Page 78 of Temptress in Disguise
Jeremiah leapt from the chair amid a tussle with his broadsheet. “Don’t threaten me, girl. You’re in my house now. Don’t you forget it.”
She might have lacked the confidence to proceed were it not for Aramis waiting in the hall. “You’re in my house, Uncle. The courts will convict you both of fraud. It’s still a capital offence.”
Jeremiah’s cheeks burned with fiery intensity.
Melissa intervened before he exploded. “You’re just a girl on her own. You lack the strength of your convictions. No wonder Lydia has forsaken you. Stop this nonsense. No court in the land will side with a homeless waif over a man with your uncle’s good standing.”
Naomi breathed deeply. She couldn’t wait to put Melissa in her place, yet dreaded witnessing a reunion between Aramis and the woman he once thought he loved.
I love you. No one else.
His declaration entered her mind, a silent reminder his loyalties lay with her. They could not move forward with their lives until the ghosts of the past were laid to rest.
“I’m not on my own. I’m here with my husband and his brother to ensure the truth prevails.”
Melissa’s eyes widened. Her hand shook as it came to rest on her bulging bosom. “Husband? What fool married you?”
Naomi smiled. “Mr Chance. Mr Aramis Chance.”
ChapterSeventeen
Aramis listened to the verbal exchange. The need to protect his wife had his blood charging through his veins. Twice, Aaron gripped his arm to stop him storming into the drawing room and knocking Jeremiah out cold.
The instant Naomi spoke his name, he burst into the elegant room, his fists balled at his sides, his jaw clenched so tightly he was liable to snap a tooth.
He did not stare at Melissa to determine why he’d once believed every lie that left her lips. Nor did he study her sly face to see how well she had aged. The hatred twisting in his gut did not detract from the only thing that mattered.
He captured Naomi’s hand and pressed a tender kiss to her knuckles. “You’ll never have to face them alone again. You’ll never have to endure their censure.” He turned to the slender man, whose sharp features made him look like a weasel. “You’re a trespasser here. A swindler. A thief.”
The subtle tremor in Jeremiah’s thin lips confirmed he was everything Aramis claimed. “I assure you, the will is legally binding. I don’t know what my niece has told you about her father’s dying wish, but he feared his daughters would fritter away every penny.”
“That’s a lie,” Naomi countered.
Indeed, who would believe the word of a man dressed in a mustard coat?
“They’re frivolous girls. Girls ruined by a father who was too kind for his own good. Girls who?—”
“My wife is every bit a woman.” Aramis glared at the devil. “You stole what is rightfully hers, and I mean to make you both pay.”
Melissa approached, the confident sway of her hips meant to draw his eye. The low-cut bodice served to make every man drool but him. “You’re more handsome than I remember, Aramis. I always knew you’d grow to be a perfect specimen of masculinity. Poor Naomi. I doubt she knows what to do with you.” Deceitful brown eyes roamed over his chest before dipping to his forearm. “Fate has granted me an opportunity to seek forgiveness. I had no idea Jacob could be so cruel. If it’s any consolation, I’m sure he’s picking the scraps off Lucifer’s table.”
Jeremiah’s confused gaze shifted between them. “You’re acquainted with this gentleman?” Jealousy coated every syllable.
“We were friends many years ago.”
“We were never friends.” Keen to refute her claim, he delivered a blunt assessment of their relationship. “She used me because she hoped I would kill her husband. I was nineteen when Jacob Adams held my arm over a brazier because he thought I’d made him a cuckold.” With a sharp tug, he pulled up his coat sleeve, revealing the marred flesh hidden beneath. “So you see, nothing you can say will convince me she’s anything but a scheming harlot.”
Aaron stepped into the room, and the temperature plummeted. He sauntered over to Melissa, who grappled with the air behind her, seeking stable support. “I would have killed you for what you did to him. The sands of time haven’t cooled my temper. But this is my brother’s fight. You’re lucky I’m here as a spectator.”
Aaron strode to the drinks table, poured himself a brandy and sat in the leather wing chair like Satan surveying his minions.
As the silence stretched, Melissa and Jeremiah traded nervous glances.
“My father trusted you, and you betrayed him.” Naomi jabbed her finger at her uncle. “When did Melissa persuade you to turn traitor? Surely you know it’s only a matter of time before you’re in the grave and she inherits your share.”
Jeremiah must have had the same suspicions. He turned on Melissa. “Is that why you’ve been pestering me to visit a solicitor?”
Melissa gave a nonchalant shrug. “There’s nothing wrong with putting one’s affairs in order. I agreed to leave you my share of the estate. Naomi is trying to cause problems between us.”
