Slave to the Night (The Brotherhood 2)

"Yes, I suppose a mistress is the appropriate term. Although I prefer to think of it as a form of friendship where we barter and exchange services. A mutually satisfying arrangement."

Mutually satisfying? The man was delusional.

Grace raised her chin in an attempt to stave off her anxiety. "And what exactly would you require in return?"

Elliot. Hurry. I need you.

"I think you know," Barrington said with a chuckle and her stomach churned at the thought.

"I … I shall need time to consider your proposal."

Barrington's expression darkened and he clenched his jaw. "You will bloody well tell me now. I have spent weeks chasing after your sister, and I'll be damned if I'll do the same again."

The cold blade of fear traced a line down her back. "And if my answer is no?"

The gentleman's face twisted into an ugly scowl as he stepped forward. Grace found she couldn't take another step without the edge of the pianoforte digging into her back.

"Then you will leave me no choice," came the frustrated reply. "I shall have to find a way to persuade you."

It was now or never, Grace thought.

The man held his elbow awkwardly against his ribs. Gathering every ounce of courage she had, she darted towards his weakest side.

Initially, the shock caused Barrington to stumble. But he was a large man with long strides and like that first fateful night, he caught her with ease.

"God damn you. Why will you not yield to me?" Barrington dragged her back to face him, his pincer-like grip digging into her upper arm. "Would you rather be used by the likes of Markham and his ilk? I'm offering you a home and money. You never need worry again."

"You have lost your mind if you believe I would choose to spend another moment in your company. You disgust me."

"Do not forget your place, girl." A drop of saliva hit her cheek. "You'll speak to me with more respect."

"Get your rotten hands off me." She tried to keep calm but images of Henry flooded her vision. Lord Barrington appeared similar in many ways: his height, his breadth, the stench of stale tobacco lingering on his clothes. His breath smelt sickly sweet from drinking copious amounts of brandy.

Part of her wanted to sag to the floor in surrender — just as she had always done. Part of her wanted to punch and kick him for every horrid, unbearable moment she had been forced to endure.

When Barrington lowered his head and attempted to claim her mouth, she kicked him in the shin. The flimsy slipper barely made contact and he cried out in anger as opposed to pain.

"Why you little whore. I should whip you where you stand."

A deep growl permeated the air, the sound threatening, possessive.

As her gaze flew to Barrington's horrified face, she knew Elliot was standing behind her and she closed her eyes in silent prayer.

"Let her go, Barrington." Elliot's tone sounded calm, measured. Yet she could feel his rage pulse through her. "Step away. Else there'll be hell to pay."

Barrington let go of her arm and made the mistake of stepping back. Elliot flew past her in an instant and from the look of sheer terror on Barrington's face, Grace knew Elliot's eyes were coal black, that the sharp points of his teeth overhung his bottom lip.

"Leave me alone … stay away I say," Barrington spluttered as he stumbled over his own feet, grabbing onto the empty chairs to steady his balance. "What sort of m-monster are you?"

"One capable of ripping your throat from your measly body." Elliot kicked at the wooden chair legs sending them scattering as he drove his quarry further back. "One who'll make you pay for your lecherous ways."

Barrington held his hands up to shield his face as he came to an abrupt halt in front of the pianoforte. "What … what are you going to do to me?"

Grace could not see the expression on Elliot's face, but she heard him snarl. The sound was vicious, unforgiving.

"Elliot. Wait." Grace almost choked in her eagerness to get the words out. "You've frightened him that's enough."

Elliot grabbed the lapels of Barrington's coat. "I don't trust him. What if I'm not here to protect you next time?"