Page 83 of Untaming Lady Violet
When Violet hesitated, prepared to dig in her heels, the only word Tristan uttered was almost contrite, although laced with a touch of steel.
“Please.”
* * *
Tristan heldViolet’s hand as he led her down the corridor until they reached the library.
Ushered into the room first, Violet’s body tightened with apprehension. Were her parents waiting there? Ready to force her into marriage against her will? Perhaps Tristan had reached an agreement with Father, one where restitution for taking her virginity was secondary to the money Gadley had already put forth.
It would make sense… Tristan may turn his back with a clear conscience while Gadley retains his right to our family name. And Father emerges with more funds than he dreamed possible.
“They are not here, Violet.”
Tristan’s quiet statement accompanied the door closing with the weight of his back leaning against it. In the most casual manner, he crossed his arms and watched her reaction.
“You reached an agreement with Father?” Damn her own trepidation and the way it made her voice tremble.
Tristan’s eyes narrowed on her. “I have. It wasn’t easily done.”
Violet swallowed hard. “What I gave you freely last night must seem a terrible bargain today. I promised you no demands. No obligations. No responsibility. I never imagined our arrangement would come to light. Father has no right to make you pay for my stupidity.”
“I agreed to his demands, Violet.”
Her heart sank.No. More than that.It felt as though wolves were ripping her to pieces while her heart still beat inside her chest.
Violet briefly closed her eyes, praying she would not be ill.
“Oh? How much is a wallflower’s virginity worth these days?” Her demeanor was one of resignation. With Tristan’s payment to her father, she was well and truly trapped. “I ask out of simple curiosity.”
“Violet.” Tristan frowned at her question. “Seventy-five thousand pounds, if you must know. And payment of the note Gadley currently holds against the London townhome.”
Violet’s laugh was bitter. “My father should have shown a bit of mercy, considering I threw myself at your feet. He took advantage of you. You see, only my marriage to Gadley will release the sizeable lien against Everstone Hall. It will take the devil himself to erase that.” Squaring her shoulders as if preparing for battle, she said, “I should go now and pack my belongings. Father will want me delivered to Lord Gadley without delay.”
In less than five strides, Tristan crossed the room. Taking Violet by the shoulders, he forced her to face him.
“Unless you indicate otherwise, I won’t allow either of those two men anywhere near you. That goes for your mother, too, as much as I despise that being necessary,” he said fiercely, giving her a little shake as though it would make his point more effective. “And if I must pay more so that you are released from their schemes, I will.”
To Violet’s shame, tears clouded her vision. “This is impossible. When I am handed over, my role in all of this will be complete.”
“What the devil are you talking about? Hand you over—” Tristan swore beneath his breath. “I gave your father what he demanded. If the bastard wants more, I shall oblige him. Everstone will have no claim on you. Neither shall Gadley, even if he insists you still belong to him.”
“I belong to no one,” Violet said almost woodenly.
“Be that as it may, your parents will no longer control your future. Do you understand? You shall have your freedom.”
“At what price, Tristan? What shall I give you because of my father’s greed?”
Tristan’s jaw ticked with frustration. “I do not want anything that you are unwilling to give. And what I want most of all, you cannot give me.Willnot give me.”
“What more do you want?” she cried.
“You. As my wife.”
“You will emerge empty-handed from this bargain,” Violet snapped.
“I would pay a thousand times more for the honor of untaming you, Violet. And I will pay any price to keep William Gadley from you.”
She stared up at him. This generosity was not because Tristan loved her; it was simply an instrument to be used against another man.
