The three laughed and parted ready, yet nervous that if all went well, in a day’s time Decimus would be no more.
Mary rolled over in bed that night to hug her husband, her hand roaming down the length of him teasing him into attention.
He responded immediately growing large in her hand.
“You have not been well, I thought not to disturb you.”
She squeezed him hard and he grabbed her hand.
“Be careful, you make me want you with a need so strong—”
She squeezed him harder, her need as desperate as his.
In a flash he had her on her back and he was slipping over her and into her as he ravished her mouth with demanding kisses. She responded with the same demand and hungry need, welcoming him into her and holding tightly to him as they loved strong and hard.
Their joining left them breathless, their bodies damp, and their hearts beating wildly. They held hands, lying on their backs and staring at the ceiling as their breathing calmed and their bodies cooled.
Neither spoke, their minds on opposite thoughts.
Decimus felt the heavy weight of their future parting on his heart. Each day they spent together was one day closer to their last day. How would he ever let her go? How would he be able to live without her?
His mind reeled with the tormenting thoughts, but he would not let her know. He had to see that she and his child were safe and free from harm and able to live a good life. And that meant he could not remain with them.
He loved her with all his heart and she would take his heart with her when she went, for he would never love again.
Mary thought of the day after next and how they would be free to live and love. She would not let her plan fail. She was even more determined now after making love with him. She could not think of a future without him beside her. Whether making love, snuggling together in bed, holding hands as they did now, she could not bear the thought of their binding love not continuing.
She thought him admirable for wanting to continue to help the innocent but not at the cost of their love. He could do more by living his life, having a family, and teaching the innocent to defend themselves.
He rolled onto his side and stroked a finger along her face. “Never forget how much I love you.”
“You need not worry that I would ever forget you or your love.” She smiled and gently touched his face while silently adding. I take both with me.
Chapter 36
Mary entered the hall early the next morning to find it a buzz of activity. The servants rushed about and Decimus’s men ate with a hurried flourish. One look at Reena and Brigid and she knew there was a problem.
Decimus walked up to her before she reached the dais. “I will be leaving after the noon meal.”
Mary ignored the decorum of a proper wife and demanded, “How long will you be gone?”
Her husband turned a sharp tongue on her. “Do not question my actions, wife.”
She continued to defy him, needing to know if it was but hours or days that he would return. “I have not been feeling well and you, my husband, should be concerned and not ride off for days.”
Decimus glared at her and she knew he attempted to warn her to hold her tongue. “Whether days or weeks, it concerns you not.”
“It does,” she said with a shout and fled the hall.
Decimus followed her to their bedchamber slamming the door shut. “What is wrong with you, challenging me like that in front of my men?”
“I do not want you to go away,” she said, anxiously ringing her hands. “How long will you be gone?”
He walked over to her and took her trembling hands in his. “A week at least, perhaps longer. I have been summoned to address a church council.”
That was not good. They could not wait a week to carry out the plan. Decimus had already made it known that Magnus’s visit was to be brief. And without everyone’s help, the plan was not possible. If she did not free Michael now, she did not know when she would get another chance.
He looked concerned. “Are you not feeling well, Mary?”
She shook her head. “Just anxious about your absence. I wanted us to have all the time together we could.”
“I will do my best to return as soon as possible.” He kissed her cheek. “Rest and visit with your friends, but they must be gone before my return.”
His words settled it for her. It was today or never.
She wrapped her arms around him, held him tight, and whispered in his ear, “Remember, no matter what, I love you.”
A knock at the door interrupted them.
“I love you too,” he said softly and with a worried look he stepped away from her and raised his voice. “You will obey me, wife, and I will hear no more of your foolish tongue.” He flung open the door and one of his men stood there. Decimus stormed out of the room, leaving the stunned man to close the door behind him.
Reena and Brigid arrived at her bedchamber shortly after Decimus left.
“We do this today,” Mary said before anyone could speak.
“What of Roarke?” Reena asked.
“Someone will need to go and tell him the plan has been changed and that it is urgent we implement it before Decimus can leave.”
Reena volunteered since she knew where Roarke could be found in the woods. Brigid was left to inform Magnus and Thomas.
“They will have no choice but to help us,” Reena assured her friend. “And do not let them batter you with questions and demands. Tell them what they must do and if they refuse, or attempt to dissuade or change the plan, then remind them that all of our lives will be in danger.”
“Decimus told me they leave after the noon meal, so that is when we attack,” Mary said. “His men will be gathered in the hall to eat before departing. The servants will be about, we will have a good crowd to witness my husband’s and my confrontation.”
“We finish here in the bedchamber,” Brigid confirmed. “I will make certain the blood is available and all evidence cleaned away afterward.”
“Where will you go?” Reena asked, close to tears.
“I do not know. I only know that Michael and I will be together.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “If I do not get a chance to thank you or bid you both farewell, know how much I appreciate all you have done for me.”
The three women hugged and rushed off knowing little time was left for them to set the plan into action.
It was not long before Magnus burst into her bedchamber and forcefully shut the door behind him.
“You cannot be serious about this plan,” he said, walking up to her.
Dressed all in black and his eyes aglow with anger, he looked like a demon about to descend on her. But Mary held her ground, her chin high and her stance firm.
“I will not lose the man I love. I will set him free with or without your help.”
His eyes lost some of their heat. “You should have come to me and I—”
“There is no time to think of what I should have done. I made my choice, and now you must make yours. Do you help me or not?”
“You know I will help you,” he said exasperated. “How could I not?”
“When this is done you will have fulfilled your promise to my parents. You will finally see me safe. No one will ever hunt me again—I will be dead.”