Betrayal Of Love

Author: Fire Pixie

Summary: Love at first sight, these two 17th century lovers plan to marry, but the hate of a brother causes a change in plans.

Pairing: Angel/Willow, Cordelia/Wesley, Buffy/William (Spike)

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers: None

Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me; they belong to Fox Network and Mutant Enemy. Alec and Harold are mine.

Author’s Notes: An AU story. OK, an earl is the highest title after king, and then comes duke then viscount then baron. A viscount is the second son of an earl, and a baron the second son of a viscount. Confusing I know. All of these places are fictional, I hope, and are created for my purpose.

Feedback: Please, I thrive on it. Plus I don’t care if you’re brutal or not, feedback is so one can get better.

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~Prologue~

Sussex, England
1806

 It was a beautiful fall morning. Angel had decided to go ridding to get away from all the harassment received at home from his family. His side hurt, badly, but remained on his steed. He had been sent back home to recuperate from the last mission. He was required to serve two years in the war against Napoleon, once he had enlisted. He only had seven more months to serve. He had missed his siblings terribly. Both of his sisters had grown much in this year he’d been away. They would be able to enter in the Season this year, at the tender age of seventeen.

Being a man of twenty-two, he felt he should already be married and starting his own family. His older brother was already the Earl of Ravenhurst, so Angel could marry when he pleased and to whomever he desired. The only problem was he had yet to find the woman he would devote his life to. The woman to run his home, and bear his children; the one to hold his heart and soul as he would hers. Angel was a romantic, and even though he has had mistresses, he believed in waiting for his soul mate. He had vowed a long time ago that when he found her, he would never let her go.
Coming to the pond that divided his family’s lands from their neighbors, Angel carefully dismounted and tethered his stallion. Leaving Puck to munch on some grass, he strode close to the pond and layback to enjoy the sun and wind of the day. A musical sound roused him from his sleep. Opening his eyes, Angel remained alert for what had woken him up. He waited and waited, when he thought he had dreamed it, he closed his eyes again. But soon enough he heard the sound again this time closer. He raised himself to a sitting position only to have an energetic puppy scramble onto his lap.

“Ginger! Oh goodness I’m so sorry. She got away from me and before I knew it she had scrambled onto your lap. Are you all right? She did not hurt you did she? Your wound is all right? Please sir, forgive me.”

The girl fired her questions at such a fast rate that it took Angel a moment to decipher what she had said. As he was about to answer he heard his sister Cordelia call out to the young woman.

“Willow! Oh thank heavens you caught her. Oh Angel, I see then. You are the one to have rescued Willow’s new pup.”

For the first time Angel looked at the young woman to have suddenly barged into his peace and quiet. When he laid his eyes on her, his heart stopped and a breath caught in his throat. The most beautiful creature he had ever seen was standing in front of him. She had dark red hair flowing straight to her mid back. Pale white skin that looked softer than the petal of a rose. She had emerald green eyes that shone with purity, innocence, and not an ounce of stupidity. In fact her eyes shone with knowledge and a thirst for answers to questions yet to be asked. She was thin, yet not overly so. She had pert, young breasts that demanded to be glanced at, with a slender waist to give her soft womanly curves. She was dressed in a dark blue dress that had a moderate neckline, revealing only a hint of cleavage.

Something inside of him felt the need to touch her, to hear her laugh, and most importantly, to hold her and never let go. He had never felt this way before, and he knew that somehow, he never would again. There was something about this girl that had him hooked, like a moth drawn to a flame.

“Angel this is my good friend and our neighbor Willow Rosenberg, second daughter and youngest child to the Viscount of Beresford. Willow this is my dear brother Angel Montague, second son of the former Earl of Ravenhurst.”

“A pleasure milord. But I would much rather you called me Willow.”

“The pleasure is all mine, lady. And I insist you call me Angel.” Rising from the ground, Angel took her hand and lightly kissed her knuckles. He stared fascinated as a pink flush crept up her face.

“How come is it we have never before met Willow?”

“Well my lor-, I mean Angel, we did. I was but 8 years old when we met. So you must not have remembered me. Quite understandable sir. You were 13 at the time and I was but your younger sisters’ dowdy little friend.”

“Well I would say you are far from dowdy now. Cordy, what are you doing here? I believe mother was looking for you. She had a seamstress coming to make new dresses for you and Faith.”

“Yes, well dear brother we decided to escape our mother’s persistent nagging. You know Faith never truly wishes to deal with the duties of a female or the dresses, the balls, the many ways to lure a man. I on the other hand would never miss the chance to have a new gown, except when my dear Willow would be returning from the city after visiting her sister for 5 months.”

“I see then. Tell me Willow, how did you find London?”

“I enjoy the city quite much; still I prefer the silence and peace of the country more. My sister has just married and I went to visit before she and her husband set out to travel. Buffy had agreed to marry the Duke for the financial situation we are in but in the end she found love with His Grace.”

“Truly this is fate, for my friend has just married a woman by the name Buffy. Being such a peculiar name, I gather that your sister and my friend’s wife must be one in the name. William was quite smitten with the girl at first glance, and even though she at first treated him as nothing more than a business partner, he managed to woo her. But what has me miffed is Will never mentioned having such a beautiful sister in law.”

Cordelia had a huge grin on her face at her brother’s behavior. She knew her brother had seduced women before, though he always stayed away from the noblewomen, for he knew that their greatest value was their virginity. He proclaimed he did so as well because of his sisters. He wanted to have validity to call out a duel if they were ever wronged or shamed. So if Angel was wooing the daughter of a noble man it meant one thing and one thing alone. He was smitten and considering courting the girl. In Cordelia’s mind it was about time he chose a bride, and only the fact that he seemed to be taken with her friend made her want to laugh with joy. Dear Willow had been taken with Angel for two years now. Ever since she had seen him riding in the fields when she was 15, the red head could think of none other but Angel as her husband. She could not wait to tell her sister Faith of the development.

“Well it does seem as if your friend William is my new brother in law. His Grace William Bradshaw, the Duke of Dacre, though he insists I call him Will as well. He has mentioned you though, sir. He spoke of your youthful exploits and battle wits. I am sorry that you were wounded so badly. You never did answer me if you were alright when Ginger jumped on you.” Willow had a concerned frown on her brow, and Angel found it to be absolutely adorable. He could not understand this. She was so much younger than he and had just seen her and he craved to posses her. Dear God he was an experienced man not a bumbling randy boy.

“I am alright. Your pup did not harm me. She is quite energetic; you will have to be careful.”

“Yes she is. She was a girt from my papa. He has come from his travels and brought her as a present to make up for his long absence. Though I do enjoy the mutt I am just glad to see my papa is back alive and well. Ever since my mother died he has been traveling much, so to have him home is the best thing.”

“My condolence on your mother’s passing.”

“Thank You. Oh drat! My brother Alec is calling for me. I am so sorry but I must take my leave, it was good to see you again my lord. I hope you heal quickly and that God watches over you when you return to the war.”

Angel saw as she jogged back to her house in the distance. He could not take his eyes off of her even if he wanted to. Angel began planning his courtship, for deep within he knew he had finally found her. The woman he would spend the rest of his life with was a woman named Willow Rosenberg daughter to the Viscount of Beresford.

~~~*~~~

The month passed by quickly and Angel had spent as much time with his red haired beauty as possible. But his time with her was drawing near and he knew it. He would leave within three days and he had yet to speak to her papa about marrying her. Today though he planned on speaking with the Viscount. Angel believed that since Willow’s sister Buffy had been married to a Duke and the family gained a large sum of money from the union, that the Viscount would not mind his youngest daughter marrying a Viscount, instead of an Earl or a Duke. Besides, even though Angel did not have a great title he did have a large fortune, thanks to his uncle leaving his estates and fortune to his favorite nephew, his uncle being a Baron that had never wed, therefore had no heir, decided to make Angel his inheritor.

Angel had just reached Rosenberg Hall. It was a grand home with three stories and beautiful gardens. The land was almost as large as the Ravenhurst grounds yet nowhere near as grand. Tethering Puck to a nearby yew bush, Angel straightened his clothing and walked up the steps to speak to Willow’s papa. An old butler came to the door escorting out an older man, possibly a friend of the Viscount or a business partner. Angel was escorted to the study and told to wait for the master of the manner. Sitting down on a plush sofa, Angel thought over the past month with Willow. They had gone riding through the fields or spent the day by the pond speaking about one another, though they always had to put up with his sisters for propriety’s sake. Still with each passing day, he felt himself falling deeper and deeper for her. He was certain now that she was the one meant for him. Now all he had to do was speak to her papa about marrying her once he returned from the end of his service. He only had six months left in the army, and then he could come back home and marry Willow.

“Ah lord Angelus I was told you were here. Please sit down.” Ira Rosenberg, Viscount of Beresford entered the study and greeted his guest. The older man already had inkling as to why his young guest was here. His youngest child had not stopped speaking of the man. She seemed to be quite taken with the man. Given that Buffy had married a duke and he had paid very handsomely for the girl, their family had been saved. Willow could now marry whom she desired.

“Tell me young man, what brings you here?”

“Well sir, I’ve come to ask for Willow’s hand in marriage. I love her, with all that I am. I wish to make her happy and with me she would want for nothing. I am well aware that I am a viscount myself, given as how I am a second son to the former earl, but I am not a pauper. My uncle named me as his heir and I therefore have a small fortune and lands of my own and his title as the Baron of Northcliffe.” Running out of words to speak, the young man held his breath as he waited for an answer.

Ira held is tongue and hid a smile at the man’s nervousness. He already had his answer, but felt like making him sweat a little. He was well aware of the riches this man possessed for he had had him investigated by an investigator he had hired. He knew of his love for Willow and that he would treat her, as he should. Taking a sip from his brandy he prepared to end the young viscount’s agony.

“Well Lord Ravenhurst, I give you my blessing to marry my daughter. We will discuss the settlement and more of the details once you return from your service, as well as making it all official. No that is my final decision on the matter; it will wait until your return.”

“Then I thank you sir.” He let out the breath he had in his throat as he stood up. He shook Mr. Rosenberg’s hand and was heading for the door until Ira spoke again.

“Mr. Montague, I understand you love my daughter. I am allowing this marriage because our financial situation was secured with Buffy’s marriage to your friend the duke. I ask only that you love her, as much as I did her mother. Sheila was my one true love; she is always in my heart. Cherish Willow, always.”

“Always, sir.” Vowed Angel. With that he left to find his bride to be.

~~~*~~~

“Well what did he say?” asked Willow as Angel approached their tree. Even with all the outings they had been doing with his sisters, she and Angel had been secretly meeting by an old oak tree in an abandoned field.

“It seems little one that we are getting married.” Replied the dark man with a smile of pure happiness. Willow squealed and jumped into his arms. She kissed him with all of her heart. He broke apart before his lust for her became too unbearable.

“But your father and I will make all the arrangements and official engagement after I return from the war.” She looked at him and her smiled faded a slight. Willow looked into his deep brown eyes and came to a decision. This was the man she loved, the man that had her heart and would soon be her husband.

Rising on her toes she kissed him softly, savoring the taste and feel of his lips. One of her arms unwrapped from his shoulders and she tangled her hand in his hair. Angel lost himself in the feelings and soon took control of the kiss. He parted his lips and his tongue traced her mouth. Willow hesitantly opened her mouth to allow his tongue to enter. When Angel’s tongue touched hers, Willow moaned in the back of her throat. She moved closer and against him, this time claiming a reaction from him. One of his hands moved down on her back until he cupped her bottom. He slightly raised her and ground her against his sex. Realizing what he was doing, Angel ended the kiss. Resting his forehead against hers he kept his eyes closed and controlled his raging libido.

“Willow, darling, we have to stop.”

“I don’t want to stop. Angel we are going to marry, papa has already given his consent. I love you, more than anything in the world. I don’t want to wait until our wedding night. I want you to make love to me, here and now.” She kissed him then a kiss soft and gentle, one full of love and caring. She scraped her nails on the back of his neck the way she knew he liked. His arms tightened around her, crushing her body close to his. He pulled away from her.

“Alright, sweetheart (nipping kiss to her throat) if you want to make love now instead of our wedding night (slow lick to her collar bone) then we will. But not here. It is to open for anyone to come along and interrupt us. Come follow me.”

 He took her right hand and kissed the inside of her wrist before pulling her to the south of the fields. About half a mile into the woods was an old cabin that looked as if no one lived there. Angel let go of her hand as he squatted down on his haunches and moved a small pile of rock. He dug a little in the dirt until her found a small key. Rising up he opened the small wooden cabin and escorted the lady in. When Willow entered she thought she would see a run down little house with a few unsteady furnishings. Instead she found a clean and well kept home. The cabin was the size of one of the studies at Ravenhurst. There was cozy couch facing the fireplace and a footrest set to the side of the furnishing. There was a beautiful, yet small tapestry, set on the wall to the left. It depicted the battle between a man and a dragon; a beautiful young woman lay unconscious by the creature. To the end there was along hall that led to three rooms. As Willow made her way to this area, she noticed the kitchen area complete with the basic necessities to cook and enough utensils for four people. A few water colors and mirrors lined the rest of the way. Willow looked into the room at her right. It had a small double bed with a large window in the back of it. There were light red velvet curtains to block out the sun. A man’s dresser and a basin with a pitcher for one to clean oneself. Next she looked into the room to the left finding much the same as the other room. When she reached the last room she noticed the door was closed. She stopped not really certain if she should move or not.

Angel saw that Willow had stopped and became worried. Maybe she decided she did want to wait. Maybe al her virginal fears where coming to her in full force. He moved to stand behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. As he was about to reassure her that they could forget about this and wait, the redhead raised her hand, turned the knob and pushed the door in. She gasped as she saw the beautiful and huge room. It was roughly a bit smaller than one of the lesser guest rooms in her home but it was still bigger than she though it to be. She immediately saw that the wall opposite to the door contained a large bow window with a seat beneath it. To the left was a large four-poster bed with beautiful soft peach cloths wrapped around the canopy. It was full of soft plush pillows. The reed cover was silky soft wool perfect for the cold nights. It was raised up on a dais just as any other master bedchamber in one of the large estate homes. Again she saw a small dresser, a chamber pot, but this time there was a tub and a folding screen to which one could change behind. Willow turned to look at her love a question in her face.

“It is my secret haven. I found it when I was 12 years old. No one knows of it, not even my brother, well except for Will. Almost all of the furniture I made with the help of William of course. We never told any what we did because it was unseemly for someone of our high class to work with our hands. But we loved building and remaking this into a place where we could find refuge if need be. I wanted our first time to be in a soft bed, safe in a place where we had no worries and none would find us. If you wish to stop, we can wait. I have no hurry.”

“No, I want to. Thank You Angel. For everything you have given me and done for me.”

Angel entered the room and stood before his ladylove. His right hand rose to cup her cheek. He caressed her face as he bent down to place a loving kiss to her lips. Willow’s hands rested on his chest, she could feel the steady thump of his heartbeat increase and it made her smile. With shaky fingers she undid the first buttons of his shirt. Once he released her mouth, Willow bent her head to place soft kisses on the newly exposed skin. He moaned low in his throat at the sensation. While she loved his chest with her mouth he began to undo the row of buttons in the back of her gown with experienced fingers. Soon he was pushing down the garment and deftly undoing the fastening to her chemise. His shirt joined her gown and undergarments on the floor. Retaking her lips, Angel lifted Willow in his arms. He turned and strode over to the large bed. Gently setting her down the man straightened and looked down at his soon to be lover. Willow felt sudden inadequacy overrun her body. What if he found her lacking? It was no secret that he’s had other lovers. What if she wasn’t pretty enough or her endowments not sufficient? Willow flushed and began covering herself. Angel saw her intent and bent to hold her hands.

“Don’t hide from me, please. Don’t ever hide, you’re to beautiful for that.”

“Truly. You do not find me lacking?” there was a bit of fear in her voice and Angel hated it. He sat by her and took her face in his hands, his thumb caressing her cheek.

“Listen to me, you are not lacking in anything. You are a gentle, caring, intelligent, capable and above all, beautiful woman. And after today you will be mine, just as I will be yours.”

Angel bent and softly kissed her. He stood and began to unbutton his breeches slowly so as not to scare her. Soon he stood as naked as the day he was borne, his sex swelled painfully as he waited. Willow made a slow perusal of his body. She began with his broad tanned shoulders to his well defined chest down his flat muscled stomach passing quickly his groin and staring at his powerful legs. She looked into his eye before finally allowing herself to see that part of him. She saw the hard muscle that lay in a thick patch of dark hair. Sudden fear gripped her. Was he supposed to fit that into her body? How on earth was that even possible?

“I do not think this will possibly work.” Her voice was thin and her sight never left that part of him.

Angel realized it was her fears as a virgin that were causing her to pause, but if she desired he would call upon every ounce of strength and restraint to stop. Dear God he didn’t want to but for her he would.

“Don’t worry sweetheart, you are made to take me. “

“Will it hurt?”

“The first time always hurts for a woman, but only for a moment. Willow look at me. If you want to stop we will.”

It was a long moment before she reacted. Smiling warmly she lifted her hand to him, offering all of herself in that one small gesture. Taking her hand he lay down beside her and began kissing her, trying to ease some of the tension from her body. The hand that wasn’t holding hers began to wander her body, learning every inch of her soft white skin. As he reached her belly, Angel stilled for a moment. His lips left hers and fastened on one of her hard nipples. He kissed and suckled at her breast, the soft low moans from her urging him to continue. His other hand joined in the search and soon found her thigh. He massaged her legs in slow erotic stokes, building up the sexual tension in her. He wanted her to climax before he decided to take her, he wanted to give her pleasure before she felt the pain of her virginity being taken. He abandoned her chest an trailed his tongue down to the hollow of her belly. He kissed her womanly mound and looked up at her face. There was wonder and delight and rapture in her features. He smiled at her and dipped his mouth to find her. He caressed and kissed her, bringing great pleasures to her. He moved his hand to join his mouth and felt her stiffen a bit then moan louder.

“I feel funny Angel.” She was panting with need and didn’t even know it.

“Do you like that?”

“Very much.”

She gasped feeling him enter her with his finger. He set a steady and slow rhythm. He lifted himself so he could kiss her, his hand never stopping. He took her moans and gasps of pleasure into himself and felt a tender warmth spread inside. He was responsible for this. He was the one giving her pleasure. He was the one she had chosen to give this precious gift to. Then suddenly her back arched and she cried out. As she was coming down from her powerful climax, Angel moved between her splayed thighs and positioned himself to enter her. Willow opened her eyes as she felt him at her entrance. She looked at him then brought him down to kiss her. She lifted her hips slightly, opening further in invitation. Then without warning in one powerful and deep stroke he took her innocence. His mouth absorbed her cry of pain. He stilled allowing her to accommodate him. Then as she relaxed he began to move in her, slowly and with measured strokes. Pretty soon he took her hips in his hands and lifted her slightly, angling her to give her the most pleasure.  They continued to move as one taking the other into themselves and merging into one being, one person, and one existence. Willow felt his hand move from her hip to find her again where they were joined. He caressed her flesh as his thrust became a bit faster…deeper…more powerful. He jerked and stiffened, throwing his head back he called out her name. His fingers never stopped and then she once again felt the bursting pleasure inside again. He collapsed onto her his breathing hard, and she hugged him tightly to her, never wanting to let go.
He came up onto his elbows and looked down at her. She was covered in a fine sheet of perspiration, her eyes were dazed and a sleepy sedated smile grazed her face. Angel brushed the damp hair from her forehead and kissed the tip of her nose. Never separating from her warm body, Angel rolled to his side and hugged Willow closer to him self.

“I love you Angel.”

“And I love you Willow.”

With that they both succumbed to sleep.

~Part: 1~

Six Weeks Later…

Willow sat in the study as all these people came up to her. She did not really listen to what they said, for it didn’t matter. Her older brother Alec sat next to her as her eldest brother, now the new Viscount of Beresford, Harold Rosenberg, took care of a small matter in the kitchen. Her papa was dead, she could not believe it. A man that always took care of himself had died because of a problem with his heart. She felt numb inside. She felt as Alec, her senior by three years, placed his hand over hers.

“Are you okay little one? What a silly question to ask. But you haven’t cried at all Willow, and I’m beginning to worry for you. I have to leave in two days, and I would like to go with a peaceful mind knowing you have dealt with things.”

Alec had enlisted in the army to fight against Napoleon. He would serve two years, just as her beloved Angel had to, and she would be left in Harold’s care. It was no secret to her that her eldest brother despised her. Her three siblings were all from her Papa’s first marriage to Joyce, a woman he had loved dearly, but even though he had loved Willow’s mother, he had married her only when she told him that she was pregnant. Harold believed that Sheila was nothing more than a money grubbing harlot. Harold saw Willow as the living embodiment of her mother’s treachery and sinfulness, Willow was, in Harold’s opinion, no better than a bitch. And what most he despised was that even though he, Harold, was his father’s first born child, his heir, Willow was his favorite. Willow knew all this and still she loved her brother. She just thought she would have to try harder to earn his love in return.

“Alec, I love papa very much, it’s just that I don’t want to mourn his life, I want to cherish and celebrate it, so no tears from me. Truly brother I am fine.” Willow tried to sound as carefree and light as always, but Alec saw right through her charade. He worried about his baby sister and what might happen to her in Harold’s care, but that was for only five to four more months, then Angel Montague would return and she would be married to the man she loved and loved her back. Ira had told Alec of the conversation with Angel and the arrangement to make everything official and negotiations for a settlement to the marriage.

~~~*~~~

It had been a week since Alec had left, nine days since her papa was buried. She had tried to get along with Harold, to show her love and devotion to him, but he chose to ignore and mistreat her. Cordelia and Faith were in the city at a dress maker’s, getting fitted for the gowns they’d wear this season, so she was alone.

Willow was in the library reading one of Alec’s many philosophy books, when Harold came into the room. She was rising to exit when her brother stopped her.

“No Willow, please stay. I need to talk to you.” The tone of his voice made her obey and worry.

“Listen little sister, I know I haven’t been the best of brothers and throughout the years, my anger at my mother’s death was taken out on you. When father died I realized how unfair I have been. I know that I haven’t shown that in the past few days, or ever, but I do care for you. God this is hard.” Harold fell silent as he began pacing. He had a pained look on his face.

“Harold, what is it? What is wrong?”

“Willow I am so sorry but I had no choice.” To her astonishment tears began falling onto his face. Her protective nature took over and she rushed to her brother embracing him. Willow never saw the sneer or triumphant look on her brother’s face at the gesture.

“Harold what is it that you had no choice to?”

“Lord Ethan Rayne came to me two days ago. He asked for your hand in marriage, and I accepted.” Willow gasped and withdrew from his arms. No, this wasn’t happening. It wasn’t possible; she was supposed to marry Angel not that miserable old man.

“How could you? Why?”

“Willow we need the money. Lord Ethan gave me a large settlement to have you as his wife. It seems that even with the money gained from Buffy’s marriage, we are in debt. Willow father liked to gamble a lot, and he had various mistresses he kept. With all this he went through his money fast. If I did not accept we would loose everything, and then I would have no money for Alec when he wished to marry. Lord Ethan does not care if you have no dowry; he is quite taken with you.”

“But this can’t be. Harold you have to tell him you’ve changed your mind. Papa spoke to Angel Montague, Baron of Northcliffe, the earl of Ravenhurst’s younger brother, and agreed to his proposal for me. It was decided all would be settled when he returned from the war!”

“I am sorry Willow, I did not know this, and besides it is too late, I have used the money to pay the bills and the house. I can’t take it back. I’m sorry, but you marry The Duke of Duneberry, Ethan Rayne in 10 days.” And with that he left. Willow was shaking. This wasn’t supposed to happen; she was supposed to marry Angel, the man she loved. Not a man older than her own father was. She sat down in one of the chairs, and lowered her head into her hands.

‘Harold is right. I have no choice, he’s already used the money and we needed it. It is my duty to my family to do this. Oh Angel, why couldn’t papa have arranged things before he died, before you left? Forgive me love, forgive me.’

~~~*~~~

Willow was numb during the entire ceremony. None of the people that she loved and drew strength from could be there for her. The Montague family had their own grief for the Earl had died during a hunting accident and had a funereal to arrange. Her brother Alec was in the war on a mission and could not be reached and her papa is dead. She was glad though that Angel wasn’t home yet, she couldn’t bear to see the hurt and betrayal in his eyes at this. He would have to return sooner than planned, not only for the funeral but also to take his rightful place as the Earl of Ravenhurst since his brother and wife never produced children, an heir, so by right the title fell onto Angel.

Willow stood by her husband, good God she was married to this man, while he thanked Harold for his hospitality and kindness. Ethan Rayne a man that was at least five foot ten inches tall with light brown hair that was now mostly gray with age turned to his seventeen year old wife. His lean and muscular form towered over her making her feel small and helpless, his cold hazel eyes fixed on her face were they traveled the length of her body; she shuddered in disgust as she realized that soon he would take her to his bed. Oh God, what would happen when he discovered she wasn’t a virgin?

“Once again I thank you Lord Beresford for your hospitality and … generosity.”

Taking his duchess by the arm, Ethan walked down the steps to Rosenberg Hall and deposited his wife in the carriage that waited for them. He was filled with anticipation at returning to Rayne Grange. His mind was on deflowering his young bride. He remembered when he first saw her almost a year ago. He had been in London dealing with his steward when he saw a flash of red. It was the girl’s vibrant red hair that had caught his attention, but when he saw her fully, he knew he had to have her. She had the most brilliant green eyes and pale skin that made his body take attention. That was another reason he had wanted her, it had been years since his body had become aroused by a woman, and he did need an heir, so he vowed then and there that she would be his, to posses and have as he demanded it. But his plans had been delayed by her father. The retched old fool had dared to deny him the girl as his wife, claiming she was too young for him. And when Ethan had offered a large sum of money for her, he merely refused saying that money was no longer a necessity to his family and would not subject his precious daughter to the likes of him. So Ethan had done the only thing left, he poisoned the miserable sod. Ethan knew that once Harold, the girl’s half brother, was Viscount and her guardian, that the man’s dislike of her and his greed would gain him his trophy.

So here he was a few miles from his home with his young bride by his side, waiting for him to take her. She was young and beautiful, and very breakable. Yes he would train her in the ways of men, he would do anything to her he pleased and she would learn she had no choice in the matter because he owned her, completely. The carriage came to a stop, and he smiled in anticipation. Willow saw his grin and fear gripped her, he was so much older than her, and she didn’t know him at all. But she was his wife now and she had no choice but to give herself to him and do her duty.
She entered the large room and marveled at it’s beauty. There where so many windows, allowing the soft glow of the moon’s light enter. Between two medium sized windows rested the large cherry wood sleigh bed. The soft satin sheets where white and the coverlet was a rich dark blue, a mighty contrast that sent shivers through her body. Opposite the dais where the bed lay, was a comfortable velvet sofa with two wingback chairs that all faced a fireplace. To the right close to the wall she could see an Oriental folding screen for one to privately change their clothes. She continued to survey the room and noticed that a little further to the upper right corner of the room stood a chest, probably where her husband kept his clothes. Finally her sight shifted to the left of the room, where there was an adjoining door to the room next door. Along the wall there were a few paintings, but what captivated her was the large mirror that perfectly reflected the bed. It was almost the length of the wall and was encased in twisted copper. The design quite beautiful.

Ethan stood watching his new bride take in the master bedchamber. He saw a shudder pass her slight frame as she looked at the bed, and a grin made itself known on his face. When she looked at the large mirror he had set with the perfect view of the bed, he decided to begin his wedding night. At last he would be able to take satisfaction from a woman. It had been years since he had been able to sink deep into a woman and take pleasure in their soft bodies. He could only begin to imagine the pleasures he’d gain from this tasty morsel. He placed his hands on her shoulders and instantly felt her stiffen. One thing he loved the most, was seeing and producing fear in a woman, it only aroused him more.

“Now my dear strip.” His voice was low and husky and Willow wanted to weep. She just stood there hoping that after a while it would all be a horrible nightmare.

Ethan tightened his hands on her arms until he heard her whimper with pain. She was going to learn that it was best to obey him, quickly, if she wanted this to be a good marriage.

“Take off your clothes my dear. All of them, I wish to see your naked flesh.” He stepped away from her and circled to her front. He stood three feet away from her as she began unfastening the buttons to her gown.

When she was finally naked before him, she closed her eyes. She did not want to be here for this. Her eyes snapped open when a hand slapped her face. She turned startled eyes to the man before her, a hand cradling her stinging cheek. She saw lust and coldness in his eyes and fear began to spread and mount through her. God what had her brother gotten her into?

“I did not give you permission to close your eyes. Let us make a few things clear right now my lovely bride. You are mine, that means that you are to do what I say when I say it. You will do everything you are told or you will suffer the consequences. Your main purpose here is to see to my pleasure and giving me an heir. My demands, need, and wants come first above all others. Everything in this house is mine so don’t get any ideas. Is that understood?” Willow was speechless and for not reacting quickly, her husband backhanded her. He grabbed a fistful of her lovely red hair and bent her head back at a painful angle.

“You are to answer when spoken to.”

“Yes I understand.” Her voice was small and thin with fear.

“Good now I want you to go to the bed and lie on your back.”

Pure fear was making her react so quickly. Within seconds, Willow had placed herself as her husband had ‘requested’. She saw him remove his clothing and walk toward the bed. As he crawled onto her body she began to shiver. Ethan looked at her pale features and wide eyes, lust soared through him.

“Open your legs.” She did so

Ethan stroked him self a few times before positioning himself at her entrance. He knew this was going to be painful for her, taking a woman’s maidenhood was always painful. And truth be told, the sick old man was anxious to hear her pained scream as he tore through her. But despite his wicked thoughts, he entered her slowly and only an inch. He groaned at how small she was, this was going to be wonderful for him. Willow tensed beneath him and he groaned before pulling back and then ramming into her. She squeaked as her unprepared body took his intrusion. She lay there cold and helpless and he thrust into her, wanting nothing more than for it to be over. He was done quickly and she felt his seed releasing within her. He collapsed onto her and breathed hard.

Even though he had found his release and pleasure, Ethan was seething. He had heard her sound of pain as he thrust into her, but it wasn’t because he had taken her virginity. No it was simply because she wasn’t prepared for him. Blind fury coursed through him as he lay atop her. He was deceived, she wasn’t a virgin, and that was something he would never forgive. Finally catching his breath, he lifted from her and withdrew. He stood beside the bed to stare down at her. She was a vision, so young and beautiful, her legs sprawled, his seed secreting from her body, but she did nothing for him. She may be lovely, but the illusion of innocence he saw in her was gone, with the simple fact that she had given herself to someone else before marriage. The deceiving harlot was going to pay, he was going to make sure of that. He hauled her off the bed and dragged her to the middle of the room, throwing her to the ground.

“Don’t you dare move or you will pray for death.” His voice was cold and commanding. He moved to the small trunk beside the mirror she had not noticed. He returned with several items and made Willow stand. Ethan bound her hands tightly with rope in front of her. Using one of the wingbacks. He tied the rest of the long rope to a hook in the ceiling.  She saw as he walked over to the bed were he had set down several other items. He shrugged on a dressing gown, before picking up a riding crop. He turned to her with murder in his eyes.

“You and your brother deceived me. He made me believe I was gaining a proper lady as my wife, not some scheming harlot.”

“My lord, I don’t...”the crop struck her three times.

“I did not give you permission to speak. Now, I paid quite dearly for you and it seems I was robbed. Well my dear you are going to pay for that, oh yes. I believed to have found a wife, instead I got a whore. Well then it seems that proper training is in order.” He struck her then, harshly and repeatedly. Every once in a while the crop would break the skin, drawing blood from her tender back.. He continued abusing her for what he considered her crime. Willow’s screams and crying was all that could be heard in the room as she faced her new life.

~Part: 2~

London, England
Spring of 1807

 Angel stood by the wall of the Whyndam’s large ball room. He sighed as he saw Faith speaking to some girls and rejecting dance offers as her fraternal twin sister danced with man after man. It wasn’t that Faith wasn’t beautiful, she was, but she had this powerful and intimidating aura around her. He truly did hate the Season; he was here as his sisters’ escort but also to find himself a bride. He had raged for hours when Cordelia told him that Willow had been married almost three weeks after her papa had died. Faith had explained that her brother Harold, the new viscount, had arranged the marriage. The man had not been informed of the arrangement between Angel and his father regarding Willow’s wedding. Harold had taken great pleasure in telling the new Earl how his sister had begged him to accept the proposal because this man, though his identity was never revealed, had more power, money and a higher ranking than Angel. At first he could not, would not, believe that his dear red angel was so conceited and greedy, but as time passed and his bruised heart grew bitter, he began to believe it.

Angel felt a strong hand slap against his shoulder. He turned to his host and old army friend, Lt. Wesley Whyndam Viscount of Brookshire. They had shared much in the short time they had known each other, but a sort of kinship was born the night that Wesley saved Angel’s life. Wesley had been there for him when the letter informing him of his brother’s accident came, he was there for the funeral and when Angel received the blow of having to learn his beloved had married another.

“Liven up old chap, this is supposed to be a party. Now what kind of a host would I be if I did not make sure my guests enjoyed themselves?”

“I’m sorry Wesley. I just don’t feel in the mood to celebrate.” He sighed as he caught sight of Faith finally dancing with one of her suitors.

“Angel, it’s been months since she got married. It is time for you to move on. Besides, you must find your own bride, it is your duty to give an heir to the Ravenhurst legacy.”

“You don’t understand Wes.” Angel turned and walked out into the slightly empty foyer. Wesley followed and prompted his friend to continue.

“Then make me understand.”

“She was my world Wes. You remember how I once told you that I had always waited for the one. The one woman that would soothe and ignite my soul at the same time, the one woman that would bring me happiness. Well it was Willow, she was, is, my red angel. I can’t stop loving her, no matter how much I try, how much I remind myself of how she turned to greater and better things, I can’t stop loving her. My heart aches, it calls out for something that is missing, something that I gave freely, and can only be complete when she is about. Do you have any idea what it is like to love that much?” There was such anguish and pain in his friend’s voice that it made his teeth ache. But fortunately and unfortunately for him, Wesley knew exactly how he felt.

“Yes I do. You feel cold inside and your body aches. You feel a pulling to her, something inside you calls and pulls to her. But inside somewhere it feels like you’re out in a blizzard that will never cease. The cold biting and stinging your flesh and heart. You knew, from the very moment you laid eyes on her that she was the one, that no matter how much more beautiful, a fuller figure, more money, or devotion you found in another, she is the only that will do.”

Angel was startled that Wesley understood perfectly what he felt, the anguish he was in. He turned his eyes on the dark haired man that was his friend only to find his attention was elsewhere. He followed his gaze, and was surprised to find it transfixed on his sister Cordelia. He didn’t know how to feel about that revelation. If he was honest he did not want either of his sisters marrying yet; for his own selfish reasons, he needed them in his life. They were a link of sorts to the happy times he spent with Willow last fall when they had fallen in love. But on the other hand, he could not hold them back from finding happiness, and if Cordy were to choose Wesley, he could remain calm in knowing his friend would love and protect her until the end of time.

“Is it like that for you and my sister then?’ Angel grinned when he noticed Wesley flush. The man did not embarrass easily and he realized that his friend was besotted with Cordelia.

Wesley sighed before answering. “Yes it is. I don’t know how it happened. I remember ridiculing you for that wild theory of soul mates you spued as you recovered from that wound before being sent home. I believed you to be completely daft; that is until I met Cordelia. Angel the moment I saw her it was as if I knew I could never be apart from her. But truly what can she possibly see in me. No I do not mean as a financial or social standing. I mean as a man. I want her to see the common man underneath the viscount and love me for it.”

“Well if you were to court her, I would not have many objections. I will admit some of her suitors are quite annoying and then there are one or two that would make a fine husband, one that she could find love and happiness with. But don’t wait long my friend, fight for it until you have won her. Learn from my mistake.”

They were suddenly joined by one of their friends met in the army, Private Graham Miller. The man was a scholar and came from wealthy if not titled or powerful family. He had instantly befriended the two men now before him. He was one of the medics in the field when the attack that had injured the Baron of Northcliffe had taken place. He was awestruck at the devotion and growing friendship between the then two viscounts. During Angel’s time in partial recovery before being sent home to rest, he had heard the conversation between the men as their friendship grew. He had grown jealous that in such dire times they had managed to create such a close kinship. He had been startled, relieved and honored when that friendship had been extended to the lonely man. To finally have friends, after growing up an only child with parents too devoted with money to notice him, was something akin to heaven for him.

“Do not tell me that our dear friend the earl is still grieving. It has been long enough for you to hold such sadness. Let it go Angel, she can never be yours again. Just cherish what you had with her and try to find happiness again.”

“I can’t Graham. I have tried but…”

“I know it is hard, but there is nothing else you can do.”

Defeated sigh. “Neither of you are going to cease with this are you? All right, I will try to forget her and move on. Tell me then who are the diamonds of the Season, my friends.”

~~~*~~~

Willow lay on the bed as Amy applied the cream to her injured mistress’ back. In the months that Willow had been there, Amy was the only one of the staff to become loyal to the red head. Fury swept through the slight blonde as Willow flinched when she tended one of the more vicious lashes. If it hadn’t been for the cream her mother had taught her to make, her poor friend would be covered in scars from her ‘disciplining’. The master had taken great pleasures in beating and humiliating his wife. This time she was punished for not properly servicing one of Lord Duneberry’s guests. That was another thing Amy could not stand. Willow was a lady of great class, and a kind and intelligent woman, she did not deserve to be turned into a whore by her husband.

“Oh Willow. I wish there was something more I could do. You do not deserve this. That man is a monster.”

“I know Amy. Unfortunately we cannot do anything until my brother returns.” Whispered the injured woman.

“How can you possibly consider going back to that bastard after the last time you went to him?. Willow have you forgotten what he did when you went seeking sanctuary?” exclaimed an undignified Amy.

“No Amy I can never forget Harold’s actions. Besides he is not the one I meant. I spoke of my other brother, Alec. He was always good to me. He warned me about Harold, and I being the naïve fool I once was, did not heed his warning.”

“I did not know you had another brother. And since your sister and her husband are now in the Orient traveling, he is our only hope.”

Willow closed her eyes as she tried to block out the pain her body was in. Since her wedding night, Ethan had taken great delight in marking her. He ha d expanded his torture to knives and candles. He had also humiliated her by giving her to his guests as entertainment for the evening. She had refused the first time and had been beaten unconscious for it. The next time he said that if she refused again, not only would she feel the bite of the crop, but her friend Amy would as well. So to spare her friend the same fate, she no longer protested. Ethan had taught her how to service a man with her mouth and what to do to bring them all to pleasure. There were times when he liked to watch as she took them into her mouth and brought them to climax, being forced to swallow their seed. She had done it so many times that now when it happened, she simply let her mind wander to happier times and places, her body working automatically on the men that took her.

Again Willow began replaying those awful days when she had run to Harold for help. She believed her brother would help her, protect her from her husband’s abuse. It had been two months after that dreadful night Ethan had taken her then beaten her for not being a virgin. Willow had been in bed recovering from her wounds. Amy pleaded with her mistress to seek refuge with her brother, until she finally gave in. They had dressed and waited until Ethan was gone from the house. Sneaking out through a back entrance, the two women had fled to Rosenberg Hall. It had begun raining on the way, and when their old butler Ollie had seen her, he had fretted and instantly fetched the master. Harold had entered the library to find his sister standing there, wet with the rain as her friend dozed wrapped in a blanket in a chair.

“What are you doing here Willow?”

“Oh Harold, I need your help. Please I came to you looking for sanctuary from my husband.”

“What are you talking about?” Willow noticed that his tone was a bit irritated, not that of a concerned brother.

“Harold, Ethan has been beating me. He is a horrible man, all he does is hurt and humiliate me. Just a while back he ordered me to make love to one of his guests and I refused. He beat me.” Willow unbuttoned the simple dress she wore and turned her back to him. Dropping the bodice to her waist, she revealed her battered flesh. She heard him take in a sharp breath. His footsteps sounded as he approached the injured woman, lifting his hand he ran a finger along one of the welts, and then a cut. Willow felt as he lifted the bodice to cover her again. Clutching the material closed, she faced her brother. His expression was closed; he revealed not a single emotion.

“Go to your old room Willow. You may stay here.” Her eyes shone with gratitude and love for him. She lightly kissed his cheek then gathered Amy to her room.

Willow was woken up when someone grabbed her arm and yanked her up. She quickly cleared her mind of the sleep induced fog. She looked up to find her husband glowering down at her, such rage as she had yet to see in him, shone through his hazel blue eyes. Dear God he had barged in here looking for her. What had he done to Harold to get to her? And Amy, what would happen to her now? She was about to ask for her brother, fearing the worse when her husband’s voice stopped her.

“Thank you Harold for telling me of what my harlot wife had done.”

Willow swung her head to where her husband’s gaze had settled. There stood her brother with a satisfied grin on his face. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Her own brother had called her husband to tell him she had run to him. After seeing what he was doing to her, heard what he had intended for her to do, he still handed her over.

“Why?” her voice was small and terrified. Tears were threatening to spill, but she did not allow them.

“Because my dear, you are getting exactly what you deserve. If not for you, my father would have never married that whore of a mother of yours. You took him from me, you believed you could usurp my place as his favorite, and it worked to some degree. But you are not a man, so I was at least safe in that he would not name you his heir. You are now paying for you and your mother’s sins. Lord Duneberry gave me quite a bit of money for you, more than you’re worth in my opinion.” So the truth was finally revealed. Harold had married her to this monster out of spite and hate. He not only married her, in a way he sold her.

“And I believe you should also be rewarded for returning my property to me.” It was her husband who spoke to her brother. So she would once again be sold to this man. She now understood that she wasn’t a wife, but a slave.

“On your knees.” Willow’s head snapped up from when she had bowed it. She gazed at her husband as she understood what Harold’s ‘reward’ was to be. Willow would have to service her half brother. Funny how she never though of her siblings as half brother or sister. Now though, Harold was just another man that happened to have ties to her. In her straining to understand this she had taken to long to obey and was rewarded with a savage blow from her master, for that is what he truly was. Barely recovering from the strike, her nightgown was ripped from her body and forced to her knees. Tears streamed down her face as she saw Harold removing his dressing gown while approaching her…

Willow squeezed her eyes to try and dislodge the image from her mind. No she would not think of that horrible night. She had learned what a fool she had been. Her whole life she had tried to find the good in people, to find no fault, and it had cost her dearly. She wished she had just run away to someplace where none knew her, where she could begin anew, but Ethan would find her, he always found her. Amy’s voice brought her back to her present predicament.

“We are to have guests in three nights. His Lordship is having dinner and a piquet game for some men he wishes to do business with.” So it meant that Willow would have to ‘attend’ to her guests, especially if they where men of influence.

~Part: 3~

Wesley was bored out of his mind. His brother had told him of the Duke of Duneberry and his desire to sell one of his shipping yards. Wesley loved the sea, and he adored to sail so buying this shipyard seemed somewhat interesting. Ethan Rayne was a brilliant business man but he was rumored to be a blither. He had married a very young girl and still he kept mistresses, and in his own home. When it came to the emotions and comforts of others, Rayne was oblivious or ignored such things. It disgusted Wesley to no end that such a vile man could have so much. A great fortune, lands, reputable business man and a young and beautiful wife. He had yet to see the girl, but he had heard from some that she was a vision; there were also rumors among those that came to Rayne Abbey that his Lordship would give his mistresses to some of his more honored guests.

“Lord Brookshire would you care to join me for a brandy?”

“I most certainly would.” Maybe he could get drunk or just sloshed enough to forget this boring man’s dribble.

Ethan gave his most brilliant smile hoping to make the younger man more at ease. He needed to sell the shipyard, his finances where beginning to deplete quite fast. One of his stewards had robbed him blind, and even though he eventually caught the man, the money could not be retrieved. So he had decided to sell one of his businesses. This man Whyndam seemed to be just the kind to care properly for the business, plus he would be able to pay for the shipyard without making much of a dent in his pocket. Yes this young man would have to be treated very kindly, meaning that one of his mistresses would not do. Willow had recovered quite well from her last session with him, so she would be in shape to do her duty.

It was eleven o clock when Wesley was taken to a bedchamber on the third floor. Rayne had insisted he spent the night seeing as how the younger man was such a way from his home here in London, and was quite sloshed, yet not overly so. After being left alone he staggered to the bed reclining against one of the posts. His eyes were beginning to droop when the door to his room opened and closed softly. A beautiful young woman about Cordelia’s age had come in. She wore a soft green dressing gown, her titan colored hair was loose and thick falling in waves down her back, pale white skin shone with health and youth, her face was a bit obscured since the only light in the room was coming from the fireplace. She slowly walked to him, stopping when she was but a foot away from him. Now that she was close he could see her, and what he saw made his breath caught. She had soft pink lips that called to you, high cheekbones to mark her features, a flawless smooth face with a delicate nose, and her eyes were so green he believed emeralds would envy the color. But her beauty was not what had affected her so, no it was that her face was expressionless and her eyes dull as if dead. This young beauty looked as if she had nothing in the world.

Wesley became instantly alert when she took one of his hands and guided him to the side of the bed, where she made him sit. As if she had done this so many times before, the young woman sank to her knees in front of him and reached for the fastening of his breeches. She caressed his thighs, before undoing the fastening and reaching into them to hold him. The girl began caressing his member and soon Wesley found himself hard at her gentle yet expert caress. When his sex was swelled, she withdrew him from within his breeches and took him into her mouth. Her mouth was warm and wet and her tongue and teeth were doing things to him that was driving him mad with lust. But despite the girls talents, that where that of a well trained and used whore, Wesley did not enjoy her attentions. In his mind he was being unfaithful to Cordelia, and this girl seemed to be doing it not for her pleasure. Taking her shoulders into his hands he pulled her from him.

“Stop.” The word was hoarse and scratchy from his lust and amazement. For a moment fear flashed in her eyes before being covered in a mask of blankness. He shivered at how quickly and efficiently it was executed. As she stood her hands reached for the belt of her dressing gown and unfastened it. She removed it and let it puddle at her feet. The woman stood before him with her head bowed, arms at her sides, and her body exposed to this man she had never before seen.

“What would you like me to do my lord?”

Dear God her voice sounded so thin and fragile, and blank. There was no emotion in her voice either and that made Wesley start. Standing quickly he took the few steps to retrieve the discarded gown where she had dropped when she stepped back to undress. As he turned with the material in his hands Wesley took a sharp breath at the bruises and few scars on her flesh. Some wound had been there for some time and scarred, though they were very few, but her back and legs were bruised and red This slight creature had been whipped, there was no doubt about it in his mind. He placed her arms in the sleeves and closed the gown. She stiffened at her action and soon rambled out at a frantic pace.

“Please my lord, whatever I have done, I did not mean to offend you. If you could simply tell me what you desire of me, I will do it. I will give you pleasure, I just need to know your desires.” For the first time since she had come here, emotion was shown. Pure fear and anguish was in her voice. As he looked into her eye he could see pain and wariness.  He walked her to the bed and sat her down. He took a seat next to her, but not to closely.

“Why did you come into my room and attempt to service me?”

“My lord and master takes good care of his guests. He believed you would want a woman to tend to your lusts for the evening.” She was fidgeting with her dressing gown’s belt. Wesley looked at her hands and was reaching to still them when he noticed something. His eyes narrowed as he grasped one of them.

“Who are you? What is your name?”

“My name is Willow.” That sounded so familiar to him.

“And what is your husband’s name.”

Willow’s head snapped up to his face at his question. How did she know she was married? Oh Lord did he know she was the duchess of Duneberry? It was the first time since this whole nightmare began that one of her guests had known she was married.

“I do not know what you are talking about my lord.”

“Do not play innocent with me. You are wearing a wedding ring. Now tell me why you are in this house doing these things.”

“I have no choice. My husband will beat me and my friend if I do not do as he wishes.” She didn’t know why she was confessing this to him. But something in his clear eyes made her want to trust him. “Ever since I married the Duke I have been forced to become something so low it sickens me. But tell me sir, what choice do I have in the matter, I am his wife and it is my duty to do as he wishes.”

Wesley’s mind reeled at the revelation. This stunning young girl was Ethan Rayne’s wife! She was a girl of class and sophistication and she was being forced to do these horrible things by her own husband. Wesley sat in stunned silence as she revealed almost every intimate detail of torture, pain and humiliation she suffered at her husband’s hands. She began with the night of her wedding, skipping the part that she wasn’t a virgin, fearing he would react as Ethan had. As he heard her relate her tale Wesley vowed he would help her in any way he could. But in order to do that he would need help and the only one’s he knew that could were Graham and Angel.

~Part: 4~

Wesley had left the following day at noon. He could not stand to be in the same house with the old fool. It took all of the young viscount’s self control not to beat Rayne into a bloody pulp. He knew he had to help the girl, huh, after all they talked and he had yet to remember her name. But at the moment it did not matter, first he had to have a plan to help the young beauty and then they had to find a way and place to hide her from Rayne.

The carriage came to a jerky stop as he came up the Montgomery London estate. He could not wait and let her suffer longer than was necessary, so he had sent a messenger to Graham to meet him at Angel’s. Hank opened the door for him and gave a warm greeting. Wesley followed the older man into the study where he saw both Faith and Cordelia sitting down to a game of chess. He took a deep breath as Cordelia turned around to greet him. She was dressed in a pale yellow morning dress. Her hear was braided tightly behind her so that her face was visible. Her cheeks flushed as the nobleman kissed the back of her palm and then Faith’s.

“Lady Faith, Lady Cordelia, a pleasure to see you again. Might I enquire as to where your brother is?”

“Oh Angel should be here shortly. He is speaking to cook about the party.”

“Party, what part?” hmm this sounded promising. Maybe if they were to invite the Duke and duchess here, then Angel and Graham could see how they interacted. Hell that would leave Amy at the house alone, and they could maybe…

“Wesley? Wesley! Did you hear anything I have said?” Faith playfully teased her brother’s friend. She liked him, he was a very sweet and intelligent man. Plus he seemed to be the only one that sparked her younger sister’s interest.

“Sorry, what?”

“She said that next week was supposed to be Nathan’s birthday and Angel wanted to throw a party in his honor. He’s been going insane planning every detail to spare mother the pain of doing so.” Cordy supplied.

“I see my darling baby sisters have just told you of the hell I’ve been going through. Welcome Wesley, how was your business meeting?” the earl saw as his friend clenched his jaw and wondered what could have happened.

“Ladies as pleasurable as your company is, I was wondering if you would allow us some time alone to discuss business.” He saw the hurt look that crossed Cordelia’s features and hastened to reassure her. “Oh do not believe we do not wish to discuss such matters in the presence of two such intelligent creatures such as yourselves, it is simply that this particular matter is very emotional for me and I may get quite agitated. No woman should have to see the anger of a man.” His face showed an emotion that made Angel worry.

“Faith, Cordelia please speak to the staff about preparing Nathan’s favorite ballroom and see about keeping mother busy tomorrow while things are being set up.” Both girls smiled, kissed his cheek and left to do as he requested.

“Alright Wesley what’s wrong?” not wanting to drag this out, he went direct to the point.

Walking over to the bar the dark haired and agitated man poured himself a brandy and swallowed the whole thing. He refilled his glass before striding to a comfortable chair and dropping into it.

“I went to speak with the Duke of Duneberry about buying his shipping yard.” He paused.

“Yes you told me this before leaving. Did something happen while you were there?”

“Absolutely. We had a wonderful dinner and a good game at cards before retiring to a guest room. When I got there, I was a bit sloshed, but not ovedrly so that I was incoherent in full access of my brain. Anyway, not two minutes after entering my room one of the most stunning young women I have ever seen came in. She was young about Cordelia and Faith’s age, she had pale skin and was very beautiful and eyes green as emeralds. But Angel, she looked as though she were in a trance, she looked defeated, dead to the world. She hadn’t spoken to me and she came to me, placed me on the bed and proceeded to take me into her mouth. She was vastly experienced at it too. But I could not ler her, I would not do that to Cordelia; I love your sister so much, that I want no other.

When I stopped her she stood and removed her dressing gown, she was naked underneath. To say I was shocked would be a jest. She is beautiful, but again I did not want her. So I gathered her dressing gown to re cloth her, all the while she is telling me in the most emotionless voice one has ever heard that she just wanted to please me. Then when I covered her she begged me to tell me what it was I wanted. Angel she was so scared and when I turned around I figures out why.” Wesley paused to take a long swig of the alcohol. He chanced a glance towards his dear friend and saw the shock written clearly over it. He continued now with his eyes closed.

“Her back was covered in bruises, welts, cuts, and some small scars. She had been whipped and beaten Angel. You have no idea the kind of anger I felt at that moment. Who would do such a horrendous thing to a girl like that? And before you say anything, she wasn’t attempting to service me for her enjoyment. I asked her about it. She turns out to be the Duchess of Duneberry, Ethan Rayne’s wife. I confronted her about what she was doing and why. She confessed that it was her ‘charming’ husband’s orders that she tend to his male guests in any fashion they see fit. That bastard gives her to other men as if she were nothing but a piece of meat. He’s also trained her on how to give men pleasure, and from those brief moments she showed to be very skilled at them.” He sighed and downed the rest of the burning liquid.

“If he is such a monster why then does she stay with him?” asked a rather shocked and disgusted Angel.

“He has threatened to not only harm her but her friend as well. He will kill the girl’s friend for fleeing and when he finds her he has promised her pain beyond belief. Angel I want to help hide her from her husband, and I was hoping you and Graham would help me to do so.” He opened his eyes to look at the earl. They help pain, sorrow, anger, disgust, but most of all a plea for help. Not help for himself, but for the innocent girl that was suffering.

Angel thought for about two seconds before he made up his mind. He thought of Cordelia and Faith and them being in such a situation. He could not bare for the thought, and as always lately, his thoughts wondered to Willow, his little one. No, she wouldn’t be in such a horrendous situation, Alec would have never allowed it, but they were the reasons that his heart ached so painfully at analyzing the situation this young girl found herself in.

“Of course I will help you. No one, especially a woman, deserves to be treated like that. They are strong and some are intelligent, they should be respected, cared for, and loved. I’ll send a messenger to fetch Graham.”

“I have already done so.” It was then that they heard the knock on the front door and Hank answered it.

TWENTY MINUTES LATER…

“Alright Wes, what is your plan?” Graham spat the words through clenched teeth. He was seething at what his friend told him. Such a thing to be done and have gone unnoticed or dealt with for so long was inconceivable. He was more than willing to help out the girl.

“Well I was hoping that we could probably invite them to your party Angel. I know it is in honor of your brother Nathan, so if you oppose I’ll understand.”

“No it’s alright, but I am curious as to why do you want to invite them?”

“Well you see for two reasons. First it can give us a chance to retrieve Amy from the house and eliminate one of his holds on her. Second, we can establish a relationship between you and him. See what I plan is for him to take an interest in you as a business partner. With your fortunes he will be desperate to have you in business with him, for he is in financial difficulties now. So he will be seeking your agreement so much he will definitely use his wife to entice you. You could offer a proposition of having to spend more time alone with her outside of their home and you’d bring her here. Once here we can all plan on how to get her away from him together.”

“That sounds very good to me. Alright Graham I think you should be the one to retrieve this Amy girl. Wesley you and I will be here on Wednesday. You introduce me making it seem as if I wanted to meet him after learning of your dealing with him. We have to find a way to get me invited to this man’s home and once the duchess comes to my room we can talk there, hopefully.”

Angel called for Hank and had him send one of the servants to Rayne’s home with an invitation to both him and his young wife as guests to his home. Wesley was explaining the layout of the house to Graham and where the Amy girl would be at. They just hoped the Duke was desperate enough for money to come to this little festivity.

~Part: 5~

Ethan stepped closer to his trembling wife as she cowered in a corner of her room. He was furious with her. It was obvious to him that it was her fault that the Viscount of Brookshire had left so abruptly without settling on an amount to pay for his shipyard. The little bitch had screwed up and she had to be punished for it. He yanked her by her hair and then as she was straightened he punched her in the ribs beneath her left breast. She grunted at the pain but didn’t cry out. She knew from past experience that the more she cried out the longer and more painful the beatings got. She was flung to the floor and she immediately got up to her knees and bowed her head. She felt him rip the back of her night gown and the sting of the riding crop as he struck her.

Her mind wondered to her sister and William. Would they receive the letter she had sent pleading for their help? And if so would they even come? What of Alec? It was a long time before he got back home, if he came back once his required time was finished. He might simply decide to continue with his career in the army. She also thought of Cordelia and Faith, and how much she prayed they would find a good, kind, and gentle man to marry, though she highly doubted by now that any man would be kind and gentle. Thinking of her two dearest friends made her automatically turn to thoughts of Angel. Would he have hit her and disciplined her the same way her husband did? Would he not care for her once he had gained that which he wanted? She hated having such thoughts about him but after all these months she couldn’t help but wonder if all men weren’t as cruel and vicious as Ethan was.

Having gotten tired of striking her for ten minutes straight Ethan dropped the crop and then strode in front of her. The rest of her gown was torn off and she was left there naked and trembling. She was in pain but not much, he had not been so harsh with her flesh. She had red marks that maybe stung but had not broken her skin. He tied her wrists in front of her and then lifted her onto the hook. She hung there naked and pale, trembling in pain and fear. H adored her in this state completely vulnerable and fragile. Sitting himself down in the chair facing her he stared at her and spoke in a conversational tone of voice.

“We have been invited to a party my dear. He is very rich and highly influenced, I wish him to enter into business with the man. Now we both know that that means you will have to entice him in order to seal this deal. You had better not mess up like you did with the Viscount my dear wife. Or it will go very badly for both you and that little slut friend of yours.” After those few sentences he strode from her room to his own through the adjoining door. He left it open so she could hear the noises as he and one of his many mistresses made love. It was moments like these she wished she had begged her papa to allow her and Angel to formally betroth before he left to finish his service in the army. She hung there for hours as she absorbed everything her husband had said. She would have to seduce this man in his home in order to have him come to the house so Ethan and him could enter into business talks.

A single tear streamed down her face. She no longer had tears to shed, she no longer cried herself to sleep for the injustices done to her. All she could do was deal with the hand dealt to her.

London, England
Angel’s London Estate
The Night of the Party

Things were in all ready and Angel was a bit anxious. He stood at the door with his mother and sisters as the guests arrived and were all introduced. It was just one of the things that had to be done in high society, to greet all of your guests as they arrived, something Angel hated. He smiled ad bowed as another young and beautiful noblewoman was introduced. He noted she had green eyes, but nowhere near as enchanting as his red angel’s were. He shook himself as he realized his thoughts had wandered to Willow yet again. Sure he had promised his friends he would try to forget her and find his own bride, but it was easier said than done.

He snapped back to reality as he heard the Duke and Duchess of Duneberry being announced. Finally! He was about to meet the beauty and the beast. His blood rushed through his veins as he felt adrenaline being pumped into the stream. An older man with salt and pepper hair, hazel-blue eyes, a lean yet muscular frame, and a calculating smile on his features stepped forward. He was eloquently dressed in a crisp white shirt, black breeches, and a velvet green party jacket. He looked elegant, sophisticated, from good breeding, and definitely someone that has money. Angel grasped his hand and grimly noted just how strong the man was.

“Lord Rayne, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard many great things about you.”

“The pleasure is all mine Earl Ravenhurst.” He heard his wife’s quiet gasp and remembered she was there. ‘She had better not mess this up’ he thought darkly.

“Lord Montague, I would like to present to you my wife, the Lady Willow Rayne, Duchess of Duneberry.” He stepped a little to the side and drew her up front to meet the earl.

Willow was frozen in fear as she heard to who’s house it was they had come. The entire time she had been kept in the dark as to who the man she was supposed to seduce was and she had kept her gaze down as they approached the house. But when she had heard the man speak she raised her eyes to his face and gasped. Angel! Her love was the man her husband wanted her to seduce, to enter into business dealings with. Oh God, this could not be happening to her. Now Angel would learn of what a slut she was, just how dirty she truly was. She could not bear it. She felt Ethan’s hand grab her arm painfully and she snapped back to reality. She curtsied to him and addressed him as politely as possible.

“Lord Montague it is a pleasure to be here.” Her voice betrayed nothing.

Angel was at first stunned then shocked as the poor, helpless and abused woman he and his friends had set out to rescue was none other than his sweet, innocent, and shy Willow. No this was some horrible twisted nightmare. She was not the girl Wesley had described to him just the week passed. No his little one was not married to this sick, twisted and sadistic man. He heard her speak, and winced as the blankness in her voice reached his ears.

“Lady Rayne, a pleasure to see you.” He bowed to her. As he straightened he looked into her eyes only to find that the vibrant innocence he had once found there was replaced with dead, wary eyes instead. His heart shattered and his soul howled in agony. He saw as Faith and Cordelia recognized their old friend and hugged her, tightly. He noted as she bit her lip each time the other girls squeezed her torso. His eye narrowed in anger at the thought of her in pain. There was no question in his mind, no doubt about it. They would rescue the girl and hide her. And then Angel would slowly kill Ethan Rayne for what he had done.

~Part: 6~

Graham stood across the street from the Rayne Estate in London. He had studied the girl Amy for the past eight days. He had to admit she was quite bonny but at the moment he could not be thinking of how her hair fell down her back in a soft cascade of muddied blonde hair; her hazel eyes were soft one second and hard with fury the next. She was a bit taller than her mistress but not overly tall. She was slight of form but well toned if her form fitting dress was anything to go by. He could really see himself with a woman like her. She was very pretty and from what he had seen in the last few days she was fiercely loyal and kind, a good worker and protective to a fault. No he should not be thinking of what an incredible mother she’d be or a great wife, caring for their children, two boys and a beautiful little girl that looked like her; no he would not indulge in fantasizing of her soft hair through his fingers as he caressed it in the night while she lay beside him or how soft her small hands would feel as she caressed his cheek in greeting. Dear Lord he sounded like Angel did!

Graham was brought out of his thoughts when he noticed that the lights in the house were going out. It was 9:12 so the butler would be locking all the doors before retiring to his quarters. Soon Amy would be arranging his mistress’ bed for when she returned, then go to the kitchens to prepare her special tea, though he knew not what was so special about it, and bring it to her room. Afterwards she would clean and prepare for bed and after all that was done she would return to the kitchens to boil some milk with raisins and a cinnamon stick for both her and her mistress to help them sleep well. On that second trip to the kitchen is when he would strike, he would take the girl and take her to Wesley’s home.

Graham walked to the back of the house and entered through the servant’s quarters. It was 9:24 now which meant that Amy was preparing for bed. In a little while she would come down to prepare the milk. He stood against the wall next to the entrance door. He soon heard soft footsteps coming toward him and he prepared to strike. A dim light entered the room from the single candle Amy carried with her. As Graham was reaching for her he stopped in his tracks as he took a good look at her. She was wearing a white cotton nightgown and had forgone her dressing gown. He could see the outline of her body through the thin fabric, her hair was still damp from her bath and her face tinged a rosy glow from the heat of the water. “Beautiful’ thought the young man. Yes Graham Miller was becoming just as besotted with her as his two friends were with their young ladies. He continued to watch her as she set about preparing her evening drink never once realizing that she was being watched.

Amy was tired. She had been fretting all day over what her friend had endured after the Viscount of Beresford had left. Willow had told her how the young man had refused to allow her to service him in any way possible. But the Duke had blamed the redhead for his hasty departure without making a proposition of payment for the shipping yard.  Instead the young viscount had sat with her all night and listened to her troubled life, of all the things her husband had done, and yet he never judged her or thought lowly of her after her tale. In fact the young viscount had reassured her that she would be rescued from the hell her brother had condemned her to. That someone would see that justice was done to her. Amy sighed.

“It seems there are still some good men in this world.” She softly spoke aloud as she reached for the matches to light the stove. That was when she felt a hand clamp over her mouth and a large and powerful arm wrap around her throat. The arm about her throat began to squeeze harder cutting her supply of air. Panicking at the fact she was about to die, Amy struggled against her captor, who by the feel was definitely a man.

“I am sorry for this but there is no other choice.” Graham whispered into her ear as she struggled, trying to calm her a bit, without realizing it only fueled her fear and struggles even more. He needed to subdue her and the only way to do that was to cut off her air supply until she passed out. He never expected to feel her elbow shoved into his stomach or have her hit him on the head with the boiling pot. He had actually expected her to swoon in fright and he would then carry her out of here to the carriage about a block away. He was surprised and pleased she was fighting him. She was not about to let a man harm her without fighting for her life first.

Amy ran for one of the doors as soon as her assailant fell to the ground. What she failed to notice was she had run through the servant’s entrance to the back of the house instead of to the main hall inside. She turned to run back in but saw the stranger coming out the door holding a hand to his head. She turned again and ran, but the ground had become slippery after that afternoon’s rains and the cold made her trek slow. She had only gotten a few yards when she was tackled to the ground by the man, only to strike her head on one of the stones surrounding a rose bush.

Picking up the now unconscious woman, Graham let out a deep breath as he carried her to the carriage. He tapped the wall in front of him to let the driver know they could go on to the Whyndam estate where they would keep her until they were able to rescue the redhead. He stretched her out on the seat and covered her with his jacket to ward off the cold night air. He winced as he saw the bump forming on her head, she would have a pounding headache in the morning, but it was worth it. He rubbed his hand over his face as he concentrated on the rocking motion of the vehicle.

~~~*~~~

Angel stood at the edge of the dance floor as he watched Willow and Ethan. He couldn’t believe that she was married to the sadistic bastard and if what Wesley had recounted from the conversation he had with her 10 nights ago then Harold had lied to him. Willow had not betrayed him; she would never have chosen that old crone over him, no matter how much money and privilege he had. She was also a person that took responsibility for her actions and she would have told Wesley of her decision to marry him, not make up some tale about being tricked into it.

He watched as Rayne talked animatedly to a friend; the man with them suddenly turned to Willow and spoke to her. She showed no emotions but Angel saw as she fisted her hand in her skirts. His own hand tightened but it was around the cup of punch in his hand. His grip was so deadly that the earl shattered the cup in his palm, spilling the contents. He wiped off the cool beverage from his jacket and then raised his head to see a smug grin on Rayne’s face. Faith came to see what had happened to her brother.

“Angel is everything alright? What has happened here?” she whispered to her sibling. He didn’t answer her. Instead he kept looking at something or someone. She looked in the direction of his sight and realized he was staring at Willow.

Willow. How she had changed in so little time. She was thin, pale, but worse of all she no longer had the vitality and happiness that always surrounded the redhead. She acted as if she was dead, nothing mattered to her. If she had chosen Rayne for his money and station, though she highly doubted it for Willow wasn’t shallow, then wouldn’t she be happy with her loot? Wouldn’t a young girl be content with a rich and powerful husband to take care and spoil you? Something was wrong with her friend, she just knew it. She vowed to herself that she was going to find out what it was and fix it. No matter what it was.

“Nothing, the cup just broke is all.” He answered in a controlled and tight tone.

“She’s changed so much. Something is wrong, I know it is.” Her voice was soft and worried. Angel looked down at her and saw his sister starring at her dearest friend.

“Whatever it is, I’ll fix it.” He vowed to her and Faith knew he would. But not withstanding the sight of his little one looking so beaten and down, Angel walked out of the dance hall, through the entrance and across the dinning hall onto the patio.

Ethan had been speaking to Snyder the banker on his case with all the debts he had yet to pay. The little troll was quite easy to handle; promise him one day and night with Willow once a month and Snyder would extend or lower the amount indebted to the bank by Rayne. As always Willow maintained her blank expression, never betraying her revulsion or displeasure at anything she was ‘asked’ to do. Snyder turned to look at Willow making a comment of all he would do to her in two night’s time. She revealed nothing of what she felt. ‘Good, her training is holding up. She had better do her job well or she will pay dearly.'

Ethan heard glass breaking and looked up to find that the young earl had strangled his cup in his hand, therefore breaking it. The young man had been starring at his whore for a wife the entire evening. So the boy wanted her, good, that meant that he, Rayne, would be able to manipulate the business dealings much better once Lord Montague had a taste of the ‘advantages’ of doing such high stake business with him.

He stared as the earl briefly spoke to one of his sisters and then departed to the gardens. Well now was the time for Willow to do her job. He grabbed her arm tightly and spoke to her in a tone promising much pain if she messed this up.

“Now my dear, I want you to go out there and tell the earl of my proposition to him and all the advantages that a partnership with me would bring.”

“Yes my lord.” She answered but as she was taking a step in the direction of the garden, her husband’s grip on her arm tightened and he drew her back to him. Dropping his mouth next her ear he whispered a final threat.

“Make sure not to mess this up like with the viscount, or what I did to you last week will seem like a romantic night with your husband compared to the consequences of this.”

Willow swallowed hard and then followed her former lover to the gardens. She didn’t have to fear getting lost in these gardens, for even though they were vast, they could not compare to the miles of land that consisted of the gardens back in the country at his home. Willow passed the rose bushes and tulip beds, turned the corner where the bench stood and found the steps down to Angel’s favorite spot at this estate.

She stopped and looked on at him. He was gorgeous and strong, like one of those Greek gods she would read and sketch about when she was younger in secret with Alec. Angel was pacing in a circle between two oak trees, the moon shinning on him giving him that ethereal glow to him. She just stood there and watched him allowing herself to finally think about what it would all be like if she were Angel’s wife instead of Ethan’s. She would be loved and protected, full of life and energy. She wouldn’t be waking every morning hoping that maybe today would be the day that her punishment went too far and she’d die.

Willow sighed sadly, well she wasn’t married to Angel, she wasn’t surrounded by friends and family, she wasn’t happy and loved and protected. She was miserable and in pain, her spirits crushed by the devil himself. She cleared her throat and waited for him to look at her before speaking.

Angel was furious. He needed to burn energy before he did anything he would later regret. He scoffed at the thought, he wouldn’t mind killing the Duke of Duneberry, and no matter what his title the bastard deserved death. How anyone could do the things he did to Willow was nothing more than a soulless demon. When one looked at the shy and gay redhead all you wanted was to protect her from the world and all the evils in it. Angel continued to pace in a tight circle around his two oaks. They were the ones he and Nathan would climb with William and their cousin Alexander when they where younger. The one on the left was the largest and also Faith’s favorite. She would climb it all the way to the top, and then jump two thirds down from it. She actually broke her arm once because of it but that never stopped her from climbing it. This was a place of peace and good times for the dark haired man; it would offer some peace from his troubled mind.

Angel heard someone clear their throat and stopped his pacing. He turned and saw Willow standing there looking at him. She looked so thin and pale with the light of the moon shinning on her face. Her hair had grown longer and darker with time; it was pilled on her head in one of the latest fashions with some pieces hanging loose and curled. She wore a green long sleeved dress with slightly off the shoulder neckline. And despite her pallor and thinness she was still as beautiful as that fall afternoon her pup came scrambling onto his lap. He took the few steps to reach her and extended a hand to her. Willow never flinched or changed facial expressions but she moved to the side so he wouldn’t touch her, not because she didn’t crave his touch, oh how she wanted to feel him against her, his arms folding her in a cocoon of love and protection, but she felt she didn’t deserve it, she was too dirty for him.

“Lord Ravenhurst a pleasure to see you again.” She presented a picture of modicum and politeness, her attitude of aloofness making him cringe inwardly at her behavior.

“Willow, I haven’t seen you in months, I thought maybe you’d be warmer towards me.” His voice was soft and pained.

“Like the last day we saw each other before you left for war again?” she was bitter at the outcome of fate because she allowed her heart to rule.

“Not so warm considering you to be a married woman, but at least I had hoped you to view me as a friend.” He pondered on whether or not to comment or not. In the end he spoke from deep inside. “That last day we saw each other, the day we made love was the most special and beautiful day in my life. I had hoped it meant as much to you as it did me.”

“It is no secret that you have had many women, even before me. Why then should I believe I was nothing more than a  play thing, another conquest?” she turned from him, she did not wish him to see how much that day meant to her, how much she loved him still but she needed to know what it was to him. Was she simply another game to him? Was she some conquest, another woman to warm his bed? He had asked for her hand in marriage, but was he willing to go through with it? She felt she was worth so little, that what once was so true and certain to her now was mere doubt.

Angel on the other hand was stunned into silence. Surely she knew what she once, and still meant to him. She had to know that she had burrowed so deep into his heart that he could never find a wife without seeing her green eyes starring back at him. He stared at her back for close to a minute before he snapped out of his daze and crossed to her. Upon reaching her Angel grabbed her arm and turned her to face him. He took her other arm in his and shook her, his anger and pain making him act out in a manner he never would.

“How can you ask me that?! Do you have any idea how much I loved you? Still love you; Willow you are my other half, the one woman that could make me feel complete. Little one, it pains me to see you wear his ring on your finger, to know he is the one to see you every day and night, to have the privilege and honor to hold you and have you in the way I only was able to once. My heart breaks the very way I did when I went to Harold asking for you and have him tell me how you begged to marry Lord Duneberry for his higher rank, his vast money. I love you sweetheart, I always will.”

He slightly shook her again hoping to make his point clear. Suddenly he saw the pain and fear in her eyes and instantly stepped away from her. She stood frozen on the spot not knowing how he would react. Willow was frightened of Angel, he was after all a man. She didn’t mean to anger him, she just hoped he would still consider attending the meeting with her husband. Angel raised his hand to cup her cheek, hoping to soothe her only to have her flinch slightly, waiting to be slapped for her offense. The air rushed out of him as understanding dawned on him. Willow had been so mistreated in the months she had been married she believed even him, Angel, would strike her.

“Willow, sweetling I would never, ever, hurt you. Why would you believe me to?”  he saw the fear in her eyes rise, and even though he already knew the answer he hoped she would confide in him.

He didn’t know about her life. He didn’t yet know how dirty and used she was, the whore she had become. So now was not the time to tell him what she went through every day. All she could do was offer the invitation and then he would learn of it all.

“I came here with a proposition for you. My husband has heard of your fine mind for business and has a desire to meet with you to discuss some ideas. Now my husband is known to be a generous man. And when it comes to the men in business with him, there are certain… advantages involved.” Her voice had dropped to a silky and alluring twinkle she had perfected. Her eyes seemed to have glazed over with desire, something she had learned from Ethan. Angel immediately noticed the changes and had to count to ten to calm himself. This was one of the things Wesley had warned him of, but seeing them and from Willow, as well as knowing why where two very different things. He would have to wait to confront her about her life at another time.

“Yes, I know Lord Duneberry to be a crafty business man. I would very much want to meet with him. Tell him I will come to visit him within three days for such matters.”

“You will not regret your decision, I will make sure of it.” With the final innuendo she turned and left.

Angel stared after her, his rage and sorrow increasing. “I swear it to you Willow, this will soon be nothing more than a nightmare. If Graham did his job well, then we have your friend and Ethan will not be able to hurt her as well. And when you are safely away from him, I will make certain to inflict as much pain as possible to him before I kill him.” He spoke aloud, unaware that he was being watched.

~Part: 7~

Faith hid in the library as she heard Wesley and Angel talking. She had felt uneasy after seeing the way her brother and Willow interacted when they were in the gardens. Willow seemed scared, lonely, afraid, but afraid of what? Faith had been shocked when she saw Willow being grabbed by her brother and shaken, though only slightly. Faith couldn’t make out everything that was said, but she had been able to piece together some things. What shocked her more was when her brother realized what and how he was acting he had released Willow and tried to touch her cheek. When the redhead flinched, her body tensed, Faith’s mind began to spin. Why would Willow think Angel would hurt her? She had never been struck before, surely not Angel, Alec, or the girl’s late father had raised a hand towards her, then why would she flinch now? Unless Harold, or maybe even her new husband had struck her once, anger flowed through the young woman at the thought.

Faith crouched lower in her hiding place as she saw Graham enter the library carrying an unconscious woman in his arms. She remained quiet as their voices became louder and began talking.

“Graham, I thought we agreed she was to be taken to my home, not brought here!” Wesley was a bit flustered at the twist in their plan yet he was glad that their friend had succeeded in his part.

“Well I had planned on bringing her there but you were not home to allow me in.” Graham sounded a bit put out.

“What happened to her head?” Angel asked, He was angry and tense. It was reflected in his voice and now that he and his accomplices were alone he could allow his true feelings to show.

“She fought me. I caught her in the kitchen and was going to hold her neck till she passed out, but this one, she fought me, even managed to hit me over the head with a sauce pan. When she ran outside I followed her and tackled her, she hit her head on a rock and was knocked out.” The tall man was now cleaning the wound with a rag soaked in whiskey. He was tender with her, and this did not go unnoticed by the others.

They stood in silence for a few seconds before Angel finally burst out what he had been meaning to ask Wesley. “Wes, why didn’t you tell me who she was? It would have been better to hear it from you than having to find out tonight the way I did.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about Willow! Why didn’t you tell me that the woman we were going to help was MY Willow?!” he shouted at the darker haired man. Wesley’s face paled at his friend’s revelation. He had no idea, though now it made sense why he had felt a bit of familiarity when he first saw her.

“Angel, I … I’m so sorry, I had no idea who she was. If I had remembered, realized that this was your love, I would have suggested something else about her situation.”

“You had no idea that this battered and abused woman we have set our sights to help was the woman I love?” there was a bit of disbelief in Angel’s voice, but mostly curiosity.

“When I first saw her I could have sworn I had seen or met her before but could not place my finger on it. Truly Angel I did not know. Have you decided to change our plan?”

“Only slightly.” They all turned when they heard fabric ripping. Graham placed himself protectively before Amy’s still form and Angel had retrieved a pistol from his desk. Wesley walked quietly to where the noise had come from. He bent behind the giant potted plant close to the curtain and lifted the person crouched behind it.

“Faith, what are you doing here?! And how long have you been listening?” Angel was surprised and upset at finding his baby sister listening to their conversation.

“I wish to help!” was her answer. The girl was shaking with the anger she felt at what she had learned. Willow, sweet, good-hearted, kind innocent Willow was being abused by her husband.

“Help with what?” Angel feigned innocence, but he knew what she was talking about.

“Do not dare play ignorant with me Angel! Willow is my friend and I will not stand idly by while she is hurt by that old crone of a husband of hers. I wish to help you and your friends, but if you refuse I will simply do it by myself.” Angel growled at the situation. He knew that Faith would do just as she said. Either she was allowed to help the men or she would set out to do it all alone and probably end up hurt herself.

“Fine, but you do exactly what I tell you to for this to work. I mean it Faith, any wrong move could end up getting Willow hurt or worse, killed.”

“I promise. Now what do you want me to do?”

“First I need you to inform Amy there why she was brought here. Then here is what will happen…”

~~~*~~~

Willow stood in the study with her husband as he drank a snifter of brandy. Today Angel would be coming to her husband’s home and enter a business arrangement. Today she would once more be offered as a bargaining chip in her husband’s dealings; she would be displayed and tested in front of her love to show her worth. Angel would now learn how dirty she was. God how she hoped she would be able to please him, that their history together and her way of life now would not mean she was about to pay for the pain she caused him. No! Angel was good and kind, he would never hurt her; then why had he grabbed her and shaken her the way he did a few nights ago? Was he just like every other man she had met since her papa’s death?

She instantly came to attention as Ethan called her name for the second time. He sounded angry at not having her full attention.

“I said: You won’t mess it up again will you my dear?”

“No my lord.” She whispered. Willow clutched her dressing gown at the side. She didn’t want him to see her doing so, it would only anger him more. Then the butler came into the study to announce the arrival of Lord Ravenhurst.

“Go into the side room and wait for me to call you. Today you will give the earl a sample of your talents. Then, if you have done your job properly, I will have the earl’s money at my disposal.” With that, the old man arose from the chair as his young wife disappeared through the indicated door. Angel entered only moments later.

“My lord, a pleasure to see you once again.” He really should have been an actor because Angel was able to convincingly sound pleasant and excited, instead of the murderous mood he really felt.

“Ah, Lord Ravenhurst, please do sit sown. Imagine my surprise when my darling wife told me you had agreed to this meeting.”

“Well Rayne your reputation as a business man precedes you. I was intrigued though by not only your choice to take me on as a business partner but by your wife’s form of proposal” Angel was not going to beat around the bush. The sooner he got through this part, the sooner the second part of their plan could take form.

“Ah yes my wife. She is lovely is she not?”

“Lovely is not the word I’d use. But you have yet to answer my question, what does your wife have to do in all of this.” Angel took a deep breath trying to squelch the rising anger in him.

“All in do time.” Ethan took a sip of his warm brandy.

“What kind of business deal do you have in mind Rayne?” Angel decided to cut to the chase instead of dancing around the subject.

“Well as you probably already know, I am selling my shipping yard. I wish to sell it to you, but a long with it I propose to give you my business of shipping in the merchandise, to and from the islands.” Ethan sat back to stare at Angel as he sipped from the snifter. Rayne was certain that Angel would pay handsomely for the shipping yard, and that once Willow did her part to enrapture the earl, he would have to pay little of nothing for the services he would receive.

“Let us say I do buy the ship yard, and I do take you on as a client, what advantages would I gain, as your wife so put it?” This was it, the moment Rayne handed Angel the Coupe de Gras.

“Well maybe I should let my wife be the one to explain it to you.” Ethan walked to the side of the room; he reached behind a tapestry and knocked on the wall. Angel’s face was marred with a tiny frown at the older man’s actions. Angel saw as Rayne extended his hand and then came back with Willow .

The frown on Angel’s face disappeared as Willow was placed in front of him. His beloved red angel stood in front of him with her hair down and a thin nightgown visible under her dressing gown. There was some white powder on her face and scarlet paint on her already pink lips. And despite his dislike of the paint on her face Angel found her to be a vision of pure beauty. Not caring what Ethan Rayne thought of it Angel openly stared at his one true love. When Angel tried to make eye contact with her, to convey with his eyes how much he loved her, that everything was going to be alright, he realized she kept her eyes fixed downward on the floor.

“Well Lady Rayne? What are these advantages you spoke of that night at my home?” Angel’s voice was husky with desire, or so Rayne thought. But Willow knew Angel far better than her husband. She knew his voice carried pain and anger, and fear rose in the redhead.

“What would you like them to be?” she countered in a breathlessly aroused voice. Stepping closer to him she sat at his feet and rubbed one of his inner thighs. Angel took a sharp intake of breath as arousal shot through him. It had been a long time since he’d had a woman and having Willow touch him so intimately, he couldn’t help but react.

“You see my dear friend, Willow there is very well trained in the pleasures of the flesh. In addition to my ship yard you will not only gain me as a client, but you will also gain an exquisite lover without any objections from her husband.”

Willow ’s tiny hand was massaging his semi erect organ between his legs. A moan of pleasure left his throat against his will. Her other hand was far from idle. As one massaged him, the other was unbuttoning his dress coat and then his trousers. He was lost in a sea of pleasure and anticipation. Rayne continued speaking.

“Yes, Willow may be young but the little harlot is far from innocent. She came to me a used slut, tricking me into believing I was gaining a proper lady. Who knows how many men graced her bed before she came to me. She cost me quite a sum of money, so she has decided to repay me with her talents.” Angel’s mind may have been hearing his words and understanding them, but it would only be some time before he registered them.

Willow ’s mouth was now kissing his exposed stomach and her hands massaged his shaft. He was painfully hard as her mouth trailed down to the edge of his pants. His breath quickened as his right hand raised to tangle into the silky red hair of his lover, and without warning she engulfed his full length. His fingers tightened in her hair and then loosened as he massaged her scalp. Her pace was slow and sensual, torturing him by slowly building the pleasure before pulling back denying him his release.

“Please Willow . Oh God…” Angel groaned to her. She increased the pressure of her suction and the speed of her hand. Soon he gave a coarse cry as he released his seed into her warm mouth as she milked him of every last drop before swallowing. She gave his tip a tender kiss before redressing the spent earl. Angel panted to regain his breath , he looked down at Willow , sitting at his feet with her head bent awaiting further instructions like some faithful dog.

“Incredible isn’t she? That my friend is only a sample of the advantages as my business partner.” Rayne was once again seated in the chair across from them, with a clear view of Angel and Willow .

“ Willow thank you. You may go to your room now.” Silently she rose to her feet and Angel saw how her hands trembled. Her hair was covering her face like a curtain, but he was able to see a tear trickle down her cheek as she passed him. Once out the door Angel stood from his seat and poured himself a scotch.

“Let me get this right my lord. If we do business I get your ship yard, you as a client and your wife as a lover? With no objections from you?”

“That would be correct.”

“Do you share her with other business acquaintances?”

“Only those that matter.” He was pleased with the hint of jealousy in Angel’s voice.

“Well it’s going to stop.” Angel took a sip of his drink. Rayne did not react pleasantly.

“Who the hell do you think you are?!”

“Well your deal is quite to my favor and I am going to agree to it. But there is one condition: Willow shall be my lover only. Of course she would be yours as well, as is your right as her husband.”

“And why should I agree to this, to any of this?”

“Because if you don’t I will ruin you. Oh you seem to forget that I am quite well informed of the happenings in London and the members of society. Now we both know of your failing finances and that you need this sale to happen more than I need to buy. Now in exchange for exclusivity to Willow, I will buy your ship yard and pay off your debt to the bank. I can afford it.” Angel smiled smugly at the old sod and took a drink of his scotch.

Ethan Rayne on the other hand was fuming. The pompous bastard was nothing but a young pup and he was giving him orders. But he was right, Ethan did need this deal to happen, and if it meant having to pull Willow out of her ‘acquaintances’ company.

“Damn you Montague! Alright, I will replace Willow with one of my mistresses.”

“Good then, I will contact my steward.” Angel finished his drink and walked to the doors of the study, leaving a steaming Duke of Duneberry behind.

“Oh and one more thing, I expect Willow at my estate tomorrow evening. Eight o’clock , alone. Have a good day my lord.” Angel left the manor to his coach. Once inside he leaned back and sighed. Well part two was complete, they had managed to free Willow of all those men her husband was whoring her out to. Now all he had to do was gain her trust in him. That should be easy, right?

~Part: 8~

“You did what?! Angel how could you pay that, that, whoreson’s debts for him?!!”

“Faith language!” the earl snapped at his baby sister.

“Oh God forbid I express my self properly at this moment, while you have just thrown away thirty thousand pounds.” She retorted sarcastically.

“Miss I am certain his lordship had a good reason for doing so.” Amy meekly replied. She was grateful these people had wanted to help her friend. Willow had suffered enough and the earl seemed to know the red head from before. Of course they could have simply told her of their plan instead of kidnapping her the way they did.

“Look it was the only way to get Rayne to stop giving her out to men as some common whore!”

“Well, now that Rayne has agreed to the terms we can continue with our plans on how to hide her from him.” Wesley tried to defuse the hostility between Angel and his sister. He was glad that Cordelia and her mother were out or they would have become aware of the plan in motion concerning Willow.

“Excuse me sir but Lady Rayne is here.” Hank came in to announce the red head’s presence and she was currently waiting in the foyer to be escorted to where she was desired. Angel turned to the other occupants and asked them to leave. Amy gave him a suspicious look before complying, if Wesley trusted this man then so should she. Once they exited Angel gave Hank instructions to bring Willow to his study with him. As he heard their footsteps nearing, the young earl turned to his bar and prepared them a drink, a sherry for Willow and a brandy for himself.

The door opened and Hank’s voice could be heard as he bid a good night to Willow, then her soft and hesitant footsteps as she neared Angel.

“Please have a seat Willow.”He had yet to turn around to her.

Willow did as he asked and sat on the leather sofa. She winced as the tight corset rubbed her sore back. Ethan had tight the garment himself. Angel though took a deep breath as he heard his angel arranging herself on the sofa. Taking a drink in each hand he turned around and made his way over to Willow Angel handed her the drink and as she sipped at it he took the moment to examine her. Tonight she wore a deep peach colored gown, though the neckline was much more modest this time giving only a hint of cleavage, her hair had been swept up into a simple twist and only an emerald and diamond necklace adorned her throat. The one thing he noticed was she was wearing paint on her face again. Her face was a deathly white thanks to the powder and her lips were a ghastly red, her cheeks had been pinched rosy. Taking a deep breath the earl put down the drink without even tasting it and turned fully to the woman sitting next to him.

In all the months she had been married, Willow had learned to keep a tight control on her emotions. She had learned to be aloof and appear indifferent all the while she had raged and cried on the inside. Tonight though not one ounce of her training was being applied somehow being alone with Angel, the man she loved, seemed to put her entire existence askew. Fear and panicked were gripping her tightly and her chest felt constricted, or was that because of her corset?

“You look very lovely tonight Willow.” Angel complimented her softly. Willow merely looked down at her hands. “I would like to discuss some things with you, love.”

“What would you like to know my lord?” she finally spoke after a brief silence.

“About yesterday, what happened in your home.” His ire, which had yet to be vented, was gathering in him. The earl was unable to keep the displeasure in his tone from being hidden. “I was shocked to say the least when I learned of the ‘benefits’ of doing business with your husband.” He sighed in anger. “Willow what you did yesterday; servicing me, it was…” Angel held his tongue trying to explain his feelings without scaring her more. Little did he know it did just that.

“I’ sorry. I can do better, I swear I can.” Her voice was low and pleading as her eyes grew round and she dropped before him. She placed her glass on the table near by and then placed her hands on his thighs. She was rubbing circles on his legs before reaching for the fastening of his britches, hastily wanting to correct her error. Angel had jerked back at first in reaction to her sharp and quick movements. He held on to her hands to stop her.

“Willow what are you doing?” he was alarmed of her intentions.

“I-I will do as you please. Just don’t hurt me.” Her voice remained low and panicked as she jerk her hands free and attempted once more to free him of his bindings. Angel’s suspicion had been confirmed. She thought he wanted her to take him into her mouth again and bring him to climax. She believed he was going to hurt her if she didn’t!

“Willow stop it! I don’t want that from you.” Angel knelt before his love as tears began to form in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, I’ll do anything you want, just please, please don’t hurt me Angel. I’ll do anything.” With that the floodgates opened and tears streamed down her pasty white face. She couldn’t take this anymore! He was taking too long to punish her and he was giving no indication of what it was he would do to her. What little control she had of herself was vanished. She continued to cry as Angel drew her into his chest, mumbling the whole while.

“I’m sorry, so, so sorry. I’ll be good I promise. I never wanted him, but papa… and then Alec left… Harold… lies all lies.” Her speech was cut, broken just like her, but Angel understood some of what she was trying to say.

“I know sweeting, I know. I had gone to Harold only to find you had been married. Your brother told me you’d begged him to make the match for Duneberry’s fortune and standing. I couldn’t believe you would have done such a thing, that you could have betrayed me and our love.” Angel spoke into her hair.

“NEVER! Angel I never wanted him. Harold tricked me into the marriage.” She continued to cry into his chest.

“I know sweetheart. I never once believed it but it was so hard Willow. Hush it’s alright now, you’re safe. I swear I won’t let him hurt you again.”

“But Amy, he’ll hurt Amy too.” She whimpered. Angel didn’t say anything more as he let her cry. He knew she needed to let it all out before he could tell her of his plans. He held her as she shook with the force of her cries and his heart broke a little more, and his anger mounted. Soon Angel noticed that Willow had calmed a bit but her breathing was labored still. He took out his handkerchief and handed it to her. He turned his attention to his snifter of brandy and brought it towards her lips. Willow looked at him sniffling and a confused look in her eyes.

“Just a little sip; to help calm you down.” But instead of the dainty sip he had expected her to take, his fiery red head took a large gulp of the liquor. She coughed as it burned down her throat and Angel rose to his feet. Willow only heard as Angel opened the door to his study and spoke in low tones with someone, probably Hank. She sat on the floor sniffling and wiping at her eyes softly, careful not to remove any of her paint. Minutes passed and neither of them moved from their positions. Suddenly the door opened and Willow looked up to see who had entered. Shock was clearly written over her face as she saw her servant and friend rushing toward her.

“Amy!” Willow exclaimed as she saw the girl. Amy knelt before her mistress and enveloped her in a giant hug but immediately let go when she heard a small whimper come from the red head. Amy drew back to take a good look and noticed the paint on her face. Amy paled a bit and then stood up. She filled a glass with water then returned to Willow. Removing the handkerchief from the slack hand that held it, Amy dipped the cloth in the water and then gingerly swiped the other woman’s face. Willow allowed it, her energy gone from her to fight the inevitable.

Angel stood there perplexed and unable to do anything. He was relieved when he saw that Amy was trying to remove the paint on her face. He hated that junk on her. Angel walked around the back of the sofa to the giant window; he looked out into the night. He remembered one night in particular, similar to this one. It had been only three weeks since he had met his red angel and began his courtship. It was the first time they had snuck around to truly be alone together; they snuck out to the lake side where they had first met. It was close to midnight so no one would see them and harm Willow’s reputation. So that night, after tethering their horses to a yew bush, they had both sat under a large oak tree and talked. He had learned of her parents marriage, the struggles she went through to gain Harold’s approval and affection through the years; he in turn told of how close his family was, his father’s death and all the things he never got the chance to tell the old man, to prove to him he wasn’t worthless hence his joining the army in the first place.

He was pulled back of his memories by Amy’s loud gasp. He turned to them to see a hand covering the blonde’s mouth, her eyes large in her face as she gazed at her mistress. Willow was also gasping lightly, her face turned down from their gaze.

“Oh my God, Willow. What’s wrong my lady?” Amy asked as she noticed the panic in the other woman’s face.

“I-I can’t br-breathe properly. My, my, corset…” she cut off with another gasp this one more prominent. Amy quickly moved behind the red head and undid the lacing of her dress and saw just how tight the garment was. As she tried to undo the strings she realized she couldn’t because of how tight the knot was.

“I can’t undo the knot Willow!” Amy tried ripping it off but was unsuccessful. She felt the earl push her aside and with a dagger cut down the line of strings and release the red head. She took a deep breath and began coughing as much needed air entered her lungs. Amy kneeled beside Willow and brushed her hair with her hand. Angel had remained behind Willow so he got a very good look at her back. He remembered she had very soft skin, softer than the petals of a rose, and her skin had been ivory white, a blank canvas for his fingers and mouth, but now… Now her back was a grayish tone indicating malnourishment and there were tiny white scars that hadn’t been there before, and the welts. Dear God she had crisscrossed red marks and welts covering her back; some cuts that looked like they had been left unattended and the bruises…

Fury over took him, he wanted nothing more than to hunt down her husband and thrash him within an in of his life, then pour salt and wine and vinegar over his open wounds to later leave him in the woods to be eaten alive by the wild animals. His hand lifted to trace a rather harsh welt and she flinched at the contact. He then remembered the look on Amy’s face when she had finished washing Willow’s face so he moved to take a good look at it. She had a bruise on her right cheek and a cut under the eye.

“Amy, go tell Hank to have Dr. Bradley fetched, then see if you can go find Graham.” Amy scurried off to do what she had been told. His emotions were all over the place and he needed to calm down so as not to scare Willow any further.

“When did this happen?” he asked in a low and dangerous voice. Willow knew that tone of voice well, but she didn’t know what she had done wrong this time.

“I do not understand sir.” Her voice was low and cautious.

“When I visited you yesterday these bruises were not visible though you were covered in paint as well. So when where you struck?”

“Right after you left.” Her voice shook but Angel did not notice.

“And your back, did that happen yesterday as well?” his teeth were clenched and his voice was even more threatening.

“M-m-most of the injuries are from then, others are healing from the night the Viscount of Brookshire left my home.” She was petrified now, she was correct, Angel did hate her. His words earlier were meaningless, they were empty, he was playing with her and that terrified her more than anything else.

“Do you know why he did this?” his words were bitten off and his voice was cold. He was unable to control his emotions, she noted and that was very dangerous in a man.

“H-he said that, I had to learn my place. That I was always being disobedient and trying to turn the men I whored myself out to against him. That I had no right to tell you to demand I be your own personal slut and I was going to pay for it.” Angel closed his eyes as the truth sunk in. It was his fault she was hurt. He should have demanded she leave with him then and there; he should have realized she would pay the price of Rayne’s rage and dissatisfaction. He opened his eyes full of sorrow and regret and wanted to reach out to his love. But she shrank back from him and curled herself into a small ball to protect her self.

“Don’t hurt me! I’m sorry, please no more.” She cried out.

Angel saw a flash of blue then he was flat on his back. He lifted himself up on his elbows and looked to Willow only to find her wrapped in Faith’s arms. He turned his head to the entrance of the study and then Wesley appeared in the door, his hair out of place and panting from the run.

“Ever so sorry, but um, she got away from me.”

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