“Only Stefan can protect me.” Her chin tilted as a thin, determined smile curved those tempting lips. “And that is precisely what he is going to do.”
“I am certain he will, once he discovers your…”
“No, I cannot wait for Stefan to rush to the rescue. You are already here, after all, pretending to be Stefan. There is no reason I cannot move into the town house. Tonight.”
CHAPTER FOUR
EDMOND’S FEATURES TIGHTENED, his admiration for Brianna’s courage being replaced by a dark, seething anger.
Did the woman think he was sweet, tender-hearted Stefan who could be manipulated by every pathetic waif who crossed his path?
Or did she believe his unmistakable lust for her delectable body gave her power over him?
“I can only presume that is some sort of jest.” His voice was low and cutting as he stepped to loom over her in a threatening manner.
Her breath rasped loudly in the still air, but she refused to back away.
“Not in the least. All of London believes that the Duke of Huntley is currently residing in his town house. Why would he not invite his ward to come and stay with him?”
“Not even a ward can stay alone in the home of a bachelor. You would be ruined.”
“Not if you hire a companion,” she retorted stubbornly.
He gave a sharp bark of laughter. “So now I am not only to have my privacy invaded by a pesky, unwanted ward, but also a middle-aged dragon?” he taunted. “You truly have lost your wits if you think I would consider such a ridiculous notion for even a moment.”
She hissed in frustration. “You would rather allow me to be hauled off by my stepfather and raped?”
Edmond ignored the tide of black contempt. Thomas Wade would soon be no more than a forgotten corpse. For now, Edmond
was much more concerned with this aggravating minx standing before him.
“I assure you that the matter will be dealt with.”
“Forgive me if I do not entirely trust such an ambiguous promise,” she retorted, her expression bitter.
“It will have to do.”
She remained silent for a brief moment, as if waging some inward struggle. Then, drawing in a deep breath, she met his glittering gaze squarely.
“No, it will not have to do.” Her voice wavered before she gathered her nerve and continued. “You seem to forget that I have a means of compelling you to take me into the town house.”
Edmond stilled, his predatory nature coiled and prepared to strike as he sensed danger. Reaching out, he grasped her shoulders, hauling her close enough that he was wrapped in warm lavender.
“Take care, Brianna, I do not respond well to blackmail.”
She swallowed heavily, but she was wise enough not to struggle against his biting grip.
“You have left me no choice,” she gritted. “Either you agree to take me in as your ward, or I will return to the ballroom and inform one and all that you are not Stefan.”
Edmond had been a powerful force in politics for the past eight years. He had intimidated, seduced, and at times deceived others into obeying his will.
Now this little wisp of a girl thought to bully him?
His fingers tightened. “You are a fool to threaten me, ma souris.”
“Not a fool, only desperate. I will not remain another night under the roof of my stepfather.”
With a jerk, he had her pressed against the door, his body leaning heavily into her slender form with an unmistakable warning.