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Authors: Addie Jo Ryleigh
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And he didn’t like the man he’d become around her. She’d generously offered her time to assist with his daughter, but he couldn’t stop the irritation that stroked him whenever they were in the same room. Purely because he knew he could never have her as he wished.
He took a deep breath, hoping to find the strength to deal with his newly acquired female companions. Trying to stop the craving pulsing through his body, he rested his head against the high-back seat and closed his eyes.
A vision of Elizabeth in a light gossamer gown played across his mind.
His eyes snapped open, erasing the picture, all too familiar with where such thoughts would take him. He already straddled a cliff with his arousal. He didn't need to be pushed over the edge with no release available.
Hell, he’d never get through this night if he didn’t settle his brain on more mundane things. Even now he was on the verge of doing something he hadn’t done in an awfully long time—retiring before midnight.
“Pardon the interruption, Your Grace, but this was just delivered for you.”
Wilkes crossed the study to present Gabe the letter before retreating as silently as he’d appeared.
A case of self-preservation screamed for Gabe to discard the letter, unread, for it looked exactly like the one he’d discovered the night before. So much for hoping his blackmailer had come to his senses.
Since ignoring it wouldn’t make it go away, Gabe unfolded the paper.
How daring of you to add more females to your household. Especially, the Earl of Foxmoore’s sister. Aren’t you afraid you’ll send her to her death just like poor Mary?
It wasn’t a secret Elizabeth had moved into his town house, but a chill ran down Gabe’s back as he realized the man kept an eye on him.
What would your dear friend Foxmoore think of his sister residing under the same roof as a murderer?
There it was. The word Gabe had silently called himself for seven years but never had the gall to say aloud. Murderer.
Now, on to what I want for my silence. Power. I want to know I have the power to control the Duke of Wesbrook. That no matter what sudden whim I have, you will carry out my bidding. And to test your willfulness, your first feat is to part with some of the newfound wealth your young steward has earned for you.
And just a warning, don’t challenge me. You will live to regret it.
The letter continued with directions on where and when to deliver the money. The man had no doubt plotted cleverly, because Gabe couldn’t think of a single way to unearth him.
Since receiving the first threat, he’d hoped the man would toss out some quick demands and he’d be done with it. Gabe had obviously underestimated his opponent. The man wanted more than everyday blackmail; he seemed to lust for revenge. Why else the desire to control?
Gabe wasn’t about to forfeit his life to an unknown assailant. If that was the case, he’d be better off revealing his past himself. Regardless, he wouldn’t bow down to some miscreant intent on destroying him.
Unfortunately at the moment, his harasser held all the cards and Gabe was at a disadvantage. It burned to do so, but until he found a way around the man, he’d have to pay to keep him quiet.
Chapter 7
For Elizabeth, the next few days were filled with both success and struggles. Her favorites were the days she observed Phoebe relax and become comfortable with her situation. Even though the child’s amiable nature had much to do with it, Elizabeth liked to believe the countless hours she’d spent with her, playing dolls, had contributed.
Of course, Phoebe did have her difficulties. Elizabeth would often find her staring off at nothing and it would take several minutes for Elizabeth to retrieve the girl’s attention. Luckily, it happened less frequently as the days went on. Yet she still held herself detached, as if afraid to get comfortable because she’d be sent to a new place again.
For as much joy as Elizabeth felt, it
He took a deep breath, hoping to find the strength to deal with his newly acquired female companions. Trying to stop the craving pulsing through his body, he rested his head against the high-back seat and closed his eyes.
A vision of Elizabeth in a light gossamer gown played across his mind.
His eyes snapped open, erasing the picture, all too familiar with where such thoughts would take him. He already straddled a cliff with his arousal. He didn't need to be pushed over the edge with no release available.
Hell, he’d never get through this night if he didn’t settle his brain on more mundane things. Even now he was on the verge of doing something he hadn’t done in an awfully long time—retiring before midnight.
“Pardon the interruption, Your Grace, but this was just delivered for you.”
Wilkes crossed the study to present Gabe the letter before retreating as silently as he’d appeared.
A case of self-preservation screamed for Gabe to discard the letter, unread, for it looked exactly like the one he’d discovered the night before. So much for hoping his blackmailer had come to his senses.
Since ignoring it wouldn’t make it go away, Gabe unfolded the paper.
How daring of you to add more females to your household. Especially, the Earl of Foxmoore’s sister. Aren’t you afraid you’ll send her to her death just like poor Mary?
It wasn’t a secret Elizabeth had moved into his town house, but a chill ran down Gabe’s back as he realized the man kept an eye on him.
What would your dear friend Foxmoore think of his sister residing under the same roof as a murderer?
There it was. The word Gabe had silently called himself for seven years but never had the gall to say aloud. Murderer.
Now, on to what I want for my silence. Power. I want to know I have the power to control the Duke of Wesbrook. That no matter what sudden whim I have, you will carry out my bidding. And to test your willfulness, your first feat is to part with some of the newfound wealth your young steward has earned for you.
And just a warning, don’t challenge me. You will live to regret it.
The letter continued with directions on where and when to deliver the money. The man had no doubt plotted cleverly, because Gabe couldn’t think of a single way to unearth him.
Since receiving the first threat, he’d hoped the man would toss out some quick demands and he’d be done with it. Gabe had obviously underestimated his opponent. The man wanted more than everyday blackmail; he seemed to lust for revenge. Why else the desire to control?
Gabe wasn’t about to forfeit his life to an unknown assailant. If that was the case, he’d be better off revealing his past himself. Regardless, he wouldn’t bow down to some miscreant intent on destroying him.
Unfortunately at the moment, his harasser held all the cards and Gabe was at a disadvantage. It burned to do so, but until he found a way around the man, he’d have to pay to keep him quiet.
Chapter 7
For Elizabeth, the next few days were filled with both success and struggles. Her favorites were the days she observed Phoebe relax and become comfortable with her situation. Even though the child’s amiable nature had much to do with it, Elizabeth liked to believe the countless hours she’d spent with her, playing dolls, had contributed.
Of course, Phoebe did have her difficulties. Elizabeth would often find her staring off at nothing and it would take several minutes for Elizabeth to retrieve the girl’s attention. Luckily, it happened less frequently as the days went on. Yet she still held herself detached, as if afraid to get comfortable because she’d be sent to a new place again.
For as much joy as Elizabeth felt, it
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