Something tickled Marcus's nose, and he awoke with a start, only to discover that the culprit was none other than Mr Claws. The tabby cat stared back at him from atop Rain's pillow, where he sat at the top of her head. From her even breathing, she appeared to still be sleeping, so Marcus tried to shoo the cat away. To no avail. The animal had found the spot he preferred, and nothing could make him budge. How the cat had made it inside Marcus's room, he did not know. Most likely, he had snuck inside when the maid came to start the fire in the grate in the early morning.

Ignoring the feline's amber gaze, Marcus settled back down. He felt lighter than he ever remembered feeling in his life. Like a weight had lifted off his shoulders.

She's not leaving.

He drew in a deep breath. She would stay. This was fortunate because, after last night, her leaving would have crushed him. He was man enough to admit that much, at least. He wanted—no, he needed—Rain in his life.

Turning his head to watch her sleeping form, he reached out to trail a hand along the curve of her waist and hips. Last night had been amazing. And he wanted so much more. He wanted to make love to her in every way imaginable. Hear his name on her lips. Every moan and every gasp. They were all for him, and he would take great pleasure in coaxing them out. She was his now. And he was hers. Nothing would change that.

He rolled onto his side so he could place a soft kiss on her bare shoulder while the hand on her hip drew lazy circles on her skin. She made a low sound that was not unlike that of a purring cat. He smiled against her back. Maybe that was why animals were so drawn to her; she was partly one herself. Gripping her hip, he pulled her back against him where she fit neatly against his frame, even if he now had the top of her head by his lips. One disadvantage of being a tall man. Fortunately, he loved the smell of her hair. That recognisable scent of violets.

Mr Claws rose from the pillow and, after an accusatory glare as if cursing Marcus for stealing his comfortable spot, he turned around and left the bed. Having the bed and his wife to himself, Marcus slid his hand up Rain's chest to cup her breast. He loved how she felt in his arms. Soft and supple. Her breathing had changed cadence, so she was obviously awake. Bending his head, he placed a kiss below her ear.

"Good morning, darling," he murmured.

"Morning." She yawned and stretched in his arms, making her bottom push more firmly against him.

The need for her was instant and urgent. With a grunt, he flipped her onto her back and covered her with his body. It was still early. There was no need to get up yet. And they still had a lot of time to make up for. Rain smiled up at him as he bent to kiss her neck. Oh, he would give her something to smile about.

It was nearly noon by the time they left his bedroom. And his bed. He couldn't remember a time he had stayed in bed so late in the day, but he could see himself choosing to do so many times in the future if he shared it with Rain.

"You're smiling." She looked up at him from his side as they walked down the hallway.

"I'm happy." It was a simple statement, but it was true. He wasn't sure he'd ever felt this joyful and content before. It was all thanks to her. And he needed to tell her so.

She gave him a bashful smile. "Me too."

He nearly grabbed her and pulled her back to the bedroom. But there were things to do, and they had time. All the time in the world. His mind instantly conjured up several things he wanted to do to his wife, and he might have pushed her up against the wall right there if he didn't hear footsteps coming towards them. A moment later, the butler came around a corner.

"Your Graces." Bromley bowed low before addressing Marcus. "There is a gentleman here to see you, Sir. I showed him to your study. It is the same man who has been here a few times of late."

Thomson. Marcus nodded. "Thank you, Bromley. I shall go see him."

The butler disappeared down the hallway, and Rain pulled on Marcus's arm. "Who is it?"

"He works for the War Office and is our liaison for the missing list. Hopefully, he has some news." He hesitated for a moment, reluctant to leave her. "You could join us? This involves you too now."

Her eyes widened, but she nodded. It was only fair to involve her, considering the list had made her a target. Thomson stood from his seat as they entered the study a short while later. If such a thing were possible, he looked even more tired than last time. The dark skin under his eyes had deepened, his face was drawn, and his beard and hair looked as if he had forgotten to groom the last few days. That was not a good sign. Unless he had lost out on sleep due to diligence regarding the case.

"Thomson," Marcus said as he assisted Rain into the room and showed her to one of the comfortable chairs by his desk.

"Your Grace." Thomson bowed to Marcus, then to Rain. "Your Grace."

"It's nice to meet you," Rain said with a smile before sitting down.

Marcus remained standing next to her, his hand on her shoulder. Not wanting to lose time—he had things he would much rather do than sit in his office talking to Thomson—he said, "I hope there has been some progress?"

Thomson's eyes drifted from the hand on Rain to Marcus's face. He shook his head. "Not yet, I'm afraid. I was hoping to find out when Winter is due to return. I had hoped that the three of us could travel together to the inn where they found Mr Brown. Perhaps if we go together, we can discover something new."

"Winter has already been to the inn."

The agent's eyes widened. "Pardon?"

If they were ever to get anywhere, it was best if they shared as much information as possible. Marcus wanted the threat against Rain dealt with promptly, and maybe the best way to get that done would be to trust the War Office with what they knew and hope they would not waste their time on something Winter was already in the middle of investigating. But perhaps they knew something they had not told as well, which could be one of the missing puzzle pieces.

"Winter was there recently. Purely by accident. He had come across the address on another case, and we now believe the two cases are linked."

Thomson shot to his feet, his eyes flashing. "Why did you not tell me this sooner? This is important!"

Feeling Rain lean away from the agent, Marcus scowled. "Calm yourself, man. We didn't tell you because we weren't sure of its relevance yet. But the more I think about it, the more unlikely it seems that the two cases are not related."

The other man raked a hand through his hair before nodding. "Apologies," he muttered and sat back down. "What have you found out?"

"Not much," Marcus admitted. "But in some way, Lord Wyndon is involved. We discovered the address among his belongings."

"Lord Wyndon?" Thomson frowned. "That is most odd. He has not appeared in any of our enquiries. In what way do you think he's involved?"

Marcus squeezed Rain's shoulder gently, hoping to offer some comfort. "We don't know yet. He's in massive debt. Perhaps he has partnered up with Mr Brown in a desperate attempt to make some money from selling that list. Winter has travelled down to Devon to talk to him."

Thomson's eyes flew to his. "Do you think that is wise? Maybe I should have gone with him? The War Office could have offered back-up."

"Winter will be careful, I'm sure."

"I just wish you would have told me." Thomson sighed.

A soft knock on the door interrupted them. Marcus scowled. Bromley knew better than to disturb him when meeting someone in his study.

"Yes?" he called, trying to keep the annoyance out of his voice.

The door opened, and Bromley entered. "My apologies, Your Grace," he said. "But this letter arrived. Delivered by a rather unsavoury looking fellow, who said it was urgent. I thought it best to bring it to your immediate attention."

A prickle of unease tickled the back of his neck as Marcus took the piece of paper from the butler. Marcus opened the letter and skimmed it.

"Bloody hell," he muttered, and looking up, he gave Rain an apologetic look. "I fear I must leave for a few days. Winter requires assistance."

She stood, her hand lifting to her heart. "Is everything all right? Nick?"

He didn't want to lie to her. "I don't know the details, but he needs me to get a special license for him and Nick and bring it to her Devon estate posthaste."

"What?" Rain's eyes widened. "They are getting married? By special license?"

"That is not all. This letter contains code words Winter and I use to communicate when we don't want others to understand. He's telling me it's an emergency and to bring help. I am fairly certain he means the War Office. Whatever he discovered down there appears to have got them into trouble." This was most concerning. What could have happened? They were only meant to talk to Wyndon and investigate some letters from Nick's estate. How had it all gone wrong so quickly?

Rain's hand on his sleeve brought him back to the present. "I want to come with you," she said. "It's my sister."

He shook his head. "Out of the question. I'm sorry, Rain, but I am not risking your life. Not after the attempts on your life. I don't have time to drum up the help to travel with me straight away, so they will have to come later. I do not feel comfortable bringing you with me to what might be the lion's den."

She took a step back, her chin lifting defiantly. "So, what are you planning? Just leave me here with Mr Russell? I should be allowed to come and help."

Looking down at his stubborn wife, Marcus knew he could never lose her. Not now. Not ever. She may want to help, might even deserve to, but he could never risk her getting injured. Taking her arm, he gently pulled her further into the room, away from Thomson. She followed but kept glaring angrily.

"Darling," he said quietly, rubbing her arm with his hand, needing the connection between them. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you. It's too dangerous. Winter's message could only give me the bare details, so we have no way of knowing what we're walking into. So please, I beg you... Stay with Mr Russell."

Her gaze wavered. Then she sighed. "Very well, but you had better be back as soon as possible."

"Trust me," he mumbled. "I don't want to be away from you any longer than I have to."

She leaned up on her tiptoes, and he bent his head so she could give him a kiss. "You keep my sister safe," she said.

"I will." He frowned. "After everything that has happened here, I think I would feel better if you went to Winterbourne Hall for a few days. It's unlikely they have bribed or blackmailed any of the staff there since you are never in residence during the Season."

When it looked like she wanted to argue, he cupped her face. "Please, Rain. For my peace of mind."

She let out a puff of air but nodded. "If it will help."

"It will." He turned to Bromley, who still hovered by the door. "Bromley, send for Mr Russell, please. I need him to escort my wife to Winterbourne Hall."

"Sir," Bromley said. "I am sad to inform you that Mr Russell had to leave. He received a note from his wife that one of the children is rather poorly. He left his sincere apologies and said he had sent a note for a replacement. No one has arrived yet."

Bloody hell. Marcus looked down at Rain as possibilities chased across his mind. He didn't want just anyone from the agency. He had chosen Russell for a reason. The man had the right background and personality for this type of work. While their agents were all good men, they all had distinct skill sets. Winter's note had made it clear it was urgent, so he couldn't waste time by going by the agency to find the right man for the job. Bugger.

"I could take her."

They all turned to Thomson. Marcus had to admit he'd almost forgotten the man's presence.

"If you need to leave," the agent said. "I can watch your wife if you are worried about her safety. We can travel to your country estate today as soon as she's packed."

Uncertain, Marcus shifted from one foot to the other. Thomson had worked with them at the War Office for many years and was a competent agent. It wasn't the man's fault everyone was failing on this particular case, no matter how much grief Marcus had been giving him about it. And there was no way he would leave without someone keeping Rain safe.

"It sounds like the best plan," Rain said. "If I cannot come with you, and Russell is gone... Mr Thomson and I can travel, and you can always have someone else follow in a day or so."

He nodded. He could leave a note at the agency to have Hemsworth go to Winterbourne Hall. "Thank you, Thomson. If you don't mind, that would be much appreciated."

The other man bowed. "I'm only happy I can help. This might be what we need to solve the case. You should make haste to help Winter."

"Thank you, again." He turned to Rain and took her hands in his. Lifting them to his face, he placed a soft kiss on her knuckles. "I will be back as soon as I can. Stay safe. Listen to Thomson. If he senses danger, he will tell you what to do."

"You stay safe too." She moved into his arms and he embraced her.

Leaving her was the last thing he wanted to do, but he couldn't ignore the cry for help from Winter. He buried his nose in her hair, not caring that Thomson and Bromley were still in the room. Closing his eyes, he breathed in that alluring scent of violets that would forever remind him of Rain. His hands at her waist flexed. This trip had better not take too long. He opened his eyes and looked at Thomson.

"Keep her safe," he said gruffly.

Thomson nodded. "Trust me. I will protect her with my life."

Reluctantly, Marcus let go of Rain. They both needed to pack and leave. Bowing his head, he kissed her one last time. "I will be back as soon as I can."

She smiled briefly. "You better be."

Without looking back, he left. Mainly because he wasn't sure he would have been able to leave, had he looked back to see her.

~~~~~~