Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

Exile swallowed; she actually felt the vibration. “I did.”

“What are your intentions toward Diana?” Daring had not dropped his hand.

Diana’s breath caught. He was holding her in his arms, in front of everyone. She was trying not to, but she’d begun to hope that he’d offer for her hand. But instead of pulling her closer, he took a half step back, his hands dropping to his side. “I intend to keep her safe.”

The air around her was cold without his heat and she clutched the blankets closer even as she lifted her head high. “Is that all?”

His eyes squinted. “Aye, lass.”

She notched her chin higher. “I’m not your lass. Get out of my room.”

Chapter Seven

Exile ground his teeth together as he stared at her, as she held the blankets about her with her straight shoulders and her head high. But her eyes, they told a different story and that tale made him wince.

They crinkled with hurt even as her mouth pinched into a frown.

“Ye can’t just kick me out.” He held out his hands on either side of him. “I’m to keep ye safe in case—”

“Get out!” she yelled so loudly that Daring clutched his head and Vice nearly fell over.

Minnie stepped up to her cousin, blocking Exile’s view, and softy whispered something. Diana responded just as quietly.

Then Minnie turned to Exile. “It’s time for you to leave.”

“But…”

Minnie held up her hand. “Come with me.” Then she started for the door. “You’re to go back to bed.” She patted Daring on the shoulder.

“I’m never drinking again,” he mumbled, holding his head. “I think I shall die if I do.”

Bad bent down to look Daring in the face. “The key is to drink more. Eventually, you’ll outrun the hangover.”

Minnie stopped, assessing Vice and Bad. Then she pulled the cord next to the door. “You both need some breakfast.” Exile grimaced. So just he was in trouble. Not surprising the way he’d been holding Diana. Or perhaps the problem was what he’d done after.

Vice grinned. “That’s the best idea I’ve heard so far. I like this woman.”

Minnie raised a brow. “Then you will go home and sleep. Tomorrow at five sharp all three of you,” her gaze cut to Exile, “are to return here. We’ve some things to discuss.”

Exile could have smiled if the situation weren’t so serious. Bad and Vice were in trouble too.

Daring straightened. “Excellent idea, love.”

“I don’t think so,” Bad grumbled, standing up and crossing his arms. “No woman tells me—”

Daring growled, “Finish that sentence and I’ll cut you from the club. I still own the controlling shares.”

Bad pressed his lips together. “I don’t need breakfast. Thank you very much.”

“Fine,” Minnie answered. “Suit yourself.” She stepped up to Bad, staring into his face. “Plan on returning for dinner tomorrow.” Then she pointed at Exile. “You’re to follow me.”

He did as he was told, giving Diana one last long look. She didn’t meet his gaze, instead staring at the far wall. Her chin was still high, but it trembled a bit and regret lanced through his chest.

Did he tell her the truth? Somehow that seemed even worse. I want you, but I’m promised to another. What consolation was that really?

Minnie walked in front of him, not waiting or turning toward him until they’d gone down the stairs and entered a sitting room. “How drunk are you?”

“I beg yer pardon?” he asked, squinting at her as she pivoted in front of the fire to face him.