T. A. Chase

Angel’s Seduction- Part Fourteen

Angel’s Seduction copyright (c) 2006 T.A. Chase

Part Fourteen-

I’m still trying to figure out what the duke meant by his last statement when a rather rotund short man dashes into the room.

“He’s finally letting me get my hands on you.” The man tsks and tries to tug my blankets off.

I hold on to them for dear life. “Get your hands on me?” That statement would have caused me to cower if anyone but this man had said them.

“Yes, you poor thing.” The man grabs my hand and pulls me from the bed.

I stumble and my embarrassment is complete. Not only am I completely naked but now my scars are revealed. I hold my hands in front of my manhood and back into the nearest corner.

“I’m suppose to help you get dressed, my lord. His grace told me to.” The man bows. “I’m Lord Greyson’s valet, Johnson.”

I shake my head while keeping my eyes fixed on him. “If you can bring me my clothes, I can dress myself.”

No one had ever helped me dress since I was ten. My father made anyone who acknowledged me pay.

“Dress yourself? I won’t hear of it.” Johnson moves closer.

My eyes move from side to side. I’m trapped. In my heart, I know the valet is only trying to help me. My mind sees his hands reaching for me and I cry out, sliding to the floor. My arms cover my head and I wait for the first blow.

“Don’t touch me. Please don’t hurt me,” I beg.

Time slows for me as I curl in the corner. I have no idea how long I’ve been hiding. A strong hand grips mine. I flinch away. Even though it doesn’t let go, the hand doesn’t force me to stand.

“Angel, you’re safe. Come back from wherever you went.”

It’s Greyson and I hear the worry in his voice. Peeking over my forearm, I see that we are alone. I throw myself into his arms. I hear my voice, babbling but I can’t make out what I’m saying to him.

“Sh, Angel. It’s all right.”

“You should have let my father have me back,” I whisper against his chest. “I don’t know how to live a normal life.”

“I will never let your father hurt you again, Angel. It’s only been two days. We can’t rebuild your world that fast.” Greyson sets me back and smiles at me. “This is my fault. I didn’t think about Johnson and how you’d react to him.”

A hesitant knock sounds on the door. I press as close to him as I can get. He tells whoever is knocking to come in. Glancing over the duke’s shoulder, I watch as Johnson stands just inside the door.

“Your grace, is he okay?”

The concern I hear in the valet’s voice surprises me. When my own family doesn’t even recognize my existence, a complete stranger being worried about me is odd.

“Yes, Johnson. He’s fine now. Bring his clothes in and I’ll help him tonight.”

“No,” I interrupt. I didn’t want him to see my scars. “I can dress myself. I’ve been doing so since I was young.”

“Johnson, hand me the robe on the bed.” Greyson wraps my body in the silk fabric.

I manage to stand. Shame rushes through me. I walk up to Johnson and hold out my hand. He looks at it, then over at Greyson.

“I’m sorry. It wasn’t your fault.”

Greyson nods and the valet shakes my hand quickly.

“Do you want a bath,” the duke asks.

“No, I’ll take one tomorrow. I don’t want to cause any more trouble. Is my uncle still here?” I held myself together by the merest of threads. I really want to climb in bed, cover my head and forget about the world outside.

“Yes, he’s waiting downstairs. I’ll let him know you’ll be down in a few minutes.” Greyson kisses my cheek and leaves, herding Johnson out in front of him.

I sit on my bed and pick up the clothes Johnson had laid out for me. The shirt is of the finest linen. The pants are the long pipe-stem style Brummell brought into fashion. I run my hands over the soft golden brocade of the waistcoat.

I wonder where these clothes came from. They certainly weren’t mine. I’ve never had anything so nice. As I stare at these new clothes, I feel something crack inside of me. A door opens in the depths of my soul. Light shines in and I see the possibilities. A new life is there for me if I reach out to take it.

Thursday, June 29th, 2006, by and is filed under "Uncategorized ". You can leave a response here, or send a Trackback from your own site.