Vexing the Viscount

“I didn’t have the chance. After being shot and then drugged with laudanum, you were gone when I woke.”

“What were her injuries?”

“I’m not completely certain. I believe her ribs were either cracked or bruised and she was hit on her face.”

Tia’s analytical mind took over. “Even if her ribs were cracked, she’d be healing quite nicely by now.”

Middleton pulled back slightly. “True, but you still need to go to her.”

“And I will, but in a few days’ time. There is something I must do first.”

“Oh? And what would that be?” he asked in a harsh tone. “I can only assume it has something to do with my brother.”

Tia closed her eyes. There was something in his voice that tugged at her heart. She couldn’t explain it, but there was a desperation she’d never heard before. “Yes,” she whispered.

“Stay out of my brother’s life. You don’t know the real Jonathon. The man you met at Middleton Hall was an illusion.”

“You’re wrong.” Tia backed up when he glared down at her with his icy cold eyes. “I know you are. Jonathon and I talked for hours. I did know the real Jonathon.”

“He would not have told you everything.” Middleton stepped closer to her. “He knew how to woo a woman and that is all he was attempting to do with you.”

Tia’s anger surged. She’d had enough of Middleton speaking so poorly about a man who only needed help. She was angry with herself for believing his brother’s fine words. Before she could stop herself, she slapped his cheek harder than she had ever hit another person.

“Bitch,” he swore, then pulled her up against him, holding her wrists behind her. She struggled against his strength. “You are getting on a coach tomorrow for the Midlands.”

“I’m sorry I hit you,” she whispered. “I—I don’t know what comes over me when you’re near. I want you to understand my feelings and stop disregarding them.” Her breasts were crushed against the hard muscle of his chest. She could feel every breath he took as his chest rose and fell. Staring into his blue eyes, she felt herself sinking into a pit that she knew would be dark, but she couldn’t help herself. There was something about this man that she had never felt with another.

“You are going home.”

“I will do anything to stay,” she cried.

He pushed her away from him. “Do not say things you don’t mean.”

“I meant it. I’ll do anything.”

Middleton closed his eyes as if fighting some unknown demon. “There is only one condition to you staying.”

“What? I will meet your conditions. Anything.”

“You will be my mistress.”

Braden knew how wrong it was to ask that of her. Surely, this would force her hand. She wouldn’t give up her innocence to find his brother. This would get her out of his hair . . . and his life, at least for a short while.

“You cannot be serious.” The wavering tone of her voice gave him a shot of confidence.

“I am. For as long as we are in London, you will warm my bed. You will be a willing lover. Anything I want from you, you will do.” He leaned in closer and whispered, “Anything.”

“I . . .”

“Make your decision. The coach in the morning or my bed tonight.”

She pressed her lips together. “This is dreadfully unfair.”

“So is life, Tia. Now make your decision.”

“I need a few moments to think on it. I can’t make such a life-altering decision in just a few seconds.”

She turned away from him, but Braden knew he hadn’t frightened her enough yet. He wrapped his arms around her, bringing her up against his chest. He pressed light kisses on her neck. “What is your decision?”