A Scandal By Any Other Name-Chapter 180 - Hundred And Eighty

The moment she got into the bed, Rowan moved with surprising speed. He reached out with his large arm and grabbed her around the waist.

He pulled her firmly against his side, which caused her to let out a little eep of pure surprise.

She tumbled softly against his solid warmth. He wrapped his arm securely around her, pulling her completely into the center of the bed. He held her close, pressing her back against his chest, tangling their legs together under the heavy velvet quilt.

He buried his face in the soft curve of her neck. He breathed in her scent, letting out a long, deeply satisfied sigh. He kissed her neck softly, his warm lips brushing against her pulse point. Then, he moved his head slightly and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss against her shoulder through the fabric of her dress.

"Rowan," Delaney whispered, her face turning a bright shade of pink in the dim light. She pushed lightly against his chest, careful not to hurt his ribs. "You must sleep."

Delaney turned to face him, shifting her body under the covers so they were lying side-by-side, sharing the same pillow.

She looked at his face. The fear was completely gone from his eyes, replaced by a profound, peaceful contentment.

But her mind was still racing with the massive, life-changing news Carcel had delivered. She needed to tell him everything and thank him too.

"His Grace found something about my family days ago," Delaney whispered softly, breaking the quiet silence of the room.

Rowan’s eyes snapped fully open. The lazy contentment vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp focus. He knew Carcel and Vance had been tearing the city apart looking for evidence regarding the Oakridge silk case.

Rowan shifted his weight slightly, wincing as his ribs pulled, but he ignored the pain. He reached out and began to play with the ends of her dark hair, twisting a soft curl around his long finger. He was listening attentively to every single word.

"Tell me," Rowan said, his voice low and serious.

Delaney took a deep breath. She looked into his eyes and began to tell him the entire, terrible truth.

Delaney continued, her voice remarkably steady despite the dark nature of the story. She told him about the hidden will Carcel had found in the dusty archives. She explained how her father had officially named her his primary heir, leaving her the entire Kingsley estate and fortune. She told him how her uncle Cole had found the copy, destroyed it, and stolen her entire life.

Then, her voice dropped to a cold, hard whisper. She told him about the coachman’s dirty, tear-stained confession. She explained Cole’s direct involvement in the carriage accident that had killed her parents.

As she spoke, she watched the reaction on Rowan’s face.

Rowan frowned deeply. The muscle in his jaw ticked violently. His eyes grew dark with a fierce, burning anger. He was visibly disgusted that a family member could do such a terrible thing simply because of greed.

He thought of his own family. He thought of how fiercely Ines and Aunt Margery loved him. To imagine an uncle murdering his own brother for money, and then selling the orphaned daughter to a monster like Hawksley, was completely incomprehensible to him.

"He paid the man to cut the leather strap," Delaney finished quietly, her hazel eyes completely dry. She had shed all her tears for her parents long ago. Now, she only felt a cold, sharp demand for justice.

She spoke, her voice ringing with a newfound, unbreakable strength. "That’s why I have to go back there. I have to return to my uncle’s house. I have unfinished business with them."

Rowan stopped playing with her hair. He looked at the fierce determination burning in her eyes. He saw a powerful, incredibly brave woman ready to reclaim her stolen crown.

Rowan smiled. It was a dark, incredibly proud smile.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead gently, his lips lingering against her warm skin.

"I know you will," Rowan murmured against her forehead. He pulled back slightly, his eyes shining with absolute admiration. "You are a very wicked woman, Delaney Kingsley. They should be absolutely afraid of you."

Delaney playfully hit his arm.

"Rowan!" She scolded him, trying to sound offended, but a bright smile broke across her face. She softened her voice quickly to avoid shouting and waking the household. "I am not wicked. I simply want what is rightfully mine."

Rowan chuckled softly. He reached out and took her hand again. He brought her small hand to his mouth and laid soft, lingering kisses on her knuckles, one by one.

"You will have it," Rowan promised her quietly. "Every single piece of it."

"Thank you." She said, remembering Carcel’s words of thanking him properly. She kissed his forehead.

Rowan smiled as he lowered their joined hands, resting them between their bodies on the white sheets. The playful mood faded, replaced by the serious reality of their situation.

Tomorrow morning, Delaney would leave Hamilton House. She would move to the Kingsley’s estate to wait for him to officially begin his courtship. She would face her cruel uncle. And Rowan would remain here, trapped in this bed, fighting Lord Farrington’s blackmail and trying to clear her father’s name with the Crown.

They were going to war, and they would be fighting on two different fronts.

"Don’t forget to write," Rowan spoke softly, his eyes entirely serious. He needed to hear from her. He needed to know she was safe. He squeezed her hand tightly.

"I won’t forget either," Rowan promised, his voice filled with absolute devotion. "I will write morning, noon, and night. I will send a footman to your family estate so often the staff will think he lives there."

Delaney nodded.

"I will," She promised softly. "I will read every single one."

Rowan let out a long, tired sigh. The physical exhaustion was finally dragging him under. He could not fight it anymore.

He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms fully around her waist again. He hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair. He kissed the her hair, completely relaxed by the feeling of her soft body against his.

Delaney wrapped her arms around his waist, careful of his bruised ribs. She held him securely, listening to the steady, strong beat of his heart.

"Take care of yourself, Delaney," Rowan whispered sleepily, his voice thick and fading. "Do not take unnecessary risks with your uncle. Wait for Carcel to secure the legal guards."

He took a slow, deep breath.

"When I’m done with Lord Farrington," Rowan vowed, his final words before sleep took him completely, "and when I have cleared your father’s case... I will call on you. I will bring the finest flowers in London."

Delaney nodded in his embrace. She closed her eyes, feeling incredibly safe, incredibly loved, and completely ready for the battles ahead.

"I will be waiting," Delaney whispered to the quiet room.