Page 85 of Dukes Are Forever
"I've never expected such emotions to afflict me, to be honest. I never expected anything more than to make a thrall contract."
"And marriage to a duke was beyond your expectations."Dido sounded almost motherly."Besides, one would need a heart to be at risk of losing it."
One would need a heart....
Their previous argument leapt to mind, and everything within Malloryn locked down cold. This was a taunt. Somehow Dido knew exactly what had been discussed in the dining room at Hardcastle Lane.
They'd searched the entire house after someone left a letter on his desk, but there must be listening devices planted somewhere.
"She knows." The words sounded hollow and distant. "We need to get her out of there. Now. Herbert, get Clara into position."
"I would, Your Grace, but there's nothing but static coming through that line."Damn it. What was going on in there? "Ingrid?"
"Byrnes can see her," Ingrid replied, "He says they're only talking."
"Devoncourt said you wished me to assist you in some endeavor?"
Right to the point.
He leaned forward, knuckles digging into his thigh.
"Oh, yes. I was hoping you would be the key to my plans to bring Malloryn down."
"The key?"Adele asked."In what way?"
"But that is where the problem lies,"Dido said patiently. "For I cannot trust you, it seems."
"I assure, my lady, I'll breathe not a word of—"
"You don't have to,"Dido interrupted."Because Malloryn is listening to every word we say. Isn't he?"
"Pardon? I'm not quite sure what—"
"You lie very well, but you're working for him. You have been all along. But Malloryn's not the only one who can listenin on conversations.And there is someone who's been dying to reacquaint himself with you. Lord Corvus, if you will join us?"
"Lord Corvus?"Adele gasped, and there was a muffled sound of voices he couldn't quite hear.
"I trust our negotiations are complete, Corvus?"
"I am more than well satisfied."
A scream echoed through the phonograph. The sound of something crashing. And then Malloryn was on his feet and moving toward the edge of the rooftop.
"Let go of me!"Adele cried.
Adele trembled before no one. Butsomeonehad hurt her, someone had made her so afraid for her life that she'd seen marriage to him as a blessing somehow.
She'd refused to tell him who it was.
Malloryn wasn't a gambler, but he'd have bet good coin that someone was Corvus.
"We're coming with you," Ingrid said, ripping her coat off and tossing it aside. "And don't bother arguing."
One last scream echoed through the device, and the color faded from Malloryn's world as the predator within him awoke. "Then make sure you stay out of my way."
* * *
Adele spunaround as a patch of shadow detached itself from the gloom near the far wall. Lord Corvus. Her nightmare. Her gaze shot to his face as he lowered his mask; those sharp cheekbones, hawkish nose, and the bottomless pits of his eyes.
