A Wicked Wager (Avenging Lords 2)

“Should either one of you do anything to hurt my wife, I shall steal into this house at night and take you both hostage. Indeed, you might find yourselves smuggled onto a stinking hulk, might wake on a cramped ship bound for the Americas.” He cast a wicked grin. “Good day to you.”

The argument in the drawing room started as soon as Devlin closed the door. Miss Bromfield shouted and screamed. The crashing of glass reached Devlin’s ears along with the baron’s cries and protests.

Not wishing to be a witness to a murder, Devlin chose to wait outside. After a minute or so, Juliet appeared at the door and hurried down the steps. Her wide smile told him they had just hired a new housekeeper and maid.

“Oh, I cannot wait for Mrs Wendell and Nora to see Blackwater.” Excitement radiated. Juliet looked happy. “Did you see Hannah’s face when she learnt of her imperfect bloodline?”

“It was priceless.”

“I shouldn’t gloat, but I cannot help it.”

Devlin stepped aside as the groom opened the carriage door and lowered the steps. Devlin took Juliet’s hand, assisted her into their conveyance and followed closely behind. They settled into opposite seats, simply because he liked to gaze upon her during their journey.

“Your sister’s temper is likely to land her in Newgate,” Devlin said as the carriage rattled along the busy street.

“At least she had something to be cross about this time. Usually, she flies into a rage at the mere sight of the dinner menu.”

Was the lady’s volatile nature the real reason Ambrose decided to—

Enough.

Devlin had spent three years thinking about Ambrose. Now it was time to think about his own future. “On the subject of dinner,” he said, “I thought we might stay in Wimpole Street tonight rather than travel to Blackwater.”

Besides the need to collect their new housekeeper and maid, there was another reason he wanted to remain in town. The shocking note had arrived just before they had left for London.

Valentine was to fight a duel at dawn.

Devlin had meant to tell Juliet on the journey but wanted to deal with the baron first. He would tell her later this evening when they were nestled in bed, else she would only worry that he might act as Valentine’s second. Dariell had accepted the role. Valentine was perhaps the greatest shot in all of England, so the Frenchman had nothing to fear.

Valentine, he has such a surprise in store.

Dariell’s words drifted through Devlin’s mind. Strangely, he did not feel a sense of foreboding. How could he when this was Valentine’s destiny?

“I was going to suggest we stay in town tonight.” Juliet’s sweet voice dragged Devlin from his reverie.

“You were?” Devlin raised a curious brow. “Why? Has it something to do with the fact that we have made love in every room in Blackwater?”

“Most rooms,” she corrected, moistening her lips. “But it’s not so much about the place as it is about the person.”

That told him.

Devlin smiled. “Your honesty is perhaps your greatest asset, Mrs Drake. Along with your incredible stamina and your ability to tame wild beasts.”

Juliet raised her chin. “You must admit I did an excellent job with Rufus.”

“You did indeed, which is why I intend to reward you with whatever your heart desires.”

Her jade green eyes softened. Love lingered there. He knew the emotion by sight now. “You have already given me everything I want. What could I possibly ask for that I don’t—” She stopped abruptly and sucked in a breath. “Oh, I know exactly what I want.”

“You do?” Did she mean children? At the rate they made love, she could well be with child. The thought found him in the grip of another powerful emotion. The need to protect his family raged like a fire within.

“I would like a mate—”

“A mate!”

“For Rufus.”

“You want to lumber us with another uncontrollable beast?”