Three years ago...

The music inside the ballroom changed into a waltz.

Ralph stared as the beautiful woman beside him smiled at the sound of the music.

As if spellbound, he asked, "What will I have to do to know your name?"

She turned to him and scoffed. "Are you not getting tired of asking?"

"Perhaps I should ask my sisters."

She vehemently shook her head. "They shall never tell."

"Then perhaps I should kiss the answer from your lips."

Her eyes widened at his bold words. And then she chuckled.

To his surprise, she jumped to her feet and whirled around to stand before him. "My kiss is not for free."

"It is not?"

"You will have to pay for it."

*****

"You are truly odd," Ralph said to Alex, breaking the silence inside the carriage.

Alex frowned. "How many times d'ye have te say that?"

"As many as I could," he retorted with a shake of his head. "You demand for payment every time I kiss you yet you provide me with a punch and a kiss as change."

Alex rolled her eyes. "I don't have anythin' te give, guv."

Ralph leaned against his seat, arms crossed over his chest. His lips curved into a sneer. "You kissed me, bandit. Why?"

"Ack!" Alex huffed, turning away. "I'm regrettin' it, guv."

"Come on," he taunted, lightly nudging her foot with the tip of his boot. "Why did you kiss me back, Alex?"

Alex appeared to have no interest in providing a reply at first but she eventually snapped her head to look him in the eye and say, "Because I wanted te."

Ralph was completely taken aback. He was almost certain Alex was not the kind to admit anything like it. He blinked and swallowed. "And?" he could not help but ask.

Her frown deepened. "And what?"

"Did you enjoy it as well?"

"I was pressin' ye against the wall, aye? That's answer enough, ye oaf."

Ralph crossed his legs, growing uncomfortable at the reminder. "Yes," he carefully replied, "but that was before I took over and had you pinned on the same wall. I should say I enjoyed it more."

A flash of something, raw and hot, crossed her beautiful grey eyes. "Aye, but 'twas 'fore I pulled yer shirt from yer breeches, guv. I was likin' it more."

Ralph swallowed the growl that threatened to escape. Moistening his lips and cocking an eyebrow, he retorted, "That was before I unbuttoned your dress halfway, bandit."

"Nae," she said, swallowing hard, "'twas after I took me hands under yer shirt."

Ralph was the first to give up with a loud groan. "Bloody hell, woman, simply tell me you enjoyed it."

Alex grinned with victory. "'Cors I did, guv. I woulna 'ave dreamt of it if I didn't."

Ralph wiped the sweat off his temple. "But you walked away."

She shrugged. "I dinna find any use te continue. There's no bed in sight."

"Bloody hell," he growled, clenching his fists. "If you do not stop, I might pull you over my lap right now."

"Nae, you wouldn't," she said, shaking her head.

"You dare?"

"We wouldna' have enough time, guv," she said with a wink.

"What did you dream about then?" he challenged.

"Tea," she shrugged. "Among others, 'cors."

"Tea?"

"'Cos ye tasted like tea, guv. 'Twas in yer tongue," she further taunted.

Ralph could have offered a better retort if he was not thinking of their destination, but he stopped because they were going somewhere. If they were to continue this conversation any longer, Ralph was certain he would order the carriage driver to a different route to prove to Alex just how much time they had.

He peered through the window. They were near the Mary House. When he looked back at Alex, her face was once more serious.

"Did you truly dream about it?"

Her eyes flickered with annoyance. "Oi, stop now, guv, or I'll never kiss ye again."

Ralph's eyes widened and he gulped. "Again?"

She gave him a look of warning.

"You shall never hear me ask about your erotic dream again, bandit."

*****

When Alex climbed down the carriage, she could not help but look around her. Although she had been feeling as though she was floating in a dreamlike state after the intimate kiss she shared with Ralph yesterday, she still could not erase from her mind the apprehension.

She had spent her waking hours wondering if the man who visited her in Lord Hastings' estate was anywhere near. When would he come for her again? How? What would he need from her?

"Dreaming?" Ralph's voice brought her back.

She sent him a darting look, causing him to chuckle and wink at her, just as the door to the Mary House opened. A middle-aged butler greeted them and immediately took them to a private chamber and away from the bustling main rooms where the club's members gathered to drink and play cards.

"Lady Mary extends her welcome. She is currently indisposed, but is hoping to meet with you later for supper," informed the butler. "Master Mac shall be here shortly. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to ring for any of the servants."

"Thank ye, mon," said Alex, striding to the nearest chair. Ralph followed shortly after the butler closed the door, leaving them alone. He settled at the seat across from her.

"Are you nervous?" he asked her.

She shrugged. "I've not seen 'im fer many years. I'm nervous he'll not recognize me."

"He will, trust me."

She looked doubtful. "Ye didn't."

Ralph sighed. "Will you ever forgive me for it?"

"When this is all over, guv, and we meet again after three bleedin' years and ye recognize me, I'll reconsider," she said with a smirk.

Something crossed his eyes and his jaw tightened. His reaction did not make Alex any comfortable. Perhaps it was best to avoid the topic of going their separate ways.

*****

When McKenzie Haverston entered the room, Alex and Ralph stood to their feet, anxious to see the men accompanying him.

Alex was not prepared to see the man who, apart from her father, had once been her hero. Behind Lord Belverst stood an aging man, his hair all white and his beard a white mess that reached almost his chest. The man whose large and erect posture once induced fear was now reduced to a mere hunched being who would not even meet her eyes.

"Perhaps it is best that you leave us for a moment, my lord," Ralph addressed Lord Belverst.

The man scowled, but Jeremy Briars spoke, saying, "'Tis alright, milord."

"Hmph," Lord Belverst uttered before making a sharp turn to leave but not without saying a final warning to Ralph and McKenzie. "He came here a free man, he shall leave a free man."

Once they were alone, the caveman lifted his eyes and sought Alex's.

She took a step forward, no longer in doubt. This man was the Jeremy Briars they were looking for.

"Jeremy," she said in haste, rushing toward him. "Oh, Jeremy!"

"Bleedin' hell, child, I dinna believe when they said yer in town!" the man whispered, clasping both of Alex's hands. His wrinkled face crumpled even further as he frowned down at her. "But what the bleedin' hell are ye doin' here? Does Gustav know yer here? Is he in trouble?"

Alex shook her head. "Nae, Jer, he's alright. He should be alright, see?" Avoiding the man's gaze, she turned him toward a chair. "Sit down."

But Jeremy Briars stood his ground, his grip tightening around Alex's hands as he glowered at Ralph and McKenzie. "What's a Haverston 'n an Everard doin' with ye, lass?"

"They're friends, Jer," Alex provided, "Friends askin' fer help."

"'Bout what?"

Ralph took the opportunity to speak. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Briars. I am Ralph—"

"Ye both are Guards," Jeremy said with spite.

McKenzie Haverston cleared his throat. "We are not here to bring you trouble, Mr. Briars. We merely wish to acquire your help. I am certain Lord Belverst has explained the matter to you."

"Please, Jer," Alex pleaded, looking at the man with desperation. "We've traveled far te find ye. A woman 'n a child's life's at stake. Please."

"A woman 'n a child?"

"Please, Mr. Briars, if you take a seat, we will be happy to answer your questions," Ralph offered.

Jeremy Briars slowly reconsidered and making up his mind, he took small but weak steps toward the chair. Alex went to stand beside him as if she was his daughter, ready to support him.

"What've ye gotten yerself into, lass?" Jeremy asked.

Alex chose not to provide a reply. Instead, she looked at Ralph and McKenzie, urging them to start talking with her eyes.

"A woman and a child are currently being held captive by a group of men," Ralph began, taking the chair across from Jeremy. His eyes held the old man's as he talked. "The woman, her name is Sophia, is someone very important to me and my family. The child was captured with her mother, Aurora, but it was only weeks ago when Aurora was found dying in the Dark Forest." His jaw tightened as he added, "She later died begging for her child's safety along with Sophia's who, we believe, is together with the child as we speak. We fear for every day they spend missing."

"We also believe there are others with them," McKenzie Haverston added. Jeremy looked at the two men but said nothing.

"We have reason to believe that they are being kept in the deepest part of the Dark Forest," Ralph continued.

Everyone waited until Jeremy understood the details given to him. And when he did, all he said was, "Ye believe I can help ye find 'em."

Alex kneeled down to level her gaze with the old man. "Ye know every inch of the place, Jer. I know ye do."

Jeremy's eyes bored into hers. He slowly drew a long breath as he shook his head. "D'ye know why I left the Dark Forest, lass?"

Alex swallowed. She shook her head. "Nae."

He looked at both Ralph and McKenzie before his gaze returned to her. "I killed a man, lass." His white beard moved as his jaw tightened. "They raped me wife." The anger in the old man's eyes was raw and intense. Alex would have believed he was still capable of killing again should the opportunity present itself. "'Twas why I was captured, lass. Went te prison fer it."

Her eyes watered as she remembered the dear woman who taught her how to speak like a gentry, the woman who gave her lessons on etiquette and manners. The same woman who promised to be her mother when hers died. "Me 'Pa didn't tell me."

"Gustav gave me his word, lass," Jeremy muttered. He turned his head toward Ralph and McKenzie. "I'm no longer interested in helpin' the League on anythin'. I'm certain they're behind this investigation." But before anyone could disagree, Jeremy added, "The last time I did, I gained me freedom but lost me wife in return." He turned to stare at Alex. "She was never the same after the rape. The melancholy won over. Even after we came here te start a new life, it wasn't enough."

A single drop of tear fell from Alex's eye. "I'm sorry, Jer. I'm sorry ye lost her."

The old man covered her hand with his with a gentle pat. "Ye were too young then, lass. And ye still are now. Go home, Alexandria. Yer 'Pa must be worried."

But Alex shook her head. "Jer, I was the one who found that dying woman, Aurora, in the Dark Forest. I promised to save her child. I can't go home yet." She covered his hand with hers. "So please, Jer, please help us."

At the reminder of the child, Jeremy's face tightened. "I hate helpin' the Guards."

Ralph and McKenzie made no comment as Alex said, "Aye, me too. But I focus on the child, Jer. She doesn't deserve all this."

Jeremy stole Ralph and McKenzie a glance. "Who's behind all this?"

"We are yet to find out," Ralph lied. Alex agreed that the less Jeremy knew, the safer it would be for him.

"I can't be yer guide," Jeremy said. "Even if I wish te, I can't. Me body's not the same as 'twas before."

Ralph nodded. "Anything you could provide us about the place would be equally useful."

"I've told the League 'bout the Dark Forest. I told 'em of a secret place where those bleedin' bastards keep 'em slaves. 'Twas in exchange fer me freedom."

Ralph and McKenzie shared a look.

"They never found it, that place," Jeremy further provided.

"It was not there?" Alex asked.

"Nae," said Jeremy. "They simply can't enter."

"How so?" Ralph asked.

"It's like that bleedin' place, Rock'oles. It's carved through a wall of rocks." He gave Alex a look of warning. "It's tricky, that place. I wouldna' go there, lass."

"But you have been there."

Jeremy nodded. "Once, aye. But the bandits that once were there joined 'em rebels. It's a rebels' place now. Nae one can't be there."

"The rebels have always been working in the background, waiting for the perfect time to overthrow the Leaders and takeover the Town," McKenzie provided. "But as far as we know, they do not have a facility in the Dark Forest."

Jeremy scoffed. "That's why ye can never catch 'em, guv. Yer not supposed te know. Yer not supposed te find 'em."

McKenzie looked at Ralph. "If that is true, it could be that the rebels use the slave trade as a means to support themselves and their cause."

Again, Jeremy scoffed. "If that is true," he mocked. Turning to Alex, he said, "Ye see why we can't trust 'em, lass? They can't even believe us."

Ignoring the spite, Ralph stood to his feet. "Would you care to draw us a map, Mr. Briars?"

"Nae, I can't," said Briars.

"You can't or ye won't?" asked Alex.

"I dinna know how te get there, lass," Jeremy said.

"I'm confused. Ye said ye've been there."

"Been outside, lass, not in. It's two dif'rent things. I once stood outside its walls, nothin' more."

Even Ralph and McKenzie were looking dumbfounded as well.

Jeremy sighed. "There's nae way into that place," he wryly said. "There's nothin' but windows as big as me palm on that wall. The League tried, see? Like me, they didn't go further. Why? Because ye can't find the entrance in the Dark Forest."

Alex's brows furrowed even further. "Then where is it, Jer?"

"Not 'ere," Jeremy said, pointing his finger upward.

Realizing what Jeremy was saying, Ralph cursed under his breath. "Bloody famous!"

Jeremy scoffed, a smirk on his wrinkled face growing, finding amusement in Ralph's frustration. "Aye, ye guessed right, guv."

It was McKenzie who gave Alex the answer she was looking for. "Bloody hell, it is aboveground."