What You Desire (Anything for Love 1)

“How in blazes did he know you had it?” James asked, sitting upright, his expre

ssion darkening.

Sebastian shrugged. “It appears he is quite cunning, particularly when he has been betrayed.”

The sound of a china cup clattering against a saucer caught Sebastian’s attention. He glanced at Annabel Beaufort, whose pallor was ashen and whose countenance was suddenly altered to that of a startled rabbit. James retrieved the cup and saucer and placed it on the tray before taking her trembling hands in his.

Suppressing a pang of guilt for his tactless approach, Sebastian thought it best to reveal what he knew of Annabel’s situation. The sooner he understood the facts, the sooner he could determine Dampierre’s motives.

“I have spoken to Antoinette and to Madame Labelle and they have explained the predicament you found yourself in,” he said softly, his tone conveying his compassion.

James shot up from his seat. “Predicament!” he yelled. “The villain tricked an innocent woman into thinking she would be earning an honest living as a governess, only to hold her captive in a brothel. I would hardly call it a predicament.”

Annabel stood and held onto her husband’s arm. “Please sit down, James,” she said softly, attempting to soothe him. “Lord Danesfield did not mean anything by it.”

Sebastian could see the pain etched in every contour of his friends face; see the fear in the depths of his eyes. Annabel had been but a roll-of-the-dice away from living a very different life. It was a feeling Sebastian knew well.

James raised his hand and caressed his wife’s face. “I am only grateful I was there to help,” he said as he stared into her eyes. He allowed her to lower him back down onto the sofa and then he turned to Sebastian. “Can you imagine how terrified she must have been, to have her worst nightmare become a reality? I cannot bear to think of what would have happened had I not been there.”

Sebastian silently cursed. In helping Annabel, James had left Sophie for the wolves. Indeed, he could not bear to think of what could have happened to her had she gone off to search for her brother without enlisting his help.

“You could have gone to the authorities,” he snapped.

James appeared horrified by the idea. “What and cause a scandal? It would have achieved nothing other than tarnish the reputation of an innocent woman. Besides, what evidence is there?”

“I do not wish to sound callous,” Sebastian challenged, offering Annabel an apologetic smile before turning to James. “But there must be others who have found themselves in the same situation. You have a duty to report it.”

James pushed his fingers through his hair and sighed.

“I have been saying the same thing,” Annabel agreed, casting James a sidelong glance. “But he will not listen. We must do something. We cannot creep about in the hope the comte will grow tired of looking for me.”

“But things are different now,” James said softly. “You are my wife. I will not let him hurt you.”

Sebastian shook his head. “You’re naïve to think Dampierre will simply walk away and forget the incident ever occurred. He has a reputation to uphold.”

“What as a blackguard?” James scoffed.

“Those of the criminal class cannot afford to show weakness,” Sebastian informed him. “A ruined reputation is rather more serious than being snubbed at a ball. It becomes a matter of life or death.”

James narrowed his gaze. “Where was it you said you have been these last few years?”

“You do not want to know,” Sebastian answered cryptically. “What I can tell you, speaking from experience, is that Dampierre will not stop until he feels his reputation has been restored. You took something of his,” he paused and inclined his head respectfully. “Forgive me. I am talking about how Dampierre thinks, not what I believe.” Having clarified his point, Sebastian continued. “You took something and must give something back in return. It must be something he deems of greater value in order to placate his injured pride.”

James folded his arms across his chest stubbornly. “You mean I should give him the necklace.”

“I know it is not what we planned,” Annabel declared, placing her hand on her husband’s arm. “But we must do whatever we can to be rid of him.”

Sebastian was not entirely sure if the necklace would placate Dampierre. Had James and Annabel been the only ones aware of his devious scheme to use innocent girls, then they could have easily been dealt with. It was not difficult to make a murder look like an accident. The murder of four or five people was a different affair. Therefore, the matter would need to be brought to a swift conclusion, hence Dampierre’s desire to meet at the masquerade.

“As I see it, we have three options,” Sebastian said. He hesitated. He was not sure whether it was something he should mention in the presence of a lady.

“I’m listening,” James said impatiently.

“You can make a statement with the appropriate authorities. Or, you can give Dampierre the necklace.”

“I’m not giving him the necklace.”

“What is the third option?” Annabel asked.