Ten Ways to Ruin

“Didn’t think I had a choice,” he muttered before taking a seat closer to Raynerson.

“How’s business, Kingsley?” Raynerson asked.

“It’s been better,” he replied without thinking. Damn. He could feel the interrogation commencing.

“What’s wrong?” Harry asked. “Hell has always had excellent clientele with deep pockets.”

There was no point denying or creating a story. “Evidently, there is a man in Seven Dials trying to expand his business into St. James and thought Hell would be a good start.”

“Seven Dials to St. James?” Raynerson choked on his sherry. “That is no small leap. Do you want me to look into the man?”

Raynerson had been an investigator before marrying Tessa, but this was Simon’s business. He shook his head. “I can handle the situation, but thank you.”

“If you need me, let me know,” Raynerson offered.

“I will.” Simon glanced over at his brother. “Now, why the demand to have dinner?”

Harry shrugged. “My darling wife loves her family. You are part of that, so what am I to do but order you to attend.”

Simon’s heart increased. “Is Em—Miss Drake here too?”

“No. Is that an issue?” Harry stared at him.

“Of course not.” Simon hated to admit the disappointment that spread over him. “Both you and Louisa have reminded me on many occasions to leave Emma alone.”

“Yes, and you will be on your best behavior when you do see her next,” Harry demanded.

Dammit! Even Harry knew about them? “When have I not?”

His brother tilted his head and leveled him a look of condescension, while Raynerson chuckled.

“Kingsley, you must realize that sisters talk...about damn near everything,” Raynerson added with a touch of bitterness. “And then, they share their knowledge with their husbands.”

“So, I have been discovered,” Simon commented flatly.

“It’s why Louisa arranged for Emma to leave Worth early,” Harry added. “And why we departed early. Louisa wanted to verify that Emma was well.”

Simon closed his eyes and breathed in deeply. This discussion was about the kiss in the library and not their actions this afternoon. Thank God!

“Raynerson, will you join the ladies and let them know we will be there in a few moments? I need to discuss something with my brother.”

Simon opened his eyes and stared curiously at Harry. What could his brother need to speak about alone unless it had to do with Emma?

Raynerson nodded before leaving the room.

“You have two choices, Simon,” Harry said in a low voice. “Leave her alone or marry her.”

Simon closed his eyes, knowing he should just agree to stay away. “I cannot.”

“Cannot what?”

“Either apparently. Her mother will never allow her to marry a man of business. And a gaming hell owner is one of the worst in the eyes of Society.”

“There is a way,” Harry drawled. “Sell your gaming hell, and I will give you my blessing. If I give my blessing, Mrs. Drake is likely to approve. But I won’t have Emma sullied by her association with Hell.”

Simon rose and strode away from Harry to the opposite side of the study. “She deserves far better than a bastard.”

Harry chuckled. “I would have to agree with you there. However, if it’s a choice between you and another worthless man who only wants her money, I would choose you.”