Earl of Exile (Lords of Scandal 3)

Exile considered refusing but then took a seat. Sin sat just to his right. The man lowered himself in the chair, and Exile noticed a stiffness in his movements. “Do ye box?” he asked.

Sin frowned. “Why? Are you hoping to challenge me in the ring?” He settled his back into the plush leather. “The answer is no.”

“Do ye ride? Or did ye suffer from a fall?”

The man’s face paled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Never mind.” Daring waved his hand. “Sin, is that what they’re calling you?”

Sinclair nodded. “It is.”

“I give you more trust than most since you’re family to Vice but with all due respect, we don’t know you. There is no chance we will leave Diana’s safety in your hands.”

Exile relaxed back into his chair.

“As for the club, please return here tomorrow for us to discuss the possibility of you purchasing a share.” Darlington leaned back, crossing one ankle over his knee.

Exile rubbed the back of his neck. “Why did I have to be here for ye to say that?”

Daring gave him a long look then turned back toward Sinclair. “Diana would be most protected if she were married. If you are interested, I will see that she is returned to her home tomorrow in time for her normal calling hours.”

Exile shot forward in his chair. “You dirty piece of—”

“Lord Exile has been clear that he doesn’t wish to propose.” Daring gave his friend an angelic grin.

“That isnae what I said and ye had offered up a suggestion to untangle my situation.” He gripped the arms of his chair.

Daring shook his head. “We don’t have forever for you to decide. Unless, of course, we can find Lady Abernath. I’ve gotten some reports of her being sighted near St. James Square. With any luck, I’ll find her and then you’re free to take as long as you wish.”

Exile slapped his hands on the leather. “Ye’re no’ free to just meddle like this in someone else’s affairs.”

“I am.” Daring tented his fingers in front of his chin. “In fact, Diana is my family now. I’ve far more right than you.”

The frustrating part was that Daring was correct.

Sinclair drummed his fingers on the armchair. “You’ve seen her by Saint James Square?” Sin asked. “How long ago?” The man’s attention had become keen. Exile wrinkled his brow, wondering why.

“Yesterday.” Daring sat straighter. “Why?”

That was what Exile wanted to know as well.

Sin’s eyes widened. “No reason.” He gave a tight smile. “So I am free to court Lady Diana if I wish?”

“Yes,” Daring answered.

At the same moment, Exile growled, “No.” Thinking of Diana made him forget all about Abernath.

Sin pointed a finger at Exile. “His Grace just t

old you that the decision is his, not yours.”

Exile knocked the finger away from his face. Sin winced, pulling the hand toward his body.

“What’s the matter with ye?” Exile asked, looking the man over. A light slap of the hand should not have warranted that sort of response.

“Nothing,” Sin snapped back. Then he stood. “Your Grace, I know that I arrived unannounced. I look forward to our meeting tomorrow, but I will take my leave so you can get on with the rest of your evening.” Then the man turned and left.

Daring glared across the desk. “Are you happy?”