Page 91 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
Belle’s pulse thundered in her ears. Dragging in a fortifying breath, she pulled the weighted cloth from her pocket and snapped it as hard as she could over her shoulder, directly at Gideon’s face.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered against her ear. Taking hold of the cloth, he tore it from her hand and forced her to face him. He clasped her wrists tightly enough to cause pain, but she steeled herself not to give in.
“Belle, you are playing a dangerous game.”
“Unhand me, you son of a bitch.”
“Language, my dear,” he said with a smirk as he dropped his hold. “Uncouth Americans.”
“My father will destroy you,” she bit off the words between her teeth.
“To the contrary, he will make me a wealthy man.”
She gave her head a vigorous shake. “You won’t extort a single penny out of him.”
Gideon hiked a brow. “You are aware many in London believe the two of us have run away?”
“I’d heard some nonsense to that effect.”
“I have proof, Belle.” A viper’s smile curved his mouth. “Proof that we’ve eloped.”
“Impossible,” she scoffed. “You have only Aunt Vera’s lies.”
He slowly shook his head. “A certificate of marriage locked safely in my personal vault—signed by a most cooperative officiant—says otherwise.”
“You are despicable.”
He shrugged. “Give me what I want, and no one will be hurt.”
“And what is it that you want, Gideon?”
“You.” He smirked. “More precisely, the hefty dowry I’m quite certain your father will offer to be rid of you.”
“He will not give you a dime.” She gritted out the words.
“You’re wrong, Belle. After the news of our impetuous marriage spreads, I’m confident he will provide the funds I require,” Gideon said in a tone that dripped venom. “At the very least, he will pay me handsomely to secure an annulment.”
“I’ll tell him the truth. He’ll know... he will know you’re lying.”
“That won’t matter,” Gideon said. “After we’ve been together for a sufficient time, you will be compromised by any standard. At that point, your doting father will do whatever it takes to ensure your good name is not indelibly tarnished.”
“I don’t give a fig about mygood name.” She forced herself to meet his cold gaze. “I will not go along with your scheme.”
“You still don’t understand, do you?” Releasing her wrists, he turned to the door. “I am not giving you a choice.”
Suddenly, Mrs. Gilroy cried out, a sound of shock and pain.Good Lord, what’s happened?
Belle rushed to the doorway. Mrs. Gilroy stood with her back to Belle, glaring up at Mr. Northcutt. He gripped the rolling pin in one hand, regarding the old woman with snake-cold eyes while another man thudded toward them with heavy steps.
Dear God. No.Gideon’s towering driver led Carrie into the room, his fingers encircling her small wrist. Belle’s heart nearly skipped a beat.
Tossing Mrs. Gilroy a glance, Roderick chuckled under his breath. “The old woman has got a backbone, I’ll say that.”
“Let the girl go,” Belle said, hearing the plea in her voice.
“This child is quite small, isn’t she?” An ugly smile curved his mouth. “It would be a blasted shame if this sweet little girl had an accident, wouldn’t it?”
“No!” Belle blurted out the word. Desperation filled every cell. She could not bear to see Carrie hurt. But she didn’t want to frighten the child any more than she already was. “Don’t do anything... please.”
