The storm broke as his carriage left the grounds. A bolt of lightning terrified the horses and the vehicle slewed across the road. The front right wheel shattered with a crunch as it slammed into one of the stone markers along the road, and the entire carriage slumped to the side.
In the pouring rain, the scene illuminated by flashes of forked lightning against the lowering sky, Blackthorne leaped free of the foundering vehicle and made his way towards the horses, trapped in their traces and screaming with terror. Realizing in a moment that they would harm themselves if not freed quickly, the Captain drew a small but razor-sharp dagger from his boot. With the agility of a monkey, he surged up and over the side of the carriage, climbing out on the limber shaft to slice at the various straps that imprisoned the hysterical animals.
The driver had been thrown aside in the initial collision and he staggered out of the gloom to help, but the flashing hooves of the horses kept him well back and he watched in amazement as Blackthorne risked life and limb to cut the horses free. Within minutes, both animals slipped out of their traces and galloped away into the storm.
"
They'll be back," nodded Blackthorne, jumping back down the road again and clapping the driver on the shoulder. "
They're scared right now, but that will fade quickly and then they'll come back looking for a dry place to weather the storm.
"Wait for them here, in the shelter of the gatehouse, and have the ostler send word when they're back in the stables, and let me know if either is hurt."
Soaking wet, the big man turned away and stalked back towards the house. As he approached the lighted windows, he could see his wife and the lovely Rowene sitting together. His desire boiled over and he stalked into the drawing room, still dripping, his clothes plastered to his body.
His blood pounded in his ears as he moved toward them. He shook his head like a dog to drive away the rain and pulled off his coat, discarding it, sopping wet on the polished wood floor. His linen shirt, wet through, clung to his massive frame, his muscles plainly visible as he breathed deep with desire.
"
Now!" he commanded. "
I want you now. Both of you. Here in front of the servants, or upstairs in private, I do not care. I have come close to death this evening and I will not shy away from my heart's desire."
He reached out a hand to each of them to pull them to their feet.