus shrugged. “Hell, no, she ain’t. She said she was your ma and that you’d given her permission to set up some smelly stuff and such next door. She said your ward would be opening up a perfume store soon.” The older man grinned. “Hell, I didn’t know you had a ward. Uh, what’s a ward, anyway?” “Never mind,” Ethan said between gritted teeth as he tossed back the last of his whiskey, then made his way next door. He paused in the doorway, watched his mother arrange colored bottles of scents on a shelf when he cleared his throat. She glanced up at him with a smile on her lips. Not for the first time did he feel slightly intimidated by her beauty. She appeared dignified and refined, but he knew better. His father had warned him about her often enough; warned him she was no better than a common slut was. Those words haunted him and time seemed to stand still for long moments as he thought about the day that his mother had left him. **** Stillwater, Minnesota August 1851 A very young Ethan Trent stood beside his father, eyes squinting against the brilliant sunlight as he watched the carriage that carried his mother rumble away. His eyes widened and hope flourished inside him that she wouldn’t leave when he saw the carriage slow down— saw the door open and his mother lean out. Always fashionably dressed, even in this small town, he saw the peach-colored plumed hat on her upswept blonde curls; saw her vivid 111

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry blue eyes sparkling in the sunlight, even though she was several yards away. She offered him a small wave along with the smile and called out, “Don’t worry, my darling boy, I’ll return for you soon!” “Like hell you will,” his father ground out. Ethan gave a tentative wave then turned a sidewise glance at his father—noting the disapproval on his face as he also focused on the carriage in the distance. The boy felt sweat gathering over his body, then sliding down his back as he looked back at the carriage rounding the bend in the road and out of sight. Would his father punish him for disobeying him? Ethan couldn’t understand how, when this was his mother leaving him, for how long he had no idea. After the awful argument between his parents, his mother was leaving. His father, so unloving and unfair—so verbally brutal to his mother at times—the boy could hardly blame his mother for wanting to escape. Day after day, Ethan heard their arguments, until two days ago when Ethan couldn’t take it any more. He entered the library just as he saw his father raise his hand high, his intentions clear. Ethan tore across the library, latched onto his father’s leg, and begged him not to hit his mother. Ethan had caught the horror on his father’s face then and even now cringed at the hateful words he uttered to his mother. “You will leave, and I never want to see your face again,” he’d warned, as he lowered his arm. Ethan had wanted to go with her, but when his father had gone into an even worse uproar, his mother had insisted he stay—for now. Tears rolled down the boy’s face, but he concealed them. If his father saw the tears, he would cuff him and say, ‘Boy, only girls cry. Stop it.’ Soon the carriage was out of sight and the man turned and strode toward the house, but not before the boy heard him say, “To hell with the bitch. Should have gotten rid of her years ago.” The boy followed his father’s burly, lumbering frame as he disappeared inside their home, the biggest house in the small but ever growing, bustling town. Then he looked back down the road again and tears slid from his eyes. He swiped them away, looking up at the door furtively. If his father saw him crying, he’d beat him for certain. With the departure of his mother, he had a gut feeling she wouldn’t be returning for him. **** A movement from the woman in the room brought him back to the present and he scowled as he looked upon his mother, who’d left 112

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry him so long ago. “What do you think you’re doing?” he said, his voice cold and hard. “Helping Melissa.” She pulled a tulip-shaped bottle from a box and placed it on a shelf. “How do you know Melissa?” “Oh, well, we’ve met, quite by accident of course,” Alice replied as she reached for another bottle. “How could you have met her when she never leaves my house?” She just smiled at him, seemingly amused. Ethan couldn’t understand why she was amused. There was nothing humorous about this situation. If he discovered Melissa had disobeyed him he’d cut off their arrangement, and to hell with her, even if Litton caught up with her. He widened his stance, folded his arms across his chest, and glared at her. She met his eyes and sighed. “All right, I confess, we visited.” Ethan’s breathing turned ragged with growing anger. “You mean she let you inside my house?” “I let myself in when your maid answered the door. Actually, I bullied my way in because I expected to find you there and planned to confront you about the past. Instead I met Melissa.” She smiled. “She’s lovely, and I wanted to help her with the shop.” “She doesn’t need your help nor will I allow it,” he snapped. “Get out.” Ethan couldn’t believe it when the woman had the audacity to laugh. “No.” He made a threatening move toward her, but paused when she said, “Remember, even though you don’t want me to be, I am still your mother.” In three strides, he was beside her. Ethan’s heart pounded dully in his chest and his nostrils flared as he straightened in an effort to be taller. It barely worked. “What did you say?” he said in a menacing tone, looking down his nose at her. Heat seeped into his face when she simply stared right back. She shrugged. “I won’t leave.” Ethan stood riveted in place as he tried to decide on his next move. Did he dare take her arm and pull her bodily out the door? No, he wouldn’t, because then she would have won this round. She would 113

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry have made him lose control. He’d lost control several times as a child when he realized she wasn’t coming back for him and had sworn to never again. Over the years he’d simply put her from his mind; yet, the loss of the woman he’d loved with his entire being the first six years of his life had left him a tortured soul. He’d never forgive her for leaving him. He’d never show her his fury; if he did, it would mean he cared. “When you are finished, leave, and don’t return or I’ll inform the sheriff you’re trespassing.” He turned away, but she snagged his arm, stopping him. He heard the desperation in her voice when she begged, “Ethan!” Ethan stilled, stared down at the beautiful hand she’d settled on his arm. He remembered her hands from when he was small. He’d loved them. Then he remembered how she would sit and read to him, her fingers winding around his curls as he leaned his head against her shoulder. He had loved her and she deserted him. He yanked his arm away. “Don’t touch me—ever.” Ethan swiveled on his heel and returned to Calvin’s. He tossed out a few curt orders to Gus then stalked away. In the doorway separating Calvin’s and the scent shop, Alice Trent stood, tears staining her cheeks.

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Chapter Fourteen Ethan vaulted from his horse and tore into the house. “Melissa!” he roared. He paced the hallway, slapping his gloves against his palm. He still wore his coat and the gray wool flapped around his legs with his pacing. One of the younger maids in his employ appeared at the top of the landing. “Sir, Miss Melissa’s bathing.” With a grim smile, Ethan decided he couldn’t find her in a more vulnerable position for an interrogation. She and his staff had disobeyed his explicit orders not to allow anyone inside the house. Heads would roll because of it. “Don’t tell her I’m on my way up,” he said. He threw his gloves down on a small rosewood table, pulled off his coat, and hung it over the banister before taking the stairs two at a time. He strode past the maid who hugged the wall in order to allow him to pass. The bathing room door was slightly ajar and he nudged it open further, knowing well he’d see her body reflected in the mirror, which hung on the wall to his right. His heart hammered violently in his chest at the sight of her standing in the tub, a foot placed on the rim as she scrubbed one foot, calf, a thigh and the inside of it. He narrowed his eyes on her figure and his breath caught. Why hadn’t he noticed before now that she had gained weight? Her breasts were larger and well rounded, her waist thickened a bit and her hips had widened. He thought about how he had been careful to take her sweet pussy only a few times, unfortunately without protection. She couldn’t possibly have conceived his child, could she? No. It wasn’t possible. Fury tore through him then at the thought that she’d been with other men and that it wasn’t his child. Now he didn’t want to think of that possibility. He stayed focused on his anger with her for allowing his mother entrance, not only into his house, but also into his life again. It was the worst thing Melissa could have done. She turned her back to him and continued her toilette. Ethan gazed at the creamy curve of her shoulders and back, her waist and her flaring hips. Then he took in her ample pink bottom. Oh, she must pay for her crime. While flaying her plump ass was his first 115

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry inclination, he knew the little slut would enjoy it too much. So, then, how could he punish her? He needed to decide before he made his presence known. Deep inside, he knew he’d have to sever their relationship, even though he rebelled at the thought; even though he knew it would leave her unprotected. However, he also knew she couldn’t live with him any longer, and he wouldn’t ask for her hand in marriage. He couldn’t. She’d violated his trust in her. He would hire a few men he knew, strong men, to guard her during the day, and to be sure, she arrived home to her dwelling each night until he knew Litton had left town. Ethan shoved the door open and she looked up, startled. “Ethan!” she breathed, a vivid smile forming on her lips. Not hiding his fury, he saw her smile slip. She picked up a drying cloth from a rack and clutched it in front of her, covering her body. Taking a step closer he said, “So, modest, my sweet little bitch. Why, it’s only me, your master and lover, the one to whom you swore your loyalty.” Her eyes widened in horror. Watching her, he guessed she knew the reason for his anger. When she didn’t reply he softly said, “Why’d you do it, Melissa?” She frowned. “If you mean meeting your mother, she came on her own. Your servants allowed her entrance.” “And?” “What was I to do? I couldn’t throw her out, could I?” “And the shop? Didn’t I tell you I’d find someone to set it up for you?” Melissa climbed out of the tub. He ached to reach out and help her but decided against it. He was furious with her and she needed to know that things had changed between them. She dropped the drying cloth, reached for her robe, and quickly donned it. Then she walked past him into the bedroom. He followed her, waiting for her response. When she didn’t reply but sat down at a dressing table, ironically the one that had been his mother’s, she proceeded to brush her long silky hair. Impatience grew within him when she didn’t reply and he snapped, “Answer me.” She met his eyes in the mirror, her hand paused in mid-stroke. “What do you want me to say? I couldn’t tell her not to help me, 116

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Ethan. I like her and she’s hurting inside.” She set down the brush and swiveled to face him. “She so wants to make up with you. Truly, she does. Are you aware your father wouldn’t allow her to see you? Do you know each time she arrived in town he drove her away?” Ethan reached down and grabbed her arm, his face hot, the veins in his head throbbing as he yanked her to her feet. “Lies! They’re all lies.” He slid his hands to her shoulders and shook her. “She’s likely broke and only wants the money father left me. She never wanted me or she would have taken me with her in the first place.” Melissa’s eyes widened and she looked frightened. He found he needed to harden his heart in that moment for fear of giving into her. “Women are all faithless bitches who haven’t the ability to be loyal.” He released her and stepped back. “I’ve instructed Ruth to pack your things. They’ll be at Sawyer House before you arrive.” She looked at him, bewildered. “What are you talking about?” He kept his body stiff, his heart cold. “I want you out of here— gone.” “You don’t mean it,” she said, sinking to the seat. Ethan heard her voice tremble and saw the hurt in her eyes but stayed firm. “I do. We’re through, sweetheart. It’s obvious you’d rather have a friendship with my mother then a liaison with me.” He strode to the door. There he paused and stared at her once more. “By the way, I’ve deposited cash in your bank account. Call it payment for services rendered.” She jumped to her feet again and shook her head. “The only payment I had coming to me was your protection. I don’t want your money.” “You’ll take it alright. As for protection, I’ll be hiring a few men to take my place until we know Litton’s left town.” He started to leave but paused and swiveled to face her. “Oh, and one more thing. This town is my home, and the people who live here are loyal to me. Perhaps I can’t convince you to leave, but folks will listen to me. If you decide to pursue this perfume business, don’t plan on many folks’ patronage once they discover we are no longer together.” After he left, Melissa sank down on the seat again. Until now, she hadn’t realized how hurt Ethan had been because of his mother’s leaving him in childhood. He’d never forgive her for befriending the woman. She sighed. There was nothing she could do but leave Stillwater since he planned on poisoning people against her. Luckily, she’d been 117

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry frugal with her money. On the morrow, she’d buy a train ticket to Chicago or San Francisco—large cities that would gobble her up so Litton would have difficulty finding her. Besides, Stillwater had been a temporary side trip. Her only reason for being there had been to find her brother’s murderer. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, her gaze followed the course of her hand moving from her breasts to her waist, settling on her abdomen. She stopped the sob welling inside her as she thought about the fate of Ethan’s child. She couldn’t tell him. He’d believe it a ruse to allow her to stay, or to trap him into marriage, but Melissa had her pride. He’d rue the day he set her free. Quickly she packed her bag and dressed in her finest white shirtwaist and fawn-colored skirt and petticoats Ethan had purchased for her. There was no sense leaving them behind for he’d have no use for them. She slipped on some shoes and then left the room. In the hallway near the front entrance, she pulled on her brown woolen coat and jammed her felt hat on her head. Peering in a mirror, she straightened the collar, but her hands stilled when she saw Ethan’s reflection in the mirror from where he suddenly appeared behind her. He scowled at her but said not a word. She lifted her chin, walked to the door, and opened it. Once on the street she strode quickly away as tears fell from her eyes, dampening the front of her coat. **** That evening, Ethan stared broodingly into the fire as he drank one glass of whiskey after another. After the fourth, with his throat burning, he threw the glass into the hearth where the liquid sizzled and spit. Damn! He shouldn’t have forced Melissa to leave, at least not until he’d secured guards for her. He made a point to do so in the morning. Then he sighed, disgusted that he worried about the disloyal wench. He blamed his mother for all of this. He’d been drinking for the last hour, trying to gather the fortitude to face his mother down once and for all, and give her a piece of his mind. Ethan wasn’t certain he was ready now or would ever be, but knew it was time to hear his mother’s side of the story about why she left his father and him. She’d tried telling him before, but he hadn’t listened. He also decided he needed an answer to a question that had been bothering him; why had she arrived now, after all this time? 118

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Melissa’s words came to him again; things his mother had told her. That she’d tried several times to see him over the years, but that his father had prevented it. With growing grimness, Ethan could believe that, for he knew his father never truly accepted his mother leaving him. His father had reacted in the same way Ethan did earlier with Melissa—with blazing anger; but concealing his hurt deep inside him and not allowing the woman he loved into his life again. Ethan stood and made his way to the hallway where he donned his coat and hat. Once he reached Sawyer House, he tied up his horse and entered the hotel. The desk clerk sent a boy upstairs to fetch Alice Trent. Shortly, she appeared. She paused on the steps and stared down at him. He saw the hope flaring in her eyes, but glared at her and said, “Come. We’ve things to talk about.” He noted her hands trembled when she pulled on her gloves as he waited for her to catch up with him. They walked side by side down the walkway until they reached the Lowell Inn. He held the door open for her and the inn’s owner, Clyde Gainsbrough, rushed to greet them. “Ah, Mrs. Trent, what a delight it is to see you,” the small, finely dressed man said. Ethan rolled his eyes at the adoring look on the shorter man’s face. Nothing had changed there, he decided, having heard for years from his father how his mother had managed to attract men from far and wide. Alice offered him a brilliant smile. “Thank you, Mr. Gainsbrough.” Gainsbrough’s eyes stayed on Alice but he directed his question at Ethan. “Dinner, Mr. Trent?” “If you’re able to seat us, preferably in a corner,” Ethan said wryly. They followed Gainsbrough to a table situated at the back of the dining room. Ethan ordered them each a drink, tea for her, a whiskey for himself, followed by an order of fried chicken, boiled potatoes and vegetables. Alice commented on the friendly people who operated the dining establishment—hotel, and made a few general comments about the wonderful weather. Ethan didn’t say a word but sat in his chair, arms folded, staring out the window. In his mind he tried to formulate words to say, but couldn’t. Thankfully, their food arrived and they ate in silence. Alice finally set down her fork and appeared to be deep in 119

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry thought, biting her lower lip. He sat there, pondering how to open the conversation, without provoking an argument, which wouldn’t solve a thing. Finally, he sank back in his seat with a cup of strong black coffee and turned to her. “Let’s hear it,” he said briskly. Alice sighed. “I don’t think you’re aware that I came home every summer, just after school was out each year with the hope of seeing you.” Ethan scowled. “I don’t believe you. I saw you once, from a distance when a friend pointed you out to me. I was sixteen and you had been gone for ten years.” “My fear of your father made me keep my distance, though I tried to catch a glimpse of you. You know this is true, deep in your heart, you know it is.” “You should have been afraid of him.” She laughed ruefully. “When I first returned, just a short time after leaving you, I tried to come home for good. Your father threw me out and said he’d run me out of town if I didn’t leave. I didn’t heed his advice. He followed through with his threat and literally threw me into a coach. Each summer I’d return, my heart breaking to see you’d grown older and I hadn’t been here to see you change. I’d watch you on the streets as you walked with your friends during your school-age years. You don’t know how many times I nearly swept you into my carriage with me, but didn’t dare. The laws regarding a woman deserting a husband and children are unforgiving. Your father held all the cards and I could do nothing to change his mind.” “Couldn’t you have stopped and spoken with me? I would have listened.” “As I said, your father would have killed me if he knew I’d even attempted it. I tried convincing him to take me back, Ethan, truly, I did. But I embarrassed him. He thought I’d had an affair, but I hadn’t.” He grimaced. “Didn’t you? You can’t deny you left my father for another man and yet you have the audacity to proclaim you didn’t have an affair. What was the point in leaving with the man then?” “We had exchanged kisses and I thought I was in love with him. I also told him we would have to wait until I obtained a divorce before allowing the relationship to progress. The further the carriage drove away from town the more I regretted being coerced by…well…it’s not important you know the man’s name. There are things a parent 120

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry cannot ever tell a child, Ethan.” “Like what?” he snapped. “As you can see, I am no longer a child.” Tears came to Alice’s eyes. Ethan groaned inside, but hardened his heart. She had much to answer for. “Yes, I know that, and you’ll never know how much I regret missing all those years with you.” “Go on,” he said, his voice cool and controlled while inside his heart felt near to breaking. “Your father did not love me.” Ethan scoffed, “You should have seen how furious he was after you left. He drank and swore, cuffed me upon occasion, but pretty much ignored me. Tell me that isn’t love. You broke the man’s heart.” “It wasn’t love,” she insisted. “I know this was a very long time ago, but do you remember there were periods when I wore a veiled hat in the house and when I went to town?” He frowned. “Yes. I recall asking you why you wore it. You said you wanted to play a hide and seek game with me.” He met her eyes after a moment’s silence. “What are you saying?” “When things didn’t go right at the lumber mill your father would…” Blazing anger tore through Ethan as he listened to her try to form the words to tell him about his father’s temper. When she didn’t reply he said, “Are you saying he beat you?” Swallowing the growing lump in her throat, she gave a curt nod and lowered her eyes to her cup. “Stop lying!” He lurched to his feet. She sighed. “Why aren’t I surprised you don’t believe me? Your father loved you, as did I. That’s all you really need to know.” Ethan glared down at Alice but she wouldn’t meet his eyes. He stood still, stiff, waiting. Eventually, she placed her napkin on the table beside her plate and started rising from her chair. He sat down. “We’re not finished with this discussion, especially since you’ve opened up some new doors.” She settled into her chair once more. He tossed a stray lock off his forehead. “Continue,” he said. “I’m thirty-six years old and, like I said, I saw you only once. Convince me that you did once upon a time care about me.” Tears filled her eyes again at his harsh words, but he wouldn’t back down, wouldn’t offer her sympathy, she owed him much, and 121

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry she would tell him everything. “Your father always seemed to know when I’d be arriving in town, even though I varied my arrival date each year, but always arriving during the summer months. People were loyal to him, as they are to you, I’ve learned. At any rate, he always managed to find out when I’d be coming and would arrive at the station to tell me I wasn’t welcome. “For ten years, Ethan, I tried to see you, until you were sixteen; that was the last year when I finally gave up, knowing it was futile. Then, last year, shortly before he passed away, I arrived again, only this time, after I saw his failing health, I vowed he couldn’t force me to leave.” She gave a small laugh and rolled her eyes. “That didn’t stop him from hiring a few men I didn’t know from picking me up and bodily putting me right back on the coach. As soon as I heard of his death, I made permanent plans. I sold my business and my house and moved back here, intent upon repairing our relationship. James couldn’t stop me now.” Ethan tilted his head to one side. “What sort of business? And where have you been living all these years?” “I never did marry again. After a great aunt of mine died, shortly before I left here, I inherited her estate, including an apartment in New York City and half a dozen bakeries.” “So, you’ve been a baker?” His eyes swept over her. “Somehow I can’t seem to see you mashing bread dough.” Alice glanced down at her stylish gown then lifted her gaze to his and smiled. “Yes, well, it’s not just any ordinary bakery. It’s a French one.” Ethan arched one eyebrow. “What’s the name of it?” “Éclairs.” “You mean the Éclairs located in several cities across the country?” She nodded. “You own them all?” “Yes, but now that I’ve returned home I expect I shall soon sell them all.” Ethan sank back in his seat. “Do you know one of the reasons father said you left is because your lover had more money than he?” Alice smiled at Ethan’s wry tone of voice. “Yes, I can believe James telling you that.” “I’m not going to stop you from staying here.” 122

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Good,” Alice said. “This was my home my entire life before marrying your father.” “Why didn’t you remarry?” “As soon as I settled into my home in New York, I severed my relationship with the man I’d left your father for. I never considered marrying again because of my business interests and wealth. I couldn’t trust most men who wanted to court me, believing they’d have ulterior reasons, other than loving me.” Also, there was another problem. Your father never divorced me.” Ethan raised his brow. “Why hadn’t you divorced him?” “Because when all was said and done I knew I would never marry another. I decided if I stayed married to your father, there was a chance I would get you back. It didn’t happen to work out that way, but I knew if I waited long enough, I’d see you again. I just wished it had been sooner.” Alice looked over Ethan’s head and smiled. “Ah! Look who’s here!” Ethan looked over his shoulder, stiffened at the sight of Melissa, then turned back to her, fury encompassing every part of him.

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Chapter Fifteen It was more than obvious she’d made a mistake in inviting Melissa to come. She prayed Ethan wouldn’t snub her, Alice mused. Melissa was lovely in her pastel pink day dress with a prim lace collar and cuffs. She appeared like a delicate water lily. He took a quick swallow of coffee and his complexion paled. Alice wondered at his reaction, especially when she saw a glimpse of torment in his eyes mixed with desire. “You’re angry with her?” “We’re through with each other.” “Why? Because she formed a friendship with me?” His eyes delved into hers. “Yes, and the fact she disobeyed my explicit orders not to answer the door, or allow anyone inside the house, which was for her protection.” He rose and said stiffly, “Since she’s looking this way, I expect you planned this meeting. If you’ll excuse me?” He gave her a low, mocking bow and strode away. Alice watched him as he moved toward the doorway, cringing when she saw Melissa try to stop him. Alice blanched when he paused and gave Melissa a cutting look before stalking past her. Melissa had tears in her eyes when she arrived at the table and sank into the seat Ethan had vacated. “So it appears he hasn’t forgiven you, has he?” Melissa said, her voice trembling. “Well, I’m very much afraid I’m sharing the same boat with you now and feel precisely what you’re feeling, Alice.” Not just her voice but her hands trembled, Alice noted. Poor Melissa must be feeling devastated by his rejection. She knew much of what Melissa felt having experienced the same for thirty years. Alice chuckled. “I haven’t any idea if he’s forgiven me or not. We were drawing near to understanding one another when you arrived. He believes I invited you to join us, that we planned this meeting. Before I could tell him we hadn’t he stalked away.” Alice added, “You know, as a child, Ethan always did run from unpleasant things. Apparently, he hasn’t changed.” “Oh, but he had been a U.S. Marshall, Alice. I would say he faced unpleasant situations head on in that position.” “Really? I hadn’t known, although I’ll admit there were several times in the past years when I arrived home and he wasn’t here. I was so disappointed those times.” 124

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Alice noticed Melissa’s skin had paled, and her eyes swarmed with tears. Still, she was a pretty young thing and she guessed she’d be good for her son. “So, when will you tell him about the baby?” Melissa had just taken a furtive swallow from Ethan’s glass of whiskey and she sputtered and coughed as she set it down. “How did you guess?” Alice shrugged. “I couldn’t help but notice your waist appears to be a bit thick while the rest of you is so finely made.” She frowned. “How long have you been my son’s mistress?” Melissa sighed. “Not long.” “And you’re certain the child’s his?” Melissa’s wan complexion turned pink. “Yes.” Alice nodded. “Good. He’s more like James than I believed. It wouldn’t have been good if you were been pregnant when you’d first met. You really must tell him.” “I can’t, at least not until he finds a way to trust me. It’s truly unfortunate that I won’t be able to stay here and open my shop.” “Of course you will.” “No, you see I’ve only so much money in the bank. Ethan explained how people are loyal to him. Because of their loyalty I believe few will patronize my shop.” “I’ll talk to him.” “No, please Alice. He’ll need to come to terms with this himself, with no prodding from others. He needs to learn to trust me as I trusted him, even from the beginning, with my body, and later, with my heart.” Alice smiled and tilted her head to the side. “I gathered there was more between the two of you than a simple courtship, especially when I found you living in his home. Well, then, it seems there’s only one thing I can do.” “What’s that?” “Become your business partner. I’ve money galore and no where to spend it.” “I couldn’t possibly accept your money!” “You most certainly can, dear. You will! I’ve the need to fill my days and can’t think of a better way to do so than working side by side with you in your shop.” “I truly don’t think I should open my shop here in town, so close to Ethan, though.” 125

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Then we’ll move the shop to St. Paul, but first I suggest you stick with your original plan and open it here. Besides, I’ve already begun to set up the shop for you.” Melissa straightened her spine. “You’re absolutely right. I won’t allow him to drive me away.” “If you can do that and succeed, Melissa, then I admire you. It means you are stronger than I ever was. I should have done the same with James. At least then I would have been able to see my son.” “I didn’t know Ethan’s father, but I have a feeling he made your life a living hell each time you returned—more than what you’ve told me, Alice.” “Yes, he did,” she said slowly and looked out the wide-paned window. “Don’t look now but Ethan is standing outside staring at us through the glass.” Melissa stiffened her spine but didn’t turn. “Oh, I really must leave.” She started to stand when Alice’s hand shot out and she covered Melissa’s. “Stay. You will not allow him to drive you away, remember?” she said firmly. Alice saw how Melissa’s lower lip quivered, but was satisfied when the girl tossed her head and replied, “You are right. I’ve a right to live anywhere I like.” Grinning, Alice said, “That’s my girl.” **** “She’s come out, m’lord!” Charles Litton turned a jaundiced eye on the young man who had just slipped inside his suite at the Lowell Inn, in the finest neighborhood in Stillwater. “Where is she?” “In the dining room downstairs, with Mr. Trent’s mother.” Litton took in the lewd smile on the boy’s face. “Don’t be so cocky, unless you’ve figured out a way to get her up to my room without anyone noticing.” The boy’s shoulders sank. “Uh, no Sir, I haven’t. Thought you had a plan.” Litton stared out the window and said softly, “Oh, I have plans alright. Keep an eye on her, follow her every move. Let me know if you see a pattern to her behavior. See if you can discover where she’s living. I’ll continue to ask questions around town.” “Yes, Sir!” Litton’s scowl deepened as he thought about Mei Lin. He’d left the comforts of his home to cross an ocean to find her. She was unlike 126

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry any woman he’d ever known and he must have her! She belonged to him and he would do with her as he liked. Satisfaction settled deep inside of him at the thought that soon she would be his again. Thoughts of what he’d do to her luscious body made him grow hot. His cock rose and hugged his pants front. Wryly, he looked down, started rubbing, and then tumbled down into a chair facing the window. Within moments, his breathing quickened, followed by his climax. Soon she would be servicing him with her lips and tongue, sweet cunt and ass as she had in the past. He just had to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to snatch her. **** From behind Melissa’s new shop the soothing sounds of the St. Croix River lapped gently against its shores. With a keen eye, Melissa perused the store. She and Alice had done a fine job of setting up the shop, situated in a perfect location on Main Street. Things were too close for comfort having her business located next to Calvin’s Saloon—Ethan’s business. Alice had been lucky when she sought out this new location instead. It was the only vacant space along a row of brick establishments on the east side of the street and, thankfully, across the street from Calvin’s Saloon. Melissa would have preferred more distance from the saloon but there were no other vacancies in town. Scents of every persuasion, in various shaped bottles. Short and heart-shaped, tall, slender-cut glass containers, were displayed on multi-leveled shelving. Perfumes of rose and lavender, a new floral blend from the House of Gerlaine, and Lily of the Valley permeated the air. Alice truly was a remarkable woman. Not only had she found this space, she’d managed to wrestle the perfumes from Ethan, who had locked them away in his house upon their arrival. He’d been angry his mother had decided to help Melissa. It took much persuasion on Alice’s part, not to mention instilling feelings of guilt in Ethan for him to turn over the scents. Within a week’s time Alice hired painters and had the place painted in cream and apple green colors. Alice’s business expertise came to the fore also when she developed an advertising campaign that left people eagerly inquiring when the shop would open, or requesting a first-hand peek before then. It seemed Ethan hadn’t poisoned people against Melissa after all. 127

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Melissa knew Ethan met with his mother over the past few weeks, including partaking lunch together several times, as they became reacquainted. Alice mentioned she had also been invited to dinner twice at Ethan’s house. The first evening, the dinner was lovely and they’d had a wonderful conversation, she said. Ethan warmed to her significantly, though he seemed to want to conceal it behind a false, rough façade. Unfortunately, they’d argued at the second meeting. Melissa felt awful when Alice told her they’d fought about her. Alice had shushed her and said she was making progress with her son, and not to worry. She hesitantly inquired whether Alice mentioned her pregnancy to Ethan, praying she hadn’t divulged the confidence. Alice staunchly told her that it was up to Melissa to tell her son, and that she wouldn’t become involved, unless Melissa requested her to do so. Now she set about changing a display when Alice entered the store, the tingling sound of the bell above the door announcing her arrival. Melissa smiled at Alice as she moved around the counter to meet her. “So, are you ready to open the doors to Melissa’s Passionate Scents tomorrow?” Alice inquired. “Yes!” Melissa said gleefully, throwing her arms around the beautifully attired older woman. Alice was clad in simple black with white, with red accents in her hat and gloves. She was by far the most attractive woman Melissa ever met dressed in what so many people called ‘widow’s weeds.’ Chagrinned, Melissa looked down at her brown taffeta skirts and plain white shirtwaist and sighed. She’d already grown too large for her few dresses, including the ones Ethan had purchased for her. She kissed both of Alice’s cheeks then stepped back. “I’m so thrilled I can hardly bear it. I’m afraid I won’t sleep a wink tonight!” “You’d better sleep as you’ll be on your feet for much of the day. I’ve heard rumors about town that you’ll be inundated with shoppers. Let’s hope that the shipment we ordered arrives in a few weeks or you won’t have so much as a single bottle of lavender water to sell after tomorrow.” Melissa laughed, and then glanced out the window. Her head started spinning and she clutched the counter. Alice frowned. “What is it, dear?” “I believe Charles Litton just stepped out of the apothecary shop across the street,” Melissa whispered. 128

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Alice casually turned and watched the tall, arrogant earl step into the street and head toward the shop. She leveled her eyes on Melissa and, clutching her arm, pulled her into a small area that was a combination storage room and office. There she pressed her down into a wooden chair positioned in front of a desk. “Stay here and don’t make a sound. I’ll watch to see where he’s heading.” Melissa whimpered when she heard the bell hanging over the door jingle. “Remember now, not a sound,” Alice warned then left, closing the door behind her. As she sat in the dark Melissa tried to listen but was so stunned at seeing Litton again, she couldn’t concentrate. All she could think was that she didn’t dare be alone in the shop, or walk home to Sawyer House without an escort. She knew from what Alice had learned in town that Litton bragged about what a fine piece she had been while in his employ and that she now carried his child. She belonged to him and he wanted her back. His words and threats put a new wrinkle into Melissa’s life. Thank the Lord people hadn’t, thus far, believed him. Thanks to Alice’s machinations, Melissa’s reputation in the community was firmly established as an excellent one. Alice had managed to reestablish her own reputation as well. Melissa wondered how Ethan would react once he learned she was pregnant. He didn’t trust her because of the alliance she’d formed with his mother. He’d likely believe she’d cuckolded him, not to mention the rumors Litton had spread regarding the child being his. She couldn’t allow Ethan to learn about the child and once again thought of leaving Stillwater, having the baby far away, and giving it up for adoption. Just the thought of giving up her baby made her feel ill, though. She couldn’t put off telling Ethan for much longer since the entire town would soon be viewing the truth of the matter when her waistline expanded even more than it already had. **** Alice faced Litton across the sales counter. Wearing a false smile she said, “May I help you?” “Ah, a woman of refinement, something I haven’t seen much of in this town.” She shivered at the lewd look he gave her but said calmly, “Yes, well, what can I do for you?” 129

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry From the deepening devilish grin on his face, Alice could imagine what thoughts he entertained. The bastard! “I’m looking for perfume for my current love. Can you help me?” “The store won’t be open until tomorrow morning at ten o’clock,” she announced. “It’s our grand opening.” He drew closer, placed an elbow on the counter, and narrowed his eyes. “Is that right? You certainly appear ready for business now. Ah, well, then perhaps you can help me in another manner.” He slipped a hand inside his fine gray woolen jacket, pulled out a picture. Alice’s eyes widened on the tintype that was so tiny she could barely see the person’s features, yet she immediately recognized Melissa. “Have you seen a woman about who resembles her? She may not be wearing Chinese dress, though. Is she familiar to you?” Alice shook her head. “Sorry, I can’t help you.” She gained immense satisfaction at the blazing color in his cheeks even as she offered him a false apologetic smile. He drew himself up, threw out his broad chest. “Are you certain? Her name is Mei Lin, or she may go by Melissa. I need to know where she resides.” Alice noted he was exceptionally handsome, but she couldn’t miss the hard, evil looking glint in his eyes. Her gaze flickered over his face, settling on his cruel mouth. She’d never trusted men with narrow lips. The thought of him causing Melissa harm made her answer firmly, “Positive.” “What’s the name of this shop?” Alice opened her mouth ready to tell him the name was posted outside, above the door, but then clamped it shut, cursing herself for not coming up with a more original name. “You must have missed the sign out front. The shop is called Melissa’s Passionate Scents.” He raised his brow. “Ah, I see. You are Melissa?” “No.” “I’d like to speak with the owner.” All right, Alice mused, so what if she wasn’t the owner. She’d put up money to help Melissa purchase scents, therefore that was close enough to ownership to her way of thinking. “You are speaking with her.” She heard his voice harden. “Why would you name the shop Melissa then?” “Because it’s my daughter’s name,” she snapped, amazed that the 130

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry lie had come so easily to her. The man was wily. “Ah, I see. Well then, I’d best be off, but expect me to return tomorrow.” He started to leave then paused at the door. “Oh, have you anything in an oriental scent? I’m partial to sweet oriental things.” Alice heard how he emphasized the word, ‘things’. “Not a single scent I’m afraid. Most of our perfumes are individual floral scents and a few blends.” She gave him a toothy smile. “Sorry.” “No matter. Oh, one more thing,” he said, and paused with his hand on the doorknob. “Aren’t you Ethan Trent’s mother?” She gave a curt nod, wary of him and of his line of questioning. “Does he even know he has a sister named Melissa?” Alice glared at him, felt heat rushing into her cheeks when he gave her a leering, knowing look. Damn the man! Obviously, he’d been nosing around town for over a week. He whistled as he left, slamming the door behind him. She should have listened to her son’s suggestion; that they tar and feather the bastard and drive him out of town instead of trying to conceal Melissa’s existence. When would the dangerous fool leave? “He knows I’m here, doesn’t he?” Alice sighed as Melissa sidled up beside her. “I’ve more than a strong suspicion he does. After all, why would a man enter a shop and ask the questions he did? He certainly wasn’t in the market to purchase perfumes. “He’s also learned you changed your name.” Alice scowled. “He’s got someone in his pocket. “I believe its Jack Simonson, the blacksmith’s son. They are very poor, and Ethan informed me he’d caught Jack with Litton, in the alley near the blacksmith’s lodging, twice now.” “I can’t be here for the opening tomorrow morning!” Melissa wailed. “Oh, yes, you’ll be here,” a cool, low voice said, “and I’ll be standing guard.” Alice and Melissa whirled about and discovered Ethan standing boldly in the doorway. He was such a handsome rogue, Melissa thought, although he did appear as though he’d lost a bit of weight since she last saw him. His jacket hung on him and his pants didn’t seem to fit him quite as tight. Then she noticed the bulge in his pants front. Some things never changed. His complexion seemed drained of its usual healthy color 131

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry and he looked tired. “He won’t hurt you, Melissa. I won’t let him get near you,” he drawled. “But understand that I’m doing this for my mother. She cares for you greatly.” The faint smile on Melissa’s lips faded even as tears filled her eyes. He’d stabbed her with his words, and anger grew in her heart at his unfairness. She had been victimized in the past but no longer. She’d tried explaining herself and he hadn’t listened—hadn’t believed her. She was through with him. She’d have her child and she’d remain in Stillwater to run her business, and Ethan could go to the devil! “I wouldn’t have expected you to do it for me,” Melissa coolly replied. Alice began, “Now, Ethan…” She paused in mid-sentence and widened her eyes. “Why, you referred to me as your mother, didn’t you?” “Well, you are, aren’t you?” he said gruffly. “But that doesn’t mean I forgive you everything, you know,” he blustered. He looked at Melissa. “I won’t let the man inside. And if I were you I’d keep the curtains closed during your open business hours.” “We can’t do that,” Alice cried. “We want people to be able to see inside the shop.” Ethan outlined his plan. “Mother, you’ll stand outside the door with a small table set up with scents and allow the ladies to smell them first. Then all you’ll need to do is direct them inside to make their purchases, which Melissa will handle. If Litton appears I’ll keep him out.” “So, we’ll have a street testing first, hmm?” Alice moved to Ethan’s side raised a hand and swept a lock of hair off his forehead. “I believe you’re onto something, darling.” Melissa’s sadness disappeared as she watched mother and son’s eyes meeting, melding. Her heart gladdened when she saw signs of forgiveness in Ethan’s eyes. Oh, to have him look at her that way! She missed him already; missed how he made her body sing with joy. Missed his arousing touch, the erotic looks he’d send her way, and the exquisite punishments, of course. She missed those the most. Of all the things she’d done, all of the accomplishments she’d made, this was the most important one, she decided. She’d managed to make Ethan forgive his mother and, with time, he’d learn to love her as well. A twinge of jealousy made her cringe when he leaned over and 132

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry pecked Alice’s cheek, then saluted them. “Until tomorrow, ladies.” **** “So, Mrs. Trent was hiding her in the back of the store,” Jack said, hunching inside his frayed woolen coat. “How could you know when the curtains were drawn?” Litton snapped. “I waited until you left the store, went to the front, and saw Miss Melissa come out from in the back.” “How do you know it’s her?” The boy stammered, “Well, I think it’s her. She sort of looks like that picture you gave me.” “Sort of isn’t enough! You’d better be certain you sniveling brat, because you will be very sorry if we take the wrong woman. Understand?” The boy gave a quick nod and gulped. “I’m sure it’s her.” “Tomorrow, you will spread the word through your lovely town that I’ve departed.” Jack frowned. “Uh, but I thought you was gonna take Miss Melissa tomorrow.” “I am, you dimwit! But no one must see me or suspect I’m the one who did.” “Then how you gonna take her if you’re gone? Litton ground his teeth reached out and cuffed Jack’s ear. “It’s a ruse, damn it all, so people will think I’ve left. So Mei Lin will show herself, but I’ll still be here. Now do you understand?” Jack nodded slowly but frowned. “I think so.” With a sigh, Litton said, “Now get the hell out of here, and start spreading the word.” “Uh, who should I tell?” “Tell it to whomever you like. But I’m warning you that no one had better suspect it was me.”

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Chapter Sixteen Ethan was true to his word. He appeared at the shop promptly by eight-thirty the following morning and remained through the day. His imposing body blocked the store’s entrance until a customer decided upon a scent. Then he’d gallantly open the door and allow her inside. A few men shopped also, but most of the town’s men-folk stayed far away from the event, though he knew by their questions to him they were curious. By late afternoon, Ethan grinned when he saw his bartender step outside Calvin’s for the tenth time that day and stare across the street at Melissa’s shop. The steady flow of men trafficking past the store indicated their interest, yet a perfume shop was just too feminine a place for a man to enter, curiosity be damned. The men in Stillwater would get used to the place, soon, and treat it no differently than any of the ladies dress shops in town, though, he surmised. Melissa and his mother closed the shop doors at five o’clock. Ethan smiled when he thought of Melissa’s happiness, especially when, in the shop’s tiny back office, they counted the day’s profits. At mid-day, Ethan received word from the sheriff that Charles Litton had boarded the train out of town and he breathed a relieved sigh. No longer would he need to worry about Melissa being accosted by the earl; yet he questioned the timing of the man’s leaving. So, even though he knew Litton had gone he decided not to say a word to Melissa. As long as she didn’t know Litton had left, he could still escort her from the shop to Sawyer House without argument from her. He left for Calvin’s but told Melissa and his mother he’d be back later to escort them to Sawyer House. As it turned out, his mother returned to the hotel before Melissa. When he found his mother in Sawyer House’s dining room, but not Melissa, Alice explained that he should escort Melissa back to the hotel around eight o’clock, after she cleaned up the shop. Ethan wasn’t happy to hear that Melissa hadn’t returned with his mother. He also didn’t like the fact she was alone, so he sent old Joe Smith, one of Calvin’s most faithful patrons, to sit outside on the bench, a bottle of whiskey in hand, facing Melissa’s shop to watch to be sure no one tried to enter. He was to report to Ethan immediately if he saw anything suspicious. All had been quiet, according to Joe and, at half past eight, Ethan 134

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry made his way across the street to escort Melissa to Sawyer House. He’d made the decision to speak to her first; talk about them, even though talking wasn’t truly what he wanted to do with the female. In chagrin, he thought how his mended relationship with his mother convinced him that staying angry with Melissa was counterproductive. He wanted the woman in his life, and he wouldn’t hold a grudge as his father had with his mother. He couldn’t allow wasted years to pass without seeing her—couldn’t imagine living his life without her. Those had been his mother’s thoughts and words, and they made sense. However, it was a start to mending their relationship. He’d been wrong to shun her as he had and was man enough to admit it. **** Melissa was surprised when Ethan, not Alice, appeared to escort her home. Her hands shook as she stared up at his high cheekbones and finely chiseled lips. Her heart raced when he spoke. “You’ve done enough today. You need to get to bed,” he growled. She shot him a surprised look, thinking it had been so long since he’d spoken with such familiarity to her. “I was just locking up.” She pulled a key from her forest green skirt. Her yellow shirtwaist fit her breasts and waist fairly well still. She inserted the key and turned the lock. The whale oil-filled lanterns she doused. In the dark, she made her way to the small office. Ethan’s footsteps followed her and the wood floor creaked beneath his feet. In the office, there was one window, with no curtains. She made a note to herself to run some up on a sewing machine, if she could find one to use. She knew her voice sounded nervous when she chattered to him, hating the silence. “Your mother has been such a godsend to me. I really don’t know how I’d manage without her.” “She enjoys being useful, and she’s quite knowledgeable about many things, I’ve discovered,” he said matter-of-factly. He sounded cool, his low baritone causing shivers to travel up her spine. Oh, how she’d missed the soft timber of his voice, how his words always sounded well modulated and smooth. Gathering her courage, she turned toward him and felt thankful the only lighting in the room was the silver ray of moonlight coming through the window. It illuminated his face and she gasped at the hard angles, his set lips, narrowed eyes and flaring nostrils. 135

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry His look said he desired her. Her heart thrilled at the thought, even as she backed away from him. She stopped short when she bumped into the desk. He blocked the doorway and her escape route. Chattering again, eager to be out the door she said, “Well, I’m ready to leave.” His eyes met hers. Then his gaze lowered and he stared at her breasts, swept even lower to her waist. There he paused, narrowed his gaze then immediately returned to stare into her eyes. “You’re pregnant?” She laughed nervously and waved her hand in the air. “Why do you say that?” He took a step toward her. “Don’t lie.” Melissa shrugged, tried moving around him but he blocked her exit. “So, what if I am? Is it any wonder?” she said in frustration. “It’s not mine, is it?” Heat seeped into her cheeks and she raised her hand and slapped his cheek. Her chest rose and fell in her anger, but she stilled when he grabbed her wrist, preventing her from slapping him a second time. “Of course it’s yours!” she railed at him. “You devil, how could you even think it could be anyone else’s child?” Her voice broke when she added, “How could you think so ill of me?” She bit her lip and tears swarmed in her eyes. “Now, let me pass,” she whispered. **** Ethan stared at her a long while, unable to believe that she was pregnant with his child, sweeping aside his initial doubts. Melissa was not the sort of person to lie and he had occupied most of her time since her arrival in town. Joy and panic tore through him at the truth of the matter; that he would very shortly be a father. He drew nearer, his chest brushing against her body. He didn’t like how her eyes widened, even as a panicked look crossed her face. He didn’t want her to fear him. My God, the way he’d treated her of late she must truly loath him. Loathing he could live with, but not fear. Hesitantly he lowered his hands and cupped her small face, set his forehead against hers. “I can’t believe it,” he murmured. “This wasn’t supposed to happen.” “Well, it did,” she said. Raising her hands she covered his, pressed them tight against her face. “It’s a miracle, I think,” he murmured. “Why do you say that? Because you only took me in that fashion 136

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry a few times? From all I’ve learned, once is enough.” He smiled shakily and lowered his lips until they brushed hers. His hands slid down her shoulders and back until he cupped her buttocks. God, he’d missed her. After searing her lips with his own he raised his head, wondered if he’d ever be able to trust her again. He was just beginning to trust his mother in his life, but Melissa? She’d disobeyed him and had made friends with his mother when he’d specifically told her he wouldn’t allow it. Damn, but he hated how these women had the ability to twist him and make him do things he didn’t want, especially making him love them. He didn’t want to love Melissa, but he wanted her, desperately. Even though it had only been a few weeks since he’d fucked her, it felt as though it happened a lifetime ago. He needed to fill her now, he wanted her to take his cock in her mouth and lave him until he went crazy with desire for her. Then, afterwards, they’d talk and perhaps he’d allow her into his life once more and, over time allow her to prove her loyalty to him. Oh, how he dreamed of taking her ass in the way he craved, and punishing her with the palm of his hand. However, that punishment would be like a reward for her he knew, which he wouldn’t do until she was truthful with him. And obedient. Then he’d be able to trust her again. He wound one arm around her waist and pulled her hard against his body. His other hand slid beneath her skirts and up the outside of one thigh then moved to her ass. He squeezed her plump globes through her drawers. Then, when that wasn’t enough, his hand moved to her drawers’ tapes and he released them. Her drawers slid to the floor. He lifted her against him then kicked the drawers away. Raking his hand across the top of the desk he sent papers flying in all directions, a heavy paperweight crashed to the floor. Gently he settled her on her back on the desk. Her eyes glittered as moonlight streaked across her body. He shoved up her skirt and petticoat, revealing the creamy smooth skin of her thighs, the dark bushy triangle surrounding her labia and hidden jewel. He couldn’t think of anything but seeking out that small bud of womanly pleasure and he sank to his knees. He parted her knees and she gasped. Ethan smiled faintly when she raised her hips in anticipation of his loving her. 137

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Ethan looked his fill of her—as much of her as he could with the little lighting. His breath quickened. Her labia were moist, glistening with her arousal, even though he had yet to touch her, her clitoris burgeoning, the tip protruding from its hood. His thumbs pulled back the hood exposing her sweetness to him. Then he moved nearer, forming his tongue into a cylinder and he pressed it there. Melissa emitted a little shriek. “Ethan!” “Just let me, sweetheart.” Her breathing quickened and her chest heaved when he blew gently on her swollen bud. “Feels good, doesn’t it?” he asked. He touched his tongue to her once more, the essence of her arousal filling the air surrounding him, making him feel woozy. He lifted her hips and his hands slipped beneath her ass as he raised her up, bringing her closer to his lips. He swirled his tongue around and over her clit. She screamed and dug her fingers into his hair, sobbing his name as desire crashed over and through her body. All he could think, as he rose, unbuttoned his pants, and pulled out his throbbing cock was that she’d missed him as much as he’d missed her. She was returning to reality when he raised her limbs and rested them over his shoulders. With her body open for him, displayed as she was, her hips lifted high she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Her eyes widened on him. His gaze stayed focused on her eyes as he thrust slow and deep inside her and stayed seated. He held her so she couldn’t move. If she did he knew he’d come, and he just wasn’t ready for that. Not yet. He wanted to make this last a long while. **** The little vixen tightened her muscles. Ethan gasped, then narrowed his eyes on her as he pulled all the way out and thrust inside her again and again, shoving her further back on the desk. They played this tug of war, each of them wanting to control, yet be controlled. Ethan couldn’t recall when sex had ever been better for him, especially when she used the muscles inside her womb as she did now. “What do you call those little rippling moves you make?” he inquired, barely managing to stay calm. She smiled up at him and his heart raced. Innocently she asked, “What moves would those be?” He laughed. “Oh, you are the little tease, aren’t you? Perhaps I 138

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry shall have to teach you a lesson for teasing me so?” “Yes,” she breathed when he pulled out of her then pressed himself inside her once more. “Perhaps you will.” Ethan frowned. “But not in the way you like.” That gave her pause. “You mean you won’t punish me?” “No,” he growled. “Not now, perhaps not ever again.” “Oh!” she exclaimed, tears falling from her eyes. “How can you be so cruel?” “I lost trust in you, you know that. Now then, no more words.” He thrust forward, seated himself deep inside her, and then pulled back, taking out all his anger and frustration on her. He wanted to punish her again, but didn’t want to give her that kind of enjoyment yet. She must prove herself to him, prove she could be loyal. When he felt her pulsing around him, he quickened his thrusts, leaving her mewling and gasping for more. He came then, gritting his teeth to mask his release. When he finished he pulled out of her, aware that she hadn’t climaxed with him. Ethan hadn’t touched her clit again, knowing well he’d give her relief if he had. It was punishment, but a kind he knew she wouldn’t savor. He released her legs, helped her up from where she lay on the desk, turning his back on her after catching a glimpse of deep hurt in her eyes. She didn’t utter a word, though he heard her rustling with her drawers, heard her skirts swishing as he imagined her settling them over her hips. “When will you forgive me, Ethan? I really can’t bear this sort of treatment from you.” Ethan kept his back to her and murmured, “I’m not certain if I can.” “You won’t even try, will you?” she choked. He sighed. “Perhaps, in time.” He turned to her and added, “Come. I’ll walk you home.” “There’s no need,” she snapped. Then she whisked around him and tore outside, surprising him. He started after her. “Melissa, wait…” She didn’t, damn her and she ran quicker than he’d ever imagined she could. He started following her at a quick walk around to the front of the building, and then started running when a carriage rounded the corner from Chestnut Street and turned onto Main. It happened so quickly Ethan couldn’t believe it. A long arm stretched out of the open 139

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry carriage door and swept Melissa’s struggling form inside. Ethan couldn’t see her any longer, but heard her screams. Vaulting onto his horse he had left tied in front of the shop, he tore after the carriage, bellowing, “Somebody, anybody, stop that carriage.” There were few people out and about. They stared, did nothing in their confusion as they watched the carriage disappear down Main Street heading south. Ethan leaned down against his horse’s neck as he chased the carriage. The vehicle had two strong horses pulling it and the space between him and the carriage widened. Then, suddenly, someone appeared in the middle of the street. Ethan pulled back on the reins. His horse reared back on his hind legs with a squeal. Ethan managed to stay on the animal, calming him. He glared at the blacksmith’s young son, Jack, who gave Ethan a worried look. Hurdling down from the saddle, he snatched up his horse’s reins in one hand and the adolescent boy with the other, by the collar and marched him toward the sheriff’s office. “You’d better be ready to squeal boy or so help me God I’ll be giving you something to squeal about.” The boy flailed his arms and tried pulling out of Ethan’s grasp but couldn’t. “You can’t make me talk!” “Can’t I?” Ethan growled. Outside the sheriff’s office, Ethan wound his horse’s reins around the hitching post there, and then lifted the boy onto the boardwalk. He shoved him into Sheriff Johnson’s office and then pushed the boy down into a chair, blocking his way when he tried to leave. “Sit,” Ethan ordered. Sheriff Tom Johnson frowned. “What’s he done, Ethan?” That brought Ethan around to remembering Melissa’s capture. “He’ll tell you. I have to go find Melissa. Litton’s taken her.” “What!” the sheriff shouted. “Wait, Ethan. You might need help.” “You stay here and see if you can get him to talk real pretty.” “You won’t find her,” the boy snarled. “The earl means to take her back to England with him.” “The earl be damned,” Ethan shouted as he ran outside. **** “Ethan! It isn’t your fault,” Alice said as she stroked the dark curls back from his forehead. “It is, damn it. If I hadn’t told her I didn’t trust her she wouldn’t 140

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry have run away from me.” He rose from the chair in his mother’s parlor at Sawyer House and paced the floor. “Where in the hell could he have taken her?” Twenty hours had passed since Litton had taken Melissa and they still had no clues as to her whereabouts. Ethan and his mother hadn’t slept the entire night. Alice went from house to house to see if anyone had seen Melissa while Ethan spent hours telegraphing train offices in St. Paul and Minneapolis to discover if they’d purchased train tickets. “I don’t know,” Alice said. “Oh, God, I wish I did. Think, did you hear him speak to her, say anything?” “I was too far away. All I heard was Melissa’s screams.” Which he knew he’d remember until his dying day. The bastard had obviously covered her mouth with his hand, or gagged her. Her voice had sounded frantic yet soft, as though she was having difficulty breathing. “Tom still has Jack locked up. Even his father said to keep him there until he talks. But Tom will have to release him soon if they don’t come up with any evidence proving the boy had something to do with Miss Melissa’s kidnapping.” “Damn.” Ethan groaned, but paused in his pacing, pinching the place between his eyes. After a moment he raised his head, met his mother’s eyes then slammed his fist against the mantle. “Now why in the hell hadn’t I thought of that?” he murmured. He took two steps and swept his mother into his arms. “I swear you’re the smartest woman to ever walk the earth.” Ethan spun her around and around until she begged him to stop. When he did, she tucked stray locks of hair into her chignon and scowled at him. “What in the world ails you, son?” “Interrogating Jack obviously hasn’t worked. He won’t talk so we’ll release him.” Alice frowned. “But then what?” “We’ll watch him every minute, follow him, but not so he knows. I have a feeling the earl still owes him some coin for getting in my way last night. The boy knows where they are. We’ll follow him.

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Chapter Seventeen Melissa had fallen head first into hell. Fright encompassed her, body and soul, at the thought of never being released from the burning fires and pain. Litton had left her early this morning and hadn’t returned yet. She guessed he was securing passage for them back to England. She screamed again, hoping someone would hear her, but stifled it when a rat scrambled nearby. She lay on a filthy blanket, on the hard dirt-packed cold ground, her hands and ankles tied. Now that the chloroform had worn off, she was cognizant enough to know he’d brought her to one of the many caves along the river. How far had they traveled, though? While she’d never seen the caves, she’d heard people in town talking about them; about how isolated they were; how children had gotten lost in them. In her own nature walks and investigations since moving here, she’d discovered ten caves quite close together and near to town. He’d left a kerosene lamp burning so she could see that the cave was very deep-and cold. She couldn’t recall ever feeling such bonenumbing temperatures. The bastard had left her naked except for another dirty blanket he’d tossed over her. She cursed herself for her carelessness. In her haste to escape Ethan she hadn’t thought a bit about the dastardly Litton and now she was paying for her impetuosity. Melissa had no idea how long she’d been held a prisoner thus far since it looked impossible to tell if it was night or day inside the cave. To hell with the rats! She screamed again until the shrill sound echoed and caused pain in her ears and head. She listened then sniffled when she didn’t hear any sound. She lay quietly, conserving her energy, rubbing her wrists until they felt hot from the friction of trying to escape her bindings. Her struggles helped warm her. She kept it up for a while longer, until she tired. Gladness filled her body when she realized she’d loosened the ties on her wrists and it spurred her on to rub and pull at them even more. The damn things were too tight and she didn’t see a sharp rock close by that she could saw them on. Melissa heard footsteps and stilled her heart pounding. Instinctively, she knew it couldn’t be anyone looking for her. If they were, they’d be calling her name, wouldn’t they? It had to be Litton! 142

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry She gasped in relief when Jack appeared. “Please untie me. Quickly, before he returns,” she begged. The boy just stared at her, his lower lip quivering. “Jack? What’s wrong?” The expression on his face told her more than she wanted to know. “You helped him, didn’t you?” The boy cried, “He was gonna pay me ten dollars for helping him get in Mr. Trent’s way! I didn’t know he was gonna hurt you.” “So, you can help me now. He’s gone.” “No, he can’t,” Litton snarled from behind Jack. Fear—cold and stark, made Melissa’s heart pump faster. Where she found the courage to speak, she couldn’t say. “What are you planning to do with me?” He strode up to her, pulled back one well-shod booted foot, and kicked her in the ribs. “I didn’t give you permission to speak, you fucking cunt.” She screamed and tried rolling to her side, but that didn’t afford her any protection. He kicked her again, and she heard a noise that made her blood run cold and she couldn’t breathe. She gasped, tried catching her breath, finding she could only take shallow ones. He crushed her ribs she knew as piercing pain drove through her middle. Knowing her life depended on it, and her baby’s, she quieted. “You said you wasn’t gonna hurt her,” Jack said. “Shut up, you measly little fool! If I hadn’t returned when I did, you would have released her. Get out!” The boy jutted out his chin and straightened. He was tall for thirteen but not a match for the earl. “Not ‘til you pay me the money.” The earl sneered, thrust his hand inside a pocket, and tossed a nickel on the ground. “That’s more than you deserve, now leave before I decide you know too much.” He reached out and cuffed Jack’s ear. The boy howled and held his ear as he tore out of the cave. Litton turned a black look on Melissa. She kept still, her eyes riveted on him. “It seems you’ve many friends in this hick town, I’ll give you credit for that. Your current lover is down at the train station, obviously keeping an eye out for us. Damn it,” he growled, “I couldn’t purchase the tickets because of him.” Relief tore through her, though she concealed it as she watched him pace in a circle around her. She grimaced when he suddenly yanked the blanket off her body. Her bound hands automatically went to her pubis and she shivered in cold and fright. 143

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Raise your arms above your head and keep them there until I tell you otherwise,” he snapped. Melissa started raising her arms then lowered them, screaming in pain. “Do it!” he ordered. “I can’t,” she sobbed. “I think you may have broken one of my ribs and it hurts.” “I’ll show you hurt,” he stated as he sank to his knees beside her. His hands cupped her face and he squeezed them tight against her cheeks until tears formed in her eyes. “You owe me, and you’ll pay. If I can’t smuggle you out of this town without getting caught, you’ll pay right here, on your back, for stealing from me.” Where Melissa found the courage, she couldn’t say. Her voice trembled when she bravely shouted, “That’s not why you’re angry! You hate me because I spurned you, wanted nothing to do with you. You are nothing but slime! Do you hear me? Slime! And you’ll never get away with this!” He released her and his eyes glittered with hatred. When he turned away, she followed his movements. He hadn’t replied and that wasn’t like him, which meant he must truly be furious. That fact made him more dangerous than she ever thought. She saw him reach inside a canvas bag nearby. She couldn’t see at first what he pulled out of it but then, when he drew closer, she saw he held a very large signet ring. She shivered and her eyes widened on his face, which looked set, dangerous, and utterly ruthless. Feeling faint, she watched him strike the dry kindling he’d arranged. Earlier, she prayed he’d light the fire, not just to warm her, but in hopes that someone would see the flame or smoke. Now she wished he hadn’t struck that match for she guessed he had nothing but wickedness on his mind. Once the fire sparked and sizzled into a small flame, her heart plummeted when she saw it was too small for anyone to notice. The bank declined sharply toward the river, and the caves were hidden and facing the water. Then she saw him reach into his pocket, remove a handkerchief, and toss it down beside him. He took a piece of kindling and hung the ring from one of the tiny forks, then placed it in the fire. Litton sank back on his haunches and watched the flames lick around the ring. For the earl to remain quiet this long was disturbing, and Melissa startled when he finally did speak. She would have been 144

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry better off if he hadn’t. “This ring has been in my family for several generations. It’s the family crest, you know. And I intended for you to wear it and live under my protection as my mistress.” He turned toward her, his eyes squinting from the curling smoke. “I would have treated you like a queen if you’d been complacent and obeyed me, Mei Lin.” “Don’t call me that!” she shouted. He hadn’t treated her like a queen, and never would. She’d been his whore, sad but true. He laughed mirthlessly. “Isn’t that your name? Does your current lover know you’re Chinese? Hmm, perhaps I should tell him, then you’d see how little you mean to him.” “He knows what I am.” He shrugged. “No matter then. Besides, I don’t think it would be a good idea for the two of us to meet. He’d try to detain me when I’ve responsibilities in England. So, if I can’t have you, then I believe a little something to remind you of me, for the rest of your miserable little life would be suitable.” “Oh, my God!” Her eyes widened in horror as she watched him lift the branch from the fire then set it on the ground. Litton took the handkerchief and folded it several times in a square. He touched the ring, shook his head, and returned it to the fire. After a few moments, with the cloth protecting his hand once more, he pulled the ring off the branch and swiveled to face her. Hatred and madness were in his eyes. Her body started trembling violently. “Oh, stop, please,” she begged. “You can’t.” His devilish laugh would haunt her until her dying day. “Oh, can’t I? You’re all tied up my girl and can’t do a damned thing about it.” She tilted up her chin. “Go ahead, then. Do your worst, for it wouldn’t matter to Ethan. He’ll love me, even with your brand on my body.” Melissa thought she saw smoke curling from his smoldering eyes. “Do you think he’d want you with my crest burned all over your breasts and sweet ass? Do you think he’d want you then? You’d be nothing but a daily reminder of another man who’d fucked you is all.” Melissa opened her mouth, ready to shriek but paused at his next words. “I’m warning you, screaming won’t matter. No one will hear you. Have you any idea how far away from town we are? Five miles or more the boy said.” 145

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry In that moment, Melissa lost all hope of ever being found. She said sullenly, “What if I cooperate and go with you, without any fuss.” Melissa cringed at his brutal laughter. “And have your boyfriend come after us, not to mention your local sheriff?” He swept her a disdainful look. “Besides, I hear you’re damaged goods. You ruined everything,” he said, his voice mewling. Before she could even prepare herself, he shoved the ring against her thigh. She screamed in agony as pain unlike any that she’d ever felt coursed through her body, the smell of sizzling skin rent the air. Then darkness engulfed her… **** Jack sat in the sheriff’s office, his body shaking in fright and anger. The sheriff barked, “Sit up, Jack, and tell us. Where is Miss Melissa? You know where she is, don’t you? You waylaid Mr. Trent purposely, didn’t you?” Ethan paced the floor behind the boy as fury tore through him. He’d tried following Jack earlier but the boy had managed to escape. He’d caught him returning to town just moments ago. Ethan had snatched Jack up by the collar and had dragged him into Tom’s office. The boy was mute, lips compressed, and scrawny arms folded over his chest. The sheriff sank back in his chair and smoked his pipe, his keen eyes watching the boy. “I tell you what, you tell us where she is and we’ll let you go home to your ma and pa.” The boy scoffed, “I can’t go back there. Pa would kill me when he learns what happened.” He sniffled then and Ethan hardened his heart to the boy’s sadness. Ethan tipped back Jack’s chair, lifting the front legs off the floor. The boy grabbed hold of the sides of the chair. Ethan leaned over him. “He already knows. You haven’t got much choice, boy.” He released the chair and Jack held on until all the feet were on the floor again. “How much money did the earl pay you?” Tom asked. “A fuckin’ nickel!” Jack exploded. “The varmint was ‘posed to pay ten dollars,” he wailed. “How about I make up the difference?” Ethan cajoled. The boy’s eyes lit up at the mention of money, though he sent Ethan a narrow-eyed look. “Up front, you mean?” Ethan nodded. 146

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Alrighty,” Jack replied, watching Ethan carefully. Ethan sighed, reached inside his jacket, and pulled out a tendollar bill. He held it out and Jack snatched it in mid-air, then stood up and tore out the door, before either of the men could react. Ethan raced after him with a curse and caught him just as he started running past a horse trough situated right outside Mrs. Simpson’s confectionary. Damn it, Ethan thought. The trough was empty. He’d entertained the notion of dunking the boy’s head in it to force him to talk until his eyes lit on old Harvey Simpson sitting on a bench, his cane leaning against the store’s wall. Without hesitation, Ethan tore Jack’s britches down. Jack’s suspenders ricocheted as they were let loose, snapped up, and hit the back of his head. The boy howled and raised his hands to rub his head just as Ethan took up the cane and shoved the boy over the trough’s edge. Ethan held in his fury. He was a master at wielding instruments of punishment. Now he used that skill, his intention to cause the boy pain, but to leave no permanent injury. After the first stroke Jack screamed, “I can’t tell you until that varmint pays me my money!” Satisfaction soared through Ethan when, after the tenth stroke, the boy cooperated between his screams and sobs. Ethan yanked him up straight, held onto his collar. “She’s in the caves down by the river, south of town about five miles!” he bawled. By now, several of the town’s citizens had gathered and stood in hushed silence as they watched Ethan punish Jack. The boy’s poor skinny buttocks were a mass of red and purple stripes by the time Ethan finished with him. Suddenly Jack’s father, a tall, brawny, but quiet-speaking man arrived. He took the cane from Ethan, shoved the boy over the trough again, and continued where Ethan had left off. Ethan didn’t wait to see how Jack fared. The boy’s wails and screams echoed down the otherwise quiet Main Street as Ethan vaulted onto his horse and sped out of town. **** Alice Trent stood in the doorway at Sawyer House and worried her bottom lip. She had to go after Ethan. Now that he’d finally allowed her back into his, life she couldn’t lose him again. She 147

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry grimaced as she watched the blacksmith literally blister his son’s ass until it was red as a ripe apple, and welts formed atop Ethan’s delivered stripes. When he finished he released the boy. Jack howled after he landed on his poor, abused buttocks on the hard-packed earth. Alice crossed the street and hovered over Jack. He looked up at her tearfully, sniffled and rubbed his nose against his sleeve. “Which cave, Jack?” When the boy’s face turned sullen, the blacksmith cuffed his ear. “Answer the lady!” he roared. “Like I said, five miles south, near the Oak Heights Landing.” “I know exactly where it is,” she said. “Thank you, Jack.” She started to leave when the blacksmith stopped her. “Ma’am? I don’t think Mr. Trent would want you to go to those caves.” “True, but I’m his mother and he may need my assistance.” **** In the cave, Ethan yanked at the ropes that had been tied around his wrists. He’d done his best to be quiet as he’d approached the caves, but in his haste had made too much noise. Litton had heard Ethan’s horse on the road above the caves. The earl had also been prepared and anticipated that Melissa’s cavalry would arrive eventually to try to save her. While Ethan had been cautious, he wasn’t counting on the earl’s waiting for him. Litton thought ahead and had hidden his coach in the trees, away from the cave after he’d strung a rope between two scrubby trees alongside the ravine leading down to the cave. Ethan cursed himself for not carrying a lantern, for neither he nor his horse had seen the rope in the darkness. Now, he sat some distance away from Melissa, his hands tied behind his back, a headache coming on even as one temple bled profusely from where the earl had hit him with the butt of a gun after he’d fallen from his horse. Sweat streamed from his body as he watched Litton torment his woman. His woman! For he vowed, once they got out of this predicament, that she would be his forever, whether she wanted to be or not. He’d even marry her. He supposed it would be a good idea since she carried his child. Besides, the thought of his child being born a bastard was not to his liking. He had to find a weakness in Litton—one that would save 148

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry both his and Melissa’s lives. Litton reached out with the ring and neared Melissa’s skin. “No!” Ethan shouted as the faint sizzling sound reached his ears. “You bastard!” he bellowed over Melissa’s screams. Litton had been teasing her, and growing closer and closer to more sensitive areas of her body. Ethan felt ready to explode, his heart pumping erratically in his chest. Ethan knew Litton must have tortured her at least once before he’d arrived, for now there were two brandings on her body on the outside of the one thigh he could see, plus he saw bruising and swelling on her ribcage, likely where the bastard kicked her. While it pained him to watch Litton’s brutality, he didn’t dare take his eyes off Melissa. He’d been sawing the ropes over his bound wrists on a ragged rock behind him. His heart surged when he felt the rope give a little. He was growing more worried; she was passive, quiet—too quiet…

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Chapter Eighteen “No!” Litton’s eyes glittered with hatred as he turned to Ethan, a lewd smile on his lips and snarled, “Shut up or it’ll go worse for her. Understand?” Ethan didn’t dare argue, but his mind sent out a silent message to Melissa. Struggle! She didn’t. It seemed she couldn’t move at all. Ethan felt tears gathering in his eyes and closed them. He knew if his hands were free, he’d kill the bastard. He couldn’t take much more of her agonizing screams and he sawed back and forth against the rock, elated when he felt more give in the ropes. Then he watched Litton set down the ring beside an arm-length tree branch that had been stripped of its foliage. Cold fear entered Ethan when Litton snatched up the switch then returned to straddle Melissa’s body, pulling up her bound ankles. With the other hand, he held the switch. “Leave her alone, you fucking bastard!” Anger filled Ethan and he clenched his jaw. My God, the man would ruin Melissa, thinking of the shame she must be feeling now because of the things they’d done together. How had Litton learned about their liaison, anyway? Ethan made a silent vow that he’d marry Melissa, love her, and make love to her ‘til his dying day, but wouldn’t touch her in any but a gentle way. The ropes loosened more and elation swept through him. Even so, he wondered if she’d fainted, she was so still, though the earl loomed above her. On the other hand, perhaps she was playing possum. Litton rose and moved to Ethan. Without a word, he swung his foot, kicking Ethan in the gut. Ethan doubled over in an effort to protect himself from further damage. But that didn’t stop Litton. The bastard swung his foot a second time catching Ethan’s chin. Ethan’s head snapped back and he crashed against the rock behind him. Breathing heavily, fists clenched at his sides, Litton snarled, “Thought you could escape, didn’t you? Did you think I didn’t know what you were about, man? You Americans are such fools! It’s a wonder you ever gained your freedom from us in your revolution.” 150

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Ethan’s neck hurt and his blood spilled from his lips and down his shirt and jacket front. He guessed his nose was bleeding as well. Still he dared to glare into Litton’s mocking expression. Then he saw a flash of white and movement behind and off to the side of Litton. Thank God, someone had arrived! Ethan prayed it was the sheriff. He schooled his face, his eyes narrowing on Melissa’s tormenter, not wanting to hint or give him a clue that someone had come. His eyes were swelling and he knew they’d soon be closed completely from Litton’s beating. Thankfully, their savior was quiet. Then his heart nearly stopped beating when he heard a feminine voice, not a man’s strong one. “Well, well, what have we here? I believe we’re all through participating in so much fun for the evening. Don’t you think?” His mother. Oh, God. Not his mother. She was in his life now, even if she’d had to beat him over the head to accept her. He couldn’t lose her now. Ethan saw Litton straighten—saw the glint of menace in his eyes as he started turning to face Alice. “Step away, mother, now!” Ethan warned, too late. Litton whirled and dug his toe into the ground then lifted, scuffing river sand into the air. From the second Ethan spoke, Alice had moved back several steps. Just a bit of sand and dirt made it into her eyes. One eye remained clear and she was able to see well enough to shoot Litton, near the groin. Litton screamed then whirled toward Ethan. Ethan caught the astonished look on his face before he fell forward, right on top of him. Alice rushed up, shoved the man off Ethan, and dropped the gun to the ground. Ethan squinted up at her. “Who in the hell taught you how to shoot?” She grimaced as she knelt beside him. “Your father. Frankly, it was the only worthwhile thing he did for me, aside from blessing me with his seed.” She looked down, the general direction of where she imagined hell would be and said, “Thank you, James,” then loosed Ethan’s bonds. Ethan grinned. “Thanks for coming. I forgive you for being away for thirty years. You came when I needed you most, and that’s all that’s important.” His arms came around her then, briefly, until Alice rose to her feet and turned to Melissa. Ethan rose, moved to Melissa’s side, and 151

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry sank to his knees beside her. “Melissa?” he called softly, not knowing where to touch her. He gave his mother a thankful look when she covered Melissa with the dirty blanket. As he watched his mother tend to the woman he loved, he sat beside her, stroking her beautiful inky hair back from her forehead. Melissa didn’t open her eyes and, if he hadn’t seen her slow, shallow breathing, he would have been even more worried. “Will she be all right?” he asked. “Yes,” Alice said staunchly, a set expression on her face. “I won’t allow anything to happen to my new daughter-to-be and grandchild. She told you, didn’t she?” Ethan nodded, groaned and sank back on his buttocks. His hand shook as he raked his fingers through his hair. “But I treated her abysmally, told her I’d never marry her even if she were pregnant.” “As I recall,” a soft, raspy whisper said, “you didn’t believe the child was yours.” “Melissa!” Ethan rose up onto his knees again and hovered over her. Her sad eyes focused on him. “Everything’s all right, now. We’re going home.” “I think I may need to see a doctor,” Melissa whispered. “No doubt,” Alice said, “but you are a strong woman and a survivor, which is good for all of us. Do you think you can sit up?” “I’ll try.” With Ethan’s assistance, she rose into a sitting position. Suddenly Ethan caught the shocked expression on Melissa’s face as she looked beyond him. “Look out, Ethan!” Ethan’s head snapped around. Litton had braced himself on one elbow, even as blood gushed from his abdomen and gurgled between his lips. He held the gun Alice had dropped but he couldn’t seem to find the strength to straighten his arm and point it at them. Ethan rose cautiously when a shot rang out. He threw himself on top of Melissa, hauling his mother down with them. All was quiet until Ethan heard footsteps. Looking up, he found Jack standing beside them with a bemused expression. Looking Ethan square in the eye, Jack said, “I saved you so I’ve paid for my mistake. We’re even, right?” Ethan glimpsed the anxiety in the boy’s eyes then nodded curtly. “Agreed.” Jack smirked and threw down the money Ethan had given him earlier. “I don’t deserve it.” With one last look of longing at the 152

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry money, the boy started to turn away. Ethan reached out and grabbed Jack’s sleeve. Jack glared at Ethan, watched him pick up the money. “Take it,” Ethan said. “You may not believe you are worthy of it, but you can’t deny that you earned it this night.” A momentary flicker of happiness crossed the boy’s face but then it diminished as he grabbed the bill and pocketed it then left, heading for the cave’s entrance. Ethan had been told Jack’s father barely earned a living from his blacksmith work and had learned the boy had been looking for work as well. “Jack?” The boy glanced back, gave Ethan a suspicious look. “I could use a decent stable boy at the lumber yard. The job’s yours if you want it.” Jack’s eyes widened. “But I thought Ross McCabe was working for you.” “I’m purchasing more horses and could use a second hand. Just let me know if you don’t want it as I’ll have to find someone else.” “I want it!” the boy shouted, grinning wide before tearing out of the cave. Ethan turned his attention back to Melissa and helped her rise, then gently lifted her into his arms. He smiled down at her openmouthed expression. “What?” “My hero,” she said with a smile. Ethan rolled his eyes heavenward. “Why, Lord, have you sent me this woman to make my life miserable? This woman I love,” he murmured. Both women gasped, one in surprise, the other in delight. Ethan’s cock hardened when Melissa’s hands tightened around his neck and she tilted her head to the side coquettishly. “Are you asking me to marry you?” “Did I say anything about marriage?” Ethan innocently inquired. She made a fist and socked his shoulder. “You just said you love me! Don’t deny it.” He narrowed his eyes and softly replied, “So, are you saying you’ll marry me, bastard that I am? Remember, I am the man who murdered your brother.” Melissa bit her lip and looked up at him from beneath her lashes. “I need a good night’s rest before I give you my answer.” 153

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Melissa,” Ethan warned but stopped when his mother interrupted. “You are not a bastard, Ethan. Why, your father and I had been married for quite some time before I conceived you.” “Bastard can have other connotations, Mother,” Ethan said dryly as he started moving from the cave. Alice took his arm and walked beside them. Suddenly, Melissa clutched Ethan’s arm. He followed the direction of her eyes as she stared down at Litton. “What will we do with him?” Sheriff Johnson will take care of him,” Ethan said soothingly and turned her so she couldn’t see her now deceased tormentor. “We’ve plenty of witnesses and people who know what he did and will understand why he’s gone to meet his maker.” He gently pushed her head down on his shoulder. “Rest, now.” As they carefully made their way up the incline, now covered with a fine dusting of snow, Ethan said, “Mother? I’ve been wondering how you managed to enter the cave without anyone hearing you.” “I had my driver let me out of the carriage some distance down the road, of course. He’s waiting for us.” Ethan scowled. “Of course? What in the hell does that mean?” Alice laughed. “I grew up in this town and played often in the caves. I knew Litton would hear the horse and carriage if I drew too near.” “But how did you know which cave?” “Jack gave an adequate description of the surrounding area for me to identify which one it might be, although I’ll be the first to admit one looks much the same as the next. For as far back as I can remember children have always played in these caves.” Ethan recalled playing in the caves also, but not too often since his father kept a close eye on him. Alice frowned and added, “Although now I’m of the mind they should all be boarded up, every last one of them.” “I agree with you,” Ethan said. “I’ll bring it up at the next town meeting.” He glanced down at Melissa, who’d thankfully fallen asleep. He kissed the tip of her nose and his smile dissipated when he thought how he could have lost her. After the pain and anguish she’d been through this evening, he vowed never would he allow anyone to hurt 154

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry her again. He reevaluated their past love play and decided never again would he be rough with her. She’d suffered enough. He could imagine her rejecting that sort of loving from now on because of her horrible experience this night. He looked up, saw the carriage down the road, and made his way toward it in silence, his mother clinging to his arm. He knew he would miss those erotic moments that had initially attracted him to Melissa; miss how she’d participated fully in his fantasies and untraditional lovemaking, but he couldn’t chance it. He’d learn to live and love her in sweet, gentle ways. **** December, 1875 “Melissa! You can’t get out of bed yet. Ethan discussed this with Doctor Winston.” “I heard the doctor outside in the hallway three days ago, Alice. He said I could resume normal activities as soon as I felt up to it, which I do.” Melissa tossed the covers off her body and started to sit up when Alice rushed forward and pressed her down on the bed, her hands on Melissa’s shoulders. “No, dear, stay in bed. Even though your scars and ribs are healing, your body needs more rest. Ethan won’t like this and you’re still a bit pale.” “I’ve been bed-bound for weeks and I’m fine! Ethan’s the one holding the reins and preventing me from going forward with my life. I’m disgusted with his domineering ways, and so blasted tired of laying about doing nothing. I’ll go crazy if I can’t get up. I want to see my shop again.” Alice smiled and clapped her hands. “Oh, Melissa, we are doing wonderful business. I have to admit opening the shop before Christmas was excellent planning. You can’t believe how many scents we’ve sold since we opened the doors again last week.” “We?” Melissa snapped. “It’s my shop, not ours.” Melissa could have bit her tongue for her anger and insensitivity when Alice’s face paled and her lower lip trembled. “Oh, I’m sorry, Alice! I didn’t mean that. I truly didn’t.” Alice sniffled a moment but smiled wanly at Melissa. “I know you didn’t mean that. However, you can’t rise yet. Ethan won’t allow it. Not until he’s sure you won’t lose the baby.” “It’s always the baby, the baby. What about me?” 155

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “What’s going on in here? I’m trying to read the newspaper.” Both women looked toward the door and saw Ethan standing there, scowling. “Melissa wants to be up and about. I tried to convince her that she needs to rest.” Alice looked at Melissa and said, “Ruth will be fetching your supper tray soon.” Ethan gave his mother a bland smile. “Leave us, Mother.” “I’m going to town for a bit and will return later.” Ethan grinned. “With Tom?” At her nod, he added “Where to this time?” “I’m introducing him to the opera. Madame Butterfly is currently playing at the Opera House.” Alice left the bedroom but first gave Ethan a warning look that said be gentle. Melissa looked at Ethan in amazement. “Your mother is being courted by Sheriff Johnson?” “Yes. I know. I found it difficult to believe at first, too.” Melissa laughed. “I can just imagine the torturous expression on the poor man’s face as they enter the Opera House. He’ll never live it down with all his friends in town, will he?” Ethan shrugged. “Love does funny things to people, doesn’t it?” he said softly. “It certainly does.” Melissa stood up, her legs unsteady from being abed for so many days. “I really can’t stay in bed any longer, Ethan. I’m not going to lose the baby. It would have happened by now. I want to go to the shop tomorrow, rather I intend to, and you will not stop me.” “Oh, won’t I?” She caught the dangerous tone in his voice although he’d spoken softly. “No. Now I’d like to eat my supper in the dining room this evening. I’m not an invalid.” Ethan strode across the room and pulled a velvety blue robe from the armoire. He stuffed her arms into the armholes then tied the sash at her waist. “Come down stairs and sit in the library for a bit while I read the paper before supper. We’ll eat together in the dining room.” “Why, Ethan, thank you. I’m glad you see that I’m well enough now. Perhaps I should dress, though.” “No need to since we’ll be alone.” Later, in the library, as Melissa sat in a deep chair before the fire, 156

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry she shuddered when she thought how things could have ended for her in the cave. “You’re cold, aren’t you?” Melissa stared at Ethan. He sat in one corner of the divan and, while he’d asked her a question, his focus was still on the newspaper. “No. I was just thinking about Litton.” “He’s no threat to you now, thanks to my mother and Jack. Your worries are over in that respect.” “And thanks to you, Ethan,” she said softly. Ethan looked up with a scowl. “I should have been the one to save you instead of getting caught up as I did. I’ve learned a hard lesson.” “Sometimes one can’t always control things in life. Your mother saving me was meant to be.” He smiled. “She was something else, wasn’t she?” “Yes. You are a lucky man to have her in your life.” He nodded. “I couldn’t agree more.” He returned to the paper, leaving Melissa deep in thought. Ethan hadn’t said any more about marriage, nor had he touched her in the past weeks since she’d taken to her bed. She decided there was no time like the present to set him straight. “Are you through with the paper?” He lowered it and stared at her over the edge. “Nearly. Oh, did you want a section?” He started pulling the paper apart when she stopped him. “No, I don’t want to read the paper, Ethan. I want—” She felt heat seep into her cheeks, embarrassed to voice what she really wanted, ridiculous really considering all they’d done together. God, couldn’t the man see from her frequently blatant, sexual expression that she wanted him to punish her bottom to a rosy hue then fuck her into mindless submission? Satisfaction settled over her when she saw the heated look in his eyes as he slowly set the paper aside and rose from the divan. Their eyes locked and spoke to each other of their great need. He just stood there, staring down at her with eyes ablaze, waiting for some signal from her. “Tell me it isn’t the scars holding you back. I’m better, Ethan, and I need you badly. Please love me.” “You’re beautiful to me no matter what.” Then her heart soared with gladness with his next words. “Spread your thighs, sweetheart. I 157

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry want to see you, taste you. It’s been too long.” “It certainly has,” she said with a smile. Sinking back in the overstuffed chair, she spread her legs in invitation. He frowned. “That’s not the way, Melissa. Has it been so long you cannot recall my rules? You must first lift up your robe and gown. I want your ass free and clear of any encumbrances, and open to me. Keep your garments raised until I give you further instruction.” Oh, my, be still my heart! Her lover had returned in all his dominant glory and she relished it. Her cheeks burned when she stood, raised her garments high then sat down once more. “Now,” Ethan said as he sank to his knees in front of her, “Place your legs over the arms of the chair.” She immediately complied. “Yes, my sweet little vixen, that’s it,” he murmured. He didn’t give her time to contemplate his words for he proceeded to lave her labia with his tongue. He rimmed it on the outside then along the inside edges and she caught her breath, savored the feelings coursing through her body. “Oh, God,” she groaned after a few moments of his exquisite torture, melting deeper in the chair. He licked and sucked her clit, driving her wild with need. She grabbed his shoulders, tried pulling him over her but he resisted. With bleary eyes, she looked into his face, satisfied to see his blatant need for her. “I want to fuck you, Melissa. Are you sure you feel well enough?” “More than well!” she retorted. “I want the same thing, but first I want you to punish me, Ethan.” She gave him what she knew was a coquettish smile and added, “After all, I had been a naughty girl for running off on you that day Litton caught me. I deserve to be punished.” Ethan sat back on his haunches raked his fingers through his hair and stared at her pussy for the longest time. He didn’t reply but she could see he was thinking rather than concentrating on her cunt. She started feeling uncomfortable when he didn’t speak and continued to stare at her. She brought her legs down and shoved them together in embarrassment. Slowly she met his sad sweet smile and he shook his head. “No, I won’t do that ever again to you, sweetheart.” She wondered if she’d heard him correctly. She heard the pain in 158

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry his voice and asked, “Why ever not?” On his feet now, he moved to his desk, sank into the seat behind it, and stared into the fire. “I made a vow that night that never again would I punish you, after going through those awful hours at the hand of that madman. Oh, I’ll make love to you. I want to, need to, actually, but I won’t discipline you ever again.” “Not even if it’s what I need? What I desire?” “I think about how I almost lost you. No, never again. Moreover, there’s the baby to consider, sweetheart. I don’t think that sort of rough loving is good for you now.” She nodded. “All right, now your last reason I can understand.” “Good,” he said. He rose from his chair and made his way to her again. “But there’s no reason why we can’t fuck, is there?” Her saucy expression was her only reply as he took her in his arms. Holding her close, he allowed one hand to stray to her ass. She sighed when he massaged her through her robe and gown, knowing for now his gentle loving would have to be enough. For a while.

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Chapter Nineteen The day after Christmas Melissa stood before the long cheval mirror in hers and Ethan’s bedroom and stared in dismay at her cream lace gown, which she knew fit her perfectly a month ago. Alice entered in a rush of fuchsia-colored silk and satin and clapped her hands. “You look beautiful! Come, we’re ready to drive to the church. You don’t want to be late for your wedding, do you?” “But look at my gown!” Melissa cried. “It’s so tight that I look like one of Orval Horsley’s cows ready to calf at any moment.” “Yes, you do,” Alice said with delight. “Oh, have I mentioned that twins run in my family?” Melissa spun around and stared at Alice with a horrified look. “Oh, my Lord, don’t even think this could be more than one.” “Why not? The way I see it is if you’re going to go through all the discomfort and pain of pregnancy and delivery, you may as well have two.” She looked around the room with a frown then moved to the bed. “Ah, here’s your veil.” She settled it on Melissa’s upswept hair and stepped back. “You look exquisite.” She sighed. “I remember how happy and excited I was the day I married James.” “Were you?” “Oh, yes!” Alice replied. “We loved each other at first. Over time James grew to love his lumber business more.” Melissa worried her lower lip a moment. “I hope that doesn’t happen with me and Ethan.” “Oh, I don’t think there’s a chance of that. “I’ve seen how Ethan clams up and does exactly as James used to do if he’s bothered by something, but there’s a difference between you and I, Melissa. You have the ability to browbeat Ethan into confessing his problems while I never seemed to be able to do that with James.” “And that’s a good thing?” “Yes. As long as the two of you can talk to each other, and resolve your differences, unlike James and me, things should go well between you.” Shortly, they arrived at the church, Ethan in his own carriage while Melissa had traveled with Alice, per her insistence that the groom not see the bride before the wedding. She said it would bring them bad luck. Melissa laughed, never having heard that old wives 160

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry tale before, but accepted it. Besides, she found herself feeling a bit nervous and required time to settle her nerves. Marriage was a big commitment and for a brief moment, she wondered if she truly knew Ethan. Yet, she didn’t doubt his love for her, nor did she not disbelieve her love for him. Ethan made love to her nearly every night but in a very traditional fashion. It felt very nice, but that was all; and to her mind nice wasn’t enough. She wanted him to talk naughty words to her, wanted him to spank her bottom until it stung like the dickens. Then she needed him to fuck her until she screamed the roof down. However, he made gentle love to her only. It’s what she’d first desired, dreamed of, a man to make sweet love to her and cherish her; but things were different now for her. She’d come to like his untraditional ways of making love to her. She wanted that back again. As Melissa and Alice entered the church she thought, once the baby arrived and she had ample time to heal from the birthing, she’d convince Ethan he wouldn’t need to be so careful. She loved being his slave and he her master, but guessed, even after she had the baby, she’d have difficulty convincing him. He lived daily with the guilt and horror of Litton is abusing her in that cave. Often she caught that faraway, anguished expression on his face when he didn’t know she watched him. At those times, he would tell her he felt responsible for her running off even though she told him she was the one at fault. It didn’t matter what she said; he simply couldn’t live with the guilt. However, she had a plan in mind. She’d be so naughty he wouldn’t have any choice but to punish her. Shivers of delight rippled through her body as she thought about him shoving her over his desk as he’d done in the past, spanking her bottom. She knew she’d have to work hard to convince him. She tried thinking of naughty things she could do to bring on his anger and smiled to herself as several ideas filtered through her mind. “Melissa! I’ve been calling and calling but you didn’t reply. Are you ready now? The music has started.” From where they stood in the church lobby, she looked at Alice who’d taken her arm. “Oh, I didn’t hear you,” Melissa replied faintly, her cheeks feeling hot from her erotic thoughts. Melissa moved toward the aisle then started down it, directly behind Alice, her only attendant. She smiled at the friends and neighbors in town she’d learned to know and respect as she made her 161

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry way to the front of the church. There was Sheriff Tom Johnson to one side. Melissa saw the older man’s focus not on her, the bride, but on Alice. She saw Ethan standing beside the priest who held a benign expression on his face. Ethan’s gaze was steady on her, a slight smile on his face. As she drew closer, though, she saw elation filled his eyes and her nerves fled. Ethan took her hand and settled it in his much larger one. Then they sank to the kneeler and bowed their heads for the priest’s blessing. Melissa wasn’t a religious person, having not been brought up as a Christian, but she’d respected Ethan’s wish to be married in his family’s church. When it came time to say their vows, Melissa passed her orange blossom bouquet to Alice. Alice’s eyes were filled with tears as she took the flowers. Melissa’s eyes also filled and she leaned forward and kissed her cheek, whispering, “You are my mother now.” Alice murmured, “And you are my daughter.” Melissa’s voice shook as she repeated the vows after the priest while Ethan’s voice was strong and filled with commitment. Then he placed the exquisite diamond he’d purchased on her finger. She’d forgiven him for murdering her brother, and gave him her love all the while praying it would last a lifetime. A reception at Ethan’s house followed the ceremony with wonderful food, drink, and dancing. By ten o’clock Melissa noted Ethan’s s earlier joviality turned curt toward his guests and she smiled to herself. He wanted her, badly, it appeared. Finally, Alice and Tom, the last guests, departed. Sedately, Melissa traveled up the stairs to their bedroom, her hand in Ethan’s. His hand felt big, warm, and comforting against her hot, trembling one. Barely had they entered the bedroom and closed the door when Ethan whirled around and snatched her up in his arms. He kissed her wherever he could find bare skin. Her skin burned from his touch kissed and nipped at her lips, neck, and shoulders through the fabric of her gown. Soon they were both gasping and breathing heavily. He picked her up and eased her down on the bed, following her. There he tore off half of the forty buttons marching down the back of her gown then yanked it off her with little finesse and much haste. He pulled off her lightly laced corset and tossed it carelessly over one shoulder before pulling off her chemise. She lay there in her fine white drawers embellished with lace, and 162

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry silk stockings, smiling as his gaze traveled over her body. He kneeled on the bed at her side for a moment before moving to the end of the bed where he spread her limbs wide, then settled himself on his knees between them. She gasped when his hot hands touched her shoulders, feathered down her arms and across her breasts. His palms rubbed gentle but persistent circles over her nipples until she groaned with agony, her body igniting into full-blown passion. His hands formed over the growing mound of her abdomen and he rubbed there gently, then leaned down and kissed her navel. His gaze flickered up to hers and he smiled. “What do you think it’ll be?” “Well, if intuition is playing a part, and I believe it is, I think it’s a boy.” “Ah,” Ethan breathed a smile on his lips. As he continued to rub her abdomen, he frowned. “I hope I’ll a good father.” “Oh, Ethan!” Tears filled her eyes as she met the concerned look on his face. “You’ll be a wonderful one, I just know it.” “How can you be so sure?” “Look how you’ve taken care of me. Have you any idea how much I love you?” He looked surprised. “No. As a matter of fact this is the first I’ve heard you say anything about loving me.” “I do, very much. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before now.” She swallowed the lump in her throat and continued bravely, “And do you love me very much?” Rising to his feet, he moved beside her on the bed, eyes glittering. “You know I do,” he said hoarsely. “Agonizingly so. With all my heart I love you, Melissa.” “Then you’ll not worry about hurting me and taking me in the way I enjoy, the way we both enjoy.” He nodded. She saw his Adam’s apple bob in his throat. Then her heart raced with joy when he rose from the bed and growled, “On your knees, wife.” She immediately assumed the position and waited breathlessly for him to begin. He reached out and cupped one breast kneaded it until the nipple pebbled and grew so sensitive she begged him to stop. He gave the other the same treatment then slowly slid his hand beneath her, over her stomach, beneath the waistline of her drawers. Her body tightened when she felt his fingers move lower, then finally 163

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry settle within her nest of curls. When he slid one finger inside her pussy, then rubbed her clit very gently with his thumb, she groaned aloud her need. Instinctively, she lowered her breasts to the bed and arched her back. She rolled her hips at the exquisite sensations filtering through her body. Her buttocks tingled and twitched in anticipation of his discipline. Hope rushed through her when he eased her drawers down and they settled just below her bottom. Softly, he said, “I love looking at you dressed in only silk stockings, in this submissive position, sweetheart. It excites me.” “And I love how you look at me undressed as I am,” she whispered, waiting with baited breath, guessing at any moment his big hand would descend on her ass. After a moment she looked to one side, saw him standing there, seemingly mesmerized by her nakedness. She smiled to herself and waited patiently although inside she thought, get on with it! He said softly, “Perhaps you’ll like this.” He positioned himself on his back, beneath her, forcing her to straighten her arms to allow him the position. Heat flared through her body when she realized his mouth could reach her nether lips while hers could suck his cock. Yet, what about the discipline she expected him to deliver, she mused in disappointment. Her initial disappointment fled with the first flick of his tongue against her clit. She whimpered and closed her eyes, spreading her legs wider apart to accept his ministrations. Oh, how she wanted to move her body along with the tantalizing circular motion of his tongue but he held her hips so she couldn’t move. Slowly, she opened her eyes as incredible sensations filtered through her body. She smiled and looked down at his cock standing straight and tall, a touch of cream on the end, and right below her lips. She couldn’t resist the invitation so she lowered her head and opened her mouth. **** Ethan barely contained his howl of pleasure when Melissa sucked his rod between her lips. She didn’t tease him with soft touches but formed her mouth in a hard tight circle and bobbed her head up and down. To aid her he mimicked her movements, causing incredible friction along all the surfaces of his rod, from tip to balls. Of course, this treatment made him forget his purpose in giving her an orgasm. Once he reined himself in and paced himself, knowing 164

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry she’d take much longer than he to find release, he worked his tongue aggressively over every crevice of her vulva. He laved and suckled her, his tongue strumming across the tip of her throbbing bud, around it, stabbing inside her pussy. She tasted and smelled wonderful. Ethan couldn’t get enough of her. She’d bathed with rose soap and the aroma lingered and melded with her womanly scent. She screamed as she came, shoving her pelvis down to his lips. Ethan continued suckling on her bud, clasping her hips until he’d wrung the last tremor from her. Gasping for breath, she started to move off him when he said sharply, “No. Take me again between your lips.” And she did. Within moments he came, gushing. He tried pulling out of her mouth but she wouldn’t allow it. Only after she suckled him completely dry did her lips open and release him. He immediately slid out from beneath her and stood at the side of the bed, shaking, his eyes glazed, still filled with lust. Somehow, from the pleading look in her eyes, he knew what she was going to say but he stopped her. “No. I will not discipline you, Melissa. I can’t, never again. I already told you that. Besides, you were satisfied, weren’t you?” Melissa scowled at him. “I’d be lying if I said you didn’t bring me to completion. Still, it’s not the same. What can I do to convince you that you cannot harm me? All I’m asking for is a simple spanking.” “Nothing with you is simple,” he growled. “You can’t convince me it’s the right thing to do.” She watched him leave, heard him in the water closet. Sighing she threw herself down in the bed and stared at the ceiling. She hated the tears swarming and filling her eyes as she tried to decide how to make him understand that she was no china doll. **** April 1876 The last cold days of winter passed and the start of spring arrived. Some of the early deciduous trees blossomed with new foliage. Stillwater survived the heavy spring rains and, banning together, the townsfolk sandbagged the banks of the St. Croix River to stop the potential flooding. Ethan was away from the house, often into the late hours of the evening for several days working with citizens in town to staunch the flow of water over the riverbank. 165

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry At first, he made love to Melissa every night since they married. Then, two months ago, she started bleeding after one of their lovemaking sessions and he’d rushed off for the doctor. The doctor arrived and said she was fine. The bleeding was from the veins in her bottom—pressure from the baby, he’d said. The doctor believed it would be safe to have normal intercourse for perhaps a few more weeks, but Ethan was not willing to take a chance. He informed a disgruntled Melissa they would just have to wait until after the baby’s birth. Melissa was discouraged, and feeling lost without him and now, because of the bleeding, she couldn’t even work in her shop. She’d gained so much weight she was having difficulty walking. Alice said this condition wasn’t unusual and sometimes happened to women near the end of their confinements—in particular, with multiple births. Melissa had dismissed the idea, quite verbally to Alice. She wasn’t having twins. The doctor had only been able to find one heartbeat. Feeling sorry for herself Melissa plopped down on the divan, raised her legs, and lay down, pillowing her head on the divan’s large round arm. She tried not to cry, but she was often close to tears these days. Alice entered the parlor and found Melissa prone on the divan, her hand thrown across her eyes. “Dear? Is something wrong?” Alice asked. Anxiously, she hovered over Melissa. Melissa removed her hand and peered at Alice. “Nothing is wrong except that I’m tired of carrying this baby.” Alice sank into a chair across from her and sighed. It was almost as though she knew the right words to cheer her up. “I don’t blame you, and I do so miss you at the shop. No one can charm a customer into buying scents like you.” “How’s the new girl working out? What’s her name?” “Sarah Olson. She’s doing fine but she’s only fourteen, you know, and has no experience with people.” “Soon you’ll be back in the shop and juggling a babe in your arms.” Melissa was thankful for her encouraging words but said, “I am always so tired.” Moaning, she closed her eyes. “Rest, dear. It will be over soon,” Alice said softly. When next Melissa woke, Ethan was sitting in the chair Alice had occupied. Melissa started to sit up, her eyes groggy but sank back when 166

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Ethan rose and sat beside her on the divan. “No need to rise. Mother said you have been sleeping most of the evening.” “I’m exhausted.” She nearly purred when he lightly stroked her brow, the side of her face and her chin, his long fingers finally settling on one shoulder. She smiled and closed her eyes. “Do that again?” He did, over and over until she fell asleep once more. Just before sleep overtook her, she heard his voice. “I love you, my darling. Soon it will be over.” **** “No laudanum, doctor!” Ethan said firmly as he stood in the hallway outside his bedroom. He quivered when he heard Melissa groan again, deep in labor. “She’s been in labor for a good ten hours,” Doctor Winston replied, his voice soothing and low. Ethan gritted his teeth and paced the hallway. Ten hours wasn’t much time, according to his mother; yet, to his mind, it seemed a lifetime. Melissa was in agonizing pain. In fact, when he entered the bedroom earlier she hadn’t seemed to recognize him at first because of her delirious state. His mother had explained that Melissa was concentrating, completely involved in her pain-filled world as she worked hard to deliver their baby. Things were going fine, she insisted. Alice had warned him before the doctor arrived that he’d insist on heavily medicating Melissa. Alice also explained if Melissa were medicated, she would have difficulty pushing her baby out into the world. This had happened to her with Ethan’s birth. She knew how the drug incapacitated women. Melissa was strong and doing well with the pains. The babe was slowly but surely moving further down the birth channel she’d told him and warned Ethan to let Melissa be. “She’ll be much more comfortable once she has the medication, Mr. Trent.” “I believe we’ll wait a bit longer.” The doctor thrust out his jaw. “Well,” he said huffily, “I’ll be on my way then.” Ethan scowled and clasped the man’s arm, stopping him from leaving. “Where in the hell do you think you’re going?” The older man sighed. “I do have another patient to tend to then I’ll return to your wife. From what I can tell she won’t deliver before first light.” 167

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry The doctor had been right, as things turned out. With only Alice in attendance, and Ethan walking the hallways, upon the dawning of a new day Melissa gave birth to two fine strapping boys, without any laudanum. After birthing the first boy, having no idea she was having twins, she was stunned when the pains started in again. “Oh, don’t worry, dear,” Alice said, “that’s likely the afterbirth.” As Ethan held their son Melissa gasped and raised her knees once more, then easily pushed their second babe into Alice’s waiting hands. Ethan, shocked speechless, sank into a chair before he keeled over, still holding the first babe. Alice cleaned up the second infant and said, “They are identical twins by the looks of them. Don’t you think, Ethan?” The babes were a few weeks early but fully developed and robust, their lungs testimony to the fact. By mid-morning, the doctor had examined Melissa, and said she was fit as can be. He left and Melissa had had a bath and was sitting in bed, propped up against the headboard with a mound of pillows at her back. As she nursed one baby, Alice rocked the other. Ethan was still speechless and exhausted. He’d been awake for over twenty-four hours and knew he needed rest. He was excited, though, about becoming a father—twice. “You know, we have to decide upon names for them, sweetheart.” How sweet she looked sitting in their bed with that mother-aura about her. He had wanted to be in the room with her during the birth, but in the end, his mother had wisely forced him to leave when she accused him of nearly fainting. He admitted to feeling light-headed, though he’d attributed it to the fact he’d missed a few meals. His mother had been right; he hated and even felt guilty about the pain his wife experienced delivering their sons. She hadn’t had an easy time of it but she wasn’t a complainer. He guessed she’d adjust well to motherhood. Now, if he only knew how to go about being a father he’d feel much more confident. “Ethan for certain would be appropriate for our first born.” Melissa smiled and watched Alice, who held the babe and rocked him. Ethan nodded. “I agree. And I’ve an idea for a name for our second son.” Melissa’s gentle smile made him quiver inside and fall madly in 168

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry love with her all over again. “What would that be?” “Jack. Without the boy’s timely arrival we could both be dead.” Giving it further thought he added, “Ethan James and Jack Michael sound perfect, don’t you think?” She grinned. “Yes—perfect.” Alice rose from her chair and passed the sleeping baby to his father. “I’m going to check on dinner and will be back shortly.” Ethan held the baby, more comfortable now this second time around holding him, and sank into the chair his mother had vacated. He rocked in the chair, one leg braced against the side of the bed as he cradled the baby and smiled at him. After awhile he settled young Ethan into his lap and opened the blanket. He checked his toes and tiny hands as tears filled his eyes. Life truly was a miracle. Shortly he traded infants and Ethan greedily watched his eldest son suckle at Melissa’s breast. He envied the babe and decided he couldn’t wait for the opportunity to taste the sweet nectar.

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Chapter Twenty By mid-June, Melissa despaired that things would never be the same between her and Ethan. Within two months of the twins’ birth, they’d begun making love again, but not in the way Melissa wanted. How she craved him taking charge of her, but he wouldn’t. She’d begged and argued with him. She’d even caused him to grow so angry during one verbal battle she thought she’d won and prayed he’d get out the paddle, or even simply use his hand on her bottom. He disappointed her by leaving the bedroom, avoiding confrontation. She smiled though as she thought how his face had turned an interesting shade of red when she’d provoked him. He hadn’t returned to their bedroom. The following day she learned he’d slept in a guest room on the opposite end of the hallway. Melissa decided it was time to implement her original plan she’d devised months ago. She couldn’t think of a better way to rile Ethan than to return to work at her shop and leave the babes in the capable hands of the nursemaids he’d hired to assist her. Besides, she was ready for a half day’s diversion. Motherhood was rewarding but Melissa also wanted more out of life. Working at her perfume shop a bit each day would give her much satisfaction. Ethan had warned her to get used to the idea that his mother would be running the shop until the babes were at least walking. Ethan’s dictatorial manner did not sit well with Melissa. She would return to work; then, she guessed Ethan would have no choice but to spank her for her disobedience. The following morning Melissa sat in the dining room, eating breakfast with Ethan. She knew his daily ritual; he would go to the lumber mill office for the morning and early afternoon hours. Then he’d leave for Calvin’s by four to be sure the saloon was ready for the nightly flow of men arriving after work to tip a pint or two. Many of the men who stopped by were lumbermen who worked at his mill and he knew them by name. Melissa planned to inform him of her plans to work at the shop today but he’d dashed off, cutting her off short in his hurry, telling her they’d speak tonight. As things worked out Ethan met up with Melissa at the shop at noon. He’d stopped in to take Alice to lunch and was amazed to find not just his mother but also his wife working. 170

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Casually, he slipped up to Melissa’s side as she finished with a customer, and then latched a firm hand around her elbow. “Come with me,” he ordered. He looked at his mother and said, “We’ll be back shortly.” Ethan pulled her into the back office and slammed the door. “What are you doing here?” he gritted out. Melissa sashayed over to her desk chair and sat down. She gave him a long look before replying, gauging his reaction. She shrugged and said, “It was time for me to return to work. This shop belongs to me.” “Only because of my good will it does,” he snapped. She raised her brows. “Excuse me but I paid for all the merchandise, and the space to open the shop, didn’t I?” He sneered at her and flicked a disdainful look over her body. “Yes, but as your husband nothing you have, from the day we married, belongs to you any longer. The shop is mine.” Her face heated up at this news. Fury soared through her body even as tears filled her eyes. Then she recognized the possibility that he could be so angry he wouldn’t want to ever touch her again. He flicked a piece of lint off his jacket and stared down his nose at her. “So, our sons obviously mean nothing to you.” “What an awful thing to say!” she exclaimed, and shot up from her seat. She smacked her hands on the desk and leaned forward, narrowing her eyes on him. “I’ve left them in capable hands for the brief time I’ll be away each day.” “And what about feeding them?” he growled. “I only intend to work from ten to one and will be home in plenty of time for their next feeding.” That seemed to satisfy him and he turned and strode to the door. There he paused then looked at her over one shoulder. “Be sure you are on time, Melissa,” he warned, “or be prepared to suffer the consequences.” He opened the door and Melissa bellowed, “Damn you, is that all I am to you then, merely a brood mare on which to beget children and a teat to feed them? Is that all?” The blasted man took his time replying. “At this moment in their young lives, yes, I suppose that’s precisely what I mean—precisely what you are. A mother needs to be there for her children.” Dismay filled her heart and soul and she sank into her chair, met the cold look in his eyes. She cursed herself for not having thought of 171

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry his motivation, and reasons for wanting her to be with their sons. The scars from the loss of his mother at such a young age would take a long time to disappear, if ever. “That’s what I expect, yes. And you will obey me.” Ethan left, closing the door softly behind him. Melissa stared at the door as tears slid down her cheeks. Sally arrived and took over clerking. Melissa returned home to her sons, her heart aching at her insensitivity toward Ethan, to the fact that instead of pulling him closer she’d shoved him away from her. But then, hadn’t she wanted him to be angry enough to discipline her? She could only hope she’d forced him in that direction and not driven him away. The supper hour that evening was awful. Ethan was cool and distant while Alice tried to make up for the silence by chattering on and on about the shop and their customers that day. Finally, she gave up and left for the evening. Ethan formally escorted Melissa to the library as he did each evening. He sat behind his desk and held one baby while Melissa tended to the other’s feeding. Then they switched. All of this was done in utter silence. Melissa had no idea what to say to Ethan, but then he didn’t seem to want to converse with her. Soon he rang for the nursemaids who retrieved the babies and put them to bed. Melissa was exhausted after working in the morning then feeding and taking care of her sons the rest of the day. Each time she fed them, she found herself falling asleep in the process. They were still waking during the night hours so she wasn’t surprised by her exhaustion. Ethan startled her when he spoke and she blinked and opened her eyes. “I don’t want you going to the shop at all. I specifically told you this isn’t possible until the babes grow older. Didn’t I tell you that?” Her eyes were bleary, having nearly fallen asleep. Now she peered at him, her eyes widening with each word he said. She hated his dictatorial manner and truly didn’t want to argue with him about the matter. However, a gleam of hope entered her then as she thought about the manner in which he spoke. His cool attitude could be leading up to something she’d been craving for a long while—a hard disciplinary session over his knee. After all, that was the reason she’d disobeyed him in the first place. She just hadn’t meant to hurt him in the process. “Didn’t I?” he snapped when she didn’t reply. 172

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry She nodded, gulped down the growing lump in her throat even as arousal hit her hard as a freight train. Her clit started throbbing and she felt gathering moisture between her thighs. He stood, came around his desk, and leaned against it, folding his arms. His harsh expression promised retribution. Finally! “Then you shall be staying home in the morning, won’t you?” She couldn’t help the sullen expression settling over her face at his abrupt manner and order. Even though she agreed with him, she hated giving in this easily, this soon, if she expected to really raise his ire. “Yes,” she said grudgingly, “I’ll stay home.” He nodded in satisfaction but his frown remained even as he returned to his seat. Ethan met her eyes then and said softly, “You know of course that you will be punished for disobeying me, don’t you?” She gave a slow nod and her pulse raced at his words. She felt apprehensive too since she saw not an ounce of desire in his eyes. My Lord, was he really planning to discipline her as he did the first time they met, in anger, not lust? The desire had come later during that session, she recalled. Now he appeared too authoritarian and patronizing. She didn’t want him disciplining her as a father would a child, but as a husband who loves and desires his wife. “Go up and wait for me.” Melissa’s knees shook as she slowly rose. At the door, she paused with his next words. “I want you naked and standing in the corner by the bed when I come up, which won’t be long. I want you to think about how important it is for you to be a good mother. Do you understand?” Tears fell freely from her eyes, down her cheeks, soaking the front of her gown. She nodded and whispered, “Is that all?” Pain unlike any she’d ever felt before permeated her soul. “Yes.” Ethan watched Melissa flee the library, as though banshees were chasing her. He had noticed her body shaking and his heart ached that he’d caused her despair and fear. They had discussed the rules even before the twins were born and she knew how adamant he’d been about her raising the twins with the help of nursemaids until they grew older. She also knew how damaged he’d been due to his mother leaving him and was frankly amazed she’d disobeyed him. Why had she wanted to hurt him? 173

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry He puzzled over that a while, then a slow grin formed on his lips and he murmured, “Why that devious little brat. Mother was right. Now, for certain, I’ll whip her bottom.” Earlier, after he returned to the shop at the end of the evening to find Melissa had gone home, he questioned his mother about his wife’s disobedience. His mother informed him she knew of their unusual relationship and that perhaps Melissa purposely ignored his wishes, broke the rules to get the reaction from him that she’d been begging for since before the incident in the cave. His smile slipped and he scowled into the fire. Damn her! Ever since Litton had hurt her, he’d vowed never to cause her any pain. Oh, she’d tried her little tricks before, trying to change his mind by arguing with him, but he simply ignored her. This blatant outright rebellion he couldn’t ignore. She had a beating coming. Depression filled him then at the thought of spanking her, the possibility of causing her harm. Then he thought he hadn’t harmed her before Litton’s abuse. Melissa begged for his rough loving for several months. He also knew her orgasms were much more intense after a heated session over his knee, their lovemaking, then, wild and wanton. He felt afraid of causing her pain, yet knew she wanted it—had been begging for it. She trusted him implicitly not to harm her and he felt gratified by that knowledge and loved her even more because of that trust. He stood up and yanked his jacket sleeves down. As he strode to the door, he decided he wouldn’t deny her enjoyment any longer, but he also decided he’d give her a punishment she’d remember for several days. He couldn’t ignore the fact she blatantly disobeyed him, and had this punishment coming. Ethan paused at the door then strode back to his desk. Inside the second drawer, he found an oval-shaped wood paddle he’d used on her once before that had given her great pleasure. The sound from its use was worse than the sensation, Melissa had said. She’d love it! As he took the stairs, two at a time to the second floor, his cock hardened as he thought about slowly, quietly entering the bedroom and finding her in the corner. Her creamy skin would glow in the soft yellow light of the kerosene lamp, her full, moon-shaped ass cheeks would beckon him to thrash them until they turned red, then he’d make love to her—over and over again. 174

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry It was past time. Ethan wasn’t disappointed when he found Melissa precisely where he instructed. She stood there, her hands folded behind her, covering a portion of her ass. “Unclasp your hands,” he ordered as he stepped into the bedroom. His entry startled her and she gasped and loosed them. “Clasp them behind your neck and keep them there.” She didn’t hesitate to follow his orders, which told him she was enjoying this every bit as much as he was. “Good. No, don’t turn around,” he warned her when she started to spin. “I didn’t give you permission, did I?” She was very near to the bed so he dropped the paddle on the coverlet and sat down on the bed, which put him in a perfect position at her back. Reaching out he placed a hand on each of her butt cheeks and massaged them. “Part your legs,” he murmured. She complied. “Now bend over a bit. “I want to see you.” He smiled when she gasped again. Obviously, his words had surprised her, but she followed his orders. He slid his hand over her ass then beneath it, found her slit drenched with her arousal. His finger moved inside her, then he pulled it out and rimmed her labia, repeatedly, until her breathing quickened and changed, grew ragged and louder in her excitement. His cock ached when she stuck her butt out toward him, arching her back. He couldn’t resist. She was in the perfect position. He spanked each cheek, hard. She shrieked and straightened in surprise. He reached out and spanked her hard on each globe again. “Bend over again. Your ass is mine.” **** Melissa squirmed in delight at her husband’s touch and sighed at his words, welcoming him back as she took up the position again. He chastised her, “You’ve earned a spanking today, Melissa, and you’ll receive it. Don’t plan on sitting down for a week by the time I’m through with you,” he warned. Ethan’s threats were like music to her ears. “Place your palms against the wall and brace yourself.” Melissa cooperated, unable to believe he would be punishing her—finally, yet, a moment later, she gasped when he smacked something against her rear, not his hand. 175

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry She exclaimed, “Oh, my God, Ethan. What do you have?” He rose from the bed, came around to her side, and grinned, holding up the paddle. “Thought I’d need something a bit sturdier than my hand tonight.” Melissa groaned when he moved to her backside again. She’d been prepared for him to use his hand, not this particularly wicked instrument that she both hated and loved at the same time. She didn’t dare turn and look at him, knowing it would go worse for her if she did. She felt him moving behind her, felt his hand on her lower back and the brush of his wool jacket against her side. Melissa closed her eyes tight, knowing he was getting into the position to deliver a serious punishment. When it came, it shocked and thrilled her. He started in on her slowly. Each time he pulled his arm back then forward, smacking her ass, she grunted and her hands clenched against the wall as she tried to maintain her position. But soon the spanks came faster and harder and she couldn’t help groaning, then little shrieks emitted from her throat even though she grit her teeth in an effort to hold the sounds inside. He must be feeling merciful she decided when he stopped abruptly. Then she heard his words and her heart thrilled at the sweet sound of them. “On the bed now. Because you seem to be having difficulty staying in position and maintaining silence I’ll help you.” She turned to look at him but he smacked her buttocks with the paddle once and she hurried onto the bed. “I didn’t tell you to look at me. On the bed, chest down, ass high. Until you’ve taken your full punishment you will not look at me.” Now this was new she thought as she settled into position on the bed. She heard his footsteps, wondering at his quiet, cool manner. “Because you blatantly disobeyed me and purposely enticed me into giving you a spanking, knowing I was afraid of touching you in any physical way after what happened with Litton, I won’t go easy on you. Perhaps you’ll have second thoughts about angering me in the future.” Her eyes widened at his words and she regretted now what she’d done. She also knew she deserved punishment so she remained utterly still and waited for him to begin. “Twelve is the number I deem fair, Melissa. Brace yourself,” he warned. 176

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry The first of several spanks struck its sting unbelievably painful. He’d used the paddle on her once, having gone lightly on her that time, and she’d loved it. However, this pain was unlike anything she’d ever felt before. By the fifth spank, tears fell from her eyes and she groaned. By the tenth, she decided she’d never disobey him again. By the twelfth, this time on the place where her thighs and buttocks met, she sobbed, initial pain followed by spiraling arousal. Oh, God, but it felt wonderful! “Done,” he murmured. She collapsed and he took her in his arms. She tilted her head back and kissed him wildly, groaning with pain and pleasure. She climbed onto his body, straddled him, and tore open the buttons on his coat. She started to sit back as she undressed him but gasped and moved forward onto her knees. She’d remember this punishment for days to come, the stinging in her ass a constant reminder. She gazed down into the surprised look on his face. Obviously, he hadn’t expected her to become the aggressor. “Now it’s my turn. You’ve been playing with me and my feelings for quite some time and you’ll pay for it.”

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Chapter Twenty-one Once she had him undressed, she backed up, slithered down between his legs, and took his cock deep inside her mouth. She worked over him and within moments, he spurted into her mouth. She looked up, saw his chest rising and falling, and heard his ragged breathing. She threw her leg over him, ready to leave him when he shouted, “Stop!” Pausing, she looked at him over her shoulder and frowned. She gasped when his hands came around her waist. Then he pushed her forward so that she was on her hands and knees. On the bedside table was a bottle of oil and he poured some in his hands then laid them gently on her buttocks. She knew they must be bruised for, as she peered at him, she noticed his grimacing expression. “Sorry, sweetheart. I don’t blame you if you never want me to touch you again.” He sighed. “I was much too rough with you.” “No, you weren’t,” she said emphatically. She tossed her head and grinned. “I enjoyed every painful, pleasurable moment. But please make sure these severer punishments are weeks apart next time.” He chuckled softly, and Melissa groaned as he gently rubbed the oil all over her ass then dipped his finger between her thighs. She parted them and he worked the digit around her labia, one finger eventually pausing on her clit. He flicked the finger rapidly over her. Her climax was quick and satisfying. **** Melissa wakened to the sound of screams and she shot up in bed and reached for Ethan. He came through their bedroom door, a babe in each arm. She laughed at the sight of him. His dark hair was mussed, some standing straight out from his head. His face looked haggard as he paused near the bed. She reached up and took Jack from him, set him to her breast. He moved around the bed and sank down on his pillow with baby Ethan on his chest. They stared at each other at close range and then Ethan chuckled. “Did you see that? He actually smiled at me.” Melissa laughed. “You mean that little upturning of the lips? Gas, darling, that’s all. He’s too young to know how to smile.” Ethan gave her a disdainful look. “And what makes you an authority?” 178

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “Your mother.” “I see,” he said gruffly. “I guess I can’t dispute her knowledge, can I?” Ethan started whimpering, eventually screaming impatiently to be fed. “All right,” Melissa said as she straightened up against the headboard. “Ruth said it was possible to feed them both at the same time. Perhaps now would be a good time to try.” “Or give him a sugar teat to hold him off,” Ethan suggested. “No, I’d better try it, in case this happens again and I don’t have access to a sugar teat or another body to hold one of them. You know Ethan we’ve been terribly lucky so far in that they haven’t wakened and wanted to eat at the same time until now.” “You mean you’ve been getting up with them in the night?” She frowned. “You mean you haven’t been ignoring their squalling all this time but truly sleeping through it?” “Yes!” “And here I thought you were fake-sleeping. How’d you manage to wake up tonight?” Melissa was astonished to see a sheepish expression on his face. “Well, I’d wakened to find your tempting little body right up against mine. You didn’t feel me touching you everywhere, including your hot pussy?” Now it was Melissa’s turn to blush. “I was incredibly tired.” They fell into a companionable silence and Melissa closed her eyes and smiled in contentment. Ethan was an incredible husband and lover and a thorough disciplinarian. She looked ahead to many more evening encounters with his instruments of punishment. He was a connoisseur, a true Master of the game. She was more than willing to play the game with him, each night, for the rest of their lives. She glanced down and saw Jack stopped suckling. She pulled him off her nipple. Ethan leaned over and kissed her full on the mouth, a hard, wet kiss that left her breathless and wanting more. Instead, he placed Ethan in her lap and took Jack. He closed his eyes and snuggled against her hip with Jack on his chest sound asleep. After a few moments, Melissa frowned when Ethan started fussing. “Ouch!” Ethan shot up in the bed, holding onto the still sleeping Jack. “What’s wrong?” “He bit me. Ouch! He did it again.” 179

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry Laughter rolled through Ethan’s chest then rumbled aloud in the bedroom. “The boy knows what he likes,” he said suggestively. “Shush now,” Melissa said. “You’ll wake your mother and Ruth!” The babe continued fretting, shoving his little fists against her breasts, shaking his head back and forth across the nipple, his shrieks growing louder. Melissa held him upright and focused on his tiny scowling face. “That hurts little man.” She set him on her lap and tried bringing up a burp but he screamed even louder. Jack woke up and joined his brother. “My goodness, Ethan, what in the world’s wrong with him?” Melissa said, over their screams. “Why, he was doing just fine and then he started suckling harder and harder, as though he couldn’t get enough to satiate his hunger.” “Hmm,” Ethan said. Melissa glanced at him and saw a guilty look on his face. “What?” “There’s a strong possibility he’s still hungry and isn’t getting enough.” “And how would you know that?” she asked, arching one eyebrow. “Because I couldn’t resist a taste.” “What! When?” “While you were sleeping.” “You didn’t! How could you take the baby’s food like that? Shame on you! And you must have taken more than a taste if I’m empty.” Melissa sighed and thought about how exhausted she’d been, but she remembered feeling a pleasant pulling at her nipple and thought she or Ethan had put one of the babes to her breast. Then she recalled how the tugging grew stronger and frowned. How in the world had she slept through it all? She shoved his shoulder. “Now you will have to find a sugar teat,” she snapped. He sighed and left Jack on the bed beside her. She was thankful he’d settled down and had fallen asleep. With Ethan in her arms, she rose from the bed and walked the floor with him, offering him comfort until his father returned. She moved into the hallway and was surprised to hear knocking on the front door. She knew it was close to morning for the sky was 180

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry getting light. But who in the world would be calling on them this early? Melissa rushed into the bedroom and sank into the bed when she heard the steps creaking beneath two sets of footsteps. What was going on? She heard Ethan’s low voice and another man’s slightly higher pitched one. The door opened and Ethan entered his face devoid of color. Behind him stood a Chinese man dressed in a buckskin shirt and pants. He wore boots on his feet and carried a bedraggled cowboy hat in his hand. He stared at her until she blushed. She glanced down and groaned when part of one breast was visible between the opening of her gown, where she’d unbuttoned it to feed the babies. Ethan cleared his throat. “We’ve got company, sweetheart.” “I see that,” she murmured. After buttoning her bodice, she looked at the man who smiled, thinking him very handsome. He was perhaps half a dozen years older than she was, and slight of build, with a full head of straight dark hair he wore cropped short. He’d settled a pair of wire-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his narrow nose. A strange feeling swept through Melissa then—a memory of sorts. The more she stared at him the more she realized he looked familiar. He looked-liked her. “Oh, my God,” she gasped, sinking against the headboard. Ethan had quieted fallen asleep. Gently placing him on the bed, she covered him with a corner of the coverlet, then rose to her feet and faced the man. “You are Mei Lin, correct?” he asked, his voice soft and hopeful. She nodded. “Melissa Trent now.” He nodded. “Yes, we are in America now. I haven’t changed my name, yet. I am—” “Shi Ming Kuan,” she whispered. He bowed. “Yes, your brother. I haven’t seen you in nearly seven years.” Melissa felt consciousness leave her. **** She woke with a start and grimaced, shoved at the hand near her nose. Her eyes popped open and she found Ethan sitting beside her on the bed with a worried look on his face, a bottle of smelling salts in his hand. “Get that away from me,” she growled. “You fainted.” 181

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “I have never fainted in my life.” She whispered and peered around Ethan, “Is he still here?” “He’s down stairs waiting to talk to you.” “You mean to us.” She scrambled off the bed and snatched up the first dress she found in the armoire—a brown day dress with a prim white collar and cuffs. He helped her dress and watched her as she sat down at her vanity and impatiently wound her hair up in a knot on her head. Several strands had escaped before she finished the job but she didn’t care. She turned to her husband. He slouched against the doorframe, his brawny arms folded across his chest, staring at her. She swiveled around on the settee to face him, a look of wonder on her face. “How is this possible?” He straightened from his relaxed position and stared down at his feet. Haltingly, he said, “Shortly after we met I started thinking more about your brother. I couldn’t believe a man related to you could have been the low-life scum man that I killed. It just wasn’t possible because everything about you was so good. So beautiful,” he said, his voice trailing off. “You’re going to make me cry,” she said, her voice trembling. She smiled through her tears and added, “Those have to be the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard you say.” His low voice rumbled, “And I mean every one of them.” “Come downstairs and we’ll sort this all out.” She swept ahead of him out the door and settled her arm through his as they walked down the stairs. Pausing, she said, “The babies?” He leaned down and kissed her mouth, a soft swift kiss that left her wanting more. “They’re both sound asleep.” Melissa soon learned all about her brother. He worked for the United States Cavalry as a scout, leading troops through Indian country. He’d also spent time running with several Mexican bandits, his identity concealed, in an effort to capture and arrest them. One evening, when he’d stepped outside a saloon along the Mexican border he’d been attacked. Whoever had done the deed had taken his money clip with his initials and his army-issue gun with his identification number engraved on it. The man Ethan had killed had been the thief. And since the only way to identify the man was through his possessions, he’d been incorrectly identified. Melissa had thanked him profusely for making such a mistake then spent the next two weeks learning all about her 182

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry brother again. Two weeks later, she stood at the train depot, her arm tucked through her brother’s arm, Ethan behind them. Kuan paused beside the train he would soon be boarding and smiled at her. He reached out and caught a tear just falling from her eyelash. “Don’t cry for me, little sister. I’ll try and come home next Christmas.” “You’d better,” she warned, then threw her arms around him. “I’ve just found you and don’t want to lose you again.” “You won’t.” He looked over her head and met Ethan’s eyes. “Thank you. My sister made a good match. I know you’ll take good care of her.” Ethan nodded, reached around his wife, and shook Kuan’s hand firmly. “You take care of yourself and we’ll see you in less than six months.” Kuan nodded and turned to Melissa. “Good-bye, Mei Lin— Melissa. Don’t cry now. Farewell, until we meet again.” He gave her cheek a smacking kiss then vaulted inside the train. She watched him settle into a seat and peer at her out the window even as tears blurred her eyes. She raised her hand and waved, and covered her mouth with the other hand, not wanting him to see her sad expression. She clasped Ethan’s hand as he settled it around her waist and he pulled her against him. She waved so long as she knew Kuan could see her, then, when the train had passed by them, she dropped her hand to her side, turned and wept in Ethan’s arms. During the carriage ride home, Melissa noted Ethan was very quiet in the seat across from her. “Thank you,” she murmured, “for finding him. It’s good to know one isn’t alone with regards to family.” Ethan shot a hard gaze at her. “And what am I?” Oh, Lord. She hadn’t chosen her words well. When would she learn this husband of hers had his own demons to face in life? Thank heavens reconciling with his mother had helped to cure his ruined heart. “You are my husband, friend, and lover, and father to my children, and always will be.” She leaned forward and clasped his hand, tugged him forward and placed it against her breast. His fingers spread and she gasped when he palmed her breast through her gown. How the man had the gift to make her want him, she mused, even as 183

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry she felt heat and moisture between her thighs. A wicked thought came to her. This coach might be just the thing to get him out of his doldrums and forget about her hastily said words. She yanked on his arm until he stood and sank into the seat beside her. Melissa saw his nostrils flare, as though he’d caught the scent of her arousal. “You know,” he said conversationally, “there isn’t much space for the two of us on this seat.” She smiled. “Well, I could always sit on your lap.” He shook his head as a devilish smile formed on his lips. Then he wagged his finger and said, “Oh, no, that wouldn’t do at all. But this will.” She shrieked when he caught her waist and pulled her toward him. He kissed her soundly then surprised her when he tossed her face down over his knee. Melissa struggled, kicked her legs, and flailed her arms. “Ethan, don’t you dare. Not here! The driver will hear you.” She’d been thinking of a bit of kissing and hugging but not this. Just then the driver called out, “You folks okay back there?” “Just dandy,” Ethan shouted back. “Oh, slow down, driver. We’re not in a great hurry. Perhaps you could take us on a scenic route of the town?” “Darn it, Ethan! No!” she shouted. Ethan ignored her and laughing he tossed up her skirts, and then unceremoniously yanked her drawers down to her knees. “You know, this is one place I hadn’t thought of making love with you, sweetheart, but it’s a wonderful idea. Besides, I’d read your mind.” She stopped struggling, lifted her head, and peered at him above the swathe of her skirts. “You didn’t.” “Oh, but I did,” he said and smacked her lustily on each cheek with his leather-clad hand. Melissa gritted her teeth in order to maintain silence as humiliation flooded her senses. It was one thing to do such a thing behind the closed door of their bedroom, but out here, where the world could possibly hear and see them was perverted, in her opinion. Soon the stinging turned pleasurable as he smacked her, first one side, and then the other, down low and on the sides of her rump. She couldn’t prevent a groan from slipping out when he smacked her a bit harder, gasping, and then when he slid his hand down between her 184

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry legs. She smiled as he finger-fucked her pussy, and then shrieked when one finger entered her ass. Gently, slowly he reamed that small, sensitive place. All the while, his thumb rubbed delicious circles across her clit and around the base of it. Her climax came on quickly and she jammed her mouth against the side of his leg to muffle her screams. As Ethan settled her beside him on the seat once more, she batted his hands away and grimaced as she tidied her skirts. “There’s no need to worry, sweetheart,” he drawled. The driver didn’t hear you.” It was then she realized the driver had coaxed the horses into a faster clip and was singing lustily at the top of his lungs. “How could you?” Melissa said, her voice shaking. “How could I not?” He leaned over her, took her lips again in a hard, swift kiss. With his face close to hers his blue eyes riveted on her face, he said, “You are my wife, and I am your husband and master. I’ll fuck you, make you mine, anywhere I please, and no one will stop me. Besides, you love it, especially when there’s more than an element of surprise and of course, let’s not forget pain. Besides, you owe me for finding your brother, and for ever doubting me when I said I hadn’t murdered him.” She quieted then and scowled out the window, thinking over his words. She loved being submissive to him, loved him dominating her in the bedroom, but was uncertain outside those doors. She looked up when he moved to the opposite seat. Her cheeks heated when he kept his gaze on her as he slowly unbuttoned his jacket, then his pants fly. Her eyes widened when he pulled out his cock and gave it a few hard, quick strokes. Immediately it stood at attention. She gulped when she saw the big purple head, the veins along the shaft, then met his eyes again. His eyes made a silent demand and she shook her head and stayed in her seat, watching his cock harden and lengthen before her eyes. Oh, she wanted him, so why didn’t she just take him inside her mouth and give him the pleasure he’d just given her. She knew why, and her mind wrestled with the idea of being submissive to him out in the open like this. The man had no qualms about it, though. He continued to masturbate in front of her. Then he closed his eyes and his head fell back against the coach wall. He opened his eyes after a short while and silently demanded she finish him off. 185

Ruined Hearts – Natasha Perry “I may be your slave and you my master, Ethan, but only in the bedroom. Do we understand one another?” “Who made you in charge?” he asked. Ignoring his jibe, she said, “Just this once will I service you outside our bedroom?” Then she thought about what he’d done for her, how he’d cherished her in his own way. Not only had he given her his name, a home and children, but he’d found her brother as well, and he’d saved her from Litton. Without further thought she sank to her knees and positioned herself between his wide spread long legs. She was indebted to him in so many ways, yet, so was he; she’d given him children, and there was nothing more agreeable than that for any man. What was even more important was that she loved him, more than she ever thought possible. She placed her hands on his knees and formed her mouth around his hardened rod. She groaned with pleasure when she felt his hands in her hair as he massaged her scalp. She really must stop thinking so much and just learn to enjoy the man. She vowed she would from this day forward. Within a short time, she knew he was very close so she rose, sank back on the seat and he groaned in despair. Then she caught his painful expression and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll not leave you like this.” She reached beneath her skirts, yanked down her drawers, then hiked up her skirts. Settling her knees on either side of him, she impaled herself on his erection. His eyes widened and he moaned in need. With his arms around her, he nipped the pulsing vein in her neck. Melissa rode him hard until she heard him gasping in an effort to catch his breath. She felt him grow harder and larger inside her and felt her own climax nearing. She clasped him tightly against her and reveled in the feel of his hands beneath her skirts, rubbing and massaging her ass. They reached fulfillment together, clinging to each other— as they would for the rest of their lives.

The End

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