Page 41 of A Little Bit Dangerous
“Cursed saints,” Mr Chance growled. “How in the Lord’s name did your father know we were here?”
Isabella gulped. “I have no notion.”
Her father stepped forward, his fists clenched and teeth bared. “Is this what it’s come to,MrChance?” he mocked. “Playing an enquiry agent so you can manipulate my daughter and attempt to ruin me?”
Christian Chance did not cower as most men were wont to do. “Why would I need to manipulate her? From what I hear, you’re practically bankrupt. You can’t even pay your men.”
In his outrage, her father’s cheeks ballooned. “It’s a temporary setback. Rest assured. I intend to make your brother pay for his devious scheming.”
Mr Chance’s laugh dripped with contempt. “We’re not children anymore, and you’re no longer in your prime. There’s not a man in London capable of overthrowing my brother.”
“Not legitimately, but I’m a man of cunning means, Mr Chance.” Her father laughed with his cronies before turning his attention to her. “You’re coming with me, Isabella. There’s nowhere left to run.”
Her heart sank. The image of what cruel fate awaited her proved blinding. She shook her head and closed her eyes. “I’d rather die than leave with you.”
The blackguard chuckled. “Where’s your gratitude, girl? A life of splendour awaits. The Conte di Barasian will pay a fair price if I deliver you to his lavish abode.” He snarled at Mr Chance, a victorious twinkle in his beady eyes. “Enough to restore my credit and keep the wolves at bay.”
What? He meant to sell her to the conte?
Isabella’s knees almost buckled.
“You’re lying,” she stuttered, convincing herself that time and distance made communication impossible. “You could not have corresponded with the conte during the brief weeks since my mother’s death.” Moreover, her father would not accompany her on a trip to Italy. She could easily evade one of his lackeys once they reached port.
The devil grinned. “The conte has been scheming since your mother took ill last year. He’s grown tired of waiting for you to surrender your virtue. He arrived in London last night.”
The conte was in London?
The news brought the sting of bile to her throat.
Mr Chance cracked his knuckles. Gone was the handsome man with the heart of an angel. The sinister twist of his mouth and his menacing gaze marked him as more than a little dangerous. “The conte will have to find his entertainment elsewhere. The lady is not for sale. She’s accepted a proposal of marriage from me. As my betrothed, she has the full protection of my family.”
Her father was undeterred. “Marriage? Marriage to you? Your brother would never allow it.” Despite the frowns of numerous passersby, he lunged and grabbed her arm, his bony fingers pinching her skin. “Isabella is coming with me. Until you exchange vows, she’s still my property.”
“I’m no one’s property!”
Mr Chance reached inside his coat and whipped out a blade. “I swear to God, release her, or I’ll kill you where you stand.”
No! No! No!
This was what her father wanted—to see one of the Chance brothers swinging from the gallows. “Wait! I’ll go with him,” she said, despite fear sinking its claws into her heart. No one deserved to die for her misfortune.
“Like hell you will.”
“Put the weapon away, Christian,” came a chilling voice from somewhere behind them. “You don’t need to stoop to Sir Geoffrey’s level. Vermin have a way of infecting all those in the vicinity.”
Isabella turned to meet the cold gaze of Aaron Chance. He was not alone but with two other rugged men who looked just as terrifying. She had not seen Theodore and Aramis Chance since childhood, but they bore the countenance of men who’d learned hard lessons.
“Says the boy from the sewer,” her father countered.
Aaron did not take the bait. “Ask him again to release her. Should Sir Geoffrey prove uncooperative, direct him to the men waiting across the street. I’m sure he’s heard of Lucius Daventry and knows he has the King’s favour.”
Isabella glanced right to see Mr Daventry watching them intently. His agents were having difficulty keeping Mr Gibbs from charging across the road.
With a grumble of annoyance, her father released her arm. “You can’t stop me from seeing my own daughter. This isn’t the end of the matter, not by any means.”
Aaron Chance’s expression darkened. “Do what you must, but I’ll be there in the shadows, ready to tear you to pieces.”
Her father scowled at her. “I’ll make you rue the day you chose them over me. You’re just like your damn mother.” He turned on his heel and marched away, his lackeys trailing behind like obedient pups.
