“I’ll be fine,” she answered as Raithe stepped away and started walking toward the bluff and the path that cut its way in a zigzagging pattern to the top.

Lord Craven stepped next to him and for two men who wished to talk, a heavy silence fell around them.

“Oh dear,” Charlie said as she watched them walk side by side.

“Indeed,” Bianca answered. “What are Lord Balstead’s intentions, do you know?” Then she threaded her arm through Charlie’s and tugged her to follow.

Charlie shook her head. “He doesn’t have any, as far as I know.”

Bianca looked over at her. “Forgive me, but that simply isn’t true. I’ve seen the way he looks at you.’

“How is that?” Charlie turned toward Bianca, her breath holding as she waited for an answer.

“Like a starving man at a table full of food.” Bianca arched a slender brow. “I recognize the look because it’s similar to the one Chris would give me.”

That made Charlie pause and she stopped, her toes sinking into the sand. “I don’t think Lord Balstead will propose as Lord Craven did to you, if that’s what you’re implying.”

“No?” Bianca asked, winking. “You’d be surprised.”

She shook her head. “He’s been rather adamant that he isn’t the sort—”

“So was Lord Craven.” Bianca grinned. “Just keep that in mind.”

Charlie fell silent as she began walking again. Hope and need tingled along her skin. Could Bianca be right? If she were going to answer that question, she had a feeling that she needed to learn more about his past.

Raithe refused to be the first man to speak. He drew in a deep breath as Craven picked up the pace, climbing the hill with amazing speed. As they continued, he wasn’t certain he could talk even if he wanted to. But he’d keep up, even if his lungs burst.

“I’m going to tell you something,” Craven finally said, stopping on a particularly steep section.

Raithe tried to keep his breath even as he answered. “What?”

“I don’t like you,” the other man said, stepping closer. “Never have.”

Raithe realized he was downhill as Craven now stood over him looking rather hostile. “I’m not that fond of you either.”

Craven gave a quick nod. “Glad we got that sorted.” Then his brows dropped even lower.

Raithe was beginning to understand that was a sign the man was going to say or do something aggressive. He moved uphill so that they were flush on the path.

Craven raised a finger. “I am watching you like a hawk.”

“I beg your pardon.”

Craven’s nose was only an inch from his. “I know you met Charlie in the garden.”

Bloody fucking Christ. “It’s not what you—”

“It’s exactly what I think.” He waved his finger. “Rathmore will see the two of you wed before you can blink.”

Raithe let out a small laugh. Just a single bark that held little humor. Not at the threat. Because he’d just realized part of him might be…relieved. It would take the choice out of his hands. He wouldn’t have to choose to break his vow he’d made at Jenni’s death and he’d have Charlie all to himself. “So why not do it then?”

“Because,” Craven harrumphed. “You’re a depraved son of a bitch and I like Charlie. She could have any man she wanted, why tie her to you?”

Why, indeed? “You say the sweetest things,” Balstead fired back, his lip curling over his teeth. “I’d punch most men for uttering such words.”

“Go ahead,” Craven

answered, lifting his arms to the side. “I’m game.”

Tags: Tammy Andresen Romancing the Rake Historical
Source: readsnovelonline.net