Page 24 of Temptress in Disguise
“I did nothing.” The truth of those words tightened his throat. “I let Jacob and Melissa Adams walk free.” To do something meant admitting he’d been naive. “I buried them in an imaginary graveyard. Had no plans for an exhumation until Miss Grant insisted on reminding me of my past.”
Aaron’s hard eyes softened. He knew. He made it his business to know everything, but he had never made Aramis feel like a fool. “I suspect Daventry means to dig up every skeleton. One might ask themselves why, but as you said, he strives to make the world a better place. He prides himself on encouraging people to deal with their nightmares.”
Theo sighed. “I wish you’d felt able to talk to us sooner.”
“Why seek vengeance now?” Aaron asked.
Aramis glanced at Christian. His brother had changed. He still studied his Egyptian books, kept the gaming hell’s accounts and threatened men who refused to settle their debts. But the darkness had lifted. He walked with a spring in his step. Never stopped smiling.
Because I want what he has.
Not love—that was too much to ask—but freedom. Freedom from the chains that kept him shackled to the past. Freedom from the anger that haunted him like Jacob Adams’ ghost.
“Because Miss Grant opened my eyes to the depth of Melissa’s duplicity.” Learning that Melissa’s deception was not an isolated incident had caused a sudden shift inside him. “It made me realise I have no reason to bear the guilt.”
“You mean Mrs Chance,” Delphine said with a playful grin. “She’s part of our family now. When might we meet her?”
“Did you not hear what Aramis said?” Aaron interjected coldly. “She will continue to live in Little Chelsea. Theirs is a marriage in name only. We won’t be inviting her to dine at our table.”
It was true. So why did he have an overwhelming desire to see his wife sitting beside him? Why couldn’t he shake the feeling she belonged at Fortune’s Den?
“Perhaps she may become a dear friend,” Delphine countered.
“You would like her,” Aramis found himself saying. “She is interesting company and quite amusing.”
“What does she look like?” Delphine chuckled to herself. “Is she dark-haired like me? Is she tall or petite? She must have a backbone of steel. Forgive the endless questions. I never expected you to marry. The shock has left me giddy.”
“It’s left us all somewhat dazed,” Aaron countered.
Aramis poured coffee into his cup. “Imagine walking deep into the forest and stumbling upon the fae,” he said, feeding Delphine’s excitement. “She is fair, petite and so delicate one might believe she’s otherworldly. But then she opens her cloak in a yard full of cutthroats, shows you a pistol and assures you she’s not afraid.”
“She sounds like Miss Scrumptious.” Delphine glanced at Aaron, aware he despised the moniker they used for the lady who owned the gaming establishment across the street. “Aaron spent an hour staring at The Burnished Jade this morning.”
A growl of annoyance rumbled in Aaron’s throat. “My interest amounts to nothing more than assessing the competition. I noticed Miss Lovelace ordered new furniture. I find it odd her father would venture abroad and leave a woman in charge of a failing gaming hell.”
Aramis smiled to himself. He was grateful for the diversion, and it wasn’t the first time they had caught Aaron spying on the lady who lived across the street. “Why don’t you ask her why he left?”
Theo laughed. “Because Miss Scrumptious is the only person who doesn’t cower when Aaron barks. His inability to frighten her rouses his ire.”
Aaron tossed back the contents of his coffee cup. “This isn’t about me. Let’s return to the more pressing topic of Aramis’ marriage.”
Aramis braced himself. He was not afraid of his brother, but one did not wish to disappoint one’s hero. “There’s nothing more to say. I will visit the solicitor in Northwood tomorrow and demand answers.”
Aaron surprised him by offering advice, not criticism. “Don’t mention your connection to Miss Grant until you’re seated in his office and he has no means of escape.”
“Mrs Chance,” Delphine corrected. “Mrs Naomi Chance. It has such a charming ring, don’t you think?”
Tired of listening to their sister’s teasing, Aaron threw his napkin on the table and pushed out of the chair. “Aramis, I seek a private word.”
They retired to Aaron’s office.
As soon as Aaron closed the door, his mood changed. “What the hell were you thinking? If you wanted retribution, there are damn sight easier ways than marrying a stranger. You know nothing about this woman.”
He knew she had gumption. Knew she’d not lied about being innocent. Tasting her had been like drinking a healing elixir, something sweet to counteract his bitterness.
“I’ve proven I’m an excellent judge of character,” he countered. “Or do you mean to judge me for the mistake I made ten years ago?”
Aaron released a long sigh. “I don’t blame you for what happened with Melissa Adams. You were young and desperate for the love denied you as a child. I was too busy building our empire and keeping the wolves from our door to notice the devil used many disguises.”
