Once Upon a Temptingly Ruinous Kiss - Bree Wolf Page 0,131

linen like rubies.

The air rushed from Claudia’s lungs, and the nausea in her stomach sent her flying from the bed. Her body tensed, revolted, and she sank to her knees, one arm reaching for the chamber pot. Then her insides contracted expelling last night’s dinner−and drink! −into the small bowl.

When it was over, she sank down, head resting against the side of the bed, her mind momentarily focused on drawing fresh air into her body. Her hand pushed the chamber pot away as the stench of its contents threatened to overwhelm her delicate hold on her body once more.

In her weakened state, Claudia felt numb and strangely detached. Her mind moved slowly as though it did not have the strength to provide her with what she sought: answers.

Still, despite an almost desperate desire to curl up into a ball and hide in a corner, Claudia knew that she could not pretend this had not happened − whatever this was!

Had she married William? Had they arrived in Gretna Green, sought out an anvil priest and−?

Claudia froze as an image drifted to the front of her mind, an image of William hanging his head in defeat, his eyes downcast and apologetic…as he had stepped away from her…and followed his elder brother, Viscount Crowemore, to their waiting carriage.

Again, panic welled up as her memories cleared.

Yes, they had come to Gretna Green, but they had not gotten married. William’s brother had found them first, ending their adventure by ordering his brother to return with him.

And William had complied.

He had bowed his head.

He had left her.

Shocked beyond words, Claudia stared across the room at the plain wall, reliving the moment disillusionment had set in. She remembered her feeling of betrayal when William had abandoned her, complying with his family’s wishes and a long-standing contract. He was to marry a duke’s daughter.

Not her.

Despite his promises, he had abandoned her.

Left her behind in Gretna Green.

Alone.

A distant part of Claudia’s mind tried to remind her that she had refused to accompany them back to England, cursing and yelling at the top of her voice. However, that part was soon shushed by the sense of betrayal and disappointment that washed over her.

Closing her eyes, Claudia wept for a dream ruined, for a life that was not to be, for the harshness of the world. Still, her emotional turmoil only managed to keep her mind silenced for a short while. Before long, it piped up once more, asking questions Claudia now feared to know the answer to.

If William had indeed returned to England with his brother, then who had slept beside her? Who had spent the night in her room? In her bed? Who had she been intimate with? A complete stranger?

It had to be, for what other answer could there be?

Gritting her teeth, Claudia pushed to her feet, doing her best to ignore the throbbing pain behind her temples as well as the slight swaying of the room. She glimpsed her clothes hanging over the back of a chair and slowly hobbled toward them.

Dressing proved to be quite a challenge in her state, and yet, it provided a momentary relief from the panic that threatened to consume her. Once that was taken care of though, her thoughts immediately refocused on that which she did not know.

And panic returned.

“No!” Claudia snapped, forcing herself not to succumb to this line of thinking for it would lead her nowhere.

What was to be done? Now that was a productive question. A question that needed an answer. Here and now.

“I need to get home,” Claudia said, feeling her mind clearing as she spoke. “I need to get back.” For no matter how angry her brother would be once he learnt what she had done, he would never turn from her. He could be a cold-hearted and unfeeling bastard, but he would not forget his obligation to her, his duty to see to his family.

Of that she was certain.

How to get home, on the other hand, was a different matter. After all, they had come here in William’s carriage, and as far as Claudia was aware, she did not have any money on her.

A frown drew down her brows, sending fresh pain through her head. How had she paid for the room? Or had−?

Loud footsteps echoed up the stairs outside her chamber, and Claudia froze. Her eyes were fixed on the door, and her mind was reeling with the thought that she was about to come face to face with whomever she had shared her