Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

“I beg your pardon?” Sinclair straightened. “What did you say?”

Callum didn’t respond, instead he pressed closer to her. “There is more room next to Lord Baderness.”

Sinclair narrowed his eyes. “Really? There seems to be plenty of room over here.”

Diana drew in a deep breath, trying to remember how she’d kept her dogs from hurting each other all those years ago. “I do believe you’re right. There is more room over there.” Without another word, she stood and crossed the room, taking the seat next to Bad.

Bad looked over at her with one brow scrunched low. She shrugged. “Those two have decided they must puff their chests and…”

Bad gave her a smile. It wasn’t the smile like he’d had when he was drunk. This one was nice, lighting his whole face. It softened him, made him actually approachable. “Acting like a couple of cocks in a henhouse, are they?”

She let out a little giggle, “In my head, I thought they were like two hounds I had once who would disagree over the stew bone.”

Bad nodded. “That’s a good one.” Then he scratched his chin. “I see it, they’re over there locking horns still like a couple of old goats.”

She giggled all the more. “I didn’t realize you were funny, my lord. Thank you for the bit of humor. It was lovely.”

He jerked his chin down in a quick nod. “I could say the same for you. Can I ask you why your other cousin and sister aren’t here?”

“Ada and Grace?” She straightened. “Minnie and I made them stay home. It’s safer.”

“But aren’t you in danger?” He squinted his eyes, studying her.

She shrugged. “I’ll be fine. They need to be protected. In different ways, they are softer, gentler women. Whatever will happen, it’s happening to me, not them.”

Bad stared at her. “I begin to understand why Exile likes you so much.” Then he turned to Lord Darlington. “Daring. I shall look out for Lady Diana.”

“Excellent.” Darlington slapped his hands together. “That was easier than I thought it might be.”

“The hell it was,” Exile boomed. “I’ve changed my mind, I’m up to the task myself.”

He is acting like a child, Diana thought as she turned to him. “You are not,” she replied, straightening her spine.

He stood. “I am.”

“Fear not.” Lord Sinclair straightened too. “I can help with this situation.”

“The only help we want from ye is to watch ye leave.” Exile turned to Sinclair, his nose dropping within an inch of the other man’s.

“Cocks,” Bad said again.

“What’s that?” Vice asked.

“You two.” Daring pointed at Exile and Sinclair. “Follow me to my study.”

“I’m fine here,” Exile rumbled, crossing his hands over his chest.

“I’m not asking. Now,” Daring said as he turned and began to march toward the door. “Or the back we’ll be watching will be yours.”

Exile stomped across the room, as he did, he looked at her. “I need to speak with ye tonight.”

She raised her brow. “I’d worry about the angry duke first.” But a niggle of hope wriggled about her stomach. Had Minnie been right after all? Did she have a chance for a love match with Exile?

Chapter Ten

Exile stormed down the hall. He’d been to Spain once when they’d run with the bulls. The matadors would wave a red flag in front of the bull, inciting its anger. That’s how he felt now. Like the bull, he wanted to thrust his horn into any man who got between him and Diana.

Daring turned into an open door and Exile followed, Sin just behind him. Daring took a seat behind his desk. “Sit,” he told both of them.