Hello my fellow readers and fans!! I'm so sorry for the wait, I've been in a lot pain lately - I don't know if I've ever mentioned this but I have Fibromyalgia and it's where your joints swell up and your nerves feel hyper-sensitive . . . sometimes it's a good day and sometimes it's a bad week . . . but I've have it since 09 so . . . what're ya gonna do, huh?

Well enough of my sob storry of an excuse, please enjoy this chapter and don't forget to read the A/N at the bottom!! IT CONCERNS THIS BOOK AND I NEED EVERYONE'S HELP ON IT!!

Now enjoy!! :)

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Chapter 17

“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”

- Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul

*Hadrian*

“Dear god,” Matthew Dalting, breathed, “I assume Lady Vale is alright?”

“She’s fine, a little shaken but strong.” Hadrian answered. He clenched his fists and watched as his other friend, Lord Delmont, stroke his chin thoughtfully. He glanced out the window for a while and then spoke.

“You are sure that there are no definite clues? Maybe something you’ve overlooked?” Devin suggested. Hadrian shook his head.

“As soon as Rhea left I scoped both bedrooms, nothing was left that would hint who the intruder was. I’ve notified a fellow Bow Street Runner about the incident. I’m hoping he’ll get more information.”

“It does seem unusual, who would want to harm you? What reason could they have?” Matthew asked. Hadrian sighed and dragged a hand over his face, wearily.

“I do not know. Besides the obvious, I did not call you over for this alone. Have you ever heard of a man named Lord Carson Utteridge?” Hadrian questioned, narrowing his eyes at his friends.

Matthew dwelled on it for a moment before shooting Hadrian a look, “Wasn’t he the fellow at your wedding?”

“Yes, he was.”

“Why would you bring him up?” Devin raised an eyebrow at his friend.

“Rhea’s father came to me, not long ago, and told me that Lord Utteridge approached him with a political stance, very similar to my own.”

Matthew smiled, “This is not very unusual, my friend, I’m sure you are over-reacting.”

Hadrian shook his head. “In the country, I had men find out more about Utteridge and his background, but they came empty handed – there is no Carson Utteridge, it was a forged identity.”

Devin straightened on his divan, gazing at Hadrian curiously, “What about Utteridge’s whereabouts? How was he able to have access to any political outing?”

Hadrian shook his head once more, “Of that, I have no clue,”

“Why don’t we pay the man a visit?” Matthew inquired.

“He has disappeared, gone; like he never existed. I think he was catching on that someone knew about him.” Hadrian explained. “I’m anxious to find the man; he’s spoken to my wife on several occasions.”

“Have you asked her about him?”

Hadrian scowled, “I don’t want to include her in any of this. She need not worry; I’ll handle it on my own. Besides, she does not need more on her plate after the break-in.”

Matthew stared at Hadrian, bemused. “Wouldn’t it be better for her, that way she could notify you should she see him?”

“I’m assured the man has left the country completely, he won’t approach my wife, not when I’m watching out for him.”

Devin stood and so did Matthew, “We’ll look out for anything, I’ve got my own friends who would not mind to see more into this.”

“I appreciate your help.” Hadrian nodded.

Matthew grinned, “No worries, my friend, I’ve become fond of your wife.”

“Watch you words,” Hadrian warned. Matthew threw back his head and laughed.

“Ah, Hadrian, you are becoming a bright-eyed young boy again.” Matthew chuckled. He narrowly missed Hadrian’s fist to his shoulder and laughed louder.

Hadrian had Clarke show them out and poured himself a glass of brandy, shaking his head. He dwelled on Matthew’s words and gave a harsh laugh, knowing they were true and was not certain he could rid himself of them.

*Rhea*

Rhea giggled as Leia went on about how her father and mother argued about whether or not Leia should marry the young Lord Harrington, who was known for his awkward moments, hairy body and disgusting habits.

Leia had made a face at the mere mention of the poor man’s name.

“I cannot marry that-that boy! I will not.” Leia cringed, just thinking about life with Harry Harrington. “Good god, even his name is a warning, Rhea. Thank goodness for Papa, he outright protested that I would marry the buffoon.

Rhea let out another chuckle, “Oh poor you, I can just imagine . . . Leia Harrington. Maybe he shall give you his hairiness upon marriage.”

“Please, do not speak of him again. I will not marry him, no matter how much money the man has.” Leia shivered and brushed her lap, as if absently flinging off Harry’s presence. “Enough about my dreadfully boring life. How was the country?”

Rhea’s eyes lit up and she divulged into the beautiful land of the Country and the various sights that she had seen. She talked about the townspeople that Hadrian had introduced her to and the many friends she had made. “Oh, Leia, it was wonderful, Hadrian was the absolutely amazing.”

Leia smiled slightly, “You sound as if you have already fallen in love with him.”

Rhea looked down at her lap and sighed. She could feel her friends eyes widen at the indirect confession. “Oh Rhea, how could you?” she asked softly.

“It was not by choice,” she whispered, “He is just . . . I do not know how to explain it, Leia, but I couldn’t help it. He’s caring and gentle; he understands and listens to me. How could I not?”

Leia sighed lightly, knowing that she could not blame her friend for falling for her husband. “But ‘Tis so soon, Rhea, how do you know if Hadrian will return the feelings?”

Rhea bit her lip and shook her head. “I’m sure he has some feelings for me, if not just simple affection. I know he does, I swear it.”

Leia surrendered to her friend’s resolute feelings on the matter. She was only afraid that Lord Vale might not return the feelings for her friend and that would surely break Rhea’s heart. She did not want that for her friend.

Rhea suddenly glanced up with a stern expression. “I will make him fall in love with me. He will do so eventually, of course, but I shall speed up the pace.”

Leia held back from speaking. She would let Rhea fancy herself, but soon she would have to bring her out. Perhaps if she would just see them together it would help put matters into perspective.

Yes, that is what she would do, Leia thought.

“Forget about the matter for now, Leia. I have something to tell you.” Rhea said. Leia stared at her, crinkling her brows and nodded for her to speak. “Someone broke into the Vale Manor while we were gone.”

Leia gasped and her eyes widen. “How? Who would want to break into the duke’s home?”

“I’ve not a clue. Hadrian would not speak to me about it. I think the matter is more than it seems. Even Clarke wouldn’t tell me.”

“Have you asked Hadrian?”

“Not yet, but I’ve a means to do so. He promised he would tell me if something was the matter, but I’m not sure if he would say the truth.” Rhea sighed, convinced that her husband was hiding from her.

“Perhaps you are overreacting, Rhea. Mayhap he does not care to worry you?” Leia suggested. Rhea gave a light shrug and lapsed into silence, dwelling on the matter.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure he’ll notify you should it become serious.” Leia persuaded. She was sure, too, that Hadrian may be hiding the truth from Rhea but she agreed that Rhea need not worry about the matter. She was curious, though, as to who would intrude Lord Vale’s home and why.

Hopefully, Rhea would not get pulled into some madness and it would only be a coincidence.

“Maybe, but I’ll let it go for now.” Rhea glance at the large grandfather clock and realized that she would have to be heading back to the manor to set up supper for Hadrian. She started standing, her friend following her lead. “I’m afraid I must be leaving now. I must get started on supper.”

“I must say, it will take some time for me to get acquainted to you being married. I am used to spending hours with my old, unwedded friend.” Leia smiled sadly.

“As am I, but I shall make time for my friends. Perhaps we shall have a picnic; I’ll invite Beth and even that handsome, young Lord Dalting.”

As expected, a blush tinted Leia’s cheeks and she waved at Rhea. “Alright, I’ll be expecting it!”

Rhea hugged her friend tightly and Leia escorted her to the door and watched as she entered her carriage.

Rhea came from the kitchen and wandered to the dining room. Hadrian was just coming from his study and smiled when he saw Rhea. He captured her around the waist and pulled her to him.

Rhea’s heartbeat sped up and she felt herself go breathless staring up into Hadrian’s warm chocolate eyes. His arms tightened around her, pulling her flush against him.

She shivered in awareness, feeling all the hard contours of Hadrian’s body. He smirked at her, as if reading her mind.

“I’ve missed you this afternoon. How was Lady Edmond?” he asked, his voice husky and soft.

“She was well my lord.” Rhea answered, trying to stop the blush that would come to her cheeks because of the way Hadrian was fingering her bottom lip, enthralled by the texture. Rhea enjoyed what Hadrian was doing, trying to urge him to lean down and kiss her.

“Did you not miss me?” Hadrian asked, coming back to look at her. Rhea stopped herself from stammering out a ‘yes’. Hadrian grinned at her and leaned down to kiss her quickly before pulling back.

Rhea gave him a frown and he laughed at her, unable to not steal another kiss from her glistening lips.

“Come, sweetheart, let’s eat. We have all the time in the world afterwards to remove that beautiful pout of yours.” Hadrian watched as Rhea’s cheeks finally became more apparent with her blush.

He chuckled lightly and pulled her along with him to start their supper. Rhea basked in his praises when he commented how wonderful supper was and practically devoured the honey pastry she had the cook make, a famous dessert her mother would make for her and her father on many occasions.

When he was done he sat back and finished his claret and watched in silence as Rhea finished her dessert. When she finally caught him watching she flushed and looked down. She heard his chuckle and couldn’t help but crack a small smile. She knew she was prolonging the time when they would go upstairs to his bedroom but she felt bold and deliberately made him wait so she could finish.

Unfortunately, Hadrian caught on to her game and stood abruptly, taking her into his arms while she was halfway to finishing and carried her upstairs to his room.

He dropped her down gently on the bed and held her face in his hands, making her stare straight into his eyes. She tried to pull away but he wouldn’t let go.

“Remember what I said earlier?” Hadrian asked softly, leaning in to touch his lips to her throat; trailing kisses up to her ear. She closed her eyes and shivered, not expecting the delicious feeling of his warmth.

He continued to kiss around her face; neck, cheeks, chin, jaw, forehead but not her lips; he avoided them completely. She made a noise of frustration and felt Hadrian’s smile on her neck.

“What did I say? Tell me, sweetheart.” Hadrian urged. His hands ran up and down her arms before switching to her sides; stroking them slowly.

“Y-you said . . .” Rhea whispered. Hadrian brushed his lips back and forth that sweet spot beneath her ear.

“Yes?”

Oh goodness, how on earth was she supposed to concentrate when he was doing amazing things to her body? She couldn’t make a coherent sound, moaning from the pleasant feeling.

“You said that . . . w-we would have all the time in the world t-to remove my frown.” She didn’t know if she should be relieved or frustrated that he moved away from her.

She gazed at him and narrowed her eyes when she caught him smiling amusedly.

“That’s precisely what I’m going to do, my love.”

And he did just that, slamming his lips down on hers in a frenzied action ruled out by desire. Rhea was overwhelmed by the emotions swirling around but opened up to Hadrian and allowed him to convince her that she was his and his alone.

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Alright guys, here's the deal. I've been getting a lot of complaints about my first chapter! I know it's got a bad beginning and it's making people not want to read the story so I need you guys to either message me or comment on whether or not I should rewrite the entire chapter or just leave it.

Please be honest guys - I know it's bad, trust me! But I don't want to make people angry that I didn't let them know I was changing Chapter 1. So Please do that for me (IT WOULD MEAN A LOT)

Hope you guys enjoyed the Chapter (Don' forget to show your support)!!!

Anna ;)