Ten Ways to Ruin

“I did, and that is what I am apologizing for now.” Albert turned and left with his head low.

He nodded his dismissal. While he understood Albert’s action, it didn’t make it right. And now, all Simon wanted was to find solace in the arms of a beautiful woman. He strode back up the steps to his private rooms, only to find an empty corridor. Where the bloody hell was Riley?

He opened the door, hoping to see Emma still on the bed. The room was empty, save the aroma of oranges that still clung to the air. Dammit!

“Hood!”

Heavy footsteps bounded up the two flights. “Yes, sir?”

“Where is Riley?”

Hood shrugged. “Don’t know, sir.”

Another set of footsteps pounded up the stairs. “I’m coming.”

Hood glanced between them and wisely retreated.

Riley waited for Hood to leave before moving toward Simon’s room. “She asked me to take her home, so I did.”

Simon glared at his right-hand man. “So, you escorted her home without informing me?”

“Yes.” Riley stared back at Simon with an arched brow. “I did. When a lady asks to leave, I do the right thing.”

Simon’s hands clenched. He could hardly scold Riley for doing what Emma had asked him. Still, it irritated him that she was gone when he needed her the most.

“And you should never have done what I think you did, and certainly not what you almost did,” Riley added contemptuously.

“Nothing happened except a few kisses.”

Riley stared at him with one reddish brow still arched.

“I swear,” Simon said quietly.

“She’s your brother’s—”

“I know.” Simon moved to the fireplace. Staring into the dying embers, he whispered, “I know, Riley.”

But knowing didn’t stop the desire he had to be with her.

Chapter 17

Simon strode toward Harry’s study questioning his brother’s intentions regarding dinner. While Harry invited him to dinner with great regularity, seldom was the request issued with so little notice or politeness. It was damned near an order to join them for dinner.

Could this have anything to do with Emma being at Hell today? God, he prayed not. After Riley’s scornful looks, Simon had berated himself for his ill-treatment of her. If he had seduced her, he would have to marry her. And marrying her was out of the question.

He couldn’t think any more of it.

Emma was above him in so many ways. He wasn’t about to bring her into his world of darkness, scoundrels, and soiled doves. She deserved a man like Ainsley, who, while low on funds, was high on quality.

The footman opened the door to his brother’s office and announced him. “Mr. Kingsley, Your Grace.”

“I did love how you demanded my presence tonight,” Simon commented as he walked into the room. “Ever so ducal.”

Noticing Emma’s other brother-in-law, he nodded. “Good evening, Raynerson.”

If Raynerson was here, so was Tessa, which increased the chance that Emma was upstairs right now. Ignoring the way his heartbeat increased, he glanced over at his brother. A scowl lined Harry’s face. Simon wondered if he was to be taken to task for his exploits with Emma. Harry couldn’t possibly know unless she had told the duchess, who would have spoken to him of the transgression.

“Good evening, Simon,” Harry said before sipping his sherry. “Glad to see you agreed to dinner.”