The journey carried them well on until past midnight. By this time, they were deep into the country side. The rides became rougher and jolting. They would be heading into Welsh lands where his grandfathers estate was.

He had dosed off sometime in the long ride. The sudden jerk woke as he felt the carriage come to a stop. Opening the curtains he saw nothing but the dark sky.

The door opened slowly and a lamp following Barnes addressed him.

"Mlord we have arrived,"

With care he held Evangeline in his arms. She won't awake for awhile as he poured a good amount of laudanum in her tea.

He followed Barnes on the weed riddled cobblestone walkway towards the house that was completely empty. Not a soul in sight greeted them. It has been abandoned for some time now since he barely came here none of the servants returned.

Boards creeked and croaked as they opened the entrance door and entered the dark drafty foyer. He pointed Barnes and the direction towards the steps where he followed the light from the lamp he held to guide him.

He went down the hall and walked in to large room. Before he could place Evangeline on the dusty bed Barnes hurried to remove its sheets.

Placing her gently on the bed, he stepped back to make out the dark silhouette of her body on the light colored bed. The soft hiss of fire being lit near the fireplace soon casted the room in a soft orange glow.

"Barnes go ahead and retire for the night take any room you like and I will see you in the morning," he ordered.

With a curt nod Barnes turned and left closing the door behind him.

Adrian turned to look at her. Slowly he looked around and saw a chair in the corner that he walked over to it. Lifting it up he walked with it and placed it near the bed.

He stood there watching her as he removed his cravet, his overcoat and vest. He unbuttoned his shirt and he rolled up his sleeves then went to remove his boots. He felt far from relaxed but exhaustion was his plight.
He slouched back and looked at the helpless form of the girl that drove him to insane measures to have her. His emotions tightened his throat and burned in his chest.

Leaning forward he placed his head in his hands burying his face and cursing to himself.
You drugged and kidnapped her you fool.
Resentment and anger was sure to follow when she awakens.

Tossing his head back he shut his eyes wishing for sleep which it didn't take long.
~•~•~•~•~•~•

The late morning sun cast its light into the dim room with its heavy curtains drawn. Evangeline had begun to stir and the slight moan woke up Adrian.

Stretching and leaning forward he sat their waiting for her to completely awaken. She was on the bed turned to her side with her hair in a disarray tossed over face. She whimpered another moan that concerned him.

She struggled to lift her head. He watched her situp and lift her hair from her face. She placed her hand on her forehead and grimmaced in pain. Then she opened her eyes slowly and her puzzled gaze fell on him.

"Adrian," she then blinked sitting with her legs folded beneath her.

"Where am I?" She asked.

He did not answer. He just sat and stared at her.

Confusion set in as she frowned at the grogginess and her aching head.

Vague pieces of her memory came to her.
She never made it to the ball. Or eloped with Jonathan.
Swallowing hard her eyes full of awareness looked back at Adrian.

"Why am I here?" She asked looking around the room then back at him.
A feeling of dread fell over her as she tried in vain to remember what else happened but frustration began to surface.

"Adrian answer me please," panick began to show in her voice.

He slowly stood and stepped closer to the bed. His silence only increased her fears because when she looked into his eyes, they reflected torment and anger.

"We are in Bangor,Wales," he answered with a frown shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Why did you bring me here?" Her voice shook.

He shrugged and lifted his finger to trace her jaw slowly.

"Its seems your plan to elope failed,"

She gasped.

He knows, but how?

She shook her head frantically. Dread crossed her face.

"What did you do?" She cried.

She inched closer to him.

"Where is Jonathan?" She asked.

But he didn't answer. His anger was slowly rising.

"Where is he, Adrian?" She shouted.

"Don't worry your precious Jonathan is long gone and you will never see him again," he answered nastily.

At the honest dismay he saw in her face with what he said, Adrian's mouth took on a hard, straight line.

She immediately flew at him in a rage pummeling his chest that he quickly grabbed her wrists in a vice grip.

"So anxious to marry Jonathan aren't we?" a snare laced his words.

"Well that's too bad, it will not happen" he hissed back.

"You don't understand," she wailed with despair pulling out of his grip.

Anger seethed through him tightening his grip more that she cried.

Flushed against his chest he held her there.

"I understand everything Eva. That your a reckless, impulsive brat,"

"Let me go," she tried to pull away.

She pulled out of his grip, fell back, turned and tried to scramble off the bed. But, he caught her and pulled her back beneath him. Pinning her with his weight.

"Why didnt you come to me, when Reynaud found you?" He asked roughly pinning her flailing hands at the sides of her head.

That got her attention right away,that she stopped struggling.

He looked down at her.

"Answer me," he yelled.

She closed her eyes and she cried. His cruelness was too much to bare. She wanted to explain to him but the simple fact that she was willing to elope with Jonathan changed everything.

When she felt his weight lift from her she quickly sat up and watched him sit at the edge of the bed facing her.

Knees lifted to his elbow, he sat there in agonizing silence. He pressed his back against the post and stretched out his left leg. He watched her intently as she tucked her legs beneath her,"

"I want to go home," she whispered.
"You can't," his gaze was hot on hers.

"Why,?" she sobbed.

"Because my beautiful peach, incase you have not noticed. You and I have been here unchaperoned over night. No one has seen us since yesterday morning," he glared at her.

She reddened at the thought. It would be pure scandal if she reappeared with him afterwards.

Then she shook her head at what he had done. He did it deliberately.

"Why would you do this?," she looked at him with tear filled eyes.

"I've done nothing but changed your chances of doing something crazy, this is all your doing," he whispered heatedly.

"Your trying to punish me for wanting to elope with Jonathan aren't you,?" She cried out heatedly.

"No more than you have tried to punish and torment me for hurting you," his voice faltered.

"This has nothing to do with that and you know it," her eyes glittered with reckless fury.

"Doesn't it Eva, unless you were truly in love with him and Reynaud showing up just pushed your decision further,"

"Are we jealous, Adrian?" She taunted triumphantly at his darkened look.

"You heartless minx," he growled, and reached for her.

Evangeline fought as his hands closed hurtfully over her upper arms, hauling her across the bed into his lap. She struggled, yet she was no match for his steely strength.

"Let me go!" she cried. He ignored her protest holding her firm and tight.

Roughly her struggle landed her on her back with him above her and her hands held in a vice grip at her side.

"You not confiding in me and telling me what was happening regardless of the reasons be it fear or some half wit attempt at solving it yourself was perhaps to some degree understandable, Eva," he held her tight and looked down at her.

"But not confiding in me peach and going with the reckless idea you used to elope with Brascombe is unforgivable." he growled out angrily.

At this point he let her hands go bracing himself to look down at her. He wanted to punish her. But, he could not bring himself to do it for the simple fact it was her. When it came to her he was weak. He looked down at her as she wept. Why in bloody hell did he feel like the worst human on earth when he made her cry.

He closed his eyes and looked away not able to bare this tugging of his heart. He needed time and space from her.
With a curse he bounded off the bed and left her there balled up crying.

Looking at her one last time, he walked out the room closing the door. He bounded down the stairs upset and found his way out the front door.
On the front lawn he began to pace like a caged lion, he walked around.

A myriad of scenarios whirled in his head as he paced.
Take her over his knee spank her till her rump is raw and drag her back to London.
He shook his head the ton would have a field day with the gossip.
Take her over his knee spank her till her rump is raw and leave her here.
He cursed shaking his head.
Damn you she was ready to elope....show her the consequences.
He stomped and argued with himself.
His heart constricted and he moaned whiping his hands down his face.
His mind was in conflict with his heart.
Then Reynaud came to his mind. The bastard would not stop until he had her that was an unsure truth he did not want to take chances with.
He raked his hands through his head frustrated.
What possessed you to do this?
He lifted his eyes to look up to see if any answers would come his way.

With gruff moan he walked back in quickly called out to Barnes.

"I want you stay and keep an eye on her. I'm taking one of the horses and I will return tonight. We are in need of provisions and clothing. " he spoke gruffly his tone on edge.

He turned from the large drawing room and rounded the foyer towards the entrance door but something pulled his gaze to the top of the stairs. He saw Eva sitting there.
He wanted to climb each step to shorten this distance between them. He looked at her, observed her for a moment.
He was still upset with her butbher tried not to let that show. She averted her gaze and stood slowly then left.

Swearing under his breath he turned and headed out to leave.

He disconnected the horse from the carriage and saddled him with a mount found in the stables. With that he was off in a gallop towards the manor.

~•~•~•~•~•~•
He made a mental note of all that he needed.
He rode the steed at a steady pace as the late day sun began to set and soon he was engulfed in darkness.

The low lit moon gave him enough to see the main road that lead him past the last two town leading in the right direction of the manor. The familiar land came into view as he pulled up the walkway and led the steed into the stables.

He exited and noticed burning lights inside. He figured it be just Rosie and Penniford home maybe with Caroline. But as he entered the back entrance wishing he could just enter and leave unscathed he was wrong.

Immediately as the door opened then shut Caroline walked into the foyer. With a sigh and sad look on her face she ran to him.
He hadn't realized how upset she was or shaken up by his and Evangeline's absence until now.

"Oh!Adrian where have you been, something terrible is wrong Eva is gone," she grabbed him in a tight embrace.

Pulling back he cupped her cheek with a frown looking at the dark circles under the eye.

"She left this on your desk in the study, I did not open it. But brother something...,"

Before she could continue he interrupted her.

"I know Caroline, Eva is with me,"

She gasped in shock.

"But how can that be?" She stepped back gaining a better view of him.

She took in his state of rough disarray.

He didn't answer.

She was stunned into silence. The look on him cautioned her to ask more questions.

He walked around her and walked to his study leaving her in the foyer.

He walked over to his desk and sat down looking at the letter Caroline handed to him. Puzzled he remembered how was so foxed and angered with what Eva had planned, he never stepped foot into the study.

He leaned forward and opened it. Anticipation clawed at him to read it like so many times before when he was away and she wrote to him.

"My Dearest Adrian," the words had leapt from the page and grabbed with a vice grip around his heart.
Breathing in deeply he continued.

I pray that when you read this letter I am long gone. I say this with so much hurt and fear.
I had come to make the most difficult decision ever and that is leaving. My reasons outweigh my desire to stay for fear of loosing all the people I hold dear to me. Mainly you.
After years of fleeing and praying that it never does. My nightmare has arrived..
Reynaud Locksley has found me.

He has threatened me and everyone I love if I did not go to him.

He clenched his fist.

I had to think of something fast. So I decided to elope with Jonathan Brascombe. I know what I'm doing is wrong but I have no choice. Jonathan and I agreed that once I was far enough out of harms way we would part ways. We never really agreed on marriage.
He leaned his head on the table. Christ his heart was about to bust. The back of his eyes burned.
He looked down and continued to read.
He would get me as far enough into Ireland or mayhap Paris. Just far enough to keep all of you out of harms way. Reynaud only wants me.

Adrian I am so afraid. I need you more than anything but I can't loose you. I will write you every day. Eventually I will let you know where I am. If you have forgiven me by then.
I will take a hint if your letters return as ashes.
With that he tossed his head back in a roar of laughter that finally lead way to his falling tears.
In closing my letter now that I have had the courage to do this, I am making my last defiant act with what I have been wanting to tell you ever since I was fourteen. There were times when I thought that I was going quite insane for such thoughts. And feelings I knew were not right. But I will simply die if I do not confess that I love you.

He sat up and his face looked intently at the words.

I always have and I always will. I will savour and cherish every kiss and caress we shared. I will forever hold you in my heart.

Until I see you again
Love always
Eva

She did him in with those last words. Their attraction was mutual there was no doubt in that.
"Eva," he whispered her name. His heart squeezed in his chest at the overwhelming possessive feelings and the need to have her and protect her were prominent now more than ever since reading this.
The only way to protect her from harm and shame would be to marry her.
Why not?
He cared for her enough. She was on his mind constantly. She meant the world to him. She filled the void he never knew he had.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~

He finally in a haste explained everything to Caroline as she packed a light satchel of Eva's things. When she finally descended the steps and faced him speaking with Rosie, she handed it to him.

He could see the worry in her eyes for what was happening. But she understood there was no denying that her brother loved Eva and if Locksley was a threat he would move mountain and sea to protect her.

"I will be back within a week. I have left instructions with Penniford to send for Arlington or Brendan to keep an eye here in my absence. No one is to know the whereabouts of Eva until I return," he gently squeezed her hand.

"In that time I will send for Rosie and bring you both to visit her," with that they beemed with joy.

After kissing her on the forehead, he turned and strode out the door into the night.

~•~•~•~•~•~
It was passed midnight and she was deep in sleep when she felt the soft caress of a finger along her cheek.

Slowly her heavy eyelids fluttered open and her eyes focused on the beautiful face of the man that graced her dreams ever night. Her savior that always chased away the demons haunting her.
"I've returned," he whispered.

Her heart picked up its pace as his gaze was steady on her. It wasn't a soft gaze but a passionate one she has seen once before.
Her stomach clenched as she watched him rise and remove his riding coat, vest and his boots.

The contours of his body glimmered in the soft fire from the hearth. He stepped closer and climbed into bed beside her. A sort of feeling came over that her skin grew hot.

He pulled her close and she instinctively rested her head on his chest.
So confused she hesitated and looked up to his sleeping face.
"Adrian," she whispered.

He lay silent for while. She whispered his name again.

"Hmmm," drowsily he answered.

"Are you still angry with me?" her heart began to flutter.

"Sleep peach we will speak in the morning," he mumbled pulling her close.

She closed her eyes emotionally drained and so tired. Inhaling his scent, the feel of him so close to her made her body tremble.

The quiet comfort of his breathing made her drowsy. She drifted into a deep sleep.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

The windows glowed warm, an enchanting morning light danced along its closed drapes as some bright light escaped and touched the two sleeping figures with a soft gilding and sunny warmth.

The warm glow touched his face, he slowly awakened and stretched. A soft, slender body was curled into his own and he opened his eyes.
Eva was curled up against him with one arm around his waist, and he was laying almost on top of her, one slender, leg between his and snug against his groin.

He propped himself up on one elbow and gazed at her. Every instinct told him to touch her, to caress her, make her see how much he desired her and
Loved her.

The lushness of her body so close to his stirred his blood. He wanted to savor this moment.

God, but she was sweet, his little one, innocent and tart when angered yet passionate and bold when challenged.

She turned to him seeking his warmth and pressed herself to his body, burrowing her lips into his neck and clinging to him, her slender fingers draped over his waist. It felt delicious and he wanted more.

He tilted his head to the side and brushed a loose coil of her auburn lock from her face. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. It stirred her only a bit that she turned her face away giving him a better view of her.

He gazed into that beautiful face and stroked her soft cheek.
"Peach," his husky voice called to her.

He nuzzled his nose and lips near her throat and kissed her gently.

"Little one," he whispered again gazing down at her.
His head came down to her, and his lips touched hers.

Long dark lashes fluttered opened and her warm honey gaze focused on him.
"Adrian," she whispered back, in a soft voice rich with desire, sweet with drowsy passion.

For awhile they gazed at one another.

Then the look in her eyes pulled at him. It was a look of regret and shame. She lowered her gaze as if thinking of something to say. The moment prolonged and he could see her nose redden. The beginning droplets of tears formed on her lashes.
She looked up to him and he held that gaze passionately.
"I'm sorry, Im sorry for what I did," her lips trembled.
Adrian hushed her with a comforting murmur and kissed her forehead.

When he held her gaze again the next words that left his lips were as promising as anything as he ever said before.

"You'll have an eternity to make it up to me," he whispered.

His words seemed to catch her attention. And her eyes searched his.

"What do you mean?" she whispered fearing his answer.

He gazed into that beautiful face and stroked her silky hair. His head came down to her and whispered sweetly.
"I want to marry you," and his lips touched hers.

His blood stirred hot with wanting her. He released her mouth and moved his head back to stare down at her.

Her astonished gaze stared back at him.
"What about Alicia? You are to marry her." She panicked.

Adamantly he shook his head.
"No, I want to marry you,"

" Besides who better than me to keep you my precious peach out of trouble." His gaze glittered.

She lowered her gaze again. He could see her cheeks pinken with his words.

"Eva," he whispered her name.
She watched him dig in to his pocket and pulled out her letter.
She gasped.
Her heart slammed in her chest. Frantically she eyed the letter and she looked at him. She licked her lips nervously.

"I read it," he said.

She shut her eyes tightly full of embarrassment and dread.
She had boldly layed her heart out on paper and now he knows.

But when she heard his voice she looked at him again.

"I love you too, Eva. I always have and I always will,"

~•~•~•~•~•

Hello my lovelies
So sorry for the late post.
I want to send a shout out to all the new followers and sincere thank you for all the votes and comments. You guys are awesome
Keep them coming...
Again Thank you
Xoxoxo